I do not own Divergent or Pride and Prejudice. Credit belongs to Veronica Roth and Jane Austen...
Beatrice and Lynn followed Susan and Mr. Alan towards the house that was known as Rosings Park. It was grand indeed, even though Beatrice did not want to admit it out loud.
Upon arriving, Mr. Alan noted the windows, the pathway, the garden, and even the chimney piece.
"There are sixty-four in all. Sixty-four," Mr. Alan repeated in amazement about the windows.
"Yes, it is a perfectly situated home and by no means lacking in windows," Beatrice commented as she smoothed out her dress.
"Don't worry about your modest dress," Mr. Alan told her. "Lady Evelyn will not think so meanly of you to attend dinner at her home in such a poor state." Beatrice could not help but laugh. "Lady Evelyn likes to keep the distinction of rank between her and those of a common nature."
"Thank you Mr. Alan," Beatrice replied. "That is a great comfort indeed."
Beatrice did not desire Lady Evelyn's good opinion as much as Mr. Alan had hoped she would. Beatrice just did not think that a woman, such as Lady Evelyn should consider herself so much greater than others just because of her wealth and prestige. Just as Beatrice had assumed, she found Lady Evelyn to be exactly that.
When the party walked in and had been seated, Beatrice noted how very proud Lady Evelyn held herself. Yes she was dressed very granduous and her look was conceited. That was definitely a family trait, Beatrice thought.
"Lady Evelyn may I introduce my sister," Susan started as Lynn turned to face Lady Evelyn. "And this is my friend Miss Beatrice Prior."
Lady Evelyn nodded towards Lynn but her condescension and critical eye was immediately turned to Beatrice.
"Your friend seems to be pretty gentle sort of a girl," Lady Evelyn stated. Before Beatrice could reply, Lady Evelyn continued. "Her father's estate is entailed to Mr. Alan, correct?" The question was more so directed to the air, since Lady Evelyn gave no one, not even Beatrice, time to reply. "I understand that Miss Prior is not the eldest as well."
She spoke of Beatrice as though she were not sitting right there. Beatrice cast a look to Susan who simply shrugged.
"Do you have any other brothers or sisters, Miss Prior?"
Beatrice's presence seemed to finally be acknowledged. "Yes, ma'am. I have four sisters."
Lady Evelyn smiled. "Besides you, are any of your other sisters out in society?"
"Yes ma'am, all," Beatrice answered.
"All," Lady Evelyn was completely shocked. "What all five out at once? Your younger sisters out before the elder are married? And you only the second eldest. Your younger sisters must be very young."
"My youngest sister is not sixteen yet."
Beatrice's comment had left Lady Evelyn even more in shock. It was then that she turned her head to Mr. Alan. Lady Evelyn had just opened her mouth to convey the shock and inappropriateness of it all. However, Beatrice was not the type to take things sitting down.
"She is full young to be out in company, I agree," Beatrice noted as Lady Evelyn turned to her.
No one ever interrupted her Ladyship.
"Really ma'am, I think it would be hard on younger sisters if they not have their share of society and amusement simply because their elder sisters do not have neither the means or the inclination to marry early," Beatrice replied.
Mr. Alan was a bit appalled that Beatrice had responded even though her Ladyship did not address her.
To add more onto the platter of humility, Beatrice turned to Lynn. "Would you not agree Lynn?"
Lynn wanted to answer until Lady Evelyn spoke up.
"You give your opinion very decidedly for so young a person. Pray what is your age," Lady Evelyn questioned.
"With three younger sisters grown up, your Ladyship can hardly expect me to own to it."
Susan smiled at this. She had a feeling that Beatrice's spirit would not be dampened by Lady Evelyn's displeasure.
"Come now Miss Prior," Lady Evelyn insisted for she was not one to be trifled with. "You still look young, therefore there is no need to conceal your age."
"I am but one and twenty," Beatrice replied finally easing Lady Evelyn's mind.
Lady Evelyn still could not help but feel a slight resistance to Miss Beatrice Prior for all her headstrong behavior and freely shared opinions. To Lady Evelyn a young woman should have decorum in both the way she behaves and in the way she speaks.
The young woman did intrigue Lady Evelyn and she could not help but want to learn more of this girl that would have been mistress of the parsonage nearby to her home.
"Do you play, Miss Prior," Lady Evelyn asked her as they had finished the first course of their meal.
"A little ma'am, but very poorly," Beatrice replied honestly.
"Your younger sisters, do any of them draw?"
"No ma'am."
"Embroider, perhaps?"
Beatrice sipped some water and placed her glass back down. "No ma'am." She felt as though she were under interrogation.
Lady Evelyn was attempting to find fault with Miss Prior and to Lady Evelyn there was plenty to be had of it. "Has your Governess left you?"
"We never had a Governess," Beatrice answered.
"No Governess," cried out Lady Evelyn placing a hand on her heart. "Five young women growing up in a house without a Governess," she questioned. "Your mother must have been a slave to your education."
"Not at all Lady Evelyn," smiled Beatrice and took another sip of water glancing over at Susan. Susan did feel for her friend. They were due for a long evening of Lady Evelyn's constant censure.
For once though Susan was glad that some of the attention had been taken away from her.
It was when they had returned back to Mr. Alan's home that Beatrice realized Miss Nita, Lady Evelyn's daughter, did not converse at all during the course of dinner. She was definitely a pale, fragile creature and wondered if that was truly due to her health or perhaps Lady Evelyn's overbearing conduct.
About a week had passed and they had been invited to dine at Rosings with Lady Evelyn almost every night. Beatrice still shared her opinions openly and without invitation from Lady Evelyn to engage herself in the conversation. Lady Evelyn however would find something inappropriate or disconcerting regarding the young lady.
Beatrice had hoped that that evening there would be no more dining at Rosings Park. To clear her mind, Susan suggested that they take a leisurely walk. Lynn had joined them in the hopes of avoiding Mr. Alan.
"These woods are splendid," commented Lynn. "Would you not agree Tris?"
"Aye," Beatrice replied. "I think I could grow to become fond of these woods just as you have Susan."
Susan smiled at her. This truly was what Susan was happy with. She did come to enjoy her husband, however he was a ridiculous man at times. Being in her solitude or walking among nature brought her great comfort when he did work her nerves.
It was not long before Mr. Alan did interrupt their morning walk.
"My darling, Susan," he shouted as he came running down the lane.
"What is it my dear," Susan turned. "Has the pig escaped into the garden," she asked ready to go to his aide.
"No it has not," he answered to her relief. "We have been invited to dine again at Rosings Park."
Beatrice let out a sigh as did Lynn.
"The invitation was just delivered by Mr. Eaton, himself," Mr. Alan stated as Beatrice turned to him shocked. Mr. Eaton was here?