The table nodded at the short speech, seeming to accept it. The line of questioning faded, though Darcy reminded himself thatBazilehadn’t felt like a stranger until he discovered it was Elizabeth Bennet.
As if reading his thoughts, Mrs. Hurst asked, “And when did you realise it was Miss Elizabeth?”
“At the café where we agreed to meet,” Darcy said. “The same moment she realised I was her match.”
Caroline let out a short, amused laugh. “You’re telling me neither of you knew who the other was?”
“That’s exactly what I’m telling you.”
Caroline sat back, clearly intrigued. “And she still stayed?”
“She did,” Darcy replied. “Until she didn’t.”
Mrs. Hurst looked over, her interest piqued. “Meaning?”
“She walked out,” Darcy said. “Abruptly.”
Caroline’s lips curled. “Oh, I’d love to hear that story.”
Darcy didn’t indulge her. “It was unexpected for both of us. But she came back for the second date.”
Caroline’s eyes widened, voice rising slightly. “You went back for a second date?”
“Yes.”
“Knowing it was her?”
“Yes.”
Mrs. Hurst shook her head, half-laughing. “You’re far more patient than I would’ve been.”
Caroline leaned in again, her eyes glinting. “Let me get this straight. A woman who publicly criticises your work, questions your ethics, and then secretly joins the very app she claims to despise—that’s who you decided to spend your time with?”
Darcy met her gaze steadily. “I didn’t decide anything beyond honouring the system as designed.”
“That’s awfully noble of you,” Caroline said, not bothering to hide her scepticism.
“The app requires three dates,” Darcy continued. “We’ve met twice. That’s the extent of it.”
Mrs. Hurst scoffed lightly. “Still. It’s rather embarrassing for the algorithm, isn’t it? To match you with someone like her.”
“The algorithm isn’t embarrassed,” Darcy replied, flat and unbothered. “And it isn’t wrong.”
Caroline’s smile thinned. “Oh?”
“We have things in common,” he said simply. No list. No elaboration.
Caroline narrowed her eyes. “Such as?”
Darcy paused. “Things.”
Mrs. Hurst looked unconvinced. “That sounds... generous.”
“It’s accurate.”
Caroline gave a brittle laugh. “You’re defending her again.”
“I’m correcting assumptions.”
