The Shadow of Great Britain

The irate Duke of Wellington more than once excoriated Whitehall in his letters, stating bluntly: ”The troubles of battling with the Treasury far exceed those of fighting the French.”

However, what most dissatisfied the Duke of Wellington was when, after his decisive victory over the French Army at the Battle of Vitoria, as he planned to cross the Pyrenees Mountains to invade the French mainland, the Foreign Office ordered him to halt his advance, so as not to jeopardize Britain’s secret negotiations for the Bourbon restoration.

And even after the Duke of Wellington achieved fame and became Prime Minister, this situation did not greatly improve.

Arthur often heard the Old Duke complain that Whitehall would frequently deliberately delay carrying out his orders, with the Treasury even refusing to execute financial allocations that were unsigned by him on multiple occasions, causing the Duke to often lament: ”They would rather oppose the Cabinet than forsake their set procedures.”

However, these complaints are but old tales from seven or eight years ago.

During the Pier Cabinet several years past, the Duke of Wellington meticulously adhered to the system of written approvals. Although this approach was far from the efficiency he desired, at least procedurally, it finally satisfied Whitehall.

Even a figure like the Duke of Wellington was ”domesticated” by Whitehall’s bureaucrats, and the solitary Charles Shaw indeed lacked the capability to challenge the Permanent Under-Secretary of the Home Office.

Before Shaw left the conference room, almost instinctively, he gave a military salute, then departed without looking back.

As for Henry Hobhouse, the former Permanent Under-Secretary of the Home Office and now Privy Council Advisor, he practically dozed throughout the entire meeting.

Once the crowd dispersed from the conference room, he slowly opened his eyes, stared at the cold cup of tea on the table, and sighed.

He gradually stood up, supported himself with a cane, and walked over to Phillips: ”I think it’s time to let the youngsters do more writing, so an old fellow like me won’t participate much.”

Phillips quickly stood up, slowing his tone uncommonly and wearing a smile: ”Your Excellency, working alongside you is this department’s honor.”

”Honor? I’ve been honored for twenty years, so let me be relieved.” Hobhouse smiled and tucked a polished pocket watch into his jacket pocket: ”Luckily, these old bones can still manage the stairs of the Home Office. Samuel, if there’s anything unclear, consult our young Secretary, Sir Arthur. No need to see me off.”

Phillips respectfully watched Hobhouse’s back disappear around the corridor corner, and only after ensuring the old superior had indeed left did he turn back to Arthur, who remained at his spot, head down, organizing documents.

”Sir Arthur.” Phillips extended a hand to retain him: ”Please stay a while longer.”

Arthur did not move, merely raising his head slightly.

In contrast to Charles Shaw, who dared not challenge Phillips, Arthur was not so intimidated by this decision-maker within the Home Office’s administrative structure.

After all, he was not as isolated as Shaw, and if the Home Office wished to bypass him in commanding Scotland Yard, that would indeed prove difficult.

Legally speaking, the establishment of the Police Commissioner Committee was a counterbalance executed by Parliament to prevent the Home Office’s excessive authority. If the Home Office were to overreach, not only would it upset Parliament, but it would also defy Whitehall bureaucrats’ procedural principles.

From an influence standpoint, finding someone who could match Arthur’s status at Scotland Yard in a short time is an impossible task. Hence, even if the Home Office finds his autonomy in the Police Commissioner Committee displeasing, it must endure for now.

Indeed, to placate Arthur, Phillips even publicly supported him during meetings, suppressing Charles Shaw’s attempts to seize power from him.

Yet, Arthur believed Phillips’ actions might not stem from good intentions; since Arthur’s position in the Police Commissioner Committee was inherently stable, Phillips’ humiliation of Charles Shaw might instead be an endeavor to stir conflict between the two.

Nevertheless, at least on the surface, Phillips appeared to support him.

But even if Phillips did not support him, Arthur did not mind because he bore the non-resident Attendant title at court as well, not solely as a Whitehall official.

Although Phillips nominally was his superior and held his personnel appointment rights.

In reality, no one could say for certain who truly held Arthur’s personnel appointment rights.

Furthermore, this promising young man’s future in or out of the Home Office, who can truly ascertain?

Phillips gently closed the thick meeting record book: ”Sir Arthur, I understand you’ve been exceptionally busy lately at Buckingham Palace, and Her Majesty the Queen’s concert should now be included in Scotland Yard’s security schedule, should it not?”

Arthur nodded slightly: ”I just signed the committee’s approval document last night. If you’re concerned about procedural issues related to the deployment, I can have Scotland Yard send another copy of the plan to your office this afternoon.”

”No, that’s not necessary,” Phillips gently waved his hand: ”In fact, I received the security plan this morning, and the committee’s arrangements are as impeccable as always. However, London will host more than just a court concert these days. I’ve reviewed the guest list from the Palace Minister’s Office: Liszt, Chopin, Talberg, Strauss, and then ten upcoming Liszt solo concerts, along with all sorts of rumors, journalists, and fervent audiences.”