He reached for the decanter and poured more brandy into both the glasses. There was a tap on the door and a liveried servant came into the dining room. He spoke with profound respect.

‘Captain Rawson presents his compliments, Your Grace, and asks if this is a convenient moment to see you.’

‘By all means,’ said Marlborough. ‘Bring the fellow in.’

‘Yes, Your Grace.’

The man bowed and withdrew silently.

‘Captain Rawson,’ said Godolphin. ‘That’s a name I know.’

‘You met him once in this very house, Sidney. Daniel Rawson was the boy with the sword.’

‘I remember now. It was after the battle of Sedgemoor. He was only ten but, when one of your soldiers tried to molest his mother, the lad killed the man with his own sword.’

‘In recognition of his courage, I presented the weapon to him even though his father had fought against us in the rebel army. Daniel has put that sword to good use over the years. He’s a fine soldier.’

‘Coming from you, that’s a real compliment.’

‘I promoted him to my personal staff.’

‘That’s a signal honour.’

‘It was well deserved.’

The servant escorted Daniel into the room then bowed and went out again. Marlborough gave the visitor a warm welcome. Daniel was pleased to find him in such a convivial mood. The last time he’d seen his commander, Marlborough had been weary and downhearted after a series of setbacks in the field.

‘Do join us, Daniel,’ said Marlborough, pointing to a chair. ‘We’ve not drunk all of the brandy yet.’

Daniel sat down beside him. ‘Thank you, Your Grace.’

‘We’ve met before, Captain Rawson,’ said Godolphin. ‘I hear nothing but good things of you.’

‘That’s very gratifying, my lord,’ said Daniel.