1708–1709

The ninth chapter describes how the Marlborough-Godolphin partnership continues with an agreed division of labour and again comes in sight of complete success. Marlborough wins a third major victory at Oudenarde and besieges Lille, a huge undertaking in which Godolphin’s support is crucial. Godolphin achieves one of the milestones of his administration by uniting factions within the East India Company so that it can join the Bank of England in providing government finance. Marlborough goes on to make a winter campaign and afterwards keeps vice-regal court at Brussels. The queen admits Somers and Wharton to the cabinet, while Godolphin maintains his authority by means of the new Scots members. France sues for peace and Marlborough plans to retire with his wife and Godolphin in England. But to secure himself he asks the queen to make him Captain-General for life, confirming for her that he is a threat to her sovereignty.