Three Emperors (9780062194138) Read Free

understand you’re Bohemian, Wolfgang.”
    â€œMy friends call me Wolf, Monsieur Franklin. Prussian on my father’s side and Czech on my mother’s.” As was the custom of the higher classes in Europe, we were speaking French, the universal language of travel. “But people of our sort are really men of the world, are we not?”
    â€œI’ve crossed the Atlantic several times.” Best to remain vague.
    â€œThe truly sophisticated person is stateless,” said the marchesa. “I’ve danced in St. Petersburg and worshipped in Madrid.”
    â€œAnd which did you find more satisfying?” Lord Ramsey asked.
    â€œDrinking champagne in Strasbourg and bedding a Polish lancer in Berlin.” She brayed, leaning forward to give him a good view.
    â€œDid you have a role in your famous relative’s experiments?” Richter asked me. “Franklin was Prometheus, was he not? Lightning from heaven?”
    Clever as the devil, I’d judge, though by the time I served Ben, he napped, farted, and recycled tiresome stories like any old man. “No. His genius didn’t extend to my bloodline.”
    â€œYet you’re a traveler on an intellectual mission?” The baron cocked his head slightly. The full mask must be stifling. “To bring Old World wisdom to the New? What do you wish to look at?”
    â€œRuins, I think. We’ve little history in the United States. I understand there are glorious castles in Bohemia. Dungeons and prisons, too.”
    â€œIn decay.” Richter gave a dismissive wave. “Prague itself is a beautiful city, however, and scholarly.” His dark eyes studied me as if I were a specimen. “Old books, dusty relics, medieval secrets. Narrow alleys and secret rooms.”
    â€œHadn’t thought of going there,” I said, lying. Could Richter be of help on my quest? Dangerous men have uses. I wished I could see his face.
    â€œAnd you’re an electrician like your famed relative?” Nahir asked.
    â€œA dabbler.” I liked the excuse to turn and look at her. “I experiment.”
    â€œAnd what do you seek, scholar?” She gave me a promotion I decided to accept.
    â€œBeauty.”
    The marchesa snorted.
    â€œI do research myself,” Richter said. “Civilization has forgotten half what it once knew. We can relearn secrets from the ancient past.”
    â€œBoatloads of books go to your Ca’ Rezzonico,” Ramsey put in. “Old histories full of legend and speculation, I hear. It’s an imposing address, Baron. And a big one.”
    â€œI’m merely renting. And I have the leisure to read.”
    â€œYou travel alone, Monsieur Franklin?” Nahir persisted. I’m wary when strangers are too inquisitive. And susceptible when they’re too pretty.
    â€œTemporarily.”
    â€œIntriguing to meet an American in Venice in time of war,” Richter went on. “But then I’ve heard stories of Americans caught up in European affairs. Spies, diplomats, and soldiers of fortune, scattered from Moscow to Paris. Some are dashing, others disloyal. They flit to conspiracies like moths to flames.“
    â€œI can’t imagine they’re very effective.” By Thor’s hammer, had this gambler somehow heard of the rascal Ethan Gage? I’m at the dimmest edge of notoriety, but he could have heard my name at gambling tables, as I’d heard of his. “We Americans are rustics when it comes to European politics. And your allegiance, Baron?” Too many questions to me, so I’d volley to him.
    â€œTo live life to the fullest, by enriching myself on the follies of my companions.” His fingers spat cards like seeds.
    â€œYou wish the world to be normal, Lord Ramsey?” Nahir said, referring to his earlier comment. “Whatever for?”
    â€œSo that every man know his place, and all the bloody head chopping and church sacking and mob