August 30, 1903
Lawrence finally took me to the new baby store in town. He was so concerned about having me out in public in my ‘frail’ condition. However, he has been promising me for months and I convinced him if we did not go to the Goosie Gander Baby Shoppe soon, we would have to prepare one of the bureau drawers for the baby to sleep in. I was so excited to go. Lawrence helped me pick out the perfect layette, baby furniture, and Christening gown for the baby.
September 2, 1903
I am so excited that to be going home with the new baby today. I have been in here far too long, and the food in the cafeteria is not to be desired. We have yet to name our beautiful son, but I feel he should be named for his father. I haven’t much time to write because I must prepare to leave.
October 3, 1903
Dr. McCoy visited us today for my check-up and the check-up of little Lawrence Exeter, Jr. Dr. McCoy said Lawrence is a very healthy little boy, and I couldn’t be happier. As for me, Dr. McCoy is concerned about my health. He says I look seriously fatigued. Although I tried to convince him that I am just fine, Dr. McCoy gave me a vitamin elixir to supplement my diet in hopes that I feel better.
December 19, 1903
I swear my husband bought out the toy store today. He came home from the California Toyland Company with a cart full of boxes for Lawrence, Jr. I am so worried that my husband will spoil my little boy.
October 6, 1909
I had forgotten about my journal over the years. I guess little Lawrence has been keeping me too busy to write. I should have plenty of time to write now that my darling son will be going to school. Lawrence says that I have taught little Lawrence all I can at home, that it is time for him to go and learn how to be a respectable young man. I expect I will be quite lonely without little Larry around. Perhaps I will join the ladies auxiliary.
April 18, 1910
The snows have melted and Spring has rolled in at full force. The grass is green and the birds are singing. Today, I convinced Lawrence to by little Larry a bike to ride. Larry was telling me that just the other day his friend Alex got his first bicycle and they want to learn to ride bikes together. I think it is good that Larry is making friends.
August 26, 1915
It has been five years since my last journal entry. Larry has been keeping me on my toes. Just the other day, he and his friend Alex got into another fight at their school. They have both been permanently suspended from the school. In hopes that Larry will grow into the nice, well-rounded young man Lawrence and I wish him to become, we have decided to send him to the Columbia Military Academy. My heart is conflicted, but I know this is what is best for my young son.
September 3, 1921
Happy days, happy days! Young Larry has graduated from the military academy with honors. He plans on applying to Stanford University. Lawrence and I went to the Hollywood Cadillac Company this morning and put almost $4000 on a brand new Cadillac for our son. Larry should arrive home from school this weekend. He had agreed to help the Headmaster close the school for the break.
September 7, 1921
I have never been so scared in my entire life. Larry and his old pal Alex were out drinking to celebrate their newfound freedom. Larry took a corner too fast and flew headlong into a tree. I praise the Lord that both boys are fine, they just have a few bumps and bruises. Needless to say, Lawrence was none to happy when he got the bill from the Wilshire Auto Repair Service. It looks as if Larry will have to work off his debt to his father.
October 15, 1921
Larry is off to school today. I am glad he was accepted into Stanford. Alex will not be going to school there, so hopefully Larry will stay focused on his studies.
June 1, 1923
Larry has gotten himself in a bit of trouble. He has gotten mixed up with a young flapper that has told us she is with child, Larry’s child. Daisy says she has always aspired to be a famous Parisian dancer. Therefore, Lawrence and I have decided to offer her a sum of money to keep scandal from the Exeter name, travel on the exclusive French line, and an additional sum of money to be waiting for Miss Windsor upon the birth of her child. Daisy was so willing to take the money that I can see there must have been no serious feelings between our son and her. I know that Larry is quite smitten with her though. I am afraid that her departure will break his heart. I hope we have made the right decision for our son, and he will find love once again. Lord, forgive us for what we have done.
February 13, 1926
It has been three long years since Miss Windsor has left. She sent one letter after her departure informing us that she had given the child to a well to do Parisian family to raise. It seems the new mother, a wife of a doctor, was barren and could have no children of her own. I am glad that the baby is with a good family.
Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day, and Larry is truly in love with a beautiful young woman. He has been seeing her for several months and asked his father if he could put some flowers on our tab at University Club for the young girl. I hope this girl is a keeper. She seems to be and comes from a very good family.
June 24, 1926
I am going to have a daughter-in-law! Two days ago Larry asked his girl to become Mrs. Lawrence Exeter, Jr., and Marie accepted. There is so much planning to do. I hope they waste no time having children. I look forward to being a grandmother soon.
August 11, 1926
As a wedding gift to the young couple, Lawrence and I purchased a newly built home for them in the trendy Riviera Heights. It will be close enough that I can visit often, but far enough away that Larry does not feel we are crowding them. Another reason we chose this area is that the location is right in-between Larry’s future in-laws and us. It is a beautiful house. I hope they like it.
October 30, 1926
Marie and I visited with the interior decorators today. We picked out all of the new and trendy décor for their future home. There will be marble tile in the entry way and imported hand carved mahogany accents throughout the home, including the banister and mantle piece. The house will be beautiful. I just hope it is finished before the wedding.
November 18, 1926
Lawrence took our son to the Beverly Diamond and Gift Shoppe this morning to pick up the custom made wedding set. Oh, the set is beautiful. Marie will be very happy. In just a few more days she will be my daughter-in-law, and I couldn’t be happy. We have become close since I first met her. I am sorry that I ever had my doubts about the young girl.
November 20, 1926
Larry, Lawrence, and I were at the Hawaii Steamship Company picking up the tickets for Larry and Marie’s honeymoon. From the back of the room, a young man yelled hello to Larry. It seems his old friend Alex has acquired a job as manager of the steamship company. Larry invited Alex and his wife to the wedding. I hope that Larry’s judgment is not clouded as it had been in the past while dealing with Alex. I should not judge; after all, Alex seems to be doing well for himself.
November 21, 1926
Larry was out late last night with his friend Alex. I was afraid this would happen. This morning, it seems, Larry has suddenly gotten cold feet. His father has offered Larry a substantial sum of money to convince him to keep his commitment. We have been talking to Larry all day about how important it is to both Larry and Marie that this commitment is seen through to the end. Hopefully, the money has convinced Larry to keep from shaming the Exeter name.
November 22, 1926
I am so glad that Larry has come to his senses. Alex must have known that we were upset with him because he did not show up to the wedding. Therefore, the wedding ceremony went off without a hitch. I am so happy that Marie is now part of our family. She is a wonderful addition to the Exeter name. The wedding ceremony was beautiful and lavish. Marie’s family spared no expense. The couple will be staying in the Ambassador Hotel before they leave for their Hawaiian honeymoon. Lawrence and I had rented the top two floors for the wedding party as well.
December 1, 1926
Lawrence and I decided that we would adorn Larry and Marie’s house with fresh cut flowers since the couple will be arriving to their new home for the first time today. We filled the home with lilies and roses, Marie’s favorite flowers. Lawrence also has decided to allow Larry to take over the business finances now that he is a responsible young man. I hope it is not too much responsibility too fast.
February 18, 1927
Marie and I had lunch today. She told me that Larry has joined the Coconut Grove Sweat Shoppe today. Apparently, it is one of those new and trendy health clubs. Marie said that Larry pays someone to lock his body in what they call a sweatbox. Only Larry’s head can be seen when he is in the box. It sounds like one of the most ridiculous ways to spend one’s money I think, but who am I to judge? I feel I am becoming out of touch with this younger generation.
July 16, 1927
Marie’s family held their annual Summer Ball today. Larry bought Marie the most beautiful canary yellow gown I have ever seen. He said the gown was imported to the Parisian Gown Shoppe directly from Paris. We all had such a wonderful time.
December 1, 1927
Marie and I went shopping today for new lingerie. She took me to this new lingerie salon, where they offer beauty treatments as well as the latest Parisian lingerie. The salon is owned my Marie’s friend Anita Wharton. I would have never thought that a woman would feel comfortable running a business like this, but I guess I am from a different generation. In my time, women did not run business; they stayed home and tended their families, as they rightfully should.
April 1, 1928
We attended the April Fool’s Day Ball with Larry, Marie, and Marie’s family. Marie was gorgeous, as usual, in her beautiful Parisian gown. This one was an apricot color, which made Marie look fair and glowing. I am not sure, but the young couple seemed more distant than usual this evening. I noticed they hardly spoke to one another and failed to dance with one another. I hope it is just one of those little bumps in the road all married couples run into when discovering marital bliss.
November 1, 1928
I overheard Larry speaking to his father about Marie’s spending. It seems my son had to pay a pretty hefty bill Marie had run up to a place called the Moderme Epostle Shoppe. I was glad to see my son, but his demeanor while speaking about Marie is disheartening. We do not see Larry often, and I have not seen Marie since the April Fool’s Ball. I hope the couple can work things out. I really have my heart set on being a grandmother, and would hate to see the failure of Larry and Marie’s marriage to sully the Exeter name.
July 2, 1929
Marie came to see me today. I was taken back from her visit, for he has not been to visit our home since Christmas. When we come to visit, she is otherwise occupied and does not come down stairs to visit. Marie apologized for her behavior. She explained that her failure to be with child has driven a wedge between herself and Larry. Marie told me that she has been depressed since the doctor suggested that she might be barren. The poor girl cried as she let slip a devastating accusation. Marie said her friend Anita’s lingerie shop is located across the street from The Bootery, a woman’s shoe store. Apparently, Anita informed Marie that Larry was seen going into the store yesterday and leaving with a gift-wrapped package. When Marie did not receive the package, she began to feel that the shoes were bought for some other woman. I truly hope she is wrong.
August 23, 1929
Larry came to visit his father behind closed doors this morning. Soon after their private discussion with one another, a young man named Hans Jungen arrived. He joined Larry and Lawrence in the study and had a lengthy heated discussion behind closed doors. I could not make out what they were speaking of, so I continued to work on my needlepoint by the window. The discussion quietened down, and the young man left the house with a smile on his face.
August 30, 1929
Hans Jungen came to the house again today. He said he was to meet Lawrence and Larry at one o’clock. I informed the young man that he was early, and the gentlemen had not arrived yet. I looked at this time as an opportunity to get to the bottom of this. I asked young Hans what his occupation was. He informed me that he was a private investigator. I was instantly intrigued, for I had never met a private investigator. I asked the man what the nature of his visit was, and he informed me he was not inclined to divulge that information to me. I was astounded that the young man would treat me in such a manner in my own home.
May 26, 1930
Marie came to me today, just as distraught as she was last July. It seems that Larry and Alex were seen buying flowers at the University Club Florists. At first I was confused as to why this was upsetting to Marie, then she said that she received no flowers from Larry the day before. I convinced her that Larry must have been carrying flowers for Alex to take to his wife. She reluctantly accepted my suggestion and returned home. I am, however, very worried about the mysterious circumstances surrounding my family.
May 28, 1930
Larry came to visit beaming from ear to ear. He said he had wonderful news for us. I was instantly excited that Marie must be with child. Unfortunately, that is not the case. It seems that Larry has asked a Miss Geniveve Widson to marry him. He does not seem to remember that he is still married to Marie. I asked Larry about his marriage, and he told me that he and Marie do not talk very much any more. He said that he plans to divorce Marie so that he can begin his life with Miss Widson.
November 13, 1930
Lawrence told me that Larry gave a large sum of money to Miss Widson today since she has no dowry of her own. It seems the young girl comes from a disreputable family. Larry swears they were fairly well off until the stock market crash last year. I have failed to put much stock in what Larry says anymore. Since he had moved out of his home with Susan, Larry looks unkempt and unhealthy. I fear he is taking too many medication prescribed by his doctor.
November 14, 1930
Lawrence and I went with Larry to see our lawyer Mr. Wall. Larry paid for his retainer, and we made sure that they knew what kind of divorce decree would be acceptable. Larry will be sending Marie some money tomorrow to secure her living expenses for the next several months. I hope this mess does not bring too much same to the family.
June 20, 1931
It has been a long day, but I am glad we can finally put this mess behind us. Larry and Marie met with the judge today. Larry was ordered to pay Marie a sum of one hundred and seventy five dollars for a settlement. Because of Larry’s infidelities, he was also ordered to pay the court fees, his lawyer’s fees, and Marie’s lawyer’s fees. Of course, Marie had the finest lawyers in the county to represent her. I know the judge and Mr. Walker, Sr. are close friends and feel the judge may have been biased in his decision. I should say something, but I am ready to get this all behind us.
July 2, 1931
Hans Jungen was at our home again yesterday. I have seen him since before Larry’s announcement of his engagement to Geniveve. I was quite surprised to see Hans back at our home this morning. Larry was arrived soon after, wrote Hans a check, and escorted him out of the door. I asked Larry if Hans had been blackmailing him when we saw him last, and if he were blackmailing him again. Larry told me that he gets so tempted when he and Alex are out on the town, and he acts in a manner that is not normal for him. He said not to worry, that his new bride is not the least bit suspicious.
July 4, 1931
Geniveve came to visit me today. She said that Larry had not arrived home since he left with a Mr. Peter Williams last night. Geniveve told me that she went to Alex and Andrea’s home to see if they had heard from Larry. Andrea informed Geniveve that Alex no long goes out with Larry since Larry had taken him to an opium bar. Andrea accused Larry of being a bad influence and said that he has been “chasing the dragon” for quite a while.
July 5, 1931
Larry was found by a peace officer half-dead in the alley of a disreputable part of town. We checked him into the Hollywood Hospital that he was born. Dr. McCoy says it is a wait and see game that we must play. The next few hours are crucial. I pray to God that my son will be fine.
July 15, 1931
It has been ten days since Larry entered the hospital. He looks much better than when we brought him in. Geniveve and I met with Dr. McCoy this morning. He notified us that Larry is not out of the woods yet. He said that Larry just does not seem to be gaining weight the way he should. Dr. McCoy is worried that Larry has lost his will to live.
July 16, 1931
I blame myself for Larry’s death. I thought he had gotten over Daisy years ago. It seemed that his life was back on track after Daisy’s departure to France. Larry told me last night that he never got over losing Daisy and his son. His last words to me were, “Tell them I love them. I always have, and I always will.” Geniveve cringed when Larry spoke the words, and she cried as she turned and walked out of the door. Geniveve does not plan to attend the funeral. Lawrence and I made the arrangements this morning. I don’t think anything could ever prepare me of the loss of my son. I pray that God forgive Larry for how he had chosen to live his life, and may God forgive me for planting the seed that inevitably poisoned my son’s heart and eventually took his life.
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