Page 17 of A Captain For Clarissa
“Forgive me,” Clarissa said, her smile gently loving. “But as you see, I am quite safe, and quite sound.”
Helena studied Clarissa’s countenance, searching for any hint of distress that might betray her brave front. Finding none, she allowed herself a measured sigh, the weight of dread lifting.
“Very well,” Helena declared, her indomitable spirit reasserting itself. “You must regale us with every detail of your unexpected return, but first, pray allow us a moment to collect ourselves. I daresay my nerves are quite frayed.”
“Mine as well,” the Contessa concurred, the corners of her mouth tilting upwards despite the ordeal. “I shall ring for tea. A strong brew, I think, is in order.” Looking past Clarissa, she raised her eyebrows at the unfamiliar, tall gentleman just descending the staircase. “And, I think, some introductions?”
“Oh!” Clarissa turned, her smile blooming. “Lady Helena, Contessa Ginori, allow me to present Captain Rafael de Silva.”
Rafael stepped forward, his bearing confident but devoid of arrogance. He bowed deeply, his dark hair falling slightly forward as he did so.
“An honour to meet you both,” he said, his voice carrying the warm timbre of his native Portugal.
“The Captain is the reason I am here,” Clarissa said, as the group progressed into the drawing room and a maid went scurrying to fetch the tea. “I had something of an adventure, and he heroically came to my rescue.”
Helena was quite sure that Clarissa was drastically understating what exactly had happened in an effort to spare their feelings,but the fact could not be denied that she was indeed here, apparently safe and sound, and with a most intriguing companion.
Rafael spoke up again. “I regret that our introduction comes under such unusual circumstances.”
“Indeed,” Lady Helena responded, afire with curiosity about him. “One does not often encounter a hero in one’s drawing room.”
‘Hero’ was a title that seemed to sit uneasily on Rafael’s broad shoulders. He shifted, offering a humble smile. “Merely a man at the right place when I was needed, my lady. Circumstance should not be mistaken for valour.”
“Nevertheless,” the Contessa interjected, “we are all eager to hear of these circumstances.” She gestured gracefully to a settee. “Please, Captain, do regale us with your tale.”
With their attentions fixed upon him, Rafael recounted the events that had led to Clarissa’s safe return. His narrative was sparing in detail regarding his own actions; it focused instead on the precision of manoeuvres, the cooperation of his crew aboard the Santa Dorotéia, and the fortunate timing that had allowed them to intercept the corsairs’ vessel.
“Fortunately, we were able to secure Lady Clarissa’s release before harm could befall her,” he concluded.
“Captain de Silva, your humility cannot conceal the courage required to confront such villains,” the Contessa said, waggling a finger at him.
“Indeed,” Lady Helena added, her gaze lingering on Rafael’s composed features. “One does not simply stumble upon corsairs and emerge victorious by mere chance. Your skill is apparent, sir, and we are most grateful for it.”
“Your gratitude is more than enough reward,” Rafael replied, directing a respectful nod towards the two women before allowing his eyes to settle on Clarissa.
“Then we shall ensure our thanks are amply conveyed,” Lady Helena said, the sentiment echoed by the Contessa’s approving nod. As they settled into conversation, warmed by the tea now steaming in delicate porcelain cups, the ladies found themselves increasingly impressed—not merely by Rafael’s deeds, but by the measured grace with which he wore his heroism.
After the conversation had wound down and the evening shadows grew longer within the grandiose walls of the palazzo, Helena, with an impish glint in her eye, motioned for Clarissa to follow her to a private alcove away from the others. The heavy brocade of her gown rustled against the marble floor as she led the younger woman with purpose.
“Come, my dear,” Helena began, her voice lowering conspiratorially as they reached the seclusion of velvet-draped windows. “You must indulge an old lady’s curiosity. There is more to the tale of your rescue than you’ve let on, I surmise. Tell me truly—what think you of our dashing Captain de Silva?”
Clarissa felt her cheeks warm under Helena’s keen scrutiny. She was not accustomed to concealment, least of all from this woman who flouted convention like she did fashion—boldly and without a care for the whispers that followed.
“Captain de Silva is indeed... remarkable,” Clarissa admitted, choosing her words with care, yet unable to hide the admiration lacing her tone. “He possesses both bravery and kindness. And his conversation is as engaging as his actions are commendable.”
“Ah, ‘engaging’,” Helena echoed, her smile broadening. “A word scarcely sufficient for the light I saw dancing in your eyes, child. But come now,” she said, softening her teasing with a gentle pat on Clarissa’s hand, “you needn’t don armour around me. Speak plainly—as you and I are both wont to do.”
“Very well,” Clarissa conceded, her usual forthrightness bubbling to the surface. “There is a certain... connection, I cannot deny. It is rare to find a gentleman so genuine, so earnest. He speaks to me not as a delicate flower to be sheltered, but as an equal, capable of understanding the perils he faces.”
Helena’s expression shifted to one of satisfaction, her eyes alight with mischief and warmth. “That is precisely what I hoped to hear. Now, on to more pressing matters,” she said with a knowing tilt of her head just as Rafael approached them.
“Forgive the interruption, ladies,” Rafael began, his sea-green eyes finding Clarissa’s with an ease that spoke of their shared adventure. “Lady Clarissa, might I impose upon you for the pleasure of your company tomorrow morning? I thoughtperhaps a ride through the countryside would offer us fresh air and respite from recent events.”
“An invitation most graciously extended, Captain,” Helena interjected before Clarissa could respond, her approval nearly tangible. “And I believe it shall be most graciously accepted, will it not, Clarissa? The Count has any number of fine horses in his stables he shall be glad to provide for your use.”
“Indeed,” Clarissa replied, meeting Rafael’s gaze with a joyous smile. “I should very much like to join you, Captain de Silva.”
“Excellent,” Rafael said. “I shall look forward to it.”
