‘You will, Arthur, you will. It’s early days. Now that Richard is in charge here, you can be sure that there will be chances for you to prove yourself. Fame and honour are within your grasp.’

‘God, you sound like some ghastly political pamphlet.’

‘Alas!’ Henry feigned a hurt expression. ‘That’s the price of associating with far too many diplomats and statesmen. I confess it all.’

The door opened and they turned to see a stout, red-faced man who appeared to be in his middle age. Like so many Europeans in India, he had succumbed to the temptations of alcohol. The man bowed, turned away and strode past the two brothers with a curt nod of the head.

‘Charming . . .’ Henry muttered.

‘You’ll have to get used to that. Conduct counts for little here.’

‘Really? Then what does matter?’

‘Money and position. As you will see all too soon.’

Footsteps approached from inside the office and Richard emerged into the corridor and held out his hand. Not much had changed in his features since the last time Arthur had seen him back in England.A little more grey around the temples, and a few lighter streaks in his hair, but no more than one might expect in a man just two years short of forty. But there was an excited glint in his eye and a restlessness that Arthur recognised from childhood. As they shook hands Richard examined his younger brother.

‘Arthur, you are looking very well, I must say.’

‘Thank you. India is not the healthiest of environments. I do what I can to ensure I remain fit enough to survive the experience. As should you, and Henry.’

‘Yes, well, thank you for the advice. Now, won’t you come into the office? There’s much we have to discuss.’

He stood aside to allow his brothers to pass.Arthur and Henry crossed over to the desk and sat opposite the imposing chair behind it as their brother closed the door and joined them.

‘Arthur, are you free to join Henry and me for dinner tonight?’

‘Of course.’

‘Good. We can keep the pleasantries until then. Meanwhile,’ Richard gestured to a stack of reports and documents spread across his desk, ‘we have more pressing matters to deal with. The French influence in India is on the rise, and I think it’s safe to assume that they will be directing ever more attention towards us in the coming months and years.’

Arthur raised his eyebrows. ‘I assume the situation in Europe is favouring the enemy then?’