Chapter 7

After freeing herself in the Burlington House storeroom, Sylvia notices cigarette butts and a slipped dust cover exposing vertically stacked crates, including one labeled “Village High Street,” confirming the likely hiding place for the stolen painting. She leaves, gives Mr. Bolton immediate notice, and heads into the rainy night, uneasy at the sense of being watched.

The next morning, Sylvia recalls the heated exchange between Lady Stanhope and Mr. Ludlow and telephones Gabriel Glass to report her suspicions. She then begins her first day at the Glass Library, where Professor Nash gives her a tour of the ground floor and the more valuable first-floor collection, explaining the magical protections in the furniture, glass, and fixtures, and describing India Glass’s rare abilities to extend other magic and create new spells.

Nash reveals a secret vestibule and door to his private rooms, offers their facilities, and outlines library policies—open to all but with no borrowing. He gives Sylvia Oscar Barratt’s primer on magic and assigns attic cataloguing for later. While Sylvia reshelves books, Gabe arrives and invites her to lunch.

At a casual café, Gabe shares the case: Scotland Yard engaged him because the stolen painting, by the little-known Jean-Baptiste Delaroche, may be magical. The owner bought it cheaply, then had a sculptor magician verify lingering magic. The theft occurred two days before private viewings, likely by someone with access; suspects include staff, packers, Ludlow, and possibly Lady Stanhope. Sylvia’s note that Stanhope and Ludlow argued near a newly promoted seascape suggests the seascape might also be magical and at risk.

They decide to question painter Horatio about Lady Stanhope. Returning to Crooked Lane, Sylvia asks Nash for time away; he readily agrees and reveals that Gabe personally arranged and is funding her wages until the committee acts. The revelation leaves Sylvia questioning Gabe’s motives even as she commits to help protect the seascape and advance the investigation.