Betrayal

Captain Thomas Kydd and his ship, L’Aurore, is patrolling the east coast of Africa when they encounter a French corvette.  However, it escapes before it can be engaged.  Later it is discovered up the Zambezi.  Kydd makes a daring plan to capture it.  Will the crew be successful in adding to their prize money?

Sadly it was not to be.  Now the ship awaits orders in Cape Town.  Before long, Commodore Popham begins plans to cross the Atlantic and attack the Spanish city of Montevideo.  He has information that the people there are tired of their Spanish rulers.  Popham schemes with Kydd to get an attack planted in the mind of the governor, as he is the only one who can order it.

However, Kydd’s good friend, Nicholas Renzi has some serious reservations about Popham.  When they are explained to Kydd, he wonders about the validity of the expedition.  When they arrive at St. Helena, they discover that Prime Minister Pitt has died.  This means a new government, and one not likely to be in favour of the expedition.

Once the ships arrive at the River Plate, Popham changes his strategy.  He decides that an attack on Bueno Aires, the capital is better than tanking Montevideo.  General Beresford objects, but has no support.  Would this change of plans lead to success or sheer disaster?

Success it was, but now can they hold the city until reinforcements arrive?  Shockingly, the people who were supposed to support the British now turn on them.

What will be the fate of the expedition?  Author Julian Stockwin’s latest novel is based on actual events.  Popham did try to capture Bueno Aires, but unfortunately it was unsuccessful.  What’s next for Kydd and Renzi?