Amshel held down his brother's hand as it reached for the teapot, staring at him: "If England's war doesn't go well—just like a few years ago—the banknotes the British pay us will be worth no more than fallen leaves, and the family will go bankrupt because of it!"
Salomon picked up the teapot with his other hand, poured water into the cup, and handed the freshly brewed tea to his elder brother: "My dear brother, you must have faith in the British.
"They have vast colonies in India and North America, and control most of the maritime trade. So even if they lose once or twice, they can quickly recover their strength.
"Believe me, the outcome of the war will surely be a British victory.
"Even if their army struggles to defeat the French, they can wear their opponents down with attrition."
Amshel accepted the teacup, but still shook his head: "I'm afraid you're being too optimistic. The British are in a very passive position right now..."
