The Shadow of Great Britain

In 1830, Irish pianist and founder of the Nocturne, John Field, was challenged by Liszt in Paris.

Two years earlier, Heinrich Herz, the darling of social salons, had suddenly attacked Chopin at a salon dance.

Although Arthur knew Talberg as a polite and gentle young man, who had studied piano diligently under Mozesales, that was before he became famous.

If Talberg were to launch a surprise attack during a concert, Sir Arthur Hastings couldn’t very well smash his teacup and have three hundred Scotland Yard axmen charge in, could he?

Hmm...

That would be too undignified!

Arthur’s fingers gently brushed the cover of the sheet music, as if trying to find a way out within the staff lines.

”Your Majesty, I actually have a compromise idea.”

A disappointed Victoria’s eyes lit up at once: ”What idea?”

”Since this is your first truly significant concert since ascending the throne, there’s no need to limit it to an exchange between London and Vienna,” Arthur said with a soft smile, tapping his silver eagle cane twice: ”If you allow it, I am willing to personally travel to the continent and invite some of my old friends. For instance, Chopin, Mendelssohn, Schumann, and possibly even Mr. Liszt might accept the invitation.”

Victoria’s breath quickened at the mention of these names.

Her eyes widened, nearly fainting with happiness: ”Liszt and Chopin, and Mendelssohn... Are you serious? Would they be willing to come?”

”Your Majesty,” Arthur didn’t commit too much because, among the aforementioned, besides Chopin, he wasn’t entirely confident: ”Before meeting them in person, I can’t say I’m entirely persuasive, but if you give me enough time and persistence, someone might eventually agree.”

Victoria tightly clutched the pleats of her skirt: ”Then it’s settled! Sir Arthur, you must go, even if you can invite just one of them.”

As she spoke, she suddenly seemed to remember something: ”However, you must wait until after the nineteenth’s parade to set out. I’ve already had Viscount Melbourne arrange it; there is a spot reserved for you on the review stand in Windsor Park, right in the most prominent front row, next to the ministers’ seats.”

Arthur was still holding the sheet music, and upon hearing this, he couldn’t help but frown.

It’s not that he didn’t want to sit there, but he felt that he might be drawing too much attention lately. In politics, unless one is extremely powerful, it’s best not to be too conspicuous. The most typical example of this is Viscount Melbourne, the Prime Minister; he’s only recently been close to the Queen, yet rumors are flying all over London. If the same public opinion were to focus on Arthur, he doubted that he, as secretary of the Police Commissioner Committee, could bear it.

”Your Majesty, could I... perhaps miss the event, head to the continent early, and increase our chances? Could someone else attend the parade in my place?”

”No,” Victoria’s response was almost instinctive: ”You must be present. It’s a recognition and commendation for you. You already compromised enough when you refused the baronetcy.”

Arthur pursed his lips, half sighing and half inquiring: ”Then... will the Duchess of Kent also be on the review stand?”

This question was like a shadow suddenly cast in the sunlight.

Victoria’s previously jubilant expression froze, and her smile disappeared entirely.

”Of course, she will be present; Mother has her place behind you,” Victoria said almost mechanically.

As soon as Victoria finished speaking, the hair on the back of Arthur’s neck stood on end.

If he knew who arranged the seating, he might have felt like strangling them.

Seating the Duchess of Kent behind him was deliberately setting him up, wasn’t it?

Why not place the Duchess of Kent’s seat behind Viscount Melbourne?

This way, the German widow could vent her ire on the Prime Minister, and all media focus would definitely not be on Arthur’s side.