A Sea of Gold

Tyger has been ordered to the Mediterranean.  Sir Thomas Kydd impulsively bets 20 guineas with Cochrane of the Imperiuse as to which frigate would anchor there first.  Due to fog in Port Mahon, it was impossible to determine which ship had arrived first.

As their work begins, Cochrane, who has a few months seniority on Kydd, takes charge, much to the chagrin of Kydd.  It will take some time for the two men to understand each other.  Once they do, they begin to take the war to the French by destroying their semaphore stations along the coast.

Meanwhile, back in London, the powers that be are scheming a way to bring Austria onside in the war against Bonaparte.  It will be very costly and they decide to bring in Kydd’s old friend Nicholas Renzi, now known as Lord Farndon.  It will require subterfuge and high finance.

An engagement in the Mediterranean resulted in damage to the Tyger, which could not be repaired there, so it was back to England for repairs for the ship and a three week layover.

When the French fleet break out of Brest, the English Channel fleet force them to seek protection at Rochefort.  However, once settled in there, the English can’t simply sail in and destroy them in a set battle.  The admiralty order Cochrane to take fireships and assault the French.  He asks that Kydd help him with the enterprise.  Unfortunately the enterprise was only partially successful.

Kydd also has an enterprise going ahead in England, which could prove to be the saving of his household or his ruination.  Author Julian Stockwin has plenty of action awaiting Kydd, his brother-in-law and of course the crew of the Tyger, which will mean death and destruction for someone.