Mrs. Mellon

"Ah, Catherine, it's been so long."

Givenchy and this Ms. Hepburn were also good friends. Perhaps they were not as close as he was with Audrey Hepburn, but they were far more than mere acquaintances.

This proper French aristocrat displayed his gentlemanly manners, personally stepping forward to open the car door, helping the old lady out, and greeting her with a cheek kiss.

Naturally, the elderly woman was delighted to see an old friend she had not seen in so long. Yet she was no longer as upright as she had once been, her back slightly bent. She had to make an effort to straighten herself before she could politely embrace her tall old friend.

"Givenchy, you're still as healthy as ever. That's wonderful."

"Hehe, you don't look bad yourself. I only wish you could pass some of that vitality on to Rachel. She was heartbroken for quite some time."

Henry, who had gotten out on the other side, was watching the Mellon family attendants remove the luggage from the trunk.

Only after the two old friends had finished exchanging greetings did he, as the newer friend, step forward and politely extend his hand. "Mr. Givenchy, it's been a long time for us as well."

Givenchy did not take Henry's hand. Instead, he gave him a hug and a cheek kiss as well. Of course, it was not overly intimate—just an appropriately affectionate gesture between friends.

Although society had become increasingly tolerant of people with his orientation, Givenchy had lived through most of his life in a society hostile to it. At his age, he still knew how to exercise restraint.

Naturally, Henry did not mind such an affectionate gesture. Besides, they parted as soon as they touched, without any lingering embrace.

Pointing at the exhibits displayed in the garden