The Shadow of Great Britain

Even though Lord Lyndhurst has his various flaws, Arthur cannot deny that he is a person of extraordinary ability.

Although Lyndhurst, back then in the role of Deputy Attorney General (Royal Family Legal Advisor and King’s Defense Attorney), lost that fateful duel with Lord Brougham (Queen Caroline’s Defense Attorney) in the divorce case between George IV and Queen Caroline,

Lyndhurst, though losing the lawsuit, gained the gratitude of George IV and a knighthood, and a few years later was promoted to Attorney General, two years later elevated to Chief Judge in the judicial system of England and Wales, second only to the High Chancellor. And when Wellington came to power, Lyndhurst naturally took on the position of High Chancellor, becoming the highest leader of Britain’s judicial department, and was conferred the title of Baron Lyndhurst of Southampton County, thus entering the House of Lords.

Although from the outcome perspective, there was no difference in status between Lord Brougham and Lyndhurst, the former’s path was far more bumpy than the latter’s.

However, this is an unavoidable situation; it’s simply a matter of character. In politics, being too flamboyant is never a good trait, and the likelihood of the Radical Party being welcomed is far lower than that of those who can sense the winds and navigate accordingly.

And now, it seems this story is being replayed.

"I believe Lord Lyndhurst harbors no malice toward you."

Victoria, hearing this, could not help but exclaim: "Doesn’t he bear a grudge against me?"

Arthur smiled and shook his head: "You underestimate his magnanimity. Although I’m not sure if this is good to say, nonetheless he is someone who can remain composed in the face of Lord Brougham’s aggressive rhetorical speeches. Compared to Lord Brougham’s attacks, your unintended faults are trivial. Of course, if you really can’t let it go and want to resolve this misunderstanding with him, you might as well ask Mr. Disraeli for help."

"Mr. Disraeli?"

"Indeed." Arthur replied: "Hasn’t he told you he once served as Lord Lyndhurst’s private secretary?"

"Mr. Disraeli... served as Lyndhurst’s secretary?"

Victoria found this hard to believe, she could imagine Disraeli cleverly bantering in the salon at the Carlton Club, after all, that gentleman always seemed so relaxed and cheerful, but she could not, no matter how hard she tried, picture such a pure and candid young writer had once served as secretary to the political opportunist Lyndhurst: "Are you sure you are talking about Mr. Benjamin Disraeli?"

Arthur raised an eyebrow, wondering exactly what kind of spell Disraeli cast when he visited Buckingham Palace last time; wasn’t it perfectly normal for Disraeli to serve as Lyndhurst’s secretary? Politically, these two were clearly birds of a feather!

Of course, why Sir Arthur is both a good friend and political ally of Mr. Disraeli is a question best not delved into.

Arthur cleared his throat: "Yes, Your Majesty, it’s indeed the same Mr. Disraeli you know."

Victoria still seemed skeptical: "But he looks... nothing like that kind of person..."

Arthur leisurely explained: "This has nothing to do with what kind of person Mr. Disraeli is—it’s mainly due to economic circumstances. Before serving as Lord Lyndhurst’s secretary, Benjamin’s situation was far worse than what he now portrays. His novel sales were mediocre, and debts continued to accumulate, leaving him no room to be picky about jobs. Not to mention, Lyndhurst was able to help him get elected as a Member of Parliament."

Although it seems like Arthur was speaking poorly of Disraeli, he was actually trying to cover for Disraeli as much as possible.

Because the truth is, not only was Disraeli actively ingratiating himself with Lyndhurst, he was even introduced through the mistress, Mrs. Sikes. Moreover, during the period of parliamentary reform, to show loyalty to the Tory Party and sever ties with his past Radical Party beliefs, he specially published a book titled "England and France: A Cure for the Cabinet’s Pro-French Mania," and after the passage of parliamentary reform, under Lord Lyndhurst’s instruction, he continued writing articles criticizing the Reform Bill, accusing it as unconstitutional.

However, perhaps for fear of causing trouble, or worrying about being labeled as an extreme Conservative, Disraeli mostly wrote anonymously or under pseudonyms while criticizing the Reform Bill.

Names like "Defender of Christian Social Order," "Truth and Law," and "Little Brutus"—whenever you see such signatures, there’s no doubt these political essays are mostly penned by Mr. Disraeli.

"I see... If faced with such circumstances, perhaps anyone would make the same choices." Victoria remarked with relief: "And how about now? Have those debts... been resolved?"

"Strictly speaking, Your Majesty, it depends on how you define ’resolved.’" Arthur replied with a smile: "Mr. Disraeli’s current situation is far from dire, especially since he’s essentially pawned himself now."

"Pawned himself?"

Arthur nodded: "Hasn’t he told you? He’s about to get married, and his bride is the widow of a wealthy merchant."

Victoria was visibly taken aback, this news arrived so unexpectedly that she was momentarily uncertain whether to congratulate or be surprised.