“Oh, let us not talk of such things any longer. Let us pretend that nothing has changed from the time we were children and used to share a bed. Come on, you need some rest.” She patted the bed next to her. “You have no idea how happy I am to have you here with me, Jane.”
Jane sent her a probing look. “But what about Mr. Darcy? Do not tell me you have already grown tired of your husband. I know how much you were in love with him.”
“My husband? I could never tire of him. I am just as much in love with him as ever. I am just vexed with him.”
When Jane looked puzzled, Elizabeth laughed.
“It is a long story. I will tell you everything tomorrow.”
Chapter 14
Walking into the hugeballroom that had been converted into a dining hall, Jane felt the weight of speculative gazes turned towards her. She did her best not to allow them to affect her composure, but she could sense the negative threads whirling around. Most of them were directed towards Lizzy, who was either used to them, or was becoming much better at concealing her feelings.
A footman came to offer her some beef barley soup from a silver tureen. The soup was delicious, but after a few spoonfuls, she could no longer do it justice as she pondered her strange predicament. Food was the last thing on her mind. She was still too dismayed at the terrible mistake she had made. To have walked through the Wards of the two most powerful Warders in the Kingdom was bad enough. But now that she had stumbled upon the Royal Mages’ secret, she knew she would never be allowed to return home.
And what of her family? She had not even said goodbye to them. Who knows when she would have the chance to see them again?
Even worse, by now Mama would have gossiped all over Meryton that Jane had gone to offer her help to the officers. Even if Papa came up with a story to account for her absence, Jane would still be the object of malicious tongues. Perhaps her reputation would not be in complete tatters, but there may well be enough doubts cast on her character to destroy her chance at marriage and happiness altogether.
In her daydreams, she had imagined going to the Academy and meeting a handsome mage. The reality was very different. If her encounters with the Council so far were anything to judge by, the likelihood of anyone looking at her twice were very slim.
If she was able to disclose the truth, her reputation would remain intact. Unfortunately for her, there was no way to reveal that Netherfield was the residence of the most powerful mages in the land, including unmarried female mages who were carefully chaperoned. The Academy was known for observing the strict rules of propriety for its young ladies.
Alas, the one piece of information that could save her reputation, was the very thing she could not make known.
The only thing that could make up for it was that Lizzy was present. At least she would have the chance to spend time with her. Not now, obviously, when Lizzy was scowling at her white soup as if she had witnessed a horde of insects crawling out of it.
Jane’s musings were interrupted when the young gentleman with golden curls – Mr. Bingley— seated himself next to her. Lizzy looked up, a shadow crossing her face, just as an elegant young lady took his arm firmly and pulled him in another direction.
“Not here, Charles.” The young lady threw Lizzy a disdainful look. “You should not sit with the person who caused your affliction.”
Jane tried to keep her expression neutral, but she was jolted by the woman’s words. Did they know what his affliction was? And what did Lizzy have to do with it?
The gentleman remained stubbornly in place, despite the young woman’s attempt to drag him away. He would not budge. Short of making a big scene, there was nothing the young lady could do.
“Very well. If you are determined to stay, I will leave you to it. You will have to manage on your own.Iwill not sit at this table.”
