Monday July 19, 1982

King Edward: bastards?

 Warm. YP. Still no cheque from Malcolm [Barker]. Mark Parry came in as bold as brass, and didn't mention it either. Read in one of the Sunday papers the reviews of George Melly's biography of Edward James. I thought Mrs Willie James had been Edward VII's mistress but according to Melly she was the king's illegitimate daughter. How many bastards did Edward VII have? Will we ever be informed?

Phoned Mum. She was cutting the lawns. She talked about everything except what I wanted to hear, and obviously hasn't been told of Janette's visit. Then right at the end of the conversation she asked whether John had mentioned Janette this weekend. I had to say yes, and the whole thing came out. She was far from happy and complained of the secrecy and intrigue which has sprung up since John came south. She amazed me by saying that she thought the arrival of the baby next month might bring John and Maria back together. John has made it quite clear that the birth will not alter the relationship. Mind you, he has also said that he and Janette are not all that serious, but simply very good friends. Do you travel 250 miles to visit someone who is 'just a friend'?  Confusion reigns. 

Ally and I walked to the public library and ate pie and peas. Bed at 8:30. Cocoa at 10. Ally unconscious at 10:25.

-=-

Sunday July, 18, 1982

 Hangover. Up at 10:30 and we sat in the sun. Went back to bed for an hour.Knackered. Phoned John and told him to tell Mum about Janette's visit. Ate fish. Watched a Royal Command performance in aid of the [Falkland's] Task Force. 

The Queen has spent the weekend in hospital having her wisdom teeth extracted.

-=-

Saturday July 17, 1982

 John came at 10:30 in the poor Toyota which is close to death from the weight of the stone in the car. We went and bought building sand at 86p per bag which turned John a shade of green. He can get it for nothing when the wind is in the right direction. Ally went off on the bus into town leaving us with our mammoth building task until after 4. John is very good and constructs some fine pieces of symetrical masonry. He has a good eye. On Ally's return John took a hot bath, and afterwards I phoned people to see about a night out - without success. At 8 he drove us in the Toyota to Mucky Willie's [now re-christened the Coachman's], and from there we went to the Fire Brigade. Merriment, music and all. We finally got round to asking him about hisn arrangements for next weekend. He says he thinks Janette will have to stay in a hotel in Leeds, but I quashed this saying she must stay with us. I see no reason why not. It's not as though we are helping to destroy his marriage. It's already floundered. Obviously, Mum will be wild about this. John says Janette will have to take us out for dinner to repay us. _________.

Had a flaming hot prawn curry and sat arguing with John about his disastrous life. __________.

-=-

Friday July 16, 1982

 Geoff Hemingway went to conference with the ed to complain that my Prince William posters are selling for 50p whilst I am only receiving £50. I sent some information to Jonathan Margolis this afternoon, and received £30 for help I gave the YP People column on June 17. Struggle to think what it was for. Perhaps it was Carina Fitzalan-Howard's on-off engagement. Never look a gift Czech in the mouth.

Ally and I dined on liver on our knees, too lazy to sit at the table. John arrived in the rattling Toyota bringing 48 tons of Yorkshire stone. He got lost on the way and came via Cleckheaton, Naples and Juan Les Pins. He's unshaven and podgy. Maria was supposed to be coming down to Yorkshire, but has now postponed her visit until after the baby comes. Mum has knit something for her latest grandchild. 

To bed at 8:30 after John's departure. Plunged in the bath and took up Ken Follett. Ally is pink and edible.

-=-