[ A challenge, hmm? Valmont levels his gaze at Steinbeck across the table, considering. Very well, he can try and work a little more flattery into the night, but it'll have to wait. Talking about himself comes first. ]

Born and bred. And might I say, between the two cities, there's really no comparison.

[ His chest puffs out a little. For all that he hasn't actually spent much time in London in the past several years, he does miss it, and he's compelled to defend its honor. ]

Business trips to England, you say? Is this still farming we're talking about?

[ No, really, do farmers go on international business trips? He honestly doesn't have any idea. ]