The Glass Library, #1
The Librarian of Crooked Lane
by C.J. Archer
Contents
Chapter 5
Overview
Sylvia informs Gabriel about a hidden canvas at the Royal Academy, prompting tensions with his protective cousin Willie and a brush with a pushy journalist. Gabriel later confirms the canvas was removed and narrows suspects. To help Sylvia, he secures her an interview at the Glass family’s magic-focused library, where she arrives and meets a familiar-faced librarian.
Summary
Sylvia visits Gabriel Glass’s home and meets his brash American cousin Willie Johnson and friend Alexander Bailey. She reports seeing a second canvas hidden behind a village scene at the Royal Academy, suspecting a link to the theft investigation. Gabriel accepts her account, takes names of staff present, and withholds details of suspects.
Willie learns of the earlier kidnapping attempt on Gabriel and insists on guarding him, while Sylvia questions why kidnappers wouldn’t simply kill him, raising doubts about the motive. A persistent journalist appears at the door; Willie scares him off with a threat, prompting Gabriel to apologize for the scene and worry about Sylvia’s safety leaving the house.
Sylvia declines an escort, but later Gabriel meets her at the lodging house and persuades her to take a short drive to discuss developments. He explains he located the village-scene painting but the hidden canvas had already been removed, confirming insider involvement and narrowing the suspect pool.
Feeling responsible for Sylvia’s dismissal from the library, Gabriel reveals he has arranged an interview for her at a private collection dedicated to magic studies: the Glass Library on Crooked Lane, overseen by retired Professor Nash. Sylvia agrees to meet him.
Sylvia enters Crooked Lane’s atmospheric, centuries-old passage and is captivated by the majestic, book-lined Glass Library. As she takes in the room’s grandeur, a reedy voice greets her—“You must be Miss Ashe”—and she turns to find a familiar face, presumably the librarian awaiting her interview.
Who Appears
- Sylvia AsheProtagonist; reports a hidden canvas, endures chaotic visit with Gabriel’s household, rides with him, and visits the Glass Library for an interview.
- Gabriel GlassWar hero and investigator; hears Sylvia’s tip, faces family concern, confirms the canvas was removed, and arranges Sylvia’s library interview.
- Willie JohnsonGabriel’s blunt American cousin; protective, quitting smoking, confronts a journalist, insists on guarding Gabriel.
- Alexander BaileyGabriel’s friend and ally; records names from Sylvia, cautions about kidnapping risk, provides wry commentary.
- BristowButler; enforces the door against a journalist and assists in household order.
- Mrs. WhittenLandlady; disapproving presence who pressures discretion during Gabriel’s visit.
- DaisySylvia’s friend; absorbed in painting, briefly hosted by Sylvia between errands.
- Professor NashRetired scholar and librarian of the Glass Library; expected to interview Sylvia and likely greets her.
- Unnamed journalistPersistent reporter pursuing Gabriel’s past rescue story; chased off by Willie.