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

by Beth Brower

“Strange is that unexpected moment that stays with you, that makes you think about it again. Strange is memorable, and compelling.”

“You’re not half so bad once you get dolled up a bit, love.” Clearly the epitaph on my future gravestone. Emma M. Lion RIP Not Half So Bad Once Dolled Up

“To be curdled is a state of the soul,” answered he. “Do you refer to the permanent state of yours?” quipped I.

There are some things best left in the annals of one’s own fading memory.

he did send me several half-moon smiles across the table. It made him look like he was dying of the pox.

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?

Father always liked fall best. Mother claimed it was his natural melancholy. I don’t agree. One doesn’t have to prefer spring to be a contented soul.

“Of course I’m coming with you. Don’t be daft. My friends do not go to war alone.”

Bless a man who knows how to keep his own counsel when you can’t bear to speak.

They might not be of the Old Testament variety—Pierce, Islington, and Hawkes—but whatever strange confluence of events led to them holding me up was the gentlest hand of fate I’ve ever encountered. It might even be Divine.

you of the inexhaustible talent for finding yourself surrounded by trouble.

I retired to bed early this evening. An effort to manifest unto the Powers That Be that I intend to lead a life of pious solitude, where I wrap messages of encouragement around small stones and throw them at the passersby on Whereabouts Lane. (It feels a solid scheme for my future.)

Well, let us hold the pass. No traitors among us. WE WILL FIGHT IN THE SHADE.