It was clear to Lydia Perkins from the first that she was courting scandal when she became involved with Major Samuel Reed. This outrageously impudent officer kept deplorable company in dismal surroundings beyond the boundaries of polite society.Even worse, he was shamelessly, sinfully penniless. To keep him company would ruin Lydia's already slim prospects in the marriage mart. To listen to the shocking proposal he made to her would spell ruin to her good name. To run away with him in a mockery of a marriage on a honeymoon journey through the wilds of England was the ultimate folly for a young lady whose family demanded she wed both wisely and well.
Could Lydia say "I do", and accept the Major for better or for worse, or would she risk losing the only man who had ever captivated her heart?
Major Reed's demand was simple. He asked for three reasons why Lydia should not say yes to him."Number one: I hardly know you," she said.
"I’m a steady sort of fellow," declared this man, who was anything but.
Wishing her face was not warm with a blush because he was so close, she said, "Number two: I do not love you."
He shrugged and said, "You cannot deny you like me." She could not argue, but could only quickly say, "Number three: Mama says I am stupid and naive."
And as Major Reed moved closer still, Lydia had a fearful feeling that she was about to prove her mother's worst fears right...