The man knew fish, I had no doubt he’d find success despite the hour. “I hope good fortune finds you, then.”
“What bringsyoudown to the markets? In want of fish? Or perhaps something pretty to win over your lady here.”
Anna smiled and took him in with grace, though I wondered—admittedly with a little humor—what a man like Morton did to her sensibilities.
“Mr. Everett would need a heap of good fortune in that case.” She grinned, clearly pleased with her own teasing.
I pursed my lips and raised both brows. Something so very like Anna to say, and yet, knowing her better, the barb did not sting at all. “Miss Lane, this is Nathaniel Morton. He’s a local fisherman.”
“Best fish in all Brighton.” He grinned widely.
“Lovely to meet you,” Anna said with a nod, and I felt a rush of pride, of near possessiveness, to have her at my side. A high-bred lady who was perfectly comfortable conversing with a common fisherman.
“She is Mr. Lane’s daughter, of London.”
Morton widened his stance, arms folded across his chest. “I see. Is this your first trip to Brighton?”
“It is. We’ve just come from the shore. We saw the Marine Pavilion and walked the Steine.”
“Well, then. You’ve been around, haven’t you? Taken her to the baths yet?” he asked me.
“She’s not keen,” I responded, and Anna pinched my arm.
Morton watched with a gleam in his eye. “Been on the water?”
“We have limited time to see all that Brighton offers, unfortunately. And Miss Lane prefers a tame experience.”
“I beg your pardon?” Anna placed her delicate hands on her hips. I shouldn’t have said it with a challenge in my voice, but there it was. Her flame, ignited. I grinned.
“Which part, exactly, of our trip so far has beentame?” she asked. The gravelly sound of sorrow in her voice was dissipating. She was distracted, and I longed to keep her so.
“Well, in that case, why not an excursion?” Morton asked. “The sea is what brought people here in the first place. She’s a fishing town at her heart, Brighton.”
“What sort of excursion?” Anna asked.
“A boat ride, out on the sea. Some get lucky and see a dolphin. Others pull in a fish or rest their worries for a time and bask in the sunset. Very popular among you tourists, the sunsets.”
Anna raised her brows at me expectantly.
“Youwouldn’t like it.” I shook my head. “The waters look steady from here, but out there”—I pointed farther out, knowingly—“a small boat will rock and rage, and you’ll feel like the whole world is spinning.”
Anna looked out at the sea, which, admittedly did not seem all that rowdy at present.
She turned back. “It cannot be worse than a carriage ride down the Brighton Road.”
“Brave girl,” Morton declared, winking at her.
And she thoughtItried to sway her on matters of business.
“Doyou take tourists?” Anna asked him.
Morton situated his cap back atop his head. “Occasionally. I prefer the fish as company. I only offer rides to select visitors such as yourselves. I’d take you, but tonight I have fish to catch.”
Morton looked sideways at me, then down at his hands, flexing his fist as if examining the dirt under his nails. I took his look for what it was—could I make it worth his while? He knew me to be a frugal man. Taking us on a boat ride would mean both fish for his celebration and a sure purse, so I had little doubt he’d oblige us. But Anna had already endured enough hardship this evening.
“I do not think Miss Lane would fare well on the sea.”
Morton crossed his arms and turned to Anna for her reaction.
