O’Donoju smiled and waved Arthur towards the first of the waiting men. As General Cuesta was manhandled up the steps and into the keep Arthur began exchanging bows with a series of colonels and generals, each of whom was laden down with long lists of titles and honours. Arthur endured it for a while before he leaned towards O’Donoju and spoke quietly. ‘Look, since the hour is late and there is much to discuss, might we dispense with the full title of each man and just use their name and rank?’

The Spaniard’s eyebrows knitted for a moment before he replied.‘As you wish, sir. We will abandon the usual courtesies in the interests of brevity.’

Arthur smiled. ‘That would be appreciated.’

As soon as the last officer had been introduced, Arthur followed his host up the steps and into the keep. When they were shown into General Cuesta’s office Arthur saw that the Spanish commander was sitting propped up on a couch. Before him, spread out across the floor and weighted down with bottles of wine, was a map of Spain. One of Cuesta’s orderlies brought a chair for Arthur and placed it on the opposite side of the map. O’Donoju took up his position beside the couch and translated Cuesta’s first comment.

‘His excellency hopes that you were impressed by the men parading in the courtyard. They are the finest battalion in our army.’

‘Really? Good God . . .’ Arthur quickly forced a smile. ‘Why yes, as fine a body of men as I have seen in a long time.’

The comment seemed to be appreciated and Cuesta continued.

‘His excellency wishes you to join forces with him and march directly on Madrid.’

‘Ah, yes, a most laudable ambition, but surely we must prepare the ground for such an advance? I suggest that before we can even entertain such a notion, it is vital to clear the approaches to Madrid of all enemy forces, in case we are obliged to retreat.’

Cuesta shook his head.

‘His excellency does not agree. He says that we must be bold and strike at the heart of the enemy. He says that a fierce patriotic fire burns in the hearts of our men and it can only be quenched by the blood of Frenchmen.’

‘I see. Tell him that I am full of admiration for the patriotic zeal he demonstrates, but such zeal must be tempered by the realities of the situation. My sources tell me that Marshal Victor and his army protect the route to Madrid. It would be wise for us to fall on him while he is outnumbered by our combined strength, would it not?’

Cuesta considered this for a moment and nodded.