15. The Scourge of Europe
The Scourge of Europe
“Sixes & Sevens,” Johan began, stretching his legs toward the fire, “clever enough as names go, the Bittermanns always did have a flair for naming their establishments. But its purpose is the same as all the others—ruin.”
“What were the others called?” asked Alex.
“There was: L’Enfer élégant in Paris, and Il Destino in Venice, De Spelmeester in Brussels—that’s where I can personally attest to their handiwork.
But before that, they’ve had rooms in Geneva, Amsterdam, Milan, and Lyon.
Each new establishment bears a fresh, enticing name, is impeccably run, and just exclusive enough to tempt even the wary.
By the time scandal attaches itself, the Bittermanns have moved on, leaving behind a wake of debts, disgraced reputations, and the occasional duel. ”
Miles gave a short, bitter laugh. “Then London is merely their latest conquest.”
“Exactly,” Johan said. “And as with their past endeavors, Sixes & Sevens is no ordinary gaming house. Behind the gilded trappings and velvet draperies, the same foul methods persist—weighted dice, marked cards, and the most insidious of all, laudanum-laced drinks.”
Alex set his glass down with a sharp click. “Drugged?”
“Oh yes,” Johan confirmed. “Not enough to render a man unconscious, of course—only enough to soften his judgment, loosen his purse strings, and imbue him with the unshakable conviction that he is on the brink of a most extraordinary winning streak.”
Miles muttered an oath. “No wonder they’ve been so infernally successful.”
Johan inclined his head. “Their operations have been known to ensnare confident gamesters from Amsterdam to Venice. Rudi Bittermann alone has a presence sufficient to cow even the most reluctant debtor, but it is Lilith one must truly fear.”
Alex exhaled slowly. “Lady Bitter.”
“The very one,” Johan confirmed. “If Rudi ensures that debts are collected, it’s his sister who determines their true cost. Money is only ever the beginning. Secrets, alliances, reputations—these are the currencies she trades in.”
Miles’s jaw tightened. “Devil take it, now I’m in their clutches.”
“They are, at the very least, predictable,” Johan said. “Once the authorities begin sniffing about, they slip away to a new city and begin again.”
“But how have they always managed to escape justice?” Alex demanded.
Johan took another measured sip of his brandy before setting the glass down.
“ Yah , in Brussels, nearly they were caught. Their house attracted all manner of clients—merchants, aristocrats, and even a few diplomats who should have known better. The authorities could ignore the rumors for only so long. By the time the complaints became overwhelming, I was one of those called to present evidence before the courts.”
Alex stiffened. “You testified against them?”
“I was ready to.” Johan nodded. “I had seen enough—heard enough—to know exactly what they were. But the day before I was to detail their methods, their deception, the ruined lives left in their wake—” He let out a sigh, shaking his head.
“Before justice could be served, they vanished. Aided, no doubt, by the very men they had ensnared—men of influence and power, who would rather see them gone than have their sins exposed.”
“That’s probably how they’ve managed to ensnare Creswell into spying for them.”
Miles’s grip tightened upon the chair-arm. “I’ve been manipulated, drugged, and deceived.”
Johan’s expression softened, though his voice remained firm. “It is their way, and it is effective.” Johan seemed sympathetic. “But do not worry, young Miles. Alexander and I have come to ensure that not so much as a penny will they extract from you.”
“That’s all very fine,” Miles returned grimly, “but don’t you see the tangle?
Lilith must have sent Creswell to confirm or deny the existence of my supposed heiress, and Lucinda—blast it all—Lucinda claimed to be her.
If Creswell is as much in their power as I am, he’ll divulge her name without a qualm.
” Miles added yet another complication. “And Lucinda is an heiress, so they’re likely to believe it when they are given her name. ”
“Why? How much has she to her name?” asked Johan.
“Seventy thousand pounds,” both brothers chorused the dull reply.
“I like the lady more and more!”
Miles stood. “We need to stop them,” he said with conviction.
Alex sat in contemplation, his gaze distant. “Outrage alone will not suffice, Miles. First, we must stop Creswell and keep Lucinda from any rash outbursts.”
Miles raised a hand. “You can leave Lucinda to me, I have her trust.”
“I envy you, brother,” said Alex.
Miles smirked. “I knew you weren’t indifferent to her. Did you tell her so this evening?”
“No. All I could get out was an apology before Creswell made his untimely interruption.”
“You must forgive me, Alexander,” Johan put in solemnly. “I could have wrestled him to the ground, but it was a ballroom, after all.”
“What a detestable popinjay! What did he say?”
“He declared that your betrothed ought not to have any indecent privacy with her future brother-in-law.”
“The insufferable coxcomb!”
“Quite. His claws are securely into her.”
“She must have known I would deny the betrothal, Alex,” Miles said dismissively. “It’s a fabrication that never could have lasted between brothers as close as we are.”
Alex cast him a grateful glance, heartened to know that his brother seemed untouched by the years of separation. Yet, the wistfulness in his expression soon dimmed, giving way to a more somber reflection.
“It’s not just that, Miles. She appeared quite overset.
When I saw her tonight, standing like a goddess on that auction block, I was resolved—I would finally apologize for my past actions.
But Creswell’s meddling twisted what should have been a heartfelt moment into an excruciating ordeal for her…
ugh! After everything she’s suffered these past two years, causing her more distress was the last thing I wanted. ”
Miles was astounded at his brother’s forbearance.
“You know, Alex, I was reluctant to believe Johan’s assurances that you’d changed.
But I stand corrected—and amazed. I’ve confessed my wretched behavior, and still I possess a whole skin.
Lucinda misleads you, and you do nothing but offer me felicitations!
I hardly know you, brother. What befell you in Brussels? ”
Johan subsided into his chair, a satisfied smile playing about his lips.
Alex hesitated before answering. “I met a family. A loving family. They reshaped my point of view. And then,” he gestured to the Dutchman, “I met him.”
“Ah, yah ,” Johan said smugly, crossing his legs. “I do have a way of bringing out the best in people.”