Letters to Lily: Missive #2

Lily Hassett
Rte. 23
Village of Nonesuch, Namhae

Dearest Lily,

I’m nothing less than beguiled by the city and its inhabitants.  They’ve extended a warm welcome, and I feel at home. At long last it seems possible to breathe a sigh of relief.

My newest piece is still on the easel in my room at the tavern. I’m uncertain whether it is complete. It is still speaking to me, which seems to mean it is not yet finished in its becoming. You know how I feel about beauty; words, images, melodies, the aroma of an orange, the poignancy of a blush. They are all the same. They birth themselves through our efforts, and we need only give them passage.

This is where God is, truly, if there is a God.

And if that is true, well, then after a manner, I suppose I would be a devoted adherent. How I could strain that analogy! But for your sake, sister, I’ll set it down there. As I said, you know how I feel. Knowing me, however, you surely can’t be surprised that I’m always compelled to find new ways to wrap my thoughts around the matter.

New Babbage has its own kind of beauty. I’m drawn to its incongruencies, transfixed by its dissonance. There is a strange kind of sympathy among her people. Even in emnity they’re bound in a sort of curious dance. Although I still stand along the periphery, I feel the strong tug of belonging, and yearn to embrace its delightful energy.

There are many notions in my head today, sweet Lily, and I’m lost in reverie. It’s indulgent, I know. You would slap my shoulder if you witnessed my distant gaze, just like you did when we were girls! And yet I persist, because you aren’t here to scold me!

I’m relieved to hear that Chester is on the mend, though it is perhaps too bad that he is able once again to climb the stairs. I thought it quite romantic that you had the upper floor to yourself for a brief time. It reminded me of Lady Chatterley’s isolation. (How wicked! And how divine!)

I’ll close before I make myself a fool (or more of a fool at any rate of understanding, because you’ve seen me at my most ridiculous.)

All of my love and affection,

Your sister,

Junie

P.S. – I’ve not yet sent anything for Gerard and Violet, but I did see some music boxes at one of the shops. They will receive them soon!

P.S.S. – I am considering the sale of my properties in Namhae. True, it is our ancestral home, but presently it feels like a dark weight pulling at me. It is where I lived when…well, you know. I will, of course, offer it to you first if I arrive at such a decision, and will write you more on the matter after giving it further thought.