The Shadow of Great Britain

585: Chapter 296: Early Human Romantic Problems_3 585: Chapter 296: Early Human Romantic Problems_3 You know, they were already quite passionate about Mr.

Faraday before.

Before the railway was built, they had to ride the carriage to London to attend Mr.

Faraday’s lectures every now and then.

After the railway was opened, as long as Mr.

Faraday appeared, they never missed a session.

I heard that last year they even purchased property in London, right near Gresham College where the Royal Society is located, and this was just to make attending lectures more convenient.”

Upon hearing this, Gladstone couldn’t help but sip his sherry.

“That said, they indeed have reasons to be enthusiastic about Mr.

Hastings, and I think they could even be more enthusiastic.

After all, besides being a researcher in electromagnetism and a pianist, he just represented Britain and defeated the Paris Sword Saint Bertrand.

Have you seen the Sword of Honor at his waist?

It was bestowed by His Majesty the King.”

Catherine, unable to contain her excitement, asked, “Could you introduce me to Mr.

Hastings later?”

Upon hearing this, Gladstone felt somewhat uncomfortable.

“Do you…

like him a lot?”

Seeing Gladstone’s reluctant expression, Catherine felt somewhat pleased and somewhat proud, and she chided, “William, I want to introduce him to Vivian and Sophia.

Of course…

I have some small personal interests, but…

not of the romantic kind.

I remember that he is well acquainted with Mr.

Chopin, right?

Actually, a ‘clock’ ranks only second in my heart, my favorite is Mr.

Chopin’s ‘To Hastings’.

I’d like to ask him, though it’s a bit impolite, I really want a copy of Mr.

Chopin’s ‘To Hastings’ sheet music.

If it could come with his autograph, that would be even better.”

“Is that so!”

Gladstone immediately felt better upon hearing this.

“Catherine, don’t worry, I’ll handle this for you.

Even if it costs me my life, I’ll get you that item.

What I didn’t expect is that your taste is on the same level as the royal family’s.

Do you know?

Before I left Liverpool, I heard that His Majesty the King seemed to be planning to invite Mr.

Chopin to be the Royal Pianist.

The King and Queen were completely captivated by Mr.

Chopin’s music.”

Upon hearing this, Catherine’s gentle gaze also shined a lot.

“William, you truly are an angel…”

She was halfway through her words of gratitude, but her peripheral vision caught a glimpse of a few more people by the doorway of the smoking room.

With a daughter of high taste, naturally, the father shares a similar fine palate.

Mr.

Eld Watch was observant of his surroundings, not only keeping a close eye on his daughter and her swift-moving future son-in-law but even managing to stroll outside the smoking room and cozy up to Arthur and those who had just come out.

“Mr.

Hastings, I didn’t expect you’d use a Roseville pocket watch.

To pick our product among all the excellent brands in London, you truly have a discerning eye.

How is it?

Our pocket watches are much more convenient to use than the usual low-end ones, aren’t they?”

Arthur pondered, “Hmm…

It’s not so much that I have a discerning eye, but rather a friend recommended it to me.

He’s very fond of Roseville’s custom service.

While there are many pocket watch brands in London, not many are willing to go out of their way to engrave the design he wants inside the cover.”

Great Dumas concurred, “Correct, Eld’s watch is a treasure of immense value.

He’s so afraid to pull it out in public to check the time that every time he wants to sneak a peek, he has to find a secluded corner to carefully admire it.”

Heine took the watch from Arthur’s hands and glanced at it for a moment.

“Are Roseville watches really that good?

Then maybe I should order one myself.

German pocket watches are so poorly made it’s infuriating.

I’ve always used Swiss ones.

Mr.

Roseville, take these three Guinea Gold Coins for now.

If it’s not enough, I can add more.

Listen to this jingling in my pocket; it’s all gold coins.

I’m not short on cash.”

Louis raised his eyebrows and laughed, “Heinrich, the Gold Coin is already in my pocket.

Can you keep your mouth shut now?”

Heine weighed his pocket watch in hand and said, “In London, I mainly curse Germany and France.

I’ll talk about Britain’s issues when I return to Paris.”

Upon hearing this, Louis shrugged, “Alright, once you are back in Paris, at least remember to be anonymous.”

Heine lifted the pocket watch toward the chandelier, gazing at its gold plating and mused, “For the sake of the pocket watch, I agree to your small request.

By the way, could that article I am drafting be published in Britain?”

Arthur spoke up, “Of course it can, but it might require several revisions and include specific analyses of corruption in other countries.”

“Fine.” Heine pursed his lips, “On the bright side, this is still more lenient than the publishing conditions in Austria and Germany.

In Austria, even if you speak about other countries, they take it as veiled criticisms and talk in riddles.”

Great Dumas asked, “Isn’t that the case?”

“So what if it is?” Heine stressed, “At least I no longer directly curse Metternich’s backside for producing German hemorrhoids that also come with urinary incontinence.”

Upon hearing this, Roseville chuckled and was just about to offer more compliments.

Unexpectedly, a commotion suddenly erupted at the entrance of the ballroom.

A few servants in charge of security were roughing up a man trying to break free and rush inside, with a trembling young man standing behind him.

“Sir, this is my last warning to you.

This is a private ball, and if you’re not among the guests, you cannot enter this place.”

“Let me in!

I need to see Mr.

Hastings!

What I have to say is far more important than this damned ball, it could save many lives!”

“What are you all dawdling for?

Hurry up and throw this man out!”

“Sorry, Mr.

Walker, we’ll handle it right now.

Damn it!

You bastard, you won’t listen to reason, will you?

Then don’t blame us for being unfriendly!”

The man shouted angrily, “Mr.

Hastings, I need to see Mr.

Hastings!”

Just as the guards were about to lift and throw the man out the door, Arthur stepped forward and placed his hand on the guard’s shoulder, “It’s so cold out, let him come in for a drink.

We have plenty of time tonight, there’s no need to rush to eject the guests.”