The Shadow of Great Britain

490: Chapter 263: Astonishing Secret (4K2) 490: Chapter 263: Astonishing Secret (4K2) In a quiet box on the third floor of Astley’s Circular Theatre.

A crisp “ding” sound was heard as Viscount Palmerston raised his glass to gently clink it with the glass of Lady Lywen, who accompanied him there that day.

Lady Lywen spoke with a beaming smile, “Henry, after a year in office, you’ve really become more adept at your work in the Foreign Office.

I’ve always seen a certain irresistible social charm in you, and you’ve skillfully applied it to your diplomatic work.

No matter what others say, at least I think you are the best Britain has had in this position in recent decades, even surpassing Sir George Canning and Viscount Castlereagh.

You’ve worked hard to avoid conflict between Britain and Russia, bringing Europe precious peace.”

Upon hearing this, Viscount Palmerston responded with his signature smile, flattering this lady in front of him who was both the wife of the Russian ambassador and one of the hostesses of Almack’s Club.

“Dorothea, I couldn’t have achieved what I have today without your wise counsel.

When I was mired in debt, it was you who reached out your delicate yet strong arm to pull me from the mire.

And when I was about to be abandoned by the Tory Party, it was you who helped me build bridges with the Whig Party, allowing this bewildered sailor to switch sides before that old ship sank.”

“Dorothea, you are an angel to many, but to me, you are a Muse of noble untouchable grace.

Not only do you understand the art of light dance and music, possessing dance steps considered superior even in Almack’s Club, but compared to your wisdom, your dance, enviable by countless ladies, is but a cherry adorning the frosting of a cake.”

“On this note, I must thank you once more.

If it weren’t for your efforts at Almack’s Club rallying support for me and having the respectable Earl Lywen use his personal connections to lobby Prime Minister Earl Grey on my behalf, it would have been impossible for this recent party defector to land the position of Foreign Secretary.

Although many say I’m a romantic, no one has ever called me heartless.

I will always remember this kindness,” he said.

Lady Lywen, watching the play being performed on stage, suddenly lifted her hand to rest her chin on it as she leaned against the window, “Today’s performances at Astley Theatre are more intriguing than I expected.

Whether it’s the stage premiere of ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’ and ‘The Pickwick Papers,’ the duel between Mr.

Hasting and Mr.

Bertrand, or Mr.

Chopin’s concert, it has all been splendid.

His technique really is as good as I heard it was in the Russian court, if not better,” she said.

Palmerston also savored the implied meanings in Lady Lywen’s words, politely inquiring, “Is Chopin very famous in Russia?”

Lady Lywen replied allusively, “Indeed.

While Chopin’s name may not be as renowned in Britain, in St.

Petersburg, his name is somewhat…

ah…

comparable to Mr.

Hasting’s status in London.

Since Chopin gained fame early in Poland, the respected His Majesty Alexander I invited the then-fifteen-year-old Chopin to perform at one of his concerts during a visit to Poland.”

“Tsar Alexander was very pleased and even specially took off a diamond ring he was wearing to bestow upon Chopin as a token of recognition and reward for his musical talent.

From then on, Chopin’s fame spread throughout Russia.

I had thought such an outstanding talent should remain in St.

Petersburg, under the motherly embrace of Russia to nurture his musical gifts, yet today I encountered him here in London,” she continued.

Connecting her words with the recent direction of public opinion in the London media and the surge in British public interest in Poland, Palmerston naturally grasped the meaning behind Lady Lywen’s words.

Just as with Lady Lywen’s praise, a distinguished diplomat is one who can read innumerable meanings into the most commonplace of statements.

Palmerston replied with a smile, “I’m aware that lately there has been some minor discord between Russia and Poland, and British society’s concern and enthusiasm for this matter have exceeded expectations.

To soothe these emotions, I have made considerable efforts in Parliament.

But you also know about the recent news of Mr.

Bernie Harrison lending a helping hand to the Polish ladies, right?

“The Times” editor, that buffoonish Mr.

Thomas Barnes, took advantage of the situation to stoke the fires, raising the profile of Poland once again.

The Westminster Union has also been protesting the situation in Poland, even though I believe such protests are unreasonable and irrational.

“However, the Foreign Office cannot always be at odds with them.

I think it necessary to host a concert to alleviate their stress and dissatisfaction from time to time.

I have already communicated this in an informal conversation with Earl Lywen beforehand.

A concert does not signify a shift in Britain’s stance, and there is absolutely no intention on the part of the Foreign Office to target our reliable ally, and your husband has been very understanding of this,” he added.

Lady Lywen turned her head toward Palmerston with her sparkling black eyes and suddenly burst out laughing.

“Henry, just look at you.

You must be so busy these days, always ready for battle in Parliament and at the Foreign Office.

Even when chatting with a woman like me, who knows nothing of politics or diplomacy, you plunge into such a serious, lengthy discourse,” she said amusedly.