The Shadow of Great Britain

Chapter 1647: Chapter 42: Isn’t It Too Underhanded to Manipulate Little Girls Like This?

The sunlight of the sunset passed through the tall window panes, spilling onto the mahogany coffee table.

In a pale pink porcelain teapot, fragrant black tea was steaming gently.

Outside the window was a well-pruned rose garden where a few thrushes leapt on the bush branches.

If one does not consider the internal intrigues and royal disputes of Kensington Palace, for most people, this is a good place for a rendezvous.

Arthur lounged lazily in the armchair, enjoying the tea in his cup and the books in the rest room.

No matter how good the tea and scenery are here, they could not compare with the comfort of home.

Had the Duchess of Kent not been determined to keep him for dinner, in any other situation, he would have surely found an excuse to slip back home early.

Squeak~

The door of the rest room was pushed open by the servant, and the Duchess of Kent, who had just excused herself to change attire, reappeared before Arthur.

From the fearful expression on the attendants beside her, it was clear the Duchess had just lost her temper with them.

Princess Victoria’s outing for horseback riding during the visit of important guests displeased this mother greatly.

At this moment, the Duchess had already changed into a gray-blue satin morning robe, its neckline decorated with feathers of the same color, and the sapphire on her brooch refracted a faint light in the evening sun.

The ladies’ ability to change attire in a short time never ceases to amaze Arthur, as the Duchess had even changed her hairstyle in just over ten minutes.

Her hair was piled high at the back of her head, styled into a neat bun, its tips curled up, adorned with a delicate pearl hairpin.

Arthur had frequently seen this hairstyle in ancient costume dramas on television, though he never paid attention to its name, but he knew that at least in London and Paris, ladies referred to it as ”à la Chinoise”, aptly named, a Chinese-style hairstyle that had been popular in Europe for decades.

The most famous fan of this hairstyle in Europe was certainly Mary Antoinette, the beheaded Queen of France, who often wore the ”à la Chinoise” hairstyle during her time at the Palace of Versailles.

And forty years after her demise, this hairstyle remained fashionable in British and French high society alike, as Arthur often saw it at salons in London and Paris.

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

The Duchess of Kent slightly nodded at him, her expression once again restored to the grace and composure she had at their first meeting: ”Sorry to keep you waiting.”

”No need to worry yourself, grooming is a ladies’ privilege. Besides, with Kensington Palace’s delightful refreshments and books, to be honest with you, I feel that even alone, I could amuse myself here for an entire day.”

”You are quite the gentleman.”

The Duchess resumed her seat and spoke up for Arthur: ”I honestly cannot imagine how someone like yourself is deemed unfit by the Foreign Office. You have been advocating for the freedom rights of the Caucasus Mountain people, combating Russia’s old systems and autocracy. Over the last two years in Portugal, Britain has unwaveringly defended freedom alongside Portugal’s progressive faction. And this year, after the outbreak of civil war in Spain, Viscount Palmeston has been vocally urging in Parliament that we should support Spain’s new Queen Isabella, just as we support Queen Mary of Portugal. However, I don’t understand why his stance immediately changes when it comes to Russia.”

Arthur listened to the Duchess’s words, calmly sipping his black tea: ”Your Grace, it’s different. While I don’t agree with Viscount Palmeston’s methods, I understand his thinking.”

The Duchess of Kent curiously inquired: ”Are you referring to Spain, or Russia?”

”I can speak about both if you’re interested.” Arthur set his teacup down and said: ”I heard from Sir John Conroy that you have recently been studying political economy with Princess Victoria, so with your wisdom, I’m sure you’ll understand what I’m about to say.”

The Duchess of Kent has always had a lack of confidence in her character, but precisely because of this, she deeply respects those who appear confident and professional.

She hopes to make more acquaintances like this and is willing to listen to their insights.

Her daughter is learning how to become a qualified Queen, while the Duchess of Kent is similarly learning how to become a qualified Regent King.

”If it wouldn’t inconvenience you, then yes, I truly would like to hear your views.”

Seeing the Duchess’s attitude, Arthur instantly understood why Conroy could hold so much power in Kensington Palace.

At least from today’s brief encounter, the Duchess is not at all like the domineering woman described by King William IV and others.

Her forcefulness is just a facade, or perhaps it is a stress response caused by long-term insecurity.

When Arthur worked on cases at Scotland Yard, he had come across many similar suspects.

Dealing with such individuals might be challenging initially, but once you earn their trust, very soon they will be completely led by you. Conroy’s ability to control Kensington Palace is likely because he is the person the Duchess trusts the most.

Arthur began to speak: ”You just mentioned that Viscount Palmeston intends to support Queen Isabella, aiding her in winning the Spanish civil war. That’s certainly correct, but you shouldn’t interpret his support for Spain solely as publicized in the newspapers. Combating old systems, autocracy, and clericalism may be one reason, but it’s not the whole story. Ensuring Spain doesn’t restore its autocratic system, thereby aligning itself with France, Russia, or Austria, consolidating Britain’s influence on the Iberian Peninsula, and ensuring our maritime safety and commercial interests in the Mediterranean Sea, this is what’s truly paramount.”