A Foreign Office Romance

Name: A Foreign Office Romance
Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

The narrative follows Alphonse Lacour, a French diplomat, recounting a pivotal moment during the negotiations for a peace treaty between France and England after years of conflict. Set against the backdrop of early 19th-century Europe, Lacour reflects on his experiences in London, where he assists Monsieur Otto, the French Ambassador, in securing favorable terms for France. As the treaty signing approaches, a critical piece of news arrives: France has evacuated Egypt, which undermines their negotiating position. In a moment of desperation, Lacour devises a plan to keep the English unaware of this development until the treaty is signed. He believes that if they can maintain the secret, they might still secure the treaty. Lacour's plan involves intercepting a messenger carrying news to the English Foreign Minister, Lord Hawkesbury. He successfully captures the messenger and, to buy time, engages him in a bizarre bet involving reciting a chapter from the Koran. This unusual tactic serves to distract the messenger while Lacour hopes for the treaty to be finalized. The tension escalates as Lacour recites the Koran, and a physical struggle ensues when the messenger attempts to escape. Despite the chaos, Lacour manages to subdue him and ties him up, ensuring he cannot disrupt the signing. Just as he secures the situation, he sees a candle lit in the window of Hawkesbury's residence, signaling that the treaty is being signed. In a twist of fate, another messenger arrives at the last moment with the news that Egypt is indeed under British control, but by then, the treaty has already been signed based on the false understanding. Lacour's audacious actions have successfully altered the course of history, allowing France to retain its position despite the precarious circumstances. The story concludes with Lacour escaping the repercussions of his actions, having outsmarted both the English and his own government, and receiving accolades from French officials for his cunning and bravery. The narrative explores themes of diplomacy, deception, and the lengths to which individuals will go to protect their nation's interests.

By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle · First published 1890 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Romance · 5,358 words

First lines

There are many folk who knew Alphonse Lacour in his old age. From about the time of the Revolution of '48 until he died in the second year of the Crimean War he was always to be found in the same corner of the Cafe de Provence, at the end of the Rue St. Honore, coming down about nine in the evening, and going when he could find no one to talk with. It took some self-restraint to listen to the old diplomatist, for his stories were beyond all belief, and yet he was quick at detecting the shadow of a smile or the slightest little raising of the eyebrows. Then his huge, rounded back would straighten itself, his bull-dog chin would project, and his r's would burr like a kettledrum. When he got as far as, "Ah, monsieur r-r-r-rit! " or "Vous ne me cr-r-r-royez pas donc! " it was quite time to remember that you had a ticket for the opera.

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A Foreign Office Romance is listed on Textopian as a novel by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, dated 1890 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Date: 1890 CE
Language: English
Genres: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Romance, Political Fiction, Comedy
Length: 5,358 words
Structure: 1 section, 80 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Historical Fiction — The narrative is set against the backdrop of historical events, specifically the political climate during the French Revolutionary Wars and the Crimean War.
Adventure — The protagonist engages in a high-stakes situation involving espionage and a race against time to secure a treaty.
Romance — The title suggests romantic elements, and the protagonist's interactions hint at personal relationships intertwined with the political narrative.
Political Fiction — The plot revolves around diplomatic negotiations and the intricacies of international relations.