From Rags to Riches

12, Parsons Lane,

Marshton,

September 19, 1924

Dear Lesley or Leonie,

Or whatever you are calling yourself now. It’s me, Rosalind from Marshton village. I remember you with a runny nose and holes in your shoes at Marshton Primary School, though I know you’ve come up in the world since those days. I see your new film is coming out next month. I am sure it will do right well. You probably would like to show off to all your old school friends, dressed up in a fur coat and all the jewelry and that at the premiere in London. But it’s funny how you never wanted to see none of us when you got to be famous and rich, even when Evie was sick and needed money for treatment. She died, by the way, just in case you was interested. Remember that a friend in need is a friend indeed, except you wasn’t,

Your old pal,

Rosalind

 The Manor House,

Marshton,

September 19, 1924

Dear Miss Latimer,

I do not usually pay attention to show business gossip, but my hairdresser mentioned last week that there is a new Leonie Latimer film coming out. I have followed your career with interest since the beginning. It was quite a surprise when I first realized that Miss Leonie Latimer, glamorous film star, was one and the same as Lesley Dobbs, scullery maid at the Manor. Do you remember how you blackmailed me to buy your silence about my romantic liaison with my current husband, knowing very well that my violent, unstable, alcoholic then-husband would probably have killed me if he had found out? Your little scheme only came to an end when he died in a car accident, and I was able to remarry. I hope you appreciate that your career was financed from the proceeds of the jewelry I had to sell to pay you off without my husband knowing.

I notice that you make much of your humble beginnings in the fan magazines, but the details are quite removed from the truth. It has been fun to imagine telling your devoted fans that you are not the abandoned love child of an earl, but a former scullery maid and daughter of Alfred Dobbs of Marshton, illiterate, drunken farm laborer. Luckily for you, I will not stoop to your level. I see you married Randall Rockford. I hope you have as happy a marriage as I now do,

Sincerely,

Annabel Howe-Smitherton

21 Main Street,

Marshton,

September 19^th, 1924

Dear Les,

Rosalind told me that you really are that actress, Leonie Latimer. I didn’t believe her at first cause you know the way she exaggerates everything. I always wondered what I done wrong to make you go off like that without a word. You could at least have said goodbye. She said you is married to Randall Rockford, that American film star. I’m glad you done well for yourself. I was beside myself when you left, but I got over it after a while. I have a good job as a car mechanic, and I married Minnie. Remember her that worked with you in the Manor? She’s sweet and kind and we have a baby boy. I couldn’t imagine being happier even if we don’t have a grand house in London and a Rolls Royce car like you do,

With regards.

Rodney

Sycamore Nursing Home,

Overton,

September 17th, 1924

Dear Miss Latimer,

We regret to inform you that your father, Mr. Alfred Dobbs, has suffered a stroke and is no longer responsive. We attempted to contact you at the time of his collapse but were informed by your manager that you were busy with your filming and unavailable. Evidently, he was not aware that Lesley Dobbs and Leonie Latimer are one and the same person. Since you had given us strict instructions about maintaining your anonymity, we did not explain the situation to him. We sent a letter and telephoned to your solicitor, but unfortunately, he was on holiday. We regret that we could not inform you sooner but suggest that you come to visit your father as soon as possible,

Yours sincerely,

Henrietta Howard, Matron

Sycamore Nursing Home,

Overton,

September 19^th, 1924

Dear Miss Latimer,

We regret to inform you that Mr. Dobbs passed away peacefully yesterday afternoon. We received instructions from your solicitor and have carried out all the funeral arrangements according to your wishes. It is a pity that you were not able to visit him, but he was unaware of his surroundings at the end,

With sincere condolences on your loss,

Henrietta Howard, Matron

Kensington,

London.

September 19th, 1924

Dear Randall,

What is going on???? Where have you been???? You promised you would be with me for the premiere of the film in London. I tried calling you on the telephone, but the maid said you were not at home. She hardly speaks English so I don’t know if she could not or would not say where you were. You know how stressful it is for me to be mobbed by fans on these big occasions...I need you by my side!! Please come soon. I have heard some hateful rumors that you might be seeing someone else. I love you so much. It will break my heart if they are true,

Hugs and kisses,

Your Leonie

Los Angeles,

California

September 19^th, 1924

Dear Leonie,

There is no easy way to tell you this, but I want you to hear it from me and not the gossip mill. I have fallen in love with someone else and want to ask you for a divorce. I didn’t plan this and it’s not your fault, but we can’t choose who we fall in love with. Luckily my latest movie is going gangbusters. I will make sure you get your fair share of money so that you don’t have to worry about paying bills and can maintain your lifestyle. We sure did have fun while it lasted, didn’t we? Please let’s handle this the easy way. I don’t want us to end up being bitter. You are so beautiful and talented that you will soon meet someone else. Don’t let this spoil your big opening. I know it means a lot to you to be back in the old country and showing them how far you’ve come,

With love and regrets,

Randall

Excerpt from the London Daily News, October 25^th, 1924

‘In these trying economic times, a little glitz and glamor goes a long way. Our very own Leonie Latimer made a spectacular appearance at the premiere of her new romantic comedy film “Love at First Sight”. Miss Latimer was escorted by the Duke of Branton, explaining that her husband, the American actor Randall Rockford, had been unable to leave the shooting of his latest movie in California. “I could not leave such a beautiful damsel in distress,” said the Duke. “I am quite starstruck.”

“Who needs a Prince Charming when we have such a handsome Duke?” said Miss Latimer, winking at the crowd, who laughed and cheered as she stepped into her limousine, accompanied by the beaming Duke.'

12 Parsons Lane,

Marshton

October 26th, 1924

Dear Les or Leonie,

I seen your photo in the paper with the Duke. You really are in with the hoity-toity crowd nowadays. Do you think the newspapers would like to know that Leonie Latimer used to be scruffy Lesley Dobbs, the scullery maid from Marshton Manor? They love a bit of scandal. I am sure the Duke would get a kick out of that. Perhaps we can come to an arrangement. You owe your old pals that much. Hope to hear from you soon,

Bye for now,

Rosalind