Page 25 of A Captain For Clarissa
Rafael studied her for a long moment, his sea-green eyes searching her face. “You seem troubled,” he observed softly. “Is there anything I can do to help?”
Clarissa hesitated, the words caught in her throat. How could she tell him of the frustration that gnawed at her, the sense that he was holding back, keeping some part of himself locked away? She knew of his worry for his sister, his desperate need to return home, but still, she longed for more.
“I am just tired,” she said at last, the half-truth bitter on her tongue. “It has been a long journey.”
Rafael nodded, his gaze softening with understanding. “It will not be much longer now,” he assured her. “We are making good time. We will put into Gibraltar tomorrow for a day or two, and with fair winds, we should reach Lisbon within the week.”
Clarissa felt a pang at his words, a sudden, sharp ache in her chest. The thought of their journey’s end, of the inevitable parting that awaited them, was almost more than she could bear. But she pushed the feeling aside, forcing a lightness into her voice as she replied, “I shall be glad to see land again, I must admit.”
Rafael chuckled, the sound warm and rich in the gathering dusk. “As shall I,” he agreed. “But I will miss this, miss the freedom of the open sea.” He paused, his gaze lingering on her face. “And the company,” he added softly.
Clarissa’s heart leapt at his words, a flicker of hope igniting in her chest. But she tamped it down, reminding herself of therealities that awaited them on shore. Rafael had his duties, his family to consider, and she...she had a life to return to, a future to navigate.
“We should make the most of the time we have left, then,” she said, her voice carefully light. “Before the demands of the real world come crashing down upon us once more.”
Rafael smiled, a hint of sadness in his eyes. “Indeed we should,” he agreed. He offered her his arm, his touch gentle as he guided her away from the railing. “Shall we take a turn about the deck? The stars are particularly lovely tonight.”
Clarissa nodded, allowing him to lead her across the weathered planks. She knew that the coming days would be bittersweet, a tangle of joy and sorrow as their time together drew to a close. But for now, she would savour each moment, each precious second in his company.
For in the end, she knew, that was all they could ever have. Stolen moments beneath the stars, memories to carry with them into the uncertain future that awaited them both. And for now, that would have to be enough.
The Santa Dorotéia glided gracefully into the bustling port of Gibraltar, sails furling smoothly as her crew went about their business with practised precision. The cacophony of the harbour greeted them—vendors hawking their wares, sailorsshouting orders, and the distant clatter of horse-drawn carriages navigating the cobblestone streets. A salty breeze carried the mingling scents of fresh fish and exotic spices from lands far away.
“Lady Clarissa,” Rafael began, extending a gentlemanly hand to assist her down the gangplank, “I trust you are eager for our little excursion ashore while my crew replenish our stores and take on cargo?”
“Indeed, Captain de Silva,” Clarissa replied with a playful sparkle in her eye, accepting his hand. “Despite the Santa Dorotéia’s comforts, I confess I have grown weary of the relentless rocking of the waves and seek the firm ground beneath my feet.”
“Then let us waste no time,” Rafael said, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
As they stepped onto the quay, Clarissa marvelled at the vibrant tapestry of life unfolding before them. Dockworkers unloaded crates of goods, while merchants arranged their colourful stalls under striped awnings. The air buzzed with the melodic hum of various languages intermingling in a symphony of commerce.
“Where shall we begin?” she asked, curiosity piqued by the array of sights and sounds.
“Allow me to be your guide,” Rafael replied, offering her his arm. They navigated through the throngs of people, drawing curious glances as they walked—a striking pair indeed, withClarissa’s sun-kissed hair gleaming like spun gold and Rafael’s commanding presence unmistakable even in the lively crowd.
Their path took them through narrow alleyways lined with quaint shops, where the scent of freshly baked bread mingled with the aromatic allure of Mediterranean herbs. Clarissa could not resist peering into a window showcasing intricate lacework, her fingers itching to touch the delicate patterns.
“Do you admire such craftsmanship?” Rafael inquired, noting her interest.
“Very much,” she replied, eyes sparkling. “Each piece tells a story, woven with care and dedication.” She fingered the purse in her pocket, considering how much money she had remaining. “Do you think we might enter and inquire about the prices? I might purchase some - a piece for Marianne and one for my mother, perhaps.”
Rafael obliged, and Clarissa was sure his commanding presence was of assistance as she haggled with the shopkeeper, who fortunately spoke excellent English. The prices were far lower than she might have expected to pay in England or even Italy, and she ended up purchasing not only lace for Marianne and her mother, but also some for Diana.
Rafael spoke in rapid-fire Spanish as Clarissa finished her transaction, pointing at several more pieces of lace. The shopkeeper bowed obsequiously and made up a second parcel, Clarissa assumed for Rafael’s mother and sister, and agreed to send both parcels back to the ship at once while they continued their explorations.
Clarissa adjusted her bonnet, squinting up at the formidable Rock of Gibraltar. The path ahead wound steeply, a challenge she was eager to embrace.
“Are you certain you are prepared for this climb?” Rafael inquired with a teasing glint in his eye.
“Assuredly,” Clarissa replied with a smile. “I have faced many a social mountain; surely a physical one cannot be more daunting.”
“Touché,” he said, laughing softly. “Then let us conquer this peak together.”
As they ascended, the air grew crisper, tinged with the salty tang of the sea. The calls of gulls echoed around them, mingling with the distant hum of the bustling port below. Clarissa’s skirts swished against the rocky path, each step a testament to her determination. The Barbary apes scampered away as they approached, obviously intrigued but too shy to come close, for which Clarissa was more relieved than sorry - they had large teeth!
“Look there,” Rafael pointed out, stopping finally as they reached the summit. “The view—it’s worth every effort.”
They had reached a vantage point, and Clarissa gasped. Below them stretched an expanse of azure sea, dotted with ships like toys floating on a cerulean pond. The land unfolded in a tapestry of greens and browns, bordered by the sparkling coastline.
