Douglas didn't show any kind of amusement to how the man had introduced himself.  He had gotten that kind of reaction from time to time.  He put his charcoal to his other hand with his sketchbook and shook the man's hand.  The name he was familiar with from having stayed there in Whitby for several months.

Another artist wanted to show him his work.  The Earl had seen quite a few.  Most were not worth the paper they were on let alone canvas, but he liked to encourage the budding artists where he could.  If this artist was talking about a show, though he hadn't done any yet, meant he had thought about it.  Either someone else had suggested it or he had thought his work was good enough to consider it.  It made Douglas curious.  Seeing the satchel, he figured the man had brought some along.  Why else would someone bring a satchel out to the beach?  He figured.  He had gotten pretty well at reading people that found him.

"Not at all.  Just doing some sketching to get ideas for more paintings."  He indicated the large driftwood log that he had been sitting on.  "Please join me."  He sat back down himself not waiting to see if he joined or not.  "What kind of pieces do you do?"