A/N – Matthew has been unwell for some time, but as we know he heals… Dr. Clarkson may find a bit more hostility in AU for his incorrect prognosis than in found in Canon. I think you may find this rather cathartic.

Matthew awoke hesitantly as the daylight streamed more fully into his bedroom. He held to a pleasant dream. A loving embrace and tender words. He was not wounded; indeed he held Mary in a tight embrace sharing a passionate kiss, pressing her eagerly against a door jam. It was quite exquisite. His body was tensed in longing and desire and he was standing… he was standing. It was quite erotic and he was aroused. He was aroused… he felt aroused.

He woke fully. Was it the dream he was recalling? Or was he actually aroused, not in his mind, but in his body, where one normally associates arousal? He couldn't distinguish. He felt below his waist and registered nothing physical; he tried to concentrate on moving his right, then his left leg. Nothing. But he felt it, he was sure, and then he was unsure.

XXX

As the family was gathered in the drawing room waiting for dinner, Matthew was seated next to his mother as she shared news from a letter she had received from a dear friend in Manchester. "So Lucy will be married after all, you can imagine how pleased her mother and father are for her happiness." Isobel said trying to rally her son from his apparent distraction. "Matthew, did you hear what I said?"

"Yes, Lucy, wonderful news." Matthew broke from his inner dialogue. "She was always such a sweet child, I am happy for her, for her family, please send my regards."

"Indeed. I will happily. Are you quite alright?" Isobel inquired.

"I am, just a bit distracted. I am sorry." Matthew smiled warmly at his mother.

He was indeed distracted as he had been admiring Mary from across the room. Her silk dress highlighted her curves while accentuating her trim figure. And again, he felt a welcome arousal that wasn't entirely in his head. Or was it? For the second time today, he thought he was experiencing a physical reaction to erotic feelings in a way that he hadn't since his injuries.

XXX

At dinner, Mary was seated next to Matthew as was the usual arrangement these days when only family was present. Mary and Matthew engaged in their own private conversation, but made an effort to pay some attention to the overall conversational direction of the table so as not to be too inclusive. But both preferred each other's company so much, so it was a task they both worked hard to master.

As they bantered back and forth, Matthew's tenderness toward Mary increased to such an extent that he reached for her hand underneath the table.

Mary was pleasantly surprised at this unexpected affection and squeezed Matthew's hand in response.

Matthew felt aroused again. He was enjoying this, even if only a ghost response, he felt invigorated. It was an exquisite joy to feel this way. He realized he was testing the response and that was why he had reached out to Mary. Could he bring it about, could his actions drive the response? Indeed, he was becoming surer that it was something he could summon at will. It was exhilarating even if it wasn't actually physical. But he wondered why was he feeling it now? He hadn't felt it before. Surely he had felt longing and desire, but not arousal, not in this way, it was outside of his mind, outside of the functioning part of his body, he felt it below – although nothing physical had confirmed it. Still it was new. He was resolved to keep testing this new feeling.

"What?" Mary said quizzically, enjoying this intimacy with Matthew.

"Nothing, it's nothing. Just you look beautiful tonight and I am so thankful for you care and support." Matthew smiled meaningfully. He pressed Mary's hand in emphasis.

"I appreciate your appreciation." Mary teased, her heart warmed. Something was different in Matthew. She felt caressed, adored even. It was a wonderful feeling. Was there some hope after all?

XXX

As Bates helped Matthew into his bed, Matthew said, "May I ask you something?"

"Of course." Bates replied efficiently.

"If I've had recent feelings… physical and yet not physical, but something I haven't felt since, well, since my injuries, do you think there might be anything to that?"

"I'm not sure what you mean, Sir. Certainly any change should be discussed with Dr. Clarkson." Bates answered assuredly.

"But I'm not sure of the feelings, but still there is something and I seem to be able to conjure the feelings at will." Matthew elaborated.

"You should wait and see. If it continues or develops, I would advise you to consult with Dr. Clarkson for his professional opinion."

"Of course you are right." Matthew responded unsure that Dr. Clarkson should be the one to consult. Perhaps I'll explore these sensations on my own for now he thought.

XXX

Matthew had joined his mother and Cousin Violet for tea in the drawing room at Downton. Violet was quite keen on assessing Matthew's state of mind especially where Mary was concerned now that she was unattached. Matthew had invited his mother to help him manage the expected inquiry.

"I am so glad to have this time with you Matthew. It is so rarely that you are on your own. I feel I have quite lost touch with your recovery. How are you getting on with your healing?"

"Thank you for your inquiry. It is a slow process indeed, but I find that I am getting better by the day."

"Indeed Matthew had been spending a great of time with Robert learning the business of Downton. They are covering much lost ground." Isobel added.

"That is good news indeed." Violet commended. "And Mary seems to be taking care to ensure your quick recovery?" she queried.

"Mary had been a wonder. She takes great care and I am most appreciative of her attention." Matthew replied sincerely.

"Yes, I've noticed. She is quite committed in that regard." Violet sighed. "I wonder where the tea is." Violet stood and as she made way to the bell her cane caught on the upturned rug and she tripped. Matthew broke her fall catching her by the waist and pulling her upright.

"Thank you." Violet breathed out, grateful she had not fallen.

"Matthew!" Isobel exclaimed wildly as Matthew realized he was standing; that was how he was able to break Violet fall.

XXX

Dr. Clarkson finished examining Matthew in his room with Isobel, Robert, Mary and Bates standing by.

"It appears that my original prognosis was wrong and that your spine has not been transected. I feel your injury is much less grave and rather due to spinal trauma and bruising that will heal. You will walk again with proper physical therapy." Clarkson declared and smiled broadly at the pleasant turn of events.

"Matthew!" Mary and Isobel exclaimed in unison, both deliriously happy at the good news.

Robert though ecstatic was outraged and rebuked Clarkson, "While this is good news indeed, I wonder that your prognosis was so wrong? Please explain yourself sir!"

Clarkson unaccustomed to such reproach and secure in his professional stance, answered coolly, "I did have a second opinion that differed from mine, but I felt secure in my prognosis and felt that should the spine be transected it was best to not provide false hope in the event that Mr. Crawley's spine had indeed been permanently damaged."

"Is that your place? To decide what is best in terms of managing a patient's hope? I think you have rather disregarded your professional duty. Surely Matthew should have been made aware that all was not necessarily lost. It is your place to take away a patient's hope for his future. Do you understand the damage you have done, the suffering your sole decision had wrought?" Robert raged.

"I am sorry you feel that way." Clarkson demurred, "I certainly meant no harm, only to set a course which I deemed the most likely outcome. Surely, had his spine been indeed transected, it would have served no purpose for Mr. Crawley to hold out hope that his spine would recover. Isn't this a better outcome?" Dr. Clarkson defended.

Isobel sought to break the tension, "Surely, we will need to discuss this further. But for now, let's rejoice in Matthew's new prognosis."

Mary echoed the sentiment seeking clarity in Dr. Clarkson's examination, "Matthew will walk again, he will regain all of previous physical limitations?" she clarified.

"Indeed, he will. He will likely retain bruising and some discomfort, but he should make a full recovery." Dr. Clarkson confirmed.

Matthew who had until this point been silent, rejoiced, "This is good news indeed!"

Mary could not contain her joy; she bent down to Matthew's chair placing her arms around his neck and kissing his cheek, exclaimed "I am so happy for you!"

Matthew overcome with his new found life, turned his head displacing Mary's kiss from his cheek to his lips, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her close, with tears streaming down his face, he corrected, "I am so happy for us!"

A/N – Reviews greatly appreciated. They really do help. Thanks for reading.