*This story is copyright protected

Uploading regularly.

Dear reader,

Thank you very much for such a warm welcome. I am pleased to know that you are intrigued to read what is to come for ODC in my fanfic and for those who wish to read this part I will go on to address issues raised in the comments received about the previous chapter. It's always nice to know that you have been heard, I think.

There were some that questioned the way in which EB was resuscitated... I know it is not in keeping with the time period, but as it is fiction and so, I saw no harm in a small fib for the endeavour of the narrative.

Another comment received was regarding the compromise plot - I have to heartily disagree, as these are my favourite kind of variations. I am not a fan of ODC anticipating their vows, but I do enjoy the sexual tension and chemistry that builds under these circumstances.

Finally - The typo's! *insert crying emoji x200* I admit to one or two that I had missed, but there were loads on here when I pasted it from my word doc. Many of them were not present in the original saved on my Mac as I compared the documents. But I will endeavour to check it over once more when I add it to this site.

I will continue do my best to try to spot any typo's & grammatical errors etc. but I am not a professional and if anyone can recommend a beta I would be grateful.

Please enjoy!

V x

Please leave a comment, if you feel so inclined- I have always loved reading the comments as a reader and so am intrigued to see how I approach them as the author!

Chapter Two

The wind grew fierce and stung at their cheeks, as they travelled as quickly as visibility allowed. Elizabeth could feel the stiffening her hair as it caught her in the eyes from time to time. She felt her body begin to tremble under the weight of her near death experience, the cold no longer registering. Looking about her gaze was drawn the to the floor moving below the and comprehending the height at which they were situated had a dizzying affect. Domino was rather large, and it was quite a distance to the ground. For some reason she felt her body being pulled towards it as her mind clouded. The hooves of the horse growing closer and closer…

"Lizzy! Please do not let me fall!" squealed Margaret clinging further into Elizabeth's embrace as they slipped with her disorientation.

Her cousin's cry however, worked to bring her out from her haze. Panicking she gasped and grabbed Margaret, but before she could right herself, she felt two strong hands move to support her. His left hand moved to rest against her thigh and hip leaving her cousin to lean into the support of his arm, with his right hand moving to pull her forcefully back to him, while he maintained his grip on the reigns. His hands seemed instil calm in her, though the imprint of his body and hands seemed to burn her through the thin and soaked fabric of her day dress in an altogether unsettling yet yet pleasantly comforting reaction. The novelty of such sensations warmed her through and she could felt the hairs on her arms prickle and stand to attention.

"Miss Bennet, if you would lean back a little you will not lose your balance. Do not focus on Domino's or the look down. As you see he has no difficulty in his movement. We shall be back at Longbourn before you know it," he spoke in a calm and soothing whisper at her ear.

Before she was cognisant of her actions, Elizabeth obeyed and found herself resting her full weight back onto Mr Darcy, one hand resting on his embrace around her waist and the other found purchase on his thigh. All else around her lost its significance. Her fear, the cold; all melted away and she allowed her body to relax in the knowledge she was safe, and her ordeal was over. She was not sure how long they continued on in this way, but she had closed her eyes at some point and only when her head fell back, her cheek leaning against his chest did she startle at the cold and wet the greeted her.

Looking up at him wide-eyed she noted that his nose was reddening, his jaw tightly clenched and his breath visible as he maintained his focus on the animal under his command. His thigh clenched as he shifted in his seat and she snatched her hand away shocked and embarrassed.

"I can see Longbourn!" Margaret shouted over the winds happily. "But how did you manage to find it, Domino? Where could the clouds have gone? And what has happened to all of the fairies?" she asked the horse stupefied.

A small rumble of laughter echoed behind Elizabeth before she heard Mr Darcy speak.

"Miss Maggie, it is they who helped Domino take us back to Longbourn." He said humouring her.

"Really? Why is that?" Margaret asked turning to look at him.

"Why? Because horses and fairies are the best of friends. Fairies communicate with all the animal kingdom!" he supplied. Surprising Elizabeth with the ease at which he communicated with her young cousin.

"The whole animal kingdom..." she repeated in awe. "Lizzy, do you see? This is why we should take up riding together! Then we could go on magical fairy hunts and the horses would bring them out of their homes in the clouds. I wonder what their wings feel like…" Margaret carried on excitedly, needing no response from either Mr Darcy or Elizabeth, who was happy to see the child restored from their frightful interlude.

As they arrived at Longbourn, Mr Darcy immediately moved Elizabeth into a stable position and swung himself down and off of Domino. Reaching for Margaret, he helped her down first. As soon as he set her on her feet, she immediately ran towards the house, where the shocked faces of her relatives were fixed at the sight of their dramatic arrival.

"Mama! Mama!" cried her young cousin as she ran to her mother; Mrs Gardiner, Mr Darcy's jacket falling discarded on the gravel.

"Oh, my darling. We were so worried!" exclaimed Mrs Gardiner as Mr Gardiner cupped her face.

Mr Bennet, followed by Mrs Bennet and Mrs Hershay cam forward altogether. Mr Bennet overtaking the ladies, and paying no heed to his wife's flapping and cries distress. They reached them just as Mr Darcy was lifting Elizabeth down from his horse's saddle.

Somehow, Elizabeth's dress caught on the saddle causing a tear to upset the now compromised fabric up to her knee. Due to the numbness in her already cold legs, Elizabeth neither felt the scratch on her leg nor the exposure of it. Only when she heard the audible gasp from Mrs Hershay and the woman's exaggerated pointing, did she grasp that something was amiss.

Still lightheaded, Elizabeth tried to look down to see to the damage and cover herself, but she stumbled slightly, unbalanced by her exhaustion. Ever solicitous, Mr Darcy quickly pulled his great coat to cover her as Mr Bennet shielded his daughter with his body.

"Oh Lizzy! What is the matter?" said Mrs Bennet in a panic. Not quite sure what to make of her daughter and Mr Bingley's proud friends sudden and dishevelled appearances. When her usually quickly voluble daughter failed to focus her gaze, she paled and looked to Mr Darcy. The possibly conclusion of what could have destroyed her daughters equanimity too much to bare.

"What have you done?" Mrs Bennet screamed.

"Aunt Bennet, he did not do anything. He saved Lizzy!"

"S-s-saved her?" Mrs Bennet trembled.

"Yes! He put his hand here -" explained Margaret pointing to her chest, causing a distraught gasp to emerge from Mrs Bennet. "And then he kissed her a few times and…" she continued innocently.

"What?!" thundered Mr Bennet giving Mr Darcy such a murderous look, that Mr Gardiner rushed to Brother in laws side. Mr Darcy had never before seen the man in anything other than his usual mien of sarcasm and acerbity and took a step back placatingly.

"Not my Lizzy!" cried Mrs Bennet. "Oh no. It cannot be!" she wailed.

"Please, I understand how this looks, but Miss Bennet should go inside and warm herself before a chill sets in. And it would be wise to call for a doctor…"

Suddenly sense kicked in and Mr Bennet called Jane and his younger daughters to see to Lizzy.

"Papa…" Elizabeth tried as she passed her father, but she was simply too tired to speak and had struggled to grasp what was being said and by whom. Allowing herself to be taken away from the scene that was unfolding by her sisters and into the sanctuary of her home.

"Pray, what happened to her clothes?" added Mrs Hershay.

"He told her she must take them off." Said Margaret, before Mrs Gardiner can shush her.

"Enough!" Snapped Mr Bennet. "Mrs Hershay this is a family matter, please allow us the courtesy of privacy."

"Of course, Mr Bennet. You can rely on my discretion," she said, although none could miss the glint in her eye.

Mrs Bennet could bear no more and was rushed in doors by Mrs Gardiner, who was pulling Margaret along with her free Mr Bennet and Mr Darcy in tense stand-off.

"I did not harm your daughter, sir." Mr Darcy assured.

Oddly Mr Bennet found that he believed him, but his mind was having difficulty piecing together the information he had received along with Elizabeth's appearance. But then it occurred to him for the first time that Mr Darcy's clothing was also in a state of ruin and he himself was beginning to shiver uncontrollably.

Taking pity, he turned instructing the young stable hand who had wondered around to inspect the most impressive horse he had ever beheld to see that the horse was fed and scrubbed down. With a quick glance he turned towards the house with Mr Gardiner and gestured with his hand for Mr Darcy to follow, leaving no room for him to argue against it. Mr Bennet would get to the bottom of this, but he knew that both Mr Darcy and Elizabeth would need a moment to regain their strength. He also did not know enough of Mr Darcy's character to know whether he might flee if he left for Netherfield, and he did not have the energy nor the inclination to chase after the gentleman if, in fact, a matter of misconduct had taken place.

Upon entering the house, he issued several orders to his staff to have Mr Darcy situated in the guest room and to send for his valet and a change of clothes from Netherfield. Here, Mr Gardiner left them to tend to his wife and daughter.

"Would you care to write a note, to let your friends know that you are safe, or are you happy for me to write something to that affect?" asked Mr Bennet.

"If it is not too much trouble?" replied Mr Darcy.

"In here then," his said leaving Mr Darcy once more to follow behind him.

Seating himself behind his desk her watched the younger man move about the room as his eyes took in the volumes of his bookcase. It was hard not to be a little daunted by him, he acknowledged. His strong features, impressive height and the way he carried himself spoke of his superior standing whether he wanted to impose it or not. He could not a imagine he was man one dared refuse anything of which he condescended to ask for.

Of course, Mr Bennet was aware of Mr Darcy being a prominent figure within high society, though he had never taken much interest in the name when he had often come across it in the papers. If the gossip columns were to be believed; this man was a very sought-after individual. By the lady's, he was always rumoured to be courting a different woman with each edition printed! And it appeared that gentlemen were always eager to be seen or associated with him. But then, how much could any well read and respectable gentleman credit the gossip columns?

Mr Darcy now stood quietly, waiting patiently to be directed and given permission to wriTe his note. Gesturing over to the writing supplies on the small desk by the window, he continued to observe the man. Noticing with a small smile, that his shoes were squelching… how comforting to know that the wealthy were not exempt from such happenings and were just as mortal as any other man!

"Will you need help our of your boots?" he asked drily.

Straightening before he responded, Mr Darcy replied. "No, sir. I shall manage." Then turned back to penning his missive.

How strange… thought Mr Bennet, that this man who always looked down upon all that he considered inferior to him, would offer this sign of respect. Though still maintaining his mask of indifference.

"And you will dine and spent this night at Longbourn. I wish to speak to both of you, but I am sure Elizabeth will not be up to such a task before tomorrow." He spoke and waited to see how Mr Darcy would receive such orders. Watching the man stand tall once more he was surprised that after only a brief hesitation, Mr Darcy nodded and bent to continue his business.

"And…" added Mr Bennet, enjoying watching the man straighten once more. "You will need to change out of those wet things and have some rest before venturing out again."

"Indeed. Thank you." Mr Darcy said, his face showing no irascibility or annoyance at being interrupted. Though Mr Bennet was sure Mr Darcy knew that he was being teased or something like it.

In the few minutes it took for Elizabeth to be ushered into the house, she found herself in the room which housed the bathtub. After being promptly stripped she was assisted into the tub of hot water. Jane was distressed and complaining that the water was not hot enough. Apologizing to Elizabeth that it was water which had been left over from one of her sister's a short while ago, but to Elizabeth's cold limbs it felt incredibly hot. It felt as though stung its way through her body. Permeating through the cold that had settled and leaving a tingly prickling sensation in its wake.

Giving herself over to the care of her family. Elizabeth allowed her thoughts to drift back over what had happened. How had Mr Darcy come to be there? and what would have become of her and Margaret if he had not? Shaking her head dispel the unpleasant directions of her thoughts, her recollections settled on the vivid concern she had seen evident in Mr Darcy's gaze as he stood strong against the current in order to save her. He knew exactly what to say in order to stoke her courage and give her the fortitude to hold on or let go as it were.

"No Lizzy, you must stay awake. We will have you settled in bed in a moment and then you may sleep." Jane said gently.

A tug on her hair, made her aware of Kitty behind her trying to loosen the tangles there.

"Sorry, Lizzy. That was the last one." she said, as Lydia came in with Hill, both carrying a burden of towels in their arms.

Allowing Jane to help her from the bathtub. She stood as they wrapped her in as many towels as they could and her towelling robe. Slipping her feet into her slippers she then made her way to her room. Stalling their attempts to put her into a nightgown she moved towards the bed shivering and slid under the covers, pulling them up to her chin. Relishing the heat from the warmed bricks and the roaring fire.

"Maggie? Mr Darcy?" she asked weakly as Mary entered with some hot tea and then left once more to comfort their mother.

"He is with Papa in his study. And our cousin is well. She is eating us out of butter biscuits and strawberry jam as we speak!" assured Jane.

And then finally all her energy depleted, Elizabeth gave into slumber and felt appeased and safe as she drifted out of consciousness…

A sharp pain throbbing at her temple roused her. The unforgiving pounding in her head made her feel woozy as she struggled to open her eyes in her attempt to ease it.

"Lizzy? Are you awake?" she heard Jane's gentle voice ask.

"Jane?" she croaked, her lips and throat dry.

"Here, let me help you." Jane offered, her voice coming closer.

In but a few moments Jane had managed to arrange her pillows so that she might lean back comfortably and tucked the covers around her. Opening her eyes, a fraction, she winced and quickly shut them against the pain that pierced through them into her mind from the daylight's brightness. She tried to make an effort to lift her hand to shield her eyes, but her arms felt too heavy to do more than twitch.

"Try to drink a little of this, it will do you good. You are very weak, and we must rebuild your strength." Jane explained.

"Will you close the curtains; it is too bright." She croaked and heard Jane rush to do her bidding.

"They are closed. Now, try to take a few mouthfuls of this."

Opening her eyes, the pain was still noticeable but not as strong. She recognised that she was in her own bedchamber at Longbourn. And smiled with dry cracked lips when her gaze settled on Jane sitting before her, holding a bowl of broth and a spoon. They remained quiet while she was fed the plain broth, and Elizabeth feeling a little improved, could not hold back her curiosity any longer.

"What happened?" she said her voice already sounding much stronger.

"You have been rather ill. We have had Dr Knott visiting each day as we worked to break your fever. Oh Lizzy…" Jane broke off her tears brimming.

"Each day? How long has it been?" Elizabeth gasped.

"Four days since your accident. Mama has been beside herself and Mr Darcy…"

"The river!" Elizabeth exclaimed cutting her off as the memories of nearly drowning and being submerged in the river accosted her.

"Yes – Mr Darcy told us what happened when he found you and little Maggie explained all that which had left to it. But I confess, Mr Darcy did not have quite an embellished tale to say as Maggie did." Jane sniffed.

"Is she well?"

"Oh yes. She is a robust little thing!" Jane chuckled her distress quieting.

"And Mr Darcy?"

"He was a little under the weather at first and so was invited to stay abed for an extra day. His valet was preparing to ride for London to bring the gentleman's family physician, but Mr Darcy was not so unwell as to tell him it was unnecessary. Mr Bingley came to pay a visit directly the morning after and -" she broke off putting her hand to her mouth. "I am so inconsiderate; I must tell the others you have awakened at last. I shall be right back Lizzy." She said and was gone.

And then before she could compose herself her mother burst into the room expressing a legion of worries. Her lace handkerchief sailing through the air with every flick and flutter of her wrist as her Aunt Gardiner and Jane tried to calm her.

"My dear, dear girl. What will become of us if word gets out about this whole affair?" she exclaimed, draining Elizabeth's glass of water in her nervousness.

"What do you mean Mama?" Elizabeth asked in confusion.

"I am not sure how much you remember when you arrived back to the house with Mr Darcy, Lizzy -" began her Aunt Gardiner stepping forward.

"It was a sensational way to appear, I tell you. What were you thinking, Lizzy?" demanded Mrs Bennet at the same time as leaning over her to correct her pillows and almost smothering her in her bosom.

"Mama! Forgive me but I had almost drowned. I really was not in any state to be -"

"Oh, you always have an answer for everything, Lizzy!" scolded Mrs Bennet now trying to feed her more of the broth and tutting as Elizabeth dodged away from the spoon, causing it to drip onto the bed sheet's.

"Well, Lizzy you must understand that your mother had company that day and -" Her Aunt Gardiner tried again, only to be cut off a second time.

"Yes, and one of the servants blabbed about the whole thing!" huffed Mrs Bennet.

"Why should our servants do such a thing?" Elizabeth asked alarmed and feeling a little betrayed. Turning to look to her sister her aunt she flinched as the action cause another sharp pain in her sore head.

"No, silly girl! Not one of our servant's, but one of Mrs Hershay's." replied her mother in exasperation. "Agatha has expressed how terribly responsible she feels for the indiscretion of someone in her employ. But of course, it is someone her husband has hired, as she has assured us no servant that she has interviewed, and secured employment would dare misstep in such a manner."

"But of course!" Elizabeth responded sarcastically rolling her eyes, which too caused more pain. Her head starting to throb unremittingly. "I am sure all will be well. Mr Darcy will make sure this is all set to rights, he would not taint himself with any association of any kind with our family." She added lifting her hand to her temple.

"I believe that is what he and your father have been trying to do Lizzy, but it is not so easy. You were riding with him upon the same horse, wrapped in his jacket and your dress exposed you whilst he lifted you down! And then Margaret telling everyone present that he had groped and kissed you -"

"He most certainly did not! I admit to being on the horse together, but Margaret was there also, and it was that or freeze to death ma'am -" denied Elizabeth, cutting across her mother's speech.

"There is no need to be vexed with me, Miss Lizzy! You know very well whether it did or did not happen is not of import. Everyone believes that that is what has happened and now we are all shamed. You have always been the most reckless and headstrong…" her mother continued sobbing into her handkerchief and did not resist when Jane saw that it was all too much for Elizabeth and took her from the room.

Mrs Gardiner approached Elizabeth's bedside warily.

"Sweet Lizzy, how can I begin to make amends for Margaret's ill-timed comments!" she said contritely.

"Aunt, please I would not have you or Margaret take responsibility for this. She is but a child. I am sure everything will be well in the end." Elizabeth said, though she hardly believed the lies she told to comfort her aunt.

"We shall this more later. I fear we have taxed you beyond that of which even a saint could bear at present." Mr Gardiner said, her eyes full of guilt. "I shall come and sit with you this evening if you are up to it."

"I should like that aunt. Please try not to be distressed." She said before Mrs Gardiner quit the room.