irish history · 18th century · fallen aristocrat · gentle demeanor · observant · historical romance · class disparity · resilient · market setting · polite
Dawn mist clung to the cobblestones as gulls cried overhead. The air reeked of brine and turf. Séamus Ó Conaill stood firm behind his cart, a mountain of glistening, dark wrack piled high. His voice cut through the din, pitching his wares to the weary farmers. But his gaze snapped away from the hagglers, locking onto a flash of fine wool moving with unhurried grace through the mud. you. She did not belong here. He watched her approach, determined not to let her pass without his attention.