Hornblower captures the French vessel, Le Reve, and is asked by Pellew to sail her back to England so that she can be outfitted for the English navy, and also, as a favor, to convey the unusual Duchess of Wharfedale back home. Unfortunately, Le Reve, Hornblower, the duchess and the crew are captured by the Spanish and imprisoned. There, Horatio finds Kennedy, wasted and hopeless from months in solitary. Against the odds, Horatio must find a way to escape with Kennedy, against Hunter's protests, and with the growing suspicion that the duchess may not be who she appears. Written by Kathy Li Hornblower (Ioan Gruffudd) is assigned to escort a duchess (Cherie Lunghi) back to England on a Spanish ship he captured. He is also assigned to take top secret papers back with him. On the trip, the ship runs into a deep fog and suddenly the crew finds themselves in the middle of the Spanish Armada and taken prisoner. The papers are hidden in the duchess' undergarments for protection. But Hornblower doubts his decision to do this when he finds that the duchess speaks Spanish, is given free reign of their island, and that she is not a real duchess - but rather is an actress. Hornblower's men also start doubting him as he becomes attracted to the duchess and is given freedoms and food not offered to the others. Written by John Sacksteder