"Forward, March": A Tale of the Spanish-American War

In a sun‑drenched morning‑room on the outskirts of New Orleans, a spirited debate over a bowl of roses spirals into a lively chase on horseback, introducing Ridge Norris, his cousin Spence Cuthbert, and a circle of flirtatious, opinionated friends. Their banter reveals contrasting personalities—a soft‑hearted, nature‑loving gentleman and a more aggressive, politically ambitious peer—while the genteel Southern setting hints at the social expectations that bind them. As the young men race through magnolia‑lined driveways, the narrative gently pulls the reader toward the larger world beyond their porch, where duty and desire begin to clash.

Against this backdrop of Southern charm, the story sets its sights on the looming Spanish‑American conflict, promising the characters’ transition from leisurely pursuits to the harsh realities of war. With the Rough Riders looming on the horizon, Ridge’s mixed heritage and Spence’s uneasy conscience foreshadow personal and national challenges. Listeners can expect a blend of humor, romance, and early‑war tension as these friends navigate love, honor, and the call to march forward.