January 1812. Wellington's Army assaults Ciudad Rodrigo and takes it, then he decides to move quickly on Badajoz, the next French stronghold, hopefully without the French knowing he is doing so. James Trevelyan misses Ciudad Rodrigo and is sorely concerned about the state of health of his father, Earl Greysford, who has suffered a stroke. He, and the 30th, are called upon to mount patrols to ensure the French do not discover what Wellington has planned. Badajoz falls after a bitter and bloody fight leaving the road to Madrid open, but Wellington decides on Salamanca first. The battle takes place in what is ideal cavalry country and James Trevelyan and the 30th are in the thick of the fighting. Then Madrid, after which Wellington makes an uncharacteristic mistake at Burgos, and has to retreat and in so doing, Trevelyan is badly wounded. In addition to the French, Trevelyan has the daCostas to deal with, the lovely Cassandra still attempting to secure information from him, but his thoughts are more at home, over his family... and the beautiful maid Suzanna.....
