AN: Thank you to all the readers who left their thoughts on who they thought the introduction was about. Now let us find out!

Blurb: A what-if story that picks up right in the middle of Elizabeth's visit to Pemberley with her Aunt and Uncle. During the visit, chaos ensues at Pemberley, and maybe our favorite couple, Elizabeth and Darcy, can discover what they want. We will be introduced to some of our favorite members of Pemberley and some new guests will play a role.

Thank You Henya Blackstar, and the other Beta Readers from CritiqueMatch for all of your valuable input and feedback.

Thank you for reading and Enjoy! :D

Unexpected Invitations

By: KMarinelli2023

Chapter 1

Derbyshire, July 1812

Restlessness plagued Elizabeth for the past seven days, a state in which peace eluded her grasp. From her vantage point by the bay window, the bustling town unfolded before her as the day commenced. However, its vibrancy held no allure for Elizabeth. Her gaze, fixed on the distant passerby, lacked engagement. They were mere cloudy figures, unfocused and unseen.

The sun's heated embrace on the sweltering summer day, her aunt and uncle's pleasant company at breakfast, and the enchanting experiences of her summer travels – all faded into insignificance. Even the calming scent of lavender, wafting through the air from the delicate ceramic vase perched on the windowsill, seemed feeble against the storm of thoughts.

She wished for a letter from Jane, craving a welcoming distraction from her turmoil about a certain unexpected encounter the previous day–in particular, a certain man. He was the last person she had expected to run into, looking very much the same as he had during their last disastrous encounter in April. Perhaps she should have trusted her initial hesitation about visiting Pemberley; after all, it was his estate. A letter from her sister was now desperately needed. Elizabeth's mind struggled to focus on anything but him–Fitzwilliam Darcy. Although she rationally knew that Jane was busy with the Gardiners' children, the absence of her sister's correspondence instilled a nagging fear that something amiss had occurred.

Restless, Elizabeth leaned against the bay window, her fingers quietly tapping on its sill.

"Lizzie," she spun around at her name, "come join your uncle and me. I can feel your tenseness even from across the room."

"Aunt, I'm just concerned that I haven't heard anything from Jane," Elizabeth replied, dodging the true cause of her turmoil as she strolled over to the pair.

Near the hearth, her aunt and uncle were enjoying a small plate of food – bread, cheese, and slices of pears– served on a silver platter in their private rooms. It was a little luxury compared to eating in the communal dining hall, but the oak table had seen better days. Elizabeth pulled a chair out as her fingers hesitated over the array of bread, she took the smallest piece. Under her uncle's watchful gaze, she nibbled on the bread, each bite lacking the usual satisfaction.

"Elizabeth, it's natural to be worried about your sister," Mr Gardiner said. "But I believe our kids are just keeping her preoccupied." He gave Elizabeth a soft comforting smile. "All will be well."

Elizabeth recognized him as a man of few words, his silence carried weight, only speaking when he could bring value.

"In the meantime, what are your plans for the day?" Mrs Gardiner asked Elizabeth, pouring another cup of tea. Elizabeth took a sip, feeling the steamy warmth but noticing something was off. The tea was warm, but the flavor seemed dull and flat. The tea leaves had lost their freshness, and she missed the usual comforting taste.

"I defer to your wishes. I hold no particular preference for the day." Her voice was devoid of any discernible emotion.

"Your uncle and I were thinking of going for a walk around the town. I'd like to try and call on my friend, Mrs Tillman."

Mr Gardiner acknowledged with a soft nod as he lovingly leaned toward his wife. How lucky they were as a pair—they had love, respect, and security, a fortune Elizabeth's parents were not blessed with. Maybe love existed, but they did not respect each other. She harbored a deep affection for her father, but the facade of his perfection was peeling away—a sobering realization that most offspring eventually confront.

"I never heard you mention her before. Is she a long-term acquaintance?"

"I haven't seen her since I was a little girl," Mrs. Gardiner said, her eyes softening at the corners with a hint of glimmer. "We used to spend hours playing together and do our best to keep up. The last I recall, her husband passed away, and they were tenants of Pemberley."

"May I inquire about her current residence?" Elizabeth asked, hoping to shift the focus of the conversation away from Pemberley, allowing her a moment to gather her thoughts.

Her aunt's keen gaze focused on Elizabeth, and Elizabeth averted her eyes. "I cannot remember off the top of my mind, but I am sure the locals would know. I plan to check with them during our excursion."

Elizabeth's heart raced, fearing that if she met her aunt's gaze, her inner turmoil would be laid bare before her discerning eyes.

Interrupted by a knock at the door, Elizabeth was grateful for no longer having the weight of her aunt's focus on her. Mrs Gardiner bid the unknown person to enter.

"Excuse me, Ma'am." The maid walked into the small room. "But two letters have arrived for Miss Bennet." The maid handed off two letters to Elizabeth before quickly curtseying and retreating.

"Lizzy dearest, go ahead and read your letter. We shall provide you some peace and head out," said Mrs Gardiner as both the Gardiners rose from the table. The scraping of their chairs filled the silence. Mr Gardiner assisted his wife in slipping into her walking coat, the fabric rustling softly as it enveloped her, before retrieving his coat.

"We'll return shortly and you can rejoin us then," she finished with a sweet smile on her face. Mr. Gardiner offered his arm to his wife, their fingers interlacing. As her relatives stepped out of the suite, Elizabeth was left alone with the anticipation of reading her newly acquired letters, and worries about the unspoken gentleman were temporarily forgotten.

Upon closer examination of the letters, Elizabeth noticed the scribbled address replaced by an unfamiliar penmanship. Fortunately, Mrs. Gardiner had given the previous inn their forwarding address for any misdirected correspondence.

Elizabeth focused on the first of the two letters, recognizing Jane's neat handwriting. As she read through the lines, her sister's words painted a vivid picture of joyful times with the children. Elizabeth could almost see Jane's warm smile and gentle touch, the way she nurtured and cared for them. A soft smile spread across Elizabeth's face as she imagined her sister as a mother.

Jane would indeed make a lovely mother, she mused, her heart swelling with affection for her sister. If fate ever blessed Jane with a union, Elizabeth knew she would relish the role of doting aunt, showering her future nieces and nephews with love and attention.

She made a mental note to update Jane on the correct address, her thoughts still lingering on the happy news, even as she turned to the next letter breaking its seal. And she began reading it—

Dearest Sister,

I had to write and share the news as soon as I heard of the unsettling discoveries that have been brought to light. The following narrative is a recount from Lydia and I've attached her correspondence–though it does not contain much more than what I am about to reveal.

I don't know how else to say it other than that, Mr George Wickham has been thrown into debtor's prison. Who would have known that he had accumulated such a large amount of debt so soon? I know you shared his past with Darcy, but I've heard how hard life can be in debtor's prison.

Anyway, Lydia saw him get dragged away, and Colonel Foster told her the unpleasant news. To which she shared that she nearly fainted and tried to learn more about the sordid details, but he was firm and wouldn't relent. To which she sounded very disappointed, and we may never know how the events transpired. Perhaps it is for the best.

I hope this letter finds you in good health. I know its contents would be of interest to you. As for our concerns about not sharing Wickham's past, fate has intervened and justice is served.

Your beloved sister,

Jane

Finishing the letter, Elizabeth's knees buckled and plopped unladylike into her seat. The letter slipped from her trembling fingers, fluttering to the floor as she stared at an empty spot on the wallpaper, her skin felt icy and numb. Could fate really have intervened as her sister had shared? The very idea was almost too fantastical to believe. Of course, Jane was concerned for the vile man–she would be sorry for Lucifer himself.

Her mind was awhirl, her thoughts racing and colliding, so that the knock on the door barely registered. With a distant, detached voice, she bid the visitor to enter, still lost in her thoughts.

The door slowly creaked open, revealing the figure of a man in a dark olive overcoat. As he stepped forward, Elizabeth's heart seemed to stop, then began to beat wildly, as she recognized Fitzwilliam Darcy. She struggled to comprehend the reality of his presence.

Elizabeth hazily studied him for a brief moment; his overcoat blended into the walls, causing a stark contrast to his face. He appeared like a phantom from the shadows, just as he haunted her mind. His eyes, intense and probing, seemed to search her very soul. When her eyes made their way back to his face, she realized he had spoken and was now standing in front of her. Invading her personal space–at the time she would not confess she enjoyed it.

"I'm sorry," Elizabeth stumbled out, her breath caught in her throat, as Darcy's hard gaze registered in her mind. An uncontrollable heat rose from the base of her neck, she blamed it on the summer air.

"Miss Bennet, are you unwell? Shall I fetch someone?" Darcy's voice was filled with concern, and he moved closer.

Elizabeth took a deep breath, attempting to rise to her feet, but found herself blocked by Darcy's protective stance. He had crossed the room with alarming speed, standing close, his furrowed brow betraying his worry.

"I am well, I just received some shocking news," she said, remaining seated, her trembling hands folded in her lap. "I found out an acquaintance of ours has recently found himself in debtor's prison."

"I see. Do you know anything more about where? I would like to make sure he stays where he belongs." Darcy stepped back, giving her space, and paced to the window.

Elizabeth felt a chill at the absence of his warmth. "I received a letter from my sister just as you arrived. Jane informed me of the news," she looked around, confusion in her eyes. "Oh, where did that letter go?"

Startled by her concern, she stood up abruptly, causing the chair to topple over. Darcy turned at the sound, rushing back to help her with the fallen chair and spotting the letters on the floor.

"Here you are, Miss Bennet," he said, kneeling to pick them up, his gaze lingering on her face. "Thank you for the information Miss Bennet, but I came here on a mission to invite you and your relatives for another day at Pemberley." The corner of his lips lifted.

"I was about to head out to find them. Come join me on the hunt for my aunt and uncle," she said, her words aimed at dispelling the lingering uneasiness in the air.

Darcy gave her a full smile. Elizabeth enjoyed the relaxed expression as his smile softened his serious face. It was a small smile, but she had grown accustomed to his stoic countenance, allowing her to discern the slight shift.

"It would be my pleasure to assist on this dangerous mission, Miss. Bennet."

"I warn you, it will be quite treacherous. You may find yourself caught in the crossfire of lively discussions. Prepare your defenses for a daring adventure."

"I feel that this particular hunt, the prey might be the wittiest of them all," he said, his joyful and light expression turning serious.

He showed such warmth, the past evening–more than she had been accustomed to. Was he always this warm and he just hid it? Was she that bad at understanding this confusing man? She chose not to reflect further, unready to face the answers.

Excusing herself, she walked to her room taking the time to collect herself as she grabbed her coat and bonnet. Walking back out into the small salon, Darcy looked too large for the space. Skillfully tying the ribbons into a neat bow, she admired Darcy's outstretched arm and gracefully linked her own through his. They departed in silence, and their newfound playful banter disappeared.

Elizabeth squeezed her eyes shut as they were greeted by the hot embrace of the bright golden sun and the humid summer breeze that danced through the leaves of ancient trees. The rhythmic sound of wagon wheels rolling and carriages filled the streets, accompanied by distant village chatter and joyful village children's laughter that enveloped them.

Breaking the silence, they matched each other's strides, walking comfortably side by side. "How is Miss Darcy this morning?"

"She's well and asked after you," Darcy replied, his strong gaze fixed up ahead.

Having received a response that didn't offer much follow-up, and she didn't push for more. Safe conversation topics felt trivial now, and yet she once asked for such trivial matters before.

"There are quite a number of people out this morning," Darcy commented.

His innocent words reminded her of their shared dance at Netherfield. She wondered if the past moment floated into his mind. "Yes, indeed. It looks like everyone is gathered around the bakery." Looking up past the rim of her bonnet, she saw Darcy looking away from her at the bakery as well.

Scanning the crowd, Elizabeth found her aunt and uncle, exiting the general store with another elderly woman; the woman's head was covered by a dated bonnet. Elizabeth discreetly slipped her arm away from Darcy and gracefully strolled over to the small party, Darcy not far behind.

"Aunt, Uncle, I have found you."

"Lizzy, we were just about to head back," her aunt said, "Let me introduce you to Mrs Mary Tillman."

Elizabeth curtsied gracefully.

"Mrs Tillman, may I present my niece, Miss Elizabeth Bennet? She's joining us on our summer travels," her aunt pivoted her gaze to Darcy. "Mr Darcy, what a pleasant surprise to see you as well."

He offered an elegant bow to the other party members.

"How are you doing Mrs TIllman, it's been some time since I last saw you at Pemberley. You and your husband were such excellent tenants. You were welcome to stay on."

"I couldn't, Sir, not when some other families could have used our old cottage. It was too lonely for me," Mrs Tillman reflected.

Darcy turned his attention back to Mrs Gardiner, whose face did not reveal her thoughts. "Mrs Gardiner, how long have you known Mrs Tillman."

Elizabeth's eyes widened as she observed Mr Darcy's genuine recognition. Mrs Tillman wore humble clothes, yet her demeanor radiated warmth and compassion.

"Mrs Tillman and I were inseparable friends back in the day, but sadly my father relocated our family to Gacechurch Street in my twelfth year," she said, with a hint of nostalgia. "We were talking about her daughter's wedding."

"You must be very proud of her upcoming nuptials," Mr Darcy said turning his gaze onto Mrs Tillman. "My housekeeper shared the news with me. Is it not right around the corner?"

"Indeed it is! You are all welcome to join in. I'm sorry Mrs Gardiner that the invitation never arrived for you," Mrs. Tillman added.

"A summer wedding sounds romantic. Aunt, uncle, would we have time to attend?"

"We would have to confirm with the inn, Lizzie. We have our accommodations till tomorrow," Mr Gardiner said. "When is the wedding Mrs Tillman?"

"Three days from now," Mrs Tillman said, a hopeful expression spreading across her aged face.

"Aunt if you and Uncle would want to attend then I would look forward to it as well."

"Mrs Tillman, why don't I call back on you once we've confirmed our accommodations? I would love to attend," Mrs Gardiner shared, to which she received an energetic nod.

With a round of farewells, Mrs Tillman bid her farewell and left the two pairs alone on the bustling streets of the market town. The group of four headed back towards the inn, their steps accompanied by the lively chatter of their conversation.

As they reached the inn, Mr Gardiner excused himself to talk with the inn's host. The remaining three ventured towards the adjoining public room. As it was mid-morning, the room retained a tranquil ambiance, yet the steady hum of conversation filled the air. The enticing aroma of hearty dishes—meat and potatoes—and freshly brewed coffee wafted throughout the space.

Elizabeth sat with her back to the corner while her aunt and Mr. Darcy faced her. She was the first to notice the down expression that Mr. Gardiner wore when he came back to join the group.

"Uncle, what concerns you?" she asked.

Mr. Darcy stood up as Mr. Gardiner joined the table. Both men sat down while Mr. Gardiner responded–who took out a handkerchief to wipe the perspiration off his head.

"Regrettably my dear, the inn has reached full capacity, and lacks available accommodations past our original dates."

"So, we will have to miss Miss Tillman's wedding." She made space for Mr Gardiner to sit next to her.

"I'm afraid so, my dearest."

"What if you stay at Pemberley?" Mr. Darcy asked. "You're welcome to stay for however long you need."

"Mr. Darcy, we couldn't," Elizabeth nearly exclaimed, panicking. She feared he would think her family contrived this trip. Or worse, think that she was scheming to get back into his graces. "We can't intrude upon you or your party."

"It would not be an intrusion, and I have plenty of rooms to spare," Darcy shared, "You would be treated as honored guests, attend Miss Tillman's wedding, and be free to explore the vast lands surrounding Pemberly." He looked upon his companions and ended upon Elizabeth.

Mrs. Gardiner held her sharp gaze on Mr Darcy and her niece, but Elizabeth struggled to maintain a controlled countenance. Elizabeth hesitated to agree, but even she couldn't resist the lure that Pemberley held. Plus she would find more comfort among its spacious rooms. Maybe the cramped quarters of inns were taking a toll on her, and perhaps that was the true reason rest escaped her.

"Mr. Darcy, what a generous offer, but we could never impose," Mrs. Gardiner added. "As a young girl, I often dreamed of the splendors inside Pemberley, and you have already been more than gracious; inviting us yesterday was very kind. We wouldn't want to intrude upon your summer party." Her words carried a touch of melancholy.

Elizabeth felt compelled to speak up. Her aunt had no knowledge of Elizabeth's true sentiments and knew she chose the logical and safe option over personal desires. But Mrs Gardiner's face betrayed her sadness at the missed opportunity. Her uncle's face provided no help or hint to what he was thinking.

As she looked into his eyes, his countenance bore a striking resemblance to the earnest, resolute expression he had worn during his proposal. The memory flooded Elizabeth's mind, causing a mixture of emotions to swirl within her. He had meant that then, maybe he truly meant his offer this time too. Maybe she was wrong to assume that he thought badly of her or would. He had offered the visit. What if she was once more misunderstanding the enigma that was Fitzwilliam Darcy? It was only for three days, she thought, nothing terrible could happen. Right?

"Aunt, perhaps we should accept the invitation," Elizabeth suggested, her voice tinged with uncertainty. As she spoke, she keenly felt the weight of three pairs of eyes fixed upon her—one with astonishment, another with a gentle smile, and the third etched with lines of concern.

"My dear, your niece is correct. If you want to stay, we will need to take up Darcy's offer," Mr Gardiner stated, his voice soothing and understanding. Elizabeth observed the worry lines smooth away as he shared a glance with his wife.

With a soft tone, Mrs Gardiner asked "Lizzie dear, are you okay with shortening our next stop?"

With a deep breath in, Elizabeth calmed her battling emotions. She mustered a smile and replied, "Think nothing of it aunt; a wedding celebration would undoubtedly be a fond memory of our trip to Pemberley."

With the final party member in agreement, Darcy shared with a small smile on his lips, "A carriage will be sent to pick you up. Take as long as you need, for I will instruct the carriage to wait for however long you need." His gaze lingered on Elizabeth before departing.

As they gathered their belonging and prepared themselves for their stay at Pemberley, Elizabeth had a more unexpected conflict of emotions. A mixture of anticipation and apprehension. A stay at Pemberley would be like no other–not like Netherfield or Rosing Park.

AN: Well there you have it, Elizabeth's staying at Pemberley! I hope you enjoyed reading this and look forward to the rest of the adventure! It was great seeing some familiar names and new names in the reviews! What can go wrong with a wedding at Pemberley? Would love to hear your thoughts :D

Posting Schedule: Next week, I will not be able to post midday on Friday. I'll be traveling all day, so either I'll post late Thursday night or late Friday night.