A/N: Hey all. I am so sorry that this has taken so long to update but I have been really busy at university lately! I hope that you all still enjoy the story and that you all haven't been put off by the long wait.

Remember italics are the thoughts of Elizabeth

Enjoy

Unbeknownst to the staff of the Darcy's London townhouse the Master vacated the house on the very morning that Miss Georgiana was to call upon them. The housekeeper was assured by Mrs Darcy that the master was in bed and not to be disturbed and yet there seemed to be something amiss. The Master had entered the townhouse the day previous ignoring his wife's call that the Colonel had called upon them as he bounded up the stairs. The housekeeper watched in shock as Mrs Darcy stood at the bottom of the stairs staring up to the place where her husband had been. She only turned away at the sound of the slam of the master's door.

Yet the next day the servants whispered to each other over their chores commenting that they were assured they saw Mr Darcy leave the home that very morning, yet Mrs Darcy commented otherwise. There was nothing to be argued and yet the silence of the corridors only emphasised the servant's curiosity and determination for the truth.

Elizabeth sat silently at the window in the drawing room staring out onto the street. She was amazed by Mr Darcy's behaviour for she had not spoken a word to him. As soon as Mr Darcy bounded through the door the previous day she had rushed to tell him of their cousins visit but his anger and fowl temper had stopped her. It was unknown to her why Mr Darcy chose to take his meal in his chambers that evening or why he left the house early the next day.

Elizabeth's eyes rose suddenly to the door when she heard slight movement there. Her thoughts were so diverted by Mr Darcy that she had not noticed the gentleman stood at the door. She jumped to her feet quickly and curtsied.

"My goodness Sir, forgive me I did not see you." Elizabeth said quickly. The gentleman laughed slightly.

"Forgive me for not introducing myself as I stood Mrs Darcy but I was contemplating on some words Mr Darcy spoke to me a few days past."

"What were they?" She asked. "I am sure that I can imagine."

"I am sure that you can but Mr Darcy does not normally involve his accountant in his private life. On this occasion however, he commented that his wife was very beautiful." Elizabeth laughed slightly. "But I see now that I shall have to disagree with him. Your husband is very lucky to have a woman who is blessed with such attractiveness."

"I thank you sir. Do you have business with Mr Darcy?"

"No. As we both know Mr Darcy is not at home. I came to see you."

"How can I assist you sir?"

"I came to give you information of your allowance."

"Allowance?" She asked.

"From Mr Darcy." Elizabeth's mouth opened in shock before she closed it again and swallowed.

"Very well." It was at this that he walked slowly toward Elizabeth and held out a slip of paper. "This shall be your allowance per month. I hope you find it satisfactory." At this he bowed and made a fast exit from the room.

As Elizabeth unrolled the slip of paper she contemplated on the fact that she did not believe Mr Darcy capable of such an act of generosity. Yet as she looked down at the figures scrawled on the slip of paper she felt momentarily faint. Never before had she seen such a vast number and she most certainly never possessed that amount per month.

Elizabeth must have sat with the piece of paper in her hand for a considerable time doing nothing more than staring at it in amazement.

It seemed to Georgiana on her arrival that the only way to aid Elizabeth's recovery from this shock was to help her to spend some of the money. So it was, the two ladies walked from the house shoulder to shoulder under the observation of the servants from the upper floor windows. Their eyes watched the street intently as their mistress walked it until she and Miss Georgiana turned the corner on to Bond Street and out of sight.

It must have been many hours later when Mrs Darcy returned to the house without the company of Miss Georgiana. The servants looked at each other with curiosity before rushing to help the footman who was almost at the point of dropping Mrs Darcy's many bags.

Elizabeth ignored the many calls for tea as she slowly walked into the drawing room, closing the door firmly behind her. She fell quickly into a chair, smiling in satisfaction of spending so much money that was not her own.

Elizabeth remained in the drawing room until darkness had settled over London and the dark and disturbing streets rumbled with carriages taking their occupants to dinner or the theatre. As these carriages rushed by in their determination to reach their destination Elizabeth could do nothing but think of her home. Her home, which compared to London seemed paradise in Elizabeth's own opinion.

Even when the servants entered through the now open door of the drawing room to light the candles, Elizabeth signalled for them to leave and continued to sit in the dark contemplating on a home she knew she would never return to.

"Mrs Darcy." A soft voice said from the door. Elizabeth turned her head casually to look at the young servant that stood there.

"Yes?" Elizabeth asked.

"Dinner is served ma'am." The servant said as she curtsied.

"I do not care for it, thank you. Please, leave me." At this the girl turned quickly and walked away, unknowing why her mistress seemed so distressed.

Yet as Elizabeth sat looking out onto the darkened streets thinking of home she could not help but think of her Father. How she missed him! He had after all been so loving and caring toward her and it was only on his deathbed that he confessed his love for ever member of his family, including his sometimes irresponsible wife.

As thoughts of a memorable childhood passed through her mind small tears fell down Elizabeth's face leaving a trail of moisture to her chin. As memories and teachings passed through her mind Elizabeth realised that she did not cry from sadness but from happiness. Happiness was after all given to the family by their father through his teachings and sarcasm. It was this happiness that made her realise that it was the happiness of family life that Elizabeth missed and not solely her Father.

"Elizabeth." Darcy said as he stood behind Elizabeth's chair listening to her soft tears. He realised that as soon as he muttered her name she turned her face away in shame so he could not see the tears. He however, walked over to her and softly placed his fingers under her chin to pull her face round to his. It was at this that he saw the moisture that lined her face and understood her feelings.

"I can understand your sadness, I see from your eyes that you are not unhappy, those are tears of mourning. I remember being in the same situation Elizabeth. The grief for your Father will soften."

"I do not wish it to soften!" She said as she stood firmly. "I never wish to forget what he taught me nor what was like to be a daughter to such a great man!"

"I can understand you, I felt the same. What were you thinking on?" He asked.

"I was thinking of my family's situation."

"What situation? They are cared for Elizabeth that is the paramount thing."

"I was not thinking of such at thing. I was contemplating on the fact of what would have happened if you had not interfered?"

"Interfered?" He asked with slight anger.

"Jane would have been married if you had not interfered! I would not be in this situation!"

"You blame me for your sister's misfortunes?" He said angrily.

"Who else is to blame?" Elizabeth raised her voice at this. I am not afraid of him. "You separated her from the one man that she loved which is one of the reasons why I will never be able to love you!"

"I never asked for your love!"

"And I will never give it, you are not worthy of such a thing!" Elizabeth watched as he quickly raised his hand and momentary panic spread through her. Would he really hit me? Would Mr Darcy really assault his own wife? Yes of course he would!

Just to let you all know before you ask, why Darcy left the home early in the morning will be explained in the next chapter. I'm not telling anyone in advance but if you guess it right in a review I will let you know. Try guessing. Go on, you know you want to.