??235: Chapter 158: Cabinet Connection (4K)_2
235: Chapter 158: Cabinet Connection (4K)_2
Viscount Palston, upon hearing this, also nodded and said, “Mrs.
Norton, to tell you the truth, you really should have married William.
Let Ponsonby be with your husband, two rotten people tornting each other, they would each get their just deserts.”
Viscount lbourne, upon hearing this, half-opened his mouth as if wanting to say sothing, but due to the presence of many people in the hall, he ultimately swallowed his words: “Henry, let bygones be bygones.
I don’t want to talk about those things anymore, and you shouldn’t reopen my old wounds either.”
Viscount Palston, realizing his own faux pas, nodded apologetically: “William, I didn’t an to insult her, I rely, as a friend, felt that you have suffered too much over these years.”
As soon as he finished speaking, Palston swiftly changed the subject, leaning down to bring his face close to Mrs.
Copper’s: “Emily, you haven’t told
yet, who is that gentleman?”
Mrs.
Copper, smiling, responded: “Henry, you should rember, I’ve ntioned him to you.
That distinguished natural scientist, a scientific star, Mr.
Faraday, and friend to the great inventor Mr.
Wheatstone, Great Britain’s finest policeman, the scourge of slave smugglers, Chief Inspector Arthur Hastings from Scotland Yard.”
“Arthur Hastings?” Viscount Palston, upon hearing the na, was first startled, then a cryptic smile appeared on his lips: “Ah…
I rember now, dear, I recall you quite liked him.”
Mrs.
Copper, upon hearing this, simply pinched Palston gently, her cheeks blushing as she lowered her voice and chided: “Not ‘liked,’ but ‘admired.’ I admire outstanding young n.
Henry, I only like you.”
Viscount Palston, seeing her reaction, couldn’t help but laugh heartily: “Of course, I’ve always known I am unbeatable in the age range of 40-50.
Oh…
perhaps I shouldn’t say that; after all, my friend William is here, but being second to him is quite satisfying indeed.”
In the midst of laughter, the piano tones smoothed out, and Arthur took a deep breath, put on his white gloves again, pushed back his chair and walked towards the stage; he ca up to Mrs.
Copper and bowed slightly: “Madam, I’ve tried it, the piano is in excellent condition, I think there should be no problems.”
Mrs.
Copper, smiling warmly, extended her hand to Arthur, who at first was puzzled, then rembered that this was a common hand-kissing greeting in upper-class society.
As he bent to lightly hold Mrs.
Copper’s fingertips, he hurriedly tried to recall the “London Upper-Class Society Social Guide” he had read earlier.
Just as he was trying to rember the proper way to kiss the hand, a deliveryman nad Eld passing by with a tray and his hat tipped low ca to his rescue.
“Given the high status of the other party, bend your right knee in a semi-kneeling gesture, then grasp the hand and kiss it.”
Arthur, upon hearing this, imdiately breathed a sigh of relief, did as instructed, then straightened his back, and indeed no one noticed anything unusual.
Mrs.
Copper said, “Mr.
Hastings, I thought I might next see your performance in a concert hall, but unexpectedly, I am eting you again here at Almack’s Club.”
Viscount Palston also tily joined the conversation, holding his glass he laughed: “Mr.
Hastings, though I had long known of your great reputation, this is our first eting.
Head of Departnt Rowan has ntioned you to , a very capable officer, I believe you have a bright future ahead at Scotland Yard.”
Arthur had actually been observing the situation in the club for a while, and just by being so close to Mrs.
Copper, he was able to guess much about the other’s identity.
However…
Head of Departnt Rowan praising my work abilities in front of others?
And it was said in front of soone who was about to play a key role in the Cabinet, a major political figure; it sounded completely nonsensical.
However, Arthur didn’t reveal his thoughts; he just smiled and replied, “Compared to Minister Rowan, I still have much to improve.
To be honest, the newspapers have exaggerated my role in police work.
Many of my policies are actually guided by Minister Rowan behind the scenes.”
The old fox, Viscount Palston, couldn’t help but raise his eyebrows as he smiled and asked, “Is that so?”
If the old fox dared to listen, the young fox Arthur certainly dared to embellish the story.
Arthur smiled and said, “Yes, Minister Rowan’s capabilities are well-known, as you are aware.
When Sir Peel appointed him to set up the Greater London Police Departnt along with Sir Richard Mayne, all he got was a few offices near Scotland Yard.
But in less than two years, Scotland Yard had developed into a huge team of nearly four thousand officers.
In addition to that, most of the regulations in our police manual were drafted by Minister Rowan under Sir Peel’s direction.
You might not know how thick that booklet is, but he managed to get it done all by himself.
Sir Peel has always told
to follow Minister Rowan’s instructions, as he is a skilled and experienced worker.”
And indeed, Sir Peel’s view was proven right.
During the Hyde Park riot, we were almost unable to hold on and thought about directly asking the Guard Cavalry for help to suppress the march with force.
But Minister Rowan, considering the adverse impacts of using force, managed to persuade the Duke of Wellington, whom he had connections with during his military service, thus avoiding deploying the military.
So, as you saw, Minister Rowan’s decisions were undeniably correct.
He mobilized all of the idle police forces across London to support , and we managed to smoothly handle the crisis.”
Arthur spoke with intention, Palston listened with interest.
The two foxes shared a smile, and he walked over to the liquor cabinet to pour a drink for Arthur, handing it to him, “You are right, Rowan is indeed capable.
If it weren’t for his capabilities, Peel wouldn’t have assigned him to organize Scotland Yard.
However, perhaps you should et your new superior here.”
“New superior?” Arthur feigned surprise, “Has the new Ho Secretary already been decided?”
Viscount Palston smiled and brought his old friend, Viscount lbourne, into the spotlight.
He introduced him, “Although it’s party confidential and a bit early to celebrate, for the smooth operation of future work, I suggest you should have a talk with Viscount lbourne.”
Being suddenly brought forward, Viscount lbourne could only helplessly extend his hand towards Arthur, “Mr.
Hastings, don’t be nervous, nothing is confird yet.
Let’s just get acquainted on a personal basis for today.
However, I am indeed very interested in the work at Scotland Yard.
Do you have ti to discuss it briefly with ?”
Given the invitation from Viscount lbourne, Arthur naturally had no reason to refuse.
He was removing his gloves, preparing to shake hands with Viscount lbourne, when suddenly Mrs.
Norton by his side unexpectedly spoke up, “Um…
Mr.
Hastings?
Do you rember ?”
Arthur turned to look at her and smiled, “Madam, of course I rember you.
You were also at General Cordington’s gathering that day, but you were quite quiet; I thought you were upset, so I didn’t presu to approach you.”
Mrs.
Norton appeared sowhat uneasy, the presence of many distinguished individuals making this 22-year-old lady uncomfortable, “That day, I…
I was indeed in a bad mood, so I forgot to ask about the phonograph…
Um…
if you’re not too busy, could you help
to make a reservation with Mr.
Wheatstone?
I’ve forgotten the address of that music shop.”
Upon hearing this, Arthur’s smile brightened; he readily agreed, “Of course, leave it to .
I’m sure Mr.
Wheatstone will be pleased to have another business transaction, and speaking of the ‘clock’ records, would you like a copy?”
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