The air in Windsor carried a slight dampness, and the archways of the stone corridors exuded a grayish-white chill under the winter afternoon light.
Arthur, led by an attendant, walked through the corridor lined with portraits of the Royal Family. Just as they turned the corner, Arthur suddenly noticed a familiar stranger—a middle-aged gentleman of medium build, well-dressed, with a slightly receding hairline.
He heard footsteps and slowly lifted his head, his gaze swiftly and politely fell upon Arthur.
Those eyes did not carry the sharpness of interrogation, yet naturally gave the impression of being appraised.
Mr. Edward Drummond, great-grandson of the 4th Viscount Strathallan, a shareholder of Drummond Bank.
Of course, most importantly, he was the personal secretary to Sir Robert Peel, the leader of the Conservative Party.
"Sir Arthur Hastings." Drummond nodded slightly, his voice steady with a touch of professional courtesy: "Do you have a moment?"
