mystery of that day, he was certain, and he must get to the bottom of it.
Chapter 29
‘Why did you wish to speak with me, sir?’ Emilia asked Mr. Dassel in a hushed tone as soon as she found a more secluded corner for the confrontation.
The short, portly German smiled at her. He wore a brocade waistcoat which was too tight, allowing a bit of his undershirt-covered belly to show most shockingly.
‘I was surprised to see you among the guests at this ball, Miss Whitmore,’ Dassel said, his accent changing all his ‘w’s to ‘v’s and ‘th’s to ‘z’s. ‘I have wanted to speak to you again about your opera, you must understand. And furthermore, I realized once I saw you here that I was aware of your connection to this family.’
Emilia blinked at him, uncomprehending. ‘Sir, I am certain I do not know what you mean, and in any case, can we not postpone this conversation until some future date?’
‘You are as out of your element here as I am, Miss Whitmore,’ Dassel said, grinning. ‘Dancing with barons and viscounts, yes? When you are no member of the nobility.’
Emilia’s cheeks grew hot and she glanced around. ‘What business is that of yours, Mr. Dassel? My reasons for being here do not concern you.’
The German waved this away like a disagreeable fly. ‘Of course they do not, save that I have a great appreciation for your musical talent, and so I feel most interested in what may befall you, Miss Whitmore.’
‘If you truly care about my happiness, sir, wish me well and allow me to return to the ball without further interruption.’
The composer leaned in closer, as if to impart a confidence. ‘Miss Whitmore, I always research my...employers, as a precaution. When one has secured the sponsorship of royalty, it will not do to subsequently become associated to a scandal.’
Emilia could not imagine what the little man was speaking of, and she held her tongue, impatience causing her to wring her gloved hands.
‘But unfortunately for me, I learned of a matter which is cause for concern too late to back out of this task.’
‘A matter which is cause for concern...?’ Emilia murmured.
‘It would seem that in recent days, parties have made a number of inquiries, Miss, and the rumour building is that Lord Ceastre may not have a legitimate claim to the earldom.’
Emilia narrowed her eyes in confusion. ‘Lord Ceastre—?’
‘Yes, I speak, of course, of he who currently claims the title of Earl of Ceastre,’ Dassel said. ‘You once gave lessons to his daughter, did you not, Miss?’
‘I...’ Emilia’s voice trailed off as she began to understand what Dassel meant. He was speaking of Edward Emery, father of Charlotte Emery.
‘You told me so yourself, as I recall, on the day when you presented yourself to me for the first copying commission.’
Emilia’s mind was whirling. ‘I do not understand why you are telling me all of this.’
‘I have it on good authority that the earl is not the earl. A gentleman has come forward with documents proving his own claim.’
Shock rendered Emilia speechless. Was the gentleman Dassel referred to Maximilian Emery? Had he challenged his uncle without acquiring the evidence he had sought?
‘Miss Whitmore, you must understand, I now choose to warn you. You must see that it is bound to come out, and your own association to the fraudulent earl can only harm you. Perhaps this is not the circle you should associate with, hmm?’
Heat ran up Emilia’s back most unpleasantly.
I cannot concern myself with these matters any longer. It is not why I have come here tonight.
But Dassel seemed quite unwilling to let her go, for as she prepared herself to take her leave, the composer grabbed her elbow.
Oh, this will not do! I shall be seen!
‘I beg your pardon,’ said a familiar voice behind her.
Emilia swung around to see Maximilian Emery standing there. With a gasp, she met his handsome green eyes.
‘Mr. Milton,’ she said, then took in his countenance with some alarm. He looked very pale and ill.
The gentleman shook his head. ‘I am Mr. Emery now.’
Emilia’s heart was racing and she felt a dizziness sweep through her.
‘Please forgive my interruption, sir,’ Maximilian Emery said to Mr. Dassel. ‘I know it is most unseemly, but I could not restrain myself. I simply must request the honour of this dance with Miss Whitmore.’
Dassel’s mouth dropped open and then snapped shut with an audible click.
‘I accept,’ Emilia managed, taking the earl’s hand and allowing him to lead her away.
***
Miss Whitmore’s