Page 34 of Authentically, Izzy
To: Luke Edgewood, Penelope Edgewood
Date: March17
Subject: Re: The mysterious library man
His name is Professor Eli Montgomery. Oh heavens, he has the same surname as L.M. Montgomery!! I wonder if he’s readAnne of GreenGables?
And no, his accent was more standard American.
And he wore an open-collared button-up with a suit jacket, which, I won’t lie, was rather swoon-worthy.
But... but what am I saying?? I’ve gone two years without meeting a bookish man and within the span of a month, I’ve met two? I don’t think I’m made for this kind of drama IRL. Bookish men are like eating Josie’s peanut butter swirl cheesecake. One piece at a time or you can’t move for two days.
Izzy
PS: No one has answered my cheating-on-Brodie question yet.
PPS: Was the quote about lifelong and debilitating insecurities referring to me?
PPPS: Brodie hasn’t emailed me back. Maybe I shouldn’t have mentioned video calls.
Text from Luke to Penelope and Izzy:I’m not an expert on romantic relationships, but from a guy’s perspective I don’t think cheating starts until two people have decided to be exclusive... AND MET IN PERSON. I’m guessing from your hysterical and emotional reaction there has been no such decision. By the way, no one has ever called me swoon-worthy when I wear button-downs.
Penelope:Camo button-downs don’t count.
Izzy:Thank you for answering, Luke. The ALL CAPS wasn’t necessary. Flannel can be very nice on you, especially when there are no bloodstains.
Penelope:Oh yes! Flannel is much better than camo, Luke. Very Hallmark.
Luke:I regret my decision to join this conversation.
From: Josephine Martin
To: Izzy Edgewood
Date: March17
Subject: Clark Gable at the library??
Mother just told me you met someone. At the library. It’s wonderfully providential and I didn’t even have to resort to matchmaking.
Josephine
PS: Mother says he looks like Clark Gable. Think of children with those eyes!!
***
Heart-to-Heart
Date: March17
Isabelle,
Forgive my delay in writing. I’ve been traveling for work in the more mountainous regions of the islands and reception is spotty at best. Though the delay gave me time to contemplate your most touching recent message. I just arrived home at one o’clock in the morning, and with the six-hour time difference, it is my hope you will still receive this note within your waking hours.
This may sound mawkish, but I cannot help myself. Your description of a bookmark in your heart over your parents’ deaths nigh brought me to tears. I’ve never heard such a sentiment expressed so beautifully and simply. Yes, that is how I shall think of my father from this point on.
You are remarkable.
