Authentically izzy, p.10
Authentically, Izzy, page 10
Since I’m not against e-readers, I’ve downloaded one of P. G. Wodehouse’s books and am already enjoying the humor. How’s that for teasing you?
Please never type “someday you’ll be someone’s zing” ever again. You may want to stitch it on a pillow, but all I can think about is a really bad line in a rom-com.
Luke
PS: I can’t fix your feet. Only your boards.
From: Josephine Martin
To: Izzy Edgewood
Date: March 24
Subject: Your bookish Rhett Butler & fashion choices
Izzy,
I can’t help but feel that Patrick and I intruded on your dinner with Eli, but you appeared so genuine when you asked us to join you. And Eli was positively adamant! It would have been rude to refuse. Isn’t he charming? How providential that he had a copy of his books on hand for us to purchase. I’m not much of a reader, but Patrick may like them.
Wouldn't it be a perfect match for you to marry an author? A bookworm like yourself paired with a man who creates books! And what wonderful work experience he has! To have worked in three different college settings over the past six years. Can you imagine the knowledge and talent he brings to teach at our community college! I imagine not many places can boast a PhD and author in their community college programs. It says a lot about his personality that he’d want to bring his expertise to our little town when he could find a job in so many other places.
I don’t know why Patrick stayed so quiet all evening. The two of you barely spoke. It’s a good thing that Eli and I have no trouble keeping a conversation going. Izzy, you must force yourself to talk to Eli if you want to snag him. You can’t rely on me showing up every time. Surely you can find something related to books to talk about, though I do wish he hadn’t discussed torture techniques in early Rome. I couldn't finish my chicken after that.
Josephine
PS: I left a box of clothes in the back of your car. Things I don’t wear anymore. Please try some variety in your wardrobe. Black and brown are not the only colors in the world.
From: Izzy Edgewood
To: Brodie Sutherland
Date: March 24
Subject: Brynna
Brodie,
I’m still chuckling at Brynna’s first message. I suddenly feel that my emails to you weren’t so long after all. Brynna’s energy bubbles off the page so much that I actually laughed out loud. How do you manage such “sprightliness” on a daily basis? Do you have a sensory room to escape to after a conversation? But you were right, she does have a great deal of kindness in all of those words and loves you so much. In fact, she had so many good things to say about your entire family, it made me want to know more about them too. I guess the fact that your mom is English really answers the question about why you speak it so well.
I suggested a few simple changes to the website (photos of the inside of the shop as well as photos with PEOPLE in them inside the shop . . . We want the world to know that people like to be there). Featuring a book of the week on your blog or social media outlets may be a good idea, too, though Brynna alluded to the fact that there wasn’t a blog and the website is fairly . . . archaic? I encouraged her to start simple but be consistent. All the information I’ve learned from classes list consistency as a key component in growing online engagement. Maybe she could try something with broad appeal to begin with and then as she becomes more comfortable, perhaps choose a different genre per day of the week to share a new release or enduring classic. I also included some social-media tips and tricks I’ve used for the library. I’ve been doing some extra research because I’m helping my cousin Luke build an online presence for the construction business he’s starting here in town. He’s allergic to social media.
BTW, as soon as the P. G. Wodehouse books were returned to the library, they were snatched up again before I could catch them. I settled on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle for now. However, to my surprise, Luke shows up at my apartment and reveals that he’s the one who checked out the P. G. Wodehouse books from the library!! I saw him carrying one around yesterday. He even had the nerve to read a few funny quotes to me and then stop in the middle of an excellent scene and LEAVE THE ROOM! (I was ALMOST forced to purchase sight unseen, which I RARELY do when I can preview a book risk-free from the library.) However, there is no torture like an unfinished story! I’m trying to figure out how to get back at Luke. One time I left a copy of a bodice-ripping novel in the front seat of his truck for one of his work buddies to see . . . and then positioned myself across the street to watch the whole thing play out. I don’t think I’d ever seen a human’s face turn so red. He is definitely not the bodice-ripper sort of reader.
I look forward to our video chat tomorrow. I already know which tea I’m brewing for the occasion. And I’m making homemade shortbread in your honor.
Izzy
PS: I’m only ruthless to those I love. I don’t try to embarrass the children at the library and, rarely, my coworkers. (If you met Luke, you’d understand why he’s an exception.)
PPS: Do you read historical adventures set in ancient times? I’m currently reading a novel and I can’t tell whether I’m having a difficult time getting through it because of the time period or the inflated characters.
From: Penelope Edgewood
To: Izzy Edgewood
Date: March 24
Subject: SCOTLAND
Izzy,
I had to message you as soon as I found out! My study abroad program next semester is in SCOTLAND!! Maybe I could take a little trip over to the Skymarian Islands and scout out Brodie and the Sutherlands. I’m very good at spying, you know. When we were in middle school, I unwrapped and rewrapped all of my Christmas presents four years straight without anyone ever knowing. And if you’ll remember, I’m the one who knew Patrick was going to ask Josephine to marry him before anyone else did . . . and that was before he left the engagement ring out on the kitchen counter by mistake. I have a sixth sense about these things. I suppose being in theater for most of my life helps me read people.
I did send the link about Skymar to my professor, just so he’d know of it for future internships, and mentioned I’d be interested in switching if they found a place for me there. Though there aren’t any musicals set in Skymar. At least with Scotland, I can put the soundtrack from Brigadoon on repeat.
By the way, a guy in my literature class is studying in Scotland too. He wears sweater-vests. Do you think he smokes a pipe? I’ve always envisioned sweater-vests and pipes together. I’m fine with the vest but I’d rather not date someone who smokes pipes. The tobacco smell sticks to your hair and clothes. Remember Grandfather! I’m going to see if I can get close enough to sniff him before I decide whether I’ll flirt or not. You’d like him though, Izzy. He reads big books and has excellent posture.
Penelope
PS: Thank you for the care package. You know my love language is chocolate and Hallmark movies! And how on earth were you able to find an umbrella just like Mary Poppins’s? I love it so much!! I almost started singing “Jolly Holiday” on my way to Advanced Public Relations, but it wasn’t a holiday. I sang “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” instead.
PPS: Josephine said she met Clark Gable. She liked him a lot. What do you think about him? She took a photo of the two of you together, but I don’t think it was a planned photo. It looks like she was trying to hide her phone behind her water glass, which made Clark’s eyebrows massive.
From: Izzy Edgewood
To: Josephine Martin
Date: March 25
Subject: Clothes and Eli
Josephine,
Thank you for the clothes. This batch actually had a few things that fit. The green sweater was particularly nice and the boots too. When did you ever wear a plaid skirt? It matches the navy blouse well but doesn’t seem like your style at all.
Now, as to the practicality of some of the offerings. I don’t wear high heels, miniskirts, shades of neon, or clothing that resembles an abominable snowman. I’m saving those for Penelope. If she doesn’t wear them she can donate them to the drama department.
Eli enjoyed meeting you and Patrick. Yes, he always has copies of his books on hand and never tires of talking about them. I suppose if someone has invested so much time in creating a novel, they’re going to feel attached to them—kind of like those two little lives you’re carrying around with you now (only, your investment is much more . . . MORE . . . than paper-and-ink people).
To be honest, he is a perfect gentleman. Opens doors, asks some interesting questions, and really enjoys the higher-end restaurants in town. I don’t think I’ve ever eaten such an amazing steak!
We have plans to attend the next bluegrass jam session at the Earle Theater on Friday. He’s never been before, but first he wants to take me on a drive up the Blue Ridge Parkway. How could I refuse such an offer? The mountains are barely waking with spring!
I’ll see you Sunday if not before. If you need me, call.
Henceforth, I shall refer to myself as Aunt Izzy. It has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? And instead of being like Austen’s ostentatious Lady Catherine de Bourgh or supine Lady Bertram, my goal is to emulate the eccentric and adoring Aunt Betsey from David Copperfield.
Aunt Izzy
PS: When did you ever wear a caftan or tie-dyed shirt? And what sort of hat is that thing with the peacock feathers? I think this “nesting” you’re doing has unearthed rare and disturbing clothing choices from your plant-based diet phase. You did some weird things during that year. Ones you can’t remove without a great deal of pain.
PPS: I don’t think you realize this, but you called Eli “Clark” on several occasions last night. Just thought you’d want to know.
From: Izzy Edgewood
To: Penelope Edgewood
Date: March 25
Subject: Re: SCOTLAND
Penelope,
How exciting! Scotland! I’ve always dreamed of going to Scotland. Are you properly prepared? I have a list of reading materials should you need one. It’s sure to prepare you for every possibility, including surviving kidnapping, how to stowaway, the art of becoming an excellent thief, and tips on how to meet your dream Highlander through time travel. (Why do I keep renewing my passport if I’ve never used it? I think something needs to change. After all, Josephine says flying is the safest way to travel, though I’d prefer a magical wardrobe or even a portkey.)
As far as Clark Gable is concerned . . . we’re still in the beginning phases. Conversations have been much better than previous first dinners with other men. He has an excellent vocabulary and is an easy conversationalist, never without something to say. Truly, he barely gives any time for silence between questions and comments, which makes my anxiety about finding the right words nearly nonexistent.
His reading interests are narrower than mine, but I suppose no one would find that a surprise.
And he is an excellent dresser. You’d definitely call him swoon-worthy.
I’m looking forward to learning more about his previous teaching experiences and what brought him to Mt. Airy from all the many other places he’s been. I learned he has a sister who lives in Missouri near his parents, but he didn’t talk much about them. He did seem interested in my opinions about what makes a good story, so we had a stimulating exchange about that.
I can’t wait to learn exactly where you’ll be in Scotland!
By the way, I’m talking with Mr. Fisher next week about his rental space. I’m not sure what he has in mind for leasing or selling it, but Josephine encouraged me to meet with him (in other words she set up the meeting, placed the reminder on my phone, and told me which outfit to wear to present myself in the most businesslike manner). Clearly I’m not listening to her. I’m not even sure I’m ready to make such a leap.
I’m off to have another video call with Brodie.
Love you,
Izzy
PS: There’s really nothing wrong with excellent posture and I’m developing a deeper appreciation for sweater-vests.
From: Brodie Sutherland
To: Izzy Edgewood
Date: March 26
Subject: Brynna and Wodehouse
Isabelle,
I’m still smiling over the idea of you dressing up as Gandalf, complete with beard, to read The Hobbit to your middle school group. Won’t you give a demonstration during our next video chat complete with your best British accent too? I shall offer you a deal. If you’ll read the first page of The Hobbit to me in costume, I’ll attempt my very best Andy Griffith impersonation. Come now, if you can perform in front of a group of ten, what is one more?
Brynna cannot stop singing your praises. Very long songs, as a rule. Tolkien-worthy, in fact. But she’s already begun to incorporate your suggestions with surprisingly positive responses. Not a great number yet, but as you’ve said, it takes time for changes to make a difference. Thank you for your generous heart. No wonder your library is doing so well!
I think I should like to meet Luke. I’m glad to hear he is enjoying Wodehouse. Perhaps he’d enjoy Terry Pratchett as well. He’s a recent discovery of mine and the wit is superb.
I’ve always found literature set in ancient eras quite interesting. Homer’s The Iliad & The Odyssey are a couple of my favorites, though I’ve come to enjoy more contemporary additions to the fictional genre, particularly if they include excellent descriptions of warfare. My uncle Sven had replicas of all sorts of weaponry, but particularly the ancient sort. We used to warn everyone to knock very loudly before entering his house.
On another note, the town of Skern is preparing for its Blossom Festival (or that is the translation in English—we call it Ditheanfest), which is a celebration of spring. April ushers in warmer temperatures and longer days. The entire town fills the streets to share their crafts, enjoy local music, and taste some of the first fruits of the season. I always plan to spend most of my week at the Skern Sutherland’s shop during the festival. I’ll send photos, if you’d like. The very best of festivals is in July: the King and Queen Festival. We celebrate art in all its forms. And, of course, excellent local cuisine.
It appears we are developing a certain pattern of video calls. Do those days and times consistently work for you?
Affectionately,
Brodie
PS: I found this quote by Wodehouse to be particularly fitting for our correspondence: “There is no surer foundation for a beautiful friendship than a mutual taste in literature.”
From: Izzy Edgewood
To: Luke Edgewood, Penelope Edgewood
Date: March 26
Subject: Fictional-romance guilt or insanity?
Luke and Penelope,
I don’t know why, but after I finished reading Brodie’s most recent message, I wanted to cry. I’m not sad. I’m not sure what is wrong with me. Maybe the whole Eli/Brodie guilt is impacting me. Or maybe Josie’s unpredictable hormones are rubbing off on people. Stay away, Penelope.
Izzy
PS: Luke, may I share your email address with Brodie? He’d like to talk Wodehouse with you.
From: Luke Edgewood
To: Izzy Edgewood, Penelope Edgewood
Date: March 26
Subject: Re: Fictional-romance guilt or insanity?
Authenticity matters.
I’d be happy to talk Wodehouse with Blighty.
Luke
PS: Somebody needs to have access to Brodie besides you. I can think of at least a dozen childhood stories you would never share with him. (And a few funny ones from adulthood too.)
Text from Izzy to Luke: I’m not sure I want to share your email with Brodie now.
Luke: You’ve already offered. I guess you’ll just have to trust me.
Izzy: I’m doomed.
Text from Eli to Izzy: Izzy, I’m sorry I’m running late for our date. I’m on deadline for the next book and the words are flowing so well. Could we just meet at the Earle and forgo the Parkway this time? I’ll make it up to you with ice cream after.
Izzy: Ice cream sounds good. See you at the Earle.
Eli: You’re the best. I look forward to bluegrass and great company.
From: Izzy Edgewood
To: Luke Edgewood, Penelope Edgewood
Date: March 27
Subject: Eli and the theater
The jam session at the Earle tonight was extra special. Blue Ridge Strings debuted and, of course, dancing ensued. Jacob Carson, my favorite eight-year-old, gave me another lesson on square dancing etiquette, so I feel as though I’m less likely to destroy all of Luke’s toes should he attempt to dance with me again.
Eli showed up about an hour late. The demands of the creative mind have no time expectation, I guess. He was in such good spirits and insisted on attempting to dance, and I couldn't help but laugh at the sudden spontaneity of his character. There must be some sort of euphoria that hits authors who reach a certain writing goal, because the man complimented me nearly every ten minutes and, likely from conversations with Josephine, asked me about my idea of owning a bookshop. His exuberance must have been contagious, because as he walked me to my car, he leaned over and kissed me . . . and I let him. Right in the middle of Main Street. Thankfully it was a relatively short kiss. Not quite the “kick your leg back” sort of kiss, but a nice, brief reintroduction to the world of real-life kissing. Having not been kissed for a few years, I have to admit appreciating the special attention. Needless to say, it was . . . sweet. He smelled like lemongrass and the sea. Eli is at that perfect tilt-your-head-back kissing height that I imagined as a teenager. (Sorry for the details, Luke. I’m sure you’re cringing right now.)
Anyway, we’ve made plans to take a drive on the Parkway Saturday morning and I have the Book Parade that afternoon. Both of you should stop by! The children have much better costumes for the parade than I do. In fact, Penelope, I have a perfect outfit your sister gave me that resembles one of the creatures from Dr. Seuss . . . a Drum-Tummied Snum, I think.
