Summary

In Chapter 6, “‘Grim Glory’: Wartime London, 1939-1944,” Penrose describes Lee’s experiences in Europe at the start of the war. Because she had not worked in five years, she struggled to get back into British Vogue, or Brogue. However, in 1940, when regular staffers left “to serve in the forces, Brogue gave her work (87). The magazine’s back issues feature “well-bred and elegantly dressed ladies” instead of “the violence of the period” (88). Meanwhile, Lee continued living at Downshire Hill. Roland was still married to Valentine, his estranged wife, but his and Lee’s affair was not a secret. The women finally met when Valentine returned to England and maintained a “distant politeness” (90).

Around this time, Lee began working with “the photographer Dave Scherman” (91). In his writings, Dave described the lavish parties Lee and Roland hosted at Downshire Hill. Not long later, she and Dave...