‘Let me guess. You want me to find you some lucrative employment. Well? Since I’ve arrived here I’ve been deluged with office-seekers. So what’s your claim on me, eh?’

Arthur was taken aback by the instant incivility of the man. ‘My lord, I merely wish to serve my country in some capacity that will be mutually rewarding. I see no wrong in that.’

‘You wouldn’t. I’m the one who has to field all the requests from ambitious young men like you. If that wasn’t bad enough, I’m bombarded with letters of recommendation from mothers, brothers, fathers, friends of fathers and fathers of friends and so on and so on, caught like a fly in a web of nepotism. No laughing matter, I can assure you.’

‘I can imagine,’ Arthur replied tactfully.

Lord Camden fixed him with narrowed eyes. ‘Oh really? I shouldn’t think you would have to exert your imagination.Your brother has already written to humbly request an office worthy of your qualities of . . . of . . .’ He paused, paced over to his desk and fanned through a pile of letters until he found the one he wanted. ‘Ah! Here it is . . . your qualities of industry and integrity. Hardly a ringing endorsement, is it? But since your brother is racing up through the political ranks in London and I may well have need of his patronage for my own family and friends one day, I’ll see what I can do for you, Wesley. Did you have a position in mind?’

‘Yes, my lord,’ Arthur replied evenly. But inside his heart was beating swiftly and he felt the anxious excitement of any man about to request the most generous of favours.

‘Well, spit it out, man.’

‘My lord, since the office of Secretary at War is not yet filled, I would like to be considered for it.’

Lord Camden raised his eyebrows and stared at Arthur for a moment before he recovered from his surprise enough to reply. ‘Upon my soul, you don’t ask for much, do you? Secretary at War? What on earth makes you think I should consider you for such an important position?’

It was Arthur’s turn to be shocked by open candour. ‘I believe I am well matched to the duties and responsibilities of the post, my lord. I have several years of military experience.’

Lord Camden wagged a finger at him.‘You have several years’ experience as an aide. Drinking, dancing, gambling and whoring. What bloody good is that?’

‘I served under the Duke ofYork in the Low Countries. I have been under fire, my lord, and led my men to safety in the following retreat.’