Toulouse - April 1814
In the French camp, Ducos watches as Napoleon's fortune is
loaded on a cart. If Toulouse falls, the treasure
will be removed before the British, or the Bourbons, can
steal it. Sharpe writes a note giving Jane power
of attorney over his money. She makes him promise
this will be his last battle and that he will then return
to England with her.
On the battlefield, Calvet realises he is losing, as the
British gain ground, and Ducos is ordered away with Napoleon's
treasure. In
the British camp, the officers celebrate their success with
a dinner at which one of them, Col. Wigram, insults Sharpe. A
duel is arranged with Capt. Frederickson acting as Sharpe's
second. Ducos tests the loyalty of the men escorting
the treasure by asking if they would consider stealing it.
One officer, Maillot, declines and Ducos orders him back to
his home in Normandy. In the British camp, Jane's friend,
Molly Spindacre, tells Jane that Sharpe has challenged her
'protector', Col. Wigram, to a duel and broken his word to
Jane. After finding out that Jane has power over Sharpe's
money, she persuades Jane to return to punish Sharpe. Once
there, they obtain all the money and start spending it.
When it is discovered that Napoleon's treasure has been stolen,
the French suspect Sharpe and he is arrested in his quarters. During
his court martial, it is requested that Maillot give evidence. Ducos
finds this out and has to prevent Maillot from accusing him,
so he arranges his murder and has Sharpe set up. Then
he sets sail to safety in Naples. In London, Jane is
informed of Sharpe's arrest by Lord John Rossendale. She
faints into his arms, and he falls for her 'charms'.
Sharpe escapes from custody and makes for Normandy to find
Maillot. Before he can reach Normandy, Maillot is killed
and Sharpe is the suspect, getting shot by Maillot's sister,
Lucille. When Frederickson, who accompanied Sharpe, explains
what has happened, Lucille helps to nurse Sharpe back to health.
In
London, Jane has fallen for Rossendale and they are lovers. Harper sees
them together and returns to France. Frederickson tries to track down
Ducos and discovers Gen. Calvet on the same mission. They
believe their man has gone to Naples, and once they have
collected Sharpe and Harper, they agree to join forces to
recover the treasure. |
