Aaahh, I saw you posted this morning and decided to postpone reading until after work for maximum enjoyment, and BOY, WAS IT WORTH THE WAIT! I love the contrast between Selden's eagerness and Lily's cautiousness, and that whole conversation about her reputation - gold. Fave bits, in more or less chronological order (before I print out the fic to stick in my copy of the book ;)): - It appealed to the part of him that liked such cutting honesty, so long as he was the one striking from the safest of distances. and Selden had bitten his tongue through more than one conversation in which he'd heard Lily's past trotted out for entertainment over cards and cigars. - he *would*, wouldn't he - that bit when he gives her a slightly over-the-top compliment and she's half pleased and half "I'm both too old and sleep-deprived for this kind of talk right now, my dude." - I came calling too early," Selden admitted, a little embarrassed now for his own boyish eagerness. "I felt it was a matter that could not wait. and She was still taking his cigarettes at every opportunity - MY HEART - I can only make you a modest offer of a modest marriage. after that bit about "terms" is a great line, spot on Wharton imo, reminded me of The Glimpses and the Lansings.
lilybarthes
I love the contrast between Selden's eagerness and Lily's cautiousness, and that whole conversation about her reputation - gold.
Fave bits, in more or less chronological order (before I print out the fic to stick in my copy of the book ;)):
- It appealed to the part of him that liked such cutting honesty, so long as he was the one striking from the safest of distances. and Selden had bitten his tongue through more than one conversation in which he'd heard Lily's past trotted out for entertainment over cards and cigars. - he *would*, wouldn't he
- that bit when he gives her a slightly over-the-top compliment and she's half pleased and half "I'm both too old and sleep-deprived for this kind of talk right now, my dude."
- I came calling too early," Selden admitted, a little embarrassed now for his own boyish eagerness. "I felt it was a matter that could not wait. and She was still taking his cigarettes at every opportunity - MY HEART
- I can only make you a modest offer of a modest marriage. after that bit about "terms" is a great line, spot on Wharton imo, reminded me of The Glimpses and the Lansings.
All in all, thank you so much, it's lovely!