What was I to do now? The Duke had a reputation – underserved I think – of being irascible – not suffering fools gladly. I had to sit through the rest of the briefing contemplating facing him for the first time in what I suspected would be far from a forgiving frame of mind.
When the meeting ended I went up to him, introduced myself, apologised profusely, explained I had definitely been told to meet him at Wramplingham and awaited what I thought would be an angry outburst. None came.
He wasn’t pleased, but given the situation he recognised the embarrassment, put me at ease, and treated me with a kindness I certainly was not expecting.