FF PRIDE and PREJUDICEAU NOT Cannon
Check-Mate
I do not own the copy rights to the book, or bbc special, Pride and Prejudice
A/N according to the net, croque was first played in 1856. However, for the sake of the story line, it is being played earlier
*a very old saying
Time with the Bennets O Talk with Lydia
Ch. 9
If I'd known Raven and Quinton were heading to towards the estate the Hughes took care of, I'd have been concerned. As far as I knew, there was no way back once you went through that door -crumb finding the way to even open it was extremely difficult. Tamara - I no longer could think of her as Joy, and I going through the door and being gone could be dealt with by Maynar. However, Raven and Quinton go missing? The idea would have made me shudder. Though, none of that concerned me for it was a subject I was oblivious to at the moment.
"Not my fault, darling." I crack up laughing as Lydia loses a game piece to her Uncle Edward Gardiner. "Warned you that wasn't a good move to make,"
I'd finally taken Mr. Bennett's offer up - I was visiting his family. I had actually come several times in the past six months. I'd come for games, dinner and small family gatherings. No; I did not go alone, not about to considering my own situation. So, it wasn't uncommon to have the Darcys or the Bingleys with me. Yes, it was definitely better I had friends with me when I went. It would protect Mr. Bennet and me from unnecessary gossip.
"You're so smart." Lydia lifted a chin. "You take over and see what happens when you're up against my uncle."
I look at her Uncle Edward. After all, I have no desire to interrupt a game already started. Her uncle grins - and says he has no problems with it. So, I trade seats with Lydia and proceed to stomp her uncle in what she insisted was an impossible game.
"Remind me not to ever bet against you." Mr. Gardiner chuckles and is a gracious loser. Mr. Bennet then shocks me by asking if I mind a game against him.
"No, just didn't realize you played chess." I watch as the two gentleman trade places and set up my pieces with the rest of the family watching us with interest.
I have no idea how much Mr. Bennet knows about chess. Why should I? He has never sat down to join in our games, nor has he offered to play against anyone. Now, as we each take a turn, I realize how good he is. No stupid moves, no rash decisions and he almost put me into checkmate more than once. Unfortunately, as I hold my breath, he makes a final move allowing him to win the game.
"You've a sharp mind." He leans back and grins. "There for a while, I thought I would lose to you for sure."
"Thank-you." I grin myself while admitting Mr. Bennet was no dull tool himself - even if he'd handled his money poorly. However, that last thought was kept under wraps. "I haven't had such a close call in ages." I excuse myself and head into the kitchen where I see Lydia heading to.
"So, why do you fake it?" I ask as I reach in the cookie jar, grab a fairly fresh cookie and sit at the table.
"Fake what?" Lydia turns to me giggling over some stupid remark coming from the living room.
"You know full well what." Sadly, for the moment, I cannot get her to admit anything- and I head back her father and guests.
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Garden croquet is not a game I have played but once, and even then it was questionable. So, when Tamara and others invited me to join them, I was somewhat skeptical. My aim with a mallet and ball aren't nearly as accurate as my mind with chess.
"Oh, put a sock in it." I pretend to growl at Jane who, along with others, giggle as my ball goes nowhere near the hoop. A few other moves and I am out of the game.
Sitting down was an option until Lydia headed towards a small country churchyard and its quiet cemetery. I haven't forgotten the kitchen incident and, unsuccessfully, tried to corner her more than once. Therefore, I excuse myself and follow Lydia.
If I had realized how much Lydia was beginning to drop her 'fakeness' because of my actions, I might have held back out of concern of how it would look to others. However, I didn't. Maybe, that was for the best... we really did need to have a discussion. That being the case my feet continued to carry myself towards the church.
"She's amazing with your daughter." Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner spoke with an obvious, if somewhat underlining, tone.
"I know." Was the only thing Thomas said he then stepped up to take his turn.
Turn or not - was no concern of mine as I entered the chapel where Lydia was now sitting. I halfway expect her to bolt; she doesn't. "So, why the act?" This time Thomas's daughter answers, with no giggling proceeding it.
"It keeps men like Wickham, or worse Collins, away. How my sister and Charlotte can stand those two men is beyond me." She then, reluctantly, confesses -at my prodding – the two gentlemen hadn't turned out half bad - even Wickham's gambling was being kept in check.
"Aren't you selling yourself short?" I ask gently as I sit down on the same bench as she. "Seems to me you're not giving any man a chance."
* "Well, that's the pot calling the kettle black." Lydia faces me and her nostrils flare as she loudly snorts. "Everyone can see how my father feels about you - all the tiny items he has brought into our home when he knows you are coming. For that matter, I've even seen you take sideward glances his way. So, why you're own act of indifference?"
I sigh and look up at the pulpit. Lydia's word ringing in my ears as I did so. She wasn't lying. I'd seen the way Thomas looked at me, was fully aware of the small treats she had mentioned; ones I loved, and yes, my eyes had turned his way more than once. I didn't' realize that a tear had formed in my eye and had broken past its barrier until Lydia gasped.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said anything. Are you...promised to someone else?" She confessed it was an idea her father had voiced, softly, in his study when he thought he was alone.
I run my hand through my hair. "It's hard to explain. I'm not sure you'd believe me." My real reservation was what if I had no choice but to go back? What if someone did manage to get through? I'd have to go to keep Tamara here.
"Try me." And, somehow, the girl everyone thought to be an addled brain fool took on a look of a person with a far sharper mind than most would give her credit for, which is why I opened up -sort of.
"I had no idea." Lydia sat stunned when I finish telling her as much as I dare.
"You will keep quiet? Even to your father? At least for now - while they are enjoying their game? I beg of you." I bite my lip and then confess, "You're right. My heart belongs in Longbourn with him, but that I cannot do. For now, it is not an option." She promises, and we return to the activities; she is far more subdued, and I far less eager to join in any games.