The Glass Library, #1
The Librarian of Crooked Lane
by C.J. Archer
Contents
Chapter 2
Overview
Sylvia and Daisy scheme to meet Lady Rycroft by working the Royal Academy’s private viewing. Sylvia instead meets Gabriel Glass, who reveals his mother has just departed for America and directs Sylvia to the Silversmiths’ Guild. Their effort ends abruptly when a brute kidnaps Gabriel outside, escalating the stakes.
Summary
After Mr. Parmiter leaves, Sylvia tells Daisy about James’s notebook and his suspicion they are silver magicians tied to India Glass, Lady Rycroft. Daisy proposes reaching Lady Rycroft via her son, Gabriel, and leverages her artist friend Horatio to secure them work at the Royal Academy’s private viewing to gain access.
At the viewing, Sylvia, forced into serving, searches for Lady Rycroft while Daisy flirts and schemes. A confrontation with Mr. Parmiter earlier lingers in Sylvia’s mind, and at the event Lady Stanhope and the butler, Mr. Ludlow, enforce strict hierarchies. Daisy spots Gabriel. After a humiliating spill, Sylvia slips downstairs, and Daisy urges her to approach him.
With Horatio’s help, Sylvia finally speaks to Gabriel amid a crowd. She explains James’s note about “India Glass” and possible silver magic. Gabriel is intrigued but firm: Lady Rycroft cannot meet because she left for America the previous day with Lord Rycroft. He advises Sylvia to try the Silversmiths’ Guild instead.
Lady Stanhope intervenes, and Mr. Ludlow ejects Sylvia despite Gabriel’s attempt to defend her. Downstairs, Daisy demands their pay, and the staff gossip about the scene. Outside in the courtyard, Gabriel catches up with them on Piccadilly and reiterates he cannot help further.
As Gabriel signals for his motor, a black car cuts in; a heavy-set man seizes Gabriel, twisting his arms behind his back while the driver revs the engine. Realization dawns that Gabriel is being kidnapped. Sylvia screams as the abduction unfolds in seconds, abruptly transforming their quiet inquiry into a dangerous mystery.
Who Appears
- Sylvia AsheAssistant librarian and former wartime journalist; seeks Lady Rycroft about family silver magic; meets Gabriel; witnesses his kidnapping.
- Gabriel GlassWar hero; India Glass’s son; advises Sylvia to try the Silversmiths’ Guild; abducted outside the Academy.
- Daisy CarmichaelSylvia’s bold artist friend; engineers access to the exhibition; pushes Sylvia to approach Gabriel; confronts staff.
- Mr. LudlowRoyal Academy butler; reprimands Sylvia and dismisses her after Lady Stanhope’s complaint; reluctantly pays wages.
- Lady StanhopeOrganizer of the private viewing; snubs staff, orders Sylvia’s removal after seeing her speak with Gabriel.
- HoratioArtist exhibiting at the Academy; facilitates Sylvia’s introduction to Gabriel; Daisy’s useful contact.
- Mr. ParmiterSylvia’s strict, sexist boss; catches Daisy in the library and issues Sylvia a final warning.
- Heavy-set kidnapperUnknown assailant who overpowers Gabriel and forces him into a waiting motorcar.