Affairs of State
by Louis Verneuil

This smart, topical comedy about a rather unusual triangle, set in official Washington, was produced at the Royal Theatre, starring Reginald Owens and Celeste Holm, and played to solid capacity for one year.

Of course, there is deep intrigue; tricky deals are made, double-crossers are double-crossed.

But it's all for love.

The heroine is a shy and mousy little school teacher, who is persuaded to marry a wealthy senator to cover up his romance with the ambitious spouse of an ex-Sectretary of State.

With money to spend on clothes and beauty parlors, the temporary wife blossoms into a charming and intellegent hostess.

Naturally, the Senator falls in love with her.

And furthermore, he develops an admiration for her talents as a shrewd backstage politician.

She wangles him an appointment as Under Secretary of State, thus making it impossible for her to create a scandal with his first love.