Reverend Clare had imbued me thoroughly with a reverence for the ideas of John Locke, and Fanny was my ardent pupil. I read to her while she drew, and we talked of it, even on the pillow. Creatures of the same species, we agreed, had a natural equality, and no husband should have more power over his wife’s life than she had over his. I told her of my pledge never to marry, but now, all my resentment about my father’s cruelty, the favoring of Ned, had a basis in thought. It was unjust. It was my right, my human right, to shape my own future, just as it was for her and everyone else. It was an obligation to overthrow tyranny wherever it was found. That was our pledge to each other. Together Fanny and I would be free from the despotism of men, whether at home or in the world.

There was only one man who stood between us. His name was Hugh Skeys. He was portly and self-satisfied, and had courted her patiently for a year, though she was lukewarm at best. On the eve of his departure to Lisbon, where he would solidify his business, he handed her his own portrait, with a vague promise to return in one year to marry her once he’d secured his financial future.

“It’s a terrible likeness of him,” I said. “And what sort of man has his own portrait painted who does not love himself mightily?”

Fanny only laughed at me.

“Clearly he’s left because he doesn’t love you,” I said. “Not like I love you.”

“You do not like Hugh Skeys, that’s fine. But my feelings for him have no bearing on mine for you.”

“I think him beneath you.”

“I think him the only way my family will survive, Mary. It falls to me. I cannot keep them on what pittance I make from my drawings. Love does not enter into it. And I may come to care for him.”

“Love cannot be forced.”

“But it may be earned.”

“And haven’t we, you and I, earned it of each other?”

“Yes, my darling Mary. But love won’t feed us, or our families.” She pulled my hand to her lips and kissed my knuckles. The translucent slice of carnelian on Fanny’s ring—her singular ornament—burned fiery orange, as if from within. She often threatened to give it to me, as the ancient Egyptians believed it cured bad tempers, hatred, jealousy, and anger, all of which I felt in that moment.