He can read between the lines just as well as ever, and he can see the root of what she's not saying. He can't let her go believing it could possibly be her fault.

"Darcy," he answers softly. "Your help was a blessing and a comfort. As was your company. To see you grow has been a privilege. To think we've come so far from where we started, hm? I'm grateful. I'm sorry I cannot stay here, yet, but I must go where I am called. It's no fault of yours or mine, it is simply the way of things."