‘I have a birthday approaching. My parents wish to buy me something. I don’t know. I really don’t know what I want. They suggested we might come here, so I thought I’d take a look.’

She gazes about her. ‘What have you got that might tempt me?’ Now she offers the smallest of smiles, as if daring him to find her something that will hold her attention.

‘Might I know your parents?’

A lesser thief would be thrown by such a question. She takes a risk.

‘I don’t know,’ she says, airily, turning away from him. ‘Might you? The Littlemores. From Kensington.’

‘Gerald Littlemore?’

Shit. He does know them.

‘That’s right.’ She touches an earring – a drop of fire opal from Solly.

‘Then I’ll be delighted to find you something, Miss Littlemore. It’s been many years since you were last here.’

‘Indeed, it has. But how lovely to return.’

She breathes evenly. She has made a mistake, but there is no need to panic. Many years. He has not recognised that she is not Harriet. Besides, if he becomes suspicious and she needs to run, she will be faster on her feet than the giant at the door with the vacant expression.

The old man pulls out trays of rings, bracelets and necklaces for her to examine. Nothing is too much trouble for Gerald Littlemore’s daughter. He enquires after her parents and she makes a few bland comments – enough to convince him that she is Harriet, or at least to assuage any doubt.

Other customers come and go, but Ruby is left, trusted, to view the jewellery. When the jeweller is forced to abandon her and serve the others, she examines the goods more carefully. She shouldn’t linger – she has a job to do – but these are items to be appreciated and enjoyed for their intricate beauty and craftsmanship.

She memorises what she sees, ready to describe everything to Solly.

The jeweller has begun serving an older gentleman customer when she decides it is time to leave. She has seen what she needs to see – he has shown her his treasures.

‘Thank you. I do believe I have chosen one or two items. My father will be along in a day or two. No, no, I can recall them perfectly. I shall look forward to my birthday after all, thanks to you.’ She flashes him a coy smile and waltzes to the door, which is opened for her.

‘Give your father my regards, Miss Littlemore. Tell him that I am here every day except Thursday and will be delighted to renew my acquaintance with him.’