"I know. I've worked myself a bit too much these past days," Elizabeth agreed. "I just like to know that I've done my bit for everyone else, that I'm not relying upon charity. It's just not in my nature to take a handout."

She did not mind giving one, when needed, but accepting it was another thing entirely. It wasn't in her bones to be the recipient of something she hadn't earned even if it was freely given. She was too staunchly English for that.