“Bonny Bernard” he called me in that first phone call and “Bonny Bernard” I remain. Despite being very clever Mr Rumpole was at a bit of a loss when it came to Miss Hilda Wystan, he never quite understood what she had in mind from the first time they met.

It must have felt like just a dance but Miss Wystan, the future She Who Must Be Obeyed, knew what she wanted and knew she’d get it. She was the daughter of C. H. Wystan, the head of chambers and she popped into chambers quite frequently so she knew exactly what was going on and who was doing well, she earmarked Mr Rumpole as her future husband.

All through the Penge Bungalow Murders she kept an eye on him and made certain to help him when she could. She was in court the day Mr Wystan had to attend to another matter and was very pleased to see Mr Rumpole ask some very good questions. She even threw her arms around him later and congratulated him. It was Miss Wystan who ensured Mr Rumpole had a room in which to work on the case after he’d been thrown out of chambers.

I was very pleased to work with Mr Rumpole, he treated me well always having a glass of Pommeroys Plonk with me. It was exciting to research for him as I never knew where he’d send me next. I raise a glass of Thames Embankment to Mr Horace Rumpole.