I do not own Divergent. Credit goes to Veronica Roth.
I do not own Pride and Prejudice. Credit goes to Jane Austen.
The idea to put the two together belongs to me.
That evening, Mr. Pedrad was invited to stay for dinner and he welcomed the invitation. Ezekiel was a highly agreeable man. He had a good nature about him that made Mr. Prior like him. Andrew's voice and manner at dinner with Mr. Pedrad showed how really happy he was that his eldest daughter had found such a good future husband.
"Shauna, I congratulate you," Andrew said to his daughter. "You will be a very happy woman."
Shauna took her father's hand. "Thank you Papa," she kissed his cheek. "I believe I shall."
"You are a good girl," Andrew told her. "I have no doubt that you two will do very well together. Your tempers are alike, each of you complying, easy going, and generous."
"Thank you again Papa."
"Well, now, off you go," Andrew finished as he hugged his daughter. Mr. Prior was glad that at least one of his daughters would be settled happily.
Overnight, Shauna seemed to have become the most beloved Prior in the home. Mrs. Prior continued to state on how Ezekiel had four or five thousand a year, how handsome he was, and how happy Shauna would be.
Myra had requested to see the library at Netherfield while Christina begged for there to be ball every winter.
Over the course of the week, Mr. Pedrad had visits occurred almost on a daily basis. Beatrice did miss the company of her sister when Ezekiel did arrive at the Prior home but was happy to see Shauna smiling once more.
Other than Shauna the only other person Mr. Pedrad would communicate to would be Beatrice. There was a brotherly affection that Ezekiel held for Beatrice and not just because of his love for her sister, Shauna.
During the few occasions they had seen one another in Dauntless, Ezekiel felt as though Beatrice and his friend had somewhat formed an attachment. He caught the glances that the two of them would share. At the same time Ezekiel decided to be discreet about it. Tobias had interfered in his life and he did not intend to return the favor. Perhaps in time, his friend would make a decision about the young lady he had been walking with in the garden of the Prior home.
Beatrice's conversation and spirit was pleasing to Ezekiel and he was more than happy to accept her as his future sister. Beatrice had always found Ezekiel to be amiable so the feeling of having him as a brother was truly agreeing. She could not help but think that he would be a better brother than her first.
When Shauna had finally appeared at the door to spend her afternoon with Ezekiel, Beatrice smiled at the joy on their faces when they saw each other.
"Do you agree to come tomorrow," Mrs. Prior pressed when Ezekiel was leaving for the day.
"I have some business to attend to," Mr. Pedrad answered politely as possible. Even he had to agree that at times Mrs. Prior was a bit suffocating. "Perhaps the day after," Ezekiel requested looking towards Shauna.
"I'd be delighted," Shauna curtsied.
"This time I promise not to keep Shauna for too long," Natalie said.
The next day, Mr. Pedrad was unable to visit. However he sent a letter to inform Shauna that he would miss her dearly, asking for her forgiveness in not being able to visit, and informed her of where he would be during his absence.
Shauna did not mind the least for the letter was enough comfort for her that Mr. Pedrad would come back.
"Mama," shouted Christina a couple afternoons later. "The most enormous carriage has arrived," she ran into the sitting room where Beatrice and Mrs. Prior had been.
"Who could that be," asked Natalie. "Is Ezekiel visiting today?"
"Not that I know of," said Beatrice.
Just then their answer came from inside the house as the front was pushed open and a voice was heard coming down the hall. "Where is she? I demand to see her this moment!"
Beatrice cringed slightly. What on earth was she doing here?
The sitting room door opened to reveal none other than Lady Evelyn.
Lady Evelyn walked in with all the superiority and prestige that she possessed. Mrs. Prior glanced over at Beatrice. Beatrice could not understand what had made her ladyship travel to Abnegation and more importantly to her home.
Before anyone could address her, Lady Evelyn sat herself down in the chair as if she owned the place.
"Lady Evelyn," Beatrice curtsied. "Would you like me to call for some tea?"
"This woman I presume is your mother," Lady Evelyn pointed to Natalie as she ignored Beatrice's question.
Beatrice had wanted to do the same but decided against it. "Yes she is. Mama, this is Lady Evelyn de Johnson. Lady Evelyn, this is my mother."
"And are you going to introduce me to that girl over there or am I to guess also as to who she is?"
There was no mistake that Beatrice was starting to feel insignificant.
It was her mother who replied though.
"This is my second youngest, your ladyship," responded Natalie. "My youngest is married and my eldest has only recently been engaged," Natalie smiled at the thought that she was able to get two of her daughters settled.
"You have such a small park," Lady Evelyn turned away.
"Should I call for that tea now, Lady Evelyn," Beatrice said louder and with a smudge of defiance.
"No but I would like to speak to you, Miss Prior," Lady Evelyn stood. "Alone," this time she commanded.
"Let me go and get my coat," Beatrice said. "It is cold out today."