MARIANA LAWTON
“Seriously, you asked her to marry you? To - (she whispers, even though there’s no real need to) To exchange rings? And alter wills? And move in?”
ANNE LISTER
“Yes. Well. I hadn’t raised the matter of wills yet, but - (MARIANA goes quiet and thoughtful) What’s the matter?”
MARIANA LAWTON
“All the things we talked about doing?”
[14 September 1823]
The noises & the pattering of rain soon ushered in a tremendous thunderstorm. Very vivid, fast-succeeding flashes of lightning enlightened the whole room. After some time came 1 or 2 tremendous peals of thunder & the heaviest rain I almost ever heard. In the midst of all this, we drew close together, made love & had one of the most delightfully long, tender kisses we have ever had. Said she, in the midst of it, ‘Oh, don’t leave me yet.’ This renewed & redoubled my feelings & we slept in each other’s arms.