The Shadow of Great Britain

Chapter 1776: Chapter 90: New Talents Arise Among Successive Generations (Part 2)

In summary, during the period from the end of the last century to the beginning of this century, examples of families like the Wellesley family and the Roton-Hastings family rising from minor nobles to great nobles were not particularly rare. Moreover, due to their substantial achievements, few people believed they were undeserving of their titles.

But the problems usually did not lie with these first-generation nobles; they arose with their next generations.

As the saying goes: The wealth of a gentleman lasts but five generations.

However, that is an ancient Chinese saying. In Britain, after the parliamentary reforms were passed, the nobility was completely unable to control the Lower House anymore.

Though they still controlled the systems of diplomacy, military, and church in the government departments, it is now difficult for them to interfere in technical positions such as finance, courts, and customs.

From Arthur’s point of view, the reason the Hastings family sought to associate with him was not merely due to some vague bloodline connection, nor was it simply to gild their name with his somewhat unstable reputation.

After all, in the eyes of the nobility, a person who climbed out of the Poorhouse, no matter how high a position he holds today, is ultimately still a new nobleman in long trousers.

What truly unsettled the elders of the Hastings family was an unprecedented sense of insecurity.

In past ages, even if the family’s younger generation was mediocre, even if the rental income was stretched thin, as long as the noble surname remained, they could always squeeze a Lower House seat from the electoral district or secure a position from the Department of Colonial Affairs, church, or Customs Agency. It may not have been enormously profitable, but it was enough for the younger generation to squander.

But things are different now; the parliamentary reform of 1832 struck at their lifeline.

The traditional ”rotten boroughs” were purged, a new class of voters emerged, and the hereditary seats of the old families began to go extinct one after another.

Previously, they could rely on three or two seats in the Lower House to secure a comfortable life from the hands of both parties.

Especially for families like the Hastings family, which once maintained their estate rule with several fertile lands in the East Midlands, the impact was particularly severe.

During the years the Whig Party held power, they implemented many reforms, and after the reforms, even the budget of the local police station began to be controlled by the municipal committee, so much so that the Hastings family could no longer easily ”appoint” even a local Magistrate.

What scared them the most was not just the loss of privilege itself, but the lack of young talent to take on responsibility.

Yes, the first Marquis of Hastings was quite the figure; he was a close friend of King George IV and the first Governor of India.

But so what?

George IV has been deceased for five years, and the first Marquis of Hastings has been in the ground for ten years.

When the family elders opened the genealogy, they found most of the younger generation indulging in horse racing, hunting, and gambling...

This made the existence of a certain Hastings, frequently appearing in newspaper headlines, glaring by contrast.

Though his name was unwelcome in the circle of orthodox nobility, unfortunately, the orthodox nobility circle is now unpopular with British society.

Therefore, when they saw the name ”Arthur Hastings” being mentioned more and more on Fleet Street, at the Golden Cross Station, between the Foreign Office and the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Seeing that this young man, despite his humble origins, had, within just a few years, risen through Scotland Yard to Hanover, Gottingen, Russia, even becoming a tutor to the crown prince at Kensington Palace. Seeing him publish newspapers, form companies, mobilize police, network with bureaucrats, able to drink with both smelly-footed patrolmen and discuss electromagnetic problems with Faraday, as well as conversing with Princess Victoria on Tennyson’s poetry...

Such a person, if he takes one more step forward, although the chances are slim, could you deny that he has the opportunity to become one of the 90 noble families controlling British politics?

...

To the Honorable Sir Arthur Hastings:

Since your assumption of the position at Scotland Yard, your reputation has risen, your accomplishments are remarkable, and I recently heard of Your Excellency’s actions at the Golden Cross and Saint Martin, for which I have an inexpressible admiration. Though I have long resided in the countryside, seldom involved in worldly affairs, and out of touch with current events, I am still greatly impressed by Your Excellency’s decisive and benevolent actions at the Cold Bath and Golden Cross, which are enough to honor the ”Hastings” surname.

Your Excellency, with extraordinary talents and insights, holding firm opinions amidst stormy circumstances, is admired by the clan. I shall soon visit London, thus I dare to write, hoping if Your Excellency has spare time amidst official duties, you would grace our home on some day to discuss the kinship of the same surname; it would be our great honor.

The younger generation of my family is also eager to hear of Your Excellency’s experiences to inspire and cultivate their conduct. If you would not mind, a reply would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely wishing enduring integrity, stability in the current situation

Your sincere kinsman

George Augustus Francis Lauton-Hastings

The Second Marquis of Hastings

...

My Lord Marquis Hastings:

I have read your esteemed letter with deep honor. Reading Your Excellency’s letter, I felt a sense of warm sincerity, also realizing that the ”Hastings” surname today stands for more than just a noble title, but also integrity handed down from the past. Myself coming from humble beginnings, having little reputation, and being able to engage in public affairs, I owe it all to a few of life’s chances and the benevolence I’ve encountered in past times, and I dare not lightly speak of bringing honor to our name. Your brotherly consideration is indeed overpraising.

Recently, my duties have slightly eased, intending to organize paperwork and take a brief rest. Should Your Excellency indeed have leisure to stay in London during that time, I would gladly attend and visit your honored residence, to discuss the kinship of the same surname. I hear that your family’s younger generation has uncommon interests; if permitted to share a few insights and discuss current affairs together, it would indeed be my honor.