Nikhil nodded approvingly when she thanked him for correcting her speech. He was a bit impressed, admittedly admiring her accountability… a trait he did not share with her. One might assume he would find her irritating due to her apparent “betterness,” instead he commended her quietly. “What part of France do you come from, Lady Belle?”
Obviously, he asked the question wishing to know more of her. However, he taunted her with the supposedly incorrect address of her christian name. “Would you mind if I called you that?” He asked, feigning a formality. Although her correction to him had hurt a bit, he also knew he would take great pleasure in upsetting her a bit as well. It was a bit sweet how seriously she prioritized her righteousness, and she would be even more delightful asserting her beliefs once more.
She explained her plans with Baylor, whom Nikhil considered friend enough to refer to by that name, and his interested piqued, raising him a brow as he listened. It seemed he was not invited to this tea party of sorts. One could hardly call it a tea party, for poor lady Fleur had so little friends to invite. He would be offended, however it seemed that Baylor was not invited either.
“A ladies event, I see.” He said with a tint of condescending in his tone. “I shall ask my sister. I am sure she would love to converse with you.” He complimented her subtly. Her mind was quite fascinating; not only bookish, but also controversial, and progressive in a way he had not yet known. It perplexed him how european women could be so independent, it was a bit admirable.
He also meant what he said about Priti. Knowing his dear sister as well as he did, he knew she was always eager to gather with fellow bright minds. Recently, she had been very content with her learning of the english language, for which he was very proud of her. Optimistically, she would have a very practical opportunity to practice the language.
How considerate it was for Belle to invite the newcomers, it endeared him a bit that she, presumably to also be righteous, was making sure to include them. “Thank you for inviting her, she and I have been in need of more familiarization with the English culture.” He paused. “… As you… stated previously.” He admitted further that he had spoken incorrectly. You see, Lady Fleur! I am perfectly capable of humility. He thought, feeling a bit vulnerable as he accepted his mistakenness.
Oh goodness. He attempted not to widen his gaze, which he was not too skilled at, as he realized Belle’s friendship with Maisie. Two of the women he most desired… were good friends… and they wanted to join to speak with his sister. He hoped that his interest in the ladies would not obstruct their friendship, or over complicate the connections of the ton in any way. Additionally, he prayed that Priti would put in a good word, as he needed the two girls to approve of him. Also, his sister tended to share a bit too much information naively…
Before the man could get carried away in his train of thought, he remembered to hand the woman her flowers. She spoke simply, and then quickly put them down at her side. It seemed all too polite for his content. Nikhil did not remember clarifying this sentiment previously, but one very important requisite he held for a lover was that she had the same passion as he. Nikhil, in love, was the man to sing it from the roof tops, and be thrilled when the lady was to simply peer at him. He commanded to have that same affection, for he deserved a mutual love.
“Would another flower have been better?” He asked inquisitively, sensing that she was not the individual he had preconcieved, nor did she fit the same flower. “If so, I assure you that I bring it the next time I see you.” He slipped a risky comment in, suggesting there may be another encounter between them like this.
mentioned:
@Caticorn priti
@Littlefeets maisie
@Jass baylor