A duel of hearts

Clash of Egos

After visiting Penelope, Jasmine made a stop at Eloise's to see her for a little while before returning home, arriving just before Nathaniel and Joseph. Now, she was dressed in a dark red gown that highlighted her complexion, her hair cascading around her shoulders. Descending the stairs, she noticed Nathaniel already there, checking his reflection. Watching him curiously, she asked, "How many times will you be checking your reflection today?" Despite her teasing, she couldn't help but feel excited about the horse race; she always enjoyed watching them.

Nathaniel knew he was handsome and had a certain effect on ladies, and he was honest enough to admit that he liked the attention. Flirting was something he enjoyed, and he appreciated the tension and certain looks exchanged between people. He was still smiling at his reflection when he heard Jasmine's comment. He turned to her, slightly annoyed, even though she looked enchanting in her dark red dress. "It's a nice reflection. It's never enough," he said, raising an eyebrow as he adjusted his hair. "My father always says that being as good-looking as me means I need to be perfect." He moved to the sofa and crossed his legs. "I will find out who this Whistledown is. This woman will apologize to me and write about how great I am," he declared with a serious tone. "Tell me about these races," he asked, perhaps a bit too commandingly, as he looked at her from head to toe.

Jasmine looked at Nathaniel, ignoring his annoyed expression. She wasn't sure what to expect from him today but decided to try and play nice. "How was your first day at the university?" she asked. Nathaniel's eyes softened slightly as he considered the question. "It was good. The professor is impressive, and the material is fascinating."

Jasmine listened, then asked, "Is everyone in your family like this? Always trying to look good?" She watched him curiously. "Does America not have horse races?" she inquired, turning to face him. "It's simple, men race horses. But all of London enjoys going to see who will win."

Nathaniel smirked. "We do have horse races, but I doubt they are as grand as they are here."

As she watched him, she noticed how he seemed to be looking at her from head to toe. "Why are you looking at me like that?" she asked, genuinely curious. Nathaniel shrugged slightly, a hint of a smile playing at his lips. "Just admiring your dress. You look stunning."

Nathaniel scoffed at her comment, smacking his lips before answering, "We do not try; we just are. My father says that God has blessed us, and we should be thankful. I am thankful and well aware of my luck," he replied, dusting off his trousers with an air of superiority. "We don't have such things. They are not very popular. I am mostly focused on my studies. I wake up at six, then eat with Mother and my siblings at noon, then study until seven in the evening, supper, and promenade or balls and important state dinners. I participate in most of the state dinners," he said proudly. When she asked about his gaze, he responded with a slight smile, "I was just admiring your dress."

"My day at university was probably the best first day ever. I can't wait for tomorrow; I want to go again. It's such an incredible opportunity. The professors are all so good and clear in their explanations. Also, I am the best in every class. I answered all the questions, and every teacher complimented me. After the horse race, I shall study again. After all, I am the best of my peers," he finished with evident pride. Jasmine listened to him and nodded, taking in what he said about his family. She glanced down at her dress when he mentioned it. "Why would you care about what I wear?" she asked, a hint of curiosity in her tone. She then heard about his first day at the university and couldn't help but wonder if her brother had let him answer all the questions instead.

Her tone shifted as she addressed his demeanor. "Is this how it will be? Are you going around proclaiming how perfect you are? How you're the best at everything? And trying to charm every girl you see?" Her irritation was palpable, surprising even herself with the sharpness of her words. "You may be able to charm every girl in this place and boast about how perfect you supposedly are, but I'm not going to fall for it. I won't sit here and listen to your self-aggrandizing rhetoric." Her words came out harsher than intended, but she couldn't help it. It was unusual for her to be so blunt. With that, she turned and headed out the door to wait outside, leaving Nathaniel to ponder her words.