Page 57 of A Captain For Clarissa
Clarissa clenched her fists, frustration building within her. “I won’t marry him, Mother,” she said firmly. “I won’t even consider it.”
The Countess’s eyes hardened. “We shall see about that, Clarissa. We shall see.”
It did not take long for Edward Dalton to discover that Captain Rafael de Silva was in London, having apparently pursued Lady Clarissa Creighton there with a firm intention to marry her.
That could not be permitted to happen, of course. Edward had decided, almost as soon as he discovered Clarissa had somehow escaped the fate she had been destined for at the hand of the Algerian corsairs, that she would make him a fine wife after all. She was lovely, well-dowered, and her sister was a duchess. His place at the top of English society would be guaranteed.
First, though, he would need to discredit that troublesome Portuguese captain and send him scurrying back home with his tail between his legs. And tonight, he had determined that de Silva would be at this ball, likely in hopes that Clarissa would be present. Which she would not be, as the countess had been forewarned of de Silva’s likely presence… by Edward himself, of course.
Edward stood by the mantelpiece, swirling a glass of brandy as he observed the ballroom with narrowed eyes. His gaze fixed on de Silva, who had just entered the room, cutting a dashing figure in his uniform. He watched as Rafael’s sea-green eyes scanned the crowd, clearly searching for Clarissa. Dalton’s fingers tightened around his glass, knuckles whitening. Time to put his plan into action.
“Good evening, Captain!” Dalton called out, his voice dripping with false congeniality as he approached Rafael.
Rafael turned, surprise flickering across his features. “Mr. Dalton, good evening. I didn’t expect to see you in London.”
“Oh, I’m full of surprises,” Dalton replied with a smirk. “I hear you’ve been quite the sensation since your arrival. Tell me, what brings a Portuguese naval officer to English society?”
Rafael hesitated, choosing his words carefully. “I have... personal matters to attend to.”
“Personal matters, indeed. I’m sure Lady Clarissa is thrilled to have you here.” He noticed Rafael stiffen at the mention of Clarissa’s name.Perfect, Dalton thought.This will be easier than I imagined.
“You seem well-acquainted with Lady Clarissa’s affairs,” Rafael responded, his tone guarded.
Dalton laughed, the sound hollow and insincere. “Oh, Clarissa and I go way back. Childhood friends, you know. In fact, I’ve been thinking it’s high time I settled down. Perhaps with a familiar face.”
He watched Rafael’s jaw clench, satisfaction coursing through him. The seeds of doubt had been planted. Now, to nurture them into full-blown rumours that would destroy any chance Rafael had with Clarissa.
Dalton leaned in, lowering his voice conspiratorially. “Between us gentlemen, I’ve heard whispers about your... intentions. Some say you’re quite the fortune hunter.”
Rafael’s sea-green eyes flashed with anger. “I beg your pardon?”
“Oh, come now,” Edward pressed, relishing the captain’s discomfort. “A penniless Portuguese nobleman pursuing one of England’s most eligible heiresses? It’s rather transparent, don’t you think?”
Rafael’s fists clenched at his sides. “You know nothing of my intentions, Mr. Dalton. I suggest you mind your own affairs.”
Edward raised his hands in mock surrender. “No offence meant, Captain. I’m merely repeating what I’ve heard in certain circles. But I’m sure a man of your... background... understands how quickly rumours can spread in London society.”
As Rafael opened his mouth to retort, a striking redhead in a revealing gown sidled up to them. Edward suppressed a smirk, recognizing the actress he’d hired for this very purpose.
“Captain,” she purred, pressing herself against Rafael’s arm. “I’ve been longing to speak with you all evening.”
Rafael stiffened, clearly uncomfortable. “Madam, I don’t believe we’ve been introduced.”
The woman giggled, her fingers trailing down his chest. “Oh, but we have, darling. Don’t you remember our passionate encounter last Friday evening?”
Edward watched with satisfaction as nearby partygoers turned to stare, whispering behind their fans. Rafael’s face paled as he gently but firmly removed the woman’s hand.
“There must be some mistake,” Rafael insisted, his voice strained. “I’ve never met you before.”
The actress’s lower lip trembled convincingly. “How could you say such a thing? After all your promises...”
As the scene unfolded, Edward slipped away, a triumphant smile playing on his lips. The trap was set, and Rafael’s reputation would soon be in tatters. Clarissa would have no choice but to turn to him, Edward, for comfort and security. Everything was going according to plan.
Edward’s smug satisfaction was short-lived. As he made his way through the crowded ballroom, a familiar voice cut through the air, causing him to freeze mid-step.
“I can assure you, madam, that Captain de Silva was with me at the time you claim this... encounter occurred,” Alex, the Marquis of Glenkellie, declared loudly, his tone brooking no argument.
Edward whirled around, his heart sinking as he saw Alex standing beside Rafael, his hand clasped firmly on the Portuguese captain’s shoulder.
