Well, there really is no such thing as "a few minutes" with the Minister for Foreign Affairs.

There's a faint knock at the door, and Alfred sticks his head into the room.

"Begging Their Majesties' pardons, but His Majesty's lunch . . . "

"Yes, thank you, Alfred, I'll be along directly," Perry says.

"Very good, sir," Alfred says, and steps back into his office, not quite closing the door behind him.

"Do give my regards to the Prime Minister, Perry," Amy says, Cheerfully, and her husband gives her a bit of a Look.

"I'll see you at dinner, Amethyst," he says, leaning forward to kiss his wife's cheek. "Marian, I hope you will enjoy your visit."