I do not own Divergent. Credit goes to Veronica Roth.
I do not own Pride and Prejudice. Credit goes to Jane Austen.
The following night had not gone well as planned either. Beatrice was reading away at a book once more as Miss Caraline Pedrad was attempting to do the same. No doubt with the intent on catching Mr. Eaton's attention. Unfortunately it would not be given to her. He too was engrossed in a book.
So Caraline opted for another allurement.
"Miss Bea, will you not join me for a stroll about the room," she intruded upon Beatrice.
Beatrice was still not used to the new moniker with which she was labeled but allowed it. She was truly playful by nature and did really have an adventurous and sometimes humorous character. She could formulate almost immediately that Caraline was seeking attention from Mr. Eaton. She agreed to stand up with the young lady. It might give Beatrice some other amusement for the night.
As they cruised about the room, Caraline took her arm in hers as if they were close companions and walked about in silence. Beatrice almost thought this a bad idea, since Caraline didn't want to joke, until the young lady did indeed make her intentions known.
"Refreshing is not, after sitting so long in one altitude," Caraline proclaimed.
"It is a small accomplishment, I supposed," Beatrice played along.
"Will you not join us, Mr. Eaton," asked Caraline.
"That would defeat the purpose," Tobias stated.
"Whatever can he mean," Caraline teased.
"The surest way of disappointment is to not give in," Beatrice told her. But Caraline finally caught Tobias's attention. There was no way she would give it up now.
"Nonsense, we insist on knowing the meaning," she urged.
Tobias sighed and then explained. "Either you are in each other's confidence and have secret affairs to discuss or you are conscious that your figures appear best to your advantage when walking. If the first, then of course, I shall join you. If the second, I can admire you much better from where I sit."
Ezekiel as well as his other sister, Molly, started to laugh.
"Abominable reply," teased Caraline. "How should we punish him Miss Bea?"
"Easy," Beatrice commented. "Laugh at him."
"Laugh at Mr. Eaton," Caraline pulled away. "There's nothing to laugh about."
"Oh," Beatrice looked at her and then back to Mr. Eaton.
"Mr. Eaton is a man without fault," Caraline attempted to flatter Mr. Eaton, but he was fixed on the other young lady attempting to hold in her laughter. "He is not to be laughed at."
"A man without fault," Beatrice added looking over at Tobias. "Not to be laughed at, you say."
Tobias was not sure, but he felt the need to assure Beatrice that he wasn't. Why would admit that he was weak or powerless?
"I must admit Miss Beatrice that it is not possible for anyone to be without fault. It has been the study of life to avoid weaknesses which would expose me to ridicule and laughter."
"Weaknesses such as pride or vanity," Beatrice questioned knowing that that is exactly how she viewed him.
"Vanity is a weakness indeed," he agreed with her. For what reason he could not understand but it caused Beatrice to hide a smile and Caraline to look upon the conversation with shock.
"I have faults enough Miss Prior, but they are, I hope not of understanding. I do see my temper to be my biggest folly. In it I cannot forgive and forget the vices of others nor their offenses against myself. I guess my temper could be deemed resentful because my good opinion once lost, is lost forever."
Beatrice could not believe that he had just admitted a flaw to her. For once again she attempted to hide a smile. "You have chosen your fault well, Mr. Eaton. For that I cannot laugh at you, which is a shame. Because I dearly love a good laugh," she looked up and they both caught a look in the other's eyes.
"Shall we not have some music," Mrs. Hayes called as she broke the attention of the two towards Caraline who was making her way to the piano.
Once again, Tobias was thankful for the interruption. For yet another night, he had lingered too long on Beatrice, her fine eyes, playful nature, and pleasing figure.
When the time came for Mrs. Prior to retrieve her two daughters, with carriage this time, Caraline and Molly were once again in uproar.
"Now the Mother is here," Caraline commented.
"Are we to receive every Prior in the country," complained Molly as her husband attempted to leave.
But not too soon did he try to exit, that he turned back around. "Ah, the Priors," Peter mumbled and went back to sit down away from the family.
"Mrs. Prior," said Ezekiel. "I hope you have found your daughter well."
"We have done everything to make her most comfortable, I assure you ma'am," added Caraline with polite, yet close to false modesty.
"Yes, she is well indeed. But she has the sweetest disposition, so her recovery was quick. Of course thanks to your attention and care," Mrs. Prior said sitting down. "What a nice room you have here," she commented. "Is it not my dears," she motioned for her two younger daughters who had followed her.
"Thank you, Mrs. Prior," Ezekiel commented.
"I hope you plan on staying here in Abnegation."
"I do. I love the country here. Wouldn't you agree Eaton," Ezekiel turned to Tobias.
"You would? You don't think the country life confined?" Perhaps he didn't mean to have it come out that way, but Beatrice could see how her Mother had taken offense to it.
"Confined," Mrs. Prior practically yelled. "The country is a vast deal more pleasant than whatever you make of it."
"Mama," Beatrice warned her mother, but she would not hear of it. As is on cue, her family was ready to continue their misconduct.
"Mr. Pedrad did you not promise that you were to hold a ball at Netherfield," said Lauren.
"A ball," Ezekiel asked.
"It would be great scandal if you don't keep your promise," Lauren reminded him.
"I am perfectly ready to keep my engagement," he answered her. "Once your sister is recovered you shall name the day of the ball, if you please."
Right away, Caraline and Molly were a bit taken aback by their brother's generosity.
"Ooh, do invite the militia," pleaded Christina.
"Yes they are excellent company," said Lauren.
Beatrice could see where this was going and called to one of her sisters. "Christy," she said. Once she caught their attention Beatrice shook her head at her. But it was too late. Caraline and Molly would have lots to laugh about regarding her mother and sisters.
When Shauna had finally arrived to depart, Beatrice was followed by Caraline as Mr. and Mrs. Hayes waited outside the door, the later refusing to walk outside in this hot weather.
"Thank you for your kindness," Shauna curtsied to Ezekiel.
"It was nothing," he smiled at her. "You're welcome to return at any time, even if you're feeling the least bit poorly. I do not mind it at all." They shared a smile.
"Goodbye," Shauna curtsied once more and Ezekiel helped her into the carriage.
"Thank you for your company and conversation," Beatrice said to Caraline. "It was most intriguing."
"The pleasure was all mine," Caraline and her bowed to one another.
Beatrice then curtsied to both gentlemen as they waited outside the carriage. A hand reached out to help guide her in and she turned to smile back at Mr. Pedrad, only to find that it was Mr. Eaton who had assisted her. She seemed a bit flattered but at the same time stared at him shocked at the display.
Without a word, he turned and went back into the manor.
As Mrs. Prior arrived home with her daughters, Mr. Prior met them at the sitting room.
"Well, my dear, I hope you have prepared a good meal for tomorrow. We are to be expecting an addition to our dinner party," Mr. Prior commented holding a letter.
"Mr. Pedrad," she exclaimed. "Shauna," she grabbed her daughter most fervently. "You did not tell me. Lauren," she yelled for her youngest. "Go and tell Cook to prepare something grand. Mr. Pedrad is coming to..."
"It is not Mr. Pedrad, my dear," said Mr. Prior.
All the girls paused and waited to hear as Mr. Prior commented that it was his cousin, Mr. Allan.
Well, I hope that you like this update. Short, I know. But I wanted to put something in on here.
I decided to put Al in the spot of Mr. Collins. I hope you all aren't laughing too hard about this. Thank you for reading. Please review. Thank you again and hope you all enjoy Insurgent.