Sharpe has settled down to an idyllic lifestyle with Lucille on her French farm, when the news of Napolean's escape from Elba compels him to return to the army to fight at Waterloo. There, he joins the staff of the Prince of Orange. Reunited with his Chosen Men, Sharpe abandons the inept prince and organises the defence of key British positions on the farm of La Haie Sainte.

After the last battle has been fought, the Peninsula war is finally over for Britain and her allies, but the action does not end here for Sharpe. He is set up by his long-time enemy, Ducos, and is accused of stealing Napolean's priceless treasures.Sharpe is also abandoned by his wife, Jane, who returns to England, where she meets the handsome Lord Rossendale. On the run from both the English and the French, Sharpe must find a way to prove his innocence.

The war over, Sharpe returns to England with his reputation restored. He is ordered to the North of England to command a local militia force in his home town which is troubled with unrest.Sharpe soon finds himself torn between the gentry, Lord Willoughby Parfit, the yeomanry captain Wickham and the locals, while discovering secrets from his own past.Sharpe also has the chance to confront Jane, when Lord Rossendale inherits a mansion near where Sharpe is stationed.