Nathaniel Nathan looked at Vera Xavier, slightly surprised by her words. His stare made her a little uncomfortable. "What is it?" she asked.
"You're giving my dowry to another man? Have you no conscience?" Nathaniel Nathan asked, looking at her.
Vera Xavier coughed lightly without saying a word. 'So this is what it feels like to shoot yourself in the foot...'
Her expression delighted him. "I'll let it slide this once," he said. "Don't let it happen again."
Vera Xavier immediately realized he was teasing her again and pouted slightly. He leaned down and brushed a kiss across her lips, as light as a dragonfly skimming water, then took her hand and led her downstairs.
In reality, Nathaniel Nathan was in an excellent mood. Seeing her like this reaffirmed his good judgment; she handled matters with grace and always repaid kindness.
