Page 42 of Rogue’s Holiday

Unwilling to let her see how enamored he was, he adopted a formal yet teasing tone. “Why, Miss Reynolds, I’ll have you know that is God’s protection against predators who mistake the spot for the fish’s eye, giving the dory time to escape.”

She laughed up at him, seeming to enjoy the formal manner he had pretended for her benefit. “Well these didn’t escape!”

“Ah, but man is the ultimate predator.”

The wizened fishwife selling the dories obviously wanted to get to her business as she looked up at him with an inquiring gaze. “How many will ye be wanting, sir?”

He turned to Chastity. “Did the cook say?”

“No, but I should think enough for the household, and the servants would not turn away a meal of fine fish.”

“We’ll have a half-dozen,” he told the fishwife. She smiled, pleased with her sale, and proceeded to wrap up the fish. She handed him the package and he paid her in coin.

“I could have paid her,” insisted Miss Reynolds, her lips forming into an attractive pout.

“Consider it my gift to Lady Sanborn.” He reached for her basket. “Allow me to carry this. As long as we are here, we should procure some sole. That’s a fish that often accompanies other dishes.”

She agreed and they thanked the woman and proceeded to where the sole were being offered. The ordinary task of shopping for fish in which Robbie rarely indulged had become a morning of unexpected pleasure. He relished this new amiability between them as they walked on, speaking of their childhoods.

“I played with the neighborhood boys when I could,” she said. “The only activities in which the girls engaged were sewing and painting. I guess that’s why I spent so much time with my father. He was more interesting.”

“And that’s how you became a designer of shoes?”

She blushed attractively. “Yes, I suppose it was. My father is ever so clever. He designs boots for the finest bootmakers in Northampton. His designs are unusual and are even coveted in London.” Her face glowed with admiration for the man who had taught her the craft.

“You are very proud of him,” he observed.

“I am.” From beneath her bonnet, she asked, “And you? What about your youth?”

“When my twin, Nash, and I weren’t at Eton, we were at sea. It was an ideal life for a boy but often lacking in schooling us in social graces. Seamen are hearty souls but can be a rough lot.”

“Well that explains your boldness,” she said. “Is your twin the same?”

He thought about his soft-spoken twin who Robbie had protected from bullies. “Nash is the serious one.”

“I’m sure your parents thank God for that.”

He laughed, unoffended. She only spoke the truth. He could hardly be offended when her eyes glimmered like sun on azure pools, so vividly blue they were mesmerizing.

By the time they had finished their shopping, Jack and Miss Crockett had returned to find them. They compared purchases, laughing, for much had been bought, more than could be eaten in a few days.

Jack smiled broadly. “I think Lady Sanborn’s cook will have to salt some of this fish to preserve it.”

“I’m certain the servants will appreciate some of this seafood for their dinner,” put in Miss Reynolds. “And then my great-aunt may invite the neighbors to dine with us over the next few days. She likes to entertain.”

“Prawns for breakfast, anyone?” Miss Crockett inquired with a smile.

Jack chuckled. “Why not?”

“Please consider yourselves invited for dinner tonight,” said Miss Reynolds. “Aunt Agatha will have need of your male appetites to help consume some of this.”

Robbie was surprised at the invitation coming from her but he was not one to turn away such an offer. “That is most gracious,” he said with an amused grin. “We accept.”

“’Tis only fair that you should help us eat what you have helped to acquire,” agreed Miss Crockett. She had obviously enjoyed her brief excursion with Jack and the two of them exchanged warm smiles.

“Our neighbor, Maria Fitzherbert, whom you met at the reception, will be joining us,” said Miss Reynolds. “Mrs. Fitz is a lady of impeccable character and my great-aunt’s particular friend.”

“Sounds delightful,” he said. “If you are amenable, I suggest Jack convey Miss Crockett and our purchases to Lady Sanborn’s in my curricle, and I will escort you home by way of a fly.” He looked up at the threatening clouds, noting the wind had picked up. Rain was not far away. “If we hurry, we might just miss the deluge.”