A romantic story from Thomas Hardy set in the Napoleionic wars. Anne Garland is courted by three suiters: John Loveday (the Trumpet-Major of the title), his brother Robert and Festus Derriman, the son of a squire.The full title of the book is: The Trumpet-Major John Loveday, a Soldier in the War with Buonaparte, and Robert His Brother, First Mate in the Merchant Service.