I do not own Divergent. Credit goes to Veronica Roth.
I do not own Pride and Prejudice. Credit goes to Jane Austen.
Beatrice did not like this letter at all. Her fingers trembled a little knowing what her husband's response to such a request would be. Perhaps she could help him see reason, Beatrice thought. Tobias had been as obliging as of yet and there had never been another disagreement between the two recently.
"My dear," Tobias knocked on her door.
"Come in," Beatrice replied as she stood from her chair.
Tobias was concerned. His wife had disappeared from the dinner table and had not yet returned. The young Mrs. Wickham had been far from their mind as of late. Despite his reluctance, there was a curiosity as to why Beatrice's youngest sister would be writing her.
Lauren had offered her congratulations towards Beatrice's engagement when she had been told. There was also a letter of sympathy knowing how as Lauren put it 'ill and arrogant' Beatrice's future husband would be. Tobias had been the least affected by her sentiments knowing that it was all Wickham's words than her own. The last time he had seen her, she expressed sincere gratitude and utmost delight that Tobias was able to bring about her marriage.
Another letter had come before Beatrice's wedding to explain Lauren's regrets in not being able to attend. At present she was occupied with her husband in the North and would write to her sister soon. No letter since then had come until tonight.
"Is everything alright, my dear," Tobias asked.
"Yes," was her quick response. The tone of her voice was nervous and it made Tobias' eyebrows knit together in confusion at her. "I assure you, it is nothing."
"Mrs. Eaton," Tobias said sternly but smiled beckoning his wife to come forward to him.
"Lauren and Mr. Wickham have fallen on some hard times," Beatrice whispered once she was in Tobias' arms.
There was certain awkwardness on how Tobias held her now. Nothing good could come of this that much he knew. As he looked down from his wife's head over to the desk where she laid the letter, Tobias was confident that this was Eric's form of revenge. Whatever sort of trouble it was that they had fallen on was due to Eric's true character.
"What is it, dear," Tobias did his best to remain calm.
"Here," Beatrice said turning in his arms to pick up the letter and hand it to her husband. "I do not mind."
Dearest Tris
It has been too long since I have heard from my dear sister. I do believe I did congratulate you on your upcoming wedding in the past. However I find myself extending to you further happiness that you have found yourself to be settled in such a stable situation.
As of late, my husband and I have been unable to maintain our small dwelling that Mr. Eaton has graciously paid for us.
Tobias shook his head. The rent in the home they were in was modestly below Eric's income. There would still be a lot of money left even after that had been taken care of. Not to mention Tobias had paid many of his debts off. What could it be again?
I hope that you will think of Wickham and me. There is not that much money enough to live upon without some assistance from either you or Shauna. I know that your situations are far better off than that of my own and if you could spare three or four hundred pounds to help us get by that would be greatly appreciated from both Eric and I.
Please do not tell Mr. Eaton that Eric requested I write you this letter.
"I suppose you did not read your sister's last request in her letter," Tobias turned to his wife.
"I did," Beatrice nodded. "However, I do not wish to keep secrets from you. I know how you feel about Mr. Wickham."
Tobias felt love wash over him in that statement. Beatrice was openly admitting to him sharing with him something that was surely an embarrassment. Yes Beatrice loved her sister but she and Tobias were husband and wife now. She would need to consider her husband's feeling about that matter, especially since Eric was involved.
"Thank you," Tobias bought her into a hug.
"Thank you for understanding," Beatrice replied.
It was something about that statement that made Tobias wonder what his wife was up to. After studying her carefully he realized that there was a determined look upon her face.
"You do not intend on sending her anything do you," asked Tobias.
"Of course I do. Perhaps not that much as she had desired but..."
"This is all Eric's doing," Tobias walked over towards the window.
"Mr. Eaton," his wife went to him. "This is my sister, my youngest sister. Surely you understand my desire to assist her."
"It was a decision that she made. A choice that was all her own," Tobias said undeterred.
"What if it was Marlene? Would you not go and help her?"
"Marlene knows better," the tone in his voice began to ride and was heavily bordering anger.
Despite what was just said, perhaps it was Beatrice's turn to be prideful in her feelings. With one step forward she said the words that would hurt her husband further. "She didn't know better the year before, did she?"
"At least my sister is proper enough to know that to lay with someone who is not your husband is considered fornication," Tobias shot back.
Tobias stared at his wife and briefly wondered why they both would mention such a thing. They had a moment of pure understanding not but a minute ago and now it seemed like their pride was beginning to case judgment on one another yet again.
Upon seeing the anger and hurt in Tobias' eyes she knew that she had hit her mark. However guilt filled her and Beatrice quickly retracted. That sentiment was wrong, harshly wrong of her to say. And it was equally as improper for Tobias.
"Forgive me. I did not mean it," Beatrice looked down.
Tobias was ready to counter attack once more, ready to demean her sister and her choices, ready to remind Beatrice that she would possibly be in that situation with Eric as well but he could not. His love for her had grown immensely and that was something he was trying desperately to hold on to, instead of the hurt that her words had caused.
"You know I love Marlene as though she were my own sister," Beatrice whispered. "Marlene has far more sense than my sister. I know she is a proper young lady. I agree, Lauren did make that decision but she is still my youngest sister and my love for her has not waned in the least because of one false step that she has taken. I only wish to help her."
Beatrice's voice was hurt yet there was sincerity in her response. It was in her character to not submit. It was what Tobias had been drawn to. However words were said and malicious thoughts lingered on their minds. They knew how to hurt one another and this evening's conversation was proof of that.
"I apologize as well," Tobias closed his eyes and kissed Beatrice's forehead. "I need time to think about this."
Tobias walked out before their emotions overtook them both yet again. Beatrice sat down on the nearest chair and began to cry. There was nothing but love, admiration, and affection for her husband in her heart. Tobias had been right. Eric knew that such a request would make Tobias upset. Lauren's letter to Beatrice had served more than just one purpose. It caused a flicker of strife in the happily married Mr. and Mrs. Eaton.
