Contents
Chapter 9
Overview
Mabel begins a diary at Ness’s suggestion and discovers writing helps her process emotions. She closely observes Aunt Cecily and Ness’s unusually public, whispered-about friendship and their effortless shorthand. Witnessing their bond deepens Mabel’s longing for intimate connection, shaping her understanding of companionship and belonging.
Summary
Mabel, following Ness’s advice, starts a diary and finds that writing helps her understand and organize feelings she was taught to suppress. The act becomes a private space where her emotions finally make sense.
As she writes, Mabel focuses on Aunt Cecily and Ness’s friendship. She notes how unusual it is for two unmarried women to attend Mass, shop, and go to the theater together, drawing town gossip. To avoid prying eyes, Ness often spends time at their house.
Mabel eavesdrops on their lively talks and marvels at their intuitive shorthand—Cecily and Ness anticipate each other’s needs without full sentences. Calling them “bosom friends” prompts shared smiles between them and stirs conflicting feelings in Mabel: happiness at their connection and a deep ache of longing for a friendship like theirs that she believes may never be hers.
Who Appears
- Mabel Waller (young Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick)Begins a diary at Ness’s urging; reflects on feelings and longs for deep friendship.
- Aunt Cecily (Cess)Caretaker; half of an unusually close, gossiped-about friendship with Ness; shares intuitive shorthand.
- NessLibrarian mentor; suggests the diary; close friend to Cecily; often shelters from town gossip at their home.