It may be true, but Merriman does not smile at that...primarily because he remembers a note, in his own handwriting, that had once been tacked to the bar's noticeboard.

Instead, he looks over at Mary, his expression quite serious.

'Is that suitable for the time being, Miss Lennox? I realise that it is a makeshift situation for now, but things will be seen to very soon. I will be making a few enquiries of my own, when we return to the shore.'

Oh yes, he most certainly will.