The Shadow of Great Britain

Lord Aberdeen nodded: ”As we discussed before, it’s best for Her Majesty the Queen not to be interested in politics, and her husband should ideally share this inclination. From this perspective, the Duke of Cumberland and his family are not suitable. Besides, we do not have the authority to decide whom Her Majesty ultimately chooses. In such circumstances, if we can secure a potential candidate like Albert, it might be the most suitable compromise.”

Disraeli, hearing this, quickly chimed in: ”Your Excellencies, I am not one to passionately discuss the philosophy of marriage alliances. However, from a national interest point of view, Albert has a Germanic background, diplomatic connections with Belgium, and according to reports about him, he doesn’t appear as unscrupulous as those small-country princes. If he accompanies Leopold on a visit to England at the end of the month, at least we’ll have an opportunity for initial contact.”

Peel, seeing Disraeli speak up at this moment, couldn’t help but smile and ask: ”My dear Mr. Disraeli, are you sure those words were spoken purely out of national interest?”

Disraeli’s heart skipped a beat, but he maintained a facade of calm: ”Of course, Your Excellency, every word I say is sincere. Besides, if we don’t approach Albert first, and let the Whig Party get ahead, then we...”

”You’d better be.” Peel said with a half-smile: ”However, undeniably, he is not the worst choice. Although his background is somewhat connected to Belgium, at least he is quite isolated in Britain, so given his network, it’s unlikely he harbors excessive political ambitions.”

Disraeli quickly interjected: ”If we can first influence him through relationships, media, and public opinion, making him feel that the Conservative Party is his backing in England, perhaps he won’t be easily swept up by liberalism.”

Lord Lyndhurst nodded in approval, very satisfied with Disraeli’s response: ”That is indeed a pragmatic view. Since we cannot select a completely perfect King’s Consort, we might as well establish good relations with all potential consorts. This way, even if the Queen eventually leans toward him, we won’t appear too passive.”

Lord Stanley still had some doubts about this candidate: ”Although that’s said, we must first see if Albert is inclined. If from the outset he views himself as fundamentally opposed to the Conservative Party, then we’ll have to place our bets elsewhere. With Leopold visiting England at the end of the month, if, as you point out, Albert accompanies him, this will be an excellent opportunity. If he doesn’t find us objectionable, then we must get ahead of the Whig Party and engage Albert within London’s social circles, cultivating a traditional media image through newspapers, making him appear not too close to the reformist forces.”

The Earl of Ellenborough also nodded: ”New acquaintances may not immediately become allies, but at the very least, we need to ensure he understands that not being against us is his safest choice.”

Lord Lyndhurst agreed: ”Indeed. The days around Leopold’s visit to England at the end of the month are our window of opportunity. If during those days we can organize a few public engagements and social gatherings, and first shape his image in the media as a neutral and courteous potential consort, then even for the sake of maintaining the British public’s favorable impression, Albert would have to keep amicable relations with us.”

The Duke of Wellington saw everyone was so motivated, so he stopped insisting and said: ”Then I’ll reach out to the Marquis of Cunningham to see if the Palace Minister’s Office can secure some leeway in official proceedings during that time.”

As Party Leader, Peel saw that the Conservative Party’s magnates had formed their consensus, so he didn’t speak further, but turned his attention to Disraeli: ”Diz.”

”Your Excellency?” Disraeli, with a guilty conscience, stood up involuntarily: ”Do you have any instructions?”

Peel smiled and raised his glass: ”Your previous remarks were quite eloquent. It’s hard to tell at a glance whether you’re worried about the Royal Family’s future, or preaching on behalf of an old friend.”

Disraeli, without changing his expression, smiled slightly: ”Your Excellency, you flatter me. My loyalty and concern are entirely devoted to the nation and the Royal Family.”

”Very good.” Peel lightly clinked his glass against his, saying: ”Since the Empire Publishing Company holds one-fifth of the coverage on Fleet Street, I believe you understand better than anyone that the media has the power to shape the public perception of the King’s Consort, sometimes even more than he himself. Therefore, I trust you won’t mind that during the end of the month, Empire Publishing could publish a few timely articles in its magazines that are tasteful, deep, and infused with conservative virtue, correct?”

Disraeli’s smile remained unchanged as he nodded and slightly bowed: ”Your Excellency, Empire Publishing has always been committed to defending British tradition. Although I cannot speak for the collective wisdom of the company’s board, I believe if the future King’s Consort aligns with our values, most editors on Fleet Street would gladly pen some flattering words about him.”

Peel chuckled softly and finished his sherry in one gulp: ”I knew you’d say that. Then let me preemptively wish the England Electromagnetic Telegraph Company success in advancing its telegraph project in Belgium.”