Having over 24 years experience in and around the military, I know you are perfectly correct and I am not exactly sure of the timing but they could have still been at war when he went off to be with Captain Benwick. He was very gallant to his friend and I admire it, but the implications to duty should not be dismissed lightly. So rash, so dashing…this action tells of a deep the bond between the captains and is all the more heartfelt because Captain Wentworth puts concern for himself aside in the rush to be of use to his friend. His risk should also not be taken lightly as it is clear from his conversation during the dinner party at Uppercross, in Chapter 8, that he is devoted to the Navy.