The Secret Diaries of Miss Anne Lister (2010) - full transcript

There is one thing that I wish for.

There is one thing without which my happiness
in this world seems impossible.

I was not born to live alone.

I must have someone with me,

and in loving and being loved...

I could be happy.

Annie!

A thousand recollections crowd on me

in my own secret alphabet.

Surely no one has ever doted
on another as I her.

I love her,



and her heart is mine.

- Ah, Miss Lister.
- Do forgive me, Mrs Priestley,

everyone, for my late arrival.

No matter.
Let me introduce Mr Lawton to you,

Mr Charles Lawton of Lawton Hall, Cheshire.

Miss Anne Lister of Shibden Hall, Halifax.

A pleasure, miss.

His wife recently died. Most tragic.

Oh. My sympathies, Mr Lawton.

I hope you will find solace amongst us.

Good to see you at last.

You haven't missed much - a pair of
pink-footed geese and some redwings.

Oh, Tib, you must be the only person here
watching the birds and not Mr Lawton.

Mrs Priestley is about another sport.



Such a fine-figured gentleman,
Mr Lawton.

I wonder where Mrs Priestley dug him up.

He's an old friend of my father's.

Apparently he has 6,000 a year.

Ah.

So it's you and your sisters
who are being paraded.

And do we know how his wife died?

Perhaps he squashed her to death.

Come on.

Are you sure it's safe?

From all but the eyes of God.

Oh, Freddie.

You give the best kisses.

I can live upon hope.

You cannot doubt the love of one
who has waited so long and patiently.

I will be constant

and never feel a wish for any other.

You will come to Shibden.

I will have to save and save
and bring you there as my companion.

We will sleep in the blue room
and I will drape silk from the ceiling.

It'll be like some exotic tent in Arabia.

I do love you...

What is it?

Well, we'll need servants to fan us.

It gets hot in a tent.

I'll fan you, day and night.

♪ Wilt thou think of me, love

♪ When thou art far away?

♪ Oh, I'll think of thee, love

♪ Never, never stray

Miss Lister, forgive me, please.

But, everybody, we have some happy news.

The lovely Mariana Belcombe
is to be married to Charles Lawton.

Anne?

Congratulations!
Thank you!

- I wanted to tell you.
- Marry me.

- Nothing need change.
- Marry me!

- You're hurting me.
- Marry me and live in shame.

Remember yourself.

Come, dear.

We need to have a toast.

Everybody, to the future mistress
of Lawton Hall.

The mistress of Lawton Hall!

I'm so happy for you, my dear.

So, brother, do you think
there'll be a good dinner?

We'll come straight back if not.

I have made up my mind
always to wear black,

to free myself from the tyranny of fashion.

But today?

Yes, Aunt, today.

I charge you both, as ye will answer
at the dreadful Day of Judgment,

when the secrets of all hearts will be disclosed,

if either of you know any impediment
why you may not be joined together,

ye must now confess it.

Wilt thou have this woman
to be thy wedded wife?

I will.

Wilt thou have this man
to be thy wedded husband?

I will.

Thank you for coming.

- Lovely to see you.
- Congratulations.

Anne.

Mrs Lawton.

- How remarkable you look.
- Well...

it's preferable to being commonplace.

We'll still see each other.

I'll write.

Why?

- Are you coming, Anne?
- I'll walk.

Walk?

We're worried about you, Anne.

You've not had a proper meal in weeks.

Should I send for the leech woman?

- No.
- Are you sure?

I'm quite well.

Well, you don't look it.

Nothing of you, you're wasting away.

I know what it's like
when you lose your friends to marriage.

Be your turn soon,

if you make an effort.

I must no longer think of Mariana.

I shall devote myself to study

and to literature,

and become more eminent
than the mistress of Lawton Hall

and everyone hereabouts.

If I once give way to idleness,
I shall be wretched.

Bugger.

Nothing for you, Anne.

Good girl.

And how have you employed yourself
this morning, Anne?

Mostly with Demosthenes.
I feel considerably improved.

Oh, you're that proficient.

I'm a better Grecian now than I ever was.

Should you eat so much,
having been unwell?. It can't help.

Nonsense, sister. Best thing for her.

I've decided to publish,

and as I have yet to settle on a subject
I must read widely.

I wish for a name in the world.

A husband's name
might stand you in better stead.

One year,

still no word.

O that I had a fit companion
to beguile the tedious hours.

What if I should, by and by,
meet with another?

Such is our imperfect nature

that dissipation may prove
more efficacious than reflection.

♪ Rock of Ages cleft for me

♪ Let me hide myself in Thee

♪ Let the water and the blood

♪ From Thy wounded side which flowed

♪ Be of sin the double cure

♪ Save from wrath and make me pure ♪

How did you find the sermon, Aunt?

I fear I slept through most of it.

It was rather dullish.

Excuse me.

Miss Lister, isn't it?

- I believe you dropped this.
- Oh!

How kind.

It was my mother's.
I should be devastated if I lost it.

- Miss...?
- Browne.

Miss Browne. Delighted.

This is my mother.

Miss Lister, how humbled
and honoured we are to meet you.

It's a pleasure...to make the acquaintance
of the prettiest-dressed girl in church.

Miss Browne!

Thought I spied a suspicious bonnet. Ha!

Erm, are you all right?
You seem out of breath.

Must be the sight of you.
I feel a bit giddy at it!

You must take my arm and steady me.

Do I scare you?

You...have such a penetrating countenance.

Well, sometimes I'm more anxious
to be penetrating than at others.

Oh, forgive my demeanour. I have thought
of you often since our first meeting.

Thinking of me often
and not liking to look at me

- augurs well.
- For what?

Why, our great friendship, of course.

Tell me. Do you like the poetry of Byron?

Oh, yes. Perhaps too well.

Then already we have something in common.

Get your hot pies here!

I hope you will accept this
as a token of affection from a friend.

Byron's Don Juan.
Oh, Miss Lister, thank you!

- I've written in it.
- Get your hot pies!

''To fair Callista.''
What does it mean?

It derives from the Greek
for ''most beautiful''.

Oh, you have a romantic nature.
I admire that.

I find a slight tincture of romance
in a character

makes one more agreeable, don't you think?

Oh, yes, most definitely.

Though with your manners and kind attentions,

I can't help wishing you were a gent.

Wish away.

Isn't that Miss Lister?

We rarely see you these days, Miss Lister.

I am devoting myself to my studies.

Greek and Latin, mostly.

To what purpose?

Well, my only pleasure
is employing myself profitably.

Only pleasure?

It seems you make an exception
for Miss Browne.

Ah, well, I walk with her occasionally.

She's interesting,

and gentle with her manners.

I understand her father's in trade.

How did you come to know such a girl?.

We scraped an acquaintance at church.

Can you name your sentiment
for her, Miss Lister?

Perfect esteem.

You're an odd one, Anne.
I always tell people you're natural,

the most natural person I know.

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.

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.

''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.

What say you to a carriage drive to...
to sweep our guests in?

At the moment one happens
upon Shibden abruptly with...

no time to luxuriate in anticipation.

It's a house, Anne,
not one of your romantic novels.

It's our ancestral home, Uncle.

We should be... We should be cultivating it
and showing it off to our friends

with...with, well, woodland walks
and waterfalls.

Please, Anne, sit down.

There's something we, erm...

we wish to discuss with you.

What is it?

Er, we've...we've been talking
while you were in Manchester.

Well, your...

your aunt's worried
we haven't done enough to...

encourage suitors your way.

And, as neither of us married,

we're not wise as to what we should do.

You've seemed so lonely of late.

- Perhaps the time is right.
- It's not necessary.

I'm going to be so busy
with all this work on the estate.

Shibden can look after itself, Anne.

Walk in the grounds and you'll see it cannot.

Perhaps if you had a suitor
you wouldn't bother me with these...

woodland walks.

And perhaps if I had a woodland walk

I'd have somewhere to take a suitor.

What is that?

Your so-called progress.

And I'll have none of it.

I shall not be vexed.

I shall, by and by,
have my way with the estate.

But now I know Mariana's heart is mine.

Secluded as I am,

I have the means to happiness.

Oh, damn.

My hand's as cursed as...

I have in mind to create
an index of similes, Uncle.

- Hmm?
- Good ones are often astray

when one needs them.

Er, your turn.

As strong as Hercules.

As licentious as Tiberius.

You do not think it would be useful,
Mr Rawson?

For ladies with nothing better to do, perhaps.

I have plenty to do.

I merely strive for a little self-improvement.

There are more useful improvements
one can make, miss.

Oh, do tell.

Judging by the explosions
we hear coming from your estate

you're engaged in great struggles.

Are you sinking another mine, Mr Rawson?

As many as I can cram in.
The land is choking with coal.

Miss Walker's father, God rest his soul,
sunk a small mine on his estate.

And who manages it now, Miss Walker?

Her brother.

Is it worth your while, Mr Rawson?

It's like digging up money.

The Walkers and I shall be rich.

As rich as Midas.

My mind always turns to you

and the prospect of a safe mooring.

You will not,

you cannot forget

I am your constant,

faithful,

affectionate...

Mr Rawson downstairs for you, miss.

- Christopher Rawson's come to call.
- So I understand.

Has Uncle seen sense about coal mining?

You'd better go and see.

Mr Rawson.

How funny you should come.

I set myself a course of reading on geology
just this morning.

Then I shall leave you two to...

discuss it.

Miss Lister. I hope you're well today.

I am. Thank you.

You look very...healthy.

Sit down, Mr Rawson.

Let's talk coal.

It was your uncle put me in mind to come.

He made me see how beneficial it might be.

Your assets are rich and unexploited.

Glad he's realised it at last.

Our estates join each other.

If they were to become one,
we could be influential around these parts.

I'd leave you all the time you wanted
for your books and similes and such,

your uncle says you've a passion for landscape
gardening which I'm happy to indulge.

- In short, Miss Lister...
- No.

- ..I've come to ask...
- Please don't.

I've come to ask you to marry me

and join our two noble estates into one.

Mr... Mr Rawson, I, erm...

I thank you for your interest,
but I couldn't possibly say yes.

There is a...certain sentiment
that I don't feel for you.

Love, I suppose.

I couldn't possibly marry without it.

Oh, you sound like a foolish girl.

I'm giving you a chance to grow up

and have a place in society.

And I'm gratefully declining.

You know, I came against my better judgment.

Polite society cannot conceive
of certain practices, Miss Lister,

but I move in other circles

where people point at you,
they call you Gentleman Jack,

they say you like the ladies...

perhaps too much.

They say even worse
in the alehouses after a few.

Well, then you should count yourself lucky
you were spared such a wife.

Presume it's all true, then?

Presume what you wish. Good day.

I myself think there is more to you
than most women.

I don't want a husband.

I appreciate your efforts
in finding me a suitor, I really do,

but you really don't have to bother.

But, child, don't you want a husband
and little ones and...and life about the house?

I want my independence.

I want to keep my name and...

and I want to be a proud Lister
until the day I die.

Like you both.

You are the model of how I wish to live.

Well...as you wish.

I shan't be lonely, Aunt.

I hope to settle with a female companion.

But who?

Someone who suits me.

There will be no fortune hunters,

and the estate will be well cared for.

I trust you,

woodland walks or no woodland walks.

Thank you, Uncle.

Well, I... I suppose a lady will know
what pleases you better than a man.

- Ah, Tib.
- Hello.

All this trouble for me?

Happy birthday, Anne.

This is gift enough having you both here.

Well, open it.

Thank you, Tib.

Oh. I already have it.

Oh, but this one's beautifully bound.

I shall give it to my aunt.

Here's something from me.

I hate to see you all in black.

It's beautiful.

Come to the glass.

Let me put it on.

I'm down the hall, am I?

Mmm.

I'm so glad to have you with me.

Thank your father, Miss Norcliffe.
That's a fine brace of pheasant he sent over.

- We shot them ourselves.
- Oh.

And how is your dear mother these days?

Good.

And your sister?

Yes.

Though!

Mother's looking for a housemaid,
if you know anyone.

It's so difficult to find good people.

Especially for Mother
on account of an experience.

A bad experience that she had when young.

Turned out the housemaid,

who dressed her and rubbed her all over
for two years,

was a man!

It was only on account
of a fistfight with a footman...

that he was discovered!

Is this suitable for the dinner table, Tib?

Oh, sorry, Anne, I forgot
what an innocent you are.

But between you and me,
I think she knew.

I think she enjoyed a good grubbling
with her housemaid

and didn't want to own!

- Don't you think you've had enough?
- What? It's only my second.

To Anne's health and happiness on her birthday.

May this be the year you find
the companion you truly deserve.

- Right!
- Oh, my Lord!

Upstairs!

- Do I get a good night kiss?
- Aunt, Uncle, I can only apologise.

Night night, Auntie.

Night night... Uncle!

Unlike Miss Norcliffe
to let herself down like that.

I can only assume she's unwell.

Have you been connected with Tib recently?

Not since Manchester.

So you have.

Well, I was on my own.
What else was I supposed to do?

- You didn't have much faith in me.
- Now I know how you feel.

But she draws attention to herself.

Drinking hard and sitting
with all the freedom of a man.

Your aunt and uncle will smoke us all
if she's not careful.

No, they've not the nous.

I don't know why she's behaving like this.

She's jealous. She wants to supplant me
and live with you for herself.

- I haven't told her of our engagement.
- It doesn't matter.

She's making plans of her own
and you've encouraged her.

For us to have any hope of living together,
you must be faithful.

And look on me as your wife.

There's only you.

I don't feel like a kiss tonight.

Don't worry,
I'll catch the afternoon flyer.

Why do you drink so much?

I heard the servants talking. They said
you'd had six or seven glasses before lunch.

I said I'd go.

Leave you with Mariana.
You're still silly over her, aren't you?

Promise me you won't drink so much again.

Promise me you won't
lose yourself to her again.

- I'm sure I don't know what you mean.
- She's not worthy of you.

I'd do anything for you.

Thank you for my book.

I'll see you again soon.

Two kisses. One after the other.

Mariana spoke in the very act.

Can you ever love anyone else?

Have you always kept your journal?.

No.

Not properly.

Not at school. Just too busy.

Flirting with all the girls.

Why am I not surprised?

I was always getting into scrapes with them.

Had I known,
I would never have been introduced.

You knew.
That's why you were introduced.

Will you let me do your hair?

I shall make you pretty as a picture.

- Your hair is looking very fine tonight, Anne.
- Thank you, Aunt.

Why, Uncle James, you've an innocent
countenance but you're a devil at cards!

- It's good to have you here, Mrs Lawton.
- The pleasure's all mine.

- Dear old Shibden. It never changes.
- Mm.

- And how do you like Lawton Hall?.
- A great deal.

It's a grand house. Not as cosy as Shibden,
but very pleasing to the eye.

And can it expect
a son and heir any time soon?

Why...
I don't know.

These things rest with God.

I would like to have a child.

My future's uncertain without one.

But I'm going to look after you.

What will convince you?

My Freddie!

Come to church with me tomorrow.

We can take the sacrament together.

Bind our engagement.

Hm?

I can show you off.

I'll have to catch the morning coach,
remember?

Charles has a hunting party.

- Wants me to make an appearance.
- But I'm sure we had another day.

- It's as hard for me as it is for you.
- Just leave him!

Leave him now. It's...

This could be our life.

It will happen soon enough.
Charles is ailing every day.

I can't bear it.

We are to read a chapter of the
New Testament at the same time every day

until we can be together again.

But, oh, Mariana...

my wife and all I love...

how the waiting gnaws at me.

We were saddened
to hear of your nephew, Mrs Priestley.

Our hearts go out to you all.

Tragic business.

His sister seems besides herself.

It's no surprise.

She's lost a brother
and gained an immense responsibility.

He died intestate.
Everything goes to Miss Walker.

With all the land and properties,

she's now one of the wealthiest
young heiresses in Yorkshire, if not England.

I cannot rest until she's safely married.

I've called the gig round.
It's only us - Uncle's unwell.

So he says.

How do I look?

Like you.

Good.

I'd rather be at a rat hunt at home
than trussed up here at Mrs Priestley's.

- Then why have you come out?
- To make amends with you, of course.

Oh, Tib! We are old friends.

It is all forgotten.

Oh, then one drink will do no harm.

You need not fear.
I am the model of sobriety these days.

I've taken entirely to coursing.

I dream only of horses
and hares and greyhounds...

and you.

Oh, you do flatter me.

Mariana.

Anne.

Tib.

Miss Lister, how splendid to see you again.

Mr Lawton.

I'm indebted to you for taking
such care of Mariana on her recent visit.

Her home is my home.

You, sir, look remarkably well.

Oh, well, thank you.

- That's what having a young wife does for him.
- Indeed.

She keeps the life about me.

Don't you...twinkle?

Enjoy your evening.

How can she bear such a brute?

All for a carriage and a jointure!

Don't be so indelicate, Tib.

I too lost a brother.

So I understand.

I still grieve for him...
but what is the point in giving way?

All the ladies look magnificent.

It is uncommon, Miss Walker...

but the hopes of both our families
rest with us.

Ann, dear, our very own war hero,
Captain Ainsworth wishes to be introduced.

He was decorated at Waterloo.

Captain Ainsworth,
may I present to you Miss Ann Walker.

Hm, Miss Lister,
how goes your masterwork on similes?

Ah, too well to be discussed
with one as boorish as a satyr.

These learned ladies.
No time for us men.

You've got to know your place, sir.

- You mustn't stare so.
- I can't help it.

And the ring?
How can you be so barefaced?

- Would you prefer it if I wasn't here at all?.
- Of course not.

You have to be careful when I'm with Charles.

How long for?

You led me to believe he was decrepit.

- Looks are deceiving.
- But how long?

Now is not the time to speculate.

Can we not do without this whole motley set?

Do you know Rawson
once called me Jack to my face?

Why? What does he know?

Nothing.

Some food, my love.

Am I?

Your love?

How does she love you?

Why, we all love Mariana.

I just wish we saw more of you, dear.

Come and remember me
to your charming sisters.

Forgive me.
The fault is all mine.

Stop it!

- The evening has roused me.
- Stop it, I said! I've promised Mariana.

Promised Mariana?

And what has she promised you...

while she wears herself out
in the service of her husband every night?

I have never disguised the fact
that my heart is hers.

But what has she promised?

To live with you?
That'll never happen.

When Charles dies,
she will be my companion here at Shibden.

That could be 20 years yet.
Has she not galled you enough?

I will not have another word
said against Mariana.

- You're jealous!
- And you're misguided!

Anne...

I know I can be...

Well, you know what I am.

But I love you more than anything.

And I would be your companion now.

All I want...

All I ever, ever wanted is to be with you.

But I do not love you.

Not in the same way.

- So you are still connected with her.
- No, no.

- That would be adultery.
- Liar!

You question my veracity,
we can no longer be friends.

But what kind of friend have you become?

The Anne I used to know
was quite above telling an untruth.

You presume too much.

Must be the drink.

Then I shall bother you no more.

Charles suspects.

He watches me all the time.

I dare not risk him finding your letters,

he would quiz me about the code.

Yet I cannot bring myself to destroy them.

Keep them safe, for both our sakes.

And do not write again until I tell you.

My fancy and my thoughts are sick.

Can I trust her?

Do I waste my life in vain expectation?

Miss, come quick!

Oh!

My darling Mariana,

I write to you as mistress of Shibden.

True to his word,
my uncle has entailed all to me,

and though saddened by his passing,
I cannot help but think of our future.

After all these years, I am now furnished
with the means to take care of you.

I spend each day working
to make Shibden a home for us.

I can no longer wait
for the death of Charles to release you.

You are my wife, in honour and in love.

Come now,
and we shall plan a way to be together.

Openly and at once.

I am in mourning for your uncle.

As a tribute to you, Fred,

I will be passing through Halifax next month
en route to York.

Meet me at the coaching inn

and we will decide what is to be done.

When is the coach to York due?

Same time it were last time you asked.

Do you have any biscuits?

Gee up there! Ha!

- Stop! Stop!
- Whoa! Whoa there!

I've come to join your precious load.

Mariana, I walked...
I walked all the way from Shibden to meet you.

Get in.

Ha! Go on now!

What were you thinking?

A fine story you've given the coachman,
and everyone he carries for the next week.

Miss Lister marching across the moors
like a madwoman.

No, please, I'm sorry.
Just come home with me, Mariana.

Come home to Shibden with me.

- You know I can't.
- Why can't you?

Just come.

- Leave Charles, you don't need him any more.
- What would I tell him?

- It doesn't matter!
- People would say things.

You must understand that I would rather die
than our connection be known.

Ashamed.

You're ashamed of me.

Why must you...
draw attention to yourself so?

How can you be my wife
if you're ashamed to be seen with me?

Do we have to keep playing this game?
Women can't marry!

We could have a good life, see each other often,
if only you wouldn't insist on us living together.

- That's no life!
- You live in a girlish dream!

Yes, we might live as companions,
but the way you are with me...

Think! People would smoke us in days.

We'd be ruined, ridiculed, cut by all society!

Then why have you said
you would live with me for so long?

- Because I love you!
- A coward love!

The world is the way it is
and we cannot change it!

Then I see you are not
the woman of all hours for me.

I crave a stronger character.

Only in bed are you excellent!

You cannot live without me.

Oh, but I do.

And I cannot bear it any longer.

I want to share my life with someone.

I want that.

Or nothing at all.

I can't.

We need a trip. A long one.

I've always enjoyed the lakes.

I was thinking Paris.

For a year.

- Maybe two.
- Two years?

Well, Halifax is so vulgar and stifling.
There's no suitable society.

Well, what about Shibden,
and all the improvements you've set in motion?

Poor old Shibden.
Will work make a difference?

Perhaps we should just pull it down
and start again.

You're right. You do need a trip.

Mr Rawson downstairs for you, miss.

Miss Lister, I've come on business.

Stay there, Aunt.

You going abroad?

What do you want, Mr Rawson?

Ten acres of land up near Connery,
neighbouring my pit.

I'd like to lease it from you and mine it.

More coal for me,
bit of useful cash for you on your journey.

What price do you propose?

A hundred an acre.

- 120.
- Do you think I'm a soft touch

because I'm a female?

You, Miss Lister? Hardly.

140.

Save your breath, Mr Rawson.
I won't be leasing it to you.

Well, are you just going to let it sit there
and grow daisies

while you run up debts on the continent?

I know we've had our differences,
but this is business.

Ooh, you sound earnest.

Must be a lot of coal down there.

There is.

- Well, perhaps I'll mine it myself.
- With what? A knife and a fork?

Do you know how much it costs
to sink a mine?

No. I will find out.

When you do, you come and find me.

We both know the Listers
are rich in name only.

But the offer will stand.

At a hundred an acre.

Forgive me, Aunt.
We have some unpacking to do.

It's as if I've woken from a feverish dream.

I can live and work and still be happy.

I have been an Icarus but shall fall less fatally.

From this moment I will,
without remorse, suit my convenience.

Miss?

This is a large house for one person.

Some days more than others.

Shall we?

You have fine taste.

It's all my father's.
I've done no more than choose a spot to sit.

You have chosen well.
The light here agrees with your complexion.

Would you like some cake?

Thank you.

I have come to enquire
about the coal mine on your land.

I don't know much about it.
My father's old steward manages it.

I have a mind to seek my own,
so wish to educate myself.

Mr Rawson wants to lease my land,

but only, I suspect, because he's
helping himself to its coal from his side.

He came to visit me as well,
to ask to buy our mine outright.

- You refused?
- On my steward's advice.

- He claimed the price he offered was an insult.
- I should talk to your steward.

By all means.

- I shall send him to you.
- That's very kind, Miss Walker.

It's difficult to know who to trust.

Alas, I fear it might be some time before
I can amass the necessary capital to compete.

Unless, of course...
I can find someone to invest.

Tell me, Miss Walker...

do you like Byron?

Some books on engineering
from my father's library

which may be of some practical help.

Some books from my own library,
with thanks.

Perfectly impractical.

This is the figure I reached with your steward.

I shall call it the Walker Pit.

As a compliment to you.

Mm, our first pit was sunk
to the bottom last week.

110 yards deep and is said to be
one of the handsomest pits in the county.

Very good.

If a coal pit can be said to be handsome.

And sometime next spring
we hope to begin a second.

And how will you be financing that?

Why, with return from the first.

I'm grateful to you for providing my niece
with some occupation.

I worry for her,
in that big house on her own.

We have much in common.

Fortune hunters must be a great concern,
Mrs Priestley.

Indeed.

Did I mention I saw the Lawtons
at the races in York?

Mariana told me she feels
so much happier these days,

now she's made new friends
and cultivated some society.

I'm so pleased she's settled.

Can you ever love anyone else?

My usual reading is the penny magazine.

So much is changing
in farming and business

that if we remain ignorant,
there will be those that will take advantage.

Miss Lister, Miss Walker, won't you step inside,
let me buy you a beer?

Not until you stop sending men
to intimidate our pit workers.

That's a cheap price you're selling coal at.

We set a price that is fair to our customers.

I'll always go a penny cheaper.

We sell door to door,
you sell on the canals.

I don't see we're any competition.

I've got to be suspicious of any man
who won't take a drink with us, eh, Bill?.

Indeed.

You are doing everything possible
to make me want to compete.

Make way, Bill. Let the gentleman pass.

Where's your cups, Anne?

- If you do I'll drop you.
- I'd like to see you try.

I think you should come and stay with me
at Shibden while this business rages.

I think it'll be safer for us both.

I've put you in the red room, Miss Walker.
I hope you'll feel at home.

- Is that necessary?
- What, Aunt?

- Won't she share with you?
- I'm sure Miss Walker would like her privacy.

I hardly see you.

How are you today?

Good news from my steward.

We've secured the contract
to supply coal to the canal landings.

- What? No!
- They'll take all our coal.

No more hauling door to door.

Oh! This is wonderful news.

We shall have wine with our lunch.

I shall go down to the Walker Pit tomorrow,
tip all the workers,

see if we can't
up their productivity even more.

We're lucky. They're good men.

- Here's an odd thing.
- What's that, Aunt?

''Marriage announcements.

''Captain Tom Lister of Shibden Hall

''to Miss Ann Walker, lately of Lidgate.

''We beg to congratulate the couple
on their happy connection.''

Let me see that!

Well, it's a...
It's a good joke.

No doubt Mr Rawson up to some trick.

Well, if he thinks something so trivial
can upset us, he's very much mistaken.

And who's Tom?

Like this.

Still and strong.

Oh! It's so heavy.

What's that?
I do believe my aunt could hold it better.

Breathe in and, when you're ready,
breathe out and slowly squeeze the trigger.

- Miss Walker?
- What is it?

Miss Walker!
Your auntie's here to see you.

- Aunt.
- Mrs Priestley.

I come out of concern, child.

Such shocking rumours are circulating.

- Things in the paper...
- You saw the joke announcement, no doubt.

Why are you here?

- She is my guest.
- What made you come?

Without any consultation?
You can stay with me if you need a change.

- I am made most welcome.
- You must leave at once.

- But our business, we...
- You shouldn't be involved in business.

You have a steward for that.

People are insinuating things.

Things which may prevent you
securing a husband.

I...

I don't...

I do not want...a husband.

What?

I do not want a husband.

You!

I dare not even say by what unnatural means
you have brought her here.

Mrs Priestley, you yourself always tell people
I'm the most natural person you know.

Ann.

Ann, look at me!

Return to your family.

Before its good name is ruined forever.

I wish to stay here...

with you.

Ann, this is important.

Your aunt is right.

Are you sure you understand
what is being insinuated?

I think so.

That you and I...do this...

And this...

Are you sure you understand?

Mr Rawson is here to see you, miss.

Tell him I'll be there.

Miss Lister.

I have a proposition
that may be of interest to you.

You know how it can be in business.
One needs to raise a bit of capital sometimes.

Oh, hell.

Do you want to buy the pit
that neighbours yours?

Cut those prices a bit too low, did you?

No, Mr Rawson,
I do not want to buy your pit.

Nor see you in this house or on my land
ever again.

Well, you've more nous than me.
I'll grant you that.

The way you've pocketed
Miss Walker's fortune...

I'm actually impressed.

- We're running out of fresh soil.
- There's some more in the stables.

- I'll get the groom to bring some round.
- I'll go.

That was quick.

My Freddie.

Mariana.

I thought the announcements in the paper
were a joke.

Now I see they're true.

I found someone.

Shy Miss Walker.

Is she all that you hope for?

We suit each other.

And I like her very much.

Like?

I do believe I could leave Charles now
and he would barely notice.

He has...acquired other female interests.

Might there still be
a place for me in your heart?

- You made your choice.
- Well, can't I unmake it?

I was foolish...

about...trivial things.

You can't love her the way we loved,
it's not possible.

Freddie.

My Freddie.

It's Anne.

You must be tired after your journey.
Let me get you some refreshment.

I should...
I should continue.

My family are expecting me.

- I'll walk you to your carriage.
- No, no.

Was that Mrs Lawton?

Yes, passing through.

Shame she couldn't stay.

Yes.

Let me help you with those.

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