He thought of saying something sweet like "it's because yer beautiful." but that would have been daft. More than likely, she had been unusual, slightly too polished, a shade too pretty, and had stuck out; Just as he would do at a fancy ball if he were in her place.

"Pay 'em no mind." He knew better than most how much the fisherfolk gossiped or liked gossip. "Yer 'ere to support Rose on 'er day, and nowt else. Yer intent does you credit. Anyone who thinks less of ye fer it should be fish bait."