It was the 4th of July, the day when the final audition for the new songs Columbia will be producing would be held.
Emily has been preparing for this day to arrive. Although she was not ready with a song she has composed herself, she knew that getting to become the vocalist for a song Charlton would be producing will be a good stepping stone.
As instructed, she was already outside the gates of Columbia at 9 in the morning. There were about 19 other people with her waiting to be called in.
She did not want to make a bad impression, especially now that she wanted to enter the entertainment industry. She understood that creating a positive image of herself to everyone was a prerequisite. So, she smiled at everyone politely whenever their eyes met.
After a while, a carriage arrived and entered the gates. From outside, she saw that it was Charlton who went down from it.
--
When Charlton arrived in Windsor yesterday, there were already about 3 letters waiting for him.
The first one he read was from Edward who informed him that the initial stage of the screening for a potential vocalist was done and on the 4th of July, the final audition shall be held. He along with Harry and Roger shall be selecting the vocalist from the pool of 20 candidates.
The second letter was from his maternal uncle/ godfather, the royal duke Regulus William. It stated that he read about his business endeavor regarding the telephone and would like to invite him for a demonstration on the 9th of July in the ministry of works.
The third letter was from Ben, asking him if it would be possible to have his photo driving a Victoria taken for advertisement purposes. He has set a schedule with Lucas to cover that too so that when they launch the opening of the store, more people would come.
Charlton sighed. He just arrived and work is already lined up for him. Anyway, he started drafting letters, first in response to the 2, the other, addressed to Alexander.
After doing all those, he tried to get some sleep as he expected that tomorrow would be a long day.
--
"Please ask the people outside to come in. I don't think that it's nice to stand under the blazing sun." Charlton instructed one of the employees in Columbia as he turned to look outside.
The people from the other side respectfully bowed seeing him, while Emily who was also outside took the opportunity to smile and wave at him.
Charlton who recognized her did not think much of it. So, he smiled, nodded his head, and waved back. It was the polite thing to do, and they did have some friendship over the year. Still, he did have enough sense not to approach her. Anyway, he went inside the building to climb the stairs and head to Edward's office.
--
Meanwhile, the person Charlton instructed went to the gate and let the people in. While the people started walking inside some could not help but take a chance to speak with Emily.
"Did Lord Charlton Daniel just wave at you? Do tell, who are you and what are you doing here? I mean, why are you even auditioning with us?" A girl who seems to be about Emily's age asked in surprise.
The other people who are also there to audition looked at her curiously.
"Lord Daniel is an upperclassman in school. I wish to audition to test if I have the talent for this career as I don't think that asking for a favor is fair." Emily explained with an air of humility.
"Wow! So, you're a noble!? Oh, I'm sorry, Lady…" another man who was wearing a formal suit said.
"Please, just call me Emily." She said with a smile.
"Then you must know lady Serena! By the way, I'm Howell Jones, I work for the esquire, a newspaper publishing company." The man introduced.
Emily smiled at him, thinking that he would be a good connection for her in the future. "Yes, Lady Serena is my classmate in school."
"Then, I hope you don't mind me asking, just an insider info, I promise not to tell it to anyone!"
Emily was not stupid of course. She understood that the man was lying. He would definitely publish whatever she was to say about Serena. What does he think of her? An idiot?
"Oh… but what is your question? Let me hear if it's appropriate for me to answer." She replied, knowing that the others in line were also straining to hear what she was to say.
"Is she and Lord Daniel in that kind of a relationship? I mean are they romantically involved?" the man asked.
Emily thought of it carefully. Should she say yes to that, or no? Then, she realized that people have always been cheering for Cherena. Popularity was like a contest, and if she wants to become more popular than Serena, then she should first break her popularity. Besides, she's getting tired of Serena's projected perfect image when truth was, she's nothing but a cheating whore.
However, she was not sure if the two were back together. Maybe they were not? Anyway, it doesn't matter. She'll just tell the truth. In the end, no one can say anything against her with that.
"I'm not so sure myself. However, I know that Lady Serena is already engaged, and the man is definitely not Lord Charlton Daniel."
All the people's eyes widened. Then, they have been cheering for nothing? And lady Serena was also already engaged? The question now was with who?
Howell could not believe what he heard. That was a marvelous scoop! "Oh… then, you know who she's engaged with?"
Emily just shook her head, even when she knew, she won't tell. She still needs Geoffrey's support in the future and burning the bridge now won't be a good move. It's enough that she told everyone that Serena's engaged. Surely, that one, he would appreciate.
--
TBC