6. Chapter Six

Chapter Six

A cacophony of voices and the creaking of rigging filled the air, while the scent of salty sea mingled with the aroma of fresh fish from the nearby market as the Santa Dorotéia glided smoothly into its berth in the port of Livorno. Captain Rafael de Silva stood on the wooden deck, his sea-green eyes surveying the bustling scene before him. He turned to Clarissa, who leaned against the railing, watching the activity around the busy port.

"Allow me to assist you, my lady." Rafael extended a calloused hand, offering support as she stepped onto the gangplank. Clarissa, ever fearless, looked at his offered hand, then up into his eyes, and flashed him a mischievous grin.

"Thank you, Captain, but I think I can manage," she said, deftly stepping onto the plank without assistance. Rafael admired her independence, though he couldn't suppress a worried frown as she navigated the precarious crossing.

"Enrique!" Rafael called out to one of his crew members. "Secure us a carriage, if you please."

"Sim, capit?o!" the sailor replied, hurrying off to fulfil the request.

As they waited, Clarissa idly glanced at the ship in the neighbouring berth, preparing to cast off as the last passengers boarded. A tall figure caught her attention, and she squinted; she knew that form!

"Uncle Alex!" she cried out. Startled, Alex spun around, his face a picture of disbelief and relief as he caught sight of his niece standing on the dockside.

"Clarissa!" He rushed toward her, his arms opened wide for an embrace.

Clarissa's heart swelled with happiness as she took in the familiar sight of her beloved uncle, his face etched with shock and joy at seeing her safe and sound.

"Clarissa, my dear!" Alex cried out, his voice thick with emotion. He swept her up into his arms, holding her close as if to reassure himself that she was truly there and not just an apparition borne out of his deepest hopes.

"Uncle Alex," Clarissa murmured, tears pricking the corners of her eyes as she clung to him. "I am so glad to see you."

"Wherever have you been?" He leaned back, grasping her shoulders, looking her up and down. "I cannot tell you how panicked Marianne was when we received my mother's letter that you were missing from Athens!"

Clarissa winced, too well able to imagine how distressed her aunt would have been.

"I was about to board a ship to Greece," Alex gestured to the ship, sighed as the captain came towards him. "One moment, Clarry. I need to get my luggage brought off." He spoke quickly to the captain in rapid, fluent Italian, before turning back to her. For the first time, he looked past her to Rafael, standing patiently waiting, and his eyebrows went up.

"Clarissa Creighton. Tell me you didn't run off from Greece with a man!" Fury darkened his face as he stared at Rafael.

"No!" Clarissa caught at his arm as Alex took a step forward, expression threatening. "Uncle Alex, that's not what happened." She glanced around; several people were watching them with apparent interest. "We need to talk somewhere private."

"Back aboard the Santa Dorotéia," Rafael invited quietly. "Captain Rafael de Silva, at your service," he made Alex a polite bow.

"Oh, I'm so sorry… this is my uncle Alex… the Marquis of Glenkellie." She saw the surprise on Rafael's face, realised she hadn't told him just how highly ranked Alex was. "Uncle, you can trust Captain de Silva. I promise. He's the hero in this story."

"Is he, indeed?" Alex said dryly, but he allowed Rafael to lead him and Clarissa back aboard the Santa Dorotéia and to the captain's cabin.

"All right." Alex folded his arms, looking from Rafael to Clarissa. "Tell me the real story."

Clarissa hesitated now, realising that Alex was likely to be extremely angry on her behalf once she explained. Rafael spoke up, filling the silence.

"My lord, this ship is part of an anti-corsair patrol through the southern Mediterranean. Three days ago, we intercepted a known corsair running along the North African coast, flying the Algerian flag. On boarding, I found Lady Clarissa imprisoned."

"On a corsair ship?" Alex unfolded his arms, his eyes blazing. "How…?"

"They took me in the middle of the night," Clarissa said quickly. "I woke up and they were in my hotel room. They put a bag over my head and carried me off before I could even scream."

Alex put a hand over his mouth in horror and sank to sit on the single chair at the table, looking as though his legs would not hold him up. "Did… were you…" he didn't seem to be able to ask the question.

"They wanted me in good condition, so no, nobody touched me," Clarissa said quietly. "The corsair captain said I was to be sold in Algiers."

Rafael said something very fast in Italian. Clarissa didn't catch every word, but she was fairly sure of the gist. Virgins fetch a higher price.

Alex looked as though he might be about to be ill, but instead he rose to his feet and extended his hand to Rafael. "Captain de Silva, words cannot express my gratitude for your heroism in rescuing and protecting Clarissa."

"Your thanks are welcome, sir, but there is no need for such effusive praise," Rafael responded, his tone modest. "It was no more than my duty."

"Perhaps," Alex conceded, his expression sobering as he considered the dangers Clarissa had faced. "But it was you who braved those perils, and for that, I shall be forever grateful."

Rafael shifted uncomfortably, unused to such commendation. "My duty is to protect those in need on the high seas. Lady Clarissa's safety was paramount, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have been of service."

"Your sense of duty does you credit, Captain." Alex studied Rafael thoughtfully for a moment before continuing. "In light of all you have done for us, I extend an invitation for you to stay with us as an honoured guest in Florence. My wife will certainly want to meet you, and I insist that you allow us the pleasure of expressing our gratitude properly."

Rafael hesitated, glancing at Clarissa, whose face brightened with hope and encouragement. Despite the allure of spending more time in her company, he remained mindful of his station and the incongruity of accepting such a generous offer.

"My lord, your kindness is overwhelming," he finally said, his voice low and sincere. "But I fear it would be an imposition on my part to accept such hospitality."

"Captain de Silva," Alex countered, a trace of amusement in his tone, "I assure you, your presence would be no imposition. Rather, it would bring us great joy and satisfaction to host someone who has demonstrated such exceptional character. We owe you a debt we cannot possibly repay."

Rafael glanced at Clarissa again, her eyes shining with anticipation. The desire to stay by her side warred with his innate sense of propriety, but ultimately, he could no longer deny the connection that had formed between them.

"Very well, my lord," he acquiesced, a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "If you insist, I shall accept your gracious invitation. I did promise to see Lady Clarissa safely to Florence, and I have not yet completed that task."

"Excellent!" Alex clapped his hands together in delight. "I look forward to getting better acquainted with the man who saved my beloved niece."

Rafael's man returned to the docks soon after with a hired carriage ready to take them to Florence. Rafael assisted Clarissa into the plush interior, her cheeks flushed with excitement at the prospect of their journey.

"Thank you, Captain," she whispered, her fingers lingering in his for a moment longer than necessary. He bowed his head, looking away, and handed Ana up to sit beside her in the forward-facing seat, while Rafael and Alex sat with their backs to the driver.

As the carriage began to move, Alex leaned forward, curiosity etched upon his face. "Clarissa, my dear, I still have some questions about your… adventure, if you feel up to talking about it?"

Sensing Clarissa's discomfort, Rafael interjected quickly, "Perhaps it would be best if we allowed Lady Clarissa some time to recover from her ordeal before delving into such matters."

"Of course," Alex conceded, his concern evident. "You are quite right, Rafael. We shall speak no more of it until you are ready, my dear niece."

"Thank you, Uncle," Clarissa murmured, her gratitude palpable.

However, as the day wore on and the rolling Tuscan countryside unfurled around them like an emerald tapestry, Alex's resolve weakened. The questions seemed to tumble from his lips unbidden, like a stream that could not be dammed.

"Who were these pirates? How did they come to abduct you?"

"Truly, Uncle, I –" Clarissa hesitated, her gaze darting to Rafael for support.

"Perhaps we could discuss something else, Lord Glenkellie," Rafael suggested smoothly, his eyes never leaving Clarissa's. "Like the beauty of Tuscany, for example. It has been years since I last visited this region, and I must say, it has only grown more enchanting."

"Ah, yes," Alex agreed, his attention momentarily diverted. "The vineyards, the ancient towns, the art… this land is truly a treasure."

As the conversation turned to more innocuous topics, Clarissa's tension eased, and she began to enjoy the journey anew. With Rafael by her side, she felt as if she could face anything – even the prying questions of a well-meaning, if overly curious, uncle.

"Thank you," she whispered to Rafael, as they passed a picturesque villa nestled among cypress trees, its terracotta roof gleaming in the afternoon sun.

"Always, my lady," he replied, his hand brushing hers with the lightest of touches, sending a shiver down her spine.

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the ancient streets of Florence as the carriage pulled up to the gates of the Ginori villa, which was so opulent Clarissa had always thought it should be called a palazzo. Clarissa watched through the window as the ornate wrought iron gates creaked open, revealing a lush courtyard filled with fragrant roses and orange trees.

"Enough evasions, Clarissa," Alex began, his voice taking on a tone of concern as they entered the villa grounds. "I must know what transpired during your ordeal."

"Uncle, please," Clarissa whispered, her eyes pleading. But the words caught in her throat, as if held captive by the very memories she sought to escape.

Seeing her struggle, Rafael stepped in. "With your permission, Conte, I will recount the events that led to Lady Clarissa's safety." His voice was steady, reassuring. As he looked into Clarissa's eyes, she found herself nodding, grateful for his intervention.

"Very well," Alex conceded, his gaze fixed on Rafael with an intensity born of love and worry for his niece.

"Upon discovering the corsair ship, we engaged them in battle," Rafael began, tactfully omitting the most harrowing details. "We prevailed, and it was in the aftermath that I came across Lady Clarissa, bound and hidden away. Their intentions were clear –" he paused, searching for the right words, "they planned to sell her to the highest bidder."

"Dear God!" Alex murmured, his face paling at the implication. "Rafael, I cannot thank you enough for rescuing my niece from such a fate."

"Please, sir, it was my duty and honour to protect Lady Clarissa," Rafael replied, humbly deflecting the praise.

As they disembarked from the carriage, Alex turned to Rafael. "You must stay with us, Captain de Silva. We owe you a great debt, and we would be honoured to have you as our guest - I know the Conte will not hear of you refusing, after what you have done for Clarissa."

"My lord, I –" Rafael hesitated, reluctant to impose further upon their gracious hosts.

"Please, Captain," Clarissa encouraged him, her eyes shining with gratitude. "We insist."

"Very well," he conceded. "Thank you for your kindness, Lord Glenkellie."

The great door of the villa swung open, and there framed in the doorway stood a beautiful red-haired woman in an elegant silk gown, an expression of shock on her face.

"Alex? What happened, why are you not… Clarissa!" With a glad cry, the red-haired woman ran down the steps, arms outstretched.

"Aunt Marianne!" Clarissa called in return, rushing forward to embrace her aunt.

"My dear girl," Marianne exclaimed, enfolding Clarissa within her gentle touch. "I am so grateful to have you back, safe and sound."

"Thank you, dear Aunt," Clarissa responded, her voice wavering with genuine emotion. "I am glad to be with you again, truly."

"Inside, inside; I must know what happened." Marianne - the Marchioness of Glenkellie, Rafael supposed, reminding himself to address her as Lady Glenkellie - cast him a curious look as she led Clarissa back up the steps. "And who is that extremely handsome man you have brought with you?"

Her tone was not quite quiet enough, and Rafael caught every word. He felt his cheeks flush, had to fight against the inclination to turn tail and flee, back to his ship and its familiar comforts.

Instead, he allowed Alex to lead him up the steps and inside the palazzo.

Clarissa was giving Marianne the brief, highly edited version of her adventure. Marianne clutched a hand to her throat, face turning ghostly white, before she pulled Clarissa back into her embrace again, holding her tightly.

As the two women shared their tender moment, Rafael could not help but feel like a stranger in this unfamiliar world. The opulent surroundings of the palazzo were a stark contrast from the sea-worn confines of his ship, leaving him feeling out of place among the rich tapestries and marbled floors.

"Captain de Silva," Marianne said, turning her attention to him. "We cannot thank you enough for returning our dear Clarissa to us."

"Please, Marchioness," Rafael replied, his tone earnest yet humble, "it was my duty and honour to protect Lady Clarissa. I would do it again without hesitation."

"Your modesty only serves to make us more grateful, Captain," she replied, her eyes shining with sincerity. "You are a true gentleman."

"What is this I hear?" a new voice cried, and an older gentleman came striding into the room. "Do my eyes deceive me, it is little Clarissa, safe and well!"

Clarissa accepted an embrace from the older man, who was introduced to Rafael moments later as the Conte Ginori, related to the Glenkellies by virtue of having married Alex's aunt. The Conte immediately reiterated Alex's insistence that Rafael should be their honoured guest, and called a footman to show him to a guest chamber.

As the evening progressed, Rafael found himself at odds with the grandiosity of the palazzo. The meal served for their dinner was more extravagant than anything ever placed before him, yet it was also apparent that the huge variety of exotic dishes were nothing out of the ordinary for the Ginori household. He admired the exquisite art adorning the walls, but his heart longed for the simplicity of his ship and the ocean that had been his home for so many years. He could not deny, however, that Clarissa's company provided a sense of belonging amidst this foreign landscape.

She sat opposite him at dinner, her lovely face animated as she talked of the sights she had seen in Athens, all the while deftly avoiding any question which tended towards the topic of her departure from that city.

After dinner, Rafael felt stifled, and excused himself to step outside. Standing on the terrace breathing in the air fragrant with orange blossom, he was somehow not surprised to hear soft footsteps behind him.

"Captain," Clarissa said softly, coming to join him where he stood on the terrace overlooking the moonlit gardens. "I hope you don't find all this too overwhelming. We may live differently, but we share the same values and love for adventure."

"Thank you, my lady," he replied, touched by her perceptive words. "While I may feel out of place among these magnificent surroundings, your presence makes me feel welcome and at ease. I am content knowing that I have found a friend in you, Lady Clarissa."

"Indeed," she replied, her voice warm and sincere. "I am please to have found a true friend in you as well."

He hesitated, and then asked "It has been many years since I was last in Florence, and I had little time to explore it then. Would you do me the honour of accompanying me on an exploration of the city tomorrow? You have lived here for some months, I understand."

"Indeed, and I have seen all of the major tourist sites at least twice, I think." Clarissa laughed. "But I should be delighted to see them again, with you. I'll ask the Count to place a carriage at our disposal, in the morning."

He bowed, and she dipped a little curtsy in response before turning away. Watching her go back inside, Rafael marvelled at her resilience; it was only a few days since she had been barely rescued from a ghastly fate, and she wasapparently none the worse for the experience. Any other well-born young lady would have gone into a permanent swoon, he suspected, but not Lady Clarissa.

The morning sun cast a golden glow over the city of Florence, as Rafael and Clarissa stepped out into the bustling streets. They stood for a moment, drinking in the vibrant energy that seemed to pulse through the very air around them.

"Are you ready to explore, my lady?" Rafael asked, his sea-green eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"Indeed, Captain de Silva," Clarissa replied, her laughter ringing like a bell. "Lead the way."

They wound through the narrow cobblestone streets, past bustling markets and quiet courtyards filled with fragrant flowers. Each new sight seemed to delight Rafael, from the imposing Palazzo Vecchio to the graceful arches of the Ponte Vecchio spanning the Arno River.

As Clarissa and Rafael turned a corner, the morning sun illuminated the grand fa?ade of Santa Maria del Fiore, casting an ethereal glow on its intricate marble carvings. The sight took their breath away, and for a moment, all conversation ceased as they stood in awe of the magnificent cathedral.

"Truly, there is no place quite like Florence," Rafael murmured, breaking the silence that had fallen between them.

"Indeed," Clarissa agreed, her eyes still fixed on the majestic structure before them. "And I am grateful to be able to share its beauty with you."

Their reverie was interrupted by the approach of a group of finely dressed young nobles, who sauntered towards them with an air of self-importance. Their sneers were evident as they appraised Rafael's uniform, which, while impeccably neat, lacked the ostentatious embellishments that adorned their own garments.

"Ah, Lady Clarissa, you have returned from your trip!" one of the men drawled, his voice dripping with condescension. "Fancy finding you here in the company of... a sailor."

"Captain de Silva is more than just a sailor," Clarissa retorted, her tone icy. "He is a man of honour and courage." Her tone implied that the qualities were not shared by any of the young fops before her.

"Your words wound us, my lady," another noble quipped, smirking at his companions. "Surely, you cannot expect us to believe that this common seafarer could offer you anything beyond tales of fish and saltwater?"

Rafael's jaw clenched, but he held his tongue, not wishing to provoke a scene. However, Clarissa would not let such insults pass unanswered.

"Perhaps," she said, her voice laced with disdain, "if you spent less time preening yourselves and more time learning from those you so arrogantly dismiss, you might discover that there is much to be gained from the wisdom of others."

"Indeed," Rafael added quietly, his gaze steady upon the group. "The world is vast and full of wonder, and one need not wear a silken cravat to appreciate its beauty or understand its complexities."

"Come, Rafael," Clarissa said, taking his arm. "I have no desire to waste any more of our time on those who cannot see beyond their own vanity."

As they walked away, Rafael felt a swell of admiration for Clarissa and her steadfast integrity. Despite her highborn status, she refused to tolerate such boorish behaviour, even from those in her own social circle.

"Forgive me if I spoke out of turn, my lady," Rafael said. "I did not wish to overstep."

"Not at all," Clarissa replied, giving his arm a reassuring squeeze. "I'm grateful you stood with me against their thoughtless words. A true friend does not abandon another to face scorn alone."

Her simple statement resonated deeply with Rafael. In her, he had found not just a captivating woman, but a kindred spirit who saw beyond appearances to the heart within.

Clarissa led them down a quiet side street, leaving the unpleasant encounter behind. Soon they were immersed in the sights and sounds of local life once more. As Rafael took in the hanging flower baskets and quaint cafes around them, he realised Clarissa had deliberately brought them somewhere peaceful. Her sensitivity to his feelings after the confrontation with the nobles touched him.

When they came upon a little bookshop tucked away in a courtyard, Clarissa steered them inside. "I think you'll like this place," she said with a playful smile.

The shop was cosy and inviting, with shelves bursting with books and curious trinkets. Rafael's eyes lit up as he perused the eclectic selection, and before long they were both lost in lively discussion about favourite authors and obscure titles they had unearthed.

In that moment, ensconced among the books with Clarissa, Rafael felt a sense of belonging he had rarely known. Though from different worlds, their shared passions bridged the divide. A deep understanding flowed between them, along with something more - an emotion he did not yet know how to name, but which felt as natural as the turning of the tide.