Page 28 of A Captain For Clarissa
“Sleep tight, darlings,” Clarissa murmured, brushing a stray curl from one child’s forehead.
“Your touch has a magic all its own,” Rafael observed quietly, his admiration evident.
“Perhaps,” she replied, turning to face him fully. “Or perhaps it’s simply the love one feels for those in their care.”
“Either way, it is a gift,” he said earnestly.
“Thank you,” Clarissa said, her voice softening, and for a long moment they simply gazed at each other, unspoken words heavy in the space between them.
“Goodnight, Clarissa,” Rafael said finally, his voice tinged with reluctance. He made his way to the cabin door, casting one last glance at the serene tableau behind him.
“Goodnight, Captain,” she replied, her smile lingering even after he had disappeared into the shadows of the ship.
Clarissa stood at the ship’s railing, her fingers gripping the cool, weathered wood as she gazed out over the endless expanse of the sea. The sun had dipped low, painting the western horizon in hues of gold and crimson, casting a shimmering path across the water. A gentle breeze played with the loose tendrils of her sun-bleached hair, carrying with it the salty tang of the ocean.
“Do you ever wonder what lies beyond that line?” Rafael’s voice broke the tranquil silence, drawing her attention from the mesmerising view. He stood beside her, his tall frame outlined against the setting sun, his sea-green eyes reflecting the myriad colours of the sky.
“Beyond the horizon?” Clarissa mused, her brow furrowing slightly. “I suppose I do. It seems to promise so much—adventure, opportunity, perhaps even a new beginning.”
“Indeed,” Rafael agreed, a thoughtful look crossing his rugged features. “The future is as vast and unpredictable as the sea itself. We chart our course, but the winds and waves have their own will.”
“Much like life,” she added, stealing a glance at him. “We plan and hope, yet we are often swept along by forces beyond our control.”
“True,” he said softly, considering her words. “Yet it is those very uncertainties that make the journey worthwhile, do they not? The unexpected moments, the uncharted paths—they shape us, mould us into who we are meant to be.”
“Speaking of uncharted paths,” Clarissa began, her tone tinged with curiosity, “what future do you envision for yourself? Will you return to your family’s vineyard?”
Rafael leaned against the railing, his gaze distant. “Our vineyard... It holds many memories, both sweet and bitter. I do wish to restore it, to breathe life back into the land that has sustained my family for generations. But more than that, I long to see my mother and sister thrive, to ensure they know peace and happiness once more.”
“Such noble aspirations,” Clarissa remarked, genuine admiration in her voice. “You carry a heavy burden, Rafael. Yet you bear it with such grace.”
“Thank you, Clarissa,” he replied, his eyes meeting hers with an intensity that made her heart quicken. “And what of you? What awaits Lady Clarissa Creighton upon her return to England?”
“Ah, England,” she sighed, her expression becoming wistful. “I suppose I shall return to the usual expectations—balls, social engagements, the relentless pursuit of a suitable match. Yet,after all I have seen and experienced, those things seem so trivial now.”
“Perhaps because you have discovered a different kind of fulfilment,” Rafael suggested, his voice laced with understanding. “One that cannot be found within the confines of society’s strictures.”
“Yes,” she admitted quietly. “This journey has opened my eyes to so much more—to the richness of different cultures, the beauty of the world beyond England’s shores. And... to the depth of human connection.”
“Connection,” Rafael echoed, his gaze softening as it lingered on her. “It is a powerful thing, is it not? It transcends distance, social standing, even the barriers of language.”
“Speaking of language,” Clarissa said, turning to look at him directly. “Your family—I wish to make a good impression. They’ve been through so much, and I want to show them proper respect. Would you teach me some more Portuguese phrases? Enough to greet your mother and sister and thank them for their hospitality.”
Rafael blinked, momentarily taken aback by her earnest request. Then, a slow smile spread across his face. “Of course, Clarissa. It would be my honour.”
“Thank you,” she said, relief evident in her voice. “I’ve learned a few basics, but they sound so awkward coming from me. I fear I may insult them rather than impress.”
“Not at all,” he reassured her. “Your effort alone will speak volumes. But let us begin with something simple. Repeat after me: ‘Muito prazer em conhecê-la’—’Pleased to meet you.’”
“Meu-to pra-zher em con-he-che-la,” she attempted, furrowing her brow in concentration.
“Close,” he chuckled. “Let’s try it once more. Muito prazer em conhecê-la.”
“Mui-to praz-er em con-he-ce-la,” she repeated, her pronunciation improving.
“Excellent,” Rafael said, nodding appreciatively. “You are a quick learner.”
“Only because I have an excellent teacher,” she quipped, meeting his gaze with determination.
