The graphologist made the tea, added milk and no sugar on request, and brought over the mug, then reclaimed his own mug and took the other armchair. “So, Mr. Thurloe. What can I do for you?”

“That’s the question,” Aaron said. “I understand you’re a...what was it?”

“Graphologist. I read handwriting—not in the way everyone else does, I could hardly charge for that.” That was very clearly a practiced line, probably to head off the weak joke that would otherwise be inevitable. “I analyse handwriting and tell you what it reveals about the character of the writer.”

“How?”

“It’s a scientific study. I look at emphasis, angles, length of lines and shape of letters, how they connect—”

“And what does that tell you? If I put a long tail on my gs, you infer I have a short temper?”

“It’s an aggregate of impressions,” Wildsmith said. “Your writing betrays your past, your character, the mood you were in at the time. I need a page at minimum to get a sufficient feel.”

“And what do you do this for?” Aaron enquired.

“Money. It’s ten shillings per half hour.”

“I meant, what’s the purpose of your service?”

Wildsmith leaned back in his chair. “That depends on the client. Sometimes people want to know more about prospective employees, or spouses. Maybe you can’t get along with a colleague and you don’t understand why. I can give you an insight into their feelings that might help you.”

“Based on what? You say it’s a scientific study, but what’s your qualification?”

“Are you here under duress, Mr. Thurloe?” Wildsmith asked.

“I beg your pardon? No, I’m not.”

“You chose to approach me. I didn’t solicit you, and nobody is forcing you to believe in my work or use my services. You’re welcome to ask questions, but a bit less aggression, if you please.”

Aaron took a steadying breath. “Excuse me. You came highly recommended, but I can’t help feeling sceptical.”

Wildsmith tilted his head, acknowledging the words rather than accepting an apology they both knew Aaron hadn’t made. “To answer your question, there is no degree course in graphology, though there are plenty of very well-researched works on the subject. I’m self taught. My clients serve as my references, and if you think I’m entirely off target, you can always refuse to pay.”

“You allow that?”

“I can’t easily stop you,” Wildsmith pointed out. “Why don’t you tell me what you’re after? If you tell me your concerns—if you’re considering people for a job, or a lodger, or what-have-you—I’m more easily able to look for what you want.”

Or what I want to hear, Aaron thought. “I’d rather not give details about the individuals. I’ve three letters I want to you to have a look at.”