“Okay.” Addy wrapped her arm around my shoulders. “Has your headache gone, now, Your Highness? Can we go back inside? It’s so bloody cold out here my nipples could scratch a car door.”

I laughed, leaning my head against hers. “Nobody made you come out here.”

“Not true. Eva did.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Worst sister and friend ever.” She finished her martini and held up the empty glass. “Shut up and let’s get a drink. I think we all need one.”

Amen to that.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

My feet were killing me. I’d been forced to dance far more than any one person should be, and now I was paying the price.

The makeshift bar that had been set up in the ballroom that had seen countless weddings and parties over the year was my favourite place right now. Most of the tables had been moved so the floor was clear for dancing, and as lovely as that was, there was a severe lack of chairs right now.

So the barstools were looking pretty damn comfortable right now.

“Ah, Lady Gabriella. Take my seat, you look like you want to throw those shoes out of the nearest window.”

I smiled. “Thank you, Lord Nelson. That’s very kind of you.”

“Not at all.” He stood and offered me his seat.

I took it gratefully, and I told him as much.

The portly, dignified gentleman nodded his head in response. He’d been a member of The House of Lords as long as I could remember, and he always had a kind word for everyone who crossed him.

He’d even tried to set me up with his grandson once.

That hadn’t worked out.

“Would you like a drink? I was about to order another Port for myself before I head home. Too many birdie dances for me tonight.” He chuckled.

I couldn’t help but agree, and I did take him up on his offer of a drink. “It is a favourite of Lady Victoria, especially after a couple of glasses of wine.”

“Personally, I think she likes to see who falls over first.”

“Better leave before she gets the Cha Cha Slide on, then.”

He laughed a big old belly laugh that made me grin, then flagged down the bartender and ordered a white wine for me and another Port for him.

Judging by his rosy cheeks, I might have suggested he go home now if I were any less polite than I was.

We made small talk for a few minutes. I asked after his wife and family, and he checked in with me. We briefly discussed my college course, whereupon he promised to have me come and redesign the front garden at their manor.

Whether he’d remember that in the morning was another story.

“Ah!” He caught the attention of another gentleman. “That’s Viscount Taylor gesturing for me. We have business to discuss. Lady Gabriella, it’s been a pleasure, as always. Do let me know about that course of yours.”

“I most certainly will, Lord Nelson. It was lovely to catch up with you.”