The Shadow of Great Britain

Of course, everything mentioned above is old history now.

Since last year, the Marquis of Hastings rigorously identified Sir Arthur Hastings as his long-lost cousin, and along with the support from the Earl of Huntingdon, who opened his arms to his Hastings brother rather than disputing the result.

Thus, this seemingly unexpected York Pigman suddenly became an indisputable member of the English Blue Blood Nobility, and can speak seriously of his lineage tracing back to the 15th century to the first Baron Hastings, William Hastings.

So, during this year’s social season, London suddenly faced an awkward yet unavoidable reality: Sir Arthur Hastings was no longer just a number to make up the guests of the occasion.

The change came discreetly, yet thoroughly.

The first to notice were not the young ladies eager for balls, but the butlers responsible for drafting invitations.

In previous years, ”Sir Arthur Hastings” was often placed at the end of lists, sometimes even tucked away at the very bottom.

And this year?

This year, the name ”Arthur Hastings” frequently appeared mid-list, even given precedence over the heirs of some established noble families.

More subtly, on some invitations, hosts would deliberately add a sincere note beside his name—if the Sir is available, it would be a great honor for me.

Sharp-eyed individuals realized this is more than politeness—it’s a request.

Perhaps because he was primarily occupied with Buckingham Palace and the Home Office, Arthur’s perception of this shift was less acute than others’.

He didn’t suddenly change his lifestyle nor deliberately cultivate connections. Mornings were still reserved for timely rises, his late mornings occupied by Whitehall and Scotland Yard matters, and if afternoons were free, he preferred spending time in the study or newsroom rather than trying on suits or selecting gloves.

Yet, this year’s social season obviously did not intend to respect his pace.

Carriages from all walks of life began arriving at his doorstep at incongruous times, and the butlers, presenting invitations, no longer maintained routine notification tones but carried cautious anticipation, clearly having been specifically instructed by their masters before arriving.

And at the ball scene, these changes became even clearer.

In the past, when Arthur appeared, he was often placed near the fireplace or bookshelf, convenient for discussions with male guests about politics or current affairs. Now, his seating was unconsciously arranged nearer to the dance floor, and while introducing dance partners, the hostess would slightly slow her speech, as if hoping everyone around could clearly hear his name.

As for the young ladies, during their curtsey, they no longer merely bowed politely but inexplicably took a few more glances at him, seemingly pondering whether this frequently news-featured figure was worth remembering.

As for the young gentlemen, their attitudes were even more conflicted.

On one hand, they viewed Arthur as a rival in the marriage market, and regardless of resume, scholarship, or political prospects, they were nowhere close to comparing themselves with this popular figure at Buckingham Palace.

Almost all the gentlemen present had heard discussions about Arthur Hastings from their elders.

Though opinions varied, without exception, the elders believed that if this guy were willing to join the Conservative Party or the Whig Party, it would take him no more than eight or ten years to surely become a Home Secretary.

Although being a Cabinet Minister once might not ensure a peerage, considering his close relationship with the Queen, while others might not earn a title, it’s not impossible for Arthur Hastings.

Therefore, to the gentlemen, this Home Office Permanent Secretary, though only slightly older than them, was valued not at Sir level but at Lord level.

While the gentlemen envied Arthur, they couldn’t resist striking up a conversation, as merely being remembered by him might lead to unforeseen benefits in future situations.

After all, although they were all offspring of nobility, being a noble offspring didn’t guarantee inheritance rights.

There is just one firstborn entitled to inheritance, whereas the prospects for other noble family younger sons typically boil down to these few pathways.

Either, they attend a Theological Seminary and emerge as a Priest.

Or, they enlist in the army, where luck and competence combined might allow them to have an extraordinary breakthrough like the Duke of Wellington; if lacking both, perishing due to miscellaneous causes in overseas colonies isn’t unheard of.

Of course, if the army seems too arduous, connections could pave one’s way into Whitehall, or they could be sent to overseas colonies as civil servants.

And beyond becoming a Priest, all other paths might lead to dealings with Sir Arthur.

Being appointed at 29 as the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Home Office, even if he doesn’t seek a parliamentary seat but remains within the Whitehall administration, he’s bound to become a Permanent Secretary of some department.

If you offend him now, and find yourself in the Indian Colony in the future, meanwhile Sir Arthur is coincidentally promoted to Permanent Secretary of the Department of Colonial Affairs...