The Glass Library, #1
The Librarian of Crooked Lane
by C.J. Archer
Contents
Chapter 12
Overview
Ivy arrives and, contrary to fears, warmly supports Sylvia’s temporary stay, easing social tensions at dinner. Talk of Gabe’s delayed wedding and a probing newspaper article raise stakes around his wartime past. Outside the library, journalist Albert Scarrow confronts them; Gabe snaps, then a gunshot rings out as Gabe tackles Sylvia to safety.
Summary
Sylvia is stunned to learn Gabe is engaged to Ivy. At a dinner with the Baileys and friends, Sylvia meets Ivy, who is elegant, wealthy, and unexpectedly supportive of Sylvia staying for safety. Tensions with Willie simmer, but the evening is largely warm, with hints that Gabe’s wedding waits on his parents’ return.
Conversation reveals Ivy’s leather magic family and wartime bootmaking, while Willie needles and jokes. Later, Ivy presses for news of Gabe’s parents; the delay frustrates her but she masks it. Sylvia retires, deciding to leave the next day despite the comforts of Gabe’s household.
At breakfast, a speculative article by Albert Scarrow questions Gabe’s wartime survival and a recent underwater rescue. Gabe downplays it, but Alex fumes at the intrusion. They plan to guard Ludlow and Lady Stanhope and ensure the library’s security, while Sylvia insists on normal access for patrons.
Gabe drives Sylvia and her luggage to the Glass Library. In Crooked Lane, Albert Scarrow confronts them, claiming he staked out the library rather than Gabe’s home, implying a different watcher had tailed them earlier. Pressed, Scarrow pursues questions; Gabe, provoked, grabs him by the lapels.
Before the confrontation escalates further, a gunshot cracks through the lane. Instantly, Gabe hurls Sylvia to the ground and covers her, ending the chapter in immediate danger and heightening the mystery of who is targeting them.
Who Appears
- Sylvia AsheNarrator; meets Ivy, navigates social tensions, decides to leave; later confronted by a journalist and is shielded when a shot is fired.
- Gabriel Glass (Gabe)Host and investigator; engaged to Ivy; calm facade slips with journalist Scarrow; protects Sylvia as a gunshot rings out.
- IvyGabe’s fiancée; poised and wealthy, surprisingly supportive of Sylvia staying; subtly frustrated by delayed wedding.
- Alex BaileyGabe’s close friend; protective and irritable about the press; present at dinner and breakfast discussions.
- Nate “Cyclops” BaileyFriend; jovial presence at dinner, teases Willie; exchanges concerned looks about the delayed wedding.
- Catherine BaileyMatriarchal friend; welcomes Sylvia, shares history of Gabe and Ivy’s quick engagement and his postwar change.
- WillieSharp-tongued friend; initially hostile, later present; shuffles cards, jokes about weddings, wary of Sylvia’s stay.
- Albert ScarrowPersistent journalist; questions Gabe’s feats outside the library; his presence precedes a sudden gunshot.
- BristowButler; announces guests and dinner, manages service during the evening.
- Mrs. LingCook; provides the comforting multi-course dinner praised by guests.
- Mrs. BristowHousekeeper; leaves bed-warmer and household routine note that comforts Sylvia.
- Ella BaileyEldest Bailey daughter; attentive to case talk and self-defense lessons.
- Mae BaileyMiddle Bailey daughter; dismissive of self-defense, teases younger sister.
- Lulu BaileyYoungest Bailey daughter; pouts over being denied a cocktail.