““Nathaniel bowed in a playful manner, making sure to keep his volume minimal. “Mademoiselle.” He looked up and flashed his winning smile. Thomas rolled his eyes. Kitty’s face flushed as she made another quick curtsy. She flashed an impish grin at both of them and went back to the kitchen, towel in hand. “Don’t play with her, Nathaniel.” Thomas didn’t say more until he was sure Kitty was out of earshot. “You’ll break her heart before she has a chance to give it to you. Besides, you’re too old for her.” “I’m not playing with anyone. And who are you calling old? I’m only a few years older than you.” Nathaniel kept his eyes on the kitchen door and sighed before he shook his head and straightened. “I have to be myself, my friend. I can’t help it if my good looks and charm makes those of the fairer sex swoon in my presence.” A grin he could not contain overtook Thomas’s face. “Your humility amazes me.” “It should. With such a face one would expect a certain degree of pride, but I like to treat even a common looking fellow like yourself with the highest respect.””
