Still, it surprised her how excited she felt for this one, how roused her heartbeat had been by the scent of the fires being stoked and the call of the stall attendants and game masters as they’d flocked to their booths, inviting the denizens of Brighton out for one final lark before the shuttering of autumn.
The Starling wards walked together from the Rest down to the beach, accompanied by a few additional friends and one very well-outfitted pig.
“It is a waistcoat,” Rhys said for the third time as he gestured at the garment affixed to the leash and the pig held in Ruby’s hand. “Even with ruffles, it is a waistcoat.”
“And so what?” Monica replied with a sniff. “She may be a dandy if she wishes. No one stopsyoufrom doing it, after all, Rhys.”
Rhys had considered this, scratching at his curls, which were fluffy with humidity and salt air. “That is reasonable, I suppose,” he said. “But I don’t enjoy competition.”
“Yes,” Persephone Boswell agreed, winning a spin and glower from her place, linked arm in arm with Libba. “We know.”
Elias chuckled and pulled Hattie closer as they walked, the grit and grass giving way to the shingles and pebbles of the coast as they crossed through a wicker fence. “Anything you’re desperate to do first?” he asked her, his color already high in anticipation. “I am aiming at the rope bout, myself. Love a trial of strength, especially in teams.”
“Donot,” she warned him. “Donotplay at the throwing stand with Jasper Townsend.”
“Aw, Hattie,” Jasper called from behind them. “That’s not sporting.”
“No, it isn’t,” she agreed shrilly. “Ever.”
“I’ll play,” Mr. Harcourt offered, a note of something slightly ominous in his tone. “Straight away, even, if you like.”
“See? That’s better,” said Jasper, while Malcolm gave a knowing chuckle between the two men. “Last year, they had coconuts instead of wooden balls. Maybe again? You’ll have to adjust for the weight, Harcourt.”
“Noted,” the barrister said, a wry smile twisting his lips.
“Speaking of coconuts,” Rhys added, dragging out each syllable in a drawl.
“Yes, yes,” Ruby snapped. “But next time you are paying for the ingredients. I’ll bottle it up for you in a few days. God forbid you don’t smell like an oasis for a few hours.”
“God forbid,” Miss Boswell echoed, though not quite as sarcastically as before.
“All right,” Errol announced, clapping his hands together as they reached the edge of the festivities. “Shall we meet back here in an hour for the rope contest? I smell roasted neeps and don’t want to arrive after they’ve all gone.”
“Oh, honestly,” Mal said with a nose wrinkle. “You’re the only one on this beach excited about bloody turnips.”
“Then why do they always sell out?” Errol asked, raising his brows and grinning. “An hour! No chocolate for Peach, and absolutely nothing with booze. You hear me?”
“I wouldn’t,” Ruby replied, blinking like an infant.
“Wouldn’t share her booze and chocolate, she means,” Rhys added with a snicker, which appeared to be the final signal that all should disperse.
“What do you think?” Elias asked once they were alone. “Sweet or savory? The hot fried fish is always very good.”
“Both,” she said immediately. “Do you like plum duff? Or Chelsea buns?”
“Are there people who don’t?” He laughed, steering her toward the food stands. “My favorite, however, is the gingerbread. I know, I know, it isn’t strictly summer fare, but it is the best thing here.”
“I don’t mind a gingerbread,” Hattie said. “I wonder how it pairs with the fish.”
They bought both and some lemonade with which to wash it down and spent some time wandering the games and stalls. Hattie tried her hand at hoopla and failed miserably enough that Elias knew not to attempt himself, lest he were successful.
“I can’t be good at everything,” she muttered, licking the plum powder off her thumbs.
“And bless you for that,” he answered. “Oh! A hopping race! Shall we watch or participate?”
“Watch,” she said instantly, grimacing at the people pulling burlap sacks up around their legs. “I’ve had enough humiliation for the hour, thank you very much.”
“Well, then you’ll want to be on the same team as I am for the strength contest,” he told her with a twinkle. “To ensure it doesn’t happen again.”
