Brecon Stradling’s Reviews > The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 2 > Status Update

Okay, so Islington got introduced and she’s already foreshadowed Stonecrop twice???? This is some of the finest writing I’ve ever read

To Roland:
“I made him swear he would waltz with me at every ball for the rest of our lives.”

Okay, maybe a reread was a terrible idea, because Emma’s just driving me nuts

“I do not think interference was the word she meant, but as it was apt, I let it stand.”

. . .

Is Emma changing what people say in her journal? She may be stating that she considered correcting Aunt Eugenia (rather impressive), but I had not considered the idea of her being an Unreliable Narrator.

If only I had paper copies to scribble in. I think Emma would think scribblings in her journals would be fitting.

From Roland, to Agnes for Emma

“he said to tell you that you may go to heaven, but it will be boring without him.”

Waiting for Emma to realize Roland is madly in love with her
. . .
If these books turn into Long-Term Far From The Madding Crowd, I’m going to be content but rioting

Was reading the entry for June 2nd just now (internal screaming at the reading of it) and realized that I am reading her entires for June DURING June. Not as remarkable when one considers that the journals span a year, but I found it quite silly

From Roland.

“Dear Emma, sweet nemesis of mine,”

“There was no mistaking his identity. Although I had not seen him in such close proximity before, I was clearly staring at the Duke of Islington, a fellow St. Crispian. Unfortunately, it was in the midst of my unabashed stare that he noticed me.”

I only have one word to say to this. In the single, rapturous tone of the Reprobates ten: “ISLINGTON!!!!”

“So swift a move it was almost unnoticeable, he handed me his handkerchief—in case the unsteady voice led to less desirable things.”

Say what I will about Pierce; he’s somewhat of a gentleman. Willing to give up his handkerchief to a weeping, or, soon to be weeping, woman.

The only real reason I carry one myself.

In the Reed and Rite.

Pierce: “Someone’s pistol is up here. Diamond and pearl handle.”
Emma: “Oh, that probably belongs to one of the gentlemen on Traitors Road. Ornate dueling pistols are still amusing to that set.”

Excuse me? I knew they dueled, but a DIAMOND and PEARL handle????
My respect for the Reprobates Ten only grows.

“If you were any of the other girls I know, I would warn you to be on your guard.”
“Oh?” I asked, stopping. “But as I am not?” Then came Roland’s smile. “St. George is not the only one who can slay a dragon, Emma Lion. I’ve seen you wield a sword.”
It was, perhaps, the most wonderful compliment I’ve ever been paid.
I intend to keep Roland.

Roland and Emma speaking of Pierce.