A duel of hearts

Unmasking Arrogance

Jasmine nodded in agreement, aware of Cressida's watchful gaze. Once they were out in the hall, Jasmine turned her attention to Penelope, listening intently to her account of what Nathaniel had said. She shook her head slightly. "He's just so full of himself. Don't pay any mind to his nonsense," she reassured Penelope. While she had felt a pang of jealousy watching Nathaniel flirt and dance with others, her feelings were now morphing into something closer to anger. "Maybe I should have a word with him after the ball," she mused, considering her options. "Perhaps a bit of a reality check is in order. Someone needs to knock some sense into him and deflate that inflated ego of his."

Turning to Eloise, Jasmine knew she didn't need to say much; Eloise's disdain for Nathaniel was already evident. "My feelings seem rather insignificant now compared to what he's said to you, Pen," she remarked, feeling a surge of indignation. She knew expressing jealousy over Nathaniel's interactions with other women might sound petty if voiced aloud, but the emotion was tinged with a hint of resentment.

Joseph chuckled softly at the revelation about Nathaniel's sisters. "You have sisters?" he asked, intrigued. He raised an eyebrow at Nathaniel's confession. "Really? I've nearly reduced a few suitors to tears whenever they've attempted to court Jasmine," he admitted with a grin.

"I'm sure it's quite an adjustment, especially given the history between our countries. And as for gossip, well, it comes with the territory of being a newcomer. We don't often have Americans staying here," Joseph remarked, nodding in understanding. Nathaniel nodded in agreement with Joseph's observation. "Indeed, I do have sisters," he confirmed with a smile. "And yes, I've had my fair share of suitors shedding tears," he added with a chuckle. "As for the dancing, well, I suppose I have a high tolerance for it. But I must admit, the quality of some of these dances leaves much to be desired," he remarked, lowering his voice slightly to prevent the ladies from overhearing.

If Penelope felt disheartened and concerned, the Lady Whistledown within her was already formulating what she would write about Nathaniel Sinclair. She pondered how he might react upon reading the scathing observations that the notorious Whistledown would pen. Perhaps he would erupt in anger, behaving like a petulant child. But for now, Penelope focused on expressing herself honestly. "He's insufferably arrogant and overly confident. But... that's beside the point. I know Colin is a true friend. He's like a brother to me," Penelope remarked, casting a glance at Jasmine. To Whistledown's discerning eye, it was evident that Jasmine had harbored feelings for the New Yorker initially; her jealousy was unmistakable. However, Penelope Featherington was a naive soul.

Eloise, on the other hand, was anything but naive. She was prepared to voice her opinions with gusto, even in front of the entire room. "He's hardly even handsome. His nose is too large, and he exudes an air of self-righteousness. Jasmine, believe me, it's a blessing that he's revealed his true colors now. At least you know he's merely a superficial flirt. I witnessed how tenderly he treated you, and I'm incensed by his facade of falseness."

Nathaniel found himself reminiscing about his siblings, a pang of longing tugging at his heartstrings. He yearned for their presence, imagining how his younger sister, the tender-hearted Angelica, would have sought solace in the dance, while Eliza, ever demure, might have been too timid to join in. "I miss my siblings dearly, to tell you the truth. They would have enjoyed this affair, though I suspect I'd be playing the role of their protector throughout the evening," he confessed with genuine sentiment. "As for the dancing, it's a delightful pastime. However, I must say, the social customs here are quite different from what I'm accustomed to. I attempted to engage in discussions about current affairs or politics, only to be met with tales of their own supposed merits," he chuckled, shaking his head in amusement. "Your dances possess a certain elegance. Back home, we often partake in the fox trot. Interestingly enough, my father's close confidant, the Marquis de Lafayette, once shared a humorous anecdote about his dancing mishap with Marie Antoinette. It seems even the most esteemed can have their stumbles," he recounted with a fond smile, before turning his attention to the other gentlemen. "But enough about me. I've been rather verbose. I'd love to hear more about each of you."