Page 38 of You Willfully Misunderstand Me

For once, Darcy did not attempt to deny the charge, "Then I am relieved to know I remain suitable company."

Elizabeth looked away to hide her smile, "Do not become too confident, Mr. Darcy."

"Mrs. Darcy," he corrected softly.

The reminder of their false arrangement lingered between them. Yet, strangely, neither found it quite as uncomfortable as they once had.

By the time they entered the parlor, Mrs. Kewley looked up from her sewing with immediate curiosity. "There you are! I had begun to wonder whether you had both become lost in your own conversation."

Elizabeth smiled, "Only discussing our delayed travel plans.”

"Ah," Mrs. Kewley replied, entirely unconvinced. "And was it a very serious discussion?"

Darcy and Elizabeth exchanged the smallest glance, then Elizabeth answered with perfect composure, "Not at all. We simply cannot leave tomorrow, as he thought we might.”

And for the remainder of the afternoon, they played their parts beautifully. They discussed books and assisted with household tasks. They listened patiently as Mr. and Mrs. Kewley debated the proper method of preparing a summer stew, and they behaved exactly as they ought; as a gentleman and his wife, and as a couple enjoying a quiet day at home.

CHAPTER 19

That morning, however, the cottage was strangely quiet. The harbor repairs had progressed enough that Mr. Kewley was expected to spend several hours inspecting the remaining damage, and Mrs. Kewley had announced her intention to visit several neighbors who had suffered losses during the storm.

"I will not be gone long," she assured them as she tied her bonnet. "Though I know better than to promise such a thing when there are people to visit and news to collect."

Elizabeth smiled, "Then perhaps you should say you will return when you have exhausted all possible conversation."

Mrs. Kewley laughed, "An impossible task, Mrs. Darcy."

Darcy, standing near the doorway, looked toward Elizabeth with quiet amusement, "I fear she may be correct."

"Mr. Darcy," Mrs. Kewley protested, "you are taking her side? Tut tut, well then, I see you have become wise during your stay."

Elizabeth lowered her head to hide her smile. The ease between them had become so natural that moments such as these no longer felt entirely like an act. That was perhaps why the excuse they offered when Mrs. Kewley suggested they accompany her was so difficult.

"I think," Elizabeth said gently, "that Mr. Darcy and I may remain here this morning."

Mrs. Kewley immediately looked between them, "Are you unwell?"

"No," Elizabeth assured her quickly. "Not at all. I believe we are merely tired from the past several days."

Darcy understood immediately and supported her, "The weather and the work at the harbor have left us both more fatigued than expected."

Mrs. Kewley accepted the explanation, though not without a knowing look, "Very well. A quiet morning may do you both good."

Once the door closed behind the Kewleys, the cottage fell into complete silence. For the first time in days, they were entirely alone, and Elizabeth moved toward the hearth, "That was remarkably convenient."

Darcy looked at her, "What was?"

"Our excuse."

A faint smile touched his expression, "You believe Mrs. Kewley suspected something?"

Elizabeth laughed softly, "I believe Mrs. Kewley suspects everything."

"I cannot disagree."

Then the amusement faded because they both knew the truth, they had chosen to remain behind not because they were tired. But because the previous evening, Mr. Darcy learned that one of the strangers asking questions about English travelers had been seen near the village again.

They had agreed that leaving the cottage unattended would be unwise. And yet, they had not expected anyone to come, not today in daylight.