1. Chapter One

Chapter One

T he sun was setting over Athens, casting a golden glow over the ancient ruins high above the bustling city. The Parthenon rose from the Acropolis like a crown, looking down on the busy streets below, now settling into their evening routine. Merchants called out to passersby, hawking their wares. Horses and carts rolled through the narrow cobbled streets, dodging children playing games, while bright-clad women bartered for fresh produce from market stalls.

Lady Clarissa Creighton wound her way through the throng, her adventurous spirit invigorated by the lively city. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity at the rich array of history and culture surrounding her. The hot sun had bleached her brown hair pale gold; it hung loose around her shoulders, having slipped free of the simple ribbon which was all she'd used to tie it back. She'd long ago refused to wear a bonnet, preferring to feel the sun's warmth on her face, much to the horror of the more proper elements of the ton who decried her ‘unladylike' golden tan and the freckles scattered across her nose and cheekbones.

"Do slow down, dear!" a voice called, breaking into Clarissa's reverie. Turning, she spotted Helena, Dowager Marchioness Glenkellie, and her sister, the Contessa Ginori. The two elderly ladies were the picture of eccentric aristocratic style, close as sisters despite the decades they'd spent separated when Helena went to Scotland to marry. Their laughter rang like silver bells as they approached.

"Isn't it beautiful?" Helena said, pointing towards the Parthenon. Then she gave Clarissa a mischievous smile. "Of course, not so beautiful as the eligible bachelors we've found for you, my dear."

"Indeed," the Contessa agreed, her accent still carrying a hint of Italian even after almost seventy years living in England. "We've made certain your stay in Athens will be most exciting - both culturally and romantically!"

Clarissa stifled a groan, feeling her adventurous soul wilt somewhat at the thought of their meddling. Still, she could never quite bring herself to be annoyed by the pair's matchmaking efforts. They had taken her under their wing after meeting her in Italy last year, and invited her to join them in Greece - a tour she would never have been able to afford otherwise.

"Thank you for your efforts," she said diplomatically, attempting to keep any trace of sarcasm out of her tone. "I look forward to making the acquaintance of these gentlemen you speak of."

"That's the spirit!" Helena clapped her hands together in delight. "You won't be disappointed, I assure you, dear."

"Indeed." The Contessa nodded firmly. "We've arranged a small party at our hotel this evening, where you'll meet them. Only the best suitors have been chosen, naturally."

As the three women continued their exploration of Athens, Clarissa could only chuckle at the elderly sisters' matchmaking efforts. She'd gotten very used to them by now, having spent the past year avoiding the many suitors they sought to thrust upon her in Italy. For the moment, though, she was more than happy to immerse herself in the rich history and culture around her, her adventurous soul undaunted by her friends' well-meaning interference.

The evening party was in full swing, the large ballroom of the grand Athenian hotel alive with colour and movement. The scent of flowers filled the air, mingling with the flickering light of dozens of candles casting dancing shadows on the walls. Musicians played a lively waltz, and Clarissa found herself tapping her foot to the beat of the music.

Helena and the Contessa, however, were both too busy scanning the room for eligible bachelors to notice. Frequently they would lean their heads together to whisper excitedly, nodding towards one gentleman or another.

"There he is!" Helena suddenly exclaimed, pointing towards a tall young man with an immaculately waxed mustache and perfectly oiled hair. She caught Clarissa's arm, propelling her towards the poor unsuspecting gentleman. "Clarissa, let me introduce you to Mr Montgomery. He comes from a most respectable family, and is heir to a vast estate in Hampshire." Her voice dropped to what she probably thought was a whisper, but was actually loud enough to be heard by everyone within earshot!

"Charmed, I'm sure," Clarissa replied through gritted teeth, forcing a smile as she curtseyed before the startled Mr Montgomery. His gaze lingered on her sun-bleached hair and freckled face, and she could almost hear his disapproving thoughts.

"Miss Creighton," he said finally, bowing stiffly in return. As they exchanged pleasantries, Clarissa stifled a yawn behind her fan, wishing she was anywhere other than here. Somewhere like the Parthenon, perhaps, or any number of interesting ruins she had not yet had the opportunity to explore...

"Delightful! Simply delightful!" the Contessa declared, taking Clarissa's arm and steering her away from Mr Montgomery. "Now, allow me to present Mr Abernathy, a dashing naval captain."

Before Clarissa could protest, she was face to face with Captain Abernathy, who looked to be at least twice her age.

"Miss Creighton," Captain Abernathy growled, inclining his head slightly. Stifling a sigh, Clarissa prepared herself for another tedious conversation about the weather or ships.

"Clarissa, my dear!" Helena fortunately saved her a few minutes later, appearing at her side again. "There is someone you simply must meet!"

Another one? Clarissa groaned inwardly, though she forced a polite smile as she turned around. Then her heart skipped a beat.

Edward Dalton stood before her, a slow smile spreading across his handsome face which made her pulse quicken. Edward! She had known him since childhood—her father had handled legal matters for the Daltons for many years prior to inheriting his earldom—and although it had been many years since she'd seen him last, his familiar presence was a welcome relief amidst a sea of new faces.

"Mr Dalton!" she gasped, momentarily forgetting her earlier irritation with matchmakers in general. "What a surprise to see you here in Athens."

"Miss Creighton… but no, of course you are Lady Clarissa now," he said warmly, taking her hand and raising it to his lips. His kiss on her knuckles was gentle, but his touch sent a frisson of awareness up her spine. "The pleasure is all mine. I must say, you have grown even more beautiful since I saw you last."

"Flatterer," she accused, though her lips curved into a genuine smile for the first time that evening. Falling into easy conversation with Edward, she couldn't help but notice the approving looks exchanged between Helena and the Contessa. They appeared very pleased with the apparent result of their matchmaking efforts.

"Would you care to dance, Lady Clarissa?" Edward asked, holding out his hand with a flourish. There was a glint of mischief in his eye, and Clarissa hesitated only a fraction of a second before placing her hand in his.

"Very well, Mr Dalton," she said primly, ignoring the little thrill which went through her as his warm, strong fingers closed around hers.

"Tell me, Clarissa," Edward said quietly, drawing her closer as the music swelled around them, "what brings you to Athens? I never expected to see you here."

"Nor did I expect to see you," she admitted, her eyes dropping to his strong jawline. "I was travelling with my aunt and uncle on their honeymoon in Italy. My aunt had twins a few months ago, though, so they decided to remain in Florence until the children are a little older. However, Lady Glenkellie and Contessa Ginori kindly invited me to join their party for this excursion to Greece."

"Indeed?" He sounded surprised. "Without a male family member to chaperone? You always did have an adventurous spirit." The lightness of his tone did not quite disguise the slight edge to his words, and Clarissa winced.

"Needs must when the Devil drives," she replied, attempting a smile. "Besides, I couldn't resist the opportunity to travel to such a fascinating city."

"No, I don't suppose you could." Edward's smile was knowing. "Athens has much to offer those who are willing to take chances."

They whirled away again, and Clarissa found herself reflecting on Edward's sudden interest in her. It was not at all unwelcome; indeed, she felt rather flattered by it. Yet there was a slight edge to his compliments, a darkness beneath them she couldn't quite put her finger on. She shook the thought away, determined not to let it ruin her enjoyment of the moment.

"Mr Dalton," she said after a moment, trying to keep her voice from shaking, "it is a surprise to see you so far from home. What brings you to Greece?"

"Ah, Lady Clarissa," he said mysteriously, and his eyes darkened for a moment before brightening again, "let us just say that life does have its twists and turns."

The music drew to an end, and they stepped apart, each bowing to the other. Clarissa found herself considering Edward's words and wondering what secrets he might be hiding. For now, though, she would allow him to pay her court… even if that nasty little voice in the back of her head kept asking why his attention made her feel a little like a mouse being eyed by a cat.

Helena and the Contessa exchanged gleeful glances as they watched Edward and Clarissa chatting animatedly. They had both taken a shine to Mr. Dalton, and agreed that he would make a most eligible suitor for Clarissa's hand. Chattering excitedly, they whispered together of grand weddings, neither of them aware of Clarissa's secret anxiety.

"You see, sister," Helena said with a satisfied smile, "I told you our matchmaking efforts would be successful. Look at them! Like they've known each other all their lives."

"Indeed," the Contessa agreed, her eyes sparkling with pleasure. "And what a handsome couple they make! I always knew my Clarissa would capture the heart of some dashing man of the world, and Mr. Dalton certainly fits the bill. Her parents will be overjoyed!"

Despite her misgivings, Clarissa found herself enjoying Edward's company more and more as the evening wore on. He was an excellent conversationalist, full of tales of his travels, as well as being able to speak knowledgeably about politics, literature, art and many other subjects. It was hard to maintain a wary distance in the face of such wit and charm.

"Tell me, Lady Clarissa," Edward said, leaning in close as they strolled together in the moonlit gardens, "have you ever considered writing? Your thoughts are so very insightful, I believe many would be interested in hearing your views."

She blushed at the compliment, her heart fluttering despite her conviction that he must have ulterior motives. "I… I have tried my hand at it, but no one has been interested in reading my scribblings before." She glanced up at him through her lashes; he was regarding her as though she were the most fascinating creature he had ever met.

"Never underestimate the power of your words," he said seriously. "You have a unique viewpoint which deserves to be shared."

"Thank you, Mr. Dalton," she murmured, cheeks pink with pleasure, though she could not quite shake the feeling that Edward Dalton was concealing another side of himself from her.

In the days following, it seemed as though Edward were everywhere Clarissa turned. Whether by accident or design, they kept running into one another as they toured the bustling Athenian markets and marvelled at the ancient ruins. Each encounter left Clarissa more intrigued and yet more uneasy, her initial caution eroded by his constant attentions.

Standing beside him at the Acropolis, gazing out over the city below, Clarissa found herself questioning her own instincts. Perhaps, she thought, she had misjudged him. Perhaps his intentions were entirely honourable after all, and her suspicions unfounded.

"Lady Clarissa," Edward said softly, his voice barely audible over the sound of the wind, "I hope you do not find my attentions intrusive. It is merely that… well, I cannot seem to help myself. Your vivacious spirit and sharp mind draw me like a moth to a flame."

"Mr. Dalton," she replied hesitantly, her heart torn between hope and uncertainty, "I must admit I enjoy your company, unexpected though it is. But I cannot help wondering why, after all these years, we should meet again in such an unlikely place."

"Perhaps," he suggested with a ghost of a smile, "fate has brought us together once more, two kindred souls who would otherwise never have had a chance of reuniting."

Clarissa smiled at the idea. Perhaps it was foolish to believe in fate, but here, where once the gods themselves were said to have walked among mortals, she could almost believe it.

She quite recognised that she wanted to believe. Wanted to believe that a worldly, intelligent man like Edward Dalton truly thought her worthy of his attention. For all the eager suitors who had been swarming around her ever since her sister married a duke, not one of them had ever treated Clarissa as though she had a brain in her head, and she was thoroughly weary of it. Edward's respect for her intellect and willingness to listen to her opinions were different, and despite the wariness she could not quite seem to shake, his attentions were beginning to have an effect on her emotions.

Amidst the bustling markets of Athens, Clarissa paused to admire a stall adorned with vibrant silks and intricate lacework.

"Clarissa," Edward's voice broke into her thoughts, "I must say, that shade of blue would complement your eyes exquisitely."

"Thank you, Mr. Dalton," she replied, absently, her mind still lingering on her aunt as she looked at a beautiful christening gown. The birth of the twins in Florence had been an unexpected blessing, but it had also left Clarissa with a new sense of responsibility. She could not burden her aunt with her presence during such a delicate time, so she had ventured to Athens, eager to explore its rich history and culture.

"Are you well, Clarissa?" Edward asked, concern etching his handsome features as he noted her distant expression.

"Quite well, thank you," she assured him, forcing a smile. "I was merely thinking of my Aunt Marianne and the recent additions to the family."

"Ah, yes, the joyous arrival of twins," Edward mused, his eyes flickering with an unreadable emotion. "Such a delightful surprise for all involved, I'm sure."

"Indeed," Clarissa agreed, though her heart ached at the thought of missing the precious moments with her new cousins.

As they continued their stroll through the market, Clarissa found herself observing Edward more closely. His charm and good looks were undeniable, but there was something lurking beneath the surface that she couldn't quite put her finger on. An undercurrent of secrecy that unsettled her.

"Clarissa," Edward began, clearing his throat. "I have been meaning to inquire about your father's new estate at Creighton Hall. It has been quite some time since I last visited home, and I do miss the beauty of the English countryside."

"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.