Just when I am finally accustomed to our cosy life at Shibden, she harks on about travelling to Paris. I agree – why should I not? It will be an adventure after all, but only six months into living together, into our ‘marriage’, and off she wants to go. I knew this would be how she is, I’d just hoped for a little longer to grow accustomed to this new life and for my family to realise that this is a long-term, lifelong decision. But I do not take as much persuasion now. I am hers and she will protect me. Our Lister family will be waiting for us when we return. I will follow her anywhere. Well, at least as far as Paris.

Miss Lister

Just a short trip, I promise. Testing the waters. I can tell she is secretly excited as I make plans. She seems healthier than she has ever been, and I feel an urgency to get her overseas before anyone else dies out of the blue and she is undone once more.

She makes a nervous but welcome companion. This trip is much better than my last venture alone. I finally have her with me, on a ship, on foreign shores. Farther than she has ever been before. I never let go of her hand. One step at a time. I reassure her we can return home any day and she allows herself to ease into our voyage and relaxes as we walk the Parisian streets I am so familiar with. I share my other world with her, and I hope she feels free here like I do, away from Yorkshire. Away from the business of managing estates and finances, where I can forget I have any responsibility, except for my delicate companion whom I fill with breads and cakes, art and fresh air.

Miss Walker