A/N: Oh my gosh! Sorry this has taken so long to update, I have been on holiday and I have been really busy lately. Let me know what you think. I hope you enjoy:

At least a month had passed at the Pemberley estate in peace, although the master of the great estate had still not returned to the love and support of his family. Yet, the frequent visits of Mr Richardson to the great estate was a relief which more than one of the Darcy's appreciated.

His visits to the Darcy household brought more happiness to the offspring of the master and mistress than anyone else. Although he could visit everyday or perhaps once a week depending on his business everyone was still pleased for his company.

To the joy of a large percentage of Derbyshire they were not burdened with the company of Mrs Richardson for more than a matter of a few weeks. Yet to Rebecca, James Richardson had become more pleasant to his mother and in a small way came to appreciate her more. It was perhaps her support in the matter which encouraged him to make a small effort to make his mother feel more received in Derbyshire.

However, after a se'ennight had passed Mrs Richardson was becoming more impatient to return to the "dignified, higher qualities of society found in London". This was understandably to the happiness of her son who was now free to speak to Miss Darcy without the feeling that his mother was trying to encourage more of a relationship. The category of relationship his mother was wanting to appreciate with her "higher quality society" was understandably one of marriage. Yet, as James Richardson stood in front of the highly expensive mirror in the depths of Eastfield Park, he knew that he longed for the marriage his mother was undoubtedly telling her acquaintances of in London.

"I will ask her today!" He exclaimed as he tied his cravat tighter around his neck, placing it in the perfect position before ensuring that his reflection was up to standard. "But what if she refuses me?" He said to himself. "Then I will be a gentleman and overcome it." At the answer to his question he took his horses crop from the servant who had just entered his quarters and exited the room. Yes, he would ask her for her hand today. Even if she did refuse him he would conquer it and believe that he would be content as long as she was happy in life.

A few hours later as Mr Richardson, Rebecca and Fitzwilliam walked from the Pemberley estate the sun shone brightly. It was such a beautiful day and the mood of the three walkers was only increased by the handsome surroundings of the estate.

Rebecca had become accustomed to Mr Richardson's personality and after careful observation after the accident at the lake she found him to be as much of a gentleman as she would have always wished to encounter. But what where her own emotions for this man who she had once loathed? Did she feel more of an attraction than friendship, was it possible for her to love him? She sincerely hoped that it was possible…now all she had to do was wait.

Even though the trio casually walked the grounds of Pemberley, they chose to always avoid the lake. That darkness was a force of nature which most certainly drew emotions from more than one of the walkers.

On this particular day however, they stood silently at a clearing of trees looking at the lake in the distance, its shimmering colour from the sunlight causing reflections of not only light but also memory. As the two gentleman stood in silence watching the force which could have so easily claimed Rebecca's life, the woman herself laughed slightly.

"What is so amusing Rebecca?" Fitzwilliam asked his sister. She stopped laughing but smiled slightly as she looked at the water surface.

"Forgive me, I did not mean to find amusement in such a memory. But this sight of pure satisfaction makes me contemplate on Shakespeare." Mr Richardson laughed.

"Shakespeare! How can a memory of near demise make you contemplate on Shakespeare. I think that you are becoming slightly exhausted. Shall we not escort her back to the house, Darcy." Rebecca laughed at his slight joke of feeling fatigued and slightly shook her head.

"I feel that is true, Richardson, we shall return immediately!" Her brother's jest made Rebecca turn slightly to her brother and look at him quizzically before returning her stare to the water.

"You must hear my explanation!" She exclaimed wildly before looking at the two gentleman who she had grown so close to, she could never run the risk of loosing.

"Very well. Let us hear it."

"Well," She started as she walked away from the water and headed down the track away from the water, the gentlemen following curiously behind. "I was contemplating on the fact that Shakespeare was wrong when he said "Frailty, thy name is woman" in my opinion it would have been far suited as Frailty, thy name is man! It was however, a gentleman who's bullet startled my horse." Darcy and Richardson stared at her for a moment before they laughed wildly at her opinion.

"Rebecca!" Fitzwilliam exclaimed. "Father would be insulted at such a thing."

"Then we should be pleased that he is not here." She replied.

"You should voice your opinion more readily Rebecca." Mr Richardson said happily. "For I am one person who agrees with you."

"Thank you Mr Richardson. When you are in my company, I will ensure that my opinion is thoroughly given." He smiled wildly.

"I am pleased to hear it." She nodded.

"I think I may return to the house." Fitzwilliam added quickly. "You will be well walking alone I presume?"

"Fitzwilliam!" Rebecca added angrily. "You know it is improper, what will you make of my name? You will make my fortune worthy of no one!" Her brother laughed wildly.

"You are wrong my dear sister, I will make everything of you name. In the opposite, just think, you will have money to spend on yourself rather than your husband!" Mr Richardson laughed at this. "And who will know? Richardson will keep you safe, I am sure of it."

"That I will." Mr Richardson added.

"Good then it is settled! Remember to return for luncheon Rebecca, James you must join us!" Fitzwilliam said as he walked away.

"I will Darcy."

As Fitzwilliam Darcy disappeared James Richardson had to swallow hard, he was alone with the woman he loved and he knew that it had to be today that he asked her.

"Your brother is such an expert friend." He said to her quietly.

"That he is. I have never had a cross word from him in my life…No I am mistaken, he was displeased with me when I insulted you those many months ago, soon after your arrival into Derbyshire."

"You brother informed me of such a matter."

"Yes, he was the person who taught me that even I was proud James, I learnt much from him. "Show a little respect" Those were his words, how I will never forget them."

"But our friendship has improved vastly." He said to her. "I do not see you as proud as you were then, you have changed so much, Rebecca."

"I have changed, James I changed because of you, you taught me what it was like to be proud. For that I have at last realised how much you have changed. You accepted your mother like something I have never seen before. She was satisfied with you as much as I was!"

"You embarrass me Rebecca!"

"It is not intended Sir, I only speak the truth."

"It is good to hear you speak so well of me, but I have something to ask of you."

"You can ask anything of me James, I am, after all, indebted to you." He laughed slightly.

"You know that I do not think of such a thing, you will never be indebted to me. But I feel that in this situation of our relationship I must ask something of you." At this he looked down to the floor, swallowing hard.

"What is it?" She asked. "Why will you not look at me, James?" He laughed slightly.

"I have felt for a long time that our relationship…"

"Miss Darcy!" An urgent voice called out behind them. "Mr Richardson!" Rebecca turned quickly to find a stable hand pulling a horse toward them quickly.

"What is it boy?" Mr Richardson asked in irritation. He was just about to ask her and yet this boy was rude enough to interrupt.

"Excuse me Sir, but you have both been asked to return to the house as soon as possible. There has been such a bad accident!"

"An accident!" Rebecca said as she stepped forward toward the boy. "What kind of accident? Who was involved?" The boy sighed slightly.

"The master was involved in an accident on his return from London, Miss." Rebecca's eyes widened in shock.

"What happened boy?" Mr Richardson asked.

"He was thrown from his horse in the path of a cart, Sir. The doctor has been called but the Master is unconscious Sir. You are asked to return to the house. I brought the horse for you." Mr Richardson quickly darted for the horse.

"Come, Rebecca quickly!" He said as he hooked his foot into the stirrup and waited for her.

Rebecca stood still for a moment trying to think of what she had been told but as she looked up to James, she saw the urgency in his eyes.

"Rebecca!" It was at this call that she rushed to the horse looking up at him as he sat in the saddle. She held out her hand quickly allowing her to guide her into the saddle as the young boy took her foot and hoisted her into the air.

When she was safely secured in front of Mr Richardson on the horse he placed his hand firmly around her waist before kicking his heels strongly into the horses flanks.

At the entrance to Pemberley, Mr Richardson jumped quickly from the horse and firmly placed his hands around Rebecca's waist as he lowered her to the floor.

"Come, quickly." He said as he took her hand and almost pulled her into the foyer.

It was in the dim light of the foyer that Mrs Reynolds rushed toward them.

"Ah, Miss Darcy!" She said as she stopped in front of the young woman.

"Mrs Reynolds, how is my father? Where is my brother?"

"I am here Rebecca." A voice called from across the hall. It was here that her eyes met with his and they met half way across the room in an embrace of love.

It was only a moment later when Rebecca pulled away looking up into her brother's handsome face.

"How is Father, Fitzwilliam?" The young man shook his head slightly.

"The doctor is with him, we must fear the worst Rebecca." She pushed herself away slightly, looking up into her brother with anger.

"I will not prepare for the worst!" She yelled in anger, tears running unwillingly down her smooth skin. "I will not prepare for our Father to die! He is worth more than that!"

"Rebecca," A soft voice said as her shoulders were taken by strong hands. She looked over her shoulder slightly to see James looking at her. "Let us go into the sitting room and await news, I am sure that a cup of tea will do you well." He did not wait for a response but escorted her immediately in the direction of a chair, calling to Mrs Reynolds for tea as he sat her down.

"I will not accept it!" She said to him as he looked down at her.

"You do not have to."

So they sat, in silence, waiting for news to arrive to them. Except for the fact that Rebecca was the only person in the home who could not prepare for the worst. But surely she would cope afterwards if her Father was to die. But still, James Richardson sat with her, stroking her hand softly, whispering some kind of hope in her ear, that he firmly did not believe was true. He knew that deep in the corridors of Pemberley, the Master of the estate was fighting a battle for life that he would most surely loose.