[He listens, not really sure what to say. It sounds absolutely beautiful, peaceful, and he honestly can't picture that sort of life. It's so far removed from everything he's experienced. He hates that he really is at a loss for what to say, and he feels like a bit of an idiot when he finally says something]

That sounds lovely.

[He feels he should have something more substantial to say than that. So, after a pause...]

My mother kept a garden. Nothing as grand as what you're describing, but... it was nice.

[And then he thinks for a moment and drinks some more]

Yes, but you don't make it a point to try to punish or humiliate me in public.

[...the fact that he's saying that to the Marquis de Sade of all people strikes him as inherently absurd, and he bites back a smile of amusement]