Based on the true story of Brigade-Major Harry Smith and the very young Spanish noblewoman he met and married during the Peninsular Wars when the Duke of Wellingtons forces fought Napoleons army in Spain and PortugalAfter marrying Harry Smith when she was years old Juana Smith followed the drum marching at the back of the troops along with the other wives and the officers servants Juana became a camp favorite charming all with her youthful enthusiasm In spite of the danger Juana thrived on military life and her passionate if somewhat stormy relationship with HarryHeyers research encompassed every available diary from that time period including Harry Smiths and all of the Duke of Wellingtons writings and dispatches She brings alive military life during the Regency period how the armies marched and fought as well as how the nobility provided for its own comfort with servants horses dogs and furniture.
