Chapter 4

Summary

• Gabe and Alex meet the protagonist at library from where they proceed to Mr. Trevelyan’s studio. They discuss about Albert Scarrow as they wait for him to leave the studio's vicinity.
• Mr. Trevelyan, the photographer, presents the photographs he took of the manuscript for them to examine more closely. The photographs reveal faint letters spelling out the name "Andrew Sidwell."
• The group speculates that Sidwell might be the scribe who transcribed the book. However, they find it peculiar that the scribe's signature would be at the front of the book, as that was usually reserved for the client who commissioned the work.
• Mr. Trevelyan indicates that the manuscript has a connection to the Medici family, which sparks a tense exchange with Gabe who did not disclose any information about the Medicis to Mr. Trevelyan.
• Mr. Trevelyan dismisses their concerns by justifying his deductions based on the family symbol he recognized, emphasizing that any book connected with the Medicis has high value. He then warns the team against Scarrow, deeming him ambitious and potentially dangerous.
• Mr. Trevelyan then reveals that he knows Gabe is Gabriel Glass and that he's been seeking him out under Scarrow's instruction.
• When Gabe asks why Mr. Trevelyan was chosen specifically for this assignment, Mr. Trevelyan states it is because he has a reputation for being tenacious.
• Mr. Trevelyan takes interest in the visitor's war experiences. The protagonist, feeling uneasy with the rising tension, quickly ends the visit and declines Mr. Trevelyan’s offer for dinner.
• Upon leaving the studio, the group spots some acquaintances, including Lady Stanhope from the Royal Academy. The protagonist feels unsettled by her association with Gabe.
• As Gabe and Alex return to their home, the protagonist continues working with Professor Nash at the library. They stumble upon Sir Andrew Sidwell's name on a card—indicating that he was a book collector years back. They speculate that Sidwell may have come into possession of the manuscript and tweaked it. The protagonist expresses a strong desire to research more about Sidwell.
• The protagonist and Professor Nash suggest that Sidwell's collection —which might include the key to decipher the code— could have been passed down through his family. However, finding all books once owned by Sidwell that may now be scattered globally would take a lifetime.
• Gabe returns to the library and they fill him in on Sidwell. They decide to visit Sidwell House, Sidwell's last-known residence, but decide to postpone the trip until speaking with Ivy.
• Before they leave to visit Sidwell House, Professor Nash suggests Gabe visit Huon Barratt, an ink magician, to examine the ink used in the manuscript.
• Gabe, Alex, and the protagonist visit Huon Barratt, who, after examining the manuscript, concurs with Oscar Barratt that the silver clasps hold some magic but clarifies that the ink in the manuscript doesn’t bear any magic. He takes an interest in the undeciphered symbols.

• Gabe attempts to take a book from Huon, which Huon eventually yields after some hesitation.
• Huon brings up the fact that their Uncle Oscar died without a will, mentioning that if his father was interested, as Oscar's next of kin, he could potentially stake a claim to the Glass Library's collection. Gabe shuts down this proposition, explaining the books were purchased with the library's funds and therefore never belonged to their uncle.
• Huon hints at wanting to stay in London, away from his father. He also mentions his wish to revisit the library and hear stories about his late uncle.
• Gabe acknowledges Huon's desire to return to the library, but is visibly stiff in his exchanges with Huon.
• Huon addresses Miss Ashe, showing familiarity and comfort. He suggests they should go dancing sometime, to which Ashe explains she usually avoids dancing clubs.
• Once in the motorcar, Gabe displays signs of discomfort and presses the accelerator hard when pulling away.
• Alex, joining Gabe and Ashe in the car, seems surprised at the behavior of Huon, comparing him to his late uncle throughout the drive to Gabe's mathematician friend’s residence.
• Ashe reveals that she's considering going dancing, a proposal usually made by her friend Daisy. The chapter closes with Ashe reflecting on her newfound sense of enjoyment in life and her new-found comfort in London.