Chapter 1 Summary

Harry Flashman does not mind being no longer invited to Balmoral, where in Queen Victoria's day he often invited. In September of 1856, he is happily retired, enjoying life with his wife and son, socializing, occasionally whoring, and saying nothing that might relieve the beleaguered generals (particularly Lord Cardigan) who are being accused of mismanaging the Crimean War. Elspeth is near hysterics at the prospect of mingling with Royalty, and gets on well with "Vickie." Flashy tells stories from Russia and toadies to Prince Albert. Flashy considers "rogering" the famed Florence Nightingale, but has no opportunity.

After a cheery party, Flashy wants to get Elspeth into bed, but is summoned to the Prime Minister, Lord Palmerston ("Pam"), who sits opposite him at Balmoral between old Lord Ellenborough and Wood of the Admiralty. Pam announces that Flashy is back on active duty, but not even...