H. Rider Haggard 
Joan Haste 

‘Joan Haste’ is a novel by H. Rider Haggard, first published in 1895. It is a romantic story set in rural England in the late 19th century. The plot revolves around Joan Haste, a young woman who is the daughter of a village drunkard. Despite her humble beginnings, Joan is beautiful and intelligent, and catches the eye of a wealthy local landowner named Sir Edward Leithen. Sir Edward falls in love with Joan and begins to court her, despite the disapproval of his family and friends. Joan is hesitant to accept his advances, knowing that their difference in social status could make their relationship impossible. However, she finds herself drawn to him and eventually agrees to marry him.