Page 1 of A Captain For Clarissa
Chapter One
The sun was settingover Athens, casting a golden glow over the ancient ruins high above the bustling city. The Parthenon rose from the Acropolis like a crown, looking down on the busy streets below, now settling into their evening routine. Merchants called out to passersby, hawking their wares. Horses and carts rolled through the narrow cobbled streets, dodging children playing games, while bright-clad women bartered for fresh produce from market stalls.
Lady Clarissa Creighton wound her way through the throng, her adventurous spirit invigorated by the lively city. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity at the rich array of history and culture surrounding her. The hot sun had bleached her brown hair pale gold; it hung loose around her shoulders, having slipped free of the simple ribbon which was all she’d used to tie it back. She’d long ago refused to wear a bonnet, preferring to feel the sun’s warmth on her face, much to the horror of the more properelements of the ton who decried her ‘unladylike’ golden tan and the freckles scattered across her nose and cheekbones.
“Do slow down, dear!” a voice called, breaking into Clarissa’s reverie. Turning, she spotted Helena, Dowager Marchioness Glenkellie, and her sister, the Contessa Ginori. The two elderly ladies were the picture of eccentric aristocratic style, close as sisters despite the decades they’d spent separated when Helena went to Scotland to marry. Their laughter rang like silver bells as they approached.
“Isn’t it beautiful?” Helena said, pointing towards the Parthenon. Then she gave Clarissa a mischievous smile. “Of course, not so beautiful as the eligible bachelors we’ve found for you, my dear.”
“Indeed,” the Contessa agreed, her accent still carrying a hint of Italian even after almost seventy years living in England. “We’ve made certain your stay in Athens will be most exciting - both culturally and romantically!”
Clarissa stifled a groan, feeling her adventurous soul wilt somewhat at the thought of their meddling. Still, she could never quite bring herself to be annoyed by the pair’s matchmaking efforts. They had taken her under their wing after meeting her in Italy last year, and invited her to join them in Greece - a tour she would never have been able to afford otherwise.
“Thank you for your efforts,” she said diplomatically, attempting to keep any trace of sarcasm out of her tone. “I look forward to making the acquaintance of these gentlemen you speak of.”
“That’s the spirit!” Helena clapped her hands together in delight. “You won’t be disappointed, I assure you, dear.”
“Indeed.” The Contessa nodded firmly. “We’ve arranged a small party at our hotel this evening, where you’ll meet them. Only the best suitors have been chosen, naturally.”
As the three women continued their exploration of Athens, Clarissa could only chuckle at the elderly sisters’ matchmaking efforts. She’d gotten very used to them by now, having spent the past year avoiding the many suitors they sought to thrust upon her in Italy. For the moment, though, she was more than happy to immerse herself in the rich history and culture around her, her adventurous soul undaunted by her friends’ well-meaning interference.
The evening party was in full swing, the large ballroom of the grand Athenian hotel alive with colour and movement. The scent of flowers filled the air, mingling with the flickering light of dozens of candles casting dancing shadows on the walls. Musicians played a lively waltz, and Clarissa found herself tapping her foot to the beat of the music.
Helena and the Contessa, however, were both too busy scanning the room for eligible bachelors to notice. Frequently they would lean their heads together to whisper excitedly, nodding towards one gentleman or another.
“There he is!” Helena suddenly exclaimed, pointing towards a tall young man with an immaculately waxed mustache and perfectly oiled hair. She caught Clarissa’s arm, propelling her towards the poor unsuspecting gentleman. “Clarissa, let me introduce you to Mr Montgomery. He comes from a most respectable family, and is heir to a vast estate in Hampshire.” Her voice dropped to what she probably thought was a whisper, but was actually loud enough to be heard by everyone within earshot!
“Charmed, I’m sure,” Clarissa replied through gritted teeth, forcing a smile as she curtseyed before the startled Mr Montgomery. His gaze lingered on her sun-bleached hair and freckled face, and she could almost hear his disapproving thoughts.
“Miss Creighton,” he said finally, bowing stiffly in return. As they exchanged pleasantries, Clarissa stifled a yawn behind her fan, wishing she was anywhere other than here. Somewhere like the Parthenon, perhaps, or any number of interesting ruins she had not yet had the opportunity to explore...
“Delightful! Simply delightful!” the Contessa declared, taking Clarissa’s arm and steering her away from Mr Montgomery. “Now, allow me to present Mr Abernathy, a dashing naval captain.”
Before Clarissa could protest, she was face to face with Captain Abernathy, who looked to be at least twice her age.
“Miss Creighton,” Captain Abernathy growled, inclining his head slightly. Stifling a sigh, Clarissa prepared herself for another tedious conversation about the weather or ships.
“Clarissa, my dear!” Helena fortunately saved her a few minutes later, appearing at her side again. “There is someone you simply must meet!”
Another one? Clarissa groaned inwardly, though she forced a polite smile as she turned around. Then her heart skipped a beat.
Edward Dalton stood before her, a slow smile spreading across his handsome face which made her pulse quicken. Edward! She had known him since childhood—her father had handled legal matters for the Daltons for many years prior to inheriting his earldom—and although it had been many years since she’d seen him last, his familiar presence was a welcome relief amidst a sea of new faces.
“Mr Dalton!” she gasped, momentarily forgetting her earlier irritation with matchmakers in general. “What a surprise to see you here in Athens.”
“Miss Creighton… but no, of course you are Lady Clarissa now,” he said warmly, taking her hand and raising it to his lips. His kiss on her knuckles was gentle, but his touch sent a frisson of awareness up her spine. “The pleasure is all mine. I must say, you have grown even more beautiful since I saw you last.”
“Flatterer,” she accused, though her lips curved into a genuine smile for the first time that evening. Falling into easy conversation with Edward, she couldn’t help but notice theapproving looks exchanged between Helena and the Contessa. They appeared very pleased with the apparent result of their matchmaking efforts.
“Would you care to dance, Lady Clarissa?” Edward asked, holding out his hand with a flourish. There was a glint of mischief in his eye, and Clarissa hesitated only a fraction of a second before placing her hand in his.
“Very well, Mr Dalton,” she said primly, ignoring the little thrill which went through her as his warm, strong fingers closed around hers.
“Tell me, Clarissa,” Edward said quietly, drawing her closer as the music swelled around them, “what brings you to Athens? I never expected to see you here.”
“Nor did I expect to see you,” she admitted, her eyes dropping to his strong jawline. “I was travelling with my aunt and uncle on their honeymoon in Italy. My aunt had twins a few months ago, though, so they decided to remain in Florence until the children are a little older. However, Lady Glenkellie and Contessa Ginori kindly invited me to join their party for this excursion to Greece.”
“Indeed?” He sounded surprised. “Without a male family member to chaperone? You always did have an adventurous spirit.” The lightness of his tone did not quite disguise the slight edge to his words, and Clarissa winced.
