It is literally pistols at dawn for Thorne and James, the latter triumphing but humiliating his brother -in-law, who goes to horrifying lengths to 'cure' Zilpha of her desires for her half-brother. James discovers that his collaborators stole the makings of his gunpowder from the East India Company but that it was rightfully Crown property, setting in motion animosity between the company and the Prince Regent, who is now anxious to support freed man George Chichester's accusation that the company deliberately sank a slave ship, drowning its human cargo. James meanwhile is desirous of proof that his father aimed to give the Nootka Indians gunpowder to allow a trade with the Chinese for their tea. He also finds out what the Countess Musgrave wants.
—don @ minifie-1