The Secret Diaries of Miss Anne Lister Page #3

- 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.

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