u/ReadingWritingNoel

This... got a lot longer than I intended. Apologies.

I suggest checking out Rabbit Hole Soul Sisters on Substack. They make a lot of the same points, and far more eloquently than I do.

But here are some of the reasons I truly believe that Hawkes has a solid chance of being endgame:

1. Unbeknownst to Emma, he's important in her life far before she forms a friendship with him. He knew her father well, had known for years that he was to be her guardian, if necessary, once she turned 21, and gave her the lion card with "imperterritus" on it, which became her personal motto of sorts.

2. The transition in their relationship is, in my opinion, the biggest change out of the three. She's attracted to and fascinated by Pierce from the beginning. She and Islington have had a feisty, banter-filled type of friendship from the start as well. But with Hawkes, you go from her calling him Young Hawkes exclusively, and describing him as "aloof" with "cold blue eyes", to actively seeking him out, obsessing over his whereabouts when he disappears, and referring to him on more than one occasion as "my Hawkes".

3. His chair. He's the only one of the guys with his own seat at her home, and she's rather particular about who sits in it. I've seen people say that if he's the king and she's the queen, they both have their "thrones" there.

4. The color blue and the sea/water are tied to him, and there are many, many references to them throughout. The RHSS make some fantastic connections here.

5. While he tends to keep his distance from her, there are several instances of physical touch between them, and not in the way of helping her from a carriage, dancing, etc. - She sleeps on his shoulder on the bench, he wraps his scarf around her on Valentine's Day, he holds her hand and gives her a "star" after the May Day prophecy, he puts his hand on her shoulder with his thumb resting against her bare neck (!) when the guardian letter scene happens. None of these instances are exactly proper for the time period!

6. The man literally quotes romantic poetry in his sermons while looking at her. Come on.

7. I think it's very significant that he added her name to the key to his room. Why Emma? He tells her that it's for an emergency only, but still, why Emma? It could have been one of the Reprobates (though, granted, I don't think I'd give any of them access to my room without me present, either), or it could have been Pierce if it's only for emergency use - their friendship has grown enough that it would be reasonable. But he chose Emma. He trusts her more than anyone, outside of Islington.

8. The whole scene in his room is charged, in my opinion. Emma states that while she has loved her friends' places, she loves his more. She's absolutely fascinated. She sits in his chair to see how he - scratch that - IT feels. She so badly wants to snoop. Then Hawkes shows up and watches her from the doorway. Her description of him here is... yeah. She says he looks like someone else at first, then that falls away, and he's "my Hawkes" again. The way he sits on the bed, clearly exhausted, and just watches her. If this were her and Islington in Islington's private room, the Islington girls would LOSE THEIR MINDS. lol

9. She's been crowned the Queen of the Reprobates. If Hawkes is the leader of the Reprobates, this is a very interesting thing. There are actually multiple "king" references and nods to Hawkes throughout.

10. Everyone talks about how Emma says she's half in love with Islington after reading his journal, but she says something similar about Oberon, who I believe is Hawkes.

11. She displays a bit of jealousy in reference to the Pear Scented Lady's letters. Actually, that whole scene where she rescues the letter feels a bit flirty. "Are you trying to best me, Miss Lion?"

12. Hawkes gifts her the books that seem to be the most meaningful to her: her father's Ireland book and Treasure Island, which helps her after Maxwell's funeral. Also, two of her most treasured books are her father's Shakespeare and her mother's Bible, and Hawkes has a lot of ties to Shakespeare, and obviously to the Bible as the vicar.

13. Their lives would fit so beautifully together. They value a lot of the same things, and I feel like, of all the men, her life would be able to stay the closest to what she says she wants in one of the early books. (I don't have the books with me to reference, sorry! Something about 2 walks a day, 1, maybe 2 social obligations a week... something like that lol)

14. Can we talk about his suspenders for a moment? Blue and light green? With Beth talking about leaving Easter eggs throughout, and also connecting blue to Hawkes and light green to Emma, and the fact that this is specifically described, it feels significant.

15. I think it's significant that she has the sketch of him that Saffronia did in her room. Not just kept there, but displayed. I think the fact that she has the sketch of him and the Afghanistan photo from Pierce in her room is another potential clue that they are the two branches.

16. When she holds his room key against her heart, and then does the same with his book on May Day. Also, she's tightly gripping his book throughout the May Day fortune teller scene, where she receives the two branches prophecy.

17. Everyone makes a connection between Islington and daffodils (and I definitely understand why), but Hawkes also quotes a Wordsworth poem that talks about daffodils, so that clue could tie to either of them. (Why do you do this to us, Beth???)

18. One theory I see tossed around a lot is that Hawkes and Emma are related, but after reading some of the stories on Beth's Substack, I don't believe that is true. I think romance books have trained us to look for the obvious romantic interest (Pierce) or banter as a sign of romantic interest (Islington), and so the subtle, gradual growth of a relationship from friendship to more is overlooked unless you're reading a book that you KNOW is friends to more. Could a lot of the Hawkes/Emma interactions be read as just a caring friend? Sure. But could they also be the subtle actions of a man who cares deeply for a woman but is intentionally not pursuing her? He says that there are forces at work in his life, and he feels the only way to protect those he cares about is to keep his distance.

19. Another argument against Hawkes I see is that he's more of a spiritual guide. As a pastor's kid, I can attest to the fact that my mom didn't have to have a separate pastor because she was married to my dad - he was both her husband and her spiritual leader. I understand how that may seem odd to some people, but I don't think it excludes him from being a romantic interest.

Okay, those last few turned more "defense of" and less "case for" lol!

Anyway, I am well aware that this is only my own interpretation of what I'm reading, and I could be so incredibly, horribly wrong! We're still so early in this series, and there are many ways that Beth could take this. It could be Hawkes. It could be Pierce. It could be Islington. It could be someone else entirely (though I do believe it's someone we know, as both branches have green and growth in Emma's dream at the end of volume 8).

This is simply how I currently feel about it all.

I would absolutely choose Hawkes myself, and I understand that those feelings are impacting what I'm seeing, at least a bit. It will be truly hilarious (and very sad) for me if he does turn out to be a relative or something!

Some things I would love to see in future books that would definitely feed into the "Hawkes is endgame" theory:

-They play opposite each other in Julius Caesar is Brutus and Portia. Maybe the original Brutus has to drop out, and Hawkes is the only one who could step in at the last minute? We know he could. I think the dialogue when Brutus' wife is begging him to let her in and share his secrets would be so impactful between them! Also, perhaps seeing him acting in such a way would reveal to her that he was, in fact, Oberon?

-The reveal that there is something/was something between Hawkes and Eloise Silver. Emma is jealous of the Pear Scented Lady (who may or may not be Eloise). Can you imagine her reaction if she finds out that there's something between those two? Eloise, the beauty of England, and her Hawkes? I can imagine that might be eye-opening for her. This is speculation, of course. We don't have any proof yet of anything between the two, but if there is, I don't think Emma will like it.

-I think when the inevitable breakup with Pierce happens, Emma will look to the other two, but especially Hawkes, for comfort. She already looks to Hawkes for comfort as it is. I do think Pierce will have to be somewhat out of the picture before anything happens with someone else. Emma is fiercely loyal, and I can't imagine her falling for and pursuing someone else while in a relationship.

*Please note I'm writing all of this from memory (and my memory is definitely not the best), so if there are mistakes, misquotes, etc., it is not intentional. I just love having a place to essentially talk it all out! I know there are many of you who adamantly believe Hawkes is not a romantic interest, and I respect that. This is not to start arguments or try to tell anyone they're wrong. We could all be wrong! lol. Just my thoughts and why I do think Hawkes may be endgame. (TLDR: Please don't come at me aggressively because you disagree. I'm sensitive, I'll cry.)

Alright, Team Hawkes, I know some of you are way more organized and persuasive than I am! Let's see it in your words!

And of course, we can't forget our favorite photographer!

What are your favorite Pierce moments?

Team Pierce may seem to be in the minority, but I know y'all are passionate about it!

I had way too much fun with the "Favorite Hawkes Moments" post, so I decided there should be one for each of the guys!

What are some of your favorite Islington moments??

I know Team Islington is a big one, y'all don't let me down!

Who do you genuinely believe Emma will end up with in the end? Not your favorite guy, not who you want her to be with… but who you actually think she will end up with based on the story so far, and the clues and foreshadowing (we think) we’ve picked up on so far? 🤔

This is for my fellow Hawkes girls... Or just anyone who loves him, even if he's not your choice.

I know some people think Hawkes is too mysterious and even aloof, but I think there are so many sweet, fun, and endearing moments with him. Here are some of my favorites!

1. When he brings Emma cake in the middle of the night at Stonecrop.

2. "Emma is very pretty."

3. Letting Emma sleep on his shoulder for hours while he sat there in the cold, not moving. I mean, come on. That's adorable.

4. Valentine's Day. All of it. Sitting on the bench with Emma (what is their thing with benches? lol), wrapping his scarf around her rather than just handing it to her when he realized she was cold, his care and concern after the fountain incident. Also, can we just discuss the strength it would take to lift her and her extremely heavy dress out of the water??

5. The whole entire scene when Emma goes to his room to deliver his mail.

6. When he slams his book closed when Aunt Eugenia is at Lapis Lazuli and talking crap about Emma. We don't see too many strong reactions from him, but he was clearly upset here.

7. His incredibly thoughtful gifts to Emma.

There are about a million more, I think, but my brain has decided it's done for now.

I know so many people say they don't see anything romantic in his gestures and how he treats Emma, only friendship and caring, and I absolutely get it. But viewing him through the lens of someone reserved and introverted (I truly think he is, I mean, the man loves to be alone with his books, and gets up and leaves whenever he decides he's done with a social gathering - hilarious and relatable!) I do think it could be the actions of a man who cares very deeply about Emma, but isn't showing it. He has stated that due to the forces at work in his life, he feels that the only way to protect those he cares about is to keep them at a distance. I absolutely believe that if he had feelings for Emma, he would choose not to act on them for her sake.

And as someone who is introverted and reserved myself, I'm pretty sure you could ask any man I've ever had a crush on, and he'd tell you he had literally no idea, because while I think I'm obvious, I'm apparently not at all and very hard to read. Oops?

What are YOUR favorite Hawkes moments? Help me out since my memory is not cooperating and I know there are more!

I think we all know that we're becoming more unhinged the longer we wait for news of volume 9, and so I'm curious:

What is your craziest EML theory, and why do you believe it?

Tell me your most off-the-wall endgame theory, the crazy secret you think someone is hiding, all of it!

I think it'll be a nice break from our go-to mysteries and discussions! lol

This is 100% just for fun; you'll get no judgment from me.

I know theories regarding who is behind Oberon at the Twelfth Night party abound in the EML fandom, but I thought I'd add my opinions to the mix - mostly just to summarize them and get them down in writing for myself.

My personal opinion is that Hawkes is Oberon, not Islington. Here are my reasons behind that belief:

• We already know that there is more to Hawkes than meets the eye - much more. The hunched, distant vicar persona is only a part of who he is. We see the change in his physical demeanor at least a couple of times in the books - at the May Day boxing match, and when he returns to find Emma in his room. I find it fascinating that Emma says he almost feels like a different person at first when she sees him standing in the doorway of his room, before something shifts and he becomes "my Hawkes" again. I think it's definitely believable that Hawkes could, especially behind the safety of a mask, act in such a way as Oberon does, lounging on his throne, throwing down and shattering a glass, etc. I have a difficult time seeing such behavior coming from Islington, however. We've never seen Islington act in any way other than the Islington we know and love. In fact, when Emma comes across him alone in the woods at Stonecrop playing cello, she even remarks about how even when he's alone, his ducal persona and manners are still present. If he is still that way when completely alone, I think that clearly indicates that it's just who he is - and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that! I love Islington.
• The head tilt. Now, I've seen the posts talking about how Islington also does a head tilt multiple times in the books, just like Hawkes. However, the head tilt from Oberon reads, to me, as more of a curious, observant gesture. Islington often tilts his head in acknowledgement, but rarely in curiosity, from what I remember. Hawkes often does it as he's observing someone or something.
• The covered eyes. While I definitely think that Emma would recognize either man by his eyes, I'm not sure I believe that the Twelfth Night party was held solely for Emma's benefit (is this an annual thing? Will we see it again? I'm so curious). Which of the two would be recognized by the St. Crispian's population by eyes alone? Islington is definitely an important figure in St. Crispian's, but I think that Hawkes, who is known, loved, and frequently interacts with the community, would be much easier to recognize. A large portion of the folks of St. Crispian's sit and watch the man for hours every Sunday as he delivers his poetry-infused sermons. I think those blue eyes would be recognized by many people, and therefore, it makes sense to hide them when choosing to stay anonymous.
• During the scene, Oberon presents the crown to Emma. She takes it, then places it on his head. He gives her a courtly bow before retreating to his throne. There's a scene later in the book with Hawkes and Emma that I believe mirrors this a bit - the ribbon cutting for the new bench. Emma is excited and wants to cut the ribbon, however the committee calls Hawkes aside and asks him to. He tries to give the scissors back, but they won't allow him to. When he turns to Emma, clearly seeking her approval, she gestures to indicate that he should go ahead. He gives her a courtly bow - just like Oberon did. Now, I'm not delusional and realize that this sort of bow definitely wouldn't have been so rare as to only come from Hawkes, but I do find this whole scene interesting when viewed in comparison!
• As far as the night of the party itself, there are, of course, many interesting moments that have been discussed frequently. Was the man Emma spotted in the blue coat actually Hawkes (acting quite out of character in my opinion by ignoring her call - he disappears frequently, yes, but is never rude or dismissive of Emma), or was it the other missing Reprobate trying to trick the partygoers into believing they had seen Hawkes at the party, and therefore throw doubt on any thought that he might be Oberon? What about the conversation with The Boy? His sharp look when Emma says she saw Hawkes (and seeming relief when he realizes she's referring to the man in the blue coat), his comment when Emma asks if she knows Oberon - "I don't think you do" which to me, feels more along the lines of "No, I don't think you do truly know him, or this side of him" and less "no, this is a stranger to you". I also feel that Shakespeare is more often tied to Hawkes than Islington, with the exception of the Julius Caesar play.

All of this is, of course, only my speculation and opinion, and I am admittedly biased toward Hawkes. However, I think that if Oberon turns out to be either Hawkes or Islington, as so many believe, that will be a strong indicator of which will be the other branch of the prophecy. If it's revealed to be Islington, I'll have to do some major rethinking of my opinions! Honestly, I could make a case for any of the three alchemy guys if I wanted to. Beth keeps things vague enough, at least up to this point, that there is really no definitive answer.

Bonus thought: I would absolutely love to see Hawkes play opposite Emma in Julius Caesar in volume 9. ESPECIALLY if it's in the roles of Brutus and his wife. From what I understand, there's some dialogue between the two where she's basically begging him to open up to her and share with her, and that would just be so fitting, and likely very charged, between Hawkes and Emma!

Perhaps there's initially someone else cast who can't do it, and Hawkes steps in at the last minute as one of the few people who could do the play by memory without the preparation and practice (we all know that boy could). Perhaps seeing him in such a role would also cause Emma to realize, or at least suspect, that he was Oberon??? Wishful thinking on my part, but wouldn't that be so good?