‘Ignore them,’ Arthur replied calmly. ‘They are as fickle as the wind. Today I am dangled in front of them as a villain. In a year’s time, who knows? I may be the darling of the mob.’

‘Small comfort,’William muttered. ‘It’s today I am worried about.’

The carriage slowed to a halt at the gates and the driver handed over the invitation to the sergeant. The latter filled his lungs and bellowed out, ‘Admit the honourable William Wellesley, member of Parliament, and Lieutenant-General Sir Arthur Wellesley!’

At once there was a chorus of boos from the mob and as the carriage rattled forward some muddy slime struck the carriage window. Arthur raised an eyebrow. ‘Charming.’

They entered the inner courtyard of the palace and descended from the carriage to join the other guests climbing the steps into the reception hall. A number of footmen lined the route to the chamber hosting the levee. William nudged Arthur.

‘Do you see that tall fellow ahead of us? The one with the fair hair?’

Arthur craned his neck and saw the man indicated. ‘Yes. What of him?’

‘That is Charles Franks, a parliamentary Whig. Those others he’s talking to are some of his followers in the House.’

‘Ah, yes,’ said Arthur.‘I recall the name now. Recently elected, wasn’t he?’

‘Yes, and keen to make a name for himself.’William lowered his voice and leaned closer to his brother. ‘Franks and those others have drafted a certain document. I gather that they intend to petition the King to have you tried for treason.’

‘Good God, treason? The dogs. They’ll never make that stick.’

‘I hope not, Arthur. But in the present climate, who knows?’

The line of guests edged forward into the chamber and took up their places on either side of a broad red carpet leading up to a dais where an ornate chair awaited the King. When all were present, the royal chamberlain entered and rapped his staff loudly on the tiled floor to one side of the carpet.

‘My lords and gentlemen, pray silence for his majesty the King and his highness, Prince George!’

The chamberlain stepped gracefully to one side and bowed deeply as the King entered the chamber in a dark blue frock coat, laced with gold. He wore several jewelled stars on his breast. Behind him came the Prince, also in blue, but with less decoration. They walked serenely down the length of the carpet, stopping here and there to exchange a brief word with friends and familiars.As they came abreast of Arthur the King suddenly stopped and turned to him.

‘General Wellesley, is it not?’

‘Yes, sire.’ Arthur bowed.