shadow of britain

Chapter 730: Is it too despicable to treat a little girl like this?
The setting sun shines through the tall window frames and onto the mahogany coffee table.

In the light pink porcelain pot, the fragrant black tea is emitting light smoke.

Outside the window is a neatly trimmed rose bed, and a few thrushes are jumping on the branches of the bushes.

If you ignore the intrigue and royal disputes within Kensington Palace, it would be a great place for a date for most people.

Arthur lazily curled up in the sofa chair, enjoying the cup of black tea and the book in the lounge.

No matter how good the tea and scenery here are, they can't compare to the comfortable environment at home.

If the Duchess of Kent had not been determined to keep him for dinner, he would have found an excuse to slip back home early in the morning under any other circumstances.

squeak~
The door of the lounge was pushed open by the servant, and the Duchess of Kent, who had just made an excuse to change her clothes, appeared in front of Arthur again.

From the trembling expressions of the servants around her, it could be seen that the Duchess must have been furious with them just now.

The mother was displeased by the fact that Princess Victoria went out horseback riding when important guests visited.

At this time, the Duchess had changed into a gray-blue satin morning gown with feathers of the same color decorated on the collar. The sapphire on the brooch reflected a faint light in the afterglow of the sun.

Arthur was always amazed by the ladies' ability to change their costumes in a short period of time, because in just over ten minutes, the Duchess even changed her hairstyle.

Her hair was piled high on the back of her head into a neat bun with the ends curled up and decorated with a delicate pearl hairpin.

Arthur had often seen this hairstyle in TV costume dramas before, but he had never noticed what it was called. However, he knew that, at least in London and Paris, ladies called it "à la Chinoise". As the name suggests, this is a Chinese-style hairstyle for women that has been popular in Europe for decades.

The most famous fan of this hairstyle in Europe was Marie Antoinette, the French queen who often wore the hairstyle "à la Chinoise" when she was in the Palace of Versailles.

Forty years after her death, the hairstyle was still popular in the upper classes of British and French society. Arthur often saw this hairstyle in salons in London and Paris.

Arthur closed the book in his hand, stood up and bowed slightly as a polite response to the Duchess's reappearance.

The Duchess of Kent nodded slightly at him, her expression returning to the same dignity and composure as when they first met: "I'm sorry to have kept you waiting."

"You don't have to worry about it. Dressing up is a lady's right. Besides, the tea and books at Kensington Palace are so satisfactory. To be honest, I think I can spend a whole day here entertaining myself even if I am alone."

"You are such a gentleman."

The Duchess of Kent sat down again and spoke up for Arthur, saying, "I can't imagine that a gentleman like you would be considered incompetent by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. You have been running around for the freedom and rights of the Caucasian mountaineers and fighting against the old system and despotism in Russia. In the past two years in Portugal, Britain has always been steadfast in defending freedom together with the Portuguese progressives. After the Spanish Civil War broke out this year, Viscount Palmerston called on Parliament to support the new Queen Isabella of Spain just as we supported Queen Maria of Portugal. But I don't understand why his position changes as soon as he encounters Russia."

After hearing what the Duchess said, Arthur calmly drank a sip of tea and said, "Your Highness, this is different. Although I do not agree with Viscount Palmerston's approach, I understand what he is thinking."

The Duchess of Kent asked curiously, "Do you mean Spain or Russia?"

"I can talk to you if you are interested." Arthur put down his teacup and said, "I heard from Sir John Conroy that you have been studying political economy with Princess Victoria recently, so I think with your wisdom, you will definitely understand what I am going to say next."

The Duchess of Kent has always lacked an element of confidence in her personality, but because of this, she has great respect for those in authority who appear confident and professional.

She hopes to make more friends like this and is happy to listen to their opinions.

Her daughter is learning how to be a qualified queen, and the Duchess of Kent is also learning how to be a qualified regent.

"If it doesn't bother you, then yes, I do want to hear your opinion."

When Arthur saw the Duchess's attitude, he immediately understood why Conroy had so much power in Kensington Palace.

At least from today's brief contact, the Duchess is not at all as overbearing as described by William IV and others.

Her domineering behavior is just a superficial appearance, or it can be said to be a stress behavior caused by long-term insecurity.

Arthur had encountered many similar suspects when he was working at Scotland Yard.

It may be difficult to approach such people at first, but as long as you can gain their trust, they will soon be led by you wholeheartedly. Conroy was able to control Kensington Palace because he was the guy the Duchess trusted the most.

Arthur began, "You just said that Viscount Palmerston intends to support Queen Isabella and help her win the Spanish Civil War. That's true, but you can't understand his reasons for supporting Spain based on what's published in the newspapers. Fighting against the old system, despotism, and theocracy may be one of the reasons, but it's not all. Ensuring that Spain does not restore despotism and move closer to France, Russia, or Austria, consolidating Britain's influence in the Iberian Peninsula, and ensuring our navigation safety and commercial interests in the Mediterranean are the most important things."

Arthur's words were not difficult to understand for the Duchess of Kent, but she still had doubts about it: "Having said that, I heard that... Viscount Palmerston seems to be planning to send troops directly to Spain to intervene in their civil war, which is much more radical than what we did in Portugal."

"Radical? No, sir, I suppose you do not know Viscount Palmerston."

Arthur became angry when he mentioned Palmerston, but he tried to calmly rub the Foreign Secretary's face: "I assure you that he will not send troops directly to Spain. Even if he does send troops, they will not be regular troops, but veterans, and they will not have an official name. At most, they will be called British Volunteers or something. The Excellency in the Foreign Office is well versed in the trick of undeclared war. It was the same in Greece, Portugal, and Spain."

"But it is not possible in the Caucasus?"

"Of course not, Your Highness." Arthur suppressed the urge to eat Palmerston alive and replied calmly, "He has always been very accurate in judging who is the soft persimmon."

The Duchess of Kent felt sympathetic when she heard this: "It seems that Viscount Palmerston is sometimes not as reliable as Lady Cowper said."

"If you are strong enough, Viscount Palmerston will be reliable throughout his life. But if you are weak, he is not the one who can lend you a hand. Or to put it more bluntly, he would be considered to have a change of heart if he does not step on you."

At this point, Arthur suddenly felt that his expression was too straightforward, so he went back and said, "Of course, for most people, he is definitely a competent foreign minister."

Seeing Arthur wanting to scold but still maintaining his dignity, the Duchess of Kent couldn't help but laugh and said, "So you belong to the minority, then?"

"Don't worry, Your Highness." Arthur calmly drank a sip of tea: "Anyway, I have always been outnumbered in my life, and I am used to similar things. No difficulties can defeat me. If they want to come, then come. I will always stand here."

Arthur's attitude instantly brought back the Duchess of Kent's memories. She felt that she had also been fighting against the majority with the minority over the years.
A German widow, raising her child in a foreign country, was often looked down upon by people within the royal family.

To this day, she still cannot forgive the royal family and parliament for their indifference over the years.

You know, the couple borrowed money from others to pay for their trip back to London from Hanover. When she and the Duke of Kent just got married, George IV not only reacted coldly to his brother and sister-in-law's marriage, but also did not even arrange a decent room for them after returning to London. Instead, he sent them to the dilapidated Kensington Palace where marginal members of the royal family lived.

Kensington Palace at that time was not as beautiful as it is now. Since George II died in 1760, his successor George III moved the political core from Kensington Palace to St. James's Palace. It has not been renovated for more than half a century.

What made the Duchess even more unbearable was that even though it was so dilapidated, the couple still could not monopolize Kensington Palace. They only had one living room here, and the rest of the rooms were occupied by mistresses, illegitimate children and their servants of other royal members.

Fortunately, after many years of being a daughter-in-law, Victoria finally became the mother-in-law. After William IV ascended the throne, Victoria was officially identified as the heir to the throne, and the annual pension approved by Parliament for her and Victoria soared from 7,000 pounds to 26,000 pounds.

Although she still felt that the money was not enough, at least she could renovate Kensington Palace and no longer have to be a punching bag like before.

Thinking of this, the Duchess became more determined to hire Arthur as a tutor.

Because Arthur was not only a talented young man, but also shared the same ideals with her.

On top of that, his relationship with Victoria’s rival for the throne, the Duke of Cumberland, was equally poor.

Although Arthur had converted to the state religion, this did not prevent the Duke of Cumberland from looking at this former Catholic who promoted the Bloody Act reforms and benefited from Catholic emancipation with strange eyes.

The Duchess of Kent was thinking about how to get Arthur to accept her invitation in an appropriate and polite way, when she suddenly heard the sound of brisk footsteps and the sound of her skirt rubbing against the carpet outside the door. She was startled for a moment, then raised her head and looked towards the door. Not long after, the door was gently pushed open by the servant.

Amid the interweaving of light and shadow, Princess Victoria appeared at the entrance of the porch.

She had changed out of her theatre gown and was wearing a pale blue satin dress with a hint of lace at the collar.

Close behind her came Frau Letzen and the three von Bülow girls.

Gabrielle looked dignified, Adelaide's eyes kept moving, and Caroline almost jumped in, like a kitten seeing its prey, so excited that she could hardly speak.

"Mom, we're back." Victoria said, bowing gently. "Leizen said you plan to hire a new teacher for me?"

Arthur put his teacup down, stood up and looked at the Duchess of Kent.

The latter just sat there as usual. Although her tone was calm, it was obvious that she was actually suppressing her anger: "Yes, dear. Don't you know that I also invited him to have dinner with us?"

"I like it! Sir Arthur Hastings!" Caroline shouted happily before everyone else, her face flushed with excitement. "I was just saying that he is the best scientist, composer, and writer!"

"And detective novelists," Adelaide added.

Gabriele bowed to the Duchess, politely. "Good evening, Your Highness. We apologize for our sudden visit. And please forgive Caroline for her impoliteness. She is so excited today."

The Duchess of Kent forced a smile. "Don't apologize. Mrs. von Bülow's daughters are always welcome to visit...especially in the days when my daughter hasn't learned how to get home on time."

Victoria heard the reproach in her mother's words, her cheeks flushed, and she lowered her head and muttered, "But we just want to finish watching "Sleepwalker"...Roubini sang so well today."

Mrs. Leizen spoke up at the right time to help her out: "Your Highness, the theater show is indeed a little later than the scheduled time. It was my negligence that I did not ask you for your instructions in the first place. Please allow me to take responsibility."

"It's not too late to talk about this in private later." The Duchess said softly, and then she turned her gaze to Arthur: "Sir Arthur, I think it's better to introduce the children to you now."

Arthur nodded slightly, and said in a neither humble nor arrogant tone: "It's an honor."

"You are Sir Arthur Hastings? Aren't you a professor?" Little Caroline opened her eyes wide in surprise: "I remember grandpa said that you are the academic supervisor of the University of Göttingen!"

Adelaide hurriedly pulled back her sister's skirt, "Caroline, you are so rude!"

"It's okay." Arthur smiled and waved his hand, then leaned over and winked at the little girl. "Your grandfather may be used to doing good for his friends. In Göttingen, I am at most a gatekeeper in the academic world. Compared with professors, arguing with professors over budget sheets in the conference room is what I encounter most often."

"Then will you teach me music?" Caroline lowered her voice, as if she was afraid that her sisters would hear her: "Can you play the song "The Bells" for me?"

Arthur was about to answer when Victoria suddenly interrupted, "That's enough! Caroline, Sir Arthur is mother's guest. He's here to see me."

The Duchess of Kent's face changed slightly, and then she gently put down the teacup. She felt that her daughter's behavior made her lose face.

She did not scold the servants in a loud and harsh voice as usual, but spoke to Victoria in a calm but unquestionable tone: "Alexandrina, please apologize to Miss Caroline."

As soon as these words came out, the atmosphere in the room suddenly became solemn.

The three young ladies of the von Bulow family straightened their backs unconsciously. Mrs. Letzen frowned slightly, as if she wanted to help Victoria out, but finally chose to remain silent.

Victoria was obviously not expecting her mother to blame her in front of outsiders, and was stunned for a moment.

She stood there as if frozen, with a hint of shame and anger in her eyes, but she didn't dare to contradict him.

"Mom, I just..."

"I know you want to show that you are the most sensible person in this room." The Duchess said sternly, but her voice was still low: "But a truly sensible person would never humiliate someone who is younger, more enthusiastic, and more straightforward than her in front of others."

"What's more..." The Duchess turned to look at Arthur, her tone softened a little: "Our guests today don't care about those one or two inappropriate names. A truly cultured gentleman will never be bothered by a child's frankness."

Arthur nodded slightly, trying to ease the atmosphere: "I think being asked 'Can you play a song' is the most intimate insult I have heard in the past few years. To be honest, there was a time when I did make a living by playing music."

As soon as he finished speaking, the three Miss von Bulow couldn't help laughing, and even Victoria's mouth corners couldn't help but curl up slightly.

But the Duchess became even angrier when she saw this. She calmly reprimanded: "Victoria, you are the heir to the throne. Every word you say will be remembered, written down, and spoken by others. You can be naive, but you cannot be arrogant. You can make mistakes, but you must have the courage to admit it."

After a moment's silence, Victoria finally whispered, "I'm sorry, Caroline. I shouldn't have talked like that."

Caroline looked at her in confusion, then nodded vigorously: "It doesn't matter, I never care about these things, and I'm used to them, Your Highness."

This truthful remark immediately made everyone in the room burst into laughter again, and even the Duchess shook her head helplessly.

"Children," she stood up, her tone returning to the dignity of a hostess, "the kitchen has prepared dinner. We have Sir Arthur with us tonight, and I hope you can learn to talk about something more appropriate than "Sleepwalker" at the dinner table."

Mrs. Letzen bowed slightly and with the three young ladies retreated to wash their hands, while Victoria stood there with her head lowered, not moving.

She just felt that she had suffered a great injustice. She couldn't understand why she just wanted to maintain order, but her mother treated her as a disruptor.

Arthur was not in a hurry to leave. He looked at Victoria who stood there motionless, her fingers pinching the hem of her skirt, her shoulders slightly tense.

He coughed lightly, trying to get Victoria's attention.

"When I was a kid..." he suddenly said, "I saw a porcelain cup on the table almost fall to the ground, so I quickly reached out to catch it. I thought I did a good thing, but the farmer's wife saw it, and she grabbed my ear and scolded me in front of everyone on the farm, saying that I broke the porcelain cup. I was very angry because the cup I caught had a crack in it, and it was not me who broke it. I didn't eat anything that night, and of course, they wouldn't give me anything to eat. I squatted in the woodshed for a long time, feeling that the whole world didn't understand me."

As he spoke, Arthur walked gently to her side and lowered his voice, "You are just like me back then, aren't you? You have good intentions, but you are said to be ignorant."

Victoria finally moved. She raised her head and whispered, "I don't mean to be mean to her. I just... I just want everyone to be quiet."

"I know." Arthur smiled. "You want to make things better, but your way is not right. But you have good intentions, I can see. You want others to respect me, and for this, I want to say thank you. Princess, you are a kind girl."

She didn't say anything, but her eyes were slightly red.

"I don't like people criticizing me in public." She whispered, her tone full of grievances that she couldn't hold back, "especially when I think I'm not wrong."

"Of course it's not pleasant." Arthur nodded. "Especially when you've been trying to do the right thing but have been misunderstood. That feeling is like swallowing a mouthful of hot tea, scalding your mouth red but you can't spit it out, otherwise the tea will be wasted."

Arthur said no more, but took out a clean handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to her: "Here you go. Not because you are crying, but as a precaution. The Duchess said that the sauce of the roast pigeon for dinner is very thick and will drip onto your collar."

Victoria took the handkerchief and couldn't help laughing softly, saying with a nasal tone: "You...always say weird things."

"Really?" Arthur blinked in surprise. "I always thought I was very decent. Of course, there are people who disagree, like the Duke of Cumberland and Viscount Palmerston. Are you on the same side as them?"

"It's strange that it's appropriate, but I'm not on the same page as them." She rubbed her eyes, put away her handkerchief, and said in a lighter tone: "And... thank you, sir."

"You're welcome." Arthur said with a smile, "If I really helped you."

(End of this chapter)