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

by Beth Brower

For an aspiring bluestocking, you’re shockingly social.”

A bluestocking originally referred to members of the 18th-century Blue Stockings Society, a group of women who met to discuss literary and intellectual topics. The term, sometimes used derisively, evolved to describe any woman with intellectual or literary interests. While the original society was a real group, the term "bluestocking" is now often used to refer to a woman who is highly educated and interested in intellectual pursuits

“Veritas.”

“Veritas" is a Latin word meaning truth. It's also used to represent the pursuit of authenticity and embracing reality as it is, without illusions. Veritas is the one-word motto of Harvard University, signifying their commitment to the pursuit of knowledge and truth.

“You keep an Enemies List?” he asked with a dimpled smile. “Oughtn’t everybody? With you on the list, it was an even four.Now it’s a bit wobbly. Inelegant. I shall have to replace you before long.” “Well, don’t rush to find another if you can help it.”

I sense an impending nemesis for Emma. For balance.

I prayed most fervently that our meal would be silent. Aloud. I prayed aloud.

“Alors commençons.”

So, let's start

“Le maïs est mûr dans le champ.”

The corn is ripe in the field.

“Comment?”

How?

We sat quietly for half an hour, with our separate thoughts. Until, “Did he ever tell you which—?” “No,” I replied. “He never did. I’ll light a candle tonight.”

Which what? I feel like I’m missing something obvious.

Julian of Norwich – My father had the Cressy edition of her writings, Revelations of Divine Love. He would read it aloud when I was a child. (I wonder what happened to it? I know for a fact it was not among the books that I sold.)

A hint at the future whereabouts of more of her fathers books?

“I think she’s decided you’re not a capital-T threat, Mr. Pierce, only a small-case one. That ought to give you some reassurance.” He said, “Has she?” But it was a flat question, one with the weight of something else behind it.

Again with the hints of a violent past. Is Pierce a murderer of some sort? He clearly believes he’s dangerous.

Perhaps I should marry Roland. He would buy me an entire library. It couldn’t be more than a year before he gifted me a book I hadn’t read.

Perhaps there should be a Team Roland? I doubt it, but she definitely planted a seed here.

Lion: “I know how to bake a cake, Islington.” Islington: “Do you?” Pierce: “Do you?” Lion: “Of course! I kept a dragon alive for three years.”

?

Parian trekked up to what he’s begun to call The Outer Hebrides,

Some Scottish isles. Not sure I 100% get this reference.

All of these dynamics created a sense, of what I cannot say. But there was a prick on the back of my neck, like a whisper of some golden age.

The thing about Golden Ages is that they end.

Eleanor of Aquitaine.”

“The paper said it is to be held in the family plot at the churchyard of Barrows Edge.” “Yes.” He frowned. “A strange irony.” “What?” I asked. “The name. Seeing as how Maxwell’s commanding officer was named Barrows.” “Yes… I—I suppose so,” I replied, it not making much sense to my preoccupied brain.

I feel like this Barrows fellow will make an appearance at some point.

I had asked Maxwell once why his father had taken such a vehement dislike to me. “Not vehement, Lion.” “Vehement, Maxwell. Why?” “He doesn’t think you bring anything to the table.” “If he’s considering position and fortune, he’s very nearly right. But I’m not convinced it’s not because of Evelyn.” Maxwell knew what I meant but didn’t know how to say anything about it.

What is the deal with Evelyn? Clearly there is backstory here but we aren’t being told what it is. Did Evelyn try to court Emma and was rejected in favor of Maxwell?

“Your friend has put the men of my family in their place,” she said. Then her hand rested on the photograph of Maxwell. “All of them. According to their deserts.” “I am so sorry, Maryanne.” “Don’t be. However, I think it best you go before Harry sees Evelyn’s face.” “Poor Evelyn,” I sighed. “Poor Evelyn,” she echoed, the sadness momentarily dispelled creeping back.

Poor Evelyn? These comments seem to be written as if we are to feel sorry for him that he’ll have to deal with his father. But that seems a misdirect and “poor Evelyn” is a reference to his being a tragic figure of some sort? More unanswered questions…

“What did he say to you?” “Would you forgive me if I don’t tell you?” Pierce asked. And I, knowing that Evelyn said things that don’t bear repeating, answered I would.

What did Evelyn say??

IT WAS THE NATURE OF SPARTAN KINGS TO DIE IN BATTLE. Well, let us hold the pass. No traitors among us. WE WILL FIGHT IN THE SHADE.

“No traitors among us”. Foreshadowing?