The Shadow of Great Britain

235: Chapter 158: Cabinet Connection (4K)_2 235: Chapter 158: Cabinet Connection (4K)_2 Viscount Palmeston, upon hearing this, also nodded and said, “Mrs.

Norton, to tell you the truth, you really should have married William.

Let Ponsonby be with your husband, two rotten people tormenting each other, they would each get their just deserts.”

Viscount Melbourne, upon hearing this, half-opened his mouth as if wanting to say something, but due to the presence of many people in the hall, he ultimately swallowed his words: “Henry, let bygones be bygones.

I don’t want to talk about those things anymore, and you shouldn’t reopen my old wounds either.”

Viscount Palmeston, realizing his own faux pas, nodded apologetically: “William, I didn’t mean to insult her, I merely, as a friend, felt that you have suffered too much over these years.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Palmeston swiftly changed the subject, leaning down to bring his face close to Mrs.

Copper’s: “Emily, you haven’t told me yet, who is that gentleman?”

Mrs.

Copper, smiling, responded: “Henry, you should remember, I’ve mentioned him to you.

That distinguished natural scientist, a scientific star, Mr.

Faraday, and friend to the great inventor Mr.

Wheatstone, Great Britain’s finest policeman, the scourge of slave smugglers, Chief Inspector Arthur Hastings from Scotland Yard.”

“Arthur Hastings?” Viscount Palmeston, upon hearing the name, was first startled, then a cryptic smile appeared on his lips: “Ah…

I remember now, dear, I recall you quite liked him.”

Mrs.

Copper, upon hearing this, simply pinched Palmeston gently, her cheeks blushing as she lowered her voice and chided: “Not ‘liked,’ but ‘admired.’ I admire outstanding young men.

Henry, I only like you.”

Viscount Palmeston, seeing her reaction, couldn’t help but laugh heartily: “Of course, I’ve always known I am unbeatable in the age range of 40-50.

Oh…

perhaps I shouldn’t say that; after all, my friend William is here, but being second to him is quite satisfying indeed.”

In the midst of laughter, the piano tones smoothed out, and Arthur took a deep breath, put on his white gloves again, pushed back his chair and walked towards the stage; he came up to Mrs.

Copper and bowed slightly: “Madam, I’ve tried it, the piano is in excellent condition, I think there should be no problems.”

Mrs.

Copper, smiling warmly, extended her hand to Arthur, who at first was puzzled, then remembered that this was a common hand-kissing greeting in upper-class society.

As he bent to lightly hold Mrs.

Copper’s fingertips, he hurriedly tried to recall the “London Upper-Class Society Social Guide” he had read earlier.

Just as he was trying to remember the proper way to kiss the hand, a deliveryman named Eld passing by with a tray and his hat tipped low came to his rescue.

“Given the high status of the other party, bend your right knee in a semi-kneeling gesture, then grasp the hand and kiss it.”

Arthur, upon hearing this, immediately breathed a sigh of relief, did as instructed, then straightened his back, and indeed no one noticed anything unusual.

Mrs.

Copper said, “Mr.

Hastings, I thought I might next see your performance in a concert hall, but unexpectedly, I am meeting you again here at Almack’s Club.”

Viscount Palmeston also timely joined the conversation, holding his glass he laughed: “Mr.

Hastings, though I had long known of your great reputation, this is our first meeting.

Head of Department Rowan has mentioned you to me, a very capable officer, I believe you have a bright future ahead at Scotland Yard.”

Arthur had actually been observing the situation in the club for a while, and just by being so close to Mrs.

Copper, he was able to guess much about the other’s identity.

However…

Head of Department Rowan praising my work abilities in front of others?

And it was said in front of someone who was about to play a key role in the Cabinet, a major political figure; it sounded completely nonsensical.

However, Arthur didn’t reveal his thoughts; he just smiled and replied, “Compared to Minister Rowan, I still have much to improve.

To be honest, the newspapers have exaggerated my role in police work.

Many of my policies are actually guided by Minister Rowan behind the scenes.”

The old fox, Viscount Palmeston, couldn’t help but raise his eyebrows as he smiled and asked, “Is that so?”

If the old fox dared to listen, the young fox Arthur certainly dared to embellish the story.

Arthur smiled and said, “Yes, Minister Rowan’s capabilities are well-known, as you are aware.

When Sir Peel appointed him to set up the Greater London Police Department along with Sir Richard Mayne, all he got was a few offices near Scotland Yard.

But in less than two years, Scotland Yard had developed into a huge team of nearly four thousand officers.

In addition to that, most of the regulations in our police manual were drafted by Minister Rowan under Sir Peel’s direction.

You might not know how thick that booklet is, but he managed to get it done all by himself.

Sir Peel has always told me to follow Minister Rowan’s instructions, as he is a skilled and experienced worker.”

And indeed, Sir Peel’s view was proven right.

During the Hyde Park riot, we were almost unable to hold on and thought about directly asking the Guard Cavalry for help to suppress the march with force.

But Minister Rowan, considering the adverse impacts of using force, managed to persuade the Duke of Wellington, whom he had connections with during his military service, thus avoiding deploying the military.

So, as you saw, Minister Rowan’s decisions were undeniably correct.

He mobilized all of the idle police forces across London to support me, and we managed to smoothly handle the crisis.”

Arthur spoke with intention, Palmeston listened with interest.

The two foxes shared a smile, and he walked over to the liquor cabinet to pour a drink for Arthur, handing it to him, “You are right, Rowan is indeed capable.

If it weren’t for his capabilities, Peel wouldn’t have assigned him to organize Scotland Yard.

However, perhaps you should meet your new superior here.”

“New superior?” Arthur feigned surprise, “Has the new Home Secretary already been decided?”

Viscount Palmeston smiled and brought his old friend, Viscount Melbourne, into the spotlight.

He introduced him, “Although it’s party confidential and a bit early to celebrate, for the smooth operation of future work, I suggest you should have a talk with Viscount Melbourne.”

Being suddenly brought forward, Viscount Melbourne could only helplessly extend his hand towards Arthur, “Mr.

Hastings, don’t be nervous, nothing is confirmed yet.

Let’s just get acquainted on a personal basis for today.

However, I am indeed very interested in the work at Scotland Yard.

Do you have time to discuss it briefly with me?”

Given the invitation from Viscount Melbourne, Arthur naturally had no reason to refuse.

He was removing his gloves, preparing to shake hands with Viscount Melbourne, when suddenly Mrs.

Norton by his side unexpectedly spoke up, “Um…

Mr.

Hastings?

Do you remember me?”

Arthur turned to look at her and smiled, “Madam, of course I remember you.

You were also at General Cordington’s gathering that day, but you were quite quiet; I thought you were upset, so I didn’t presume to approach you.”

Mrs.

Norton appeared somewhat uneasy, the presence of many distinguished individuals making this 22-year-old lady uncomfortable, “That day, I…

I was indeed in a bad mood, so I forgot to ask about the phonograph…

Um…

if you’re not too busy, could you help me to make a reservation with Mr.

Wheatstone?

I’ve forgotten the address of that music shop.”

Upon hearing this, Arthur’s smile brightened; he readily agreed, “Of course, leave it to me.

I’m sure Mr.

Wheatstone will be pleased to have another business transaction, and speaking of the ‘clock’ records, would you like a copy?”