‘It’s been five years since we last met,’ Arthur said quietly.‘I am your brother, yet I feel like a mere item on your agenda . . .’

Richard frowned. ‘I hardly think—’

‘Please, Richard. Hear me out.’ Arthur took a deep breath and continued, ‘I am exhausted. Utterly exhausted. I want to leave India. I want to go home. I told you this in the letters I wrote. If you did read them, then surely you are not surprised.’

‘Go home?’ Richard shook his head. ‘But Arthur, I need you here, at my side.You are my right arm.’

‘You don’t need me any more.’ Arthur nodded to the map on the wall behind his brother, now almost all under the sway of England and the East India Company.‘It’s over, Richard.We have achieved all that we set out to achieve here. We have won an empire for England, and for the first time many of the native races have known peace and prosperity.What is there left for me to do? I have beaten every army that opposed us. Now I wish to leave. You should consider it too, before you overstay the reputation you have forged for yourself.’

‘But I need you here,’ Richard persisted.

Arthur shook his head. ‘General Lake is more than capable of taking over my command. Besides, I feel that I’ve outgrown India. I’ve learned my craft and when I return to Europe I believe I will be a match for any general amongst our enemies.’

‘Even that fellow Bonaparte?’

‘Even him,’Arthur replied firmly.‘England needs me, Richard. And, thanks to the years I have dedicated to our interests here, I need England. I need rest.’

Richard stared at him, thin-lipped, for a long while before at last he sighed.‘It seems you have fixed your mind on this. Is there nothing I can say that will change your opinion?’

‘No.’>

‘Very well, then. I will have your authority to quit India drawn up. I take it you will need a few months to settle your affairs here?’

‘Yes.’ Arthur felt a surge of pure relief flow through his body now that the decision was made. ‘Thank you, Richard.’

‘I should thank you. Without you, none of this would have been possible.’ Richard gestured towards the map. ‘All England should thank you.’

Arthur rose from his seat.‘It’s been a long journey. If you don’t mind?’

‘Of course not. I’ll have some rooms made ready for you at the fort.You can wait in the mess until they’re ready.Will you join me for dinner tonight?’