‘You would have to bring a force of such strength into Chintal as to overcome that of Acharya – something that must in any event be in contemplation as we speak, although the estimate will probably be greatly awry.’

There were now two assumptions to avoid confirming. ‘What might such a strength be, in your judgement?’

‘Twenty thousand.’

Hervey tried hard not to look perturbed. The plans for the field force were for twelve. He must continue to speak hypothetically, discursively. ‘That’s twice the number the Duke had at Assaye! Very nearly two thirds the size of the army of Bombay indeed!’

‘Ashok Acharya’s judged these things well, but not entirely. Every army in India is composed of mercenaries. They’re therefore susceptible to defeat by financial inducement.’

They sat long together, Hervey gradually abandoning the pretence of the hypothetical, so that as it neared the time he judged he must leave, he turned to the one question that could not be considered in the abstract: how was the colonel’s own life to be preserved? The dewan’s spies would know of this meeting. What would he tell him when brought to question?

Colonel Bell had thought the matter through, however. ‘You have come here to Chintalpore on account of the death of the agent. Fort William has invited me to become the agent in his place, and with the offer of much gold. I have declined, but you have said that you will visit with me again to try to persuade me to reconsider, although I have said that I am not open to reconsidering. That much the dewan will be inclined to believe. What further stratagems will be necessary we can only judge later.’

Hervey agreed. ‘One last question, though, for the time being. Who is to be trusted in all this?’

‘Hah! No one, save my wife, whose trust I try not to ill-use, and therefore tell her as little as may be, and Rissaldar Sikarwar, a fine Rajpoot officer. I’ve known him since he was a laddie.’

Hervey smiled ruefully, making to leave. ‘He was nearly the death of me yesterday, but I’m inclined to take your word.’

Colonel Bell rose briskly, without the aid of his stick, and held out a hand. ‘The Ranee will take a walk in the jasmine garden at dusk, as is her habit. She’ll be alone save for an officer of the bodyguard – Sikarwar – and one of her ladies.’

Hervey nodded. ‘I understand.’

‘And to reassure you, on return Miss Hervey should have some words for you from the Ranee.’

At six-thirty he went to the jasmine gardens with Georgiana. They strolled among the sandalwood trees admiring the roses which climbed high and in profusion, and the peacocks beginning their nightly roost.

But they kept their voices low. ‘Walls, ears,’ he’d said.

The scent of jasmine was even stronger at this time of day – Mysooru mallige, the jasmine of Mysore. It was the same that filled the garden at Arcot House, and his thoughts turned momentarily to Kezia. And although campaigning had been his life – in truth still was – for an instant he would have traded all to be in that garden.