The Shadow of Great Britain

When Peel turned around, the lingering anger in his eyes seemed to tighten the air in the room.

Unlike Melbourne’s casualness, or Palmerston’s somewhat frivolous smoothness, Peel’s character better fits the traditional image of a minister as understood by the public.

He placed great importance on national stability, government credibility, and systems. He had a strong moral drive in matters of law and public order, but unlike the Radical Party, Peel did not pursue complete institutional overhaul. He considered political reality and social opposition forces, operating his reform agenda and political goals within the framework of the system, even if it meant opposing certain interests of the conservative party, despite facing great resistance within the system.

For Arthur, dealing with this old superior was far easier than dealing with Whig Party members.

Because Peel’s bottom line was always clear; he would neither obscure all problems like Melbourne with muddling tactics nor say insincere things for immediate applause like Palmerston. Peel’s words and actions were often straightforward, and he could quickly clarify what could and could not be done. Although working under him meant little room to maneuver, it spared much effort playing guessing games.

Arthur took off his hat and walked over slowly: ”Sir, if your anger has not subsided, perhaps you could temporarily voice your grievances for me to hear. At least I can convey your views to Her Majesty the Queen faster than Viscount Melbourne, and prevent further escalation of conflicts.”

”I am not afraid of conflict, Arthur.” Peel, while trying to maintain his composure, sounded as though he had exhausted all patience for Victoria: ”I entered the Lower House at 21, and I know that disputes are the norm in politics. But I need you to understand one thing: If Her Majesty the Queen wants to remain steady on the throne, she must understand and respect the constitutional system of Britain. She can rely on Melbourne’s experience but cannot turn the court into a Whig Party club. I do not care if the Queen trusts me personally, but I care whether the country can still trust the Royal Family. If she continues to favor them, the anger from the Conservative Party cannot be calmed with mere persuasion.”

Seeing the usually calm Peel in such a state, Arthur did not wish to exacerbate the situation further, as the prospect of mutual harm between the Conservative Party and the Queen was not something he wanted to see.

”Sir, I understand. Your considerations are not unwarranted. The relationship between the Tories and the Royal Family has always been one of mutual dependence and achievement. Without King’s Power, the Tory Party could not have remained in the political center for the past one and a half centuries repeatedly. Without the support of generations of Tory Party leaders, the Stuart Dynasty and Hanover Dynasty would have had a challenging time consolidating their rule. During the time of William III, if not for Halifax and Godolphin’s mediation, even the success of the Glorious Revolution might not have been secure.

And during the time of George III, the situation became more evident. Without Northern Tory Party members refusing to budge on finance and military budget issues, who could support him through the quagmire of the American War of Independence? And after the outbreak of the French Revolution, if relying on those Francophile Whig Party members, Britain would have likely abolished the constitutional monarchy under the impact of radical ideologies.”

Peel, who was still angry at first, couldn’t help but smile after listening to Arthur’s words. He casually opened the liquor cabinet and poured a glass of wine for Arthur: ”You know your British history well, huh.”

”You know...”

”History major at the University of London, three-year academic scholarship.” Peel interrupted before Arthur could finish: ”The University of London need not merge with King’s College anymore; as Dean of Academic Affairs, you’ve completed your historical mission and can step down gloriously, right, my dear Arthur.”

Arthur took the wine glass and smiled: ”At least it shows that Her Majesty the Queen is open to advice.”

”But the problem now is, she is too open to advice.” Peel guzzled down a mouthful of wine and placed the glass down: ”And right now, the people around her, the group of court ladies, they are all wives and daughters of Whig Party members. That’s why I am pessimistic about her ascent to the throne. I do not deny that she is smart and diligent; her enthusiasm for reviewing and approving documents far exceeds her two uncles. Usually, documents sent the previous day receive a response by the afternoon the next day. In the first month of her reign, all topics of discussion regarding her were about her virtues, perhaps with some speculation about her disagreements with the Duchess of Kent. However, she is ultimately still a young girl. On many important issues, she has acted too emotionally.”

At this point, Peel suddenly paused: ”Speaking of which, before the official release of this court lady appointment list, did she not seek anyone else’s opinion? Perhaps yours?”

”If I say Her Majesty the Queen did not ask me, would you believe it?”

”Of course, I believe it.” Peel stood by the window with his hands behind his back: ”Arthur, you and I have known each other for nearly ten years. I know your character; you needn’t lie to me about such matters, especially with the Palace Minister’s Office recording the dates of everyone’s entry into Buckingham Palace.”

Arthur joked half-heartedly: ”I didn’t realize your trust in me was based on written records; honestly, that makes me a little sad.”