Thursday October 14, 1982

 Splashed in the bath before breakfast. Ally and I kissed goodbye on the doorstep and she asked me not to enjoy myself too much with Diane.

Busy day. Sarah went home at 12 with a cold. Won't be seeing her again this week. Went at 1:30 and stood outside the Ostlers waiting for Diane who was ten minutes late, and only met me because she was passing on her way to Marks and Spencer's. She was surprised that I remembered we had an appointment. I had a couple of pints and she Britvic orange. She cannot drink when working [she's at Nat West]. I told her about Susie. Paul [Edwards] is living at St James's Crescent while Hilda and Tony are away in Spain. _________.

Home at 6. Laid the carpet in the bedroom and dismantled the bunk beds, which were close to collapse. I blame John & Janette. Ally and I squabbled. She is driven to distraction by my lack of pracical mindedness.

Read Fanny Hill.

Wednesday October 13, 1982

 Dark morning. To Leeds after boiled eggs for breakfast and a few snatches of conversation with Ally. We are buying books on the scale of a major city library. I want the diaries of Harold Nicolson, Evelyn Waugh, Noel Coward, Beatrice Webb, &c. I have been in Austick's looking at published diaries. Diarists always come across as pompous, and nearly all are shatteringly world famous. Is it silly of me to keep a journal? OK, I don't take lunch at my club with the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, or dine with the Duchess of Windsor at Maxim's, but I do make a contribution, don't I? 

Mum phoned. Dr Glass saw Susan. ____________. The Stockport trip is still on , but it doesn't look good. Ally phoned me this afternoon. Quest Travel cannot give us a flight to Lanzarote on Dec 2, but can do one for the same price on Nov 18. £115 each isn't bad. 

Home to Ally and mince and dumplings. 

Prince Andrew flew back from Mustique [illegible] very much like the Queen as he left the plane. That same fixed, nervous expression. Koo [Stark] has gone on to St Lucia. It is reported that HM paid for the tickets and is very aware of Miss Stark's naughty films. Our sovereign is very broad minded. I bet she's been watching 'Emily' on the little cinema at Sandringham.

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