A PAIR OF BLUE EYES (PENGUIN POPULAR CLASSICS)
The story centers on Elfride Swancourt, a vicar's daughter with the titular blue eyes, and her romantic entanglements. Elfride falls in love with the first of her suitors, Stephen Smith, a young architect who comes to work on renovations at her father's vicarage. However, their relationship encounters obstacles due to class differences and her father's disapproval. Later, a second man, the sophisticated and worldly Henry Knight, enters Elfride's life. Knight is Stephen's mentor and friend, which further complicates the love triangle. As Elfride navigates her feelings and societal expectations, Hardy explores the role of women in Victorian society and the often devastating impact of love and desire.