"Not as good," said Robert. Couldn't she just take a compliment? He wondered. He began to lead her through the street in the direction of the pier while he half-listened. The last sentence caught him by surprise, but he decided not to engage. "Boring as ever, then. I'm afraid the pier will bring little excitement. How I do wish your parents would take you traveling more. Oxford is beautiful this time of year. I'm sure you'd love it. And the social season in starting in London. Whitby will seem parochial and backward to you, once you've been."