hello again, dont think I've ever posted two stories in such quick succession. I'm not quite half way through this one, so slower posting schedule than usual.

this is a continuation from forget me not, it wont really make sense if you havent read that.

...

blurb

Darcy, having suffered a head injury following a fall from a horse, saw a possible future marriage and life with Miss Elizabeth Bennet. On returning to his pre-married state he could only cling to the echo of his memories but he was determined to see that future realised. The only obsticle, Miss Elizabeth didn't much like him... yet.

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Chapter 1 - tis in my memory lock'd, and you yourself shall keep the key of it.

Mr Darcy was lucky, or so his physician told him. Not long after a fall from his, spirited, horse he was walking about and completely back to himself. The small problem of remembering a life that had not yet happened was not something he would think to tell the doctor, for fear of being sent to bedlam. Was that where he belonged?

No! He could not believe that.

He had memories of a six year marriage to one Miss Elizabeth Bennet and he fully believed that it was his possible future, one he fully intended to ensure happened.

Almost a week later Darcy had filled three notebooks with his rambling accounts of his fictional marriage, wanting to retain a copy to refer to if the situation arose. Not wishing to rely on the echo of the memories in his inconsistant mind.

He needed a plan of action.

There had been significant rain the night before, he had been dining with the officers and on his return he had found Miss Bennet had taken ill when visiting Miss Bingley. He was now walking the gardens, hoping his expectations were not unfounded.

When he heard a twig snap he turned to view the glowing countenance of Miss Elizabeth Bennet.

Taking a deep breath he approached.

...

Miss Elizabeth Bennet prided herself on her ability to sketch a person's character accurately. She loved to laugh at the follies and vices of others and was not above admitting when she had behaved in a silly manner. She loved her family but she knew that her mother was silly and her younger sisters almost impossibly vain and self centred. She was the favourite of her father and would debate with him on all manner of less-than-ladylike topics.

Right now she was lying in the most comfortably arranged room, the sheets silky and soft beneath her, and yet she could not sleep. Her mind was being plagued by none other than Mr Darcy. Mr proud arrogant Darcy, whom she was not handsome enough to tempt. Why was this insufferable man haunting her thoughts? Well, in short, he was behaving in a most vexing manner. He was being kind, thoughtful and far more agreeable than she had ever known him to be, and she could not make him out at all.

She thought back over the day.

...

She had walked to Netherfield park, the largest residence in her neighbourhood. Her sister had been to dine with the ladies of the house but had, unfortunately, taken ill. Elizabeth could not bear the idea of her sister suffering alone, knowing the ladies of the house were not the most caring of ladies. She had rounded a bush, knowing full well she was likely flushed and her hems were six inches deep in mud, when she came face to face with Mr Darcy.

"Oh" she exclaimed in surprise "Mr Darcy"

"Miss Elizabeth, you must be here to see to your sister. You look remarkably well this morning, shall I escort you to her?"

"Yes" she frowned in confusion, why was he being polite to her? Less than a week ago he had stood about at a soirée, barely speaking. It was not long before that he had declared her only tolerable. She peeked up at him under her lashes, wondering what he could be about. She was confronted by a broad smile and the appearance of an adorable dimple. Her eyes widened in shock and she gasped at the rush of desire that went through her. He really was most handsome man when he smiled.

"I have already enquired after your sister this morning, she did not sleep well I am afraid and I am certain she will be relieved to see you"

Elizabeth remained speechless, so Darcy continued.

"I believe Mr Bingley has sent for a Mr Jones, I am unfamiliar with him. Would you prefer for me to send for my Doctor from town? I am perfectly ready to do so should you wish"

Elizabeth only blinked, almost having to check that her mouth was closed, so astonished was she.

Darcy smiled to himself, secretly pleased he had managed to discombobulated her so. "Of course you will likely desire to stay with Jane. I doubt Mr Jones will consent to her being removed. I shall speak to Bingley directly. I am certain he will be only too happy to accommodate you."

He looked down at her, a small half smile on his face. Elizabeth finally remembered she was not a witless little girl but an intelligent woman. She found her voice.

"I thank you for the consideration, sir, but I would not wish to intrude. I am hopeful Jane will be well enough for us both to remove to Longbourn." She looked up at the well situated Manor House as they ascended the steps. "Mr Jones is an excellent physician. I am certain his advice will be sufficient."

"Along with a remedy of yours perchance?"

Elizabeth looked startled. "How" she swallowed against her, suddenly, dry mouth. "How do you know of my remedies?"

Darcy realised his error instantaneously. "Uh" suddenly he was the witless boy in short pants and leader strings "I... Uh.."

Elizabeth was frowning now, certain she had not spoken of such things within his hearing, let alone to his face.

Darcy eventually found his tongue "I believe I heard sir William talking of it. Something about one of your tenants being unwell and them being lucky to have you nearby."

Elizabeth raised an eyebrow "did he indeed?"

Darcy carefully kept his face neutral, secretly congratulating himself for coming up with a plausible explanation after such a poor start.

"Your sister is in these chambers" he indicated the door nearby. Elizabeth was surprised to find they were already at the top of the stairs. "If there are any receipts you might wish me to bring to the cook, I am at your service?"

Elizabeth could not be more confused. Not only was Mr Darcy being amiable and civil, he was going out of his way to show her, and her sister, a kindness.

"If you would be so kind to have the housekeeper send me Sally, one of the upstairs maids, I believe I shall be quite satisfied." She paused on turning away "I thank you, Mr Darcy, for your concern."

The rest of the day passed with very little interruption to Elizabeth's nursing duties. She made a few tinctures which seemed to ease Jane's sleep, a maid informed her that her belongings had been sent for and Caroline appeared to, almost civilly, show her the room which had been prepared for her.

At one point someone appeared with refreshments, informing her Mr Darcy had asked for them to be sent up.

She was summoned to dinner at six thirty, Caroline and Louisa had visited Jane, but left at five to dress.

She was wearing one of her favourite evening gowns, although she knew it was not of the latest fashion, but Jane assured her she looked very pretty.

When she alighted from the stairs she was informed, by a waiting footman, that Mr Bingley was in the drawing room.

He did not indicate which direction that might be and Elizabeth was not overly familiar with the house, it having stood empty for most of the time she was out.

When she heard sounds she turned it that direction, only to find herself face to face with Mr Darcy, who was playing billiards. She imagined he would likely look at her sternly and perhaps bow, before she would turn and leave. She was to be surprised.

"Miss Bennet, what a pleasant interruption. As you can see I am playing all alone"

She raised an eyebrow "Indeed I can see that, sir. I had rather bought that billiards was, at the very least, a two person game."

"You are of course correct. However my friend did not wish to play and Hurst was already playing a game of vingt-un with Mrs Hurst. I decided that I would practice my skills against myself."

"I see, are you the winner or looser in this scenario?"

"Both, I dare say"

Elizabeth could not help but smile. "I'm afraid I do not understand the rules, and so cannot say if you are playing well or not."

"Would you wish to learn? Ladies cannot play in company, but that should not stop you learning and playing in the comfort of your own home"

"I am afraid sir, Longbourn does not boast a billiards room. My father was never overtly fond of the game and with no other men in the house to play against he saw no reason to maintain one."

"Well, mayhap your husband's abode will boast one."

Elizabeth raised an eyebrow again "I do not know, but it is not high on my list of potential husbandly traits"

Darcy lifted the side of his mouth, loving that he was already managing to get some banter out of the woman he meant to make his wife.

"You have a list?"

Elizabeth's eyes flew wide, she looked around and Darcy well recognised her intent to flee from a situation she did not wish to be in. He decided to change the subject, wanting to prolong being able to be in her company.

"Alas, we likely do not have the time for me to explain the rules. Would you allow me to escort you to the drawing room? It will be time for dinner presently"

Elizabeth could not think of a polite way of refusing and so they entered the drawing room together.