The Dennis Wheatley 'Museum' - The Women in DW's life

Pia Emert

DW met "the gay and glamorous" Pia in the first few days of his stay in Germany in 1913. Not only was she pretty ("blue eyed, golden-haired and utterly adorable") and vivacious, but she also spoke fluent English - which must have come as something of a relief.

While their relationship appears to have been relatively platonic, Pia playfully invited DW into the 'women only' section of the local swimming club, and DW being DW, he obliged and got into trouble - see the letter above for details.

On one occasion, DW unintentionally caused her and her family great offence. The youngsters of the town put on a play with Pia in the lead role. At the end of the performance, DW was persuaded to present her with a cauliflower wrapped up as a bouquet as a joke. DW did, and at once realised that the joke had fallen flat. The Emerts' full name was von Emert-Kohl, and the latter is the German word for cabbage. The Emerts (with the possible exception of Pia) were furious. They eventually accepted DW's apology and the reconciliation ended with foie gras and champagne.

References : 'The Young Man Said' pp 195,204-5,206,210-11,217,219-21,227-8.
Phil Baker pp 78-80.

Provenance:

Photograph - 'The Young Man Said' Letter - Reproduced with the permission of Leeds University Library