The hesitation, the tone of his voice, the offer that was finally given. Internally he was utterly and completely smug. Outwardly, of course, perfectly poised.
He smiled, as if in understanding - a smile between fathers perhaps - or a grandfather and a father. Yet he did not admit any weakness, if he had he knew Damian would see through him. He was Don's son after all.
'Thank you, Damian,' he said instead calmly - and with a hint more warmth than was his usual way. 'It's-' the slightest possible hesitation, as if he was on the verge of saying too much. '-a very generous offer. One I might just take you up on,' he said with a small smile.
'And we should take that trip to Spain when the weather is warmer. See if we can't teach that son of yours to ride too,' he said, once more back to his casual self.