A/N:
A chess rook can move long distances to disrupt opposing pieces. A rook's personality, is someone very powerful but straightforward but can't and won't bend his principles. I feel both Darcy and Elizabeth embody traits of a rook when it comes ton protecting their loved ones.
Conversation does not come easy to me, in real life or on paper. I have tried to add more relevant conversation. I hope you find it alright @RedKite. Thanks for your review, it helped me learn something new.
Thanks for reviewing, It means a lot that you do.
P.S. I am not going to spoil the story for you guys by revealing the plot :D
Richard Fitzwilliam was weary, worn down by the relentless demands of war. The deaths of his comrades clung to him like a second skin, a constant reminder of the brutal reality he could not escape
As the war-weary, penniless second son of an earl, Richard found himself in search of an heiress. He knew he had no choice in the matter of his marriage; that much was clear. Hoping for a union based on friendship was the most he could aspire to, while the prospect of marrying for love and affection seemed impossible.
Though he never admitted it, he sometimes envied Darcy for his freedom to choose and for already being in command of his own fortune.
Richard got out of bed and began preparing for the day. As he entered the breakfast parlour, the familiar dulcet tones of the Earl and the Viscount reached his ears. His mother approached him with a wan smile.
"What have they done now?" Richard asked.
"Nothing out of the ordinary, dear. Don't let them get to you," Lady Matlock said gently. "Now, tell me, how are you?"
After a pleasant breakfast with his mother and a surprisingly affectionate display from his father, Richard began to attend to his letters. He longed to be at Matlock; London was not a place for the injured. Spotting a letter from Darcy in the pile, he decided to read it first.
Dear Richard,
I hope this letter finds you in good health. I heard about your injury and sincerely hope your leg has healed well enough for you to travel. Bingley has recently leased Netherfield, an estate in Hertfordshire near a small town called Meryton, and he has asked for my assistance in managing it.
I know of your preference for the country air after returning from the war- front , I took the liberty of suggesting that Bingley invite you to Netherfield. He has graciously extended an invitation for you to join us for some fresh air and peace of mind
I hope to see you soon.
Yours devoted etc
Fitzwilliam Darcy
His cousin Darcy was more of a brother to him than his own, and Richard appreciated his thoughtfulness even more on days like these.
Once he was out of London, a sense of relief washed over him. Both his mother and, surprisingly, his father had expressed genuine concern for his well-being when he had mentioned his intentions to leave for Hertfordshire. It felt good to be cared for.
Jane made the poor decision of opening Miss Bingley's letter at the breakfast table. And dear Mrs Bennet, ever eager to advance her daughters' prospects, insisted that Jane accept Miss Bingley's dinner invite, and ride to Netherfield despite the sign of a storm. However Elizabeth was present and she was not known to ever give up and decided to accompany Jane to Netherfield and convinced Papa to take the carriage.
As anticipated, the storm arrived with a vengeance. The gentlemen had just returned to Netherfield when word reached them that the creek bridge had collapsed, effectively trapping Jane and Elizabeth at the estate. The only ones delighted by this news were Jane and Mr. Bingley, and without a doubt Mrs. Bennet.
As the dinner was coming to an end, there was a knock on the door. The housekeeper entered with news of great import for Miss Bingley. After a brief conference with the housekeeper, Miss Bingley returned to her seat and declared, "The storm has caused the creek bridge to collapse, but what does a servant understand of such things. I will have your carriage ordered post haste," she said, addressing Jane as she sat down again. Jane was left speechless at this display of incivility.
Miss Bingley had no intention of extending an invitation for the elder Misses Bennet to stay. However, the sound of gentlemen arriving interrupted her plans, and it was decided that the ladies would repair to the drawing room to greet them.
The ladies stood near the big window overlooking the porch, Miss Bingley had deliberately selected this drawing room, it was her favourite. Primarily as she could always see the gentleman's movements through the front door.
They saw the gentlemen walk into the light of the porch, following behind them was a fourth, half his face in shadow, looking gaunt and haunted, until he entered the light on the porch.
Jane clutched Lizzy's hand tightly, feeling as if she couldn't breathe. This was the man, her mind screamed, the one walking behind everyone. He was exactly the one she had seen in her dream: the same posture, the slight limp, the way he held his shoulders stiffly. When he finally stepped into the light, Jane saw his face for the first time. She noticed a scar peeking out from under his collar, the wrinkles around his eyes, the worry lines on his forehead, and the laughter lines around his mouth. But most of all, she saw a deep-seated sadness in his kind eyes.
Sensing that something was amiss, Lizzy was about to nudge Jane when Jane whispered softly, "It is him, Lizzy!"
Thankfully for Jane and Lizzy the Bingley sisters did not notice Jane's state of distress.
The gentlemen refreshed themselves and joined the ladies in the drawing room. Greetings were exchanged and introductions were made. Once settled, Miss Bingley sent for tea.
Jane now stood directly opposite the man in her dream, whose name she discovered was Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, cousin to Mr. Darcy and second son of the Earl of Matlock. She had no notion of how to help such a high-born individual who rubbed shoulders with the best of the ton. After all, what could he possibly need? She prepared herself to study him further.
Richard was exhausted. The journey from London had been tiring, and the last few miles on horseback had been gruelling. His leg was in pain, and it took a great effort to stop himself from limping. Regardless, he knew he needed to play the part of the perfect gentleman. Richard sighed internally.
The two new acquaintances caught his attention partly because of how Darcy kept sneaking glances at Miss Elizabeth and partly because of Miss Bennet. There was something different about her that he couldn't quite put his finger on.
Bingley had been delighted to learn that Miss Bennet would be visiting but had been terribly disappointed to discover he wouldn't be there for dinner that evening. So it was only natural that he was pleased about the unfortunate collapse of the creek bridge. Miss Bennet looked like an angel as always.
"Caroline", said Mr. Bingley, I meant to tell you sooner, the creek bridge has collapsed, Colonel Fitzwilliam was the last one who used it."
"Of course, I know that, Charles. One of the servants brought the news, and I have invited the Misses Bennet to stay with us until the bridge is repaired to satisfaction," said Miss Bingley. "Do excuse me, I need to check on the tea." With that, Miss Bingley left to make sleeping arrangements for the guests, which she had deliberately ignored until now.
Richard did not like Miss Bingley; she was infamous in London for being an upstart. Nor did he appreciate the fact that his cousin was one of her prime targets. He had not missed her tone and behavior towards the Bennets, who seemed to be perfectly genteel ladies.
"The weather is quite horrible. Pray tell me, Colonel, how did you manage to travel through this?" asked Mrs. Hurst.
"I was almost near Meryton when the storm came, so there was naught to do but ride here post haste. My bags and carriage will follow once the bridge is repaired," answered the Colonel.
On the other side of the room, a whispered conversation was taking place.
"Should I go repair the bridge? Or do you actually want to stay here?" Elizabeth asked softly, ensuring no one could hear her.
"It would not do to overstay our welcome, Lizzy. But we would be compelled to go home if the bridge is repaired," Jane whispered back.
"Dear lord, you are as bad as Mama!" Lizzy said, a hint of teasing in her voice.
"Shush, Lizzy," Jane smiled.
Jane hoped she could use this opportunity to learn more about Colonel Fitzwilliam and how she might be meant to help him. His weariness was evident, but so was the quiet strength.
They were startled when Mr. Bingley addressed them.
"Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, I hope your stay will be comfortable here, if you need anything at all you need to but ask. Any servant will be happy to help, " said Mr. Bingley
"Thankyou Mr. Bingley, that is very kind of you." Jane said with a slight blush.
._
Mr. Darcy approached Miss Elizabeth. "Miss Elizabeth, I have not forgotten your father's invitation and I have every intention of visiting Longbourn for a chess match."
"I am counting on it, Mr. Darcy. It would be a pleasure to have you at Longbourn," said Elizabeth. "I hope to learn more from watching you play with my father."
"Oh! Do you play, Miss Elizabeth?" Mr. Darcy asked, sounding surprised.
"Miss Eliza! How very unladylike it is!" Miss Bingley interrupted, reminding everyone that she had returned from her duties as hostess.
Elizabeth ignored Miss Bingley and addressed Mr. Darcy's question.
"Yes, only a little. Why are you so surprised, Mr. Darcy? Do you feel women incapable of playing chess and that it is only the domain of men?" Elizabeth asked.
"No indeed, Miss Elizabeth, I said nothing of that sort. In fact, I have taught my sister Georgiana to play. We spend many a cold evening playing chess at Pemberley."
"Dear Georgiana! But of course, you would teach her. A woman of high standing and intellect must have knowledge of such things," Miss Bingley interjected, managing to insult Elizabeth and praise Miss Darcy in a single breath.
Elizabeth, peeved by Miss Bingley's comment, decided to take the high ground and deemed her statement unworthy of a response.
An awkward silence reigned until Colonel Fitzwilliam came to the rescue.
"Miss Bennet, do you play chess?" Colonel Fitzwilliam inquired with interest.
Jane smiled modestly. "Yes, a little."
Mr. Bingley, seated beside her, chimed in, "Ah, Mr. Bennet is fortunate to have such talented daughters! I daresay, Miss Bennet, you must be quite good." Jane blushed at Mr. Bingley's unwarranted compliment.
"I believe I do not play as well as I might hope," Jane replied tactfully.
Colonel Fitzwilliam pressed on, "Miss Bennet, do you indulge in the activity often?"
Jane's cheeks flushed slightly as she replied, "Sometimes, to help my younger sisters practice."
The Colonel nodded thoughtfully. "You must play well and are merely being modest."
"Indeed, Miss Bennet is all that is modest, and her kindness towards her sisters is very heartwarming. She is a good elder sister to teach her younger ones chess," Mr. Bingley agreed, complimenting Jane again.
Colonel Fitzwilliam turned to Jane with a curious expression. "I suppose your father taught you, being the eldest, before he did Miss Elizabeth?"
Jane's eyes dropped slightly as she answered, "Yes, Father wanted a companion who could match wits with him. I could not fill that role as well as Lizzy can."
Mr. Bingley suddenly interjected, "Come now, enough of this talk about chess! I can't abide such staid things."
Miss Bingley, who had been sulking next to the piano, brightened considerably at her brother's statement.
"Mr. Darcy, I hope the officers' dinner was tolerable enough for you?" Miss Bingley asked, unwittingly making Elizabeth laugh.
"We had a jolly good time, didn't we, Darce?" Mr. Bingley replied.
"Yes. They are a cheery lot," Mr. Darcy replied curtly.
But before Mr. Darcy could say anything further, Colonel Fitzwilliam interrupted, hoping to avoid any unsavory topics about the common officers. "I hope you had a better evening than I did!" Colonel Fitzwilliam said, glancing at Mrs. Hurst, who was lost in playing with her bangles.
"Colonel, am I to understand that you traveled here directly from London and presented yourself immediately?" asked Lizzy.
"Yes, it was difficult not to greet the company when it consisted of such beauty," the Colonel said, looking slightly in Jane's direction.
"Sir, if you are too weary, you must retire to your chambers. None of us will take issue," Jane expressed with sincere sentiment.
"Madam, you are being too generous to a poor soldier," Colonel Fitzwilliam replied.
Darcy laughed. "Poor soldier indeed. Richard likes to tell everyone he meets that he is but a poor second son of an earl," Darcy chuckled.
Colonel Fitzwilliam replied indignantly, "But indeed I am. I have no fortune of my own."
"What does an earl's son know about being poor?" Lizzy said archly.
"Indeed, Miss Elizabeth, you are right. I am being entirely unfair to the truly poor," the Colonel replied to Elizabeth, laughing lightly.
"But my situation in life does not allow me to marry for love. I will have to marry an heiress if I want to afford my current way of living," Richard added.
Darcy frowned. He had no notion that his cousin had ever cared for a love match. Putting it aside for now, he said, "Who can choose their life partner? We are all bound by the expectations of society."
"I agree with Mr. Darcy. Even if we are individuals, we are beholden to the society we live in and are thus compelled at times to follow its strictures," Jane said.
Darcy looked astonished at Miss Bennet's statement. He was ashamed to admit that he had judged her by her looks and assumed her to be a shallow, insipid sort of woman.
On the other hand, Richard, having no preconceived notions, agreed with her, and by mutual consent, everyone decided to drop the topic.
The rest of the evening was spent playing cards and listening to the pianoforte.
Darcy and Richard sat in the library, nursing their drinks, the crackling fire casting shadows on the walls. Darcy, unable to hold back his thoughts any longer, broached the subject that had been bothering him since the drawing-room conversation.
"What were you thinking saying such personal things about marriage and society in front of the ladies Richard? asked Darcy.
Richard, unruffled, took a leisurely sip of his drink before responding. "What is there to hide, Darcy? It's nothing but the truth. Miss Jane and Miss Elizabeth strike me as intelligent young women. They know their own worth and are fully aware of their circumstances."
Darcy sighed, giving him an exasperated look. Changing the subject, he asked, "How are you feeling? How is your health?"
Richard's expression softened slightly but remained firm. "I'm too tired, Darce. The horseback ride was brutal, and my leg is stiff. I'm in no mood to discuss my health tonight. We'll talk, but not tonight."
With that, Richard stood up, his decision final. He retired to his room, leaving Darcy alone with his thoughts and the conversation abruptly ended.