The Shadow of Great Britain

277: Chapter 185: Mendelssohn’s Assistance 277: Chapter 185: Mendelssohn’s Assistance The Coburg Theatre was buzzing with the sound of people and overflowing with patrons, as numerous gentlemen and ladies clad in formal attire took their seats according to their previously booked tickets.

Just as Arthur had anticipated, tonight’s concert had attracted quite a few special guests thanks to the gathering of famous talents.

Even someone with a social circle as limited as Arthur’s could recognize a few familiar faces among these individuals.

Although the Coburg Theatre, out of concern for customer privacy, would not disclose the names of ticket purchasers, with the help of the Red Devil, Arthur hardly cared about that.

His eyes, glowing red, swept back and forth across the second-floor boxes, and he couldn’t help but mutter to himself.

“Lady Copper and Viscount Palmeston coming together is not surprising,

Lady Living and that old man who visited the Russian Embassy the other day also came together, and there are even two guards stationed in front of their box.

It seems that old thing must be the Austrian Prime Minister Metternich.

But…

who is that beside Mrs.

Norton?

Wasn’t she involved with Viscount Melbourne?

Has she changed her taste so quickly?”

The Red Devil, lounging on stage and munching on an apple, cursed, “Arthur, is there something wrong with your brain?

Naturally, the person beside Mrs.

Norton is her husband, Mr.

Norton.

You don’t need me to teach you such a simple matter.”

Upon hearing this, Arthur came to his senses, patted his head, and said with a helpless smile, “I’ve indeed been confused recently by these people’s chaotic relationships, I thought that the people here today would either be someone else’s wife or someone else’s husband.

However…

that the Norton couple has come to watch a play together, does this mean their relationship has improved?”

Hearing this, the Red Devil stretched lazily with a mischievous grin, “If your wife could possibly bring you a position with an income of over a thousand pounds a year, accompanied by a load of power, you would also be inclined to keep her sweet.”

Arthur, his eyes’ red glow slowly fading, said, “Now the question arises.

To this day, I can’t figure out what exactly is the relationship between Viscount Melbourne and Mrs.

Norton; besides their emotional connection, whether they have a physical relationship or not.”

The Red Devil’s face darkened with malice at those words, “Oh, my dear Arthur, why do you care so much?

Is the physical relationship that important?

Don’t misconstrue the point; whether people believe they have a physical relationship or not is what matters.

If people don’t believe it, even if it exists, it’s as good as if it doesn’t.

If people do believe it, even if it doesn’t exist, it’s as good as if it does.

Do I need to spell out your human affairs any clearer?”

Arthur glanced at the Red Devil, “Agares, I must say, that’s a rather dangerous way of thinking.”

The Red Devil was not in a rush to react; he just clapped his hands together with a smile, “Arthur, don’t rush to conclusions.

I’m not saying you absolutely have to act this way, but you should at least think of a plan for yourself, shouldn’t you?

If Viscount Melbourne really places George Norton in a position that makes you uncomfortable one day, then you’ll have to think of a way to remove that obstacle.

Think about who his supporter is, he is a supporter of the former High Chancellor Earl Eldon.

Think about the things that Earl Eldon has done, who issued the six laws to suppress the special orders, who has always blocked the Royal Charter for the University of London, and why was the Bloody Act so difficult to abolish?

Arthur, are you sure you want to leave yourself with such a big problem?

Look at where you stand, the Coburg Theatre is famous for performing Shakespeare’s operas, have you forgotten that famous line from ‘Hamlet’?

People often use a face of sincerity and acts of devotion to mask a heart like that of the Devil.

Accordingly, to achieve your sincere goals, sometimes you have to make some devilish moves.”

The Red Devil went to great lengths with his words, but unfortunately, Arthur had almost become immune to his rhetoric.

“The situation between the Norton couple and Viscount Melbourne is already chaotic enough, so I’m not interested in meddling in their love triangle for now.”

Agares, not upset by Arthur’s refusal of his proposition, was just playing with a soul bead he had acquired, and with a wicked smile said, “Arthur, I think I still need to remind you.

There aren’t many souls left from the ones we got off the pirate ship last time, and dragging this on isn’t good.

You need to consider making another big move soon.”

The Red Devil kept pressuring him, but at this moment, Arthur had no interest in souls.

Because he had just swept the first and second floors, and hadn’t seen a trace of Victor anywhere.

This inscrutable French detective seemed like he hadn’t come to the Coburg Theatre tonight, but if anyone told Arthur Victor hadn’t visited today, he surely wouldn’t believe it.

Even if Victor and the Great Dumas were bound by genuine brotherly affection, the lineup of guests attending tonight’s concert alone would be enough for Victor to come sniffing around.

After all, if Talleyrand brought Victor over from France, surely it wasn’t really to protect his safety?

Arthur, the head of intelligence at the Greater London Police Department, had been tasked with spying; it was unreasonable to think that the French would just sit idly by.

As Arthur pondered this matter, suddenly, the sound of scattered footsteps reached his ears.

Turning his head, he saw that the musicians from the Third Symphony Orchestra of the London Philharmonic Association were preparing to take the stage.

Today, the opening performer, Mr.

Sipriani Potter, also stood beneath the stage, rubbing his fingers through his white gloves, trying to make his knuckles more flexible for when he took the stage.

Just as Arthur was about to continue to watch from the front, a kind, familiar, and youthful voice sounded from behind him.

“Ah!

Mr.

Hastings, so you are here.”

Arthur turned around and saw that it was Mendelssohn, who was one year his senior.

Mendelssohn greeted him with a smile and then walked over, kindly sharing his experience, “It’s normal to be a bit nervous the first time you perform on stage, but as soon as your fingertips touch the piano keys, everything around you will become quiet.

When that moment comes, you can play your piece with ease, without having to worry about anything else.

After the performance, you will be surrounded by applause and flowers; you just need to bow slightly to thank the audience for their affection.”

On hearing this, Arthur joked, “The audience’s affection?

It seems being a pianist is indeed a good job.

Since joining Scotland Yard, it’s been a long time since I’ve felt that from people’s gazes.”

“Is that so?” Mendelssohn responded to Arthur’s jest with a joke of his own, “If you consider starting piano training at Scotland Yard, I guarantee that it won’t be long before the terrible reputation of the Yard’s officers improves.”

As he said this, Mendelssohn asked, “By the way, aren’t you going backstage to meet Mr.

Clementi?

Getting a few words of advice from him would be extremely beneficial for your future music career.

Everyone believes that one cannot make progress in piano technique by working in isolation, but only by constantly interacting with those great pianists can one truly grow.

It’s for this reason that I traveled all around Europe.

If it weren’t for Mozesales calling me back, right now I’d probably still be in Lombardy.”

“Is that so?” Arthur said, “Lombardy is indeed a good place; I’ve heard General Cordington of the Royal Navy say that the grapes there are very sweet.”

On hearing this, Mendelssohn laughed and said, “Arthur, you’re quite the character.

I didn’t go there just to eat a few extra grapes.

I went to exchange skills with the piano masters of the Apennines.”

At this point, an idea suddenly sparked in Arthur’s mind.

He intentionally steered the conversation, leading Mendelssohn, “You’ve visited so many places to meet masters, but have you been to Paris?

In Europe, apart from Vienna, Paris has the richest musical atmosphere.”

“Paris?

I’m actually considering that,” Mendelssohn nodded with a smile, “If all goes well, I might go there next year.”

Arthur nodded slightly, then said, “Felix, you might not know, but Paris is not only a musical sanctuary but also a remarkable place for us police officers.”

“Ah!” At those words, Mendelssohn clapped his hands and exclaimed, “You’re talking about Mr.

Francois Vidocq, aren’t you?”

Arthur expressed his surprise, “You know him?”

“Of course!” Mendelssohn nodded, “His memoir that was published these last two years has been a bestseller in London; I also bought a copy to read.

I must say, his life experiences are far more fascinating than any musical score.”

Arthur meditated with a smile for a moment before spinning a well-polished tale, “Since you know about Mr.

Vidocq, Felix, I won’t hide it from you.

The truth is, my presence here today isn’t just to play music for the audience or simply to bid farewell to Mr.

Clementi.

The famous Francois Vidocq recently arrived in London with a French diplomatic delegation.

And I just made a bet with him, he claimed he could take something from under my watch, and I do not believe he can do so.

To prevent him from succeeding, I nearly wagered the whole honor of Scotland Yard.”

“But, what worries me most right now, is that Mr.

Vidocq might take action while I’m performing on stage.

So, may I make an audacious request of you?”

Upon hearing this, Mendelssohn’s eyes lit up.

Even this future world-renowned classical music maestro couldn’t escape the inherent curiosity of humankind, not to mention he was still in his twenties.

Mendelssohn promptly asked, “I’d be more than willing to help, but I’m only proficient in playing the piano.

I wonder how I could be of assistance to you?”

At this, Arthur just smiled and beckoned Mendelssohn closer, whispering a few sentences in his ear.

Mendelssohn’s brows tightened upon hearing them, “This…”

Arthur said, laughing, “Felix, if even you can’t manage this task, then I really have no one else to turn to.

Oh, not quite, perhaps there is one person in Paris, but it’s too late now for me to ask.”

After looking at Arthur’s sincere smile, Mendelssohn deliberated and finally nodded slowly.

“Then it’s settled!

Arthur, you’re wagering the glory of Scotland Yard in your contest with Mr.

Vidocq; in that case, I’ll also bet my pride as a pianist.

But Arthur, you must promise me; you have to win.”

Upon hearing this, Arthur breathed a sigh of relief and replied with a smile, “I’ll do my best.”

With Mendelssohn’s assurance, Arthur felt a surge of confidence and asked, “By the way, I forgot to ask, what do you plan to perform today?”

Mendelssohn gave a mysterious smile and answered, “You know I’m a faithful follower of Mr.

Bach.

For an important occasion like Mr.

Clementi’s retirement, of course, I must offer him the most solemn ‘St.

Matthew Passion.’”

To his surprise, Arthur murmured, “The ‘St.

Matthew Passion’?

That doesn’t sound very auspicious…”