The French consul is most grateful to hear that Madame Beaumarchais is alive and well. I have taken the liberty of making preparatory arrangements for her journey in line with his proposals.’Zafar scanned the papers Firas handed him. ‘But this suggests she will leave in less than a week’s time,’ he said, frowning.‘It is already five weeks since she arrived, Highness. If you remember, your orders were to make the arrangements as speedily as possible. I thought you would be pleased to finally have the matter resolved.’Zafar got up from behind his desk and stared out of the window at the courtyard, where a bird was singing in the ancient cypress tree. ‘Has it really been five weeks?’‘Indeed, Highness. Long enough for your people to speculate as to the...er...exact nature of Madame Beaumarchais’s position here. It has been a rare day when she has not been by your side, talking to you like a male courtier.’‘Madame Beaumarchais is helping me with my plans for the establishment of a hospital, as you well know.’‘Forgive me, Highness, but your people are wondering if you also have other plans for her?
