1804. Great Britain is preparing to repel an invasion by French troops. Coastal resort towns are turning into military camps, and warships have replaced peaceful pleasure yachts at the docks. Meanwhile, ordinary citizens continue to live as they always have – and the affluent widow Martha Garland is no exception. Her greatest concern is the marriage of her daughter – the local beauty Ann, who has three suitors vying for her hand: the older son of the neighbor – the serious and reserved John Loveday, a senior trumpeter of the regiment, and his younger brother, the cheerful and sociable sailor Bob, – and the pompous, cowardly, and foppish gentleman Festus Derringman. However, proud Ann is still hesitating to choose one from the lovesick trio...
