I do not own Divergent and Pride and Prejudice. Credit goes to Veronica Roth and Jane Austen.
That evening as Mr. Alan walked in and bowed before Lady Evelyn as she sat in her parlor, Beatrice seemed to be on high alert. She glanced around the room wondering where he could be and also why she was suddenly aware of his being in attendance. It should not matter to her if the man had shown himself.
Just as she was about to curtsy towards Lady Evelyn, a movement to the right caught her eye.
"Mr. Eaton," Beatrice stated as Tobias stepped forward. "What are you doing here?"
Tobias bowed before her. Beatrice recovering from shock curtsied in return. "Miss Beatrice, I am a guest of Lady Evelyn's," he replied.
"You know my nephew," Lady Evelyn asked a bit confused as to why Tobias would concern himself with such a young woman.
"Yes ma'am. I met Mr. Eaton a while ago in Abnegation."
"May I introduce my other relation," Tobias offered. A young man, handsome and with a cheerful smile, stepped forward. "This is Colonel Uriah."
"I'm delighted to make your acquaintance at last, Miss Prior," the young Colonel addressed her motioning for both of them to sit on a nearby couch.
"At last, sir?"
"I have heard much about you," Colonel Uriah informed her. "And I assure you the praise has not been exaggerated."
There was something amiable about the young gentlemen who seemed ready for conversation and had a kind smile. She had not think to find someone associated with Mr. Eaton any kinder, with the exception of Mr. Pedrad.
Beatrice smiled. "Well if it is from Mr. Eaton, then I am most shocked."
Colonel Uriah smiled. "And why is that? He has been the one I have heard about you the most."
Beatrice could not help but laugh, both surprised and thrilled.
"I hope that while we are here on this visit that we will see you most often," the Colonel commented. "I hear that you are fond of lively conversation."
"And this you probably do not get here at Rosings Park," Beatrice suggested which the Colonel laughed at.
"My Aunt does talk a great deal and seldom requires a response as you've noticed," he said the last part in a whisper. "Nobody plays, nobody sings, nobody dances," he remarked. "I hear that you play and sing and of course love to dance."
"I do play and sing a little," Beatrice answered. "But I am very ill at it. I would not want to excite your anticipation."
"I'm sure you're being too modest," he smiled. "But anything would be most welcomed and appreciated. Especially here," he finished as they both shared a laugh. Beatrice could not help but agree. Any form of enjoyment would be welcomed in the presence of Mr. Alan and Lady Evelyn's company.
It was then that Mr. Eaton stepped forward.
"It is a pleasure to see you again, Miss Prior," Mr. Eaton spoke in a tone that neither expressed pleasure or excitement. He still carried himself to be dull, Beatrice thought.
"Pleasure," Beatrice replied. "Forgive me, but my sister Shauna has been in Erudite this past month and a half. Have you happened to see her," she asked Tobias.
Tobias thought a moment before answering. The question was not a difficult one. Beatrice noted his pausing and considered something off, but quickly dismissed it when Tobias straightened out and cleared his throat.
"I have not had the pleasure of conversing with her," he answered as Beatrice nodded.
"What are you talking of to Miss Prior," Lady Evelyn almost yelled from across the parlor. "I must have my share in the conversation."
Tobias sighed and turned to his Aunt. Beatrice noted how very distant Mr. Eaton treated both Lady Evelyn and his bride to be, Miss Nita. Dinner had come by and had been the most lively that Beatrice had enjoyed at Rosings Park.
Lynn had come to enjoy the company of Colonel Uriah as well. She found him more exciting than the young officers of Colonel Maxter's regiment that had been stationed in Abnegation. They had much to converse about and Susan was glad that both her friend and her sister were able to relax during their stay instead of receiving constant belittlement from her Ladyship.
After dinner as they were exiting towards another sitting parlor, Lady Evelyn called Beatrice over.
"Will you play for us, Miss Prior?"
"No ma'am," Beatrice started. "I beg you. I could not possibly play anything that would thrill you.
"I insist," Lady Evelyn stated calmly. "Music is my enjoyment. For there is no one with better natural taste than me," she said proudly. "If I had ever learned it, I would have been a true proficient. So would Nita," Lady Evelyn looked upon her daughter who simply smiled and looked down. "I feel that every young lady should learn to play," she turned to Beatrice.
"I am not afflicted with false modesty, Lady Evelyn. When I say I play poorly..."
"Come, come, cousin Beatrice," Mr. Alan warned her. "Her Ladyship has demanded it."
And what her Ladyship demanded she always got, Beatrice thought.
"I had hoped to hear you play," Colonel Uriah replied to ease the tension. "As I stated, nobody plays here. Then perhaps, Aunt," he said loudly. "We may have Miss Lynn sing a tune for us. I hear the young ladies in Abnegation are most talented. I have already been told of their pretty faces and I'm glad to have found that statement true. Let us find out their talents as well."
"You are such a tease, Colonel," Lynn said as he moved them towards a couch. "However I will sing, if Beatrice will play."
Beatrice nodded and walked over towards the pianoforte. She did not know what to play. Looking over at the musical sheets in front of her, that was most difficult for her to play. She moved the sheet only to find an even greater advanced music sheet.
It was within a few seconds that Mr. Eaton had come to sit by her and placed a small booklet. It was an average difficulty level and she nodded at him in gratitude. She started to play and had briefly wondered why Mr. Eaton had still stayed in his seat next to her.
Beatrice was about to reach the end of the page. She reached one of her hands up to turn the sheet, but quickly it touched Mr. Eaton's hand who had also reached to turn the page for her.
"Here," he took her hand as she paused from playing. The energy coursing between their two hands was undeniable. She shook her head and placed her hand back on the keys. "Let me," Mr. Eaton turned the page. Beatrice could not help but shift at the deepness of his voice.
Something about it had left her on edge and she bit her lip for both loathing and enjoying his closeness.