Her castle had 30 rooms. She lived it up in many bedrooms for lack of other places where a woman of her day could shine. I admired her and ached for her too.
The inside out dress, the invisibility, the agreement. How I adore outspoken older women. I sense your mother was robbed of becoming old and ever more outspoken. I had an aunt who was known in her town as the Gray Eminence. All the young women in the family aspired to be like her. Lillian Hellman and Beatrice Wood had a similar aura to your friend. I would like to wander her 30 rooms, or even three of them. You have brought her back to life.
The queen came to life, which is exactly what she would have wanted. I'm so connected now I think I don't want to know what will happen to her castle of 30 rooms. Best to remember them as you've described. Magnificent and busy.
Beautiful story, Rona. You really brought your friend to life. By the way, I have a terrific memoir to recommend for you. I started it last night and can't put it down. See this Substack for a great introduction to the book: https://open.substack.com/pub/naturalselections/p/trans-widows
The inside out dress, the invisibility, the agreement. How I adore outspoken older women. I sense your mother was robbed of becoming old and ever more outspoken. I had an aunt who was known in her town as the Gray Eminence. All the young women in the family aspired to be like her. Lillian Hellman and Beatrice Wood had a similar aura to your friend. I would like to wander her 30 rooms, or even three of them. You have brought her back to life.
One reason to write is to raise the dead, if only for a few minutes. I love your Gray Eminence.
I enjoyed this so much Rona. Beautiful portrait. Some lines were achingly sad.
"I did not rise to the occasion. I let her go when she could no longer play the role I had assigned her."
You inspire me to reach back in time and tell more of my own stories.
Best thing any writer could tell me. You have your own queens, kings and colourful below-stairs characters.
The queen came to life, which is exactly what she would have wanted. I'm so connected now I think I don't want to know what will happen to her castle of 30 rooms. Best to remember them as you've described. Magnificent and busy.
Thank you, Ramona. Now I know that not posting a link to the real estate site was the right call.
Beautiful story, Rona. You really brought your friend to life. By the way, I have a terrific memoir to recommend for you. I started it last night and can't put it down. See this Substack for a great introduction to the book: https://open.substack.com/pub/naturalselections/p/trans-widows
Thanks, Yvonne—for your encouragement and the recommendation.
Beautiful story. Reading this was like savouring a piece of delicious chocolate. Perfect.
Alice, I just subscribed and see that David Goldbloom, whom I remember warmly from a former life, is among your contributors. Family member?
As a chocolate lover, I am honored.