The ex comes back to Anne Lister's life just as Ann Walker goes off to recuperate.
Marianna Lawton left Anne Lister to get married. As Anne plans to go to Europe, she meets up with Marianna who becomes jealous that Anne has found happiness of sorts. Marianna hoped they would get together after her husband died.
Meanwhile Anne's sister has been embarrassed by Mr Christopher Rawson at the bank. He has insinuated financial trouble with Anne putting Shibden Hall up as collateral for a loan as she plans to sink the coal pits.
Anne chastises Mr Rowson, although the sisters bicker you can gather that at times of trouble they stick together. However Anne is asking for trouble if she is planning to go abroad leaving the Rowsons to their own devices.
Again this is an episode where the coal stuff gets in the way. The jealousy in Marianna is more involving especially when Anne told her that she planned to live with Ann as a married couple.