Page 28 of You Willfully Misunderstand Me

At another, children ran toward her with the unrestrained excitement reserved for those who have already earned affection.

A fisherman who had barely spoken to Darcy during their work at the harbor greeted Elizabeth with a smile and asked whether she would return soon.

"You see?" Mrs. Kewley said quietly beside him.

Darcy looked at her, "See what?"

The older woman smiled, "People know when they are truly valued, and your Mrs. Darcy knows how to value people. You’re a fortunate man, Mr. Darcy."

Darcy followed her gaze toward Elizabeth, who was kneeling beside a child and listening with complete attention to some very serious explanation involving a broken toy boat.

"She makes them feel as though their troubles matter," Mrs. Kewley continued.

Darcy had admired Elizabeth Bennet's intelligence, and he had always admired her wit, even when it was pointed towards him. He had also admired the liveliness of her conversation and the confidence with which she challenged him. But those things, he realized now, were only the most visible parts of her character.

Her deeper qualities, patience, compassion, and generosity that existed were far more significant. Darcy felt a new sense of understanding and partial embarrassment for only seeing glimpses of it before. In fact, he realized, he had once believed her greatest attraction was the pleasure she brought into a room. But now, among the storm-worn inhabitants of the Isle of Man, he now understood that it was the kindness and goodness she carried into every room she entered.

***

That evening, as they returned to the cottage, Elizabeth seemed entirely unaware of the impression she had left upon everyone they encountered.

"I hope we were of some use today," she said, as she entered the cottage.

Darcy looked at her, startled,"Some use?"

She glanced toward him, "Yes."

"I believe you underestimate yourself. You were a balm to many broken hearted people this afternoon. It was too good of you to take it upon yourself to be of service."

She smiled slightly and a blush of red darkened her cheeks, "And I believe you are inclined to overestimate me."

"No." Darcy continued more seriously now, "I believe I have underestimated you."

For once, Elizabeth had no quick reply. The admission was too sincere to challenge. And, they walked towards the kitchen, the remainder of the way in comfortable silence, to remove their boots.

Just then, Darcy found himself reflecting upon the strange circumstances that had brought them to the island. A false invitation, a violent storm, and a life they were pretending to have.

Yet every day he spent in Elizabeth's company revealed more truth than any conversation they had shared before. The world had once told him to look for refinement, accomplishment, and position. But, the Isle of Man had shown him something far more valuable. The real Miss Bennet was not merely charming, she was kind.

And Darcy was beginning to understand that kindness, when joined with intelligence and courage, was a quality far rarer than beauty or fortune. Far rarer than anything he had ever expected to find. He would have Elizabeth, his beloved, or no one else.

Meanwhile, Mr. Kewley finally entered the cottage, after checking on the gutters. He laid aside his cap as he entered the cottage, the weariness upon his face telling his wife the news before he spoke. Mrs. Kewley had entered the parlor upon hearing the door open.

"The harbor has weathered the storm better than some feared," he said, "but not well enough to receive vessels just yet. Several sections of the lower quay must be rebuilt, and more than one piling will need replacing before the harbor master will permit another Packet to dock."

He looked apologetically toward Elizabeth and Darcy, "If the weather remains fair, and that is always a considerableifwhere the Irish Sea is concerned, I should think another two or perhaps three days' work will be required before the harbor is judged fit to receive ships again."

Elizabeth exchanged a brief glance with Darcy.Two or three more days, she thought. A week earlier, such a delay would have seemed intolerable. Now, though she was conflicted whether to admit it, the prospect of being Mr. Darcy’s wife for at least a few more days, stirred feelings far more complicated than simple disappointment.

Mr. Kewley, oblivious to the thoughts passing within Elizabeth, added with characteristic optimism, "The island has endured worse. Give our men a few fair days, and they'll have the harbor standing as proudly as ever."

Darcy inclined his head, "I have no doubt of it."

CHAPTER 15

By the end of the first week play-acting as husband and wife, Elizabeth and Darcy had discovered that the idea of marriage had consisted of a surprising number of very small things. It hadn’t meant grand declarations of affection or elegant ballrooms, but very simple things, like remembering how another person preferred their tea. Or, reaching for the last slice of bread, but insisting the other should have it. Or, anticipating another’s needs before they had expressed them.

Each morning, their day began in much the same manner. A quiet knock upon the communicating door. She would rise, open it a few inches, and find Darcy already dressed for the day.