Chapter 2388 Letter from Scotland (2)

The Marquis of Hastings obviously didn’t expect Arthur to use such decisive terms. After all, he knew very well that the relative sitting in front of him was one of the best in the country at evading direct confrontation.

Moreover, according to normal logic, most people, when faced with such a significant matter, would distance themselves as long as they could clear themselves of responsibility, treating it as none of their concern.

Yet Arthur actually chose to take a proactive stand, this...

The Marquis of Hastings sighed deeply and shook his head slightly, saying, "I’m sorry, Arthur. I really shouldn’t have... I... I can’t believe I doubted you earlier... You’re right, Flora has always been our family’s pride, and she could never do anything to disgrace the family name, absolutely never!"

The Marquis of Hastings thought Arthur’s support for Flora stemmed from familial ties, and perhaps there was a touch of personal emotion involved, which certainly wasn’t wrong.

But it was well known that since 1832, Sir Arthur had rarely acted sentimentally.

The reason he dared to unequivocally defend Flora was not just his guilt towards her, but because Sir Arthur’s Police Intelligence Department still maintained the tradition of monitoring Kensington Palace.

And Flora, as the Chief Lady-in-waiting to the Duchess of Kent, was naturally a key surveillance target of the Intelligence Department.

Long before the Marquis of Hastings arrived at Lancaster Gate, Arthur had already sent someone to retrieve all the files and reports related to Flora from the Police Intelligence Department.

Or more precisely, before the Marquis entered, he was looking at a document that summarized all of Flora’s travel records over the past six months.

As once the finest officer in Britain and the foremost detective of Scotland Yard, Sir Arthur could easily analyze from the data that there was simply no possibility of Flora being involved in an illicit affair.

However, due to the illegality of these surveillance documents from the Intelligence Department, Arthur couldn’t openly publicize them, or he would have already placed them in front of the Marquis of Hastings.

The Marquis of Hastings mumbled while holding his head, "Maybe I was too hasty, too eager to draw conclusions about this matter. I’m sorry, Arthur, I shouldn’t have let those rumors affect the relationship between us."

"I understand your position, George. You’re doing this for the family, and I will fully support you." Arthur stood up and said, "However, before that, I want to know if Flora is okay now? For a lady, being insulted by such rumors must be more painful for her than for us."

"Flora, she’s stronger than we imagined, but she has indeed been greatly affected." The Marquis of Hastings looked frustrated, "I’ve heard she’s shut herself in at home, refusing to see anyone, even doctors. Her spirits are very low, even her mother can’t comfort her."

"Not even see a doctor?" Arthur stood up, pacing, "Does she not trust doctors from Scotland?"

"This... I don’t know if I should say." The Marquis of Hastings sighed, "Flora believes that the rumors probably originated from the royal physician, Mr. Clark. She said she had consulted Dr. Clark when she was in poor health before, so..."

Upon hearing this, Arthur had a sudden realization. He had always found it strange, because in this era, with the ladies’ dressing habits, even if they were pregnant, it could be concealed with large crinolines.

And that’s also why Arthur had never noticed Flora’s belly getting bigger.

Typically, such physical changes are only known to those closest to them.

Because of this, Arthur had, until now, once suspected that the news of Flora’s pregnancy might have been spread by her sisters.

But if the source of the rumor was actually Dr. Clark...

Dr. Clark had served as Victoria’s personal doctor since the Kensington Palace days, and he now serves as the Imperial Physician, with extensive connections in and out of the court. If he inadvertently leaked Flora’s privacy, then all the rumors could be explained.

The Marquis of Hastings, upon mentioning this, felt his anger surge, "If it is indeed Clark who leaked Flora’s privacy, then his behavior has seriously violated medical ethics and tarnished the family’s honor. I cannot allow him to continue serving in the palace."

Arthur remained silent for a while upon hearing this and suddenly spoke, "George, regardless of the truth, the most pressing issue now is to find out what illness Flora actually has and provide her with appropriate treatment. Flora may not trust other doctors, but..."

He pulled a business card from his coat pocket and slid it across the table to the Marquis, "This is the contact information for Dr. John Snow. He is a friend of both mine and Flora’s and also a physician at Westminster Hospital. Have someone reach out to him with this card on my behalf, and Dr. Snow will travel with you to Scotland."

The Marquis of Hastings took the card, expressing gratitude, "Arthur, I really don’t know how to thank you. I believe Flora will be very happy when she learns about this."

Arthur raised his hand slightly, "As for Dr. Clark, I will investigate through my channels. If he indeed leaked the information, it will be hard for him not to slip up. But until we have solid evidence, we must tread carefully. After all, Dr. Clark has the protection of the Royal Family, and he also has his own friends, so if we can’t resolve this quickly, things will only get more complicated."

"Arthur, you are so generous." The Marquis of Hastings stood up and firmly shook Arthur’s hand, "I will immediately arrange for someone to contact Dr. Snow and help Flora through this difficult time. As for Dr. Clark, I’m counting on you. If you need any assistance, feel free to reach out to the family. I believe, whether it’s me or the Earl of Huntingdon, all members of the Hastings family will be happy to help."

"It’s the least I can do, George." Arthur nodded, but his tone suddenly became cautious, "However, George, there’s one more thing you must handle with care."

"Please, go ahead."

"Although I can’t determine who is stirring things up behind the scenes or their motives, you know, the court is now almost entirely composed of the Whig Party members... So, if you encounter a roadblock with the Prime Minister, and you probably will hit a roadblock there, but after that, I recommend visiting a reliable ally who can act for our family’s interests in this situation."

The Marquis of Hastings immediately understood Arthur’s insinuation.

"Are you referring to Peel?" The Marquis of Hastings fell silent, "But... neither my father nor I personally have a close relationship with Peel, I’m not sure if he will intervene at such a time."

Arthur smiled, "If you speak to Peel about the Ireland Church issue, he is unlikely to concede. However, if you approach him regarding the issue of Buckingham Palace, trust me, George, he will stand firmly by our side. Peel is someone who judges matters on their own merit and is very intelligent. As his former subordinate, I know this very well. Peel is acutely aware that the Whig Party’s strategy has reached its limits. The Conservative Party’s influence in politics is gradually rising, but its influence in the court is almost nonexistent. Therefore, he has enough reason to support us, especially at this moment."

The Marquis of Hastings took a deep breath, gripping Arthur’s hand, "Alright, Arthur. Since you say so, I will arrange a visit to Peel immediately."

He stood up, ready to leave, with a clear resolution.

Arthur saw him to the door, watching as he climbed into the carriage, tipping his hat in farewell.

However, just as he was about to turn and go back inside, he suddenly saw a uniformed postman with a mailbag jump off the mail coach and wave to him.

"Sir Arthur, there’s a letter for you from Scotland!"