Chapters 4 and 5 Summary

Hornblower and Maria walk home in the evening after the dinner party at the Leightons' house. Maria makes small talk that Hornblower generally ignores. He agrees with Maria's compliments about Barbara but tries to not display over-enthusiasm. Maria informs Hornblower that she had discussed her pregnancy with Barbara, and Hornblower finds this irritating. They reach their abode and get ready for bed, Maria chattering and Hornblower thinking of his upcoming deployment and wondering if Barbara loves Leighton, or if she married him solely for political consolidation during a perilous time. Maria drifts off to sleep as Hornblower tosses, worrying about adequate provisions, worrying about the political situation, and worrying about anything of which he can think.

A few days later, Hornblower is aboard Sutherland, overseeing all the last minute preparations and fuming at the endless delays. Hornblower supervises his meager personal...