Anne Lister renovates Shibden Hall in preparation for Anne Walker to move in, while the conservative Walker family fears the nature of their daughter's relationships.
Lister sparks her holiday with Anne when she tells her details about her past relationship with Mariana while keeping some information, while Anne Walker's family searches for a man to marry her to.
Lister tries to prove to Anne Walker's family that she lives happily and prosperously in her home. On the other hand, Lister is impressed with the opening of the new railway station and doubts the significance of this industrial revolution.
Anne Lister's trip to Lawton brings back her memories of Mariana, so she seeks to put an end to her nostalgia, and on the other hand, Mariana tries to get back in her life again.
Revolution threatens Halifax after the election, but Leicester refuses to give up and tries to advance the Tory cause.
Problems begin to arise between Lister and Walker after a satirical advertisement appears about Lister's personal life, along with a letter sent to Walker aimed at discrediting Lister.
Lister and Walker insist on dividing the latter's family's land to give her rights, which angers her family and puts many obstacles in front of them. Captain Sutherland, one of Walker's relatives, becomes increasingly suspicious that Lister is behind these demands.
Lister and Walker find that their marriage is in danger after a trip to London that showed tension between them. Walker becomes upset when Lister refuses to introduce her to her friends. On the other hand, Walker becomes worried when she realizes that her family has abandoned her and that she does not receive support from them.