Page 7 of You Willfully Misunderstand Me

A brief silence followed. "And you have received no further communication from her?"

Elizabeth looked again toward the empty dock. "No, after I wrote to accept the invitation, I had not received a return letter, though I assumed none was necessary."

Mr. Darcy's gaze moved across the harbor, taking in the absence of any carriage, servant, or familiar figure. His expression remained controlled, but Elizabeth saw the concern beneath it.

Elizabeth felt something was wrong, and the pit of her stomach began to churn.

He replied carefully, "I believe we should make inquiries."

The suggestion was reasonable, but Elizabeth felt a growing unease. Meanwhile, Mr. Darcy approached one of the harbor workers and politely asked whether any carriage belonging to the de Bourgh family had arrived.

The man's expression was apologetic, "No, sir. I cannot say that one has; though I ain't none familiar with the name."

Mr. Darcy thanked him, though the words required more effort than usual. He returned to where Elizabeth stood, his thoughts moving rapidly. "It seems the carriage has not arrived, Miss Bennet. I think we should find somewhere to eat, perhaps, and sort out your transportation.”

Elizabeth attempted a reassuring smile. "Yes, thank you, Mr. Darcy.” Before adding, “Perhaps there has simply been some misunderstanding."

Mr. Darcy did not answer immediately. Throughout the voyage, he had attempted to reconcile the unusual circumstances surrounding their journey, Anne's unexplained presence on the island, Lady Catherine's silence, and Elizabeth's unexpected invitation. Now, with no one awaiting Elizabeth's arrival, the matter had become something more than unusual.

“Come, Miss Bennet, I believe I see an inn over there,” he pointed to a quaint looking building across the square, and he set off toward it, not before offering his arm to Elizabeth. She took it, and under ordinary circumstances, she would have been acutely aware of the impropriety of entering an inn at the arm of an unmarried gentleman, even one of Mr. Darcy's character and reputation. Yet the circumstances were far from ordinary. She was in a foreign place, without the expected host or escort, and the practical necessities of the moment left little room for the usual considerations of society.

Upon entering, Mr. Darcy immediately arranged for some food and sought out a quiet table at the edge of the common room. He gestured for Elizabeth to sit, and then took the seat opposite her, maintaining a respectful distance between them.

While they waited for their food to arrive, Mr. Darcy said, after a moment, "Miss Bennet, may I ask to see the letter Anne sent you?"

Elizabeth looked at him in surprise, "The letter?"

"If you do not mind," he replied. "Given the circumstances, I believe it may help us understand what has occurred."

For the first time, Elizabeth allowed herself to fully acknowledge the situation. The invitation that had seemed so unexpected, yet so sincere, now appeared uncertain. The journey she had undertaken with curiosity and hope had brought her to a place where no one seemed to know she was coming, and no one awaited her. And the person standing beside her, the one person she had never expected to rely upon, was now the only familiar presence she had on the island.

CHAPTER 5

"Of course," she said. "Though I confess, I cannot imagine what it might reveal. Anne's letter was perfectly clear." Elizabeth reached into her reticule and carefully withdrew the letter. She hesitated for only a moment before placing it upon the table between them.

Mr. Darcy accepted it with a quiet nod. "I do not doubt your understanding of it, Miss Bennet. It is only that, given the circumstances, we must consider every possibility."

His words were reasonable, but Elizabeth noticed the seriousness with which he examined the letter, unfolding it and reading silently.

At first, his expression remained unchanged, the same composed countenance he had worn throughout the journey. But as he continued reading, she noticed subtle signs of concern. His brow tightened slightly. His eyes paused over certain passages longer than others. Whatever he had expected to find, the letter did not appear to provide an immediate explanation.

After several moments, he lowered the page, "May I ask when this was sent?"

"Approximately three weeks ago," Elizabeth replied.

"And did you respond immediately?" he asked in a serious tone.

"I did. I informed Anne that I would be pleased to accept her invitation and provided the expected date of my arrival."

"And, she did not acknowledge your response?"

Elizabeth paused, "No," she admitted. "But I assumed there was no need. The arrangements had already been made."

Mr. Darcy looked down at the letter again, "And your reply was sent to Rosings?"

"Yes, it was,” a silence followed.

Elizabeth felt a growing discomfort. "I feel you must find something concerning, sir. Whatever is it?"