Ruby works at the library. Shelving, mainly. Not in the archive; that's Mrs Atkinson's magical white-gloved domain, where she stands watch over the historical photos and the special files of the lost boys who went to war. Ruby would like to work in the archive of course, but there's only one pair of white gloves—and anyway Martha's the one being groomed for greatness. Martha of the flamboyant bohemian style and russet-toned beauty. And the Affairs. Ruby can see the appeal of the Affairs; the heat, the danger. Ruby sees a lot, loitering there behind Geography 910. Enough to worry her. Maybe even enough to bring her out of hiding. And that could be a problem, because everyone has history—especially someone who's trying to lose it.