Not wanting to scare her from future travels, I keep to my word and return her safely home after just a few weeks. I have given her a taste of the possibilities for our future. But on our return journey, I realise that I too am looking forward to going home. I am not returning begrudgingly, but because we have had a good time and want to share it with our family. We want to complete all the plans we have talked of at Shibden, finish the extensions, see the new lake dug and filled next to our Moss House, create our own romantic walk through the estate.

Our future together looks promising and I feel like a newly married husband, returning after his honeymoon to take up residence as master of the house with his beautiful bride. For the first time in so many years, I am happier than I have ever been – even more on this journey home than when we left a few weeks before. Shibden pulls us back and welcomes us with open arms.

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Sixteen

Summer, 1835: A reminder of Halifax and all its simplemindedness

Miss Lister

Men are all bastards. Though I feel as though I should be a man in form and for feeling how I do for women, I cannot imagine I would be of such poor character as to be so vindictive towards others as men are. They feel threatened by those who challenge their ideals and political leanings, yet instead of rising to the challenge or seeking a solution, they reject forthwith any negotiation for sheer stubborn-headedness. Is it greed that drives them? Or the inferiority of the size of their cocks? If so, why should they fear mine?

I know that the men of Halifax fear me now that I am aligned with Ann. Even with Shibden Hall and estate at my command, I had never posed much of a threat to their way of life. Only now they see that Miss Walker and Miss Lister have aligned and between us we may have enough influence to sway the election. They do not like that I hosted Tory party meetings here at Shibden and donated to their funds. I am denied the privilege of a vote because of my sex and yet my tenants rely on me for their very income, so of course they should vote as I suggest! Why should I not encourage my tenants to support my politics? They do not like it when a woman influences men’s decision and men’s lives.

Despite my desires for a Tory candidate, I would now rather us be left alone. Men can be very nasty when they are threatened.

Miss Walker

I do not know how she stands it.

She looked at it. Then at me. Then led us off down the road as if it was nothing at all.