Chapter 299 Shocking Secret (4K2)

In a quiet box on the third floor of the Astley Amphitheatre.

There was only a tinkling sound, and Viscount Palmerston raised his wine glass and clinked it gently with Mrs. Leven, the female companion who accompanied him today.

Mrs. Levin thanked her with a smile: "Henry, one year after taking office, you have become more and more comfortable at what you do in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I have long seen that there is some irresistible social ability in you." Charisma, and you have applied it well in diplomatic work. No matter what others say, at least I think you are the best that Britain has done in this position in recent decades, even better than Sir George Canning. "And Viscount Castlereagh, you tried your best to avoid the conflict between Britain and Russia and brought rare peace to Europe."

When Viscount Palmerston heard this, he just used his signature smile to compliment the wife of the Tsarist Russian ambassador and one of the hostesses of the Allmark Club in front of him.

"Dorothea, I cannot be where I am today without the good advice you gave me. When I was deep in the quagmire of debt, it was you who stretched out your slender but powerful arms to pull me out of the swamp. Come out. And when I was about to be abandoned by the Tories, it was you who helped me bridge the gap with the Whigs, allowing me, a bewildered little sailor, to switch sides in time before the broken ship was about to sink.

Dorothea, you are an angel to many people, but to me, you are a noble and inviolable muse. Not only do you know how to sing and dance, but you also have the best dance moves even at the Allmark Club. But compared to your wisdom, your elegant dance moves that are the envy of countless ladies can only be used as red cherries to decorate the cream cake.

At this point, I must thank you again, if you hadn't helped me build momentum at the Allmark Club and let the respectable Earl Leven use his personal connections to lobby the Prime Minister Earl Gray. In any case, it is impossible for me, a pawn who has just switched party memberships, to win the position of foreign minister. Although everyone says that I am affectionate, no one has ever said that I am unfeeling. I will always keep this friendship in my heart. "

Mrs. Levine looked at the stage play being performed in the audience, and suddenly raised her hand to support her chin by the window: "Today's performance at the Astley Theater was more interesting than I imagined, whether it was "The Count of Monte Cristo" or "The Count of Monte Cristo" and "The Count of Monte Cristo". The stage premiere of "The Pickwick Papers" and the duel between Mr. Hastings and Mr. Bertrand were both wonderful. As for Mr. Chopin's performance, his skills were indeed as good as those I heard from the Russian court. It’s as good as what you heard, if not better.”

Palmerston also understood the meaning of Mrs. Leven's words. He asked politely: "Is Chopin very famous in Russia?"

Mrs. Leven responded cryptically: "Yes, maybe Chopin's name is not famous in Britain, but in Petersburg, his name is like...well...maybe closer to Mr. Hastings's status in London." . Since Chopin became famous very early in Poland, when His Majesty Alexander I visited Poland, he invited the fifteen-year-old Chopin to participate in his concert performance.

At that time, His Majesty the Tsar was very happy to hear this. He even took off a diamond ring he was wearing and gave it to Chopin to show his recognition and reward for his playing ability. Since then, Chopin's reputation has spread throughout Russia. I thought that such an outstanding person should stay in the Petersburg court and develop his musical talent in the arms of Mother Russia. Unexpectedly, I met him in London today. "

Considering the recent trend of public opinion in the London news media and the recent upsurge of attention of the British public towards Poland, Palmerston naturally understood what Mrs. Levine meant.

Just as Mrs. Leven praised him, an outstanding diplomat can interpret countless meanings from ordinary words.

Palmerston responded with a smile: "I know that Russia and Poland have been unhappy recently due to some minor conflicts, and the British society's concern and enthusiasm for this matter have exceeded the original limit. In order to calm these emotions , I have made a lot of efforts in the parliament, but as you know, wasn’t there news recently about Mr. Bernie Harrison extending a helping hand to Mrs. Poland?

Thomas Barnes, the clown-like editor-in-chief of The Times, took advantage of this incident to use the topic again and once again stirred up the popularity of Poland. The Westminster Union has also been protesting about Poland, although I think such protests are unreasonable and unreasonable.

But after all, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs cannot always fight with them. I think it is quite necessary to hold a concert to release their pressure and dissatisfaction when necessary. Regarding this, I also informed Earl Leven in an earlier informal conversation. A concert does not mean that Britain has changed its position. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has no intention of attacking our reliable allies, and your husband understands this very reasonably. "

When Mrs. Leven heard this, she turned her head and stared at Palmerston with her watery black eyes, and suddenly burst into laughter.

"Henry, look at you. You must be very busy these days. You are always fighting in the Parliament and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Why can't you even chat with a weak woman like me who doesn't understand politics and diplomacy? Has it become such a serious tirade?”

Palmerston took off his hat and replied with a smile: "Dorothea, aren't I worried about making you angry? Can I have the honor of dancing with you at the Allmac Ball next week?"

Mrs. Leven raised her hand and admired her emerald ring: "Originally, my dance partner has already been decided. However, if it were you, charming Henry, I wouldn't mind temporarily switching to someone to dance a waltz with me. But... Aren't you afraid that Emily will be angry? She has been trying to occupy your position as a long-term dance partner."

Palmerston smiled and replied: "How could it be? Emily knows all about these things. Besides, she will open a salon at home this weekend. Even if I want to dance with her, she doesn't have the time."

Mrs. Leven shook her head slightly and said: "Emily has done her best for Earl Cowper. If she hadn't been in charge of the Cowper family's social circle, Earl Cowper's stuffy personality would probably have been eliminated early in the morning. Excluded from the mainstream political circles in Britain. But then again, if Emily had not made such a disgraceful act as elopement when she was young, she could have married a more humorous and powerful husband.

She was too impulsive and easily deceived by men, and at that time she did not understand the nature of marriage. It is usually difficult to achieve such a good thing by binding love and marriage together. If she had been as free and easy as she is today a few decades earlier, with her ability to manage her husband's social circle, she might have become the Prime Minister's wife by now. Instead of staying with Earl Cowper, who is taciturn and inarticulate, and blushes after just a few casual conversations with ladies.

It was his luck to meet Emily. If she hadn't committed something stupid, the anxious old Viscount Melbourne wanted to find a husband to marry her off quickly, but Earl Cowper would not have been able to catch such a mistake. But, having said that, Emily's family doesn't seem to be fuel-efficient.

The old Viscount Melbourne was also a prodigal son when he was young. Emily's mother, the old Lady Melbourne, was a famous socialite in London at that time. She was deeply trusted and loved by the late King George IV. If it weren't for her, the old Viscount Melbourne would not have risen from an ordinary life. The ordinary little knight was gradually promoted to the position of viscount.

As for Emily's sister-in-law, Baroness Ponsonby, the wife of the young Viscount Melbourne, let alone the story between them. When Lord Byron was still alive, the various major newspapers and tabloids on the streets of London were full of tidbits about Baroness Ponsonby and Lord Byron almost every day. Looking back, the quiet and elegant little Viscount Melbourne was an anomaly in their family. "

The ladies can't stop chatting and gossiping, and Palmerston is also happy to change today's topic from Poland. Remaining mysterious and closed is his consistent political style, and it is also a good strategy for him to protect himself and attack his opponents.

He would rather talk a few more words about the mountains than reveal a few more words about his views on foreign policy.

Viscount Palmerston said: "William is indeed an old unlucky man. With his behavior and consistent demeanor, if he were born in a normal aristocratic family, he would definitely grow into the most popular moral model for the priests. . He is gentle in dealing with people and well-mannered when dealing with ladies. This is what everyone thinks. But... Dorothea, you would be wrong if you really think of him as an ascetic monk.

William actually had quite a lot of fun when he was young, and he was involved in a divorce lawsuit in his early years. But perhaps it was precisely because of the subsequent public opinion turmoil between his wife and Byron, coupled with his unfortunate marriage, that William's edges were gradually smoothed. Although he was not obsessed with material contact, he was spiritually But men need more emotional care than other men.

Fortunately, I recently discovered that he seems to have found his true love. Since William met that lovely lady, his mental state has improved significantly than before. As a friend, I am happy for him from the bottom of my heart. "

"oh?"

As expected, the topic raised by Viscount Palmerston instantly aroused Mrs. Leven's curiosity.

She angrily accused Palmerston and said, "Henry, you clearly know that I want to know this, why do you have to keep it secret?"

Palmerston smiled playfully: "It's not that I want to show off, but I think that instead of me saying something unfounded here, it would be better for you to go to the box next door and walk around twice. Dorothea, you also know Yes, I have always been very strict with my mouth. I don’t like spreading my friends’ secrets everywhere.”

"You mean... they are next door?" Mrs. Leven opened her mouth half-open, covered her lips with one hand, and opened her eyes in surprise: "Viscount Melbourne and his close lover?"

"Ahem..." Viscount Palmerston coughed: "Dorothea, you can't say that. William has always emphasized that he and that lady are innocent, and I also believe in his credibility and their relationship. It’s more like spiritual. As for whether it’s physical or not, only God knows.”

After hearing this, Mrs. Levin raised her fan to cover half of her face, her eyes narrowed with laughter: "Henry, you are really evil-minded. It turns out that you sent me over to let me witness them with my own eyes. Come back and give you a report? Come on, I won’t be fooled by you. You should keep these words and deal with the parliament. "

Hearing this, Palmerston smiled and complimented: "My dear Dorothea, I told you that if you were a British man, I would not be able to survive in British politics for a long time. In front of Prime Minister Dorothea, all my little tricks are nowhere to hide."

Hearing this, Mrs. Leven leaned forward gently and lay on Palmerston's chest: "That's not necessarily true. You always have something to hide when you encounter something. I don't believe you have used up all your tricks. In order to punish your dishonesty, you must let me see something new today."

Mrs. Leven stroked Palmerston's face with her hands, and said with affectionate eyes: "Henry, my request should not be too much, right?"

Palmerston hugged the beauty's waist, and his breathing became heavy: "Dorothea, you know, I never refuse a lady's request. Although I don't admit that I lied, if you must see something new, I will rack my brains to make up some for you."

The two of them were in love, and it was a passionate moment.

Suddenly, there was a thump, and the door of the box was kicked open.

Then, there was a roar that could almost be heard throughout the entire floor: "Caroline, you stinking bitch, cheap whore! I guessed that you and Melbourne were doing these dirty things!"

Viscount Palmerston was shocked, and Mrs. Leven was so scared by the sudden roar that she hid in the arms of her male companion, not even daring to show her face.

After a short brain short circuit, Palmerston finally came back to his senses.

He looked at Mr. Norton, the magistrate who came to catch the adultery, standing at the door, and looked at him for a long time before he was sure that he didn't know this person.

Viscount Palmerston slammed the table and roared: "Who are you, you scoundrel! Why did you break into my room?"

Norton looked for a long time in the dim light in the room, and then he realized that he seemed to have gone to the wrong place, and the other person's face seemed to be familiar. It was no one else, but the powerful foreign minister.

Norton felt cold all over his body, and the anger that he had finally built up was suppressed in an instant. He laughed awkwardly twice: "Sorry, I seem to have gone to the wrong place."

After that, he heard a snap, and the door of the box was closed again.

Viscount Palmerston was so angry that he opened his clothes and was about to draw his gun. While drawing his gun, he shouted at the door: "Asshole! Don't run, you thug!"

But when he rushed out of the door, the guy who had ruined his good deeds had disappeared in the corridor without a trace.

The corridor was still filled with the echoes of his and his companions' angry arguments.

"Bernie, didn't you say it was that room?"

"How the hell do I know! The information I got was that room. Maybe Viscount Melbourne temporarily refunded his ticket, or changed the room?"

"Damn it! I knew there was a reason why you were caught for whoring!"

"Bullshit, where do you think your brain works?!"