The Shadow of Great Britain

She sat in the chair for a long time, staring at the blank sheet of paper in front of her.

But her worry was not about the phrase ”if my advice were to be rejected again...”, but rather ”my chest hurts a bit more”.

Victoria suddenly stood up and began pacing the room, aimlessly moving from the desk to the fireplace, then from the fireplace to the window.

The air was stifling, like a heavy curtain covering her face, and even though there was wind blowing over the lawn outside, she still felt she couldn’t breathe.

She didn’t like this feeling of helplessness.

This wasn’t like her, she was the Queen.

But she knew that the source of this discomfort was because Sir Arthur Hastings was not there.

It had been nearly a month since she last saw him; the last time was at the Windsor parade, where they parted on bad terms over the matter concerning the Duchess of Kent.

Where had he gone?

Did he only go to Paris?

If he only went to Paris, then why hasn’t he returned yet?

She didn’t want to directly ask Arthur, because that would show she seemed overly concerned about him.

But even without asking Arthur, she must know where he was.

Victoria grabbed the copper bell on the desk and shook it vigorously.

A few seconds later, footsteps were heard outside the door, and a familiar figure appeared at the entrance; it was Lady Leisen.

”Your Majesty?” Leisen looked puzzled, as she was seldom summoned at this hour: ”Is there anything you need?”

”Leisen.” Victoria quickly walked over: ”How is the arrangement for the concert at Buckingham Palace?”

Leisen paused for a moment, then promptly answered: ”Majesty, the Duchess of Sutherland sent over the seating chart last night, and everything is proceeding according to plan. The lighting, carpets, and flowers have all been arranged. As for the court orchestra’s rehearsal, it’s scheduled for this weekend. Do you want to inspect it in person?”

”Hmm.” Victoria nodded, her tone leisurely as if casually asking: ”And what about Sir Arthur? In Paris, has the search for pianists been smooth?”

Leisen slightly hesitated, her eyes flashing briefly, before smiling and responding: ”Yes, Majesty. Sir Arthur has good relations in Paris’s cultural circles; Talberg, Chopin, Liszt, among others, have all agreed to come to London for the performance.”

”Oh?” Victoria raised her eyes, pretending to ask carelessly: ”How do you know that all these people agreed? Has Sir Arthur returned to London?”

”The day before yesterday, Majesty. Sir Arthur returned the day before yesterday.”

”The day before yesterday?” Victoria’s eyes suddenly brightened, she instinctively took two steps forward, her voice filled with unavoidable joy: ”You say he returned the day before yesterday? Really?”

”Yes, Your Majesty.” Leisen nodded with a smile: ”Sir Arthur sent a telegram to Windsor Castle last night to share the good news that several pianists would participate. But since it was too late at that time, I didn’t disturb you.”

A long-awaited smile appeared on Victoria’s face, but it only lasted for a few seconds before her smile froze, replaced by disappointment and confusion: ”Since he’s already back in London, why hasn’t he come to Windsor?”

Leisen opened her mouth, looking somewhat troubled.

Victoria noticed Leisen’s expression and asked repeatedly: ”What’s wrong? Has something happened? Did any of those arrogant French musicians back out?”

”No, it’s not like that.” Leisen shook her head repeatedly: ”Everything went smoothly, and no one backed out. Sir Arthur said that his negotiations with the pianists went surprisingly well, almost the easiest job he’s had in the past ten years.”

”If that’s the case...” Victoria’s brows furrowed ever tighter, her tone involuntarily rising: ”Then why isn’t he here? Why hasn’t he come to Windsor to tell me personally? Is he afraid I’ll be angry with him, thinking I’m still dwelling on previous matters?”

Upon hearing this, Leisen couldn’t help but lower her head, her hands tightly twisted together, as if considering whether to speak.

”Leisen!” Victoria could no longer hold back, she shouted angrily: ”Don’t hide it from me. If he really doesn’t want to come, then tell him on my behalf never to come to Windsor!”

”No, Your Majesty, you’ve misunderstood!” Leisen hurriedly explained upon hearing this: ”Sir Arthur mentioned in yesterday’s telegram that everything was settled, and he intended to come to Windsor today to report to you in person.”

Upon hearing this, Victoria’s anger immediately dissipated, and a warm feeling surged in her chest, bringing a smile to her face.

But before she could speak, Leisen’s next words heavily struck her heart.

”But... this morning, Sir Arthur, on his way to Windsor, suddenly, suddenly...”

”Suddenly what?” Victoria’s heart tightened.

Lady Leisen’s voice trembled: ”This morning, Sir Arthur, on his way to Windsor... suddenly fainted near Piccadilly Square.”

”Faint... fainted?” Victoria felt dizzy, falling backward onto the chair: ”Then where is he now? Has anyone taken him to the hospital? Is he conscious?”

”Fortunately, Sir Arthur had several friends with him in the car at the time.” Leisen quickly replied: ”They immediately took Sir Arthur to the free general hospital at the University of London. According to their telegram, the doctor examined him and initially diagnosed it as a recurrence of an old heart condition, compounded by exhaustion from travel, and perhaps not resting well, leading to this fainting episode.”

Victoria’s eyes began to redden; though she wasn’t crying, tears hadn’t fallen yet, her face was frighteningly pale as she murmured: ”Chest pains again... I thought he was just kidding...”

Victoria looked up at Leisen: ”Did the doctor say... did he say when he might be discharged?”

”It’s not certain at the moment, Majesty.” Leisen answered cautiously: ”The doctor suggests he should be observed for at least three days to see if there are any further irregular heartbeats or angina symptoms.”

Victoria nodded, but her eyes seemed somewhat vacant: ”No... I must return to London... at least... must go see him...”

”Maj... Majesty?” Lady Leisen hesitantly asked: ”Do you need me to prepare the car now?”

”Prepare the car! Now, immediately!” Victoria anxiously shook the bell: ”Just the lightest carriage, no need for a ceremonial convoy, I must go to London to see him right away.”