Only the Brave Deserve the Fair

Admiral Edward Hawke’s brave battle actions saved the nation from invasion as Great Britain’s naval fleet won decisive battles virtually destroying the French fleet, ending the Seven Year War, and rendering the nation the uncontested ruler of the sea. His cousin, Robert Hawke, a Cornish commoner removed by wealth and rank, provided vital assistance to John Wesley during a time of internal unrest and potential revolution. Without his assistance, Wesley might have been hanged for sedition for secretly supporting the Jacobite insurrection to return the Young Pretender to the throne. The three main characters and their families intertwine with action and suspense when British Intelligence preyed upon Wesley’s foibles enlisting the Hawke ladies to coerce him into becoming a powerful ally and supporter of the king. Ultimately Wesley ushered reform to the common people of Great Britain without a revolt or an overthrow of the crown.