Dearest Gentle Reader, this Thursday brings a most extraordinary assortment of villainy, diplomatic hand-wringing, and at least one story involving luxury perfume purchased on borrowed virtue. This Author has raised both eyebrows and they have not yet returned to their natural position.

Dearest Gentle Reader, This Author can scarcely credit that a Sunday should bring word of Persian missiles, the scandalous inflation of cucumbers, and fabricated ladies of the digital salons all in one breath. Someone, somewhere, has a great deal of explaining to do, and This Author intends to savour every morsel.