A Stalemated War

Viac o knihe

In early 1805, England and France are at war, with a stalemate as Napoleon's army waits to invade across the English Channel, blocked by the Royal Navy. Captain Sir Richard Giles, recovering from battle wounds at his estate, Dipton Hall, decides to purchase a neighboring estate recently vacated due to its owner's criminal activities. Before he can settle in, he must return to his frigate, leaving his wife, Daphne, to manage the estate and its unexpected hoard of smuggled goods. As she navigates the challenges of her new property and her role in society, Daphne discovers the need to distribute the luxury items without compromising their social standing. With the help of her sister-in-law's fiancé and other acquaintances, she establishes a contra-smuggling enterprise to support the gentry and fund the Navy. Meanwhile, Giles embarks on naval adventures that hinder the French, including destroying a fort and rescuing British prisoners. His return to England coincides with a mission to dismantle a local smuggling operation. As Giles faces ongoing duties at sea, Daphne juggles estate management, societal leadership, and her growing family. Ultimately, they reunite after significant challenges, but their lives remain unsettled as the war continues.