Chapter Three Summary

Captain Aubrey was disappointed to find that Admiral Hartley had declined so severely in such a short time. Aubrey's mood was greatly improved upon his return to his lodgings at Searle's hotel. He learned that the Admiralty Court had ruled in favor of his previous conquest. This meant that a portion of the riches contained on the vessel he captured during his last voyage were his to keep by law. He forwarded a large sum to his wife, kept what was necessary to live on during the duration of his time in Malta, and used the rest to pay for the repairs to his ships. Aubrey's elated mood led him to the point of misbehavior. He attempted to move physically closer to Mrs. Fielding, but she countered his advances by asking him to help her write a letter to her husband...