Hervey shook his head. ‘The fall of man from innocence? The sin of Eve?’

Somervile indulged him with a smile. ‘The court of directors have lately decided that the consent of the government of India to adoptions in the case of rulers of princely states dying without male issue is to be treated as an indulgence, and the exception, not the rule, and is not to be granted but as a special mark of favour and approbation.’

Hervey raised an eyebrow. ‘The heirless state thus lapsing to the Company?’

‘Just so. But further, that if a state be not governed with real authority, and for the good of the governed, it too may be deemed to have lapsed.’

Hervey was puzzled. ‘That, surely, was the principle on which the Rajah of Coorg was deposed, was it not? How’s this doctrine novel therefore?’

‘In part it was the principle, but as you’ll recall, the intervention was at the invitation of one who had the greater claim. This new doctrine puts the interest of the governed above that of the prince, and the judgement in the matter is that of the governor-general.’

‘It seems a rather fine distinction to make, in light of practice to date.’

‘Perhaps, but an important one nevertheless.’

Hervey was unconvinced. But then, he was not a political.

Somervile frowned again. ‘Chintal …’

‘Ye-es?’

‘Bentinck deems that it is in lapse.’

Hervey sat upright. ‘I see. And am I to suppose that somehow we are to deliver it from evil – secure its redemption?’

Somervile nodded slowly, as if gathering his thoughts. ‘There are other concerns. Preposterous as it may seem, the Ranee has designs on Mysore. Apparently some panjandrum in Chintal’s persuaded her that she has a claim on Tipoo Sultan’s inheritance – I’m not aware how, precisely; doubtless some obscure bloodline – and he’s begun a scheme of agitation, possibly with the help of this web of thuggee. Bentinck says it’s not unheard of for minor rulers – like Chintal – to garb themselves in the glories of greater men, but that usually it’s little more than an irritation. But Mysore’s a tricky place yet, and on that he’s right.’

Hervey frowned. ‘This isn’t the Ranee I quite recollect, for all her faults.’

‘That’s as may be, but with evil counsellors anything’s possible. Bentinck says she’s been deluded into believing she’s heir to Tipoo’s tiger mantle.’

Hervey smiled doubtfully. ‘The Tigress of Mysore?’

Somervile tilted his head. ‘You may well be right, but Bentinck intends proclaiming the lapse, and supposes the Ranee will resist, and therefore will direct the Army of Madras to expedite the proclamation.’

‘“Expedite the proclamation”?’

‘His very words. Moreover, because of Coorg he asks that, unless I have compelling objection, you personally take command of the field force.’

‘And you have no compelling objection?’

‘I have none. But more to the point, do you?’

Hervey looked at him disbelievingly. ‘For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh.’