Charles Meecham is a man swiftly approaching 40 but wearing his years very well. Handsome and always dressed faultlessly with the intent to catch the eye he never finds himself short of attention and that is exactly the way he likes it. Currently he is sporting a fine beard and moustaches but he changes his hair styles as frequently as some people change their clothes.

It takes only a short time in Charles' presence to discover he is a man of unfailing good humour and ready wit. He is always the first to suggest a drink or a smoke and the last to suggest it should stop though he rarely drinks to excess himself. He has the English art of self-deprecation and has no qualms whatsoever of being the but of a joke.

By professional Charles describes himself as a dealer in art and antiquities. His finely embossed business cards, which he gives out at a moment's notice, give the address of a gallery in Kew, London.