Desperate Remedies

Set against the backdrop of Victorian society, the narrative follows siblings Cytherea and Owen Graye as they navigate financial struggles after their parents' death. Cytherea's role as a governess in Budmouth leads to a complex love triangle involving architect Edward Springrove and the enigmatic Aeneas Manston. As misunderstandings and secrets unfold, themes of love, betrayal, and societal expectations emerge. This early work showcases Hardy's experimentation with narrative techniques, foreshadowing the depth of his later writings.