Wednesday, 9th November 1949

Dear Diary,

Today I learned that there’s no such thing as bad publicity.  Since my brief dalliance with the escaped convict and con man Lord Anthony Parker Bowles (I’m not even sure if this is his real name) the salon and boutique has been extraordinarily busy. 

The London Evening Standard printed a mug shot of “Lord” Anthony and revealed the shocking story of a string of armed bank robberies and burglaries of stately homes.  No wonder he could afford to wine and dine me at The Ritz!  Thankfully my name was not mentioned in the newspapers, but the gossips have certainly associated my business premises with the capture of this notorious criminal.  The nosey parkers have come flocking to my door!  Happily, I have sold a record number of nylon stockings today and my appointment book is full up from now until Christmas.

Having to make a statement at the police station was the most troublesome aspect of this whole sorry business.  Of course the police couldn’t implicate me in connection with any of the robberies, although the charming rose necklace gift has been confiscated as evidence.  Apparently it was stolen from the Duchess of Cornwall!

Anne-Marie suggested that we to go to the cinema to take my mind off things.  We arrived in the front stalls rather early so we took the opportunity to reflect on the gossip before the film started.  As we were sitting alone in the movie theatre, Anne-Marie dared to confess that she has developed a serious crush on Dan the Projectionist who we had met in The Winkle Picker Club some weeks ago.  She was mortified when I reminded her that Dan could very well be listening from the projection room tonight!