Chapter 2356: What a Scoundrel! Hastings!

The door of the Buckingham Palace breakfast room was gently pulled open by an attendant, and Arthur walked into the dining room. The first thing that caught his eye was the sunlight streaming through the tall window panes onto Victoria’s shoulders.

As usual, she did not sit at the head of the table but chose a small round table by the window for her meal.

The privilege of sharing a small round table with her was an additional favor granted to Arthur. Generally, as long as the Duchess of Kent was not present, she would arrange it this way, and Arthur had long grown accustomed to it.

Typically, Arthur would take the opportunity during breakfast to chat with Victoria about the news and gossip, or about the latest books being promoted by Imperial Publishing. If the conversation got lively, he might occasionally share some little-known anecdotes.

Of course, the most noteworthy news in recent weeks was undoubtedly the security plan leak for the coronation ceremony. However, perhaps to avoid embarrassing Arthur, Victoria did not even mention it. She merely reminded him to be cautious the last time he left Buckingham Palace.

But after “scolding” Arthur, she immediately added, “An occasional mistake does not affect Buckingham Palace’s continued support and confidence in the security preparations.”

The attendants quietly withdrew, leaving only the faint sound of silverware occasionally touching the porcelain plates.

Victoria, seeing Arthur seated, noticeably relaxed and picked up her hot chocolate, taking a sip before initiating the conversation, “Yesterday, Viscount Melbourne submitted a draft list of candidates for the train-bearer maid of honor for the coronation ceremony.”

Perhaps, for Victoria, the breakfast chat was a good opportunity to relax.

But for Arthur, it was an excellent opportunity to gather information.

Because each time, he could gather a wealth of valuable key information from his “relaxed” conversations with Victoria.

Nevertheless, although Arthur could always leave the Buckingham Palace breakfast room with plentiful information, in gathering intelligence, he always had to conceal his intentions. He could neither appear too eager nor too indifferent.

Arthur put down the knife and fork and picked up his teacup, “Is the candidate list already drafted? It seems the Prime Minister acts faster than I expected.”

“Yes,” Victoria sighed softly, “He said the candidates on the list were carefully selected, and I can choose from them as I please. However… I always worry that if I choose one, I might neglect another. Even though Viscount Melbourne has already screened them for me, I’m still concerned that the final choice won’t gain everyone’s approval.”

At this point, Victoria paused, her gaze naturally turning to Arthur, “So, I want to ask you, do you have any suitable candidate recommendations?”

“A candidate? Hmm…” Arthur put down his teacup, pinched his chin, and pondered, “Though I don’t know who is on the Prime Minister’s candidate list, Miss Mary Talbot might be a good choice.”

“Miss Talbot?”

“That’s right,” Arthur nodded with a smile, “She is the eldest daughter of the oldest Earl in England. According to the traditions of the English Nobility, having Miss Mary Talbot serve as a train-bearer maid of honor is quite symbolic. Choosing her for the coronation ceremony would send a clear signal to the whole of the English nobility that you are willing to respect tradition and their status.”

“Hmm…” Victoria frowned, looking somewhat troubled, “I have met Miss Talbot a few times. Her demeanor is indeed elegant, and her behavior is quite proper. It’s a good choice, but… but she is a Catholic.”

At this point, Victoria suddenly remembered that Arthur was previously a Catholic, and worried about being misunderstood, she hurriedly explained, “Of course, I’m not opposed to Catholics. I even find her faith very sincere… but… the coronation ceremony is held at Westminster, with the Archbishop of Canterbury and all the bishops of the National Church present… I worry that if Miss Talbot stands behind me, someone might cause a fuss.”

Victoria whispered, “She truly is one of the best choices. If she were a member of the National Church, I would certainly give her a position… it’s such a pity.”

Arthur looked at her for a few seconds and then smiled gently, “Your Majesty, the fact that you feel regret actually shows your fairness in handling things. Moreover, you certainly consider things more thoroughly than I do.”

At this point, Arthur turned to ask, “Perhaps we could see if there’s a better choice on the Prime Minister’s candidate list? May I be so bold as to ask, who else is on that list?”

Victoria, seeing that Arthur was not entangled in the issue of faith, smiled and replied, “Actually, Miss Talbot is also on the Prime Minister’s recommended list. Besides her, there are Miss Caroline Lennox, Miss Adelaide Peggit, Lady Fanny Cooper, Lady Wilhelmina Stanhope, and so on…”

“I can certainly understand your dilemma now,” Arthur put down his teacup, “Abandoning any of these wise ladies would indeed be most unfair.”

Victoria pressed her lips together, absently rubbing her teacup, “Yes! The more I think about it, the more troublesome it seems… if I choose Miss Peggit, I might offend the Lennox family. If I choose Miss Lennox, I might be accused of favoring a particular faction, and there have been enough reports like that recently. I don’t want another… Besides, these ladies all know I’m selecting a train-bearer maid of honor; once they lose, it’s something impossible to hide.”