But Darcy’s mind was already elsewhere. She had reminded him of his loss, and by doing so, lost his attention.
They were still a very long way from being able to resolve their differences. She did not doubt that Darcy loved her, but he was not yet prepared to understand what that implied, nor was he prepared to fully acknowledge her role as his Janus Twin.
She tried one more time to make him see it.
“Why would you treat Cuthbert any differently from the way you treat me?”
He looked bewildered. “Elizabeth, I do not see how you can begin to compare the situations. I knew Cuthbert for years. We trained together for years. We Bonded for years. I trusted him with my life. You and I have known each other what – five months? How could you possibly expect me to deal with you the same way?”
“So are you saying that you did not tell me about your ruse, because you do not trust me as well as you trusted Cuthbert?”
He was growing impatient with her probing and her questions.
“Of course I trust you, Elizabeth. You are mywife.”
She shook her head. “I fail to understand your logic. Either you trust me with vital information, or you do not. Being your wife has no bearing on the way you express your trust. I need you to think about this. I need you to reflect carefully on what it means to be a Janus Mage with a lady who isalsoyour wife. And I need you to decide whether you trust mefully, as a person who deserves your trust, regardless of whether we are married. When you have reached a useful conclusion, we can talk again.”
“What do you want of me, Elizabeth? I do not understand you at all.”
“I know.”
She walked away, refusing to let the lost expression on his face sway her. She only hoped that he would devote some time to seeking an answer to her question.
Chapter 26
The negotiations concerningde Riquer took several days, and Jane became increasingly restless. Now that Elizabeth had confirmed that Jane’s original diagnosis of Mr. Bingley’s affliction had been correct, Jane felt acutely aware that every day that passed was a day lost from Mr. Bingley’s life forever. She was itching to try her Healing on him, but after what had happened last time, she did not want to cause Elizabeth any more trouble.
In any case, Elizabeth seemed to have enough troubles of her own, particularly when it came to Darcy. The tension between the two was obvious, even though in public they did their best not to show it. They were training together again now, but Elizabeth was keeping her distance. She seemed to be waiting for something. Darcy just looked unhappy, his lips tightening every time he looked in Elizabeth’s direction.
Jane wanted to knock their heads together to make them see sense. Now that Netherfield had settled down again, it was ridiculous for them to be angry at each other.
“Lizzy, I wish you would talk to Darcy. I was there when you went missing. He was wild with anxiety for you. He loves you very dearly, you know.”
“I do not doubt it, Jane. But there are some concerns that must be settled between us,” said Elizabeth firmly, “and that cannot happen until he has truly thought about what he has done. I cannot compromise on this. I am waiting for a signal from him that he has comprehended what I told him.”
“What if it takes months for him to do that?
