SGB Chapter 290

## Chapter 290: London Focuses on You (6K4)

The late autumn in London rarely saw sunlight. In the evening, faint stars glimmered behind the clouds in the night sky.

Under the bright moonlight, the newly installed kerosene street lamps along the streets lit up one after another. The pitch black nights that were once shrouded in darkness had bid farewell to London forever. The dazzling city that never sleeps was no longer exclusive to Halloween, and the illuminated streets were not just for guiding the awakened spirits away from the city.

Outside the Astley Amphitheatre, a semi-open-air structure built in the style of an ancient Roman arena, the streets were bustling with activity. Everywhere you looked, you could see coachmen wielding their whips and respectable gentlemen walking arm in arm with their wives or, perhaps, someone else’s wives.

However, tonight, perhaps couples not bound by marriage were in the majority.

Due to the coincidence of Halloween, whether out of tradition or to cover up the intimacy between men and women, almost everyone wore a mask that covered the upper half of their faces.

The masks were diverse in style, with a variety of colors and paintings. Some couples chose to dress up as Admiral Nelson and his mistress, Lady Hamilton, while others enacted the love story of Tristan and Isolde. Some were even bolder, portraying the classic Shakespearean characters – Romeo and Juliet.

Of course, among the couples, there were also those who chased fashion and sought novel experiences. Some gentlemen chose to wear a Scotland Yard police officer uniform tonight, while their companions wore a red dress and held a beige parasol.

Readers of the magazine “The Englishman” would recognize that they were imitating the protagonist of “The Hastings Detective Series,” Mr. Hastings, and his assistant, Miss Helen.

Of course, there were also those who dressed up as other popular characters from “The Englishman,” such as Mr. Pickwick, the Count of Monte Cristo, the Young Duke, or even the legendary Robin Hood, who could occasionally be seen on the streets.

Unfortunately, perhaps due to the high difficulty of imitation, Darwin’s scientific work “The Story of the Monkey” was unfortunately defeated in the Halloween mask competition. After all, Mr. Elder Carter, the most similar imitator, was currently enjoying a fantastic drift in the waters off Argentina.

Although Carter’s absence somewhat dampened the festive atmosphere of Halloween, the pumpkin lanterns hung outside the shops still added a festive touch to tonight’s performance.

Under the shopkeepers’ instructions, the shop assistants eagerly displayed their best-selling goods outside, loudly hawking and attracting customers.

The street cleaners, who made a living collecting horse manure and cleaning the roads for ladies and gentlemen, also seized the opportunity. Thanks to the numerous masked balls and salons held in London tonight, they no longer had to argue and fight over a single job.

Tonight’s traffic was enough for everyone.

Although London’s evening dances were numerous tonight, and various theaters all prepared special programs for Halloween, determined to gain an advantage in the increasingly fierce competition for London’s top theaters, even so, among all the evening entertainment options, the program at the Astley Amphitheatre was still the most eye-catching.

Thanks to the advertisements in London’s major newspapers, Londoners had known about the Astley Amphitheatre’s program for weeks. Even the British gentlemen, accustomed to the most high-society and trendy performances, couldn’t help but be drawn to their program.

Under the same moonlit sky, in the Astley Amphitheatre’s backstage lounge, Arthur put a biscuit in his mouth and picked up his teacup.

His other hand was holding a newspaper. With a slight shake of his arm, rows of headlines immediately caught his eye.

“The Count of Monte Cristo and The Pickwick Papers Officially Authorized for Stage Adaptation.”

Alexandre Dumas: “Although I have achieved unprecedented success in the world of fashion novels, don’t forget that I come from a background of writing plays. The script for The Count of Monte Cristo was also written by me personally. I guarantee its quality is no less than my previous work, Henry III and His Court.”

Charles Dickens: “Although The Pickwick Papers is not yet finished, I think the current content is enough for the first act. As Alexandre said, bringing your own work to the stage is truly exciting. I believe Astley Amphitheatre has the best stage sets and professional actors, and I am very happy to have collaborated with them. Finally, I also hope that the audience will see a perfect stage premiere there on Halloween night. Have fun!”

“London Philharmonic Society Releases Halloween Schedule, Second Orchestra Pianist and Conductor Mr. Arthur Hastings Supports Astley Amphitheatre.”

“It is believed that Mr. Hastings will release several new personal works on Halloween Day. Music lovers who enjoy Hastings’ style should not miss this opportunity.”

Mr. Jacob Mendelssohn, a member of the London Philharmonic Society and a renowned pianist, said in an interview: “I know that there is a lot of criticism of Arthur in the British music world right now. They say Arthur only has one piece a year, and that he plays nothing but The Clock. Everyone is speculating whether the Muse’s favor has been exhausted? I had doubts about this for a while, and as his friend, I was also worried about his situation.

But not long ago, Arthur invited me to his home and let me listen to some new pieces. It was then that I realized how ridiculous and rude my worries were. If my melodies represent beauty, nobility, and harmony, then Arthur represents passion, excitement, and fervent love, and behind this love lies a deep and profound melancholy.

I rarely envy anyone, but this time, I’m sorry, Arthur, even though you’re my friend, I still have to say it. I envy you, I really envy you! Why is the Muse’s love for you so crazy? Were you her lover in a previous life?

Ah… Arthur, I think you’re doing this on purpose. Why did you let me hear such things before I left for Paris? Arthur, you’re such a bad person. Now it seems like you being a policeman at Scotland Yard might be good news for the European music world. If you were a full-time composer, where would we have room to stand in Europe?”

“Jacob Mendelssohn Temporarily Changes Paris Itinerary, the Romantic Pianist Who Inherited Mr. Bach’s Mantle Announces: He Will Play a Warm-Up Performance for Mr. Hastings’ New Music at the Halloween Performance.”

Arthur read this, took a sip of his scalding hot tea, and exhaled a cloud of white mist: “Jacob, you’ve gone bad! You know those pieces aren’t mine, yet you’re bragging to reporters without even taking a breath. This time, counting Vidocq’s incident, I owe you two favors.”

Then, his gaze moved down a bit, to a headline that was equally eye-catching and alarming.

“Landing in London for 35 Days, 49 English Swordsmanship Masters Lost Their Lives in a Row, London Swordsmanship Association Annihilated!”

“London Swordsmanship Association Loses Hundreds of Members in a Week, Practice Hall Silent.”

“The Birth of Napoleon of the Rapier! Who is François Bertrand?”

“Can’t 22 Million People in Great Britain Find a Single Person Who Understands Swordsmanship?”

“Frog Legs Are Already Stepping on Britain’s Face! British Martial Arts Is Losing Face!”

“I Call for the Immediate Formation of the Eighth Anti-French Alliance!”

“Tragic News! In Order to Preserve the Glory of English Swordsmanship, the Upright and Courageous Scotland Yard Inspector Mr. Hastings Announces: He Will Engage in a Duel of Honor with the Parisian Sword Master François Bertrand Before Playing New Music!”

“The London Philharmonic Society Strongly Opposes This Unnecessary Bloodshed, Philharmonic Society President Mr. Moscheles Denounces: It’s already ridiculous enough to have a promising young pianist catching criminals. Now he might even lose his life or hands due to a duel, it’s simply absurd!”

“Mr. Faraday, Head of the Royal Institution of the Royal Society, Expresses Concerns to Press Reporters: Arthur is currently collaborating with me and Mr. Wheatstone on a crucial paper in the field of electromagnetism, and I worry that his departure could cause irreparable losses to the field of electromagnetic research.”

After the announcement of the duel, Mr. Hastings’ ardent supporters in the fields of science and music gathered outside the Greater London Police Headquarters at 4 Whitehall Street for a protest.

Mrs. Codrington, the representative of the protesters, said: “We ladies of the Blue Stockings Society have always supported Mr. Hastings, but this time he’s gone too far. But we don’t think it’s all his fault. We don’t understand why the consequences of the incompetence of the British swordsmanship community should be borne by an outstanding figure like Mr. Hastings.”

Miss Byron, who participated in the protest with her mother, also agreed: “I am very familiar with Mr. Hastings. He is not only a very polite and humorous gentleman, but also an outstanding police officer, an excellent pianist, and a pioneering natural philosophy researcher. I’ve also heard that his swordsmanship is excellent, but I don’t think he should be the price for covering up the incompetence of others.”

Incidentally, during the interview, reporters also heard many creative solutions.

“If Bertrand dares to raise a hand against Mr. Hastings, we’ll cut off his shoulder too!”

“Don’t blame me for not reminding Scotland Yard, if you don’t stop this duel, I’ll bring a gun when I go to see the show!”

“Don’t doubt his words, I’ll prove it. The gentleman who just said this is a graduate of Oxford! Do you understand the weight of an Oxford gentleman’s promise?”

“Scotland Yard Announces Increased Patrol Strength Around Astley Amphitheatre on Halloween Night, and Issues a Short-Term Gun Control Order for the Area.”

“Greater London Police Commissioner Charles Rowan: Arthur Hastings is Scotland Yard’s best officer and a treasure for all Londoners. We will certainly respond to the call of the London people to ensure his safety.”

“On High Alert! According to inside sources, 500 police officers will be deployed to Astley Amphitheatre on Halloween night! Please refrain from any excessive actions.”

“St. Mary’s Hospital Will Send Professional Emergency Doctors to the Duel Site, Doing Everything Possible to Ensure Mr. Hastings’ Safety.”

Arthur finished the last bit of tea in his cup and put down the newspaper. Just as he did, he saw Bertrand, dressed in a fencing uniform, walk in from the east side of the lounge.

His forehead was covered in sweat. It was evident that even Napoleon of the Rapier had his moments of nervousness.

Bertrand saw Arthur and couldn’t help but let out a long sigh of relief. He took two steps at a time and walked up to Arthur: “Mr. Hastings, I am truly grateful that I made the wise decision to accept your hand… uh, no, friendship. No, that’s not right either, it’s loyalty to the Bonaparte family and the friendship between us. Haha, looking at the situation today, even if I win, I doubt I’ll be able to walk out of the theater alive. From the moment I stepped into this door, I realized that I have to lie down and go out today.”

Arthur chuckled softly: “Don’t worry, Mr. Bertrand, as long as you follow the script, I guarantee that neither of us will be in any trouble. Relax, it’s just a play. Although we’re not professional actors, we’ve at least rehearsed a few times. And to prevent the audience from shooting at us, we’ve specially set up the duel stage a bit further back this time, and we’ve also asked Scotland Yard to tighten gun control. So…”

Bertrand interrupted: “If I hadn’t agreed to you that day, wouldn’t Scotland Yard have enforced gun control anyway?”

“No, they would have still done it,” Arthur smiled and leaned back in his chair: “But then, I wouldn’t be able to guarantee the comprehensiveness of gun control. After all, you understand, being a policeman is not an easy job, sometimes there will be one or two fish that slip through the net.”

Bertrand shivered: “I feel more and more that I made the right decision. But it’s also my own fault, I seem to have gone too far. If I hadn’t picked on so many fencing clubs in London, I wouldn’t have been forced into this duel with you.”

Arthur didn’t deny Bertrand’s speculation. He just shrugged: “Well, Mr. Bertrand, you should hurry up and prepare your props. There are quite a few big names coming tonight, including the French ambassador, Mr. Talleyrand. If he takes a fancy to you, it will definitely help your development in Paris. As I said before, I don’t intend to make you lose too badly. You can lose gracefully. Overall, I advocate a win-win situation.”

Bertrand readily shook hands with Arthur: “I won’t disturb you anymore. You should prepare yourself as well. But looking at your calm state, I guess I shouldn’t worry about this performance.”

With that, Bertrand opened the door and walked out.

However, just as he left, a familiar face entered the lounge.

It was Lionel Rothschild, dressed in a formal tailcoat, wearing a bow tie, and attending the event in full regalia.

A hint of a smile played on Lionel’s lips, but a thread of worry, contrary to happiness, lingered in his brow.

The usually polite and courteous young man walked directly towards Arthur, forgetting even to greet him.

He sat down directly in front of Arthur and asked: “Arthur, are you confident of your victory today?”

Arthur could sense the undercurrent in his words: “Is something wrong?”

Lionel took a deep breath and nodded: “Good news, but also bad news.”

Arthur joked: “I thought only civil servants from various departments spoke like this. Turns out bankers are the same?”

Lionel laughed and waved his hand: “Never mind, I won’t joke with you. It’s not really a time for jokes either. Arthur, I have something important to tell you. You have to win this match today.”

Arthur picked up the teapot and poured himself another cup: “Thank you for reminding me, Lionel, but that’s what I was planning to do anyway.”

“Arthur, I’m not talking about your determination to win, but the outcome of this duel must be your victory! Because I just received notice from my father that there will be a few special guests at the theater today. If you can perform well in front of them, it will not only help Rothschild, the organizer, but also benefit your own future.”

“Huh?”

Arthur found a clue in the other man’s words. After a moment of thought, he suddenly seemed to understand something, and he couldn’t help but widen his eyes slightly as he pointed to the ceiling: “You mean, Him?”

Lionel smiled brightly: “Yes, it’s Him!”

Agareus, sitting on the chandelier, pinched his cheeks and said sarcastically: “Oh, my King Solomon! Arthur, even God is coming to watch your monkey business with Bertrand? But I still think the carpenter would prefer to watch the Jews being nailed to the cross! Now you have the Jews, Arthur. While you still have time, go ahead and saw two more rotten pieces of wood. For the sake of our long association, I can reluctantly nail you up.”

Arthur didn’t bother responding to the Red Devil’s taunts. He simply asked: “Why would His Majesty come to the Astley Amphitheatre? Don’t royal family members usually go to Covent Garden Theatre to watch their elegant operas?”

Lionel clapped his hands and smiled with a closed mouth: “We can only blame ourselves for the publicity of this duel being too successful! Arthur, to be honest, Rothschild’s social circle is quite wide. As you know, our main business, besides stocks and bonds, is loaning. You know you’re one of our loan customers. Before you, we have provided quality services at affordable prices to many others, such as the Duke of Wellington, the late Duke of Liverpool, or former Chancellor Vansittart and former Trade Board Chairman Harris, all of whom were among our clients.

Among all the clients, we value the British royal family the most. Before the current King William IV luckily ascended to the throne, he was just a Duke of Clarence who was not well-liked by others for a long time. Perhaps because of his extravagant spending in his early years, or perhaps because others didn’t respect him much, his financial situation was quite bad for a long time. During that period, Rothschild provided him with tens of thousands of pounds in long-term stable loan services, so we also won some of his friendship.

He would occasionally invite my father to have a simple dinner or offer him some appropriate financial advice. Just this morning, His Majesty suddenly asked about this swordsmanship duel. Because he served in the Royal Navy for many years, he has always been interested in this kind of thing.

Plus, the whole city of London is buzzing about your duel with Bertrand. So he also had the idea of coming to see the show. His Majesty’s orders, perhaps the great nobles of the House of Lords might not care, but for Rothschild, we cannot miss this opportunity. So, Arthur, you understand, winning this duel is beneficial to everyone.”

Lionel finished speaking, then suddenly lowered his voice: “Arthur, I asked around the London Swordsmanship Association. Bertrand’s skills are no joke, he’s not just a name. So I think, just to be safe, we might as well…”

Lionel said this, and made a gesture of counting money towards Arthur: “Arthur, what do you think? I’m not trying to make you lose your honor, but life is precious, isn’t it? You have to play music later.”

Arthur saw his gesture and simply stood up seriously. He spoke sadly: “Lionel! I never thought that in your mind, I would be such a person…”

Lionel immediately retracted his smile and stood up to apologize: “Arthur, don’t be angry. This is just an immature proposal, I have no intention of offending you. I just habitually applied the banker’s logic, sorry, I should have understood this. As a true swordsman, your honor is not something that can be tainted by money.”

Arthur sighed and shook his head. He picked up a biscuit and held it high towards the chandelier. Through the small hole in the biscuit, he could see the Red Devil’s mocking smile: “Lionel, Mr. Bertrand is already my friend. I won his friendship, just like Rothschild won His Majesty’s friendship.”

“Huh?”

Lionel was suddenly stunned. He was still thinking about how to apologize to Arthur when he heard this and couldn’t help but laugh and pinch his waist: “Arthur, it’s really exciting to be friends with you! I thought you were a sensitive person!”

Arthur threw the biscuit into his mouth and chewed it slowly, savoring the taste: “No, Lionel, you’re right. I am quite sensitive to friendship. I’ve almost worked in vain for this trip just to make friends.”

“Ah…”

The confident smile returned to Lionel’s face. He rested his hand on Arthur’s chair back and lowered his head to speak: “Arthur, don’t worry so much. The price of friendship is always expensive, especially the friendship of big figures, it’s practically priceless. Compared to them, I think Mr. Bertrand is already cheap. But you like making friends, and I like making friends too. Maybe you can introduce me to him sometime? That way, I think we can split the cost of friendship evenly.”

With that, Lionel extended his hand towards Arthur and raised his eyebrows with a smile.

Arthur took out his handkerchief and wiped the biscuit crumbs off his hands, then familiarly shook his hand.

Arthur said: “Lionel, I hope our friendship is not something that can be measured simply by money.”

Lionel nodded with a smile: “Of course, but I do have the idea of adding investment. Because in my opinion, the current valuation of this stock is actually too low. Arthur, you see, just one “The Englishman” is already a surprise for me.”

Arthur shook his head upon hearing this: “You really don’t listen to advice, Lionel. But do as you please, I have nothing to say about it. Because I’m not really an expert in investment.”

Lionel patted Arthur on the shoulder: “Arthur, do a good job performing. You’re the star of this play today, we’re just along for the ride. Don’t forget, this Halloween night, the whole of London is focusing on you.”

(End of Chapter)