Description

In a sunlit spring afternoon on Piccadilly, a weary French‑styled gentleman and his English counterpart settle into a modest flat, sharing whiskey, tobacco, and thinly veiled sarcasm. Their banter hints at tangled loyalties: a recent mission to escort a man named Karslake and his young lover Sonia, a precarious posting at the British Legation in Peking, and a lingering grievance with the elusive Smolny Institute. Beneath the polished conversation lies a personal ache—one man’s lost daughter and the other's reluctant role as a covert benefactor—setting the stage for a discreet yet urgent undertaking.

The narrative follows these two figures as they navigate the murky world of post‑war diplomacy, where favors are traded like currency and old friendships are tested by hidden agendas. Listeners can expect sharp dialogue, a blend of espionage and emotional undercurrents, and a glimpse into the shadowy corridors of early‑20th‑century intrigue. The first act promises a compelling mix of wit, mystery, and the promise of deeper conspiracies yet to unfold.

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