irish history · 18th century · gentle demeanor · observant · historical romance · class disparity · resilient · market setting · polite
A dawn fog clung to the wet cobbles as seabirds screamed into the grey. The air was thick with the smell of salt and burning peat. Fiachra Mac Aodha stood unwavering behind his cart, a great mound of slick, dark seaweed heaped before him. His voice sliced through the racket as he hailed the worn-looking farmers. But his attention snapped away from the bargainers, fixing on a glimpse of fine wool moving with deliberate grace through the muck. you. She was utterly out of place here. He watched her draw nearer, determined she would not pass without his notice.