Chapter Text
Ann stared hard at the golden band around her finger, moving her thumb she rubs gently against the cool metal loosening it slightly from her knuckle. All thoughts flashed to the white wedding dress that she wore as she strode down the aisle. Faces of her cousins, aunts, uncles, family friends smiling past her; they looked happy, perhaps a little relieved even, as she glides down the long narrow aisle of the 200-year-old church. A handsome suit stood near the altar with a few best men beside. She could see them mouth something before he finally turned.
Thomas Ainsworth gave a bright smile as he extended his arm. She remembers taking it as she inched nearer to the altar, to the Archbishop. Everything after was a blur; the vows, the kisses, the exchanging of rings. She wasn’t sure if it was the anxiety, or the nervousness, or the thought of her entire body and soul belonging to someone else. She was certain, however, that a part of her had died and withered away the moment she said, ‘I do’.
“Ann?” A rough voice shook her out of her thoughts. She hurriedly pushed her ring back into place as she stood up. Thomas beamed at her as he set the groceries on the kitchen table.
“These are for you,” Ainsworth said, almost shyly, as he took out a small bouquet of roses, “I know how much you love flowers. And when I went past the shop, I knew I had to get them.”
Ann felt the corner of her lips turn up robotically as she accepted the bouquet. “They are wonderful, thank you.”
Ainsworth inched nearer to his wife, his hand reaching for her sleeve as he carefully pulled back the loose clothing. Ann stiffened as he revealed the large purple blue discolouration. “I really am sorry…” He dipped his head, bringing the bruised forearm to his lips, “I didn’t know my own strength, I never wanted to hurt you. You do know that, don’t you?” Eyes staring hard into her soul as he begged the question
“I-I know…” Ann mumbled; her bruised wrist was still in his grasp. Ainsworth immediately surged forward, kissing her as he wrapped his arms around her waist.
“I love you so much,” he murmured into her hair as he held on to her.
Ann rests her hands stiffly against her husband’s back; we could work this out, she thought, as she felt his warm body pressed against hers, I could try harder, she closed her eyes and sighed into the embrace.
Anne Lister squeezed the dark leather of her steering wheel; she was so fucking late she’s positive Marian is going to murder her. True to her word, her phone vibrated, the name ‘Marian Lister’ splashed across the home screen of her phone.
“What a genius,” she deadpans, “as if I could even answer the phone when I’m behind the wheel. Does she not realise I’m trying my best to get home soon,” She muttered under her breath. As soon as the lights changed colour, she pushed down hard on the accelerator and sped off.
“She’s not here yet?” Aunt Anne asked as she limped slightly, hand resting on a walking cane.
“Ugh… I’m going to murder her,” Marian huffed as she smoothed her dress, “the one thing you need her to be early for and she’s not even here yet. It’s his birthday for Christ’s sake! The least she could do is be on time!”
“Yes, yes Marian. I could hear your shrill all way from the porch,” Anne jogged up the stairs as she greeted her younger sister.
“Always a delight to see you, dear sister,” Anne greeted as she kissed her sister’s cheek. Marian rolled her eyes as she turned away, heading to the kitchens to offer more instructions.
“Dearest Aunt,” Anne smiled as she hugged the older woman, “I do apologize; I was held up.” She kissed the back of her hand as a sign of affection.
“Don’t worry about Marian, you’re just in time. Go see your father before the guests arrive.”
Anne nodded, pressing a kiss onto her Aunt’s cheek before racing up the flight of stairs to their private rooms.
“Father,” she greeted, surging forward hug the older man, “I apologize for my tardiness. Got held up in the city.”
Jeremy Lister gave an understanding nod as he pat the empty seat beside him, gesturing for his daughter to sit down.
“Are you feeling alright?” Anne asked as she adjusted her father’s black bowtie, “I can send them away if it’s too much.”
“No, don’t be silly,” he replied, “It’s rare that I get so many people fawning over me at a ripe old age of 80. I’d rather enjoy the most of it while I can.” He said with a slight twinkle in his eyes. Anne laughed as she pressed a kiss to his cheek. Like father, like daughter indeed.
“I don’t understand why we have to go,” Ainsworth grumbled as he sat at the back of the car, “Who is he again?”
“Jeremy Lister,” Ann replied softly, fingers grasping her husband’s hand, “He’s a family friend. The Listers, the Priestlys, the Rawsons, you know how my family are. It’ll only be for a while.”
“Alright…” He relented, grinning a little as he wrapped an arm behind her waist, pulling her across the expensive leather seat as he steals a kiss from his wife.
Ann gasped as she felt his hot breath at her neck, she squirmed a little, cheeks turning red as she eyed the driver, slightly embarrassed.
“Thomas… we shouldn’t…” She protested weakly, stifling a moan as he kissed the side of her neck.
“I want to take you now,” he growled, hands roaming further between her thighs.
“Oh…” Ann’s breath hitched as she felt her husband’s fingers stroking roughly against the cotton fabric.
“You like that, don’t you?” He whispered, fingers working faster against her heat, “You like it when I take you like this,” his free hand wrapped around her throat, squeezing it little, “so hot and wet… such a whore…”
Ann’s eyes flew open as she started to struggle against his hold. Hands clawing at his arm as she thrashed against him. “S-stop…” she gasped, feet stomping hard against the floor of the car.
“Sir,” The driver cleared his throat, eyeing the back seat through the rear mirror as he spoke, “We’re two cars away from the drop off point.”
Grateful for the intrusion, Ann instantly dashed to the other side of the car, calming herself down, taking deep breaths of air through her nose as she steadied her heartbeat. Her fingers trembled as she felt hot tears spilling down her cheeks. She hurriedly wiped them away, smoothing down her dress as the car moved forward to its destination.
As soon as the driver got out, Ainsworth snatched his wife’s arm, yanking her closer. “This is not over yet,” he snarled, menace dripping from his voice as his grip tightened before forcing himself to let go as the passenger door opened.
“Fucking prude…” He fumed as he got out of the car, buttoning his coat as he strides up the carpet, not bothering to wait for his wife.
“You’re awfully fidgety,” Marian said as another couple walked past them, “oh tell me you didn’t sleep with the wife!”
“Well…” Anne exhaled, “in my defense, they weren’t married yet.”
“Good lord…” Marian mumbled, earning strong elbow from her elder sister. She quickly put on a smile, although wincing a little, as another couple was almost halfway up the flight of stairs.
“Eliza!” Anne greeted, kissing the older woman’s cheeks, “I’m so glad you both could make it.”
“We caught an early flight back to London. Wouldn’t miss Jeremy’s birthday for the world!”
“How are things at the company?” William Priestly inquired as he shook Anne’s hand.
“Ah well, I’m afraid work is completely off topic for me tonight. But I daresay your investment is rather safe, William.”
The older man let out a short laugh, “I’m afraid half the guests here expect you to entertain them with work topics. I can see they will be disappointed!”
Anne gave a playful shrug as she gently ushered the couple forward, thanking them again. Once they were out of earshot, Marian leaned closer to her sister. “You’d think old William is worried about his money. Or is he just being anxious?”
“Personally, Marian,” Anne turned to face her sister, “He’s fucking sexist. He thinks a woman is not fit to head a company.”
Marian snorted before catching herself, “like I’ve never heard that one before.” Anne grinned as she side-eyed her sister, both their fists raised as they gave each other a fist bump.
“Oh, look who’s here,” Marian nudged her sister as a tussle of blonde hair quickly caught her eye, “Look, look!” She whispered excitedly, continually nudging and annoying Anne.
“Will you stop it!” Anne hissed as the blonde hair was now nearing the top of the stairs.
“Miss Lister,” Ainsworth greeted, extending out a hand to Anne, “Thank you for inviting us,” and turning to Marian he greeted once more, “Miss Lister, a pleasure as well.”
Taking one hand, he held Ann’s waist as he pulled her close, “May I present my wife, Mrs-”
“Miss Walker,” Anne cut him off as she extended her palm, eyes never leaving the blonde. Slightly stunned by a bold move, Ann carefully raised her fingers, letting them slip easily into Anne’s palm.
“It’s been such a while since we last met. A pleasure, as always,” Anne pressed her lips to the back of her palm. A warm feeling filled her belly as Ann felt soft lips against her bare skin.
“T-thank you…” Ann stuttered a little but recovered herself quickly, “for inviting us tonight. Mr Jeremy Lister has been such a dear family friend, it’s only fitting that we get to celebrate a wonderful occasion with so many people beloved by him.”
Ainsworth carefully regarded the exchange between his wife and Miss Lister; he wasn’t blind, he could see the number of people who were easily enamored by Anne Lister. He just never thought his own wife would be one of them. Swallowing hard, he grips Ann’s waist, causing her to flinch a little at the sudden intrusion. Anne’s eyes darted to the possessive arm snaking around the younger woman. She doesn’t miss the flinch, nor did she miss Ann’s slightly puffy red eyes.
“A pity you missed our wedding, Miss Lister. Although your sister and Aunt did grace us with their presence.”
“Unfortunately, I was away on a business trip. I have such good memories of the late Mrs Ainsworth. I’m sure she would be smiling down on her ex-husband, had she known, wishing him well on his next marriage,” Anne smirked.
Marian had to bite the inside of her cheek to prevent herself from laughing. Ann looked positively flustered while her husband had turned red almost instantly.
“Again,” Marian spoke after composing herself, as she extended a hand, “A pleasure to have you both,” before ushering the couple away to the main ballroom.
“Why did she marry that buffoon?” Anne spoke quietly, once they were out of earshot.
“I don’t really know,” Marian offered. She raised her hand to her sister’s back, circling it gently, “will you be alright?”
Anne gave a warm smile, “I’m always all right,” and taking Marian’s palm, she squeezed it reassuringly.
As Marian and Anne continued greeting their guests one by one, Anne found herself pondering over Miss Walker’s odd behavior and appearance. The woman she met years ago was a stark change from this evening. She recalled Miss Walker being animated and cheerful, albeit a little talkative and easily excitable; she had been around the Walker estate for a simple luncheon with Marian and her mother a couple years ago, and she found the younger Walker to be quite a sprightly one. Odd, she thought to herself, unable to relief the notion that something was off.
Seeing as Marian was engaged in a conversation with a couple, she politely excused herself, side stepping to the corner of the staircase where her assistant stood.
“Samuel, I need a favor,” she started as she took a quick look around, “it needs to be discreet,” she says knowingly.
“Of course, Ma’am.”
“Good. I need you to find the driver for Mr Ainsworth and Miss Walker. Ask him if he saw anything odd, anything… suspicious.”
“Are you looking for any transgressions in particular, Ma’am?”
“Anything and everything in particular, Samuel.”
“Of course,” Samuel nodded without question.