Far from the Madding Crowd, Part 28 of 31
Summary
In this episode of The Sleepy Bookshelf, host Elizabeth reads from Thomas Hardy’s *Far from the Madding Crowd*, covering the aftermath of the Greenhill Sheep Fair. Bathsheba drives home with Farmer Boldwood, who pressures her into promising to marry him in six years if her husband does not return. She later confides in Gabriel Oak, who advises her on the moral implications of the arrangement. Meanwhile, Sergeant Troy, who has been living in disguise, learns of the situation and plans to return to Weatherbury.
Topics discussed
Announcement of new Jane Austen series
Premium feed sponsorship and ad break
Introduction and relaxation exercise
Recap: The sheep fair and Troy's return
Chapter 51: Bathsheba's journey home
Boldwood proposes a marriage promise
Bathsheba discusses the dilemma with Oak
Chapter 52: Preparations for the party
Bathsheba dresses for the event
Boldwood and Oak discuss the promise
Troy and Pennyways plot at the tavern
Bathsheba's final preparations and anxiety
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