Chapter 2377 - 307: Britain’s Most Elite Makeshift Troupe

Participants in the coronation ceremony always feel bewildered about what to do next; the lack of rehearsal is evident.

——Benjamin Disraeli

Morning sunlight filtered through the clouds, illuminating the wet puddles on the streets.

With the saddle swaying, horse hooves swiftly struck the cobblestones, each step quickening Arthur’s heartbeat.

On the main roads leading from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Cathedral, formations of Guard Cavalry, Grenading Guards, Hussars, and Rifle Brigade passed in succession, creating an atmosphere of lively celebration all over the streets, with public attention and accolades erupting one after another.

"Coronation Parade: Guards Saluting Her Majesty the Queen," painted by British artist John Templeton in 1838

Like many writers and journalists who came from afar, Mr. Samuel Goodrich occasionally looked up to observe the festive spectacle before him, now and then fishing out a notebook from his pocket to jot down interesting snippets worth putting into his book.

Although a number of American writers came to London this time, Mr. Goodrich still had ample reason to believe that his coronation ceremony travelogue would outsell those of his peers.

The reason is none other than the fact that he has connections.

If you mention the name Samuel Goodrich in Boston, many people may not know who this gentleman is, but if you ask Americans if they know Peter Parley, Bostonians would likely exclaim: "Oh! I know, you’re talking about that children’s literature author!"

In fact, Goodrich is not merely a writer.

At the same time, he is also a well-known publisher in Boston.

Last year, Goodrich defeated Alexander Everett in the election as a candidate for the Whig Party, becoming a senator for Massachusetts.

Although these brief introductions appear weightless, those familiar with American history and politics naturally understand the significance of Goodrich’s Senate seat.

Because his opponent Alexander Everett’s ancestor was Richard Everett, one of the earliest pioneers of Massachusetts.

The Everett Family had been deeply rooted in Massachusetts since 1636. Moreover, Alexander Everett’s brother was Edward Everett, the fifteenth governor of Massachusetts.

Coming from Connecticut, Goodrich’s ability to snatch victory from the hands of the Everett Family in Massachusetts shows his competence.

With the identity of an American senator gold-plating him, Goodrich naturally acquired social resources unreachable for ordinary American writers upon arriving in London.

Shortly after arriving in London, the American Ambassador to the UK, Andrew Stevenson, hosted a banquet for him and introduced him to a few noteworthy British friends.

Of course, with Goodrich’s identity, it’s naturally difficult for him to interact with the distinguished members of the House of Lords.

However, when it comes to writing travelogues, the distinguished members of the House of Lords might not actually provide much assistance; in contrast, those British gentlemen of similar status to Goodrich could offer substantial help, such as Sir Arthur Hastings, a prominent figure at Buckingham Palace, in charge of the British police system and Permanent Under-Secretary of the Home Office.

In Mr. Goodrich’s view, he felt only gratitude towards Sir Arthur.

This gentleman among British gentlemen not only took him to visit the British Royal Family’s jewelers, Rundell & Bridge Company, allowing him to see firsthand the coronation crown composed of over 3,000 diamonds and the display cabinets showcasing the National Seal and National Sword.

Moreover, Sir Arthur enthusiastically offered to guide him when he was blocked by an official outside Westminster Cathedral two days ago, helping him understand the preparations for the coronation ceremony.

Arthur also detailed for him where the most bustling places would be on the day of the coronation ceremony and when and where commemorative events would occur.

And when Goodrich learned from his friends about this British gentleman’s rise to success, he greatly admired this commoner turned knight who embodies the "American Dream" by changing his fate through hard work.

If recording the coronation ceremony wasn’t Goodrich’s main purpose for this trip, he would have wanted to write a book exclusively about Sir Arthur.

Yet even so, Goodrich still plans to dedicate a separate Chapter in his coronation ceremony travelogue.

——During my days in London, I often reflect on the differences between America and Britain, particularly the deep sediment of traditions and etiquette, which is remarkably pronounced. Even though I live in Boston, a city famed for its vitality and pioneering spirit, despite America’s abundance of opportunities and innovative consciousness, our society consistently lacks a certain composed grace.

——When I first met Sir Arthur Hastings, this unique grace on him deeply touched me. Although situated in a busy society, Sir Arthur has never shown any signs of haste or impatience. His demeanor embodies a rare balance of confidence and humility seen in America. Many people in America, especially in politics, are eager to present themselves, wanting to prove how clever or important they are. But with Sir Arthur, what I saw was more calmness and tolerance...