shadow of britain

Chapter 903 The Queen and Wellington March

She had romantic feelings for him, though she herself was unaware of it.

—From *The Memoirs of Charles Greville* (1821-1859, Privy Councillor)

For the British upper class, a dinner party has never been just a simple meal. As a social activity, it inevitably requires guests to follow various complicated rules and etiquette.

British court banquets are in some ways no different from other grand banquets, except for slight differences in dining etiquette.

At most aristocratic banquets, the order of entry begins with the highest-ranking man, who is led in by the highest-ranking woman, followed by the next highest-ranking man and then the next highest-ranking woman, and so on.

However, since Victoria held a higher position in the court and the royal guests did not necessarily know each other, a royal attendant would be present to indicate who should go with whom after everyone had gathered.

To avoid embarrassment, Victoria usually arrives a little late. So, although the royal dinner is officially scheduled for 7:30 pm, it usually doesn't start until 8 pm when the Queen arrives.

Diners typically gather in the drawing room to chat before the Queen, led in by Lord Chief Minister of the House, the Marquess of Cunningham, and several court gentlemen. Victoria shakes hands with the ladies and bows to the gentlemen, and then everyone arranges themselves in a smooth order to be seated in the dining room.

Just as people in Shandong like to arrange the order of meals, insisting on distinguishing between the head of the table, the best seat, and the next best seat, the seating arrangement at British royal banquets is also very particular.

During the reign of George III, male and female guests usually sat in separate rows, but in the 19th century, it became common for men and women to sit alternately or for one man and one woman to sit alternately.

Royal banquets have many rules, making it difficult for people to eat comfortably.

Regarding the atmosphere of the dinner party, it must be admitted that although Victoria tried her best to project a cheerful, friendly, and unpretentious image, the atmosphere was still too somber compared to that of her two uncles, George IV and William IV.

Perhaps influenced by the Kensington system, she developed the habit of keeping her thoughts to herself from a very young age. Now, she is under pressure to impress her older and more experienced ministers. Therefore, since becoming queen, she has always insisted on talking only about the most mundane and trivial topics in social situations.

As a result, her banquets naturally couldn't compare to those of George IV, who had many interests and broad knowledge, and William IV, who was experienced and good at creating a lively atmosphere.

Guests who have attended the Queen's dinners generally agree that the atmosphere is only truly relaxed when the Duke of Wellington is present.

This hero of Waterloo had suffered hearing loss in his early years due to testing new types of artillery shells. In addition, he inevitably became hard of hearing as he got older, so he always spoke loudly. He not only commented on national affairs loudly, but even when he talked about other guests, his voice was so loud that it could be clearly heard.

Such behavior always left other guests both amused and exasperated, and even Victoria often had to shout out other topics to stop the Duke of Wellington from "broadcasting" other people's private lives.

Of course, this doesn't mean that Victoria disliked the Duke of Wellington.

In fact, she had great respect for this national hero.

After all, she had mentioned to Arthur more than once that on the day she ascended the throne, when she saw the Duke of Wellington kneeling before her to swear an oath, she could hardly believe that this kind old gentleman was the hero who had defeated Napoleon, and she was deeply moved by it.

If one had to name a Conservative whom Victoria trusted, it would most likely be the Duke of Wellington.

After all, among the many dukes in Britain, the Duke of Wellington was the only one whom Victoria referred to as "the old Duke" instead of by his title or name.

Whether at a court ball or a military parade, whenever she was with the Duke of Wellington, she would arrange for him to sit close to her and always make sure to exchange pleasantries with him.

Unfortunately, due to the fifty-year age gap between Victoria and the Duke of Wellington, the two had very little in common to talk about.

However, the Duke of Wellington also took note of the Queen's courteous treatment.

That is why, when Peel was repeatedly angered by the Queen's favoritism towards the Whigs, he advised his old friend: "Her Majesty is young, but wise and courteous. One should treat Her Majesty with patience, rather than trying to persuade her through pressure."

However, despite the mutual respect between Victoria and the Duke of Wellington, the only person who could truly bring the Queen peace at the dinner was Viscount Melbourne, who sat beside her. But clearly, the Whig dignitary wasn't the only one who could entertain the Queen at the dinner.

Because Sir Arthur Hastings has returned from Paris.

Most people in London's upper class had heard, to some extent, how dedicated the Secretary of the Commissioner of Police had been to the Queen's Buckingham Palace concerts.

He visited almost every theater in Paris and used all his resources in the European music scene to finally invite pianists such as Chopin, Liszt, and Thalberg to London to preside over the festival.

After completing his mission, he immediately returned to London to report to the Queen.

Unfortunately, perhaps due to overwork, he fell ill as soon as he arrived in London and spent several days in the hospital.

Originally, the doctor advised that Sir Arthur should rest for six months.

However, in order to ensure the concert could be held smoothly, he decided to be discharged from the hospital as soon as his health improved.

The upper class reacted with mixed opinions to Sir Arthur Hastings' actions.

Some people think he's just a country bumpkin who climbed to a high position through opportunism.

Others bluntly stated, "Sir Arthur's obsequiousness is truly unsettling. Whether he's a page or an official, how can he lower himself to such a self-degrading and ingratiating manner!"

But while some people dislike it, others naturally appreciate it.

Others believe that the jealous comments were nothing more than slander against Sir Arthur, since no one would risk their life for flattery.

Member of Parliament Mr. Disraeli has spoken out for his old friend on more than one occasion at a gentleman's club party: "In my opinion, what Arthur did was a continuation of the spirit of the old English aristocracy. He treated his duty as a belief, and even if he was exhausted to the point of collapse, he would not let the Queen lose face in public."

However, regardless of whether people praise or criticize Arthur's behavior, everyone feels that Sir Arthur deserves to sit next to the Queen today.

Perhaps because Arthur was present today, the menu tonight looked a little more lavish than usual.

Turning to the menu with its French label, the soup options include chicken congee and vegetable soup.

The first dishes served were three kinds of fresh fish: salmon, dolphin, and cod. The second round of dishes included sirloin steak, braised capon, roast lamb, and chickpea and beef tongue.

The two side dishes featured lamb chops as the main course, accompanied by halibut, four different chicken dishes, veal brisket, and mini puff pastry pies. The two roasted meat dishes were roasted quail and roasted capon. The other side dish included German sausage and omelets.

Finally, the side dishes included lobster salad, braised diced meat with aspic, peas and artichokes, along with desserts such as Macedonian fruit salad, jelly, raspberry cheese, vanilla cheese, cherry shortbread, Chantilly hat, Linz cake and ice cream.

However, compared to the sumptuous meal, Arthur was clearly more interested in the conversation of the guests at the table.

Arthur always maintained a restrained posture when dining in formal settings. He held the silver fork lightly with his left hand, his movements so light that they barely disturbed the plate.

But just then, he keenly caught a voice coming from across the table.

That husky, resonant voice is unique in all of London.

That was the Duke of Wellington.

Even across half a long table, two candlesticks, and the headdresses of three noblewomen, the old hero's voice still pierced through the crowd, as clear as a shout commanding cavalry at the Battle of Waterloo. "I say..." The Duke of Wellington was practically announcing to the entire table, though he himself was clearly unaware of it.

He leaned forward slightly, as if whispering to Sir Peale next to him: "Robert, were you invited to the concert at Buckingham Palace?"

Sir Peel paused for a moment, and before he could answer, he heard the Duke of Wellington say to himself, "I... I was invited... but to be honest, I really don't understand why the chairs are placed so far away when there's a concert."

He put down his glass and continued slowly, as if analyzing battlefield defenses: "I'm not saying the music is bad... it's just that my ears are becoming less and less adept at hearing these subtle sounds. I can hear the sound of cannons, I can hear the drumbeats. But the piano, the violin, and that... that..."

“Clarinet?” Peel tried to add.

"Probably." The Duke of Wellington raised his index finger and tapped it lightly against his right ear. "I'm not criticizing the concert, but if I can't hear it, I'd rather not listen at all."

The female guests around him exchanged smiles, while Sir Peel glanced helplessly across the room.

Arthur pursed his lips, suppressing a laugh, and pretended not to hear.

However, when he turned his head, he noticed that Victoria, who was eating with her head down, suddenly hesitated and seemed a little absent-minded.

She had clearly heard what the Duke had just said.

Arthur put down his knife and fork and asked in a politely permissible volume, “Your Majesty, it seems… you are somewhat displeased.”

Victoria looked up: "Unhappy? No, I'm not unhappy. It's just..."

At this point, she suddenly looked up and searched around, but unfortunately, the Viscount of Melbourne happened to be absent from tonight's banquet.

Victoria hesitated, glancing around before finally fixing her gaze on Arthur. "Sir Arthur, if it's not too much trouble, could you walk with me for a bit? I just... want some fresh air."

When the Queen speaks, how can a loyal minister refuse?
Arthur bowed slightly: "It is my honor to receive Your Majesty's command."

Victoria gave a grateful smile, then turned and left the restaurant.

Following protocol, Arthur slowly withdrew a minute after she left her seat.

He had just walked a short distance from the restaurant when he saw Victoria standing in front of the corridor window.

"Arthur."

Victoria finally spoke. Perhaps influenced by the title "Mrs. Melbourne" recently, she hadn't dared to talk much with Arthur at the restaurant, fearing that she would be given the nickname "Mrs. Hastings" in a few days.

But in private, Victoria clearly becomes much more talkative.

She asked with concern, "Are you feeling better? I heard that you fainted again after I left the hospital that day."

Despite being described as unconscious, Ser Arthur Hastings, who had actually fallen asleep after staying up all night the previous day, smiled without batting an eye and said, "His Majesty's concern is the best medicine for recovery. Moreover, I think the doctor's diagnosis may be a bit exaggerated. In my opinion, I have already fully recovered."

Victoria nodded, seemingly relieved, but she couldn't help but ask, "But why don't you rest for a few more days? I won't blame you if the concert at Buckingham Palace is delayed because of this."

“It is my duty, Your Majesty,” Arthur replied succinctly. “Moreover, this is your first major cultural event since your ascension to the throne, and I do not wish for Your Majesty’s first concert to leave any regrets.”

Victoria gave a soft "hmm," and judging from her expression, she seemed to be struggling with something.

After a long while, she seemed to have made up her mind, and shook her head: "Never mind, let's go back."

Unexpectedly, Arthur did not turn around immediately.

“Your Majesty,” he asked in a low voice, “are you troubled by what the Duke of Wellington just said?”

Victoria paused, pursing her lips slightly, as if she had been seen through.

“Annoying?” Victoria smiled faintly. “It’s not exactly annoying. It’s just that… since the Duke can’t hear clearly, why not have someone move the chair forward a bit? After all, the stage isn’t some kind of altar, there’s no need to maintain that distance.”

"What if the Duke of Wellington still can't hear after all the chairs have been moved?"

“This…” Victoria didn’t know what to do either, but she clearly didn’t want to bring it up in front of Arthur, lest this stubborn patient continue to worry: “This is not something for you to worry about.”

Victoria thought that this would make her young tutor back down, but Arthur smiled slightly and said, "But if I don't consider it, Your Majesty will have to worry about others."

Victoria turned her head, looking somewhat angry: "Are you trying to show off again? The doctor clearly said you should rest."

“Please forgive me, Your Majesty,” Arthur replied softly. “I cannot rest when I see that you are even more exhausted than I am. If you truly wish me to get a good night’s sleep, please allow me to complete the preparations for the concert.”

Victoria was stunned by these words. She sighed and shook her head helplessly, saying, "You are sometimes even more willful than me."

Arthur bowed slightly, responding with the courtesy due to a subject: “Then I shall speak only of official business. The Duke of Wellington’s problem is not actually that difficult to solve. Didn’t he just say that he simply cannot hear the violin and piano clearly, but the drumbeats and bugles are still fine? It’s merely a matter of adding a march, which is not difficult to resolve.”

Victoria hesitated slightly and turned to the side: "Then what kind of march do you think we should change it to? Like the 'Grenadier March'? That one always sounds very energetic."

Arthur shook his head slightly and smiled, saying, "That kind of music is certainly reliable, but it's too commonplace. That's the sound of a military parade, not a sound of respect. If you really want to satisfy the Duke, it would be best to have a new piece, a piece written for him."

“Written for him?” Victoria’s eyes suddenly lit up. “You mean… a march specifically for the Duke of Wellington?”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Arthur replied softly. “It will be a gesture of respect beyond mere formality. With this piece, even if the Duke of Wellington cannot hear other piano music, I believe he will not hold it against him.”

A look of surprise flashed in Victoria's eyes, but she immediately frowned: "But... the concert is only a few days away. I'm afraid there won't be enough time to compose now?"

Arthur's expression remained unchanged. He smiled slightly, his tone so calm it was almost as if he had been prepared all along: "If we were to start composing now, it would indeed be too late. But what if we already have one?"

Victoria paused, almost in disbelief: "Ready-made? You mean, you already have a suitable piece of music?"

“Indeed, Your Majesty,” Arthur replied. “While I was in Paris, I was exchanging ideas with several musicians, and inspired by them, I suddenly had a flash of inspiration. At that time, I drafted several melodies. Later, I made a trip to Brussels…”

He paused slightly at this point: "There, I met your cousin, His Highness Albert. You may recall that his passion for music rivals that of any professional composer. We talked about music, about military bands, and he was very enthusiastic, so I presented those unfinished melodies. His Highness immediately offered some suggestions on harmony and brass arrangement. And so, we spent two days and one night in Brussels together and finished the piece."

Victoria's eyes widened slightly, her tone revealing undisguised surprise: "You and Albert? You finished a piece of music in just two days and one night? He has this kind of ability?"

Arthur smiled. "Inspiration always comes quickly. I was in charge of the main melody, and His Highness Albert was in charge of the instrumentation. I remember that it was windy that morning, and the guards outside the window were still practicing their marching. We just followed the rhythm and finished it in one go. It's just that we didn't have time to name it."

(End of this chapter)