Editing Horatio Hornblower (section)

==== HMS ''Lydia'' ====
Later in the timeline, but written of in the first novel in order of publication, he makes a long, difficult voyage in command of the [[frigate]] HMS ''Lydia'' round the [[Cape Horn|Horn]] to the Pacific, where his mission is to support a [[Narcissistic personality disorder|megalomaniac]], El Supremo, in his rebellion against the Spanish. He captures ''Natividad'', a much more powerful Spanish ship, but reluctantly has to cede it to El Supremo to placate him. When he finds that the Spanish have switched sides in the interim, he is forced to find and sink the ship he had captured—adding injury to insult, as he had given up the [[prize money]] to maintain the uneasy alliance with the madman.

Hornblower also takes on an important passenger in Panama, Lady Barbara Wellesley, the fictional younger sister of [[Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington|Arthur Wellesley]] (later to become the [[Duke of Wellington (title)|Duke of Wellington]]). He is at first nettled and infuriated by her forthright and outspoken manner, her ability to see easily through his reserve, and the great social gap between them. Over time, however, her beauty, strength, and intelligence win his heart, and the two become dangerously attracted to each other. Before things get out of hand, Hornblower informs Lady Barbara that he is married. She leaves the ''Lydia'' two days later when they rendezvous with other British ships. Hornblower fears for his career, having offended "the daughter of an [[earl]], the sister of a [[marquess|marquis]]".