The Shadow of Great Britain

Arthur noticed that the Earl of Dalmo happened to mention this issue, so he seized the opportunity and said, ”And this is also what you want to continue implementing in Canada.”

The Earl of Dalmo shook his head upon hearing this, and as he sat down, he said, ”What I want to implement is one thing, whether reality allows it is another matter. Like the University of London, established in 1826, but only formally granted a teaching charter six years later.”

Arthur took a few newspapers out from his pocket and placed them on the table: ”Have you been keeping up with the affairs in Canada lately?”

The Earl of Dalmo instinctively glanced at the newspapers on the table but maintained a casual tone: ”These...I might have flipped through one or two in the countryside. I’m somewhat aware of the current focus of debate...but, the situation in the colonies has always been like that, noisy and full of confusion, no surprise.”

Seeing his attitude, Arthur was somewhat reassured: ”Actually, before coming to see you today, I had an audience with Her Majesty the Queen at Buckingham Palace. We discussed some of your views on the Lower Canada rebellion.”

”Hmm? Really?” The Earl of Dalmo reached out to pour wine: ”What is Her Majesty’s view on Canada?”

”Her Majesty is not particularly knowledgeable about Canada. Her entire impression of Canada almost entirely comes from the fact that her father, the Duke of Kent, lived there for a long time.”

”The Duke of Kent...Prince Edward...” The Earl of Dalmo couldn’t help but reminisce upon hearing the familiar name: ”That indeed was a respectable figure. Who would have thought, that robust prince would suddenly pass due to a chill. If he were still alive, the one sitting on the throne now should have been him.”

Eld, unable to suppress his curiosity, asked, ”I heard you had a close friendship with the Duke of Kent?”

”Our friendship was indeed good, but it’s more accurate to say that the Duke of Kent was very close with my father-in-law, Count Grey.” The Earl of Dalmo pushed the wine glass toward Eld and Arthur: ”Moreover, there’s Brougham. More than twenty years ago, he was already a close friend to the Duke of Kent. And during our private gatherings, Brougham occasionally mentioned him, saying the Duke of Kent had a genuine interest in reforms, not merely following trends.”

Arthur agreed, ”Lord Brougham also mentioned to me that he said the Duke of Kent is the most fair-minded and empathetic to the people’s struggles among the royal family. The Duke of Kent’s conversation and insights are more akin to those of a philosopher, rather than a typical noble.”

Eld was quite surprised to hear this: ”Really? This doesn’t sound like something you would hear from Lord Brougham.”

Eld’s doubt was not unfounded, as everyone in Britain knew Lord Brougham’s disdainful attitude towards several princes.

His remarks on George IV were: ”His Majesty the King believes himself to be a politician, this is his biggest fantasy. His Majesty’s greatest talent is to feel satisfied with himself in front of a mirror.”

Regarding the Duke of Cumberland, he said: ”The Duke of Cumberland’s ambition can only be limited by his lack of ability. If he were to be in power, he would set Britain back a hundred years.”

However, it is indeed rare for someone like Brougham to show respect towards the Duke of Kent.

The Earl of Dalmo explained, ”It’s not surprising, the Duke of Kent was always a staunch supporter of the Edinburgh Review during his lifetime. And as you should know, Brougham was one of its main writers and founders. If the Duke of Kent were still alive, Brougham certainly wouldn’t be marginalized.”

Arthur realized upon hearing this why Lord Brougham insisted on calling the Duchess of Kent as ”Queen Mother” at the closing of the last parliamentary session, even resorting to having a dispute with Viscount Melbourne in the House of Lords.

After all, Lord Brougham, whether in power or out, has consistently maintained the rights of Kensington Palace and the Duchess of Kent over the years as a way to repay the Duke of Kent’s favor of recognizing his talent.

”But, Your Excellency...” Arthur said, ”Although the Duke of Kent passed away when Her Majesty the Queen was only eight months old, his image weighs far heavier in the Queen’s heart than we imagine.”

The Earl of Dalmo looked up, quietly watching Arthur: ”Hmm? How so?”

”Her entire impression of Canada stems from the actions and words of her father in those days.” Arthur slowly said: ”Especially, Her Majesty the Queen has always believed that Canada was the place where her father labored for half his life, a place that must be understood and governed properly. She doesn’t see Canada as a mere matter, but with a kind of personal sentiment. Because of this, Her Majesty’s attitude towards you doesn’t carry the prejudice that some members of the Cabinet have.”

The Earl of Dalmo’s brows slightly furrowed: ”She doesn’t hold prejudice against me?”

”Her first impression of you is the Duke of Kent’s friendship with you and Count Grey. Secondly, it’s Lord Brougham’s recent comment in the newspapers that, if the Duke of Kent were still alive, he would certainly endorse the reforms Dalmo is attempting in Canada.”

The Earl of Dalmo’s breath seemed to pause for a moment, realizing that Arthur was bringing him good news.

”Her Majesty the Queen has read your North American Investigation Report.” Arthur deliberately slowed his speech, aiming to emphasize the importance of this fact to the Earl of Dalmo: ”She particularly agrees with your assertion on ’the long-term misalignment between the administration and public opinion in the Canadian Colony,’ and fully accepts your core viewpoint that ’the colonial subjects must feel themselves as part of the national community, rather than distant subjects.’”