Soldiers of Fortune

"Soldiers of Fortune" by Richard Harding Davis is a novel written during the late 19th century. The story is set against the backdrop of high society in New York City, focusing on the intersecting lives of Alice Langham, a strong-willed woman seeking emotional depth beyond social expectations, and Robert Clay, a rugged cowboy come from the West, who introspects on the lives of ordinary workers versus the advantages of the wealthy elite. Their interactions suggest themes of authenticity, societal roles, and the yearning for genuine connection. At the start of the novel, we meet Alice Langham, who is caught in the convolutions of social dining, ultimately feeling distanced from her suitor, Reginald King, who she believes views her as a prize rather than an equal. Clay, introduced as a new character at dinner, piques her interest with his fresh perspective. The narrative delves into Alice's internal conflict regarding her longing for a partner who truly understands her, contrasted with the superficial engagements of her social circle. Through a series of conversations at the dinner, including discussions of civil engineering and the adventurous lives that it entails, the groundwork for the connection between Alice and Clay is laid, suggesting that their paths will weave together in unexpected ways in the narrative to unfold.