Page 53 of A Captain For Clarissa
Rafael met their scorn with his head held high, though inside he burned with indignation. A peasant? If only they knew the weight of responsibility he bore, the lives that depended on him. But that was not for them to understand. He was here for Clarissa, and her alone.
As if conjured by his thoughts, Clarissa appeared before him, radiant in a gown of shimmering silver. Her smile was strained but her eyes danced with defiance.
“Captain de Silva. I’m so pleased you could attend.”
“Lady Clarissa.” He bowed deeply, acutely aware of the dozens of eyes tracking his every move. “The pleasure is entirely mine.”
She leaned in, her voice lowered to a conspiratorial whisper. “Pay them no mind, Rafael. Their opinions are as insubstantial as sea foam.”
He couldn’t help but chuckle, marvelling at her spirit. “And just as easily dispersed by the wind. Shall we give them something to really talk about?”
Rafael extended his hand in open invitation. Clarissa’s smile bloomed like a sunrise as she placed her gloved fingers in his. Somewhere, a scandalised gasp punctuated the moment.
As he led her towards the dance floor, Rafael caught sight of the Countess, her lips pinched in disapproval. No doubt she had orchestrated this display of disdain. But even her machinations could not shake his resolve. For Clarissa, he would weather any storm.
The first strains of a waltz drifted through the air. Rafael drew Clarissa close, savouring the warmth of her through the layers of silk and lace. Here, in the circle of his arms, the rest of the world fell away. No wagging tongues or raised eyebrows could touch them.
Let them whisper, he thought as they began to dance. Let them sneer and scoff. His heart knew the truth, and that was enough. Enough to endure a thousand petty humiliations.
As they twirled across the gleaming parquet, Clarissa’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “I do believe we’ve caused quite the stir.”
“Indeed. I fear the Countess may faint from the impropriety of it all.”
She laughed, the sound like champagne bubbles in his ears. “Oh, Mama will survive. Though I suspect I’m in for a scolding later.”
Rafael’s brow furrowed. “I hate to be the cause of strife between you.”
“Nonsense.” Clarissa’s fingers tightened on his shoulder. “I won’t let anyone dictate my heart. Not even my own mother.”
Pride surged through him. This brave, beautiful woman had chosen him, society’s scorn be damned. It humbled and exhilarated him in equal measure.
The final notes of the waltz faded away, and reality crashed back in like a cold tide. Reluctantly, Rafael stepped back, already mourning the loss of her touch.
No sooner had they parted than the Countess descended, her face a thundercloud. “Clarissa. A word, if you please.”
Clarissa squeezed his hand, a silent promise, before following her mother to a quiet alcove. Rafael watched them go, steeling himself for the battle ahead.
The Countess’s voice, though hushed, carried in the stillness. “Have you taken leave of your senses? Cavorting with that... that nobody?”
“He is not a nobody.” Clarissa’s tone could have cut glass. “He is a good, honourable man.”
“He is beneath you!” The Countess’s agitation was clear in the rustle of her skirts. “You’re throwing away your prospects, your reputation...”
“My reputation is my own to risk.”
Rafael’s heart swelled to bursting. In that moment, he knew with blinding certainty that he would love this woman until his dying breath.
The Earl of Creighton’s footsteps rang out like gunshots as he marched toward Rafael, face mottled with rage. “You there. De Silva.”
Rafael turned, squaring his shoulders. “My Lord.”
“I’ll not mince words.” The earl’s eyes were flint. “Stay away from my daughter, or I’ll see you on the first ship back to Portugal. Permanently.”
The threat hung in the air, sharp as a blade. Rafael met it with a steady gaze. “With respect, my Lord, I cannot do that.”
“Cannot?” The Earl sputtered. “You forget your place, sir.”
“No.” Rafael’s voice was calm, unwavering. “I know my place. It is by Clarissa’s side, for as long as she’ll have me.”
