Løvborg’s Relationships

I was just wondering what was the importance or the significance of Hedda’s and Mrs.Elvsted’s relationship with Eilert Løvborg? It is evident that Hedda has had a past with Løvborg as she was shocked, yet very interested in finding out he was back in town. It is later implied that Hedda is the woman from Løvborg’s past who threatened him with pistols. This just reminded me of the fact that Hedda is controlling and manipulate as she literally drives him to drink. However, I am not sure if the relationship they had in the past was ever sexual. But it is unclear to me why Hedda is so interested in Løvborg again. Mrs.Elvsted is also interested in Løvborg as she left her husband in order to have an affair with him, who was initially a tutor to her children. Mrs.Elvsted shows great attentiveness towards Løvborg. It seems to be that their relationship is an intimate one. I ultimately think Løvborg’s relationship with both women suggests more conflict within the play.