Times Ruby Book

The house, located in London, has a dark and majestic Victorian atmosphere. The building is filled with a multitude of winding corridors, rooms, and staircases. The rooms are filled with antique, heavy wardrobes, furniture with secrets, and hanging portraits of previous residents. The house feels alive and secretive due to the constant family secrets, old traditions, and whispered adult gossip.

Xerius (Chimerius) is a gargoyle demon visible only to Gwendolyn. He is a caustic, sarcastic, yet humorous companion who often offers advice to the heroine. Grace Shepherd is Gwendolyn's mother. A calm, loving, and caring woman who tried to protect her daughter from the influence of a secret organization. Count Saint-Germain is the founder of the Secret Lodge from the past. He is a manipulator who conceals the true meaning of the "Secret of the Twelve" for his own gain, a sexist who believes women are weaker and more stupid. Lady Arista is Gwendolyn's maternal grandmother. A domineering, cold woman of the old school who despises Gwendolyn for her lack of proper upbringing. Glenda Montrose is Charlotte's mother. She is an arrogant, haughty woman who loves to gossip and considers Gwen's family a "failed branch." Nick Shepherd, Gwen's younger brother, is a cheerful boy of about 10. Caroline Shepherd, Gwen's younger sister, is a dreamer, a tiny creature of about 7 years old. Dr. White is a member of the Guardians and a doctor. He is smart, rude, and irritable. He became like this after the death of his son, Robert. Thomas George is a member of the lodge in the inner circle. He is a very sweet and calm man. Mrs. Jenkins is the Guardians' secretary. She is a bit of a silly woman, but a good person. Madame Rossini, the Guardians' dressmaker, sews them clothes from past centuries so that they look like they belong there. She is sweet and calm.

Gwendolyn Shepherd Who is she: The main character, a 16-year-old London schoolgirl who unexpectedly inherited the time travel gene (her birthstone is a ruby). Personality: A kind, sincere, simple, and ironic girl. Unlike her cousin, she hasn't prepared for the mission since childhood, so she is initially confused and frightened. At the same time, she has a strong will, courage, a sense of justice, and is capable of unconventional actions. She sees right through people and dislikes falsehood. Leslie Hay is Gwendolyn's best friend. A smart, sensible, loyal, and modern girl. She is an excellent judge of character, supports Gwen in any crazy ideas, helps her search for information about secret societies, and serves as the main voice of reason. Charlotte Montrose Who is she: Gwendolyn's cousin, who was long believed to be the true owner of the gene. Glenda's daughter. Personality: A proud, ambitious, meticulous, and serious girl. She was taught languages, history, and manners from childhood. The news that the gene was not hers, but that of the "simple" Gwendolyn, is a severe blow to Charlotte's pride, causing her to experience deep resentment, anger, and confusion. Gideon de Villers. Who is he: The main male character, also a time traveler (his birthstone is diamond), Gwendolyn's partner. Personality: A confident, intelligent, handsome, and brilliantly educated young man. At first, he appears arrogant, cold, haughty, and overly proper, having been raised in the strict traditions of the Secret Society from childhood. Gradually, beneath the mask of cynicism and arrogance, his capacity for empathy, protection, and deep feeling begins to emerge.