Hello,

I am sorry for the long stop but things got busy and I wanted to write at least three chapter of this story before I start posting!

This one was intended as a one shot part of the animal tales' family but I could not stop writing and ended up with a lot more than supposed to :)

I don't know how long it is gonna be for now it is three but knowing myself that might turn up a lot more...

I hope you will enjoy it and please let me know what you think :)

Elizabeth took in the beauty of the grand estate of Pemberley. It was the pure expression of grace and importance; nothing was amiss. From the gardens to the house, you could imagine the transformation made by each generation. Each added their own touch and style, but overall everything looked harmonious.

She had been on a summer trip in the Peak District with her relatives from London. They had been to Bakewell yesterday, enjoying the little village and their speciality tart. Now they were staying in Lambton for a few days, as Mrs Gardiner had relatives she wished to visit. Lambton, being only a few miles from Pemberley, her aunt and uncle had proposed a visit. At first, she had been reluctant, ashamed and scared to encounter the man himself. Her uncle convinced her that Mr Darcy was certainly away, as were all the great men like him. And so she had agreed, but if she was honest with herself her curiosity had been the main reason for visiting the estate. She had heard so much about it she wanted to see it with her own eyes. She also knew that with her aunt and uncle helped to convince her that things would go as plan.

The Gardiners had always been Elizabeth's favourite relatives. They were well-spoken, and she cannot be embarrassed by them even if they belonged to the trade. Upon seeing the couple's good manners and fashions, no one would guess their backgrounds. Many time did she wish they were her parents. She loved her parents, but she realised, even more now, how her upbringing was not one of a gentle lady. She did not want to blame her parents, for they did the best they could with what they had. But certainly things could have been different if they had been working in the best interest of their daughters.

Mr Darcy's remarks resonated in her head again as she recalled their truth. His speech might not have been one of a gentleman, but it was not wrong either; she had to admit it.

She had been ashamed of her people and knew each of their faults perfectly. But they were family, and that was the family's first quality to accept each other, even the shameful moment. It motivated her to contemplate her imperfections; she realised that she was not without flaws herself. She might have been cruel in the past with others. The way she would sometimes laugh at them for their particularities while she herself was full of them, this behaviour, whilst not completely bad was not a good one or a sign of intelligence.

But his comments were not the most painful ones. Now, as she was aware of Mr Wickham's true nature, her own words were unbearable. She still could not believe how naïve she had been, she, who had prided herself to be a remarkable judge of character. When she had asked her aunt what her thoughts were on the amiable Mr Wickham, her answer troubled Elizabeth more than she thought. Her aunt was neither positive nor negative about him, stating that in a story there is always two sides. She reminded Lizzie that before making any judgement about anyone, you should know both sides of the stories.

Pride was the sin that surrounded their relationship. She had condemned his pride when she had not checked her own.

She pestered without realising her relatives were nearby; the couple looked at each other, intrigued. They wondered at their niece's behaviour, which had been unusual since they had uttered their wish to visit Pemberley. They knew from what their niece told them she was acquainted with the Master of Pemberley, but whether or not it was a positive situation, they could not make any opinion out of it.

"Is everything all right, Lizzie?"

"Oh yes, aunt, I am sorry I was daydreaming."

"Why daydreaming in front of such beauty!"

Mr Gardiner pointed at the magnificent house, hoping it would lighten his niece's mood, but it seemed to only make her more thoughtful.

"I can only agree with you, uncle." The half-smile she offered to him did not really convinced him, he knew Lizzie and the way she had looked at the house was one of awe and so he wondered why she seemed sad and pensive as she looked at it now. For what his wife had told him, the affair that was bothering his niece was related to the Master of the house himself. He had hoped the man would be there, but as it was, the Master was away in London.

"Would you like to come back to the house? I have to admit I am a little tired."

"Oh, of course aunt but would it be ok if I continue on a little longer? The garden is really a beauty!"

"I do not see why not, but be back soon, or the night will fall on you!"

"Yes, uncle, I will."

He stared at his niece as she followed a trail leading her away from the house; she was his responsibility and also his favourite. Lizzie had a brilliant mind. He had always remarked to his wife that if Elizabeth had been a man, she would have done great things. Mr Gardiner was no revolutionary but a sensible person. He had met many men who do not deserve to be heirs and women who would do a superb job. His Lizzie would need to find a husband who understood her intelligence, or she would be miserable for the rest of her existence.

He had been on the lookout for his nieces. But Mrs Bennet had rejected most of them under the excuse that they were not rich enough or gentlemen enough, and her girls deserved the best. He loved his sister, but sometimes she seemed blind to the reality of life; her daughters were no duchesses. Though they were not to be rich, their future would be safe. Mr Bennet was even harder to convince, as the man wanted to avoid anything that would cause him trouble and as he hated London, if the gentleman in question came or worked there, he would refuse him without a second look. It had enraged Edward, calling him selfish. He sighed as he looked at Lizzie, wandering around the park; his wife pulled on his arm, gaining back his attention.

"She will be fine, Elizabeth is a sensible girl."

"I know, my dear, I know."

Lizzie walked further on the path, leaving behind her aunt and uncle. She breathed in the fresh air of the summer, full of scents from the blooming flowers. Derbyshire was a beautiful county, with lots of hills and paths she could explore. It was a different landscape compared to the flatter Hertfordshire, but both had their beauty.

Many times she had stopped herself from imagining what it would have been like to be Mrs Darcy until now, here, the temptation was too great. She imagined herself walking there every day, choosing the flower to display in the house. She paused, closing her eyes to dissipate the dream forming invariably in her head. She turned around and admired the imposing building, shining as the setting sun disappeared behind the peaks. She realized it was time to go home before it became too dark.

She laughed at her silliness, shaking her head.

"This is not your home, you silly!"

As her steps took her towards the house, a strident cry cut into the air. She froze, intrigued by it suddenness and despair. She looked around to catch any gardeners, but the park was empty. She frowned back at the forest, searching for any sign of danger or living creature, but she was met with only trees and bushes dancing in the breeze.

She considered her next step, had she dreamed it like the rest or was it real. She did not wonder this for long as the cry came again louder and more painful this time. She could not resist this call. Her heart bled for this unknown creature, calling for help, and as if pulled by an invisible string, she ventured into the wood.

As she wandered, she scanned the surroundings for any clues, but nothing was clear except for the constant screams. She knew she was taking a significant risk by going into the forest alone when the night was falling, but the poor animal's cries were too much to bear.

Suddenly she detected movements in the distance, a tiny little thing of fire fur. Her eyes wept at the view in front of her. It was a baby fox no older than a year lying on one side, huffing as he cried. She approached slowly the creature, discerning some blood on his tight. The animal struggled to escape, as he sought to lift itself, his entire body collided to the ground.

"Oh, you poor thing, you must have fallen upon a trap and hurt yourself!"

She recognised foxes were not friendly animals, but the little one looked at her as if he understood her. He stopped calling out, only panting. She offered her hand to smell, which he did cautiously, but relaxed afterwards. She smiled at him for reassurance.

"I will not hurt you! I want to help you, my friend, ok?"

Their eyes met. Elizabeth could not explain how but the fox seemed to understand and his breathing calmed down; her smile grew wider.

"Now, let me see what we can do to save you."

She deliberated for a minute, trying to find the best solution to her problem.

"What I am going to do is to place you in my coat and carry you back to the house, so we shall take care of you. Would that be ok with you?" The fox did not respond, but as she watched in his eyes the acceptance of his fate, she grinned.

She took off her coat and put it next to the cub, and eased him onto the cover with little struggles from his part.

"Good, the less you move, the better it would be!"

Unexpectedly, another call resonated in the forest, but this time it was human. A man desperately shouted her name, both her and the fox jumped by surprise. She realised that it was indeed darker around her; it seemed her eyes had got used to the dark as the night was falling. Her family must be worried that she has not returned to the house as promised.

He called again and again, more desperate each time, but it was not her uncle, as she had thought. She did not answer back. There was something in this voice that stopped her from doing so. The cub next to her whined at the intrusion.

When her caller shouted her name again, her heart raced in her chest. She knew this voice, relief invaded her but sadness soon followed. His presence made her feel warm and safe, but knowing he would find her in such a situation caused her to panic. Without thinking, she called back. Her primal instinct wanted to see him, and the despair in his voice gave her hope.

The little fox got nervous with all this shouting, but Elizabeth patted his head gently.

"He is a friend; do not worry, he will help us."

Inside, she prayed this would be true and that Mr Darcy would not hurt this cub. She knew men did not appreciate foxes. And gentlemen like him might even hunt them as a sport.

She called out to Mr Darcy anew.

"Here, I am here." She perceived some other voices, but could not decipher their remarks. She realised he was close to her as the intensity of his voice grew, the sound of crushed branches and bushes approaching her too.

"Elizabeth!"

She sensed his despair every time she responded to him. It surprised her; she had not expected him to be here and indeed not being the search party. He would be annoyed at her attitude. But this voice, and by extension him, seemed to be desperate and eager to find her.

"Over here" She looked around to catch a glimpse of him, but she met only the dark forest.

"Elizabeth!" He was closer, and she kept on looking out in the hope of something.

A flicker appeared in the distance; her heart exploded with relief and happiness.

"Over here, Mr Darcy!"

She guessed his tall form between the trees. He carried a lantern with him to light his path.

"Oh goodness me, I found you!"

He rushed toward her, nearly falling over when a fallen branch got in the way. When he reached her, she put herself in front of him, her arms as a defence.

"Please, be careful; we have a little injured here!"

He looked frantically at her, worried written on his face.

"Are you all right? Where are you harmed?"

As he did not understand her, she moved and pointed at the cub lying on her coat.

"Oh, no, I am fine! I heard a cry coming from here, and I found this baby fox; it looks like it damaged his leg." Even with the small amount of light, she saw the relief on his face, followed by a frown.

"I am happy to hear that! I was so alarmed that you could be injured, or worse. We have been looking for you for quite sometime."

For a second, he closed his eyes and turned around to talk to a man Elizabeth had not realised was there until now. He ordered him to wait outside the forest for them.

He kneeled next to the anxious, shivering cub. He looked up at her, his hand lifting the border of her overcoat, a silent question in his eyes.

"Oh yes, I wanted to bring him home so that we can take care of him."

She looking down at her feet, waiting for his refusal at such idea. She realised that he might refuse to accept in his Home a wild animal and with the proposition coming from none other than the woman who had rejected him not even three months ago. Elizabeth was ready to plead all she could to save this fox, but the reprimand never came.

In her quest to find the best plea, she was oblivion to Mr Darcy's smile. His heart had swelled a little when she had said Home, not house. He knew this was a silly hope, but since that fateful day, anything that she would say with a positive intonation to him was a reason to dream, even if it meant to save a fox.

After the quick examination of the cub, he stood up and took off his overcoat.

"Put on my coat; I do not want you to become sick."

"Oh, no, I am—"

"Please, Miss Elizabeth, you will be of no help to this one if you are unwell."

With such a pleading look, she could only agree with him; and if she was honest, the night had brought his chilling atmosphere with it. Thanking him, she wrapped herself in it. His warmth and scent enveloped her body as if he was embracing her, she shivered at the sensation. She was glad it was too dark to discern the blush on her face, shaking her head as his masculine perfume overwhelmed her mind. Never a man had caused such emotion in her, now that she thought about it since the first day they met, she had always felt something towards him even if it was not positive at first. He had never let her indifferent.

While she tried to regain control of herself, Mr Darcy, unaware of her battle, managed to wrap the baby into a bundle.

He rose back to his feet, caring the cub gently; she accepted the cub into her arms and naturally cuddled it like it was her own child. The fox relaxed instantly.

Darcy grabbed his lantern, which laid on the ground, and approached her. He seemed uncertain about his next move.

"Shall we go home now? Your aunt and uncle are quite worried about you!"

"Yes, I am so sorry I did not intend to—"

"I know, do not worry, the most important is that you are sound and safe! I am going to help you walk out of the forest if that is ok? There are many obstacles along the way; we would not want our patient to be hurt even more!"

"Thank you."

He stayed close to her, holding her waist. The warmth of his hand spread on her back, giving her a sense of security. She had never seemed so secure in her life than right now. There was no apparent danger, but being near him with his arm around her felt natural. The forest ground was uneven, and many times, by purpose or not, Elizabeth had to lean a little more on him. He never complained and even reaffirmed his grip on her waist, which she was not to complain about. Something else had flourished inside her, something she was not quite sure she understood, but it was a good feeling.

When they came out of the forest, she discovered how far she had gone and cursed herself for being so careless.

"There, on more familiar ground." He released her and took some step away. She missed his closeness instantly. She shivered a little as his warmth left her and he saw it.

"We should get you home before you caught anything bad."

Two men were waiting for them just outside of the wood. He called for a man near them.

"Will, Do rush home, ask a warm bath to be prepared for Miss Bennet. Please, Inform Mrs Reynolds about Miss Elizabeth's health so she can notify her relatives. Have cook prepare something for Miss Elizabeth and our little injured. Call for Thomas to have a look at him; we will bring him in the kitchen."

His voice was commanding, but gentle. The servant responded with a smile to his master and her, nodding as orders were given to him.

"Yes, sir!"

Will left them, running towards the house. Only one man stayed with them, in front of them, lightening the way with his lantern.

"How is our bundle?"

"I guess he is fine. Do you think he will be ok?"

"I cannot say. His leg seemed quite injured, but we will do whatever we can to save him. I promise you!" He looked at her so warmly that her heart swelled.

"I thank you, Mr Darcy… And I am also sorry to intrude and being so careless—"

"Please do not, you gave us a good fright, but now you are safe; it is all that matter."

Silenced installed itself between them, both having too much to say but did not know how to express it. He surprised her a moment later by starting a conversation.

"I hope it would not deter your opinion of the Derbyshire!"

"What is that?"

"Your misadventure—"

"Oh, no, Derbyshire is a beautiful county. Pemberley is a beauty to behold. You must be proud of such an estate?"

"Yes, I am. It has been in my family for generations, each Darcy giving it its charm we beheld today! I hope I will bring something to this legacy."

He was looking with pride at the house in front of them.

"Oh, I am sure you are, sir."

"I thank you."

They glanced at each other, smiling. She was speechless, overwhelmed by her feelings, most of all, ashamed at her behaviour. He stopped her reflection again. She laughed on the inside; months ago, the roles were reversed.

"I have requested rooms to be prepared for you and your relatives. And I would be delighted, and my sister too, if you could stay with us for a few days. Your uncle accepted my offer, but I would feel more comfortable if you agreed."

He was frantic in his gestures and voice; she understood his nervousness more than ever.

"I would not want to impose—"

"You do not; please believe me. You are more than welcome at Pemberley."

They had stopped and faced each other. He had come very close to her, which did not help her think clearly. The emotions in his eyes just reminded her of this fateful day when she refused him. She wondered if it is Love that she discerned now, and somehow deep down, she wished it.

"Elizabeth, I…." He closed his eyes, turning her back to her like he was furious with something.

"I cannot!"

She was confused by his statement.

"I do not understand, sir?"

He turned around with determination, holding her free hand tightly.

"I cannot pretend. I assumed I could believe me. I tried to forget you, to let you go, but fate is not kind to me; I am destined to be torture. For here, I came to Pemberley in the hope my feelings for you would just dissolve. And here I found you, lost, alone, and in the dark. I was so scared that something had happened to you. It is quite a safe estate, but we do have from time to time ruffians crossing here. I have never been so terrified in my life, not being able to meet you again or hear your sweet laugh or you teasing me repeatedly. I had promised myself I would stay out of your way; I would let you go. But I cannot; the prospect of you with another man gave me nightmares. I have been the worst of man, but I can change; I am willing to learn if only you taught me how to be this person. If I have no hope of gaining your heart, Elizabeth, please say so, and I would disappear for good. After tonight you would not see the sight of me, but if I have even a slight chance, please let me show you how much I love you."

As Mr Darcy confessed his feelings, she observed him with amazement. His eyes were hopeful, but his face twisted with fear. To her surprise, her feelings reflected his torment. She was not a perfect woman herself, but she can also change. She had tried not to think about him. If she had to be truthful since the day they met, he had always been on her mind. The most astonished thought was when he told her he had envisioned her with another man. Her eyes caught a glimpse of him smiling at a woman that was not her, and her heart crushed into pieces. She did not want him to disappear quite the opposite.

"I…" But no words came out of her mouth. She saw his deflection, the pain in his eyes.

"Yet again, I am overstepping; please excuse me." He turned to leave.

"Noo!"

Her hand tried to catch him in despair. He stopped, turned around, confused by her outburst. When he witnessed the tears rolling on her cheeks, he rushed back to her. His hands encircled her face, brushing away her tears.

"Do not go!" She grabbed the lapel of his waistcoat with earnest.

"Do not cry, my love, I am here" He leaned his forehead on hers.

"I do not understand my feelings for you, but all I can say… is that I do not want you to disappear… quite the opposite." She closed her eyes, listening to his breath, feeling his warmth enveloping her.

"Can you… can you show me how much you love me?"

He had dreamed of this moment for so long that he thought it was all but a trick his mind was playing with him. He observed her face, looking at any sign of regrets but she smiled at him. The starving man that he was could not resist the call, fantasy or not.

"Of course, I can."

He approached his lips to hers ever so slowly, too slowly for Elizabeth. She closed the gap between them; he groaned at her boldness.

He showed her exactly how he loved her, and she responded to him, much to his delight. Their emotions exploded as their bodies merged. Lizzie never knew she could feel such happiness. All these sensations erupted as their lips danced together. It was quite foreign to her, but it was exhilarating. She discovered a yearning that she never felt before. This was not the craving for food or the one when she held a new book that she cannot stop reading. This was stronger and more intense than anything she had ever felt. One thing was sure, she never wanted to end.

After a moment, they broke the kiss, both trying to catch their breath and recover from their passionate embrace. He searched in her eyes any regret, but she beamed at him with a wide grin, which he returned.

"Oh, Elizabeth, I love you so much." She found herself too overwhelmed by her emotions. As he saw her attempt, he brushed his thumb on her swollen lips.

"Shh, I understand. It is all-new for you; I can wait."

He grinned at her; she nodded. A small cry came between them, reminded them of their current position, and the reality intruded into their bubble.

"Shall we go home and take care of him?"

"Yes, we shall!"