Yorkshire, 1834. A month on from their private marriage ceremony, Ann Walker remains in York under the care of her doctor while Anne Lister, with fresh financial confidence and entrepreneurial vigour, renovates Shibden Hall in preparation for her wife to move in.

Anne Lister and Ann Walker launch a charm offensive on Ann’s relatives, determined to show them that Miss Walker is flourishing at Shibden Hall. Anne is fascinated by the arrival of a railway in Yorkshire, and quizzes Halifax’s men of industry on what this revolution could mean for the town.

Anne Lister is drawn back into her complicated past with Mariana during a trip to Lawton Hall. Determined to draw a line under the tempestuous 20-year relationship, the women find themselves raking over past heartache. Back at Shibden with her in-laws, Ann Walker receives a visitor of her own, in a sneaky move by her meddling cousins.

Halifax is smashed to pieces by a mob hungry for political change. It’s a dangerous time to be a Tory – and a lesbian – but Anne Lister refuses to keep a low profile.

In the face of a campaign to destroy their relationship, serious cracks are appearing in Anne Lister and Ann Walker’s marriage.

Ann Walker’s determination to divide the family estate angers Captain Sutherland, who is increasingly disturbed by Anne Lister’s involvement with his sister-in-law.

Anne and Ann’s marriage is in serious danger when Captain Sutherland arrives from Scotland determined to destroy Anne Lister’s reputation.