Free The Sea Shell Girl by Linda Finlay Page B

his back.

CHAPTER 8
    ‘Of all the cheek!’ Merry exclaimed.
    ‘Well, that’s our hands tied and he’s got your card well and truly marked, my girl, but I don’t suppose it matters, does it?’ Kelys muttered, giving Merry a final glare before striding off down the hill. As undisputed leader of the knitters, she was clearly put out the new agent had caught them complaining.
    ‘We’d all better get going before stingy Sharp comes back,’ Marya sighed. ‘I’m pleased you had a better day, dear,’ she added to Merry as they began walking towards the harbour.
    ‘My Tomas saw Nicco waiting with his cart this morning,’ Delen grinned. ‘Did he say anything about that extra celebration he was hinting at the other evening?’
    The little group came to a halt and looked at Merry expectantly.
    She shook her head. ‘He brought a cooper back in the cart and the talk was all business,’ she replied. That part at least was the truth.
    ‘What’s this cooper like?’ Wyllow asked, her eyes sparking interest as she patted her dark curls.
    ‘Knowing you, you’ll soon make it your business to find out,’ Tressa laughed. ‘Perhaps the handsome Nicco will have to vie for your attention and that double-ended pasty you were making this afternoon. Oh sprats; I’m sorry, Merry.’
    ‘You needn’t be. Nicco doesn’t get any encouragement from me, I can assure you.’
    ‘What’s his name, is he good-looking and how old is he?’ Wyllow asked, grinning wickedly.
    ‘He’s called Otto and very pleasant. That first lot of pilchards will ready for packing and so you’re bound to meet him then.’
    ‘And Nicco will pay us cash for that,’ Marya said, brightening.
    Merry smiled, marvelling, not for the first time, at how resilient these women were. Nothing kept them down for long.
    They reached the harbour to find Kelys leaning against the wall.
    ‘So what was this new order for then?’ she asked Merry.
    ‘A dozen knit frocks.’
    ‘And you got paid all in cash for the last lot?’ Merry patted her pocket and nodded. ‘Well, haven’t you got it made,’ Kelys snarled. ‘Not content to have the boss’s son running round after you, you use your charms on that agent to get a better rate.’
    ‘But it was you who suggested …’ Merry began, but once again she was talking to herself for the woman was stalking towards her cottage. The others glanced awkwardly at each other, then, with apologetic looks at Merry, followed after her.
    Kelys didn’t waste a moment. No sooner had they gathered around than she began holding court. Merry sighed, once again feeling an outsider in her own village. How she wished Jenna was still with her. Her friend
would have stood up for her, making the others see sense and laughing until Kelys’s good humour was restored.
    She stood gazing forlornly over the harbour where the boats were tied up for the night, their gaff jaws creaking against their masts, and the water slapping against the clinker hulls. Fishermen leaned against their huts, enjoying a last smoke of the evening, the tips of their home rollies glowing red against the lengthening shadows. Village life was going on as normal around her, yet Merry felt curiously detached, as if she no longer belonged. Perhaps it was time she gave serious thought to how she was going to turn her dream of a new life beyond this little fishing port into reality. Her gaze automatically went to the granite house on the opposite cliff.
    A slither of silver moon glimmered in the darkening sky as it rose behind the chimneys. It was surrounded by a scattering of stars that glittered like diamonds on a brooch. With a jolt she was reminded of Nicco and his proposition that morning. Not for the first time she thanked her own lucky stars for his fortuitous meeting with Otto. At least she’d been spared having to stop for supper. Thinking of food made her realize she was hungry, and with a last wistful look at the little group of knitters who were still