#rochesters

My running idea is that Rockley had a kid post-Motp. Mainly because I didn't want to worry about writing about him having one during the game!🫣

Of all the Rochesters in his generation (excluding Malcolm), Rockley is the one I could see with the most potential to have a kid, seconded only to Bernadine. I feel like he would be a lot like Leopold when it comes to raising a child, if not a little more eccentric. Sure, maybe he would fit the fun uncle role better, but he sure as heck wouldn't be the worst father out of the Rochesters!

Yes of course! I'll start with Leopold, and then later make a different post for Diego. I love Leopold, he's such a sweetheart :)

Spoilers for Mysteries of the Past and TW for death and abuse.

During the holidays, he often volunteers at soup kitchens, orphanages, shelters, churches, and other similar places, hoping to help the less fortunate as much as possible. Similarly, he often donates to various academic institutions and charities. 

Out of everyone in the family, he was the kindest to Veronica, feeling awful that her husband was frequently unfaithful to her, and tried to be as welcoming and warm to her as possible.

He was the only member of the Rochester family who died in the game who had a funeral whose attendance included people outside of the family. Horatio wanted to keep Clarissa and Archie’s funerals a family-only affair, not wanting people to come to private Rochester estates and memorials to gossip and talk about members of the Rochester family being murdered, as Horatio thought that would make the family look weak. However, once that crusty mf was in prison, Rockley and Bernadine organized a funeral where many people could attend and celebrate Leopold’s accomplishments, good deeds, and life.

Considering Horatio had pretty much disowned Patricia, he didn't organize a funeral for her. However, her brother did, and Leopold was one of the few attendees at Patricia's funeral.

I headcanon that Bernadine, Malcolm, and Monty’s parents died when the three of them were children, and Leopold took in Bernadine and Monty, raising them alongside his own sons and providing a safe, comforting environment for them. Because of this, Bernadine saw Leopold as not only an uncle, but a father figure. 

Leopold is an excellent singer, and has Christmas caroled multiple times throughout the years.

Leopold’s wife died of tuberculosis shortly after Larry was born.

Leopold tried to visit Patricia in the asylum several times after Horatio imprisoned her there, concerned for his sister-in-law and her “sudden break from sanity and reality,” as Horatio put it, considering Patricia had seemed healthy. However, as Horatio had ordered any visitors Patricia might have be turned away, staff never permitted Leopold from visiting her, telling him she was in no condition to be seen. When he was finally able to visit her, she no longer recognized him. (Yeah, you can probably tell I hate Horatio).

Despite this, Leopold did try to visit Patricia even if she didn’t know who he was, bringing her small gifts such as potted plants and flowers, despite Horatio’s disapproval of such visits. 

He was invited to several of Mr. Alastor’s parties (before the ones where people were murdered), but almost always declined, as the parties fell at the same time when Leopold was working on setting up and running the World Exhibition. 

It's been quite some time since I heard the stir of another soul about. Peace and quiet are all very well, of course, but even the most retiring of old men may find himself longing for the noise that comes along with good company.

So do make yourself comfortable, won’t you? Your presence is a rare kindness. I do consider myself most fortunate to have you here.

My beloved Minerva is here with me—she was to have been my second wife, had fate not intervened rather prematurely. And my son, Rockley, resides here as well. I daresay I’ve them both to thank for the pleasant sort of noise that makes a house feel lived in.

The garden, you’ll find, is rather more expansive in this place than it ever was before. Lady Highmore would be delighted were you to accompany her for a stroll. As for Rockley, well—he keeps himself ever occupied, even in a place meant for rest. Busy as ever, that one.

But do not let that deter you! He’ll be glad to speak with you, I’m sure—though I must offer a gentle warning: he is rather spirited. Minerva insists he takes after me in that regard, though I haven’t the faintest idea what she means by it.

Should you have any questions—of the past, of myself, of the life I once lived—do ask them freely. I shan’t shy away. I’ve little left to guard—no reputation to uphold, no secrets I need to carry.

And… if you are someone who has ever borne pain at the hands of a Rochester—my name included—then I entreat you, truly, to accept my company. You are most welcome here. More than that—you are owed kindness, and I shall do what is within my power to offer it.

Whatever you seek—rest, recompense, even just a warm chair by the hearth—I hope you’ll allow me to provide it.

There are things my family has done which cannot be undone. Matters I turned from, or did not question soon enough. One looks back, and sees clearly what they ought to have challenged, and where silence was a poorer companion than courage.

Regret, I’ve found, is not loud—it is quiet, and it lingers. But so too is the chance, however faint, to mend what may still be mended. That is what I hold to.

I shall do my best to answer with the honesty one ought to have had all along. I find truth a far better companion than pride ever was.

Yours most sincerely,

Leopold Rochester.

(featuring 5-year old Archie)

unhinged af family and I love them

After Leopold Rochester discovered that Sandra was murdered because she stood up for and defended him, he attended her funeral out of respect, where he comforted Steven as much as he could.