The Romantic Adventures Of A Milkmaid

Romantic Adventures of a Milkmaid is a long short story written by Thomas Hardy before 1883. The story revolves around Margery, a young, delicate, and stunning woman from a lower class. James Hayward, who works in a kiln, is her fiancé. Margery unwittingly saves a man from suicide when she comes upon him while walking to her grandmother's house one day. The man, who happens to be a Baron, is appreciative of her. Margery responds that her most cherished wish is to attend a ball and dance like a royal woman. James offers to fulfill any of her wishes. Margery's wish that live life to the fullest is fulfilled by the Baron. She quickly develops feelings for the Baron, who also expresses interest in her. Both parties are conscious of the barriers preventing such a connection, though. Margery and the Baron are very different socially, and she is already betrothed to a young man who loves her and is unwilling to leave her. This tale by Kipling tracks Margery's psychological development in a setting ruled by both real and fantastical powers.