I now see her aunt as another young Anne; the Lister women full of energy and intellect and a desire to travel, excepting Marian perhaps who seems denied these traits. Perhaps Anne stole her share? Her uncle never involved her aunt in the estate, though I’m sure she would have been perfectly capable. He did allow Anne involvement though, and her aunt tells me that was her doing in order to keep young Anne occupied. She needed a vocation and as most of them were barred to her because of her sex, why not allow her to be a landowner, the one thing not denied to her? By the time her uncle died, Anne knew what she was doing and could take over seamlessly. It sounds as if she has proven herself more capable than most of the male Listers before her, but I will not tell her that. It will go to her head.

Marian and I continue to grow closer and share more. She has become my substitute sister and I tell her about Elizabeth and her situation. I realise it sounds as if I am warning Marian away from marriage; I had quite forgotten her own courting! I assure her I only want to share as it’s a burden on me, selfish really. I say that I’m sure her chap will be of a good sort, but the way Marian looks at me suggests she is not sure herself.

Marian’s suitor comes over for supper with us and their father interviews him as he would a potential new Army recruit. The suitor stands his ground well at first, surrounded by our eclectic mix of four women and an ex-Captain, but begins to falter when asked what money he has and his political leanings. Unfortunately, he shows some sympathy for the Whigs and all of the present company other than myself sigh in unison and the room falls silent. Poor fellow. So close, but he should have done his homework. I thought everyone knew the Lister’s Tory politics. Obviously, Marian had failed to prepare him with answers beforehand, or did she know that this may be his undoing and allow him to walk straight into the trap? I cannot tell. Marian’s face never gives much away. Other than Aunt Anne, the Listers have a knack of hiding their thoughts well with new people – a skill I should probably try to learn more of – and so I am left unsure of what they could possibly be thinking. Nevertheless, Marian does not mention him again and I have already forgotten his name.

Miss Lister