Chapter Text
It had been a few months since her friend Anne Lister or Fred as she called her had taken the sacrament in church with Miss Walker. Mariana had been surprised when she had received Fred's letter informing her of the news as she thought it was all off between the two women. She knew how much her friend loved the other woman as she had cried in front of her when they were alone in bed together. Watching Anne silently weep over another woman had made Mariana feel uncomfortable, usually Fred was so strong,arrogant and closed off with her emotions. She didn't know what to do or say to give comfort to her so remained silent and pretended she hadn't noticed the other woman's distress.
She had agreed to an invitation to stay at Shibden Hall for a few days whilst on route to York to visit her family. In the carriage Mariana thought about the 20 years she and Anne had been friends and lovers. After they had been together a few years it had been a natural step for them to swap rings and both considered themselves married, Mariana Lister had a great sound to it. Of course things were never the same between them when she married Charles and she went to live at Lawton Hall. Anne had never understood her need to marry for money and for the finer things in life but then she had the luxury of having those beliefs.
Anne had inherited Shibden Hall and its wealth making sure she didn't have to worry about money again. They had frequently argued over money and it always frustrated her that Anne couldn't see her point of view. Anne had repeatedly asked her to move into Shibden as her companion and offered to financially support them both.
As much as she loved Anne she just couldn't do it. Whilst it was true Charles had more money than her wife it was more about how she would be viewed by society that prevented her from taking that final step. Anne had told her time and time again to have courage and strength but Mariana knew she didn't have it in her. Most of the time she had found it hard enough being seen with Anne in public with all the looks and whispers that followed them. Anne Lister was tall and masculine in appearance, the fact that she always wore a mans jacket and top hat did nothing to stop the gossiping about her.
Why couldn't she dress more feminine like she had in London last year, she had taken Marianas breath away in that sexy black dress. In fact she had suggested Anne stay home and fuck her until she was screaming out for mercy whilst wearing that dress. Anne had gone to the party alone but then on her return had indeed fucked her whilst still wearing the dress. Mariana loved running her hand up Anne's thigh in the silky black material and looking down at the other woman's breast with the low cut neckline, it was so sexy. The next day Anne was back in her usual masculine garb much to Marianas dismay. She knew if they ever lived together she would be cast out and painted with the same brush as Anne, no it would never do.
In the letter Fred had made it clear that she was happily married to Miss Walker and just wanted to be friends with her. It would be strange and difficult to not touch her and be in the same house but not the same bed as her Fred but she would try and control herself. She was intrigued to meet Miss Walker, she must be very special indeed to marry Fred and live with her at Shibden with the rest of the Lister family.
Shibden Hall came into view and Mariana smiled, she loved visiting shabby little Shibden. It was full of life unlike the quiet tomb of Lawton Hall. She loved the atmosphere of the house what with the noisy servants always laughing and gossiping in the kitchen and the two Lister sisters who never stopped bickering amongst themselves. Anne always got so frustrated at her sister and her constant eye rolling accompanied by the snarky comments, then she would take Mariana upstairs and fuck out her frustrations with her. That was in the past now and she briefly wondered if that still happened with Anne and Miss Walker.
As the carriage pulled up Anne came out of the door followed by a beautiful young woman wearing the most exquisite sky blue dress. Chivalrous as ever Fred opened the door and extended her hand to help Mariana descend from the carriage. Rather than wearing her customary black the mistress of Shibden was wearing a long navy blue jacket with a matching blue skirt. Mariana had always hated the cravats that Anne wore as she found them too masculine, they had many arguments over the way she dressed. Though she had to admit the purple one Anne currently wore complimented perfectly with the rest of her outfit.
" Mary welcome it's lovely to see you again, may I introduce you to my companion Miss Walker." Mariana looked at the younger woman in front of her, she was pale skinned and had hair that looked like it had been spun from gold. She was beautiful and had a smile that lit up her whole face, Fred was very lucky to be married to such a stunning woman.
" Its so nice to finally meet you Miss Walker, thank you for inviting me to your home." The young woman's smile grew wider and insisted it was their pleasure, she looked at Anne as she said this. Both women were smiling at each other seemingly lost in their own little world. Mariana watched them both as they leaned into each other and Anne slipped her arm around Ann. They were stood in front of their servants and clearly not afraid to hide their affection in front of the hired help.
Sitting around the table with the rest of the Lister family was a strange affair. She was seated opposite Anne and Miss Walker, they constantly smiled or touched each other's arm or hand. Anyone in their vicinity could see just how much the two women loved each other and Mariana smiled at just how her former partner was behaving. It was so cute to see them both together in their little love bubble.
Anne and Marian usually fought like cats and dogs. They always quarrelled over the smallest of matters. Mariana enjoyed watching the two sisters together as it reminded her of her own infuriating and annoying sister who she loved dearly. Today something very strange was enfolding and she smelled her wine to make sure it wasn't off. Perhaps she mused this was all a dream and she was asleep whilst still in her carriage on route to Shibden.
Anne and Marian were being civil to each other and even complimenting each other. Marian made a joke and Fred laughed and raised her glass at her sister. This was not what she had encountered before in her visits at Shibden and it felt a little queer. The whole family were laughing and smiling while chatting amicably.
Marian and Anne reached for the last piece of cake at the same time. They both began apologising and insisting the other woman have it. It soon became ridiculous with almost competitive apologising. Ann coughed and suggested the 2 women cut it in half, they both look sheepishly at her and agreed it was a good idea. Aunt Anne smiled appreciatively at Miss Walker and her two nieces.
Where was the drama, the tense atmosphere, the bickering from the Lister sisters? Marian noticed her confused look and asked if everything was ok. "Oh yes it's just I have never encountered you both being so civil to each other before." "Well Ann made us realise we were upsetting each other's equilibrium and resolved to help us. We had a mediation meeting and cleared the air between us, now we are in a much healthier place thanks to Ann." Aunt Anne lovingly smiled at her nieces and the lovely Ann. Mariana looked at Ann Walker, how had such a shy and unassuming woman done the impossible and tamed both Lister Sisters?