Sir Francis insists on an appointment with the Queen Mother. He’s not taking no for an answer, bugging her secretary and Maddalena until they give in and make the request to their mistress.
‘You wished to see me, Sir Francis. Maddalena told me it was urgent, otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to fit you into my busy schedule. What can I do for you, Sir?’
‘I’m sure you will have time for me.’
‘Oh? Is this official business?’ she asks evenly. ‘You look so serious, Sir Francis, what is it? Take a seat please, Sir.’
‘You know about the terrible events of Saint Bartholomew’s Eve, Madame?’
‘It’s truly terrible. I cannot tell you how shocked I am by the events-’
Sir Francis cuts through her insincere patter like a sabre thrust. ‘You understand that in the circumstances I cannot in all cons
