The Countess Tekla (1900)

Set in late 19th century Hungary, the narrative follows Countess Tekla, a strong-willed and intelligent woman navigating family politics and romantic entanglements upon her return from Paris. As she grapples with her ailing father's legacy and her ineffectual brother, Tekla faces the advances of various suitors, including a manipulative cousin seeking her fortune. The story weaves themes of love, betrayal, and independence, highlighting Tekla's defiance against societal expectations in her quest for happiness and freedom.