‘There is that risk,’ Arthur admitted. ‘The commander of our forces would have to be very circumspect indeed. He would have to avoid any battle where there was any risk of defeat.The key to our strategy would have to lie in tying down enemy forces and defeating them in detail as and when the opportunity arose. We would also enjoy certain advantages denied to the French. Since we have won the war at sea we could freely supply our men along the coast, and even land detachments to cause trouble at our whim. Our enemies, however, would have long land-based chains of supply and communication stretching back to France. Better still, the French army’s custom of living off the land would win them few friends in Spain. To the extent that it might well cause Spain to switch her allegiance to our side.’

‘That is a far-fetched supposition, some might argue.’

‘It is only a possibility,’ Arthur conceded. ‘But I can see no other profitable deployment of our land forces on the continent. Certainly not one that offers as much chance of undermining Bonaparte.’ He drained his cup and set it down in its saucer.‘It is certainly what I would do if I were deciding Britain’s military policy.’

Richard thought for a moment and then nodded. ‘It makes sense. I might mention it to Castlereagh when I next speak to him. It would be interesting to see what he makes of it.’

Arthur nodded, though he did not put much store in the prospect of politicians understanding such a strategic vision. Few of them had any military experience to speak of, and those who did could be readily discounted for having abandoned a military career in favour of a political one.

‘In any case,’ Richard continued, ‘it would be useful to put your name in front of Castlereagh, should he be considering any military appointments in the near future.’

It was little more than a week after his breakfast with Richard that Arthur was invited to an interview with the Duke of Richmond. In the intervening time the Prime Minister had confirmed the appointments of Castlereagh and Canning and most of the other cabinet positions. The Duke had been tipped for high office but as yet there had been no public announcement and Arthur was curious to discover his reasons for requesting an interview.

They met in a small office in Whitehall. The Duke of Richmond, a rounded, grey-haired man with a good-humoured twinkle in his eyes, clasped Arthur’s hand and greeted him with a warm smile before ushering him to a worn leather chair and then pulling another up so that they sat close together beside a grimy window overlooking the street.

‘Your brother, Richard, tells me you have a fine mind, and a great deal of integrity.’

Arthur smiled slightly. ‘It seems he forgot to mention my modesty while he was at it, your grace.’