window, that cheeky grin. It was Kitto.
Heart pounding, she unlocked the door just as he hurled himself through it. Then she was in his arms and he was hugging her as though he’d never let her go.
‘I thought you were dead,’ she gasped when he finally released her.
‘So did I. And for a long time, I nearly was,’ he murmured, pulling her close and kissing her hard on the lips.
‘Kitto,’ she began but, unable to resist, gave herself up to his embrace.
Lost in the wondrous moment, they didn’t hear Garren come in. It was only when he coughed that they realized he was there and sprang apart.
‘Oh Garren, Kitto has come back,’ she cried, tears of joy coursing down her cheeks.
‘So I see,’ he said quietly.
‘I need some time with my girl, sir. Would you excuse her for a while so we can catch up?’
‘Yes, of course. Take as long as you need, Colenso,’ he told her, his eyes grave.
‘But it’s time to open the shop,’ she began, suddenly aware of where her loyalties now lay.
‘I’ll see to the customers. You go with Kitto. I’m sure you will have much to discuss,’ he told her.
Hands tightly clasped, as if by tacit consent, they made their way down to the beach. The sun was rising, bathing the bay in its rosy glow while the light early-morning breeze carried the tang of salt. Everywhere suddenly looked so vibrant, smelt so fresh.
‘God, Cali, I’ve missed you so,’ Kitto murmured, enfolding her in his arms. He kissed the top of her head and even through the material of her scarf, she could feel the warmth of his lips. ‘I’ve dreamed of this moment so often over the past months, although I must admit I never envisaged you swathed in white,’ he chuckled. Colenso stared down at her apron and grimaced.
‘In all the excitement of seeing you again, I quite forgot to take it off.’
‘Don’t worry, it suits you. Oh Cali, you could be wearing anything or nothing for all I care.’ Realizing what he’d said, he stopped. ‘I was going to apologize but that conjures up such a wonderful vision, I’m not going to,’ he told her. Too happy to object, she contented herself with giving him a playful nudge in the side, which led to more kissing and cuddling.
It was sometime later that they became aware of people watching and so they reluctantly broke apart. They wandered along the shoreline, not speaking, just savouring the pleasure of being together again. Only when they neared the hustle and bustle of the harbour at Newlyn did they seek the shelter and privacy the rocks afforded. He spread his jacket and made a sweeping gesture with his hand.
‘If my lady would care to take a seat.’
‘Why, thank you, kind sir,’ she responded, entering into the spirit of things. They sat staring at each other for a long moment.
‘How are you?’
‘How have you been?’ As ever, they spoke at the same time. Laughing, he took her hand in his, running his thumb over her palm in the way she loved so much. ‘Good to see we’re still in tune, Cali. These past few months have been hell.’
‘I know,’ she agreed. ‘When I heard you were dead I wanted to die too. I was told that your ship had gone down with all hands lost,’ she told him, her words breaking on a sob. He pulled her close.
‘It’s true the barge sank in a heavy swell. Never seen waves like it before and never want to again,’ he shuddered. ‘All I can remember is the water covering me, filling my lungs until I thought I’d burst. Next thing I knew I was waking up in some strange bed. Apparently, I’d been unconscious for quite some time.’
‘And did they tell you what had happened?’ she asked.
‘Only that when the boat broke up on the beach I was dragged onto the sands by fishermen who’d been watching from the shore. I’d busted my leg, fractured ribs. I was a sorry sight, I can tell you. If it hadn’t been for the care of those wonderful strangers I would have been a goner.’ He let out a long sigh, his eyes on the distant horizon, lost in another world, another time. She snuggled into him, revelling in the warmth of his chest, the familiar smell that was him.
‘Then I am grateful to those strangers for nursing you back to health,’ she told him.
‘And you, Cali? How have you fared? Are you cross that I have taken so long to return?’ he asked, dark eyes turning their gaze on her.
‘No,’ she sighed, remembering her accusations of the previous year. ‘I’m just thankful you are alive and have come back.’ He smiled and pulled her tighter.
‘I’ll not return to the Wherrytown works after this. Word has it they’re in a pretty bad way anyhow. Shall we return home to Cadgwith? I’m sure I can get another start at Poltesco,’ he asked. She smiled happily for, with the Ferret gone and Father existing in a stupor, there was no reason not to go back. Then, as if someone had thrown a bucket of icy water over her, she remembered her promise.
‘Oh Kitto, I can’t,’ she wailed. ‘If only you’d come back sooner.’
‘So you are cross that I’ve taken this long getting back,’ he sighed.
‘I’m truly pleased you’re safe and it’s wonderful to be with you again but …’ her voice trailed off and she stared helplessly at him.
‘But what?’ he frowned.
‘I’m promised to another,’ she whispered.
‘You what,’ he shouted, his voice echoing as it bounced off the rocks. ‘Hell’s teeth, I’ve not been gone that long. Who … oh, don’t tell me, it’s that confectioner, isn’t it?’
‘Garren’s been very good to me, Kitto. He and his father looked after me while I was grieving for you. If they hadn’t I don’t know what would have happened to me.’
‘What you’re saying is, he’s taken advantage of your helpless state. Well, in case you’ve forgotten, I’m your betrothed.’
‘But I thought you were dead, Kitto. Please understand that I was trying to get over you. I’ve been so unhappy, desolate even. When I thought I had nothing to live for, he offered me comfort and hope for the future.’
He let out another long sigh. ‘It’s been hard on us both, I can see that. Come on, let’s go back and speak with him. Ask him to release you from a promise made under duress.’
‘But it wasn’t. I like and respect him.’
‘But do you love him?’ he asked, gazing at her intently. Slowly, she shook her head.
‘Well then?’
‘I’m sorry, Kitto, I promised and I could never go back on that,’ she mumbled, tears welling as she got to her feet. ‘No, please don’t,’ she added as he made to follow. ‘I’ll go back by myself.’
‘God, you’re stubborn,’ he muttered. ‘But
