The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 4

by Beth Brower

“Emma, I’ve found the world only wants me for my looks. If I can’t use them to my advantage, more fool me.”

“When one knows their ignorance is less than flattering, better not to put it on altogether.”

Is it immoral to marry a man solely to gain a library? And if that man happens to be tremendously good looking, is it more or less of a sin?

What if there are thousands walking about London having just missed the one with whom they could chatter away with, or walk with in contented silence?

I’ve never fallen from a cliffside, but I imagine there would be a moment when one’s eyes would connect with their companion’s, the haunting knowledge that they understood you were going to fall. Pierce saw this, I think, for he left his seat and came to sit beside me, shoulder against mine, bracing me for whatever the fall would bring.