Anne Glenconner, aged 90, on Woman’s Hour today. Good to hear, again. I was one of the many readers (or rather listeners – thank you Audible) of her first book 2017 “Lady in Waiting” who wrote in to her afterwards.
I wrote, simply that it was marvellous she had decided to read her story herself and not employ an actress for the purpose, as so many on audible do
The most moving parts of her book (and there were many) was the tale of the boy who drowned in the ornamental fountain in her stately home garden, while her 21st birthday “coming out” party was in progress. That and the demise of her love affair with “Johnny” Spencer (Viscount Althorp at the time) who was forced to reject her because of the alleged madness in her family which might out in future children.
Telling the story, so many years later in her own voice, relayed through my headphones on a dog walk, the profound sadness of early disappointment in love was very moving.
Just think though if he – Johnny Spencer, had married her. History would have been very different. There would have been no Lady Diana Spencer……
But today she spoke on Woman’s Hour of how best to cope with a truly horrible, abusive husband. (Colin, Glenconner) and she advised presenter Emma Barnett and the Listeners that the best thing to do was to, “Take a lover”
The reasons for doing so were listed. “I hope I have not shocked anyone” she said apologetically at the end. Well.. not me. Only shocked that she made it sound so easy, like going to Supermarket or perhaps Fortnums and Mason and just….picking one up.
Have discussed this with eldest child a number of times. “Not that I want a lover or anything or am in a position to “take” one but what if I did? No one ever seems to…..”
“You need to finesse your signalling Mother” He said, “It is all in the signalling. You are meeting men all the time through your work and play but you don’t signal correctly”
I have therefore decided to practice flirting or “signalling” just for fun. So here goes.
Today.
Signalling ops 3 so far and it is only just after 3pm.
Market town near me where I went to the post office carrying a heavy, cardboard box. 1) A man offered me a place ahead of him in the queue. Soft, Irish accent. Silver fox type. Bit short but otherwise worth practising on. Instead of grunting “Thanks” and moving up the queue I tried to be genuinely charming. Lots of eye contact and many “How kind”s
2) Also said very friendly, smiley hello to the nice man behind the counter there who I have met a number of times and who always lends me masking tape when my parcels look as they could fall open in transit.
3) Just now, at work, a tall man in green, work was following me down the corridoor with a tape measure dangling from his right hand. I glanced back flirtatiously (very hard to do when wearing a mask but eyes flashing, working hard to compensate)
“Don’t worry, I’m not following you.” he said lightheartedly.
“Oh I do hope not!” I said chuckling, “specially not with a tape measure, I was wondering if you might be er taking my measurements” we both laughed and went our separate ways.
So …. good signalling practice today. 3 opportunities. I must get used to this…
“
The River Files 