Desperation

Laura's father is ill, their money is running out and Colonel Hargrave is growing desperate.

Published in 1811, Mary Brunton’s romantic tale set in Perthshire and London - dramatised in ten parts by Gerda Stevenson.

Laura Montreville is loved by two men - a reckless libertine and a dignified but reserved landowner. In a world where polite society and sexual hypocrisy rub shoulders easily, can she choose wisely between passion and virtue?

Narrated by Maureen Beattie.

Laura ...... Gerda Stevenson
Hargrave ...... Andrew Wincott
Mrs Stubbs ...... Phyllida Law
Beggar ...... Colette O'Neil
Montreville ...... Bernard Horsfall
Montague De Courcy ...... Tom Goodman-Hill

Producer: Bruce Young

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2003.