The Shadow of Great Britain

Chapter 1587: Chapter 14: I’m a Man of Principle

Lord Brougham gave a faint snort, his words tinged with a bit of mockery: ”Your disposition indeed doesn’t appeal to old-school bureaucrats like Palmerston. They prefer those who never step out of line but also never achieve anything. Yet, I’m curious as to why you seem to get along so well with the Duke of Wellington.”

Arthur once pondered the same question himself long ago, but the answer was something he found hard to believe.

Arthur paused, then spoke: ”This is not a campaign speech, so I don’t wish to boast. However, if I must find a reason, it’s possibly because I’m a person of principles.”

Lord Brougham set down his teacup and meticulously observed Arthur’s expression: ”Principled, yet flexible in methods? Just like the Duke of Wellington’s wavering stance on the Catholic Emancipation Act?”

Arthur nodded slightly: ”Just like the Duke of Wellington wavered on the Catholic Emancipation Act, all for the sake of peace and stability in Britain.”

Upon hearing this, Lord Brougham finally managed a slight smile: ”I won’t hide it, Arthur. When I first met you, I felt we weren’t compatible. Back then, you had just arrived in London from York, appearing reserved and unremarkable. But there was a time when Mr. Bentham asked me, ’Have you noticed that young man from the history department, Arthur Hastings?’ I asked Mr. Bentham what was special about that young man. And guess how Mr. Bentham responded?”

Arthur recalled the events of that year and shook his head: ”Knowing Mr. Bentham’s style, it probably wasn’t words of praise. He’s always very strict when evaluating someone.”

Lord Brougham chuckled softly, as if recalling the old man musing with furrowed brows: ”He wasn’t that harsh. Mr. Bentham told me, ’This child may not be the nimblest thinker, but he is very principled when assessing matters. His judgment is often not quick, but once decided, he rarely changes his stance. You know, he’s been debating Kantian philosophy with me for an entire month now.’

Arthur looked down at the tea and asked quietly: ”Was that a compliment?”

”Indeed it was.” Brougham crossed his legs and leaned back against the cushion of the carriage, looking more relaxed: ”Mr. Bentham never easily praises others, especially the young. What impressed him most about you isn’t your understanding of utilitarianism, nor your ability to recite passages from Leviathan, but your moral intuition on key issues. He said you’re always seeking an order and norms to which society can conform.”

Arthur spoke with a hint of bitterness: ”Aren’t all young people like that? They love to argue, not because they are necessarily right, but because they’re often insignificant and thus strive to grab attention.”

Lord Brougham waved his hand: ”Those who strive for attention wouldn’t casually throw themselves into the eye of the storm. Even if they had the courage, it’s usually just a rush of blood. But you’re different; you’ve remained clear-headed from beginning to end. Arthur, looking back, it was fortunate that Scotland Yard had you on the eve of the parliamentary reform.”

Arthur paused for a moment, then said slowly: ”It was my duty, Your Excellency. Given the situation at the time, if even I hadn’t tried, who else could we count on?”

”That’s classic Arthur Hastings,” Brougham said, taking a sip of tea: ”I can now fully understand why the old Tory Duke of Wellington treasures you so much. Incidentally, I don’t dislike principled people either, and fortunately, the Earl of Dalmo agrees with me; he has forgiven you.”

Upon hearing this, Arthur’s brow hardly moved, but the corner of his mouth curled up ever so slightly.

It wasn’t relief or joy but more like a relaxation after long-held vigilance.

”The Earl of Dalmo...” he repeated the name softly, his gaze turning to the increasingly dense crowd and coal smoke outside the window, ”I once worried he would demand a thorough investigation into my actions in the Caucasus... but even if he did, I have no complaints. After all, I didn’t seek his permission and used the embassy’s channels arbitrarily.”

Brougham shook his head with a smile: ”He was initially displeased. You ought to know, the Earl is part of the reform faction, yet he values procedure and decorum immensely. He dislikes being put on the spot, even if the trouble comes from someone on his side.”

Arthur drank his tea silently and said softly: ”I can understand. In his position, I too wouldn’t want to be in the same boat as someone like David Eckett.”

”You’re right, Eckett is indeed an unpredictable ship, laden with explosives.”

Brougham shrugged: ”However, this affair, at least, didn’t blow Downing Street sky high.”

Arthur took off his hat and apologized to his mentor: ”Even so, Your Excellency, regarding the Caucasus incident this time, I am willing to bear all the responsibility just as I did under the Tower of London.”

Upon hearing this, Lord Brougham gave Arthur a deep look, his tone softening: ”Arthur, truthfully, I’m quite gratified that you’re still willing to take responsibility for the beliefs you uphold. In our circle, many are willing to admit their mistakes, yet few are prepared to pay for them. As for those willing to pay the price for their principles? They are extremely rare! Do you know why?”