The Duke laughed.‘Well, perhaps he knew that you would mention it. Anyway, let’s not waste time on pleasantries, Sir Arthur. I imagine you are burning with curiosity concerning the purpose of this interview. Let me quench those flames forthwith. I take it that you have heard that Portland has had the devil of a job finding someone to take on the Lord Lieutenancy of Ireland. Beaufort and Rutland turned it down before the Prime Minister approached me.’ The Duke puffed his cheeks out with a stage sigh. ‘And so I have accepted the position.’

‘May I offer my congratulations, your grace?’

‘Commiserations would be more appropriate under the circumstances, eh?’

Arthur did not reply and merely smiled back as the Duke continued. ‘Be that as it may, I accepted on condition that I had a free hand in appointing my subordinates. Can’t be doing with having a pack of well-connected but ignorant young men to carry out my orders. Not with the current sensitivity of the situation in Ireland. I need men with ability, discipline and organisation. In short, men like you, Sir Arthur.’

‘It’s kind of you to say so, your grace,’ Arthur responded. ‘Do you intend to offer me a position in your administration, then?’

‘Yes, of course. I am sure you did not think you were here on the basis of some casual social appointment?’

‘Well, no, your grace.’

The Duke leaned forward and prodded Arthur on the chest. ‘I am offering you the post of Chief Secretary.What do you say?’

Arthur struggled to hide his astonishment. The Chief Secretary was the most powerful office in Ireland beneath that of the Lord Lieutenant. A responsible position indeed, and one that might well make his political career. The only difficulty that occurred to Arthur concerned the obligation that such a favour might carry in the future.Was this the first step in selling his soul to the venomous world of political factions? In truth he would far rather be fighting the French, but at least this offer was a chance to serve his country usefully while he waited for a military command.

Arthur looked directly into the Duke’s eyes as he responded. ‘It is a very generous offer. Might I ask why you have made it to me?’

‘It’s simple enough.Your brother recommended you, and I know that you have served as an aide at Dublin Castle.You were a member of the Irish Parliament before it was abolished with the Act of Union, and you had some experience in the Treasury before you were sent away to serve in India. From what Richard tells me, you as good as ruled the kingdom of Mysore for some years, and made a damned fine fist of it. Just the sort of man to help me bring order to Ireland, I’d say. That’s why. Now, young man, will you accept?’