Page 3 of A Captain For Clarissa
“Ah, yes, Creighton Hall is indeed a lovely place,” Clarissa reminisced, her eyes clouding over with nostalgia. “I must confess, though, that my heart has always yearned for more... for adventure and the freedom to explore the world beyond our borders.”
“Spoken like a true explorer,” Edward praised. “You are indeed a rare gem.”
“Thank you,” she replied, blushing despite her lingering suspicions.
As they reached the outskirts of the market, Clarissa noticed a man approaching Edward, his face obscured by the shadow of his wide-brimmed hat. Without a word, he handed Edward a small, folded note before disappearing into the throng of people.
“Forgive me,” Edward said quietly, slipping the missive from his mysterious correspondent into his coat pocket. “A matter of business.”
“Of course.” Clarissa nodded, but her curiosity was piqued by the odd encounter and the fact that Edward had apparently been waiting for someone to meet him here in the middle of Athens. She wanted to believe he was a kind man with no evil intentions toward her or anyone else, but there were too many secrets surrounding him.
“Shall we continue our exploration of Athens?” Edward asked, offering his arm with a charming smile that did not quite dispel Clarissa’s concerns.
“Yes,” she said finally, placing her hand on his arm as they walked further into the old city, her mood dampened by unanswered questions.
Rounding a corner, they came across several young local children playing some sort of tag game, their laughter infectious. Within moments, Clarissa found herself joining in, helping one of the smaller girls escape from ‘it,’ and chuckling with delight at the little girl’s thanks. Glancing over at Edward, she saw him watching her with a wistful smile and wondered again what he was hiding.
“Mr. Dalton…” she began hesitantly. “I know we have only recently renewed our acquaintance, but I cannot shake the feeling that it is not mere chance that you are here. Is there something you are not telling me?”
Edward’s smile faded for a moment before he gathered himself. “Clarissa, you always were far more perceptive than most people give you credit for. But I assure you, my reasons for being present in Athens are completely innocent.” He smiled charmingly. “A lover of history and culture such as myself could hardly resist visiting such an ancient city, after all.”
“I suppose not.” Clarissa sighed, his charm working its magic on her suspicions. For now, at least, she would set her questions aside. But she knew she would not be able to ignore them forever.
“Come,” Edward said, offering his arm again. “There is so much more of this wondrous city to see.”
Feeling a little lighter of heart, Clarissa took his invitation to explore, ready to enjoy the day with an old friend. Though doubts still lingered in her mind, she decided to allow the sunny streets of Athens to chase away her fears - at least for now.
Chapter Two
The setting sun castlong shadows on the cobblestone street where Edward Dalton stood, feeling the other man’s eyes upon him. An English lord of no more than three and twenty years, the young man’s look was haughty and impatient, as if he expected to be obeyed instantly.
“Mr. Dalton,” the young lord said with obvious disdain, “you have put me off paying your debts for too long. You lost heavily at cards, and I hold your IOUs.”
Edward shifted uncomfortably, feeling a trickle of sweat run down the back of his neck. He could not immediately think of what to say; he had hoped to avoid this meeting altogether but found himself cornered in an alleyway by two armed men and forced to walk several miles in the heat of the day to present himself before his creditor. “I assure you, my lord, I will havethe money soon enough,” he said finally, attempting to sound confident.
“Indeed?” The lord raised one eyebrow. “And how do you intend to come up with such a sum?”
“Well, I…” Edward looked around nervously, then lowered his voice. “I am in pursuit of an heiress,” he confessed. “A lovely young lady with a very large dowry. I believe I shall offer for her hand within the week.”
The sun dipped lower, casting an orange glow over Athens. The other man considered his words, eyes narrowing with suspicion. “And why should I believe you, Mr. Dalton? You are a man known for making grand promises and leaving your creditors unpaid. Your presence in Greece tells the story of how you had to flee England because your debts grew too great.”
Edward’s heart pounded in his chest, but he forced himself to smile and appear calm. “I understand your reticence,” he said, putting on his most sincere expression. “But this time is different, I assure you. This young lady is the daughter of a rich earl, her sister married to a duke. Her family is both influential and wealthy beyond belief. I am an old family friend, and I believe she already has some small tendre for me.”
He watched the other man’s face for any sign that he’d convinced him. Finally, the young lord sighed, looking resigned. “Very well,” he said. “You have one week to provide proof of this engagement, Mr. Dalton. If you cannot, I will tell everyone I see that you are unreliable and untrustworthy.”
Swallowing hard against the lump in his throat, Edward nodded, smiling weakly. “Of course, my lord. I will not disappoint you.”
As the lord turned and walked away, Edward stood alone on the cobbled streets, the last rays of sunlight fading away behind him. The weight of his lies stole the breath from his chest, but he could see no other way ahead. Desperation drove him now; Edward Dalton was a man on the edge of ruin or redemption. Only time would tell which way he fell.
As soon as the young nobleman was out of sight, another man emerged from the shadows. Edward’s heart gave a sickening lurch when he saw the Greek moneylender, his gaze fixed on Edward with a cold intensity that made him shiver.
“Mr Dalton,” the man said in heavily accented English, his voice low and menacing. “I hear you speak of dowries and future wealth. I want my money now. Your promises mean nothing to me.”
Edward struggled for composure, though his heart was pounding and sweat prickled his forehead. He knew better than most that this was a man not to be trifled with, and though he had been patient up until now, Edward could sense his patience was running out.
“Please, sir,” he began, cursing himself when his voice shook despite all his efforts to sound confident. “I swear to you, once I marry Lady Clarissa her dowry will be more than enough to pay my debts to you and everyone else! You have my word.”
The moneylender sneered in unconcealed contempt. “Your word is worth less than nothing. And how do you plan to get your hands on her money? Travel back to England and never return here, forgetting your debt to me?” He shook his head slowly. “No, Mr Dalton. I want my money now.”
