This was me at my most businesslike, trying to look elegant and serious. I bought the gold necklace at an event at a jeweller’s in Chelsea. I was feeling quite cavalier after drinking champagne and brandy jelly, and ended up taking home this amazingly expensive item as a result. When I wasn’t working, I liked kaftans and long dresses so I didn’t have to bother with stockings, tight corsets or very tight high-waisted knickers – known as passion killers – that held your tummy in. When I met my husband, John Playfair, he actually said the first thing that attracted him to me was that I was wearing a bright orange sweater. I always liked colour, but I wasn’t nearly as brave as I am now.