‘Well! I’ve had a fine evening. To be the object of the undivided attention of two such fine beaux has made me the envy of almost every unmarried woman at the ball. What more could a girl ask for?’ She laughed, and the others joined in politely.‘We should do more of this. I think the three of us could become fast friends.’

Arthur nodded faintly, hiding his disappointment.

‘Yes,’ Fenshaw agreed.‘It would be a pleasure to see you again, Colonel.’

When the carriage which was to take himself and Kitty home had been called, Captain Fenshaw insisted on giving Arthur a lift back to his lodgings in Fostertown.Arthur had been on the verge of politely declining the offer, in order to deny his rival the chance to see the unfashionable neighbourhood where he had his lodgings, but that would mean denying himself the chance of spending a little longer in Kitty’s company, and he reluctantly accepted.

As he descended from the carriage Arthur kissed her hand and bid Captain Fenshaw good night. He stood and watched as the carriage rattled down the street, turned the corner and disappeared. He heard Kitty laugh one last time, a light joyful sound that had once been as music to him, but now felt like an open taunt.

Chapter 12

Chapter 12

‘I’m sorry, Wesley, but there are no seats available for you on either the treasury or the revenue boards.’ Lord Camden opened his hands in a helpless gesture. ‘As you know, I have many political favours to repay and, regretfully, I had to give them priority over any consideration of who might be best qualified for a job. I wish it were not so, but that’s how the system works.’

‘I see,’ Arthur replied, trying to keep his disappointment from showing. ‘Thank you for being honest with me, my lord.’

‘The least you deserve.And rest assured, I will be tireless in my efforts to secure you a post where you can prove your mettle. I know that you will serve me well.’ He smiled. ‘It is merely a question of time, Wesley.Your star will rise.’

‘It feels as if it is already waning, my lord.’The words were out before he could check himself and Lord Camden frowned irritably.

‘Look here, there is an order to these things. Patronage is a well-tried system. Without it we might as well give up the fight and embrace the principles of the revolution in France. And we’ve seen where that leads. Chaos and tyranny. Patronage works. When the needs of patronage have been satisfied then we can appoint people on merit. That usually comes with experience, young Wesley, and at the moment that is what you lack. I have heard fine things about you from various sources, particularly concerning your aptitude for military command. However, in the sphere of politics and office-holding you are something of an ingénu, wouldn’t you agree?’