Snippet #2595488

“I am looking forward to it, certainly.” The woman grinned at him. “Don't drown in the ladies now, George." Without a further glance, she sauntered off.

George shook his head, smiling slightly. "Of course, Lady Livingston." She was just as interesting as he remembered.

Sighing heavily, he leaned back. George was pretty sure that there weren't anymore guests for him to greet—today, that is.

"Your highness," addressed the servant, bowing, "Sir Gerard Aodh Adair has arrived. I believe he is headed to the gardens." A frown of disapproval appeared on the old man's face—clearly unappreciative of the breach in protocol.

Again, George didn't really care. Gerard was his closest friend; he didn't give a pence to protocol in his case. "Oh? Excellent!" George adjusted his coat and began walking.

"Your Highness?" the servant called, confusion and irritation blending together. "May I know where you are headed to?"

"To greet Gerard, of course." George smiled, almost deviously. "I am supposed to be greeting all the guests, correct?" He ignored the spluttering of the servant and walked quickly to the garden. It didn't take him long to find Gerard; his friend was beside the prized "sunset roses."

"Gerard!" he called out. "Some friend you are, not even saying hello!" George grinned as he approached the blond nobleman. "How have you been?" he greeted warmly.