The Shadow of Great Britain
Chapter 496 - 496 264 The Rothschild Gambling Table 8K4_5

496: Chapter 264: The Rothschild Gambling Table (8K4)_5 496: Chapter 264: The Rothschild Gambling Table (8K4)_5 Arthur spoke earnestly, “Thank you for your understanding, Your Excellency.

However, I must also emphasize that protecting the lives and property of London’s citizens is also part of Scotland Yard’s duty.

You too are part of London’s citizenry, and we certainly have an obligation to protect you.

So, please do not decline our assistance anymore.”

Seeing that Arthur failed to grasp his meaning, Palmerston suggested subtly, “I can assure you that my female companion is innocent, and I’ve known her for a long time.

She is a very wealthy lady and certainly wouldn’t glance twice at my modest fortune, let alone extort me.

Do you remember what I told you before?

I went bankrupt when I was young, but that was not the only time.

Just a few years ago, I faced financial difficulties again, and it was that lady who helped me out of trouble.

Hence, tonight’s incident was just an unfortunate, isolated event.

Let’s leave it at that.

Arthur, my young man, focus on your recovery and don’t trouble yourself with these trifles.

You are no longer a mere junior officer; you are a Scotland Yard Inspector, and you need to start thinking of the larger picture now.”

When Lionel heard this, he instantly understood which lady Palmerston was referring to.

He also came up with a smile to smooth things over, “Arthur, I can assure you that the Viscount’s testimony is true.

Let’s put this matter to rest, shall we?”

Arthur pretended to be distraught for a moment, then sighed, “Seeing as you all say so, then…

alas…”

Arthur sighed and began putting away his pen and paper, “That feeling of watching two scoundrels slip through one’s fingers is truly unpleasant.

Your Excellency, you really shouldn’t be so kindhearted.

Mark my words, one day your generosity and kindness will be your undoing.”

Palmerston smiled and stroked back his hair, “I know, but what can I do, I cannot bear to see others in misfortune.

Perhaps those gentlemen were just trying their luck.

If they had approached me in a more subtle way, I would have undoubtedly been unable to resist giving them a few shillings.

But at that moment, as you understand, I was indeed angered.

Nevertheless, let’s put the matter behind us now, I don’t mind.”

Having said that, Palmerston extended his hand in farewell to Arthur, “Then, farewell, Mr.

Hastings.

Your duel tonight was quite spectacular, and Mr.

Chopin’s performance was utterly soothing to the ear.

I hope the proceeds from tonight’s event will help the Polish people.

May God be with Poland.”

Arthur watched as Viscount Palmerston departed with his servants from the stairwell.

Once he was certain they were gone, he turned to Lionel and inquired, “Who is his companion?”

Lionel looked around to make sure they were alone and then whispered, “Mrs.

Liven.”

“So when he spoke of having gone bankrupt a few years back…”

Lionel smiled mysteriously and said, “Around 1825, Palmerston did indeed go through a financial bankruptcy.

He had accrued considerable debt, owing around ten thousand pounds to Rothschild Bank, Barings Bank, and various other smaller loans combined.

At that time, no one was willing to continue guaranteeing loans for him, so the Viscount turned to his old friend Mrs.

Liven.

She advised him to try his luck at the gambling house, and so Palmerston went to a casino on St.

James’s Street, winning a staggering twenty-five thousand pounds in just two days.

Arthur, remember what I told you?

Those with capability often have good fortune.

So, you see, Viscount Palmeston is also a man of strength.”

Upon hearing this, Arthur couldn’t help but take a deep breath, “Twenty-five thousand pounds?

Mrs.

Liven really spared no expense.

I just don’t know whether this was merely an impulsive act on her part or if she was making a long-term investment on behalf of the Russians, or perhaps both?

But speaking of which, Lionel, how do you come to know of this?”

Lionel replied with a smile, “Because that casino was owned by a Jewish man, Mr.

Jacob Hart, whom I happen to know.

Mr.

Hart has been quite fortunate because of that particular gambling event.

He was just appointed by the Foreign Office as the Consul of Britain in Leipzig earlier this year.”

Arthur also couldn’t help but laugh, “It seems that the rate of return on this investment has been quite high indeed!

We can’t yet judge what the major shareholder Mrs.

Liven has received, but the minor shareholder Mr.

Hart has certainly cashed out his stocks successfully.”

Lionel chuckled, lighting a cigar, “Right?

Arthur, have you been wanting to play a couple of hands recently?

I’m not like Mr.

Hart.

I plan to hold onto my shares for the long term.”

Hearing this, Arthur just took off his hat to fan himself and shook his head, “Lionel, you can’t always be injecting capital.

If you keep it up, my own stake will be diluted quite a bit.”

At that, Lionel burst into laughter, took a puff of his cigar and blew out a ring of smoke, “Arthur, you needn’t worry so much.

Like you said, my investment isn’t purely financial; there’s also an element of impulse.

The control of the board is in your hands; I have no intention of using a gambling chip to throttle your neck and impede your play.

Unless…

you yourself want to move to a bigger table…”