They made their way back to the flank of the British army, and were challenged by the pickets before passing on and returning to the command post behind the centre of the British line. As they arrived an officer hurried up to Arthur and saluted.

‘Sir, we have visitors. General O’Donoju and some of his staff are waiting for you, down by the headquarters tent.’

Arthur turned to look down the hillock into the small depression where a handful of lamps glimmered, hidden from French view.‘Did he explain why he is here?’

‘No, sir. I asked, but he said his message was for you, and not your underlings.’

‘He said that?’ Arthur shook his head. ‘Come, Somerset.’

They continued down the slope to the tent and dismounted alongside the Spanish horses being held by some of Arthur’s orderlies. O’Donoju was waiting inside, with four of his officers. He rose to his feet when he saw Arthur and bowed his head.

‘It is a pleasure to see you again, General Wellesley.’

‘Where is Cuesta?’ Arthur cut in. ‘He should have been at Salcidas hours ago.’

O’Donoju frowned at the informal use of his superior’s name. ‘His excellency has sent me to inform you that he has been delayed.’

‘Delayed? Why?’

The Spaniard shrugged. ‘The men were slow to break camp. The night is dark, and they do not march as fast as they do during the day.’

‘Then why did your general not take account of that, and start out earlier?’

‘I do not presume to know the mind of my commander, sir.’

Arthur puffed his cheeks irritably. ‘Where is he now?’

‘Perhaps three miles east of Salcidas. His excellency says that he will be in position to attack at six in the morning.’

‘Dawn will have broken by then. The French will be aware of our presence. We will have lost any element of surprise.’

‘Perhaps, sir,’ O’Donoju countered. ‘Even so, we can still proceed with the attack. After all, the odds are vastly in our favour.’

Arthur thought a moment. The Spaniard was right. Provided Victor did not react swiftly and break camp before the attack began, he would be obliged to stand and fight.

‘Very well then. General Cuesta must begin his attack at six. No later. Is that clear?’

O’Donoju stared back defiantly. ‘If that is the wish of his excellency, then yes. Now, I bid you farewell, sir. My officers and I must return to our army.’

‘Yes, you must, as swiftly as you can. There must be no further delay.’