Admiralty spies are hunting for British officers and allies trapped on the mainland, among them Ramage's first love, Gianna, the Marchesa di Volterra. Ramage returns to the Tuscan coast, where Bonaparte holds a group of hostages for an unknown fate.

Still grieving over the disappearance of his wife, Ramage must sail the Calypso into enemy waters, venture deep inland, locate the hostages, and - against all odds - bring them to safety!