So Many Girls, So Little Time

Sir Percy froze where he stood, the memory of finding out the truth about her was bad enough. The fact that he told her in a note goodbye and goodluck was a weak way, but it was his style to do stupid things. He wished to avoid her at all costs tonight, but sure as silver, there she was across the room. Mary caught him standing there alone and looking flustered. "Damn me!" The Baronet swore softly, but aloud.

Part of him wanted to turn and flee, another part of him wanted to go and confront her. Confused about what to do, Sir Percy stayed frozen where he was. All the important people of London society seemed to be in this part of the house to witness the event. The fool confronting Mary for the first time turned nearly all the heads like dominos. Once one head turned to look from Mary to Percy, the rest of the room followed suit. His hurtful blue eyes fixated on the hussy that he once called fiancée.

The Prince of Wales, along with everyone else, viewed the pair of former lovers stare eachother down as an uncomfortable hush came over the room. No one dared to speak too loud out of respect or jsut in order to better hear what would be an entertaining dialogue should either advance. The ball was being thrown by a friend of the King's, some Lord something or other (George really was never too good with names) and not wanting to see the party ruined since the night was still young, decided to do something about it. "Sir Percy!" George called jovially, in an almost obnoxiously loud voice that hinted to everyone to mind their own business. "Good to see you again old chap! I haven't seen you in ages!"

The lump in his throat jolted as he stood there, near frozen in time. Already, he swore he could hear the hushed whispers and his face reddened as eyes turned to him and then sharply away when they meet his blues. Honor demanded that he was to go away for a time after the goodbye note was sent. He had been away for months but cut it short when he decided to hell with what Society thought of him. Now he realized perhaps that wasn't the smartest of moves. Feeling his features flush hot, he knew he should not have shown up here tonight.

Then a voice boomed and in any other situation, he would have been more embarrassed. Seeing as how everyone already knew he was here, the authoritative voice made everyone quickly turn their gaze away. The Prince of Wales was saving him.

George knew only too well how society liked to gossip. Not only about current lovers but especially of lovers scorned. George never appreciated talk about nor confrontation with the female friends he had. Knowing all too well how unsettling it was he was going to attempt to save Percy Blakeney from the same.

Straightening up his stance, becoming a bit more loose and trying to seem normal, the last living Blakeney turned his head and gave a quick smile to his highness. "It has been a while. Greetings Your Highness." It was very apparent to any that had been watching how the young Baronet was pulling himself together as best as possible.

"Do you mind joining me in the drawing room for a short time? There are some matters of State that I would like your opinion on." Ha. Let Society swallow that one. George had nothing political on his mind whatsoever but let them think Sir Percy was a needed aid for awhile. How embarrassed they would be for their whispers, for gossiping about a companion of the Prince!

He nodded and turned his gaze back at Mary for a moment. The last time they both spoke, if you wanted to call it speaking, she revealed out of anger that she never cared for him. Wealth and position was all that interested her. Mary was surprised to learn that the normally languid and easy going Baronet, too, had a voice and would use it. The screaming match the two of them had going lasted for only a few moments, but he made himself heard and his anger known.

That anger could not be surpressed now, but it was more hurt that came across when he looked at her before quickly exiting the room. "I would be *honored* to assist you in any and all political matters Your Highness." He sneared the phrase and turned sharply away from Mary and her little band of gossipers. Following George quietly, his mind filling with the memories and he let out a small breath of air once he was out of Mary's view.

Once they were out of the main ball room and into the hall George let loose a low whistle. "Gad, *that* was awful." He muttered. "You alright?" He asked Percy offhandedly.

Looking at the younger man, Sir Percy gave a sigh. Everyone knew. He should have better prepared himself before just waltzing into the ball as if nothing had happened. "I suppose perhaps to tell you that I was dandy and having the time of my life, it wouldn't really go over well, now would it Your Highness?"

"No offense Sir, but I would have to call you a liar if you did" George said with a soft smile, almost apologizing for the situation they had just run from. As they proceeded down the hallway George confessed "I must admit there is really no pressing political matter to discuss. You just seemed so....." George paused wondering how to continue without hurting the man's pride. "Well...so demmed uncomfortable that I wanted to give you the opportunity to take a breather."

Hearing George speak the truth about his own previous words, Sir Percy nodded and intook a big deep breath. Exhaling, he lifted his chin and habitually placed his hands behind his back as they walked. His lazy blues scanned the art work on the walls. His mind trying to remember what he had learned about each indivudual artist and time period that pertained to each painting. Anything to forget the humility and pain.

Sir Percy glanced over at the Prince and nodded. "Thank you Sire. It seems that I thought tonight was going to be an easy affair. I had rather hoped Mary would not be here, foolish thought I know." He bit the inside of his cheek and glanced around at the furniture, telling himself a story in his head about the personality of the pieces.

"I honestly don't know where she got the gall to attend at all! There are rumors yes, but they are all in your favor Percy. Mary of course has tried to rebuke them but her stories are far too outlandish to be believable." George said, shaking his head. " Would you care for a drink?" Women and wine had always been George's weakness and hopefully it could be as close a comfort for the gentleman as it was for him.

He nodded and then his eyes near bugged out of his head. "Yes. Thank you and please, Sire. I need a drink." He glanced behind him, confirming the faces whos eyes he felt staring down the lonely hallway. When his pathetic blues met theirs, the heads quickly pulled back around the corner.

With a near growl, Sir Percy stated firmly, "You would think those damn women had nothing better to do with their time!"

George stopped a passing waiter and grabbed two glasses of wine, handing one to Percy. "Ignore them Percy, they aren't worth your time I promise you. No doubt you have heard many rumors about me as well. And what do I do? Ignore them all. I rarely ever dignify them with a response. All for one simple reason-if you feel it is important enough to react to that just gives them more to gab about." This was a party! The conversation and mood was far too serious. George would have to change that soon as well.

He took the glass the Prince offered and turned his back to the fools down the hallway. "Bah. I'll ignore them allright. It is not as if hearing their rumors about me has bothered me in the past. Damn myself for expecting something civil tonight." He quickly took to the wine and near but finished the glass. He needed to calm down.

"But you are the older, wiser one Percy come now I shouldn't be giving you a lesson!" George teased in an effort to cheer up his acquiantence. They had met socially before but had never really talked much. George was always too busy with the ladies to bother with a man who would rather talk about his last cricket game. But there was a more important reason-George was very careful not to be caught to close to those few who could rival him in fashion. It would not do for the Prince to be outdone!

"Bah! Your Highness! Sire! Prince George of Wales! I am scarcely two years your senior. That hardly makes me an expert on anything." Sir Percy smiled. The Royal certainly had a way to make him feel welcomed here tonight. Looking at the Prince he shook his head. "Egad. Did you dress yourself before coming here tonight or are you going to fire the hand madien who did you up so in a haste?" He smiled at the other man and brought the wine glass to his lips. He was purposefully insinuating that George might have been with a woman prior to this ball. "How do you do it man? I am all thumbs and despite these two wisdomatically years I have on you, by far I am unskilled."

George's mouth spread into a lazy, satisfied grin. "You are a sly one Percy. Certainly up on the rumors concerning *me* I see! No dear sir, had I had my way the woman that dressed me would have been more than a hand maiden. Sad to sad any disarray despite my handsomely chosen suit is due to my oversleeping." With a wink he whispered to Percy. "Unskilled you say? Then I shall be your guide on this new road Percy! We are going to go back in that ballroom and you *will* laugh and smile and joke like you haven't a care in the world. Let them know you don't give a damn and you will become tenfold more attractive in their eyes." Clapping him on the shoulder George waited to see how Percy would take his suggestion.

The young Baronet stood there with his empty wine glass and placed it on the tray of the next passing server. He gladly exchanged it for a full glass. "Unskilled and thankfully unwed Sire." The tall blonde hoisted his new drink up. "To not giving a damn and some laughter that will fill Mary's soul with daggers." He toasted towards the Prince of Wales and drank back some more wine. Sadness still remained in his voice, but he forced on a smile. Sir Percy was willing to try anything to feel normal again.

"Amen" George agreed, toasting with Percy. Turning toward the ballroom he gave Percy his own royal pep talk. "As you wish Sir Percy. We shall go into the lion's den with bells on and come out like two Daniels."

"Well spoken Sire. I could not have come up with something equally as clever. Two Daniels it is then!" He strolled with the Prince along the long hallway and sipped at his wine. "What shall I laugh about first Your Highness? Shall it be the wit I just gave to your particular political problem? Should it be at the attire of the man standing nearest and happily speaking with Mary?"

'Laugh to anything you wish! Everything or nothing, but look as if you are having the most thoroughly enjoyable time.And don't even think about that dreadful girl!" George put on a smile as they entered the ballroom checking to see of Percy would go through with this. This musn't be an enjoyable gathering for Percy and deciding the poor man had enough to think about without the added stress of trying to appear happy, George initiated the conversation. "

He tried to look happy, but they almost were into the ballroom and his grip tightened on the glass in his hand. How could he not think of Mary when every eye that meet his looked at him like the fool she took him for? But then, lud! What was the Prince doing?

"Gad Sir if I were you I would write all that down! A mind as clever and witty as yours should not go to waste say?" He said loudly, laughing at some pretended comment. George knew they were in full view of everyone and hoped they were paying attention, Mary especially.

Falling into the role more naturally than one man should do, Sir Percy tossed his head back and laughed like the Prince suggested. "Egad Sire! You do honor a fellow so. If you like, I could write it down and send it by courier to you first thing in the morning. I do hope it helps. Now, onto bigger and better things..." Mary and her little band of gossiping males and females looked their way. In fact, whereever the Prince went, most tried to bow and make some sort of contact with him. Be it by wav, smile or any other various signs of respect.

Except for the man at his side. He laughed inanely and slapped George on the back. Mary wanted a show. He was going to give her something to watch. "I dare say Sire. Which one of those lists of girls did you say you wished to introduce me too? I certainly hope you have one of quality and refinement. My last courtship was dully boring and not a woman worth this witty mind." They were just about to approach Mary and he made sure his voice was nice and loud. Laughing. Just as George suggested.

George was pleasantly surprised-Blakeney was better at this then he suspected! And to throw in that little dagger at the end..bravo! "Have no fear my friend, I only associate with women of quality and refinement." Poor Mary, by tomorrow she would hardly have a friend left within the "in" crowd after comments like those, but one could hardly argue that she didn't deserve it. Already a group of young ladies was beginning to form not far from where they stood. Not only because the Prince was there but because his companion had become so intriging! Everyone expected him to act forlorn and downtrodden and here he was as gay as the rest of the crowd! The women,as they are wont to do, began to feel sympathy for this man even though he gave no evidence of needing it. " He must be hurting terribly on the inside" their fluttering hearts told them and each young girl suddenly desired to be the one to take the sting out of that awful Mary's actions. "What did I tell you..." George whispered to Percy as he brought them near th gaggle of girls.

Hearing the Prince, Sir Percy gave a single nod and then smiled broadly as he was lead into the innermost part of the group of women. He lifted his glass up and spoke loudly, "Your Highness, you said there would be beautiful women to meet tonight. You did not say stunningly beautiful, sink me." He felt himself near nerved and drank down some more wine.

To his surprise, just as George the fourth predicted, they came over and around him, talking to him and some even touched his arm. This was indeed an unexpected surprise. He kept the smile going, but every now and then he looked at George. What was he supposed to do?

Slowly one of the gaggle of pretty young things emerged closest to Sir Percy and, as she gazed up at him half in awe and half in amusement, touched his arm softly as she said "You are looking well this evening Sir Percy. Such a lovely party isn't it?? Just the thing to take one's mind off the day to day drudgery of life." As she finished her sentence she glanced quickly at Mary and then back at the dashing Baronet, making it clear to Percy, with her knowing glance, that she knew full well that he wasn't feeling the life of the party as he was pretending to. "Well," the lovely 22 year old thought to herself, "if some of my company will do him well, who am I to begrudge him that?" And with this she gave Sir Percy the most radiant smile and took his arm as if they were old friends.

The Prince grinned as the young women took Blakeney's arm and gave the man a knowing wink. "I did not mention they were stunning? Well I have to keep some secrets up my sleeve! Lud if I told everyone that I'd never get a chance to talk to them myself!" The girls blushed at his compliments and continued chattering away at the two men, newcomers to their circle.

There wasn't really much for him to say, for it almost it seemed Caroline was referring to what he deserately was trying to forget. The Prince was right still however then. Perhaps a man in his position would appear more appealing if he kept up the facade.

He had seen Caroline about and knew her name, but like most English woman, he kept his distance since coming home from Sir Algernon's ship. Going to school provided him with the missing male friends one usualy has everyday growing up. Upon Sir Algernon's death, he had even tried his hand with women. Courintg Mary. Well, it was obvious how far he had gotten with that.

Looking over at the Prince, Sir Percy kept his forced smile. "I daresay Sire, I would never keep *you* from such beauties. Tell me, how shall we entertain them first? Your royal wit is well sought after." He was doing the best he could to laugh and keep about. In truth, he wasn't sure how to respond and looked to George the fourth for help.

Though Pecy was the elder of the men by 2 years George was by far more experienced in the ways of women. Of course he had not been isolated from the world on a ship for most of his boyhood days either. "We have some time before dinner yet. How about we all take a stroll in the garden, say? And do not worry about tearing me away from my audience. My wit is *always* sought after!" George said teasingly as he began to make his way toward the porch door.

"A stroll in the garden sounds like a lovely idea Highness. These parties can get a bit sitffling at times, with all the people dancing and chatting and wandering about. I think a bit of fresh air would do us good." And with this she gave Percy a sly smile, knowing that *he* especially would be glad to get away from the heart of the party and into calmer surroundings. As the Prince and Percy, surrounded by a flock of young women, moved towards the doors to the porch, Caroline gave Percy's arm a gentle squeeze and whispered "I think you will be much more comfortable in the garden Sir Percy. It is a much more...civilized surrounding" hoping that he would understand her implied snub to Mary and her compatriots.

Marveling at how the Prince just always seemed so confident in himself, Sir Percy stood and nodded. He stood near the Prince, as the group of women giggled and spoke to either earh other, George the Fourth, himself or them both. Caroline seemed to be nearing closer and closer. Normally any English lady that began to flaunt herself about him, he immediately rejected. But what was it George said? Laugh and have the time of your life being the best revenge?

Following the good Prince's advice, Blakeney offered one arm to Caroline and one to the red head whose name he hadn't learned yet. "Would you two ladies wish to accompany my lowly self to the garden?" He heard Caroline and gave a smile and nod. He honestly did not wish to acknowledge her statement. He had enough of Mary talk for the moment.

She felt Sir Percy stiffen a bit at her jibe in Mary's direction. "Demmed impudent girl!" she quietly cursed herself. What was wrong with her? Here she was, on the arm of the richest and best dressed man in all of England and she was making a fool of herself by being presumptuous and making the Baronet even more uncomfortable than he already was. As she took his proffered arm she gave him a shy smile and hoped she hadn't ruined her chances for a pleasant evening of his company.

With a sly laugh, he followed the Prince's lead and called, "I daresay Sire, I hope your wit is alright with my borrowing a few of your admirers."

"Only a few..if you *must* George said laughing. Gad, he was feeling better already! He hoped Percy's mood was improving as much as it appeared to. "So....Caroline is it? How are you this fine evening?" Percy may be talking to him but was acting like a cold fish with the women, offering his arm and following his lead only. If he wouldn't make conversation with his own companions George would start it for him.

Glad to have something to take her mind of her little faux pas with Sir Percy she smiled prettily at the Prince. "Oh, I am quite well Highness. How could one not be in the company of two such handsome and accomplished men as Sir Percy and yourself?" she said with a vaguely coquettish tone in her voice. "By God," she thought to herself, "I will have a good time at this ball if it is the last thing I do!" Taking a deep breathe to steady her nerves and steel her resolve she shone her most radiant smile in the direction of her escort and the prince as they continued on their way to the garden.

He walked along, listening to the two of them talk. He turned to the other woman on his arm and nodded his head. Something about her hair reminded him of Mary, and he gave off a strange smile and then looked straight ahead. "Laugh and the whole world laughs with you." The Prince's words echoed in his mind. Suddenly, without warning, Blakeney burst into a loud obnoxious laugh and turned to look at Caroline and George. He tossed his head back a little and then, just as suddenly as it came, fell into silence.

Did he seriously just do that?

A bit taken aback by Sir Percy's outburst she eyed him curiously, trying to get inside what was going on behind his languid blues. He seemed to be trying to hard to have a good time, but the more he tried the more tense and uncomfortable he became. She gave him a warm, comforting smile and said simply "Shall we adjourn to the terrace Sir Percy?"

George was nodding and politely following Caroline's conversation when out of the blue came a rush of incredibly obnoxious laughter. Turning his head, wide-eyed, George realized it had come from none other then Percy Blakeney. George pursed his lips together to contain his wonder, but a astonished laugh forced it's way out. "Gad...Percy!" He managed amidst his own chuckling, "where...?"

He felt himself go read and used his wills to not frown and look completely embarrased. But George laughed. And Caroline smiled. "Good heavens. I can't quite say where that came from, now can I? Damn loud, whoever let that in?" He looked at them both and although he was red, he made fun of himself. Isn't that what he was supposed to do to get over the feeling of embarrasing himself?

She was most impressed with his composure. Although he was noticably embarassed he played it off like nothing had happened. He really was a puzzle. "Who indeed Sir Percy?" she said with a sly smile on her face. "Have no fear, I won't tell if you'll promise to keep me company a while longer." and with that she gave him another radiant smile and held on to the dashing Baronet's arm.

"*I* haven't a clue who let that in" George said amused. Caroline was certainly warming up to Percy, that was evident, but judging from the man's reactions it was also too soon. There were a number of young women in the crowd and he was being backed into a corner by this one. He might have the wrong opinion about how Percy felt about the situation but unless Percy appeared to enojy it and take the initiative or get out of it himself, George might have to take over once more. He became quiet, preparing.

"Thank you." He said with a hint of a smile at Caroline. Hearing the Prince too only boosted up his confidence. He glanced about the ground, still with two women on his arms, although he was anxious to shed the one whose hair was like Mary. No matter.

Hesitantly, he asked the girl her name, and she told him. Victoria. "Pretty." He responded and looked over at George. He gave him a "help?" look.

She watched as Percy gave the prince an odd look; one that seemed a combination of pleading and laughter. The handsome Baronet was quite the interesting gentleman, and as much as she would have liked to enjoy more of his company she couldn't help feeling as hif her presence was not entirely wanted. She looked searchingly at Sir Percy, hoping to find some clue as to what she should do next.

He remained silent still. His eyes glanced back to the main house from the garden. Part of him wished he could figure out a way to excuse himself and then ride back home. Another part of him thought of Sir Algernon, and how displeased he would be in his son for acting as he was. Still, what to do or say?

"So glad you could join us as well Victoria. The more the merrier I say!" George said politely to the girl occupying Percy's other arm. He noted the Baronet's expression. The gears in his mind were churning. Caroline was attractive and pleasant but too clingy for her companion so soon after his heart was ripped in two. Something had to be done but George needed some time to think. "Well old chap what have you been up to lately?" he asked Percy, stalling for time. " Father has done nothing but complain about the Americas and France, I do hope you are not as caught up in all that mess as everyone else is Although I do agree that we should not relinquish British presence over there until they pay back the Loyalists they took land and money from during the war." That required more then a few words to answer so he should have come up with something by Percy's reply. It also served his purpose that most of this political talk would be over the ladies heads so they could not get too involved at the moment.

George's grin remained plastered to his face as he took in Percy's compliments. HE was not upset, the man had said no more then was common knowledge. His father's loss of the Americas HAD been a blow to his leadership. But George could tell that the company feared he took the comment the wrong way......and had unknowingly provided a way out for Percy. If he *was* to appear insulted the ladies would not stay around for long. Purposefully stiffening, George stopped walking and stared coldly at Percy. Hopefully he would catch on that this was all a ploy, but if not, it could be remedied momentarily.

"Damn me." he thought to himself. Sir Percy of Richmond did not know the Prince of Wales very well. The information he gathered from the past was scare and the rumors against the Prince numerous. Still, at this party, he found the man more than kind and generous. Going out of his way to help a young fool with a mauled heart. Seeing the Prince stiffen up so, his grip tightened around the wine glass in his gloved hand.

"Ladies" George said slowly, his gaze not moving from Percy's. " I fear the conversation has reverted itself back to political matters which the Baronet and I must discuss. Excuse us if you will and we shall see you at dinner." His cold manner would again serve more then one purpose. It would remove the ladies from their presence and once more cause Percy Blakeney to be sheltered in their hearts. No doubt his supposed displeasure with the man would make the young women sigh in pity for him having to endure the everchanging attitude of another royal. George was accutely aware of this and struggled to keep a straight face as he dismissed the women.

It did not take much time once the ladies were dismissed for Sir Percy to bring the wine to his lips and finish it quickly. It was a decent wine, although he would have preferred his beloved brandy. Now, holding his empty glass, his lazy blues dared to look at the future king of England. "I appologize if I speak wrongly about your father Sire." It would not do himself a bit of good to at the first social function he attended in a long time to insult the royals after he ignored the woman he was once engaged too.

His lazy blues glanced about for a place to put the empty wine glass and pick up a fresh one, but no one was around save the Prince.

George briefly considered keeping up the charade a minute more but decided against it. The poor man had been through enough this evening without having to think the son of the most powerful man in the country was upset with him. Instead The Prince burst into loud laughter. " Don't be so frightened dear man, you look like a chicken caught by the neck.!" Calming down, GEorge continued. "Lud man! I know perfectly well that whole messy ordeal did not reflect well on my father. Gad, *everyone* knows that! But we did all we could and treated them no differently then Englishmen here. Why would I blame you for such a thing?" George grinned, knowing that had unnerved the Baronet. He spoke more gently this time. No need to play with the man's emotions anymore, the task was completed. " I only acted so to get the ladies to leave since you looked so demmed uncomfortable over there."

If there was a way to sprout wings and fly away, the Baronet would have excused himself and gone straight into the woods to do so. His emotional state got the better of him and he grunted, "A chicken caught by the neck indeed." Turning about, he planted his empty wine glass on a stone. Some servant would find it eventually.

"You do realize that I have not spoken about the Americas or the events to anyone, Your Highness." Not missing a beat, having no friend to confide in, he ran amuck at the mouth. "And I have to admit, I am demmed uncomfortable. Victoria only reminds me of Mary and that Caroline, bless her for trying, is about to make me pin myself up against a wall with no escape." It was a foolish thing to complain about, he knew. Women. Most men would be honored and use the situation to their full advantage. Why wasn't he?

Looking back at the Prince, he tried to excuse himself. "I'm sorry Sire. I am rather poor company tonight and seem to only detain you from the attention of ladies that you are accustomed too." He looked at George with an appology. "I had tried for a bit there, eh Your Highness?"

George gave a wry smile and shook his head. "You have indeed made quite the effort Sir Percy, but there is a dining room filled to the brim with mouth-watering delicacies. I could not let you leave without even eating could I?" Putting a fatherly hand on the Baronet's shoulder the younger man spoke in a soothing tone. " You will have to face them sooner or later Sir. And the more you put it off, the harder it will become."

With that last sentence, the Baronet nodded his head. He was 23 years of age and long past running away like a little boy. "You are correct, Your Highness." Percy took in a deep breath and puffed out his chest. Like a small child, he would have to reinact his games played on his father's yacht. Mary would be the pirate king. The other women her loyal survents. Perhaps a few like Caroline would defect to his side to help defeat the evil-doers.

Besides, with the Prince on his side, his knighthood already had the backing of the true royal king. Surely he could be that loyal knight and mount a steed with a long sword readily at his side. And the King was inviting him inside the castle for a meal. Yes, Percy thought to himself he could pull this off. If he pretended it was a game.

"Well then, off to the Round Table to eat Sire?" Giving his best effort, Sir Lancelot offered out his arm in a gesture for the King to go first. After all, it was his duty to protect him against the evil that lurked inside.

"Bravo Sir" George said quietly, impressed by the Baronet's courage to face the fire once more. As they calmly strolled back to the doors George again advised his friend." Percy, this is to be a ball and an enjoyable dinner. Not a gauntlet. Do no think of it as such or you are lost already. You play an extended game of charades now to be able to laugh and dance in victory at the ignorance of the others later." Walking ahead and opening the garden door George whispered with a grin "welcome to a sample of my daily life, Sir Percy."

A slight nod was given and Sir Percy though upon the Prince of Wales words. 'An extended game of charades.' It was sort of what he had begun since a child, wasn't it? Exterior to be shown of an ideal Great Britian gentleman while inside you wished to be riding horses like a cavilier?

"Better your life than mine Your Highness." He put forth a confident stride and his best Sir Percy smile. Lancelot could be charming and protect the King, could he not? He followed the Prince all the way into the dinning hall where others were begining to take their seats. All he could think was, "Great. Another social function. Where's a fight when you needed it?" Polietly, Sir Percy smiled at the woman sitting next to him. With George so near, he was determined to put the Prince's words to the test and began to ask her about herself.

He should have known better than to start that line of dialogue with an English lady, but what was said could not be taken back or steered in another way. Not yet anyway.

George had chatted it up with the other guests and eaten an exquisite meal, all the while observing Percy, who had quickly become the younger man's student for the night. Taking into account the Baronet's circumstances the older gentleman had passed with flying colors. The meal had long since ended and couples were making their way to the ballroom for another round of dancing. "Well done Sir Percy" George commended. " The hardest part is over. What say you to rewarding ourselves from a hard night's work with something more engaging? A game of cards perhaps, dancing with the young woman, sampling some more of the wine? Or just leaving altogether? I am not close to the host and I doubt our presence would be missed greatly. I hear there is a boxing match going on tonight."

Blinking into the candlelight, Sir Percy glanced about the ballroom in the distance. This was the part he dreaded. Having to dance with woman he wasn't in the mood for. Watching Mary talk or dance or God only knew what she would do to spin into her web the next conquest. He was in no mood at all and began to wonder the proper ettiqute for leaving without bidding the host adeiu.

Then, just as he had all evening, George saved him. Who ever would of known the Prince of Wales had taken such a liking to the child of Richmond rumored to run amuck. Yet, here he was, talking to Percy like they were old friends. Gladly, the charade continued.

"A fight Sire? I say, I haven't seen the old English fists up against one another in quite some time." Taking out his eye glass, he took to busying himself with cleaning it. The piece was spotless to begin with. "It would appear your pressence would be missed Your Highness, with the ladies waiting anon, but if you are up for a good old fashion man's night out, I am up for such an event." He glanced up and smiled at the future King.

George nodded, pleased by Percy's quick agreement. " We ought to go make the proper goodbyes. And do say your adieus loud and clear Percy! Let them know that it is *you* leaving early. Let them imagine the bigger and better things you are running off for." With a smile George checked his pocket watch and glanced about him. " If you'll excuse me for a minute or two there are some people I must bid goodnight to."

Sir Percy nodded and smiled. Now then, who could he find and say good bye too? Certainly not to Mary. La! If that wasn't Lady Nivena all but too near her. Following George's advice, with a slippery smile, the foppish young Baronet crossed the room with his best stride and stood not five feet from Mary. His back was too her and he began to loudly boast about how horrible his manners were at leaving with the Prince.

George gracefully excused himself from the party, thanking the host profusely for his generosity. Gliding through the crowd he kissed the hands of a few more young women who intercepted him on the way to the door. Peering around he saw Percy talking with Lady Nivena and Mary standing near with her face turning multiple shades of red with indignation. Laughing under his breath George met up with the Baronet and make a scene of having some important things to attend to together in front of the woman unfortunate enough to be the Baronet's former. " So sorry to steal him away from you all Lady Nivena but Percy and I simply must go. There are some rather important matters we must discuss and some friends I promised to see. Some eligable lady friends were absolutely swooning when they heard he broke it off with Mary and are dying to see him. " Let Mary choke on that! HE had twisted the story ever so subtly in the course of his telling and made Percy out to be the hero and Mary the baggage left behind. Bowing low to the women he waited for Percy to affirm his story and depart.

Molted lava could not have flow more smoothly with such a fury of fire than the chilly words that escaped the Prince's well trained lips. Sir Percy stood there, his face reddening at the very idea, but he took it well. In fact, due to the closeness of Mary, he took it better than well. He laughed his inane nervous laugh and smiled a cocky grin. "Is it that time already? Well Sire. What can one say? Who am I to leave the charming ladies waiting?"

He bowed formally to the small group of women and kissed the hand of Lady Nivena. With a sharp turn, and a smug smile, his lazy blues caught those of the fuming Mary. He offered up his best confident cocky grin and gave a nod of his chin to her. Then he turned and followed the Prince out the door. His head held high the entire time.

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