Page 2 of A Captain For Clarissa
“Needs must when the Devil drives,” she replied, attempting a smile. “Besides, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to travel to such a fascinating city.”
“No, I don’t suppose you could.” Edward’s smile was knowing. “Athens has much to offer those who are willing to take chances.”
They whirled away again, and Clarissa found herself reflecting on Edward’s sudden interest in her. It was not at all unwelcome; indeed, she felt rather flattered by it. Yet there was a slight edge to his compliments, a darkness beneath them she couldn’t quite put her finger on. She shook the thought away, determined not to let it ruin her enjoyment of the moment.
“Mr Dalton,” she said after a moment, trying to keep her voice from shaking, “it is a surprise to see you so far from home. What brings you to Greece?”
“Ah, Lady Clarissa,” he said mysteriously, and his eyes darkened for a moment before brightening again, “let us just say that life does have its twists and turns.”
The music drew to an end, and they stepped apart, each bowing to the other. Clarissa found herself considering Edward’s words and wondering what secrets he might be hiding. For now, though, she would allow him to pay her court… even if that nasty little voice in the back of her head kept asking why his attention made her feel a little like a mouse being eyed by a cat.
Helena and the Contessa exchanged gleeful glances as they watched Edward and Clarissa chatting animatedly. They had both taken a shine to Mr. Dalton, and agreed that he would make a most eligible suitor for Clarissa’s hand. Chattering excitedly, they whispered together of grand weddings, neither of them aware of Clarissa’s secret anxiety.
“You see, sister,” Helena said with a satisfied smile, “I told you our matchmaking efforts would be successful. Look at them! Like they’ve known each other all their lives.”
“Indeed,” the Contessa agreed, her eyes sparkling with pleasure. “And what a handsome couple they make! I always knew my Clarissa would capture the heart of some dashing man of the world, and Mr. Dalton certainly fits the bill. Her parents will be overjoyed!”
Despite her misgivings, Clarissa found herself enjoying Edward’s company more and more as the evening wore on. He was an excellent conversationalist, full of tales of his travels, as well as being able to speak knowledgeably about politics, literature, art and many other subjects. It was hard to maintain a wary distance in the face of such wit and charm.
“Tell me, Lady Clarissa,” Edward said, leaning in close as they strolled together in the moonlit gardens, “have you ever considered writing? Your thoughts are so very insightful, I believe many would be interested in hearing your views.”
She blushed at the compliment, her heart fluttering despite her conviction that he must have ulterior motives. “I… I have tried my hand at it, but no one has been interested in reading my scribblings before.” She glanced up at him through her lashes; he was regarding her as though she were the most fascinating creature he had ever met.
“Never underestimate the power of your words,” he said seriously. “You have a unique viewpoint which deserves to be shared.”
“Thank you, Mr. Dalton,” she murmured, cheeks pink with pleasure, though she could not quite shake the feeling that Edward Dalton was concealing another side of himself from her.
In the days following, it seemed as though Edward were everywhere Clarissa turned. Whether by accident or design, they kept running into one another as they toured the bustling Athenian markets and marvelled at the ancient ruins. Each encounter left Clarissa more intrigued and yet more uneasy, her initial caution eroded by his constant attentions.
Standing beside him at the Acropolis, gazing out over the city below, Clarissa found herself questioning her own instincts. Perhaps, she thought, she had misjudged him. Perhaps his intentions were entirely honourable after all, and her suspicions unfounded.
“Lady Clarissa,” Edward said softly, his voice barely audible over the sound of the wind, “I hope you do not find my attentions intrusive. It is merely that… well, I cannot seem to help myself.Your vivacious spirit and sharp mind draw me like a moth to a flame.”
“Mr. Dalton,” she replied hesitantly, her heart torn between hope and uncertainty, “I must admit I enjoy your company, unexpected though it is. But I cannot help wondering why, after all these years, we should meet again in such an unlikely place.”
“Perhaps,” he suggested with a ghost of a smile, “fate has brought us together once more, two kindred souls who would otherwise never have had a chance of reuniting.”
Clarissa smiled at the idea. Perhaps it was foolish to believe in fate, but here, where once the gods themselves were said to have walked among mortals, she could almost believe it.
She quite recognised that shewantedto believe. Wanted to believe that a worldly, intelligent man like Edward Dalton truly thought her worthy of his attention. For all the eager suitors who had been swarming around her ever since her sister married a duke, not one of them had ever treated Clarissa as though she had a brain in her head, and she was thoroughly weary of it. Edward’s respect for her intellect and willingness to listen to her opinions were different, and despite the wariness she could not quite seem to shake, his attentions were beginning to have an effect on her emotions.
Amidst the bustling markets of Athens, Clarissa paused to admire a stall adorned with vibrant silks and intricate lacework.
“Clarissa,” Edward’s voice broke into her thoughts, “I must say, that shade of blue would complement your eyes exquisitely.”
“Thank you, Mr. Dalton,” she replied, absently, her mind still lingering on her aunt as she looked at a beautiful christening gown. The birth of the twins in Florence had been an unexpected blessing, but it had also left Clarissa with a new sense of responsibility. She could not burden her aunt with her presence during such a delicate time, so she had ventured to Athens, eager to explore its rich history and culture.
“Are you well, Clarissa?” Edward asked, concern etching his handsome features as he noted her distant expression.
“Quite well, thank you,” she assured him, forcing a smile. “I was merely thinking of my Aunt Marianne and the recent additions to the family.”
“Ah, yes, the joyous arrival of twins,” Edward mused, his eyes flickering with an unreadable emotion. “Such a delightful surprise for all involved, I’m sure.”
“Indeed,” Clarissa agreed, though her heart ached at the thought of missing the precious moments with her new cousins.
As they continued their stroll through the market, Clarissa found herself observing Edward more closely. His charm and good looks were undeniable, but there was something lurking beneath the surface that she couldn’t quite put her finger on. An undercurrent of secrecy that unsettled her.
“Clarissa,” Edward began, clearing his throat. “I have been meaning to inquire about your father’s new estate at Creighton Hall. It has been quite some time since I last visited home, and I do miss the beauty of the English countryside.”
