Sharpe's Gold is the second (though ninth in chronological order) historical novel in the Richard Sharpe series by Bernard Cornwell first published in 1981. The story is set in August 1810 and features the destruction of Almeida during the Peninsular War. Plot summary General Wellington gives Richard Sharpe a crucial secret mission: to retrieve a hoard of Spanish gold he desperately needs to continue fighting the French. The gold is behind enemy lines, in the keeping of Spanish guerrillas led by El Católico, who delights in torturing French prisoners to death. Claud Hardy, one of Major Michael Hogan's exploring officers, was assigned to keep an eye on the guerrillas and the gold after a failed attempt by British cavalry to fetch it. (The wealthy Hardy is the lover of Josefina LaCosta, Sharpe's love interest from Sharpe's Eagle.) Sharpe sets off with his small company, under the command of Major Kearsey, another exploring officer. Kearsey makes it clear that he believes that the gold belongs to the Spanish and the purpose of the mission is to return it to them. When Kearsey is captured by the French, Sharpe decides to go into the town and rescue him, as the partisans trust the major. They free not only Kearsey, but also Teresa Moreno and her brother Ramon, the offspring of Cesare Moreno. The elder Moreno led a small group of partisans, but it joined El Católico's larger band. Sharpe is strongly attracted to Teresa, who is betrothed to El Católico. When Sharpe meets El Católico, the latter admits knowledge of the gold and strongly implies the British intend to take possession of it rather than merely escort it to the Spanish government in Cadiz. He claims that he witnessed the French take the gold and capture Captain Hardy. El Católico sends some of his men to escort Sharpe and his men partway back toward British lines, but when they leave, Sharpe doubles back late that night to search a fresh new grave. El Católico is not fooled, and he and his men are waiting for Sharpe. El Católico makes Sharpe keep digging; he finds nothing but a corpse. Patrick Harper, however, sees one of the partisans stick his sword into a large pile of manure nearby. He finds the gold hidden underneath. Sharpe takes Teresa hostage to extricate himself, his men and the gold. Sharpe and his men are harried by both