‘The government considers that it would be most prudent to begin with Portugal. It is more easily supplied and defended, and should provide an admirable base for wider operations when the time is ripe. Only then you might consider Spain.’

Arthur’s heart quickened at the prospect. This was the war he had dreamed of. The chance to tackle French troops directly on terrain favourable to the British.With the Spanish nation rising up against the French occupiers Bonaparte faced waging a war in the most difficult of conditions. His men, accustomed to feeding off the land, would be the targets of armed bands of peasants.The climate was hot too and Arthur well knew the particular strains of campaigning under the merciless glare of the sun. Nor would it be a theatre of war that the French Emperor could ignore. Having made his brother King, Bonaparte would be compelled to divert endless resources to Spain to support Joseph and prevent the humiliating spectacle of a member of his family being ousted from the throne that the Emperor had placed him upon. The situation was ripe with advantages for Britain and her new Spanish and Portuguese allies.

Arthur glanced at Canning. ‘When do you want me to sail for Portugal?’

‘The sooner the better. Best strike while the iron is hot, eh? I would like your force to land before the end of July.’

Arthur raised his eyebrows. ‘That does not give me much time to prepare.’

‘Really?’ Canning frowned. ‘How much time do you need? Our opportunity lies before us now, Wellesley. It may slip from our grasp unless you act quickly.’ Canning paused. ‘Of course, there are plenty of other general officers who might be able to act with greater alacrity.’

‘I will be ready on time,’ Arthur replied firmly.

‘Good.Then your first task will be to defeat General Junot and drive him from Lisbon and out of the country.’

‘Do we have any estimate of Junot’s strength?’

Canning nodded. ‘Our Portuguese spies tell us that he has no more than ten thousand men.Your command can handle that.’

‘Yes. As long as the reports of your spies are accurate.’

‘They are. Our agents in Lisbon had proved to be very reliable to date.You should have nothing to worry about. Now I suggest you set about making your preparations to leave as swiftly as possible.’