The Shadow of Great Britain-Chapter 518 - 272 Timely Rain Hastings (4K2)_3

"Of course, mathematical variations are always very subtle. In the hands of a capable person, three shillings can perform the worth of three thousand pounds. In the hands of a mediocrity, even thirty thousand pounds are worthless. This is why Viscount Melbourne insists on delivering the annual three hundred pound living allowance into Mister Faraday’s hands rather than anyone else’s. It’s because we believe that once he has the money, he won’t have to hustle for a living and can devote himself better to the cause of science."

"Similarly, the appointment of six additional chief constables to the Police Intelligence Department has the same purpose, Mister Hastings. We feel you can make good use of the leisure time after extricating yourself from piles of paperwork to do something more meaningful, such as persuading Mister Faraday to accept this money."

Having said this, the old civil servant smoothly pulled out the hot potato containing the check and stuffed it into Arthur’s hand, speaking in a grave tone that brooked no refusal, "Mister Hastings, for the sake of the Police Intelligence Department and also for the Home Office, you wouldn’t want to disappoint Viscount Melbourne, would you?"

Arthur, holding the envelope, slightly curled his lip and said, "Alright, considering that everyone is acting in Britain’s interest, what exactly is going on?"

The old civil servant, seeing Arthur accept the task, visibly relaxed. He began to speak with a satisfied smile, "It’s nothing much, just a small misunderstanding between Viscount Melbourne and Mister Faraday. You must have heard that due to the Royal Society’s perennial unsatisfactory revenue, scientists have had to regularly hold lectures to raise funds. Consequently, the salaries and treatment of the researchers of the Royal Society have grown even less optimistic."

To address this problem, Sir Peel publicly called in Parliament for the establishment of a special annuity, to reward those with outstanding contributions in science or literature. This task was eventually entrusted to the Home Office to handle, and to express our appreciation for the scientists, we even arranged for Viscount Melbourne to personally visit the Royal Society and present this annuity to Mister Faraday, who was first on the list."

However, on that day Viscount Melbourne was distracted by some personal business, so he appeared inattentive during his conversation with Mister Faraday. And indeed, His Lordship is not as passionate about science as Sir Peel and his sister, Lady Copper, so there was a hint of frivolity and... um, indifference in his speech... What followed is what you have witnessed today. Faraday was infuriated."

Arthur frowned slightly upon hearing this.

If these words had not come from a senior civil servant of the Home Office, Arthur would have thought it a lie.

Based on his interactions with Viscount Melbourne, this amiable nobleman would not show his disregard for the scientists’ treatment in front of others, even if he truly did not care. freёwebnoѵel.com

After all, he’s a savvy political veteran of many years; if Melbourne were really that tactless, he wouldn’t have occupied the position of Home Secretary.

Arthur couldn’t help but press on, "You mentioned that Viscount Melbourne was preoccupied with some private matters. May I know what they are?"

The civil servant found it rather awkward to speak of at first, but to get Arthur to take on this mess, he ultimately decided not to hold back any longer.

After all, he couldn’t keep such matters a secret forever; the Home Secretary’s romantic escapades were bound to become the talk of the town.

The civil servant sighed and said, "Things have come to this point, so I might as well not hide it from you. Someone has taken Viscount Melbourne to court, accusing him of seducing a married woman, corrupting social morals, on top being unfaithful to Christ and to his kin. From what I’ve said, you probably can guess the rest. Yes, the plaintiff is Judge Norton, and the defendants are our minister and Mrs. Norton."