Desperate Remedies
by Thomas Hardy
His first published novel, described by Hardy as a story of "mystery, entanglement, surprise and moral obliqueness," violated the literary décor of his time with blackmail, murder and romance. It tells the story of Cytherea, the maid of Mrs. Oldcliffe's eccentric sworn planners, and Edward Springrov, the man she loves. Upon learning that Edward is already engaged, Saiterea falls under the influence of Mrs. Oldcliffe's charming, manipulative butler, Manston.
