I do not own Divergent. Credit goes to Veronica Roth.
I do not own Pride and Prejudice. Credit goes to Jane Austen.
Beatrice had walked in with Mr. Pedrad and her sister Shauna, glancing around the room where she had seen certain officers, but none of them was Mr. Wickham. He had to have been here, she thought.
It wasn't until Beatrice had spotted Edward, one of Eric's close companions walking her way, that she assumed he could have news of where Mr. Wickham had been hiding. Edward bowed to her, Mr. Pedrad, and Shauna as Mr. Pedrad directed Shauna towards some guests.
"I must say you look remarkably well tonight, Miss Beatrice," Edward smiled at her.
"Thank you," she curtsied. "Have you seen Mr. Wickham?"
"That is why I came over here. I am to express my friend's most sincerest apologies in not being able to attend. He stated that business has called him away to town, but I fear that you know the answer as to why he could not attend," Edward gave her a knowing smile as they both glanced to a man who stood conceitedly in the corner, observing the crowd with a critical eye.
Of course, Beatrice thought. He came to avoid Mr. Eaton.
"Edward," shouted Lauren. "I hope you've come prepared to dance with us." She quickly took Edward's hand leading him away before he could say goodbye to Beatrice.
Beatrice turned and saw her friend standing a few feet away and quickly rushed over to her.
"Susan," she stated as they embraced. "I have so much to acquaint you with."
Just then Mr. Alan appeared. Susan looked at him and then to Beatrice with a questioning glare.
"Mr. Alan, this is my good friend Miss Susan Black. Susan, this is my cousin, Mr. Alan," Beatrice introduced them.
"I am honored to meet you, Miss Black," bowed Mr. Alan.
"Likewise," Susan returned the gesture shooting Beatrice another look.
"So many agreeable ladies here in Abnegation. I'm quite in rapture with all of your politeness and smiles," he complimented Susan before holding his hand up for Beatrice to take. Beatrice reluctantly left her friend, remembering that she had indeed promised Mr. Alan the first two dances.
As the song started, she couldn't have been mortified further than in this moment. Mr. Alan was clumsy and had bumped into not one, but two other people during the dance. He had also stepped too far into the other couple, which happened to be Christina and William, causing Christina to rip the bottom of her dress.
"A thousand apologies, my dear cousin," Mr. Alan spoke. As if things could get more dire for Beatrice, it was in this moment that she looked up and caught the look in Mr. Eaton's eye. He had a small smile tugged on his lips, a slight amusement at Beatrice being uncomfortable.
As quickly as the second dance had ended, she did not wait for Mr. Alan to escort her away. Instead, she retreated to another section of the room to find Susan. It was in that other section, however, that she discovered her sister Myra. Myra was a kind individual. But it was known that Myra could not sing properly. The song that she had chosen as well, was not one to grace the dance tonight. It was a song for church and worship.
Her father stood a distance away, observing the scene as well as a couple young ladies were snickering at Myra's display. Beatrice quickly went to her father, who nodded and stepped up to his middle daughter.
"Myra, my dear," he started to close the piano.
"Father, I had just started my fourth song," Myra said about to play once more.
"Perhaps you can give the other young ladies a chance to exhibit." Myra simply looked around to see the other young ladies and who but should quickly take her place, but Mrs. Molly Hurst. She sat down and played a very quick tune most effortlessly, causing Myra to shrink back a little.
Beatrice burned with fire, knowing that Mr. Pedrad's sister only did this to embarrass her sister. It was then that she had found Susan.
"I had not think you'd come to see me," said Susan, linking arms with her friend.
"Apparently my family is having a contest as to whom can bring the most reproach against us," Beatrice commented. "Enough of that. I must tell you what I recently heard."
And so it was that Beatrice shared her account of Mr. Wickham and Mr. Eaton and why her dear, gentle Eric had not shown at the ball this evening.
"I am shocked to say the least," Susan replied. "Do you suppose it to be true?"
"Susan, how could it be otherwise," Beatrice protested. "Mr. Eaton has told me himself that he is of a resentful temper. He has boasted that once..."
"Tris," Susan scolded her. Beatrice looked at her questionable. Susan gave a slight nod behind her. There behind Beatrice was Mr. Tobias Eaton himself.
"If you not otherwise engaged at present, Miss Beatrice, I wonder if you would like to dance the next with me," Mr. Eaton asked.
"Why I..." she paused. "I had not..." another pause. Then she smiled softly. "I'd love to, thank you." With that he left. "Hateful man," Beatrice turned back to Susan. "Why couldn't I think of an excuse? I promised myself I wouldn't dance with him."
"He does a great honor to you by having you singled out," Susan commented. "Think about it Tris. You'd be a fool if you let your regard for Mr. Eric Wickham allow you to slight a man who is worth ten times his consequence."
Beatrice then went to meet Tobias on the floor where they had taken up to dancing. He was not a stiff dancer as she had pictured him. But he danced with elegance and a bit of superiority, Beatrice noted. They had taken a couple strolls about the dance floor and had ended up dancing more than just the next. She hated to admit, but his eyes held her, his touch was light, yet electrifying. Beatrice had almost forgot that she detested the man. Almost.
It was when he suggested that they go for a walk that Beatrice took the opportunity to converse with him. Tobias looked at her with some regard.
"Come now, Mr. Eaton, I believe we must have some sort of conversation," she smiled. "Perhaps you may talk about the room, remark on the number of couples dancing, or the weather," Beatrice offered.
"What will you most like for me to say," Tobias tested.
"Anything," Beatrice almost protested. "I think it is best to have conversation. One does not like to be unsociable, don't you think? Makes one less enjoyable."
Tobias let out a sigh. He was not one to speak so easily to others. It was then that he turned to Beatrice. "I noted we are walking about Netherfield park, because I gather that is something that you take delight in."
"I do," Beatrice said softly almost wondering if the extra beat in her heart was because he took notice of her or because he actually decided to converse. "I most enjoy the fresh air. It clears the mind," she commented.
Silence had appeared before them and Beatrice almost thought the conversation was over, until she dauntlessly turned back to Mr. Eaton.
"I've heard you once say that you hardly ever forgave. That your resentment once formed is irremovable."
"Yes," Mr. Eaton answered her.
"You are careful are you not, at allowing your resentment to be created?"
"I am."
"And never allow yourself to be blinded by prejudice?"
"I hope not," Tobias answered, then stopped their walk. "May I ask as to what these questions tend?"
"Simply to illustrate your character."
"And what have you discovered, Miss Beatrice?"
"I cannot make you out at all, Mr. Eaton. I've heard different accounts of you that it has left me puzzled exceedingly." Of course the main account having come from Mr. Wickham.
Beatrice had not noticed that while she was asking her questions, that both Mr. Eaton and herself had stepped unintentionally close to one another. She had been staring up at him as Tobias had also gotten lost in her eyes. It wouldn't take much for them to stay out here and continue conversation. However, Tobias was a man of propriety and sense. He had allowed himself too much time to dwell and fixate on the pert young woman before him. He had to retreat.
"I hope Miss Prior, that you would not attempt to sketch out my character at the moment. The performance would reflect no credit on either of us," Mr. Tobias took her arm and led her back into the dance room.
Beatrice smiled lightly as she removed her arm once inside. "I fear that if I do not take your likeness now, I may never get another opportunity."
"Well then," Tobias stepped back and bowed. "I'll leave you to it, for I hate to suspend any pleasure of yours."