Chapters 4 and 5 Summary

Surprise is put into tip-top shape and spread with bunting for a holiday celebration. Humorously, the Sweeting girls cry out in admiration for Guy Fawkes. The crew celebrates with gusto. Later that evening the officers hold the wedding feast and celebration for Oakes and Clarissa. Aubrey and Maturin both note an odd feeling as the newlyweds enter the room. Clarissa wears her scarlet wedding dress, modified somewhat into an evening gown, and all eyes are upon her. Martin is particularly reserved and proper nearly to the point of being rude. Midshipman Reade, heretofore dazzled by and supportive of Clarissa, drinks uncharacteristically heavily and eventually passes out and slides under the table. The dinner conversation is exceptionally strained and stilted—only Aubrey and Clarissa speak freely. Clearly Oakes, West, and Davidge are upset about something. Clarissa eventually draws the men into...