The Shadow of Great Britain

That truly meant that aside from resigning, there was no hope of returning to London in this lifetime.

The ball proceeded under this delicate yet slightly tense atmosphere, and Arthur was planning to step aside before the next dance started, to have a glass of less cloyingly sweet sherry.

”Sir Arthur.”

Arthur turned around, just in time to see the radiant lady—Countess of Dalmo.

The eldest daughter of Count Grey was a renowned beauty in London in her youth, and although she had aged, her beauty had not diminished.

However, perhaps because she did not want to outshine her daughter making her debut this social season, her attire tonight was far from stunning, even somewhat mediocre.

Arthur was also an old acquaintance of this lady, as when the Earl of Dalmo served as Ambassador to Russia, his family accompanied him there.

Back then, when Arthur had just escaped from Druiysk and arrived in Saint Petersburg, he initially stayed at the Earl’s residence for a week due to a lack of suitable accommodations, which is when he formally met Lady Dalmo.

Why was it a formal introduction?

That was naturally because, during his University of London days, Arthur had seen Lady Dalmo who accompanied the Earl to give a lecture at the school.

Back then, she was still holding their eldest son, Charles William Lampson, that boy once hailed as ”the most beautiful boy in England.”

”The Boy in Red: Charles William Lampson,” painted by British artist Thomas Lawrence in 1826

Sadly, the boy who drove countless young girls mad died of illness at the age of 13.

It was in 1831 when Count Grey, serving as Prime Minister, berated his son-in-law Dalmo at a Cabinet meeting due to the grandson’s unexpected death, to such an extent that Palmerston, Melbourne, and other ministers present were stunned and unsure how to react to the conflict between the father- and son-in-law.

While no one could tell whether Count Grey later forgave his son-in-law’s negligence, many speculated that kicking Dalmo to Russia was not just due to concerns about Dalmo’s temperament and political views causing trouble at home, but also out of a desire for revenge for his grandson.

But regardless, these are past matters now.

Arthur also knew that the early death of the eldest son had always been a pain in Lady Dalmo’s heart, especially on the occasion of her eldest daughter’s entry into the adult social season, it was easier to recall the son who should have been 20 years old this year.

She stood beside Arthur, her gaze not on him but across the dance floor, and after a moment, she sighed softly, ”Seeing you here tonight... I have actually always wanted to say thank you, Sir Arthur.”

Arthur was slightly taken aback, instinctively turning his body, ”If you refer to the matter of Canada, then perhaps it is unnecessary.”

Lady Dalmo turned her head, looked at him, ”Of course I know, you are not someone who would take a stand on such issues out of personal feelings.”

She paused slightly, ”That time was not easy for our family. There were too many voices in London, and very few were willing to let my husband finish speaking, especially after my father left the position of Prime Minister.”

Arthur did not interject, just listened quietly.

As she spoke, her tone remained restrained, yet the solemnity was unmistakable, ”Your attitude in public, and the opinions you conveyed privately to several key figures, especially those words to Her Majesty the Queen... allowed John to feel assured for a long time that he was not utterly isolated.”

Arthur gently shook his head, ”Madam, if what I did was understood as support, then I am afraid it is a misunderstanding.”

Lady Dalmo raised her eyebrows slightly, evidently surprised.

”I did not act out of gratitude to the Earl of Dalmo. I acted because I have always believed that his judgment is valuable and correct. Regarding the Canadian issue, many saw only risks, troubles, and political consequences. However, what the Earl saw was that the system itself had reached an end, and continuing to avoid would only worsen the situation. It’s not a palatable conclusion, but I have always believed that politics is not meant to be palatable.”

Lady Dalmo’s lips moved slightly, as if wanting to smile, ”Those words sound like something John would say.”

Arthur smiled, ”Indeed they do, because that is exactly what the Earl taught me. A long time ago, when I was far from reaching my current position.”

(Another Chapter, later)