The Secret Diaries of Miss Anne Lister Page #5

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.

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