Charlotte waited for the gentleman in question to drift away from the group of diplomats gathered by the punch bowl, then discreetly followed as he wandered over to admire a display of rare botanical engravings hung in one of the side salons.
“I couldn’t help but notice your sash, sir,” she said, joining him in front of a colorful floral specimen by a renowned botanical artist from the seventeenth century. “You are a representative of the Kingdom of Württemberg, are you not?”
“You have a very discerning eye, madam,” responded the gentleman with a smile. He was younger than most of the other foreign representatives in the room, and while only of average height, he held himself with an athletic grace that made him stand out from the crowd. “Not many people here would recognize the coat of arms of my tiny country.”
“You are likely right,” replied Charlotte. “Even though they should, given that your ruler is married to the eldest daughter of our king.”
He acknowledged her statement with an admiring nod. “You seem very well versed on international politics.” An apologetic cough. “I know it is considered unmannerly by London’s Polite Society for a gentleman to introduce himself to a lady, but might I have the honor of formally making your acquaintance?”
Charlotte responded with a light laugh. “Rules are vastly overrated, don’t you think?”
A spark of interest lit in his ice-blue eyes. “Indeed. Those who are unwilling to improvise rarely transcend the ordinary.” With that, he took her proffered hand and inclined a graceful bow over it. “I am Maximilian Conrad von Hauser.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you, sir,” replied Charlotte. “And I am Lady Wrexford.”
“Enchanté,” murmured von Hauser. He plucked two glasses of champagne from the tray of a liveried servant and passed one to her.
They exchanged a number of observations concerning the importance of the upcoming conference before she broached her real objective in seeking von Hauser’s company. “As it happens, sir, the reason why I know a bit about the Kingdom of Württemberg is because I am acquainted with someone from your country.”
A twinkle glimmered in his eyes. “I do hope that he didn’t disappoint you, milady.”
“Not at all. I found him quite interesting and engaging.”
“I am delighted to hear it,” answered von Hauser. “Might I inquire who it was?”
“Of course. His name is Ernst Joseph von Münch, librarian to King Frederick,” replied Charlotte.
A look of puzzlement flitted over von Hauser’s features. “I didn’t realize that you had actually visited my country—”
“Oh, but I haven’t,” she said. “I met him here in London several months ago.”
“But . . .” He shifted uncomfortably. “But Herr von Münch is quite elderly, and these days he never leaves the Ludwigsburg Palace.”
“Yes, strangely enough, that is what I was told later,” responded Charlotte. “So I can’t help but be curious.” She looked around before adding, “Can you think of anyone from your country who might have had reason to impersonate Herr von Münch?”
If she hadn’t been watching carefully for any reaction, Charlotte might have missed the tiny ripple of alarm in his eyes before von Hauser quickly covered it with a baffled shrug. “Good heavens, no. I can’t for the life of me think of anyone, Lady Wrexford.”
“Ah, well, I suppose it was just a silly jest,” she said lightly. “No harm done.”
“On the contrary, I take this impersonation very seriously, indeed. You may be assured that I shall look into the matter,” he said, his voice bristling with indignation. “Such puerile pranks are undignified and reflect badly on the Kingdom of Württemberg.”
Seeing Alison appear in the doorway and waggle her cane, Charlotte quickly patted his arm. “Please don’t give it another thought. I’m sure you have more important things weighing on your mind.”
Leaving him muttering under his breath, she hurried away to join the dowager.
* * *
“Ah, how edifying that you have suddenly found a conscience, Mr. Garfield,” remarked Sheffield.
“You have every right to mock me, sir. I don’t claim that what I did was admirable. But Jasper was my friend, and I care just as much as you do about seeing his killer brought to justice.”
“Let us hear him out before we pass judgment on his actions,” murmured the earl.
Sheffield acknowledged the suggestion with a reluctant nod.
Garfield gave Wrexford a grateful glance before commencing his explanation. “Two of my fellow members of the Revolutions-Per-Minute Society are also in Town to attend the symposium given by the Royal Institution.” He hesitated. “One of them is Mercer Wayland.”
“Wayland was also one of Cordelia’s good friends during his university days,” explained Sheffield to the earl, “and along with Milton and Carrick, he helped her sneak into university lectures disguised as a male student.”
