The Shadow of Great Britain

”Sir.” Leisen stepped forward, her skirt trailing against the carpet, the friction creating a delicate sound, as if she had lived in Buckingham Palace for many years: ”It’s been a long time.”

”Not much of a long time, is it?” Arthur took off his hat and greeted, half-jokingly: ”Didn’t we just meet at the concert the day before yesterday?”

”Meeting is one thing,” Leisen smiled, ”but to actually exchange a few words... that indeed has been some time, Sir.”

Although Arthur did not understand what this German woman intended to convey, he dared not neglect Leisen, because ever since Victoria ascended the throne, Leisen had been managing duties at Buckingham Palace similar to those of the Queen’s unofficial personal secretary. She was not only the chief liaison of the royal residence but also held the keys of Buckingham Palace as a symbol of her status.

Victoria’s correspondence, private meetings, daily schedule decisions, nearly all had to go through Leisen.

In other words, it was better to offend Viscount Melbourne than to offend Leisen.

”It has been terribly busy lately,” Arthur gently rubbed his brow: ”Everything is piling up together; the concert at Buckingham Palace just ended, and then paperwork from White Hall came. During this period, I’ve been so busy almost every day to the point of dizziness. Sometimes when I leave the house in the morning, I even forget to wear my hat.”

Leisen listened to Arthur’s explanation, merely nodding: ”I know you’re busy, Her Majesty the Queen also knows, we all know. However, no matter how busy, I must come today to say a few words to you.”

Arthur’s heart sank; this prelude sounded ominous.

”Your appearances at the palace recently,” she said lightly, ”have increased significantly compared to before.”

Arthur smiled: ”Her Majesty summons, I naturally come.”

”I know, Her Majesty is also very pleased with this,” Leisen did not deny but then shifted her tone: ”However... I noticed that your interactions with former people of Kensington Palace are equally frequent.”

Arthur sensed the tension and responded calmly: ”You mean... Flora? If you are referring to Flora, she is my cousin, family interaction is quite normal.”

Although Arthur did not think his relations with Flora were that frequent, Flora even complained that Arthur hadn’t visited her recently, but if Leisen said so, it was likely because of some ”antics” between him and Flora that day behind the scenes at the concert had been noticed by her.

”It’s normal for family to have interactions, but...” Leisen’s tone sounded plain, yet the warning within was pronounced: ”But, Sir, Kensington Palace is no longer the Kensington Palace of the past. Now Her Majesty lives in Buckingham Palace, while the Duchess of Kent still maintains her old circle. As for your cousin, Miss Flora Hastings, forgive my bluntness, she remains loyally by her side. Many people have chosen to leave during this period, but Flora still serves as the court lady for the Duchess.”

Leisen slowly took a step forward: ”I know you have connections and contacts there. I will always remember how you helped me, helped Her Majesty during those days at Kensington Palace. And it’s not just I who remember, Her Majesty remembers even more. It’s precisely because of this that I cannot bear to watch you go astray. Sir Arthur, you are one of Her Majesty the Queen’s most trusted people now. If you get too close to that side... Her Majesty will be terribly disappointed.”

Leisen paused deliberately, as if intending for this statement to ferment in the air.

Unexpectedly, Arthur seemed entirely unwilling to savor the implications of these words; he merely responded lightly: ”I will not trouble Her Majesty, you can be assured. As for Flora, her decision to remain as the court lady of the Duchess of Kent is her own, and I have no place to interfere. However, I must also express to you that I will not distance myself from her because of this.”

”Why?”

”Because our perspectives on issues differ.”

”Your perspective?” Leisen’s tone was unfriendly: ”Your perspective is to stand from Kensington Palace’s standpoint?”

”Not from Kensington Palace’s standpoint, but from the standpoint of Knightly Spirit.” Arthur straightened his back: ”In my view, Flora choosing not to abandon the Duchess at this time reflects her character.”

Leisen’s brow slightly moved.

”You may call her stubborn, or say she is foolishly loyal,” Arthur continued: ”But at least, she does not change like the wind. After Her Majesty ascended the throne, she could, like others, like those we both have seen, those who change faces at the sight of power quicker than flipping a book, immediately switch allegiance. But she didn’t.”

He paused, allowing his tone to soften slightly: ”In Britain, especially in the court of Britain, there aren’t many who can achieve this nowadays.”

Leisen did not respond, nor did she avert her gaze.

Arthur knew she listened, but whether she was willing to acknowledge it was another matter.

Hence, he smoothly shifted the subject: ”Actually, my admiration for Flora is probably because, in certain things, we are similar.”

Leisen raised her eyebrows: ”Similar?”

Arthur sighed lightly: ”During the time at Ramsgate, I knew that doing so would offend the Duchess, offend Conroy, possibly even offend most of Kensington... Yet I still stood on the side of Her Majesty and you. It wasn’t for reputation! Not to please! Definitely not for my own future! It was because it was right! It was what I ought to do!”