The Shadow of Great Britain

632: Chapter 312: Breakthrough_2 632: Chapter 312: Breakthrough_2 As for Harriette Wilson, her story is even more legendary.

As the daughter of a Swiss watchmaker, she entered the profession at twelve and was spotted by the discerning Earl of Craven at fifteen to be groomed as a socialite.

She effortlessly ensnared many a great and influential person in this country.

However, unlike Emma Hamilton, who was completely captivated by Horatio Nelson and longed to be by his side forever, Miss Harriette had no designs on becoming the wife of any great man.

She had a very clear head and knew exactly what she was doing.

And because of this, she did not limit her range of lovers to the Duke of Wellington, also well aware that she could not tie down the old rake who dared to wrestle with Napoleon in various respects.

How extensive was her circle of acquaintances?

Even taking the people Arthur knew as examples, those who indulged in pleasures with Miss Harriette included the Duke of Wellington, Viscount Palmerston, the former King George IV, and of course, the emotionally rich Lord Byron.

As for why Arthur knew about this, that’s another utterly scandalous piece of gossip.

When Miss Harriette decided to retire in 1825, she sent threatening letters to her former lovers, stating that if they did not pay her hush money, she would expose their sordid deeds in her memoir.

Gentlemen claimed that nearly 200 nobility received the threat, and considering the House of Lords had just over six hundred seats, that meant a third of its members were under threat.

It’s said that during the House of Lords meetings, members would joke with each other, greeting each other with, “Have you received that letter?”

Although the members were subjected to collective extortion, since Miss Harriette handled things very discreetly, most didn’t mind paying her a sum of money for her retirement.

And in return, Miss Harriette sang the praises of her generous lovers in her book.

Of course, Harriette’s tactics didn’t always work, the Duke of Wellington was not so easily charmed.

But for this national hero, the shrewd Miss Harriette still retained the utmost respect.

From these two people’s experiences, Arthur had a general idea of what Fiona was aiming for.

The status of a respected lady, a social butterfly in high society, that really did sound better than a courtesan or a woman of the street.

Arthur said with a blessing, “Fiona, I wish you success.

If you really can do as well as you say, this is indeed much better than Kitty Fisher.”

Fiona blinked and smiled with a curve on her lips, “No, Mr.

Hastings, I wish you success.

Do you really think that a woman alone can achieve something in this society?

Look at Caroline Norton, that foolish silly woman.

She has yet to realize what she has in her hands, she has resources but doesn’t know how to use them, and now she can’t even see her own children.”

Upon hearing this, Arthur suddenly stroked his chin in thought: “Fiona, I must say, you seem to have provided me with a new idea.

She indeed isn’t very clever, so have you any plans of helping this sister you haven’t met become wiser?

Her relationship with Viscount Melbourne could be helpful to her, as well as to me.

If I remember correctly, you just said you hoped for my success?”

When Fiona heard this, she simply turned her face to the side, winding her golden hair around her finger and said, “Aren’t you afraid I was just joking?

After all, what you’re asking is for me to lead a pure lady astray, a sin unforgivable.”

Arthur, with one hand on the sofa, leaned forward and stared into her eyes, “But you are already deep in this sinful mire…aren’t you?

Fiona, don’t tell me now that you’re thinking of backing out.”

For a moment, the air in the room seemed to freeze.

Arthur caught a glimpse out of the corner of his eye of Fiona’s nails nearly sinking into the sofa, and he could faintly feel the warmth of her breath.

“I…”

Fiona suddenly stood up and pushed Arthur away.

In her eyes, she hardly used any force, but Arthur staggered back like an eighty-year-old man.

This unexpected turn of events left Fiona stunned for a few seconds, then overcome with rage, she roared, “What do you take me for?

I’m not that kind of woman!”

Arthur just smiled, “What about Caroline Norton?”

“She will be!”

“You’re agreeing then?”

“Are you not convinced?!”

Arthur sighed with a smile, “Fiona, you truly are an angel.”

Upon hearing this, Fiona, infuriated, kicked the coffee table in front of her, “Arthur Hastings!

You’re the son of a bitch!

No, that’s wrong, you’re an orphan; you don’t even have a bitch to nurture you!”

“Oh, ho ho!” The Red Devil lay sprawled across the desk, laughing uproariously, “Arthur, you’re getting nastier by the day.

How did you come up with this scheme?”

Arthur, realizing the gravity of the situation as he saw her so angry, finally sensed that things might have gone too far.

Arthur asked, “Shall we go over it one more time?”

“Go over it again?” Fiona, her face red with anger, erupted, “I warn you, if you come any closer, I’ll accuse you of indecency!

Hastings, you just wait to end up disgraced like Bernie Harrison!”