the personal librarian by marie benedict summary

As the niece of the esteemed head of purchasing for the library, Charlotte Martins, she can breach the quiet of the library's hallowed halls without fear of repercussions. It is my only dear friend, fellow librarian, and housemate, Gertrude Hyde. Within minutes, the office door flies open, slamming against the wood-paneled wall, and I jump. Tucking my somber navy skirt beneath me, I slide onto my chair. I remove my coat and hat, careful to smooth my rebellious curly hair back into place. If sweet-natured Miss McKenna saw me arrive late, it would have been of no import, but with hood-eyed, nosy Miss Adams, I could never be certain she wouldn't mention my offense at some future time to our superior. The room is empty, and I exhale in relief. Pushing the heavy oak door slowly to minimize its loud creak, I pad as quietly as my calfskin boots allow, across the marble foyer before I sidle into the office I share with two other librarians. Even though she's nearly sixty miles away, Mama insinuates herself into my thoughts. Be cautious, never do anything to stand out. You must take extra care working at that all-male institution. So, I send money home instead.Īs I duck under a crenellated tower, I moderate my pace so I won't be breathless when I arrive. On the weekends, I wish I could return to the energy of New York, but the sixty cents for a train ticket is outside our family's budget. It's been five years since I left our New York City apartment for this sleepy New Jersey college town, and the quiet is still unnerving. By the time I pass Blair Arch, my stride is quick but acceptable for a lady. I know I must do nothing to draw any kind of extra attention.

I release the fabric and slow down as I weave through Princeton's leafy Gothic landscape, designed to look like Cambridge and Oxford. But just as I gather the heavy material, I hear Mama's voice: Belle, be a lady at all times. I long to break into a sprint, my voluminous skirts lifted, my legs flying along the Princeton University pathways.

The Old North bell tolls the hour, and I realize that I'll be late.

The personal librarian by marie benedict summary