The Shadow of Great Britain

168: Chapter 121: Lady Ormac VII (4K4)_2 168: Chapter 121: Lady Ormac VII (4K4)_2 As a celebrated socialite in London high society, Mrs.

Livingstone fully utilized her appearances and status.

She not only became the first foreign patron of Almack’s Club since its establishment in 1765 but also, as a German-Russian, faithfully incorporated the German waltz into the club’s dance options.

When her husband was in London, Mrs.

Livingstone excelled in fulfilling her duties as a devoted wife and mother, but when the Earl went out, she occasionally spiced up her mundane life with visits from the Austrian Prime Minister Metternich and Viscount Palmeston, who were on business in London.

By maintaining close relationships with these prominent European politicians, she acquired a great deal of ‘unexpected intelligence’ for Russia.

Within the Russian court, she was considered at least as important politically as her ambassador husband, and sometimes even more so.

Even Tsar Nicholas I often corresponded with her and sought her advice on some issues, which further highlighted her influence in the diplomatic world.

Arthur kept examining the personal information and clippings from various old newspapers about the seven ladies.

After a while, he couldn’t help but marvel aloud,

“If Eld hadn’t told me, I would never have known that little London harbored so many formidable women.

Especially Mrs.

Livingstone—she exudes an air of mystery.

It seems those tabloids Eld reads aren’t altogether useless; without them, I wouldn’t have been able to confirm just how many politicians maintain a relationship with Mrs.

Livingstone that’s more intimate than what would be considered proper socializing.”

Upon hearing this, Red Devil’s eyes crinkled maliciously, and he asked, smiling, “Arthur, are you sure?

This woman is far more complex than what you’ve read in the papers.

I’d advise you to keep your distance, or she’ll chew you up and spit you out, and you won’t even realize what happened.”

“I admit, among human males, you are quite capable, but Mrs.

Livingstone’s maneuvers are far tougher than you think.

Finally, let me leave you with a truth—a capable woman is always good at finding the weaknesses of capable men.”

“Especially in terms of scheming, the depth of thought men and women put into such matters isn’t on the same level at all; in all affairs of conspiracy, the danger posed by women is many times greater than that by men.”

Hearing this, Arthur leaned back in his chair, looking up, “Your words, why do they sound so familiar?

It’s as if I have seen them somewhere…”

He pondered for a moment, then snapped his fingers and turned back to stare at Red Devil, “Agares, how could you plagiarize the lines from Alexander’s book?

Aren’t these the inspirational snippets he jotted down in his notebook to elevate the style of ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’?”

Red Devil, quite dissatisfied, shook his finger, “Arthur, you should first know where Alexander’s inspiration came from.

Providing inspiration to writers is also within my abilities as a Devil.”

Upon hearing this, Arthur snorted through his nose, “Oh, really?

I suppose you want to make your mark in history?

Could you also see that there’s something special about that plump man’s soul, which is why you couldn’t resist slipping some of your own stuff into his writing?

Agares, I had no idea Devils could also be so vain.”

But Red Devil took Arthur’s sarcasm as a form of flattery.

Agares adjusted his glasses proudly, “Arthur, don’t forget, a Devil is a manifestation of desires.

So, wouldn’t you like to take the chance to visit Almack’s Club?

Let me be blunt, although the ladies of the Bluestocking Society have a charm about them in academic terms, if you want to rise above, you’ll need to find a way into Almack’s Club.”

Hearing this, Arthur glanced at him and said, “Agares, whenever you get carried away, you end up revealing all your ulterior motives.

Didn’t you just advise me to steer clear of Mrs.

Livingstone?

Now you’re stirring me to squeeze into Almack’s Club?”

Red Devil grinned mischievously and rubbed his hands, “Oh, my dear Arthur, you don’t understand—whether I advise you to go or to stay away, I do it considering your best interests.

I advise you not to go because I worry you might fall into the colorful laps of those sophisticated women and ruin both your reputation and your carefully straightened life completely.”

“But I suggest you go because I believe that everyone is a bit curious.

Although the ladies can be terrifying, if they take a liking to you, not to say that your future path would be smooth, but even if you decided not to try anymore, based on your handsome face and robust physique, it’s not impossible that they might grant you favors!”

Upon hearing this, Arthur couldn’t help but twist his mouth, “Agares.”

Red Devil smiled, “What is it?”

“Lucky for me, I signed a contract with you; if Eld had heard what you just said, sooner or later you’d swindle even his underwear clean off.”