Lance and I shared an office together during my brief career working for the solicitors' firm of Collyer Bristow in Bedford Row, London.  It was my first proper job and Lance was the man who knew all the answers.  I learnt so much from him (including some very unsuitable jokes - Lance's humour was not exactly politically correct) and we became good friends.  I was already a keen reader of Charles Dickens and our shared enthusiasm was a great bond.  Shortly before I left CB, The firm and I having concluded that a life in the legal profession was not for me, Lance encouraged me to read Dickens' last complete novel - which I did, with much pleasure.  The title is wholly appropriate - Our Mutual Friend...