The naval engagements in this story are superb … but it is these battles of social and class politics that I truly relish. Lord Granger has masterfully outmanoeuvred his immediate detractors; his experience, breeding, patronage and comradeship all winning the day in this crucial encounter with the ambassador's spouse.
Tantalisingly, there is a sense that our hero has unknowingly set himself up for even more perilous future engagements. In good time, I do look forward to how that story will be told!