[It is terribly difficult not to let his smile bloom wider, to let smugness take hold of him for but a moment. Somehow, he manages, though only through great effort.]

I would never dream of such a thing.

[He manages to say so with a straight face, that curl to his lips vanishing as he wills it away.]

Regardless, that you are disinclined makes it all the more precious. I shall do my utmost to live up to that impression— though in the meantime, I am afraid the start of my scene within the ballroom draws near.

[He is glad, however, to not be parting ways poorly, as they might have just a few moments earlier.]