I do not own Divergent. Credit goes to Veronica Roth.
I do not own Pride and Prejudice. Credit goes to Jane Austen.
Beatrice enjoyed the ball thoroughly. There were numerous amounts of dance partners. The most she danced with had to of course be her husband. That was also the most anyone had seen Tobias out there taking a turn about the floor.
Lady Evelyn attended the ball as promised, though she sat and observed the scene before her. She refused to associate with half of Beatrice's family but extended a small smile and nod to Beatrice when Tobias and she had greeted their guests.
There was nothing out of the ordinary at this ball according to Lady Evelyn, nothing that would show it was superior to the home and yet nothing that was poor. The decorations, music and dress seemed to fit just right. Though she still detested the thought of simple Abnegation families being mingled in with highly esteemed persons, she did not voice her concern.
Aunt Victoria and Uncle Arman had been among the few who had kept a room in Dauntless. Tobias had taken a liking to Arman and Victoria. Both he and Beatrice felt that if it weren't for her Aunt and Uncle that she and Tobias would probably not have met up with one another when Beatrice had toured Dauntless before their engagement.
Because they had been staying that was yet another reason for Lady Evelyn to take residence at a nearby lodging instead.
"I believe I should ask your mother for a dance," Tobias said to Beatrice after they had finished speaking to one of their guests.
"If that is what you desire, my love," Beatrice turned and gave Tobias a chaste kiss on his cheek before scampering away towards Susan.
Tobias was making a sincere effort to endure Beatrice's mother. Beatrice after all, had done everything in her power to keep all civility and peace with Miss Caraline Pedrad, if not for the sake of her husband than for the benefit of her sister, Shauna. Tobias could see the hard work and dedication that his wife had gone through this past year. To show his gratitude he would even consent a dance with Lauren, which he did.
Beatrice could not help the laugh that left her when her husband had returned to her.
"You danced beautifully," she commented as they linked arms once more.
"You flatter me my wife," Tobias smiled at her as she took a step closer to him. "I have a surprise for you," he commented in her ear before they once again made their rounds, communicating with their guests.
It had been a wonderful two week engagement having friends and family over. Every night seemed to be entertaining and lively.
"Mrs. Eaton," said Lady Evelyn after dinner one evening before she left. "Would you grace me with your conversation?"
"Of course Lady Evelyn," Beatrice nodded and followed her out of the sitting room as they walked down the hall.
The hallway had been cleaned a certain way, not the way Lady Evelyn would have liked it but she had noticed the air in Dauntless had changed since her last visit. She took one last glance at the young woman walking beside her in silence and noted the confident energy about her.
"I am pleased, Mrs. Eaton," Lady Evelyn stated.
"I am glad to hear that, Lady Evelyn."
"Tobias has instructed me that no abusive speech should ever leave my mouth, especially if it is directed to you. I am not pleased with Dauntless' new mistress," she explained as Beatrice bit her lip and continued to walk. "I am pleased at the state of happiness that my nephew is in and at the upkeep of this fine estate."
Beatrice paused in her walking and Lady Evelyn turned to her.
"I had high expectations for you," Lady Evelyn smiled. "Very high expectations," she repeated. "You have a willful and headstrong spirit, Mrs. Eaton. A weaker girl would have left Tobias. I am glad that I have met my match."
"Are you giving up in your..."
"Giving up, oh dear child no," laughed Lady Evelyn. "Tobias is still my nephew. I am his oldest and nearest relative. I will do whatever it takes to make sure he is happy, along with that of young Marlene. I detest that young man that has been coming here for her."
Beatrice held her tongue. The young man was none other than Colonel Uriah, their distant cousin. The young Colonel did not say anything about his growing affection for Marlene viewing her still too young and not wanting to ruin his friendship with Tobias. Marlene had spoken to Beatrice about it and after much consideration decided that she too would wait for a courtship to blossom. Lady Evelyn held high regard for the Colonel that is until he had begun showing interest towards her niece. This would mean that for some time Colonel Uriah would now become the recipient of all Lady Evelyn's censure and condescension.
"I am simply telling you that I am pleased with your work here," the comment from Lady Evelyn broke Beatrice away from her lingering thoughts of her sister in law.
"Thank you Lady Evelyn. It is a great pleasure to hear that you approve, even if it is in the slightest," Beatrice replied.
"Be aware though that this does mean that I like you," Lady Evelyn smiled.
"Of course not. I would not wish to hope in something that would be impossible," responded Beatrice.
They would not be on friendly terms but like her relationship with Caraline, this relationship with Lady Evelyn would at least remain civil. It pleased Tobias further to see Beatrice's attempts at peace with his Aunt. Though his concern was strongly for his wife, he knew that she could handle her own. Like Lady Evelyn had said, Beatrice was indeed a headstrong person. It took him a while to show her how much he was worthy of her good opinion, that is how he knew how willful his wife could be.
After their guests had gone Beatrice retired to her wing of the estate.
"This will be your own," Tobias had said the night of their anniversary ball. "A room to look over the gardens," he had shown her before walking across the hallway. "Another room to spy down at the lake," his arm stretched to the view.
"Our favorite spot," Beatrice smiled as he took his hand in hers. "I can see it from my new breakfast room."
It was a small wing on the eastern part of the estate, but it was immediately below the room where she liked to write her letters and not far from Tobias' office.
"I know how you feel about changing the rooms that my mother had designed," Tobias smiled. "I decided that I allow you to customize this to your liking."
"Tobias this is too much."
"Nothing is too much for you my dear," Tobias said before kissing his wife.
And nothing was too much for either of them. Over time they had come to make sacrifices for one another. Yet both Tobias and Beatrice knew when, where, and which battles to surrender in. As much as possible they did the best they could to carter to the other without losing their own personalities and desires.