AN: Hi Everyone! I know I'm late to post, but life got crazy for me. Basically, I'm in Canada, and my plans were affected by the wildfires out in British Columbia. I'm safe and all, but writing has fallen to the side the past week. I'm sorry if I did not respond directly to any of the comments.
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 left our dear couple in the middle of the night alone in a library.
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 3
Fitzwilliam's POV
As the landscape surrounding Pemberley came alive with the emerging sunlight, Darcy rode his stallion through the damp grounds. Beams of light, piercing through the hazy fog, danced among the sparkling dewdrops on leaves and petals. The harmonious symphony of nature—chirping birds, and rustling creatures of the forest—accompanied him, offering a soothing balm to the aftermath of the storm.
Despite the beauty surrounding him, sleep eluded Darcy, his thoughts consumed by Elizabeth. The image of her in her dressing gown, her slender figure–illuminated by sporadic flashes of lighting that left nothing to the imagination–and her tousled hair cascading down her back, mesmerized him. For a moment, she appeared as a vision, until the thunderclap jolted him back to reality and the sight of the real Elizabeth before him, books strewn about the floor.
His heart clenched, a tangled knot of concern and longing, as she teetered on the ladder, a near-fall averted. Determined to push his desires aside, Darcy urged his forse forward, the cool air whipping against his face–a futile attempt to quell his inner tempest.
And when she innocently called him Fitzwilliam, well he doubted she knew the effect it had on him.
"I mustn't falter this time," Darcy thought, resolute in his determination. He had to play his cards correctly. He may only have one chance.
The weight of knowing that he was at Elizabeth's mercy heightened his fears. She held all the power, her delicate fingers holding the key to his happiness. He yearned to hold onto her, never letting go, but the nagging fear of misinterpreting her intentions nagged at him. What if his status got in the way this time, what if Pemberley intimidated Elizabeth? A ridiculous idea yet it was a possibility he never considered before. Just like he never considered her refusing him.
Back in April, he had braced himself for the scrutiny that his proposal would invite and accepted it with clenched teeth. But now, he would wholesomely embrace it, if it meant having Elizabeth by his side. He yearned to share the laughter and gentle teasing that had once made their garden walk memorable. Yet, her happiness took precedence over his desires—he would willingly let her go, no matter how painful, if that was her wish.
His trusted steed slowed down as it approached the immediate gardens surrounding the estate. As he noticed the change in surroundings, his gaze drifted over the familiar landscape providing him no rest from his turmoil–unintentionally–it drifted over to her window, to capture a glimpse of the slightest movement from her curtains. He blinked–were his eyes playing tricks on him now?
"Darcy, you fool," he chided himself, "you're just seeing things that you want. She wouldn't be watching for your return."
He had imagined her presence at Pemberley countless times–hosting in the dining hall, in the music room with Georgiana, strolling hand in hand in the gardens, or taking a phaeton ride as a family. But the image of her in the mistress chambers was too painful to bear, a memory that haunted him. Recently, he stopped picturing her at Pemberley ever since he invited her and her family. But she consumed his thoughts entirely. He needed to regain his grip, for the sake of his sanity.
Yet, the nagging doubt remained. What if she had seen him ride up? Did she get a good night's rest? He berated himself, he most likely scared her with his unexpected presence last night. His blood burned with a fervor he had never experienced before.
One thing was certain—she definitely was not affected in the way that he was. No, she remained innocent and pure, unaware of the tumultuous storm raging within him.
He handed the exhausted horse back to the stablehand and made his way through the corridors to the breakfast room. His mother had done well to create an elegant space though the furnishings were old it never felt dated. He was not the first one down, as Mr Gardiner was already seated with a steaming cup of brewed coffee in hand.
"Good morning, Mr Gardiner," Darcy said. If he could befriend the Gardiners, whose mannerisms impressed him, then maybe he could be a part of Elziabeth's life–in some distant capacity.
"Good morning Sir," Gardiner replied. "You're a morning person as well?"
"Indeed I am, Sir," Darcy said but thought he should try to open himself up more, so he continued on. "I went for an early morning ride. You're welcome to take any of my horses for a ride if you'd like."
"Thank you for the offer, but I am more content with some bate and a fishing line." Mr Gardiner shared with a chuckle.
"You are welcome to come visit again for the fish."
"Be careful about what you say, Sir; I may very well have to take you up on that offer."
Darcy liked the man and would enjoy having him and his wife back again–whether or not Elizabeth was there. He made a mental note to follow up on a visit to their Cheapside residence. Selfishly he wanted to see where else Elizabeth had grown up.
"My niece should be headed down soon," Mr. Gardiner said, as he peered over the rim of his cup.
"That does not surprise me," Darcy replied. "I had the pleasure of learning that she is an early riser."
"Indeed, and may I ask how you know that detail?" Mr. Gardiner inquired.
"She cared for her sister at Netherfield while I too was visiting," he said, thinking fondly of what it would be like to receive her care. "And during the visit, I noticed she rose early for morning walks." Heat rose under his collar.
"I see," Mr. Gardiner said, the sound of faint footsteps growing louder, stopping any follow-up questions from being asked.
What Darcy saw next was a picture of pure happiness.
Georgiana, linked arms with Elizabeth, was merrily laughing–he would never learn what caused the cheer. The domestic image of the two women he cared most about was burned into his consciousness. Georgiana was becoming friends with Elizabeth, and he would do everything within his power to support this blossoming relationship. He knew she would never be his, but at least she could be Georgiana's friend. Lord knew that Georgiana needed more friends.
"Good morning Georgiana, Miss Bennet," Mr. Darcy said first, his gaze only on his Elizabeth. She would always be his in heart.
She dropped her gaze at him as they greeted one another. While she greeted her uncle, Darcy, rang for breakfast to be served. Soon the room began to fill with staff bringing out dishes and presenting a buffet-style English breakfast–broiled meats, eggs and bacon, muffins, porridge, and teas. In the commotion of staff setting out the food, Mr. Bingley and Mrs. Gardiner soon joined the party at the table.
"Fitzwilliam, do you think the storm caused any trouble for Sarah's wedding?" Georgiana asked. "My maid heard talk of flooding in the town."
"Georgiana, I'm uncertain, but we can certainly inquire with Mrs. Reynolds. Alternatively, Miss Bennet, did you happen to have a conversation with Miss Tillman this morning?" Darcy inquired with his usual air of polite formality.
"I didn't but now my curiosity is piqued," Elizabeth responded.
"If the storm caused problems that would be terrible," Mrs. Gardiner added. "Mrs. Tillman would be devastated. She shared how much the union meant to her late husband."
"What would be so devastating?" Caroline asked, leading her way into the room followed by her sister and brother-in-law. The Hursts barely acknowledged the other guests and instead made their way directly to the buffet.
"If the storm caused any trouble for Miss Tillman's wedding, sister," Charles said.
"It's just a servant's wedding," Caroline scoffed dismissively, "It's not a duchess' wedding. Or even the Queen's." She finished by suppressing a chuckle.
Caroline's harsh words hit Darcy. He once thought the same thing. Maybe not about his own staff, but anyone's else staff. Elizabeth was right, he had looked down at others. But he could change. He had to. Not just for her, but for himself, so he could be at peace.
"It matters not whose wedding it may be, Miss Bingley. Doesn't everyone deserve a joyous day?" Elizabeth asked, looking up from her plate of food.
Darcy enjoyed listening to Elizabeth use her charm and wit to call out Caroline, who remained quiet not offering a retort.
Charles–as always in a cheery mood–responded in affirmative to Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner helped to defuse the atmosphere in the breakfast room; as Georgianna relaxed her shoulders. The party continued on in a peaceful conversation while they waited for the requested staff appearance, with the faint chime of silverware filling the air.
Mr Gardiner–who sat to the left of Darcy–continued on with his conversation about fishing. "If I may, I'd like to take up your offer to continue exploring your many ponds for fish."
Darcy, regretfully turned his gaze away from Elizabeth and responded. "Pemberley is at your disposal. I can company in the afternoon but you're welcome to take a footman if you prefer–"
The grating sound of a woman screaming stopped him mid-sentence.
"Watch where you're going!" Caroline yelled. Darcy never enjoyed the tone of her voice. Did Elizabeth feel the same way about his voice?
Dark brown tea spilled onto the crisp white tablecloth, and over the edge presumably onto Caroline's silk gown.
"My apologies, ma'am. It was an accident." The staff member deeply bowed.
"Mr Darcy doesn't accept accidents. You should be more attentive," she hissed, over the stilted sounds of others enjoying their breakfast.
"Miss Bingley, accidents happen. Has the staff not been diligently attending to your needs so far?" Elizabeth asked.
Darcy's face softened at her words. He wished that he didn't have to invite Caroline, but she always traveled with her brother.
"I'm not sure how your family manages Loungbourn, but Pemberley runs differently Miss Eliza," Caroline said, sending daggers at Elizabeth.
Darcy wanted to get up and remove Caroline from the premises–he would throw her out if he could, and never let her be Pemberley's mistress. He would rather remain a bachelor forever. If only she wasn't Bingley's sister. Which reminded him, that he still needed to address Bingley–he delayed fearing his friend's anger.
"Indeed, as a place of grace and understanding," Elizabeth quipped back.
His chest swelled with pride at her words. Oh how right she would have been as a mistress he thought. He was the greater fool, and the empty pit in his stomach grew. She might never be its mistress.
"Excuse us, but Sir, you called for us?" Mrs. Reynolds asked her eyes scanning the disaster near Caroline. Behind Mrs. Reynolds stood Sarah.
"Yes, but before you leave can you request another maid to help clean up the mess by Miss Bingley?" he asked. "I called to ask after Miss Tillman's wedding." Mrs. Reynolds waited by Sarah's side.
"Yes, Sir. What would you like to know?" Sarah said, clasping her hands firmly in front of her.
"We were all curious about if the storm impacted your wedding plans?" Darcy asked for the party with his baritone voice.
"I've been told by my fiancee that the venue hall has been flooded and has significant water damage," Sarah responded, her eyes flickering as if desperately trying to keep tears at bay.
"Oh no, Sarah!" Georgiana exclaimed. "There must be something we can do to help. Fitzwilliam there must be." Georgiana looked desperately toward her brother. Darcy could hardly refuse her anything–especially when she pleaded with him. This was something a mistress would take over. Every fiber in him believed Elizabeth, if in charge, would handle this beautifully–making her an excellent mistress. But as that was not the case, both duties of mistress and master fell upon his lap.
"If I may, Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth spoke up, her eyes finally meeting his.
He could get lost in those bewitching eyes and nodded–never breaking eye contact.
"I remember as a child, we would host some of our close staff members' weddings at Longbourn. Could that be done here?"
Both Mr and Mrs Gardiner looked back at Darcy, while he thought over what Elizabeth had shared. Darcy noticed their keen expression on him, he didn't know Sarah much, other than her family's legacy, but he knew this was important for Sarah and Mrs Gardiner. He doubted that if he hosted this wedding it would be a big problem for the staff. Or wait, was he over-assuming the workload? He really wanted Elizabeth's opinion on this.
"Miss Eliza, that would be too much to host a servant's wedding last minute," Caroline jumped in. "And where in Pemberley would it be hosted? The grand hall? Or in one of the famous gardens? What a sight that would be." Caroline scoffed and no one joined her.
"If allowed and wanted by the bride, the gardens or even the great hall could work," Elizabeth said, matter of factly.
"Even so, can't the couple afford to be married on another day or location?" Caroline asked, ignoring that the subject was standing in the room.
Darcy watched Elizabeth give a gentle smile in the direction of Sarah. "Not everyone can afford such plans. Pemberley has extra space it can share with a valued staff member" Elizabeth replied.
Both women looked towards Darcy. Looking between the two, he knew what his decision would be. "Miss Tillman, I would like to offer Pemberley to you as your venue. Mrs. Reynolds, do you think we can prepare a space for the wedding in time?"
Darcy's perceptive gaze captured the momentary mirroring of expression on the faces of Caroline and Elizabeth. Their brows raised in unison, their eyes widening in shared surprise. However, the similarity was fleeting, vanishing like a wisp of smoke. Annoyance etched itself on one face, paired with tightening lips in a displeased line. In contrast the other featured a subtle smile, illuminating her face with a gentle radiance. Delicate shades of pink blossomed on her cheeks, like the soft blush of summer dawn.
"We can, and may I suggest that we ask for some volunteers from the town to help out?" Mrs Reyolds's eyes lightened and appeared taller.
As the final words of confirmation fell off his lips, the party around him soon caught Mrs Reynolds's contagious enthusiasm–that is except for Caroline and the Hursts–each one lending in a volunteering hand.
Georgiana asked if she and Elizabeth could team up, and soon the two left, their steps synchronized, to help Mrs Reynolds. The sound of their light chatter followed them out the door, a sound that Darcy thought was perfect.
They were followed out by Caroline and Mrs Hurst, whose departure was hardly noticed by the other companions. The remaining guests happily enjoyed the remaining breakfast in peace, and soon Mrs Gardiner left to join the ladies leaving the remaining three men together.
Though the men had volunteered to assist, they collectively agreed it was best to stay out of the way for the most part. Mr. Gardiner, being the sole married man among them, couldn't resist sharing his humorous insight, "When the wife has a mission, I find it's wisest to let them take the helm and do as they bid. It's far easier to sail alongside them than to navigate against their determined course."
AN: Thank You for reading and I hope you enjoyed Darcy's POV this time! I hope that next week, I can resume my life and get settled in again. I'll do my best to post on Friday. :)
