She really hoped it would not come to that. “I am reluctant to do so, but if you advise me to, I will.”
Elizabeth lay down on the bed and tried to find a comfortable position, but her shoulder was still sore from when it was wrenched backwards, and there were too many conflicting emotions jittering through her.
Taking her cue from Jane, Elizabeth drew in a deep breath and willed her skittish pulse to slow down. If de Riquer had done something, Jane would discover it. She may not actually find anything. It was too early to reach any assumptions now.
She barely felt the light touch of Jane’s fingers, but she sensed the magic threads as they wriggled their way through her limbs and into her head. It did not hurt, and Jane’s probing was very gentle, but it was always unsettling to feel someone else’s magic moving inside her.
Elizabeth tried not to fidget as she awaited her sister’s verdict, but it was like holding her breath; she could only do it for a short time. She forced herself to stay still, but it became increasingly difficult as time passed.
Then finally, after what seemed like hours, Jane slowly withdrew the probing strands. Elizabeth shifted position then sat up.
“Well?”
Jane gave her a quick nod. “I did not find anything.”
Elizabeth heaved a sigh of relief.
“Are you sure?”
“I am sure, but I think we should keep looking, just in case.”
“As long as it is the same conclusion every time, I would be happy to do so.”
***
THE NEXT MORNING, WHENElizabeth returned from her training with Darcy, Jane announced her intension of trying a Healing session with Mr. Bingley.
“I doubt anything much will come of it, but I have been doing some reading, and I would like to try something.”
“I would be happy to assist you, Jane. It will not be much of a circle with just the two of us, but I can help you form one.”
Jane looked shamefaced.
“I may as well admit that I have already asked one of the Healers for help. Lady Mary Hedges. We have spoken a few times over dinner, and I think she is a good person.”
“You have told her of your plan?”
“Yes, and she promised not to reveal it to anyone.”
Elizabeth’s heart sank.
“I do not think it is good idea, Jane. I am not sure you can trust any of the Healers at this point.”
“Lizzy, I know you have been through a difficult experience, but you cannot persist in seeing the whole world as your enemy. It is highly unlikely that any of the Healers were involved in your attack. They are sworn to heal people, not injure them.”
“Then how do you explain that I was given laudanum?”
“Surely you cannot blame the Healers for that. Anyone can have access to laudanum. All it takes is a trip to the apothecary.”
“But none of us can make a trip to the apothecary.” Had Jane forgotten that they were not meant to go beyond the Wards?
“They could send a servant, Lizzy. You are being ridiculous now. In any case, I have asked Lady Mary for her assistance, so it is too late now. I need a Healer. That does not mean I do not believe you can do Healing Circles, but I need someone who was specifically trained to do it. This will be a difficult and delicate process.”
It was clear Jane had made up her mind. Elizabeth knew her sister well enough. She was easy-natured most of the time, but when she set her mind on something, she would not budge.
“There is more. I have asked Miss Bingley to attend. She is Mr. Bingley’s sister, after all, and she has the right to know what I am doing.”
Elizabeth shook her head angrily.
