Abstract In this chapter, we look at the early months of Eileen and Orwell’s marriage. Their desire to be self-sufficient leads to them living in a dilapidated cottage at Wallington where they keep goats and hens, try to grow their own vegetables and attempt to run the village shop. This is set against Orwell’s publishing, and Eileen sets up as his personal typist and literary editor, abandoning her Masters degree. Whilst they appear to be living hand-to-mouth, they have the support of wealthy relatives to fall back on. This proves to be invaluable, as Orwell starts to suffer from what is later diagnosed as tuberculosis. Eileen’s brother, as a specialist in pulmonary surgery, is frequently called up for advice. The chapter also shows that the couple are closely aligned with anti-Fascist politics in the UK, and ends with Orwell about to leave for Spain and entrusting Eileen to manage the final stages of production of Road to Wigan Pier.