Chapter 2387 Letter from Scotland

Marquis of Hastings’s carriage steadily stopped in front of Lancaster Gate 36.

As he walked to the door, Whitridge, who had been notified a few minutes ago, was already waiting at the door. Due to a lack of staff, this coachman had to temporarily act as a personal butler.

Whitridge appeared a little nervous, but he still tried his best to mimic the tone of those professional butlers in novels, slightly bowing, "Your Excellency, Sir is waiting for you in the living room."

Marquis of Hastings nodded slightly, didn’t pause much, just took off his gloves and walked straight into the house.

Arthur was sitting on the sofa, examining the document in his hand.

When he heard the doorbell ring, he subconsciously stood up; from these small movements, it was evident that, although this third-ranking figure of the Home Office appeared calm on the surface, the anxiety within him was completely on par with the dusty Marquis of Hastings.

The Marquis walked silently into the living room, while Arthur stood still, his expression remaining calm.

The two men merely exchanged a glance, quickly sensing the awkward emotion in each other’s eyes.

"Good afternoon, Arthur."

"Please sit down, George."

In the quiet living room, there was a silence.

"Thank you." The Marquis took the initiative to break the silence, placing his hat and gloves on the table beside him, as if trying to hide the unease in his heart, "I know you’re usually very busy; I didn’t expect to find you so easily today."

"No matter how busy, some moments matter." Arthur did not shy away from court rumors: "I’ve made many enemies outside, over the years there have often been rumors about me in the streets and alleys, but I didn’t expect this time the slanderer would be so despicable as to draw Flora into it. About this..."

Arthur paused for a moment, then slightly bowed his head: "George, I must apologize to you."

The Marquis of Hastings hesitated slightly; he hadn’t expected Arthur to be so direct.

Seeing the Marquis stunned, Arthur softly continued: "I know many people think I’m too close to Flora; perhaps this has led to misunderstandings for you. But I can swear to God, I have no improper intentions, nor have I done anything shameful. George, regarding Flora’s matter, the relationship between her and me has always been one of familial and friendly concern. She is part of the family; please believe, my sole responsibility is to ensure she is unharmed."

Upon hearing this, the Marquis of Hastings finally relaxed his tightly furrowed brow.

He had never believed Arthur would act so recklessly; now Arthur’s assurance gave him peace of mind.

However, he still faintly worried, "Arthur, I certainly do not doubt your character, nor will I believe those slanders and attacks against you. But Flora... I know you’ve always been attentive to Flora; the family’s expectations of her have never lessened. You know the people in the court always like to fabricate things, maliciously exaggerating every detail. I am not doubting you or Flora, but I worry whether she has been approached by some... ill-intentioned individuals."

Arthur naturally understood the Marquis’s implication.

To put it bluntly, for the Hastings family, it’s not important whether Arthur did this or not; in fact, if Arthur truly was responsible, it could be more easily resolved because the Hastings family could arrange for the two to quickly marry. Although doing so would damage the Hastings family’s reputation, the impact could be minimized.

Additionally, given Arthur’s current social standing, as the third-ranking figure of the Home Office, he can be considered well-matched with the Hastings family, even a decent choice. Even though Arthur now faces suppression from the Whig Party, this is merely a minor setback in hundreds of years of waves to genuine blue-blood nobility.

Thus, even if Arthur lost his position at the Home Office, with his current resume and resources, coupled with the staunch support from the Hastings family, he could quickly make a comeback in British politics. Although the Marquis of Hastings cannot guarantee Arthur’s future entry into the cabinet, if he claims he can guarantee his brother-in-law a Lower House seat for thirty years, no one would consider him exaggerating.

Therefore, the Marquis of Hastings’s greatest worry now is if Flora truly has an affair with someone, yet that person is not his kinsman Arthur Hastings.

Because, no matter what, his sister Flora’s expanded stomach is ultimately a fact. Though he would never admit in public that a rounded belly means pregnancy, when facing a trusted kinsman like Arthur, his heart is inevitably anxious.

Arthur spoke, "George, I completely understand your concerns; the family’s honor and Flora’s safety are equally crucial to me. However, I must clearly tell you, I don’t think, nor do I believe, Flora has ever acted inappropriately. She’s a pure-hearted girl, an aristocratic lady adhering to traditional etiquette; she’s done nothing wrong, and due to her long-standing life at Kensington Palace, she’s even less likely to have been tempted by anyone."

"I am not referring to Flora’s personal issue." Marquis of Hastings interrupted him, his tone becoming more cautious: "Rather, she might be influenced by some external individuals, an influence that may... not be easily noticeable."

"No, that’s impossible, and I don’t believe it." Arthur’s response was faster and more resolute than the Marquis expected: "I understand Flora; she’s never had such thoughts, nor has she ever shown vulnerability before anyone. Her heart is pure; she allows no one to trample it easily."