Anne Lister arrives at Shibden Hall and learns that her would-be companion, the aristocratic Vere Hobart, is to marry a man; after discovering that her land is rich in coal, Anne makes plans to transform the estate.

Lister starts her dangerous but playful courtship of Ann Walker; Lister's plan to excavate her coal mines leads her into the path of a local magistrate and his brother; Lister's servant presents a solution to Eugénie's problem.

Lister speaks to her aunt about her hopes for a future with Ann Walker; the Rawson brothers continue their efforts to outmanoeuvre Lister in the coal business; Marian feels annoyed that her sister treats Shibden like a hotel.

Lister steps up her plan to reopen her old coal mines as her rivalry with Christopher Rawson heats up; Dr Belcombe confirms that Lister is the perfect tonic for Ann Walker's nervous disorder; Eugénie's misfortune has consequences for John Booth.

The widowed Reverend Ainsworth sets his sights on Ann Walker after arriving in Halifax; Lister prepares to deal with the clergyman in her own manner; Lister's plans for her estate lead her into trouble.

Lister contemplates travelling to Europe alone as Ann Walker's mental state deteriorates; Lister reopens negotiations with the Rawson brothers about her coal mine.