In the early years of the 19th century, it was customary for young men to complete their education by making what became known as the Grand Tour. James Darker of Frinton Park in Sussex undertook the tour in the company of his friend, Lord Frederick Oliver, and the youths set out with high expectations. But their adventures did not always turn out as expected. Humor and tragedy followed fast on each others heels, and when the pair returned to Sussex they were laden with not only the usual memorabilia, but also a host of shared and secret memories.