Tuesday, 20th September 1949

Dear Diary,

Oh Gosh!  Such a busy day at the boutique! New lingerie arrived this morning so I have spent much of the day dressing and arranging mannequins.  My favourite is the Sirena Limited edition. A sophisticated satin and lace matching bra and suspender set in platinum satin with black eyelash lace and bow trim. The heavy satin feels so luxurious and the six-strap suspender belt is a bonus for holding everything in place. I must say that the eyelash trim does tickle sometimes, but I don’t mind that at all!

Doreen, my chief hair stylist, ordered the Jolie Longline Black Bra and suspender belt with a pair of seamed nylon stockings to complete the look.  It’s Doreen’s wedding anniversary at the weekend and she’s planning to give her husband Malcom a delightful treat! Lucky chap!  I decided gift-wrap the lingerie with a pretty red ribbon and let Doreen take it home without charge. She was absolutely thrilled and so very grateful.  It was the least I could do for a loyal friend and stylist. After all Malcolm suffers terribly with shell shock since the War and Doreen does everything she can to keep his spirits up.  We must look after our War heroes! 

A splendid bouquet of lilies arrived this afternoon, accompanied by a mysterious envelope.  Everybody gathered around as Anne-Marie opened the envelope and read aloud the message on the card; “Ladies, I hereby honour my promise to open doors to the silver screen, Best Wishes, Dan XX”.  My goodness, there were four cinema guest tickets enclosed for the matinee screening next Wednesday, a wonderfully thoughtful gesture from our new friend, the cine projectionist. Good old Dan, he’s a thoroughly decent chap at heart really.  Wednesday is half closing day so we’ll have a jolly staff outing at the flicks!  I quite fancy seeing that new film noir picture starring Orson Welles, “The Third Man”.

Friday, 9th September 1949

Dear Diary,

During my solo performance last Friday night at The Winkle Picker Club, I glimpsed the sleek silhouettes of Grace and Anne-Marie cross the dance floor.  Each wearing a floral print Halter neck Swing Dress. Oh my they looked so glamorous!  The club was exceptionally busy that night and so thick with cigarette smoke that it was a trial not to choke mid chorus!  They both waved discreetly as I began the third verse of  “Honeysuckle Rose”.

Later, searching the crowded club I discovered Grace and Anne-Marie sitting in the corner with a mysterious gentleman.  The girls seemed almost surprised to see me. I sensed that I had interrupted something scandalous.

The smart looking chap was completely charming, introducing himself as a Mr. Dan Doyle who very gallantly offered me his seat.  When Dan departed in search of a vacant chair, Grace and Anne-Marie started to giggle uncontrollably.

Dan proclaimed to work in the film industry and proceeded to tantalize the girls with promises of  “getting them into movies”.  “A talent scout is always on the lookout for star material” he crooned.  Things almost began to sound genuine when Dan insisted that he could literally “open doors” towards the silver screen. 

Anne-Marie was becoming quite taken in by the smooth talking Dan, but Grace happened to notice that his shoes appeared to be rather old and scuffed.  Surely a gentleman of status would be wearing smart brogues?  Fair play to any fellow who tries everything to impress a gal, but Dan’s chat up line ventured dangerously towards desperation!  Of course, Grace eventually prized out the truth and Dan finally confessed that he’s only the projectionist from the Ritzy Cinema!