Chapter 1 Summary

Stephen Maturin, natural scientists and physician, contemplates upon his current life situation. He is married to a beautiful woman devoted to society yet he is a reserved and introverted man of routine physical appearance. His wife hosts brilliant dinner parties while he lives apart from her by choice, allowing him to keep odd hours and strange habits. The year is 1813 and the place is England embroiled in the years-long Napoleonic conflict. Maturin works as a secret intelligence agent for the Royal Naval intelligence service and his work usually keeps him away from home for prolonged periods. Maturin has usually been employed at sea and has spent several years pursuing nautical adventure and political intrigue. He also reflects upon his forthcoming mission aboard HMS Worcester, to be captained by his particular friend and constant partner Jack Aubrey. Aubrey has taken a command which is deemed undesirable and beneath...