After the disappointments of 1707, the Allies continue to face significant problems. In England a rift between the Queen’s chief ministers threatens to paralyse government, and rumours of that most feared of things – French invasion – make their way across the Channel. On the continent, the Habsburg party in Spain deceives itself with fanciful hopes, while the little resemblance to each other of German words and deeds delays Marlborough’s preparations for the campaign. But there is some good news – love is in the air, and bachelor King Carlos III bags himself a queen.