Half-Life of a Stolen Sister by Rachel Cantor

Author:Rachel Cantor
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Soho Press

A BOLD IDEA, CLEAR AS A BELL—

in which sisters decide to write novels (as recounted by Em)

Papa falls asleep, so I extract his plate that his beard might not dampen in sauce. Our papa, once asleep, is not easily awakened, so Lotte speaks.

Speak, Lotte, speak!

Sisters, she says, we must confab. And stands, to more fully gather our attention.

Aunt’s bequest, she says, is much diminished, thanks to Branwell’s profligacy and our failure at selling Poems. Papa, moreover, is quite unable to see.

Annie agrees: Fivepenny must accompany him everywhere, to ensure he arrives safely and can find the media, podia, et cetera, without injury or humiliation.

It was with great delicacy, I said, addressing Lotte, that you guided him to table tonight, so he might not bump and bruise his person.

But Lotte has not yet achieved her point:

Sisters, we must prepare for a time when Papa cannot work! We need a plan!

I do not speak because Lotte, however much she may search the ceiling for inspiration, has a plan and is ready to speak it.

Anne does not see it. Shall we return to work? she says. ’Tis months since I am returned from the Robinsons’ . . .

I spit (metaphorically).

Annie continues: Perhaps I am refreshed?

Wait! Lotte says, as if an idea strikes her with great force. She may have to sit for the force of it! I have an idea! she says. It is bold, it is clear as a Bell! Shall you hear it?

We allow Lotte a suspenseful pause.

We must, says she . . . write novels!

I have been expecting this and do not welcome it. Ahh, I say. Oh, says Anne.

Lotte allows us a moment to absorb.

Think of it! she says. Our imagination is best suited to narrative, with the exception of Em’s, whose genius runs to anything. Every day we hear of persons who haven’t half our artistry gaining fame and income from their work, so why not we? Our books must sell, of course, which means they must have much in them that is desired by the public, such as love and adventure. Also, I insist: they must instruct!

I do not welcome the idea, but can offer no alternative to destitution.

An adventure in instruction, say I.

But Lotte is serious—so serious we may not say no: she would not survive it!

Annie, she says, I understand you have begun one?

I have, she whispers. It concerns a nanny.

I have ideas, I allow.

I am undecided, says Lotte. My imagination, fertile so long, is silent now, but I trust that with application, and your kind patience, it shall again grow large!

My sisters welcome this endeavor, Lotte with joy, Annie with quietly held ambition; I know it shall clamp me down and strip me bare. If I am to face destruction, however, it may as well be with them, in service to Art.

Annie looks for and finds the port.

Hooray! we cry. Hooray!

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