Only an Ensign: A Tale of the Retreat from Cabul, Volume 3 (of 3)

"Only an Ensign: A Tale of the Retreat from Cabul, Volume 3" by James Grant is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around the tumultuous events surrounding the British retreat from Cabul during the Afghan Wars, focusing on characters entangled in the conflicts of loyalty, ambition, and survival. The protagonist, Ensign Denzil Devereaux, finds himself facing not only the perils of war but complex familial and interpersonal conflicts, particularly concerning his ties to his late captain's family. The opening of the novel introduces a tense scenario involving Downie Trevelyan, a nobleman with selfish ambitions, as he engages in a heated exchange with Sharkley, a solicitor entangled in legal machinations surrounding the Trevelyan family’s legacy. Downie is confronted with the revelations of his brother's marriage to another woman and the potential repercussions of the resulting documents, including a marriage certificate and a will, which could disrupt his claim on their family’s title and wealth. The narrative is layered with themes of betrayal, power struggles, and the impact of personal history against the backdrop of a significant historical retreat, setting the stage for a tale of suspense and moral conflict.