American Civil War veteran Oliver Collingsworth has spent 1872 performing engineering feats in Tokyo’s foreign quarter and biding his time to tell witty, captivating Lydia Wright of his longstanding affection.
Lydia has tasted blissful freedom since her missionary parents left Tokyo and has no intention of giving it up. The foreign quarter’s matchmaker has found her the perfect candidate for a practical union that will ensure her continued independence.
But he’s no Oliver.
She ought to be prudent and welcome in the new year alongside her betrothed. But freedom has gone to her head, and in Tokyo’s foreign quarter, a heady sense of freedom can wreak havoc on even the best-laid plans.
