He was also aware that it was exactly three minutes before two o’clock and punctuality always pleased him.
It was one of the virtues he had been noted for in the Army and he was extremely annoyed if any of his men were late on parade.
Or he would be angry if they did not carry out any order he gave them as quickly as he expected.
Lord Bancroft’s house was vast and opulent, but not particularly attractive.
As his phaeton came to a standstill, a red carpet was run down the steps up to the front door and two footmen in ostentatious livery ran to the side of it.
Charles’s groom, who had been seated behind him, now jumped down to go to the horses’ heads.
Charles descended next, slowly and with dignity.
This was somewhat difficult considering how high above the ground the driver’s seat wa
