Thomas Hardy

Ethelberta Petherwin, aka Berta Chickerel, moves with ease between her multiple identities, cleverly managing a brilliant career as a society poet in London. Her family act as her servants to help her conque the male-dominated literary world. Beautiful, clever, and rational, she soon attracts four very persistent suitors: Mr. Julian, Mr. Neigh, Mr. Ladywell, and Lord Mountclere.

Story of Egdon Heath and Eustacia Vye in late nineteenth century Wessex, England. Set in the vast, brooding heathlands of England, it lays bare the frailties of human love.

Ten gentlemen of the Wessex Field and Antiquarian Club gather to tell the love stories of ten ladies of rank.