Surat: Fall of a Port, Rise of a Prince: Defeat of the East India Company in the House of Commons by Mir

Author:Mir [Mir]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9789351941828
Google: tHCNswEACAAJ
Publisher: Lotus Collection/Roli Books
Published: 2018-01-15T01:42:59+00:00

*Later to be known as Claridge’s at Brook Street.

5

A Divided England

Queen Ann had a passion for riding; and it was when she rode past Windsor Castle one cold misty morning in 1711 that she first paid serious mind to the vast surrounding open fields and heath. Thinking of these as perfect riding country she commissioned the building of England’s most magnificent race course. Over the years Ascot had grown to become the most luminous gathering of English high society. The Sovereign took a personal interest in Ascot, racing her own thoroughbreds. But Royal Ascot really came into its own with the introduction of the Gold Cup. Presented by the reigning monarch, this was the feature race of the day in which the Sovereign’s horse would compete with special zeal. In many ways Ascot was the pinnacle extravaganza that brought English aristocracy together. Dukes, Earls, Lords, MPs, landed gentry and foremost, the Sovereign – all made grand entries at Ascot. Preparations for the great day began months in advance. Men polished their knowledge on the competing horses, and brushed up, too, on their current affairs. Ladies spent days fussing over their elaborate crinolines, specially designed hats meant to create a stir, and luring veils made to make a man’s heart beat faster.

Here, as the thunderous hooves of galloping horses kicking up dirt and sharply elevated the heartbeats of cheering onlookers, a great deal of varied business was also discussed. Ascot was the ideal hunting ground for matrimonial alliances among English aristocracy. When the race card was interrupted for lunch, tea and picnics, gossiping ladies would speculate on everything from the lost fortunes of a once-eligible Duke to the rising powers of a young Earl. Mothers of English maidens would keep a close eye on new prospects. Titles, land and property were all highly favourable factors. If good looks happened to be thrown into the bargain, then the package approached perfection. For their part, the English maidens endeavoured to glide around Ascot, making their way through chatting clusters, managing their flowing crinolines with grace, hoping to attract the attention of eligible suitors. The turf purists, meanwhile, debated betting odds, horse pedigrees, and new training methods emerging round the country (particularly in the counties of Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Somerset and Dorset). The most powerful attendees would discuss politics, elections, recent debates and new acts passed in Parliament, and the state of the Empire and its colonies.

Pulsford ensured that Jafar was seated in a private box not too far from that of Victoria and Albert. The hope was that the oriental team would catch the eye of the Prince Consort, a contact which could then be developed into an introduction. Jafar, his team and his attendants began drawing attention immediately upon arrival, just by their robes, turbans and sparkling jewels. For Jafar, watching the horses being led out of the stables and paraded before each race brought back memories of his own horses that had been confiscated by Arbuthnot. And as the magnificent beasts stormed towards the finishing line, he was reminded, too, of his carefree riding days in Kamandiyah.

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