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

by Beth Brower

“You could never do such a thing, Emma,” proclaimed Mary. “And neither could I. We’re both far too committed to hearing our own opinions.”

If I had my way, there would be no very poor, only a clean, well-dressed lower class that lives to serve.

Nothing shatters the illusion that one is free of a relation so much as the enquiry as to what one intends to do with one’s own time.

A person of middling status cannot afford to feel happy about everything all of the time. That is an expensive state of mind.”

“Light-minded would suffice. An appearance of pleasing stupidity prepares a woman for marriage.

impecunious

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

Charon

pro patria mori.”

“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

“You are wise in this thing. However, if the right man should come along, and money looks more like love than one would initially suppose, don’t turn your back on a chance for happiness merely because he has the means to save you.”

It was the most fiscally romantic thing I had ever heard.

cede

rusticated.

courgettes

I walked because economy and thrift are my hue and cry, and felt a good deal of virtue for having done so.

To compose oneself—such a strange phrase. As if one were a musical score. If I were, what would I be? Emma M. Lion in D Minor?

cose.

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.

But bullies do not often quiet themselves. “I have the right to say anything I like in my own house,” Lord Stuart stated. “I don’t bloody care,” Pierce answered slowly. “Do what you will. Rant, rave, make life miserable for all those around you. But if you come at Miss Lion, I will come at you.”

sirrah.”

At some silent point, when unheeded tears still remained, he pulled me against his chest as if he could take the beating from the storm on my behalf.

Titian.”

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.

We are such stuff as dreams are made on, and our little life is rounded with a sleep.

Visigoths

obeisance.

ilk,

It was a noble response for King Leonidas to make, and I was inspired, considering everything with Cousin Archibald, and Maxwell’s burial, missing my parents down to the very bones, and the blank verse of my future—all arrows filling the sky to a tremendous amount. Yet here I was, determined to fight in the shade. I felt lifted. Noble. Spartan.

What do you make of what Hawkes said? WHAT DO YOU MEAN? Just that. What do you make of what Hawkes said? ISLINGTON IS CORRECT IT’S SOMETHING. BE IT ALCHEMY? I CAN’T RIGHTLY SAY. I THINK I’D BE AFRAID OF THE IDEA THAT THERE WAS MEANING BEHIND IT. Why afraid?

I CANNOT RECALL A TIME IN MY LIFE WHERE THAT HAS EVER BEEN A FAMILIAR TETHER. A RIGHT PLACE AND A FITTING TIME. WHAT WOULD THAT SAY ABOUT WHAT I’VE SEEN THAT BROUGHT ME HERE? I’M UNSETTLED BY IT. AND YOU? DO YOU BELIEVE IN WHATEVER THIS ENTANGLEMENT SEEMS TO BE? Yes And I believe it to be good.

IT’S HARD FOR ME TO TRUST THERE IS GOOD. You know there is good. You are good. I’M RIDDLED WITH ILL WOUNDS. You are full quarter of this fated alchemy. Without you, it doesn’t turn to gold. PERHAPS I’m still upset about the Spartan King, Leonidas. IT WAS THE NATURE OF SPARTAN KINGS TO DIE IN BATTLE. Well, let us hold the pa...