William Pitt Junior had just fallen into silence when Grenville's attendant knocked gently on the door, saying, "Prime Minister, Lord Duncan wishes to see you."
Lord Duncan was the commander of the British North Sea Fleet, ranking among the top five admirals of the British Navy. For him to come see the Prime Minister in person meant something major was afoot.
William Pitt Junior was about to surreptitiously leave when Grenville called out loudly to the attendant, "Please, let him in."
Duncan stepped inside, first casting a glance at William Pitt Junior, then offering Grenville a bow. "Prime Minister, I have some matters regarding the large-scale failures in the Mediterranean Fleet that I wish to discuss with you."
"You need not be reserved; please speak freely."
"Well, in fact, I have received some information—there has been appalling corruption at the Chat Han Shipyard in recent years, which has directly led to widespread failures in our steam battleships..."
