Sunday, 23rd October 1949

Dear Diary,

A very disturbing incident today has left me bewitched, bothered and bewildered. A dozen red roses were delivered to the salon this morning, along with a note that read; “Can’t I tempt you?”  Obviously, another romantic gesture from Lord Anthony Parker Bowles.  I unravelled the wrapping paper but was completely shocked to discover a stunning diamond necklace entwined amidst the rose stems.  Oh my golly gosh!  The necklace must have been worth a fortune!  Carefully, I disentangled the necklace from the roses and held them against my wrist.  Oh my goodness, the diamonds sparkled so fabulously.  Well, Lord Anthony must be really keen to give such a valuable gift!  I put the gems into the till for safekeeping.

After lunch, a silver Bentley arrived outside the salon.  Lord Anthony himself stepped out from the driver’s side and made his way towards the entrance.   I thought it rather odd that he was driving, perhaps it’s the chauffeur’s day off, I wondered?  He approached me with arms wide open.  I pecked him on the cheek and thanked him for the wonderful bouquet.  Immediately, Lord Anthony inquired after the diamond necklace, which I dutifully retrieved from the till.  Laughing, he insisted that I should wear the diamonds and proceeded to fasten the necklace around my throat.

Suddenly, a police car arrived at the top of the street with lights flashing and sirens screaming.  Lord Anthony dashed for the door, clutching the diamond necklace.  Everybody in the salon gasped as he jumped into the Bentley and sped off, tyres screeching as the police car gave chase.

The next thing I remember was coming around on the floor of the salon, with Anne-Marie wafting some smelling salts under my nose.  Oh dear, I must have fainted!  A policeman stood beside her and asked me if I wouldn’t mind making a statement.  Such a commotion!  Lord Anthony it seems is an impostor!  Not a Lord, but an escaped convict and a con artist wanted for armed robbery and diamond smuggling!! 

Wednesday, 12th October 1949

Dear Diary,

Am I in heaven? Today has been an incredibly glamorous yet most intriguing sort of a day.  An unexpected romantic encounter this afternoon has left my head in a whirl. Everything appears to be perfect but there’s something mysterious about Lord Anthony Parker-Bowles.  Nevertheless, I find him strangely tantalizing!

The prettiest little gift-wrapped package arrived by courier at the salon this morning.  The girls gathered around as I untied the gold ribbons to find the sweetest porcelain pendant with a painted rose motif.  Attached to the inside of the wrapping was an embossed invitation to meet Lord Anthony for high tea at The Ritz!!!  The salon girls shrieked so loudly with excitement that an elderly customer under the hair dryer started to panic. The poor dear thought that the Blitz had started again.

A silver Bentley arrived outside the salon at three o’clock sharp.  I emerged suitably attired for tea at The Ritz.   The perfect choice was the sophisticated yet fashionable figure hugging Eliza & Ethan Greta Dress, in navy blue with the neat turquoise detail. Of course the essential accessory to complete the look was the rose necklace gift.

I must say that Lord Anthony looked very smart in his dark grey suit and yellow cravat as he greeted me at the entrance to The Ritz.  He was particularly delighted to see me wearing the rose necklace.  High tea was served in the Palm Court, with smoked salmon sandwiches and fancy cakes served together on a three-tier stand, simply sumptuous! 

Such extravagance, any gal would be completely overwhelmed by Lord Anthony’s lavish attentions.  However, when he divulged that The Arlington Suite had been reserved for us, I felt that Lord Anthony was becoming overly presumptuous and moving things along rather too quickly for my liking.  Of course I’m not that sort of girl, so I thanked him for an unforgettable date but gracefully declined his suggestion of afternoon delight.

Sunday, 2nd October 1949

Dear Diary,

Gee! The Jungle Jive Party at the Winkle Picker Club was a total sell out success. The dance floor was positively heaving and the clubbers looked absolutely fabulous in their fancy dress.  Most of the chaps were wearing their old khaki combat gear and knotted hankies on their heads.  Whilst the gals favoured animal print fabrics and evening gloves draped with ivy.  Of course I designed my outfit especially for the event. I chose the camel coloured Austen skirt and knotted a sleeveless white blouse at the waist, topped off a pith helmet and riding crop. 

The stage was dressed with fake palm trees, bunches of wax bananas and heaps of potted rubber plants, it looked like a movie set!  The Chico band dressed as gorillas and by the end of the night they were certainly behaving like a bunch of cheeky monkeys. Those Chico fellows sure know how to put on a fabulous show!  The club was really swinging as the band played a scorching medley of Benny Goodman numbers.  The surprise finale was a real crowd pleaser.  Oh my golly gosh!  I needed the riding crop to help keep my hemline in place when the Chico gorillas suddenly swept me off my feet then carried me off stage!  The crowd went wild with raucous applause.

Later, at the cocktail bar Mr. Fitzpatrick the Proprietor was positively beaming with delight and once again the champagne over flowed.  As we held our glasses high in a celebratory toast, a distinguished looking gentleman caught my eye.  Sitting alone in the corner, he raised his glass in unison and continued to hold my gaze.   He approached the bar tentatively and extended his hand warmly to receive mine. “Enchanted my dear,” he spoke softly “Lord Anthony Parker-Bowles, at your service.”  Naturally, I allowed him to escort me towards his cosy corner table for a private tête-à-tête. We spent the rest of the evening drinking champagne and discussing his enormous inheritance, a Tudor mansion in Hampshire.  Oh Lord!