Crossword Genius

The matters to be spoken of are the romances (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

affaires

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'romances' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both states of affairs as well as being plural nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'the matters to be spoken of are' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'matters' could be 'res' (Re is an example) and 'res' is found within the answer.
'are' could be 'a' (short for 'are', historical unit of measurement) and 'a' is located in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'the' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for affaires that I've seen before include "Romantic entanglements" , "Amorous adventures" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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