The Shadow of Great Britain

Arthur, hearing this, smiled and said, ”On this matter, if I had a vote, of course, I would cast it in favor. But unfortunately, I know I’m in the minority on this issue. Just a couple of days ago, the Lower House rejected Mr. Grantley Berkeley’s proposal to ’allow women to attend debates in both Houses.’

Flora gave him a reproachful glance, ”If they put a bouquet in the room, wouldn’t they feel the whole room becomes fresher?”

Arthur shrugged innocently, ”Clearly, the honorable members of both Houses do not think so. However... if the Princess successfully ascends the throne, perhaps they might consider making some exceptions.”

Hearing this, Flora couldn’t help but lift her head, searching for today’s main character, Victoria.

The opening dance today was performed by Victoria and Lord Fitzallen, the grandson of the Duke of Norfolk. Currently, her dance partner is Nicholas, the son of the Austrian envoy Prince Esterhazy.

Although Victoria’s birthday is today, the celebrations planned for her will continue until next week.

In the coming days, she will visit various landmarks in London and participate in a series of celebratory events.

Tomorrow morning, Victoria will leave Kensington Palace with the Duchess of Kent and others, heading to the newly completed National Gallery in Trafalgar Square. The recently established Royal Art Academy will, for the first time this year, move its exhibition to this location, and Victoria will become the first member of the Royal Family to visit the exhibition.

In the evening, she will accept an official welcome from the London Mayor and City Hall, during which fireworks will be lit over the river below Tower Bridge, and the Merchant Guild will send a representative to present her with a gift. In the following days, there will be carriage parades and charitable visits. According to Kensington Palace’s schedule, the Princess will visit several Poorhouses and workhouses over the next week, projecting an image of closeness to the poor.

Some newspapers have even leaked in advance: If the weather is clear in the upcoming week, the Princess’s carriage will often be seen passing near Hyde Park.

Just then, he suddenly heard a familiar voice, tinged with an annoying nasal sound, the words clipped and sharp: ”The list of attendants and officers must be finalized tonight. Count, she is leaving early tomorrow, and Kensington Palace cannot afford any missteps.”

Arthur’s ears twitched, instinctively shortening his stride by half an inch on the next beat.

Flora took the opportunity to move forward, her fingertips gently pressing into his palm, reminding him to keep to the beat.

Arthur nodded helplessly, though still in motion, he deliberately led Flora closer to the source of the voice, even managing to glance sideways in its direction.

In the shadow between the tall window and the pillar, Conroy stood half-turned, holding a list in hand, his face flushed as he argued with someone. Opposite him stood the Earl of Liverpool, Charles Jenkinson.

”The Third Earl of Liverpool, Charles Jenkinson,” painted by German artist Franz Xaver Winterhalter in 1846

The Earl of Liverpool’s gaze was as cold as ice, the veins on the back of his hand gripping the cane clearly visible: ”The procession and attendants are a matter for the Royal Family, and the Princess’s birthday celebration is not something Kensington Palace can decide on its own. St. James has its own rules. Moreover, without the Princess’s personal approval, I will not accept this list.”

Conroy appeared to want to argue further, forcing out a slight smile, ”Your Excellency, the Princess is still living in Kensington. Her attendants, her carriages, her outings, have always been arranged by us. Now, with a single word, you want to take over all the tasks; if something goes wrong during the handover, can you bear that responsibility?”