‘Not with Denmark,’ Sir John said firmly. ‘Not yet, and I have no desire to go down in history as the man who provoked the Danes into fighting alongside France. I had to let the vessel sail.’

Arthur pressed his lips tightly together before he made another angry comment, and there was silence for a moment. Then General St Leger spoke.

‘I think it’s safe to assume that the Spanish will know we are coming. They might have had a little time to improve their defences, but given that they are Spanish that should not worry us unduly.’

His attempt at lightening the mood failed. Arthur continued to glare at him, and St Leger continued in a flat tone. ‘Given that the odds have shifted somewhat in the enemy’s favour I thought it was important the expedition be commanded by a senior officer with some experience, and I accept that responsibility.The Governor General is of the same mind, is that not so, Sir John?’

‘Yes,’ Shore replied with a guilty glance at Arthur. ‘It makes sense.’

‘So,’ the general opened one of his hands towards Arthur, ‘I’d like you to assume the role of my second in command. As I said, you’re a fine officer and what’s more you know the men and you know the plan better than anyone else in Calcutta. Do please do me the honour of serving with me on this expedition.’

For a moment Arthur was tempted by some churlish spirit to turn the offer down. If they were so keen to take the expedition away from him, then let them suffer the consequences of a last-minute change of command. But it would not be these officials who suffered if things went badly. It would be the ordinary men once again. Arthur knew that he must accept this latest humiliation. He owed the men of the 33rd that much at least for all the loyal service they had shown him.

‘I’d be pleased to accept, sir.’ He forced himself to smile.

General St Leger slapped his hand down on his thigh. ‘Good man! I knew you’d see the sense of it.There’ll be another chance for you, Wesley. Take my word for it, this war against France has the makings of another Iliad.’

‘I hope that Manila falls more quickly than Troy did, sir.’

‘What? Oh yes, of course.’ St Leger frowned as his conceit was pricked. ‘Now then, you can brief me fully on the plan and then we will set sail at once.’ He turned to Sir John. ‘Of course, that’s once you give the order, sir.’

‘Go,’ Sir John replied eagerly. ‘Go at once, by all means. God speed to you both, and come back with Manila in your pocket!’

Chapter 26

Chapter 26