The Secret Diaries of Miss Anne Lister Page #2

But that Nature was in an odd freak

when it made you.

That is fair.

I always consult my...inclination.

I find cultivating

a complimentary strain with ladies

makes life more agreeable to us all.

Er, oh... Why, Mrs Rawson,

I was meaning to say how the...

the curl of your hair today, it's...

well, it's most complimentary to your face.

Oh...

Anne?

Oh!

A letter for me?

From Miss Norcliffe, I believe.

Why do you persist

in such manly pursuits, Anne?

Pistol is not becoming to a lady.

- Tib's coming to visit.

- Oh. Right.

Give... Give me that.

Only if you name your sentiment

for me, Anne.

Give it to me, Tib, or you can leave now.

Oh, don't get in a pother.

I couldn't understand half of it.

You obviously put the interesting bits in code.

Bits about Mariana.

She's of no concern to me.

So you don't want to know

I saw her sisters last week in York?

And?

All goes swimmingly.

Apparently Mariana's quite taken to Cheshire

and her big house

and her choice of carriages

and all the finery money can buy.

Then let her stay there.

- Has she written?

- No.

I told her not to.

Good.

She's an unfaithful friend.

She stole you from me.

Betrayed you with Charles.

We're both better off without her.

And she's not as pretty

as she thinks she is either.

So, tell me about your Miss Browne.

Have you kissed her?

- No.

- Oh.

Well, do you think you can mould her...

in the amatory way?

I don't know.

She's pretty, but she's an innocent

and, I fear, stupidish.

- Well, perfect for a dalliance.

- Mmm.

But I'm too busy with my studies.

Mornings are taken up with Greek and Latin

and afternoons with French and algebra.

Algebra?

Algebra?!

If I can fit it in.

And what with flute and pistol practice,

there's barely any time over.

And when was the last time...

anyone played on your flute?

Hmm...

It is a lonely existence, to be sure.

How about a kiss from Tib? Hmm?

It might do you some good.

Hmm.

I won't hold you to anything.

I'm yours...

..for the taking.

Oh, my Tib...

you are good to me.

Sorry, Anne.

Miss Browne, Miss Norcliffe,

my oldest and dearest friend.

- A pleasure.

- Indeed.

Mmm.

The house was built as long ago as 1420.

Listers have owned it

for over two centuries.

I have every hope in succeeding my uncle

and becoming the 15th proud owner.

(Miss Browne ) You'll need to produce an heir.

I can more easily find one.

Marriage isn't for everyone, Miss Browne.

I have in mind to settle

with a female companion.

Someone like Miss Norcliffe?

Or someone else...who suits me.

Sounds like the recipe

for perfect contentment.

Ah, Anne won't let anyone through here

without a kiss.

It's true, it's...

it's an old game of mine.

Oh!

Our kissing is...such an odd thing.

People say such queer things about it.

Well, there's kissing...

and there's kissing.

You have paid your tariff, Miss Browne.

You may pass.

I immerse myself in study.

Miss Browne may look very pretty,

but excepting her good looks

she has very little to boast.

She seems innocent and unknowing

as to the ways of the world.

I'm close to a subject, Aunt.

I think I will write a book on antiquities.

Haven't you and your uncle

got enough books between you?

Why don't you spend your allowance

on a nice bonnet?

Or a bit of lace.

My dearest Freddie,

I barely know how to start.

I cannot justly account for so long a silence,

especially as I think of you always.

I so wish to get a sight of you.

I realise any obligation you had to me

was cancelled by my marriage,

but if you can find your way to Manchester

on the 18th of November,

I shall be there unaccompanied

at the Albion Hotel

en route from York.

Perhaps you have found another.

I would understand,

though it would break my heart.

Miss Lister. Just in time.

We have mutton chops and gooseberry tart.

You're very quiet for two ladies

who haven't seen each other in so long.

Are you not hungry, Miss Lister?

No.

I'm sure Anne's tired after her journey.

Oh, no doubt.

Shockingly bad road, that, from Halifax.

Last time I went that way

it was full of pools of water

deep enough to take a bath in.

Well, if I was inclined to bathing.

Forgive me. I feel suddenly unwell.

- You said you would be alone.

- He surprised me.

- I can't possibly stay.

- Oh, please. Please don't go.

I've missed you so.

Haven't you missed me?

Why didn't you write?

What could I say?

Will you be wanting your mutton chops?

It seems a pity to waste them.

You have them.

I hope you're feeling better, Miss Lister.

I'm going to sit with her awhile.

Oh. Quite right.

- How often are you connected with him?

- Don't.

Do you get pleasure from it?

Do you?

Only through thinking of you.

- Then you do get pleasure from it.

- Don't ask me these questions.

- You've no idea what I suffer.

- What you suffer? What you suffer?

You chose him! You were no innocent.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry!

Let's not waste this precious time.

You broke my heart.

(Mariana ) ''Knowing Mariana

has been the rain of...'' Rain?

Ruin.

I'm out of practice with your crypt hand.

''..the ruin of my health and happiness.

''What is her match but legal...

''prostitution?''

Forgive me. I was angry.

I was wrong to do it.

We were both wrong -

you to do it, me to let you.

It's true, everything you say,

but you must never doubt I love you.

I know you do.

That's the worst of it.

What are we to do?

Charles is not a young man.

He does not live well, you can see that.

We could plan for the future.

- I tried that once.

- A real future,

with independent means and respectability.

A widow and her companion.

Oh, I want you with me at Shibden,

by my side always.

And when Charles dies...

When God grants it...

I shall.

I promise.

To be my wife?

As you were my true husband.

Are you, er, both to be married?

Yes.

Wrap and send these to the Albion.

Consider it an engagement.

The day you come to live with me

we shall wear these rings on our fingers.

Perhaps I could come and see you

on your birthday. I long to see Shibden again.

I'll make sure it's fit to be seen.

And these.

Our carriage is ready, my dear.

Very well.

Well, goodbye, Miss Lister.

Stay on in the room until your coach leaves.

Thank you, Mr Lawton.

Might I...

Oh. You ladies!

- Did you get the other bag?

- Yes, sir.

Miss Lister?

Oh, Miss Lister.

- I've missed you.

- I've hardly been away.

I thought of you all last night

so much that I couldn't sleep.

Then you mustn't think so much of me

after going to bed.

Are you going to be in town again soon?

I'm not sure. My trip has given rise

to much work on the estate.

I understand.

Call on me?

You seem much improved for the trip, Anne.

I do believe there's a little more

colour in your cheeks.

Did me good, Aunt.

A change of scenery lends perspective.

I've had so many ideas

for improvements to Shibden.

I've been thinking about them

all the way home.

Sit down a moment, Anne.

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