The text offers limited evidence that Henchard truly loves Lucetta after all this time, indicating that his pursuit of her is driven by three conflicting motivations, prioritized here. At its least admirable, the relationship may be driven by financial interests. Lucetta has inherited a significant amount of money, while Henchard’s ventures in the grain market have drained his funds. Henchard feels ashamed of this reason and tries to ignore it. Secondly, he is competing for Lucetta's affection against his rival, Farfrae. This motivation is more compelling as it is central to the tragic theme. Henchard’s intense admiration for the younger man fuels his resentment, intertwining economic and social issues with the love conflict. Later in the novel, he even tries to reconcile with Farfrae, risking a perilous journey to find him after Lucetta becomes ill due to the Skimington. However, more than his rivalry with Farfrae, Henchard's pursuit of Lucetta stems from his desire to atone for their shared past. Her choice to marry Farfrae represents an effort to escape from that past.