The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 5

by Beth Brower

One cannot eat cake in the street without good reason.”

As for Mother, she has developed a cold, which makes her wish to do nothing except criticise the French.

My list of Potential Husbands has lost a name, as Mother, in her illness, feels Lord Stansbury is too nice to look at. “One handsome person is enough for any marriage.”

Mary: “Not the boy who put a salamander in your tea?” Emma: “The very same.” Mary: “We shouldn’t reward such behaviour.” Emma: “The truth is, now he’s lovely.” Mary: “Is this verifiable?” Emma: “I could produce witnesses.”

For a moment I thought perhaps I ought to apply the lesson to my own life, but rational thought and a good dose of assurance put an end to self-improvement.

Islington stilled, performed some internal arithmetic, then said evenly, “I’ll ask Hawkes. I’m to borrow a book from him.” “Oh? Which book?” “How To Handle Meddlesome English Women.”

Cousin Archibald had returned. Bath could no longer hold him. I’m worried Hell won’t be able to either.