Editing Far from the Madding Crowd (section)

===Sergeant Troy===
[[Image:Troybathsheba.jpg|thumb|"She took up her position as directed." Troy courts Bathsheba; ''Cornhill'' illustration by [[Helen Paterson Allingham]]]]
At this point, Sergeant Francis "Frank" Troy returns to his native Weatherbury and by chance encounters Bathsheba one night. Her initial dislike turns to infatuation after he excites her with a private display of [[swordsmanship]]. Gabriel observes Bathsheba's interest in the young soldier and tries to discourage it, telling her she would be better off marrying Boldwood. Boldwood becomes aggressive towards Troy, and Bathsheba goes to [[Bath, Somerset|Bath]] to prevent Troy returning to Weatherbury, as she fears what might happen if Troy encountered Boldwood. On their return, Boldwood offers his rival a large bribe to give up Bathsheba. Troy pretends to consider the offer, then scornfully announces they are already married. Boldwood withdraws, humiliated, and vows revenge.

Bathsheba discovers that her new husband is an improvident gambler with little interest in farming. She also begins to suspect he does not love her. In fact, Troy's heart belongs to Bathsheba's former servant, Fanny Robin. Before meeting Bathsheba, Troy had promised to marry Fanny; on the wedding day, however, Fanny goes to the wrong church. She explains her mistake, but Troy, humiliated at being left at the altar, calls off the wedding. When they part, unbeknownst to Troy, Fanny is pregnant with his child.