Gertrude Jekyll Books Novels & Stories

When I managed to remove the brick and place it onto the bookshelf next to me, my eyes fell on two leather-bound A5 sized books. Both of them were caked in dust and when I removed them, a rat scurried over my hand. Only the Goddess knew how I managed to contain my scream and steady my heart as I removed both the books. They seemed to be old journals and even had a leather string around them. No one knew these were here, the dust and grime on the leather proved that. I put the brick back in its place and climbed down the ladder again, hoping that I wasn’t intruding on a secret. Just in time too, because at that moment Viktor entered the room.

“ It’s nothing. Just a library book I checked out. By accident. Just a silly mistake.“ Now that was the understatement of the century. “A silly mistake, my behind,” Edith cackled. “The Kama Sutra. The Joy of Sex. Dating for Dummies. The Multi-Orgasmic Couple. The Girlfriend's Guide to Great Sex.” Edith pointed to each of the books as she listed off the titles. Picking up the books, Mattie said, “This is my business. My personal, private business.” “Poppycock.” Edith stood, hands on her generous hips, blocking the door. “If you wanted this to be private, you wouldn’t have brought those books here.“

But I really wasn't ready to go inside and face my fears. “I'll be right back.” “Take your time.” Zeke says, pulling out a thin, paperback book from his pocket. I notice the title and smile when I see that he is reading The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. “I have my book to keep me occupied.” “It's a pretty good book.” I tell him with a smile. “It must be. This is my fourth time reading it.” He tells me with a grin and I chuckle. He and I are so much alike. I reread my favorite books too; I've read Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte six times.

Stepping back again, I dusted off my hands this time with a soft smile beaming on my face as I observe my work. Just then the door to my room opens softly. So grossed in my organizing I had now only realized that the sun was about to set. The golden hue of the sunset warms over my face as I turn to face the opened door. I smiled as Gertrude enters with a tray. Her dark eyes fall on the books on the desk and she seems to be calculating something in her head. It was only a few minutes ago she saw them stacked on the right corner when she came to ask if I wanted her to bring me my dinner.

All there was, were those books. Staring at the supreme heavenly technique books—that the greatest of cultivators had been seeking out throughout the years—, Gerald couldn’t help but sigh while shaking his head as he said, “…Though Ryder was undoubtedly a prodigy, he eventually went mad just to obtain these books… Was all that even worth it? After all, though I now have access to them, it’s not like I can leave this place! I, for one, am not daring enough to leap into the river again! All I can do is stay here till I eventually die beside this senior!”

The warm glow is enough for me, as my feet shuffle towards the books. All first collections. My fingers reach for their spines as I go from row to row, my eyes getting even wider as I move. Jane Austen’s first collection. To Kill a Mockingbird. Pride and Prejudice. Crime and Punishment. Ulysses. The Great Gatsby. These had to have cost a fortune. I reach the end of the top row and grab a book. Jane Eyre. A door cracks open in a corner, but it sounds so far away that I don’t move. Until a second later when I hear footsteps right behind me.

She says with a hint of sorrow in her voice. "Maybe," He grunted. "Bottom of the food chain. That’s what others call Omegas." She uttered in sorrow. Velmont did not respond; he took one of the books and helped her with the research. Minutes, hours, then almost half the day goes by, and still nothing. The duo finally called it a day when the clock reached ten in the evening. They started arranging the books back on the shelves when suddenly Gertrude noticed a book neatly stuffed at the back of the bookcase. She took it, "Book of Offerings 1321." She murmured. Velmont, on the other hand, continued arranging the books back.