# Love and Romance in The Eight Strokes of the Clock

> Theme guide for The Eight Strokes of the Clock by Maurice Leblanc.

Romantic relationships drive many of the plots, from Hortense's initial escape from a dull marriage to the developing affection between her and Rénine, as well as the various love triangles and marriages that form the core of the mysteries.

## Where it surfaces

- [The Eight Strokes of the Clock](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_eight_strokes_of_the_clock_se/chapters/the-eight-strokes-of-the-clock): Underlying romantic dynamic between Rénine and Hortense is a recurring element.
- [The Case of Jean Louis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_eight_strokes_of_the_clock_se/chapters/iii-the-case-of-jean-louis): Geneviève's desperate love for Jean Louis and his apparent sacrifice for her happiness drive the romantic plot.
- [IV: The Telltale Film](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_eight_strokes_of_the_clock_se/chapters/iv-the-telltale-film): Rose Andrée's passionate devotion to Dalbrèque, and the developing romantic tension between Rénine and Hortense.
- [The Lady with the Hatchet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_eight_strokes_of_the_clock_se/chapters/vi-the-lady-with-the-hatchet): Rénine's deep love for Hortense is revealed as he desperately works to save her, risking everything to find her.
- [Footprints in the Snow](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_eight_strokes_of_the_clock_se/chapters/vii-footprints-in-the-snow): Jérôme Vignal's love for Natalie de Gorne and Hortense's growing feelings for Rénine.
- [At the Sign of Mercury](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_eight_strokes_of_the_clock_se/chapters/viii-at-the-sign-of-mercury): Hortense's internal realization of love and her final surrender to Rénine as the adventure culminates.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_eight_strokes_of_the_clock_se/themes/love_and_romance
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_eight_strokes_of_the_clock_se/themes