Page 33 of You Willfully Misunderstand Me

"I have never thought you perfect." The answer came more quickly than either expected.

Elizabeth looked up, and Darcy seemed to realize the weight of his words only after they had been spoken.

He continued, more carefully, "I have thought you perceptive, intelligent, and compassionate." A pause. "And, occasionally, quite determined to prove yourself correct." The hint of amusement softened the seriousness of his words.

Elizabeth narrowed her eyes, "Occasionally?"

Darcy's expression remained perfectly composed, "Perhaps more than occasionally.”

She attempted to look offended but failed entirely, "Mr. Darcy, I begin to suspect you are becoming rather bold."

He had enjoyed this banter with Elizabeth, and found it difficult to put a stop to it, despite the alarming impropriety ofbeing in her room, at night, alone. He replied teasingly, "Do you? That is concerning."

"I do, but why should it be concerning?" she asked curiously.

"Because I had hoped my improvement would remain unnoticed for some time." The answer was so unexpectedly playful that Elizabeth could not help but laugh.

"Your improvement?" she asked with a smile.

"I believe you said I was incapable of making a joke, and I am here to prove you wrong, once again," he now wore an endearing smile, and she regarded him thoughtfully.

"I believe I must revise my opinion,” she paused before warning, “But do not become too confident. One or two successful attempts at humor does not entirely transform one's character."

Darcy inclined his head, "Of course not."

"It also does not excuse years of excessive solemnity. Nor does it mean I shall cease pointing out your faults when they present themselves."

Mr. Darcy offered her an excessively polite bow, “I perfectly understand."

Elizabeth smiled. There was something wonderfully strange about the ease of this bold exchange. Once, she had believed every conversation with Mr. Darcy required careful defense and preparation. Now, she found herself teasing him without hesitation and, more surprisingly, finding pleasure when he returned the favor.

Though, she would later discover that the difference was not that Mr. Darcy had changed into someone entirely different. Rather, it was that she was finally seeing the parts of him he had always kept hidden.

CHAPTER 17

The hour had grown considerably later than either of them intended. The fire had burned lower, casting a softer glow across the chamber, and the cottage had settled into the quiet rhythm of night. Beyond the thick walls, the sea continued its restless song, though the violence of the storm had passed and left behind only the occasional whisper of wind against the windows.

Tonight, however, Mr. Darcy had remained in her room, wanting to share the news of what he had learned, or not learned about his cousin’s presence on the island. They had playfully bantered after that, and now, he looked at her, as if wanting to discuss something else.

He seemed almost reluctant to continue, but finally said "There is one more matter I wished to discuss."

Elizabeth watched him carefully.

Darcy turned away from her, his gaze settling upon the dwindling fire. The flames had grown quieter, reduced to glowing embers that cast shifting shadows across the room. For a moment, he appeared lost in thought, as though arranging not only his words but the weight behind them.

Then he spoke, "I want you to understand something, Miss Bennet. That, regardless of how we came to be in this situation, and regardless of how long it may continue, my first concern is your safety and your reputation."

Darcy glanced back toward her, "I know the circumstances are unusual. I know they place you in a position no lady should be required to endure." His expression tightened slightly, "But I will not allow you to suffer further because of it."

Elizabeth looked at him, "Mr. Darcy…"

"No," he interrupted gently. "Please allow me to finish." There was a seriousness in his expression that made her remain silent. "I am aware of how this may appear to others. An unmarried lady traveling alone, arriving upon an island without the person she expected to meet, and now remaining here with a gentleman."

His jaw tightened slightly, "Society can be unkind when it chooses to be, but I will ensure your reputation is protected." He met her eyes.”I will ensure that every decision made is guided by what is proper, honorable, and respectful toward you."

He continued, "Second, I will discover the truth of this matter." A shadow crossed his features, "I do not yet understand how your invitation came to exist, why my cousin's name was attached to it, or who may have intended for you to travel here." His expression hardened, "But I will find out."

Elizabeth had seen Darcy determined before. She remembered the man who had spoken with such certainty at Hunsford, convinced that he knew exactly what was right.