canon: the infernal devices | A RE-READ IS IN ORDER

[galahads]

You're aware, I hope, that Jessamine and Magnus aren't the two I'd choose to have as company in a perilous land full of waifs and strays? Your whims and your fancies and your everything else-s are exactly that: yours. Marvelling at a weather phenomenon that occurs nightly until dawn, daily with rain and often without in the fair city of London is not, as you seem to believe, delightful or fascinating. Even, I should add, if it makes me sprout wings in place of arms, or imagine I'm led on the bank of the Thames when I'm not, or even if it perpetrates the most dastardly of deeds and prevents me from stumbling home.

Not even then shall I wish to stray from dirty streets and dirtier water to express my gratitude to Jessamine that of everyone in the world, I am glad that it is with her I have found myself, for there are none better to fight alongside. I hear lying is exceptionally bad for the soul, and I feel as if I should take care of what is left of mine.

—Not to mention that I can imagine myself sprouting wings on the bank of the Thames and stumble home in mist if I so desire in London, so doing any of it elsewhere has not even the slightest appeal.

On the other hand, I'm aware that you'll do as you wish regardless, for cruelty is as natural to you as preoccupation is to Henry.

Comments

[halfthelady]

Wouldn't Charlotte be proud that my mind is retaining useful information for once.

[galahads]

Charlotte has too much faith in anyone.

[halfthelady]

[Her response is said so lightly that it would be difficult for anyone to tell that she's talking about herself. But considering who she's speaking to...]

And she has a habit of placing too much faith in the wrong people. Dreadful trait, is it not?

[galahads]

[ it jessamine were jem, she might have got something of a genuine response to that remark, but as she's not— ]

She's married to Henry. Expecting her to learn better is hoping for rather a lot, I feel. Eternal optimism in the face of startling evidence to the contrary is thus her cross to bear.

[halfthelady]

Yes, well after making that life choice, I suppose it's her own way of coping.

[galahads]

It seems like far too much effort if you ask me.

[halfthelady]

Hardly surprising since you don't put much effort into anything.

[galahads]

There are many pursuits I put effort into, it's simply that none appreciate them.

[halfthelady]

Then perhaps you should start investing effort into things that people do appreciate.

[galahads]

When have I ever done anything preceded with a should?

[halfthelady]

You're right. How silly of me to forget.

[galahads]

But not exactly unprecedented or unexpected.

[halfthelady]

You always have the kindest words for me, William.

[galahads]

And you for me.

[halfthelady]

Of course; only the kindest words would suffice for someone that I had the pleasure of growing up with.

[galahads]

My, I dread to think of the tone you'd take if we hadn't.

[halfthelady]

Yes, consider yourself extremely lucky for that.

[galahads]

[ lol, luck. ]

I shall have to re-evaluate my thoughts on the matter.

[halfthelady]

[ohhh of all the ironic words.]

It's unlucky enough that you'll be coming here at all.

[galahads]

Luck has nothing to do with it.

[ GRUMP GRUMP GRUMP. ]

[halfthelady]

How could I forget. It has everything to do with our sadistic mundanes.