In this tender and wholesome glimpse into their young marriage, we see Hetty’s kindly husband Morgan loves her for her goodness and purity. He has forfeited a vast inheritance to marry her.
Hetty longs to work by his side as an attorney, and yet he pictures her as a stay-at-home mom. She must never have children, because of a congenital heart condition.
Hetty is thrilled to be leaving behind Morgan's former fiancée. For years, gossip columnists fanned the fantasy that the wealthy and accomplished Morgan was destined to wed beauty queen Katrinka Wallace. It was also the wish of their fathers, who were long time friends and business partners.
On board ship, Hetty saves the life of a Japanese man who is taking his reluctant daughter to Tokyo for an arranged marriage. Hetty consoles this young woman who pines for a boyfriend she is leaving behind in the states.
Hetty learns Morgan's long-admired mentor will serve with him on the governor's ethics committee. She has no choice but to tell him he once touched her inappropriately. Morgan’s awkward reaction leads Hetty to fear he now thinks less of her.
And who poisoned the rich old man at their table aboard ship? It might be the woman who is secretly married to him. Perhaps it was the artist who is courting her, or the woman’s teen-aged son, who is playing cupid between his mother and the artist.
When newspapers report Hetty and Morgan’s marriage is invalid due to the questionable credentials of the minister who married them, they decide they must stay apart until it is resolved. Hoping to take advantage of his single status, Morgan’s gorgeous yet devious former fiancée Katrinka arrives—yes, on their honeymoon––ostensibly on business. To prove she's not jealous, Hetty suggests Katrinka as their chaperone. This she soon regrets.
Through their experiences on the ship and in France, Hetty proves she can be an equal partner in their marriage. We witness the growth of their mutual admiration, love and trust.
CHAPTER ONE
Athlete’s Foot
Something Less Sturdy
Over the Moon
Toast and Tears
CHAPTER TWO
Table for Eight
Something Like That
International Relations
After Dinner
Embarrassment
CHAPTER THREE
Into the Storm
Playing the Part
Bitter Salt
Cowardice
CHAPTER FOUR
At What Cost?
The Tour
Too Late Now
Lady Mondegreen
Perplexing
CHAPTER FIVE
Courtesy of Bugs Bunny
The Fly
Sleepless
Last Breakfast Aboard
Please Wait
Under Suspicion
CHAPTER SIX
The Confession
I Had to Do It
Taking the Blame
Stonehenge
Paris
What’s the Point?
Raging Maniacs
CHAPTER SEVEN
The Commander
Thoughtless Bungling
The Riviera
Vive La France
Half a Day
CHAPTER EIGHT
Dear Parents
Hopes Derailed
While You Were Away
The Banana Seed Wedding Gift
Is It That Obvious?
Thank You, Katrinka
It’s Going to Be Wonderful
CHAPTER NINE
Secret Misery
Dignity
Ripples
The Letter
Hypocrisy
You’re So Lucky
CHAPTER TEN
Ball and Chain
That’s Insane!
The Chaperone
Approval
The Portfolio Secret
Not Too Wrinkly
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Help Arrives
Instinct and Remorse
It’s All Settled
Forthright
Bombs Away!
CHAPTER TWELVE
Opportunity
The Real Reason
Garlic Butter
The Cottage
Better Than We Knew