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.” I lifted an eyebrow. “Strange means odd, or bizarre.” “Perhaps we have different internal dictionaries.”

Felicity is the gift of a book.

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?

“Where is home?” I asked. “A place that ceased to be that a long time ago. Where it was is of little consequence.”

“I’d rather you stayed, if you don’t mind. Looking for quiet does not follow I was looking for solitude.”

And he made a motion with his fingers that tied the four of us together. “What do you make of this?” He was right about there being something, what I had sensed at dinner a few weeks back. Remembering the very thoughts I’d had after our dinner weeks ago, I glanced from face to face. Pierce shrugged. Islington waited. It was Hawkes who gave voice. “Alchemy.” I shivered. That mythical pursuit that turns disparate elements to gold.