‘Two hundred, you say, with envelopes?’ The printer looked up over his glasses at Jane and waited for a reply.

‘Yes, and my mother asked if you could place a design around the invitation, something tasteful, like bells or holly?’ Jane looked around the small printing-press room, whose walls were covered with posters and wooden printing blocks, with all different typefaces and designs upon them.

‘Perhaps you would like to have a look at some ideas, while I see what this young man behind you is in need of? I’m sure he won’t take long to serve.’ The printer looked over Jane’s shoulder at the young blond-haired man who stood waiting his turn, then reached for some Christmas prints for the decoration on the ball invitations.

‘Yes, I suppose I could.’ Jane turned to look at the customer behind her as she moved to one side to choose the decoration. She stopped for a second as she glanced up at the young man. He reminded her of someone, but she couldn’t quite think who. She smiled at him as he stepped up to the counter while she made her way to the side of the office.

She listened in to the conversation between him and the printer as she looked slowly through the selection.

‘So that’s fifty funeral cards to be picked up by yourself tomorrow. We can deliver them for you, but that will of course be extra,’ the printer said quietly.

‘Nay, I’ll deliver them myself. My grandfather would have liked that and it’s only right that I do so,’ the young man said.

‘Right you are, sir, they will be ready for you by midday tomorrow. May I give you my condolences from all at Lambert’s? We will be thinking of you and your loss.’ The printer passed the details over to his young apprentice and watched as his customer left the shop.

‘I think we will have this one, Mr Lambert, it looks very seasonal and I think it will be tasteful enough for Mama.’ Jane pointed at a print of a holly swag with a silver bell in the centre. ‘It’s very eye-catching and should look good on our invitations.’

‘That’s a good choice, Miss Fox, it is very popular.’ Mr Lambert folded the corner of the print down to remind him of her choice and put it to one side. ‘Anything else, Miss?’

‘Erm, no. Well, yes, there is! Can I ask who the young man is that you’ve just served? I thought I recognized him, but his name escapes me.’ Jane peered at the old man while he answered her.