Madam Manon's House of Misadventure

Part 1

Located on a street corner just where the impoverished part of town ended, and the affluent neighbourhoods began, was 'Madam Manon's'. Due to its strategic position, the brothel was frequented both by upper-class gentlemen as well as their more destitute counterparts. Despite its owner, Madam Manon, having procured the establishment long after it had become a fixture in the township, it quickly became referred to by her name.

Prior to her arrival, the building had been on the verge of foreclosure after the elderly woman, who had long since been its keeper, had begun struggling to sustain business. In a desperate effort to cope, she had resorted to petitioning her wealthier clientele for financial support. This had driven away many to whom part of the appeal of such places is the escape and lack of responsibility they grant. Ultimately, and despite having gained ownership of the bordello after a lifetime of working there as a courtesan, she is said to have sold it to the young Manon for a bargain.

Upon acquiring the brothel, Madam Manon implemented a number of lucrative additions. These included renovating the interior and renting out rooms for boarding. She also managed to recruit new workers, those of whom proved appealing enough to lure back lost customers. The primary attraction, however, became the new Madam herself.

The companionship offered at 'Madam Manon's' did not include her own; her duties were limited to hosting guests and managing the household. Nevertheless, seeing the raven-haired beauty alone was enough for many, even if it meant satisfying their lust with one of her girls instead.

Most of her customers agreed that the best part of the experience at 'Madam Manon's' was watching her bend down to serve them refreshments; her bewitching jade eyes glanced up at them through dark, arched brows while her black curls fell into the crevice of her fair bosom, which she left exposed just enough to entice the imagination.

Such exclusive service was reserved only for the highest paying clients, and for whom a section of the premises was partitioned off. These lavish quarters were adorned with elegant fittings and ornate furniture to provide a gentleman's club atmosphere. Here, guests were treated to complimentary food and beverage while lounging with the house's alluring escorts and their even more desirable Madam.

The private chamber's premium offerings included homemade wine, which Madam Manon and her girls referred to as their Summer Wine. The sought-after beverage became talked about among the most esteemed circles, and before long, a saying was coined: We came for the company but stayed for the wine.

Thusly, the establishment was soon restored to, if not exceeding, its former glory.

A few months into its success however, questions arose regarding three men who had been reported missing; and were last seen entering 'Madam Manon's'. Rumours began to circulate about what might have happened to them. The most sinister of those theorised that they had been robbed and murdered or were being held captive by Madam Manon.

Local authorities were practiced in ignoring the lewd activities which took place on the property in exchange for discounted services. And after it began doubling as a boarding house, it became all the simpler for them to look the other way.

Yet, in light of these reports, and because the men in question belonged to high-class society, they were forced to investigate.

Two constables were assigned to the task which was to involve interrogating Madam Manon and her girls followed by searching the premises.

The pair made their way to the brothel and a familiar bell chimed as they entered through its four-panel door. They were greeted by Madam Manon, with whom they were both well acquainted. She stood behind a wooden reception desk at the end of a narrow hallway.