Building towards the culmination of our Ionian story - we learn to admire Turkish manners, and meet an actual pope, not to mention a passing encounter with Cleopatra.  Jack reflects on hypocrisy and parenthood. Ch 10.

Jack is back before Admiral Thornton; Stephen has everyone terrified of being castrated by mumps; and the grand oratorio rehearsal survives a big storm.  There's a return for the dear Surprise, with news - the French are out! But not before we've talked about Thomas Cochrane. Ch 8.

This week there’s a showdown with Harte, Jack gets re-acquainted with an old friend, and Stephen makes an unwelcome entrance. Plus, there’s espionage ashore, resulting in a surprising encounter in a moonlit French marsh. Ch 7.

We muse on what is and is not poetical, and Stephen misses a rhinoceros and thousands of flamingos. Jack’s cold continues to dog him, and we have the possibility of some unexpected action, usually the perfect thing to set up our hero, Jack Aubrey. Ch 6,7

As Jack, alone aboard the Worcester, explores the mysteries of 'Old Bach', we explore them for ourselves, with the help of our guest, music professor David Curtin.  We also uncover old cold remedies, and a new horse metaphor.  Ch 6.

We continue with the Ionian Mission; Jack and Stephen encounter trouble with quails - or are they tribbles? Or partridges in pear trees? Meanwhile Lt Somers loses his cool. Ch 4-6.

Jack has been down in the dumps, but a dose of naval discipline and a second pair of stockings seem to be building him back up. Ch 3,4

Jack's weaponry lets him down, and we have a heart-stopping moment of anxiety about Stephen.  Puddings then become a major topic of conversation, triced about the larboard gumbrils, naturally.  Ch 2,3

We're picking up book 8 in the series, The Ionian Mission. We've a fresh start for Stephen and Diana, a new ship for Jack, and driving lessons for Jagiello.  Oh, and lots and lots of Bach. Ch 1,2