The Shadow of Great Britain

Chapter 1779: Chapter 91: Talents Abound in the Hastings Family (2)

After his reputation was cleared, it wasn’t long before the life of the first Marquis of Hastings came to an end.

Although emerging unscathed from the government investigation didn’t necessarily mean he was entirely innocent, it at least indicated that his issues weren’t severe.

To put it bluntly, despite guarding the treasure trove of India, the Marquis of Hastings didn’t take much money.

Fortunately, among his five adult children, there was only one son. Had there been more brothers to divide the estate, it would have been even worse.

More troublesome was that although the first Marquis of Hastings was a capable person and very close to the royal family, his political views were extremely divided due to his Irish origins.

On the one hand, coming from a military background, he was an old-school Tory aristocrat who started as a grassroots officer and eventually became the Commander of the Scottish garrison after serving as Director of Military Supplies. He was a staunch Royalist throughout his life. From the time of the Regency King, George IV regarded him as a close confidant, and after Prime Minister Spencer Percival was assassinated in 1812, George IV even once ordered the Marquis of Hastings to form a cabinet. Although he ultimately failed, George IV still showed respect by making him a member of the St. George Knight Order.

However, on the other hand, because of his deep love for his homeland Ireland, he never compromised on issues that could harm Ireland’s interests throughout his life. Whether it was religious emancipation, Anglo-Irish union, or slavery issues, the Marquis of Hastings held Whig positions.

His political inclinations made it easy for him to be disliked by both sides, as evident from his prior failure to form a cabinet. Whether during the Tory Party or the Whig Party period, the first Marquis of Hastings never formed his own faction, which led to his cabinet formation failure.

If it weren’t for George IV’s consistent support of this old friend, the Marquis of Hastings might never have been appointed Governor of India.

The wrought-iron gate of the Hastings family mansion in London Belgravia still displayed the Roton-Hastings family crest.

For those unfamiliar with heraldry, these are merely symbols. But for those skilled in the art of heraldry, presenting these symbols allows them to interpret the family’s historical lineage and titulary estates.

The ”Hastings Family Shield”

The estates currently held by the Hastings Family primarily include: Moira Manor in Tang County, Ireland; Yorkshire Roton Manor granted when the first Marquis of Hastings was ennobled as Baron Roton; and the Gothic mansion exemplar, Donington Manor in Leicester County, inherited from his uncle.

”Donington Manor”

Their days have been fairly comfortable, despite the continuous decline in the Hastings family’s influence on the political scene in recent years, surely better than Sir Arthur Hastings, the rising political figure.

Nevertheless, sitting idly and living off one’s resources is not a very pleasant feeling.

Compared to the brilliant career of the first Marquis of Hastings, the second Marquis of Hastings made nearly no achievements in politics.

The only official position he held was as one of King William IV’s seventeen Chamberlains.

To sum up the duties of a Chamberlain, they involved assisting the monarch in dressing, serving meals, guarding the passages leading to the royal palace and the chamber, and accompanying the monarch on travels. However, over time, these duties have become almost nominal, and the king can’t possibly employ them for mundane tasks like carrying a chamber pot.

Nowadays, the main responsibility of a Chamberlain is to act as an advisor to the king, providing counsel.

Therefore, if the king appoints you as a Chamberlain, it usually signifies his favor, as only the most trusted nobles are granted this position.

Unfortunately, King William IV’s appointment of him as Chamberlain probably wasn’t because he truly trusted the second Marquis of Hastings. Rather, it was because William IV had just ascended the throne and needed to appease the nobles by showing favor to the offspring of former confidants.

If not for this, the second Marquis of Hastings couldn’t have been dismissed after only a year of serving as a Chamberlain.

Arthur mulled over these matters as he entered the hallway, where a servant approached to help him remove his cloak. He adjusted his tie and prepared a perfectly timed smile as he was ushered into the main hall.

The fireplace warmth lingered in the room, its décor neither stingy nor extravagant, with a portrait of the first Marquis hanging above the mantelpiece in his uniform as Governor of India, adorned in red and gold, a black-feathered military cap on his head, hands behind his back, eyes bearing unmistakable pride.

Seated below the portrait on a sofa was George Hastings, the second Marquis, who clearly had not inherited his father’s edge.

This 27-year-old young noble wore a meticulously tailored morning coat, his dark hair neatly combed back. Nearby, several hounds lay on a blanket, indicative of his penchant. Arthur had previously heard that the kennel at Donington Mansion is one of the largest in England.

”Sir Arthur Hastings?” The Marquis stood with a broad smile, speaking softly, ”Or, if you don’t mind, can I call you Arthur directly?”

”Of course, Your Excellency,” Arthur replied with a smile, taking a seat at the invitation.

As he settled down, he noticed the Marquis scrutinizing his face, muttering softly, ”Indeed, Flora was right... your face, especially your eyes, looks just like the portrait at Donington Mansion...”

”Portrait?”

The Marquis answered firmly, ”The 7th Earl of Huntingdon Theophillus Hastings’ portrait, do you know him? He was the one who moved the family mansion from Ashby de la Zouch Castle to Donington Manor. His portrait is also the oldest art collection at Donington Manor now.”

Hearing this, Arthur nearly confessed the irony that the oldest portrait at Scotland Yard was sitting before him.

Yet, he managed to hold back.

Arthur spoke up, ”Certainly I know, the 7th Earl of Huntingdon was a renowned figure. Theophillus Hastings, known as ’the Turncoat,’ I always thought historians exaggerate using ’complete traitor’ to describe him, as he remained loyal to James II even after his downfall, indicating he wasn’t unprincipled. However, to restore the family’s status, he had to be fickle on numerous issues.”

Listening, the Marquis took a gentle sip of tea, a subtle expression of appreciation flitting across his face.

The previous query was a test. Arthur’s familiarity with the Hastings family’s predecessors demonstrated the dedication of this Sir.

”You’re right, Arthur,” the Marquis slowly placed down his teacup, ”Many books portray Theophillus as a thorough opportunistic politician, mentioning his shifts between Charles II’s illegitimate son and James II, claiming he attempted to earn favor from William before the Glorious Revolution, ultimately disgraced in Parliament. Few mention that after James was expelled from Britain, he visited Paris for homage. That isn’t opportunism; it’s obsession.”

Here, the Marquis joked, ”I’ve noticed, members of the Hastings family seem to frequently err on religious matters. The 7th Earl of Huntingdon hesitated due to the succession issue, choosing between Protestant and Catholic successors, ultimately branded a turncoat. My father incited trouble over the Irish Catholic emancipation issue. As for you, Arthur, I recall years ago some cursed you for being Catholic, wishing you’d end up in front of the Tower of London to be shot.”

(Too tired yesterday, so no update. This Chapter is yesterday’s supplement, regular updates will follow tonight.)