## Chapter 172: Under the Spotlight (4K6)
“As the ship owner turned around, he saw Danglar standing behind him. Danglar seemed to be waiting for his orders, but in reality, like the ship owner, he was also watching the young sailor with his eyes. Although both of them were looking at Edmond Dantes, the expressions and meanings in their eyes were vastly different…”
The gramophone stopped abruptly, cutting off the voice of the reader.
The gentlemen and ladies present, who had been listening with rapt attention, turned to Arthur and exclaimed, “Mr. Hastings, what novel is this? It sounds quite intriguing.”
Colonel Fitzroy, serving in the Royal Navy, also inquired with interest, “I love stories where the protagonists are sailors, but there aren’t many of them on the market these days. Most bookshops are filled with fashionable novels. The protagonists are either delicate noblemen or other kinds of charming characters. Others might enjoy those, but for us who make a living at sea, those books are utterly boring.”
Elder couldn’t help but criticize, “Indeed, like that book by Lytton Bulwer, ‘Pelham; or, The Adventures of a Gentleman,’ what is it about? I can’t understand why it’s selling so well. And that book by Lady Gore, ‘Woman as She Is; or, The Manners of the Day,’ I wasted my money on it.”
Elder’s remark immediately drew a barrage of rebuttals from the ladies present.
“That’s quite rude of you, sir. Both Mr. Bulwer and Lady Gore are extremely talented writers in Britain.”
“Yes, especially Lady Gore’s ‘Woman as She Is; or, The Manners of the Day,’ even the late King George IV read it and said, ‘This is the best and most entertaining novel published to date.'”
“That’s right! Although the late King had many flaws in his lifetime, his literary taste is universally acknowledged. He bought all of Mr. Bulwer’s published books and collected them in every one of his residences. Moreover, before Mr. Bulwer’s ‘The Disowned’ was published, the King sent people to his mansion twice, just to read the latest chapters.”
Just one remark, and Elder found himself under attack by the ladies.
Seeing this, Lady Cowper could only smile and try to save the young man who once peed on her lap.
She changed the topic and asked Arthur, “Mr. Hastings, are there any more chapters? I’m eager to hear what happens next.”
General Smith, who was drunk, also slurred his words, “Yes, Mr. Hastings, if you have more, please bring them out quickly. I’m dying to hear.”
Arthur saw that the atmosphere was getting heated and smiled as he took out several chapters from the bag he carried with him.
He asked, “Do you want to read them yourselves, or shall I read them to you?”
The naval officers shouted, “You read them, we’ll all sit together and listen. On board the ship, when we have nothing to do, we often ask someone to read novels to the lads.”
The ladies also expressed their agreement, “The Blue Stocking Society Salon also follows this rule, scientists present their research findings, and writers read their latest masterpieces.”
Hearing this, Lady Codrington, a passionate fan of Paganini and a new fan of Hastings, quickly added, “Mr. Hastings is also a musician. It seems that after the salon ends today, we should have a private meeting and include a musician personally playing his latest compositions in the new program.”
The Blue Stocking ladies unanimously agreed, “Agreed!”
“My dear ladies, this manuscript is not my work. As for who the real author is, I’ll introduce him to you after I finish reading these new chapters.”
With that, Arthur didn’t hesitate any longer. He smiled and moved a round stool to the center of the stage.
Not only were the guests looking at him with anticipation, but Mr. Moschelles and the musicians also put down their instruments.
For the musicians of the symphony orchestra, today’s work was extremely comfortable. Not only was the working time shortened, but they also had captivating stories to listen to.
Arthur sat on the stool and began to read the manuscript in his hand, word for word.
He read from the second chapter, Father and Son, to the third chapter, The Catalan Village, and the fourth chapter, The Conspiracy, in one breath.
When he reached the fifth chapter, The Wedding Feast, he had reached the end of the manuscript.
The guests were engrossed in the story, and when they saw Arthur stop reading, they thought he was tired. General Smith, who was hooked on the story, quickly poured a glass of wine for Arthur and handed it to him.
The drunk general, swaying as he walked, said, “Mr. Hastings, have a sip of wine to wet your throat and quickly tell us the rest of the story. Damn it, why was Mr. Dantes arrested at the wedding ceremony, and why is he connected to Napoleon?
He’s a promising young man, a first mate and acting captain on board the ship. He has no reason to do something that would ruin his future.
I guess someone must have framed him! It must have been that accountant on board, Danglars. He wants to replace Mr. Dantes as the new captain. Do you think I’m right?”
General Kirkland also nodded in agreement, “Yes, isn’t it obvious? It’s a trap set for him, just like what happened to me!
Back then, I was sailing smoothly and had a promising future. But one day, a bastard stockbroker approached me and told me about some good stocks that were worth buying, saying they would definitely appreciate in value. I was a damn fool back then, and I believed his lies!
Less than a month later, I was sued. They accused me of manipulating the stock market, involving a sum of 90,000 pounds. And my conviction was a piece of cake!
Then I was kicked out of the navy by those idiots at the Admiralty. My rank, position, medals, honors, and parliamentary seat were all stripped away. I was forced to go to South America to make a living!
Those bastards who hide behind the scenes and play dirty tricks, they’re all the same! Be a man and face me head-on! You think I won’t blow you all to hell with my bomb ship!”
Lady Codrington quickly comforted him, “Alright, Thomas, it’s your hot temper that got you into trouble. If you hadn’t rallied your subordinates to go to Mr. Burdett’s mansion to support him and beat up several officers sent by the War Office to arrest him, those people wouldn’t have targeted you.”
Kirkland glared, “Burdett is my brother, I support him, who else will? Besides, his case was unclear, who knows what’s going on behind the scenes? After all, there are countless bastards in this world who engage in framing and plotting!”
Kirkland was agitated, while the ladies’ focus was different.
Lady Milbanch said with pity, “Mr. Dantes, the male protagonist, is so unfortunate. He’s clearly in love with Miss Mercedes, but he’s arrested on such a joyous occasion like the wedding ceremony. That cousin of hers, Fernand, is such a scoundrel. He secretly admires Mercedes, so he’s unwilling to let them be together and conspires with the accountant on board to frame Mr. Dantes.”
Lady Cowper also blinked her captivating eyes, her fluttering eyelashes revealing her emotions, “Alright, alright, Mr. Hastings, don’t keep us in suspense. The gentlemen and ladies can’t bear it anymore, just keep reading.”
Hearing this, Arthur just shrugged helplessly and said with a smile, “Sorry, everyone. It’s not that I don’t want to keep reading, but I don’t know what happens next. My friend Alexandre Dumas only wrote up to here. To find out what happens next, you’ll have to wait for his next installment.”
“Ah? How can you leave it hanging like this?”
“Oh! My God! Mr. Hastings, can you sleep tonight? I definitely can’t.”
“If you have to, you can just make up a sequel.”
“Wait, is this an unfinished novel? Alexandre Dumas, I think I’ve heard that name somewhere.”
“Ah! Isn’t he the Frenchman who was rescued from the sea by the Royal Navy and Scotland Yard?”
“No wonder the story takes place in France and involves Napoleon. Now I understand.”
Colonel Fitzroy, hearing this, also gradually grasped the situation, “Mr. Hastings, I remember Mr. Dumas is currently living at your place, right?”
Arthur nodded with a smile, “Yes, Alexandre lives at my place.”
Ada Byron, who had been burying her head in her math problems, finally spoke up with dissatisfaction, “Then please ask him to write the rest of the story quickly. Having the story left hanging is even more frustrating than not being able to solve math problems.”
Arthur heard this and just raised an eyebrow and said with a smile, “Don’t worry, I’ll lock Alexandre in a Faraday cage and connect him to high voltage electricity when I get back. I won’t let him out until he finishes the manuscript.”
Elder imagined the scene and couldn’t help but shiver, he muttered, “You’re the only one who can do that.”
Lady Somerville also sighed, “That’s what you say, but I just feel itchy inside without hearing the rest of the story, I don’t even feel like dancing.”
“Mr. Hastings, I… I’m certainly not as important as His Majesty, and I can’t force Mr. Dumas, but if possible, could you give me a copy when the rest of the manuscript comes out?”
“Mr. Hastings, I want a copy too!”
“Yes, price is no object, I just beg you to make Mr. Dumas write faster. He’s already opened my wallet, all he has to do is move his pen, and he can take the money out of my pocket.”
Arthur saw this and knew he had achieved his publicity goal.
He smiled, clasped his hands in front of his chest, and bowed slightly, “Thank you for your patronage, I think my friend Alexandre will be very happy to know. But gentlemen and ladies, you don’t have to be so impatient, because in two weeks, Alexandre will officially open his story column in the newspaper. If you don’t mind, you can leave me your business cards, and once I confirm which newspaper he’s publishing in, I’ll send someone to notify you all.”
Arthur paused, then looked up at the sky outside and said goodbye, “It’s getting late, we’ve finished the scientific demonstration, and it’s time for me to go home. I apologize to you all, you should know I’m a Scotland Yard policeman, and I have to go to the Metropolitan Police Headquarters by 8 am tomorrow morning.”
Lady Codrington finally remembered the small request Arthur had made to her, she quickly nodded, “It’s okay, Mr. Hastings, we understand. It’s unavoidable when work calls.”
Arthur nodded in agreement and smiled as he retired.
But before he could leave the ballroom, Ada Byron winked at him.
She shoved a sheet of draft paper into his hand and said to him, “The gramophone played a beautiful tune, but I think you play better.”
Arthur nodded in agreement, “You understand art, Miss Byron, because I think so too.”
With that, he walked out, but before he could reach the door, someone called out to him. It was Mr. Moschelles.
Mr. Moschelles rushed out after him, shouting, “Mr. Hastings! About the London Philharmonic Society, would you reconsider? You only need to attend two concerts a month here. You may not know this, but since Mr. Paganini started the concert craze, musicians’ income has skyrocketed.
I promise, with your talent, if you come to our orchestra, your income will definitely be no lower than what you earn at Scotland Yard. Here’s the deal, I’ll go back and discuss it with the members of the Society, and as soon as you’re in place, we’ll pay you according to the standard for experienced pianists.
One concert will earn you about ten to fifteen pounds. Based on twenty-four concerts a year, your income should be around three hundred pounds. And this income level will continue to rise. If you work harder, it’s absolutely possible to earn over a thousand pounds a year in the future. I really beg you to seriously consider my suggestion.”
Arthur was about to decline Moschelles’ offer, but when he heard that musicians now earned so much, even several times more than a police superintendent, he hesitated with the words on his lips.
“This…”
Moschelles saw his hesitation and immediately realized that there was a chance. He quickly added, “Or, even if you’re not willing to go full-time, you can occasionally come to do some guest performances, some part-time gigs. We’ll definitely treat you well.”
The Red Devil, who had been mooching and eating in the ballroom, heard this, pulled out his handkerchief from his chest and wiped his oily mouth, saying, “Arthur, what are you hesitating for? One part-time concert can earn you ten pounds, which is almost as much as your monthly salary at Scotland Yard. It’s no big deal to have a side hustle in your spare time. It’s not like starting a company or doing business, and it doesn’t violate your Scotland Yard’s internal regulations.”
Arthur thought about it for a moment and finally shook Moschelles’ hand, “Mr. Moschelles, you may not know this, but music has always been my dream. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to pursue my dream. I think that when you’re young, you should work hard. Sometimes, being too realistic isn’t good.”
Moschelles, hearing this, finally let out a sigh of relief. He shook Arthur’s hand with a wide smile.
“You’re right, Mr. Hastings. So it’s settled. When you have time, just come to the London Music Academy and find me. You should have passed by it on your way here. It’s not far from General Codrington’s mansion, it’s near Baker Street.”
“Alright, see you then, Mr. Moschelles.”
Arthur let out a sigh of relief. Just when he thought he was finally going to end this tiring journey, he caught a glimpse of a carriage parked in front of the mansion out of the corner of his eye. It was a carriage that was low-key yet exuded a touch of luxury.
His eyes flickered with a faint red light. He felt like someone was watching him through the carriage window curtains.
But before he could figure it out, he heard the London High-Class Carriage Rental Company’s hired coachman, who had been waiting impatiently for him, say, “Mr. Hastings, can we go back now?”
Arthur hesitated for a moment, but ultimately didn’t walk over to the luxurious carriage across the street.
He got into his own carriage and adjusted his collar in the cold autumn night wind, “Let’s go, let’s go back.”
(End of Chapter)