The war has ended but Jane, weary of army life, is tricked by a greedy friend into returning to London and spending her husband's money. Meanwhile, Sharpe is set up by a defeated Major Ducos and charged with stealing the French Imperial treasure. He is put on trial but escapes with Harper and Fredrickson and sets out to find the honest Major Maillot who was coerced into signing a false accusation. Ducos' men have Maillot shot but his widowed sister Lucille hides Sharpe whilst Fredrickson tracks down former foe General Calvet. Calvet allies with Sharpe to hunt down Ducos and regain the treasure. But Jane, now foolishly involved with fortune hunter Rossendale, may be harder to recapture.
Sharpe
Sharpe is framed as the thief who stole Napoleon's gold, and he must clear his name to avoid execution. Meanwhile, Jane - urged on by a friend - makes some questionable choices.
