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“It isn’t a problem,” she replied. “The Honeysetts have been wonderful friends to us and have sacrificed much to help us at Golowduyn these last few months. We are more than happy to help them and you.”

“Indeed,” Captain Kendricks agreed. “We’ve only now just discussed the matter with Mrs. Honeysett. I’m certain she and Mr. Honeysett will be more than happy to take you.”

Morvoren’s shoulders dipped forward, disappointment dampening her rising spirits. She glanced toward Mr. Honeysett, his attention arrested by the same woman from before. He folded his arms as he listened to her, the fabric of his coat tight around his upper arms and shoulders. She supposed having him take her to Sennen was a small price to pay to be rid of the man’s suspicions two days early.

Two days early. That meant two days fewer of lying to the Honeysetts—and two days fewer of glancing over her shoulder to ensure Uncle and Mr. Foss hadn’t discovered her.

“I can’t thank ye both enough,” she said to the Kendrickses. “Your kindness will not be forgotten.”

The Kendrickses spoke only a moment more, excusing themselves just as Mrs. Honeysett returned with a plate of roasted hake and potatoes for them each. Together, they enjoyed their meal, discussing Morvoren’s upcoming departure before loud giggling drifted toward them. They followed the sound to where Poppy laughed with a handsome man who stood a full head taller than the girl.

“That be Lieutenant ’Arris,” Mrs. Honeysett explained with a nod in their direction. “Our Poppy ’as fallen ’ard for ’im.”

“I can see that,” Morvoren said. The girl had veritable stars in her eyes as she peered up at the man. Whatever he was saying must have been very comical, indeed, for how hard Poppy still laughed at him.

“Does he like her in return?” she asked.

Mrs. Honeysett’s face fell slightly. “I believe so, but ’ow greatly, we can’t be sure.”

Before any more could be said on the subject, another couple approached, and Mrs. Honeysett introduced them to Morvoren as the Bosankos. They were kind and generous, which almost made up for the fact that the broad-shouldered woman still cast daggers of suspicion toward Morvoren across the fire.

Beside the woman sat a young man with a thick head of blond hair and the same broad shoulders. Brother and sister, perhaps? Or did their ages allow them to be mother and son? Either way, the young man was also watching her, though with a far less condemning gaze. Instead of scowling, he merely skirted his eyes away in an instant, as if afraid making eye contact would upset the woman they believed to be a mermaid.

The Bosankos departed, and Morvoren bade farewell to the kind couple before catching the young man’s eyes on her once more. She attempted an easy smile, but he pulled swiftly away, watching her from the corner of his eye.

Morvoren was not blind to the fact that she was considered an attractive individual. Uncle had always said it was the only reason he’d kept her all these years.

“Your features will fetch you a fine husband one day, niece,” he’d said. “I will choose that husband for you, if only to pay myself back for the grief you’ve caused me all these years.”

At least this broad-shouldered young man wasn’t leering at her as some men did. He seemed more frightened than anything, which couldn’t be too far-fetched, seeing as how he thought her to be a sea-maid.

After everyone in attendance had had the opportunity to eat, Mrs. Honeysett and a few other women moved to clean up the food, and Morvoren—once again seated alone—watched with measured interest as the younger members of the group organized a few games off to the side of the gathering.

“Will you be joining in, miss?”

Morvoren glanced up from her spot on the log, taken aback as Lieutenant Harris himself smiled down at her. “Thank ye,” she said before motioning to her wrapped foot. “But I won’t be able to do much with a sore foot. I be happy to watch from the side, though.”

He nodded with understanding. “You are Morvoren Hollow, yes?”

His ease and confidence exuded a natural charisma that was difficult for a person to remain humble about. This man, however, had seemed to conquer the feat. It was no wonder Poppy had fallen so hard for him.

“Yes, I am.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. Lieutenant Edmund Harris at your service. Poppy Honeysett was just telling me that you’re staying with her.”

“Yes, she’s been gracious enough to allow me the use of her room.” She paused, attempting nonchalance. “That Poppy be a very generous girl.”

The lieutenant looked beyond Morvoren, and she followed his line of sight to where Poppy bounced lightly up and down on the balls of her feet, no doubt excited for the games to begin.

“Indeed,” Lieutenant Harris agreed somewhat distractedly. He blinked, then looked back to Morvoren. “You are certain you cannot join?”

“More than certain, sir. Thank ye. But I be enjoyin’ the fun from afar, I assure ye.”

He tipped his head in departure, then walked away, moving at once to stand beside Poppy, who beamed up at him as brightly as the sun.

Morvoren didn’t know either the lieutenant or Poppy very well, but she was fairly convinced that the two were meant for each other. She’d never seen a sweeter couple, the two of them constantly stealing glances at one another when the other remained unaware.

Better yet, if they did marry, Poppy could escape the fishing trade as a whole and be the wife of a naval officer. That was far more admirable.