I do not own Divergent. Credit goes to Veronica Roth.
I do not own Pride and Prejudice. Credit goes to Jane Austen.
It had been a wonderful few months that followed their one year anniversary dinner. Christina and Lauren continued to visit their elder sisters and though Christina was making great improvement in character, Lauren was still behaving as wild as ever. Mr. Eric Wickham was still refused an invitation to Dauntless and Beatrice did not argue with her husband on the matter.
News had spread about Marlene's engagement to Colonel Uriah not long after that. Like his Aunt, Tobias did not care for the arrangement either.
"I gave them my blessing," Tobias commented as he and Beatrice lay in bed one evening.
"Aye, that you did," Beatrice kissed him softly.
"I still believe she is young," Tobias finished.
"Aye, she is," was her reply along with another soft kiss.
"Though I am sure that the Colonel will take care of her," Tobias stated.
"Aye, he will."
"What do you mean by agreeing with me so eagerly, my dear," Tobias lifted an eyebrow at his wife.
"I do not like us seeing this night end in an argument," Beatrice sat up.
"Then how do you see this night ending?"
Beatrice's only response was to kiss her husband deeply, crawling into his lap and wrapping her arms around his head, holding him close to her. Tonight had been the first night in a while they were alone again in their home. Though Beatrice did not care about behaving as husband and wife while their guests were over, she found that she and Tobias' passion burned deeper when they were alone.
Shortly after Lauren had left, Christina had stopped by. Christina was still in raptures over Colonel Caleb Brandon, though not displaying it as openly as she would have a year ago as she did with the young officers back in Abnegation, she had grown content to Colonel Brandon's easy manners and polite addresses. He was a most pleasant man and Christina found his tempered personality and unwavering disposition to loyalty to be the most romantic thing she ever beheld.
The two of them continued to share conversation through gatherings and letters and Mrs. Prior had soon hoped that a fourth daughter would be married and settled off.
It was during one of Christina's visits that they had heard some disturbing news about Lauren and Eric. Apparently he had been seen receiving attentions from other young ladies. All the while, Lauren would continue to subject herself to ridicule my openly engaging in flirtatious conduct with his fellow military men and even arguing with Eric in public.
"Do not worry my dear," Tobias kissed Beatrice on the forehead after she had set the letter down on the table.
"This letter is from Susan," Beatrice explained as Christina bit her lip and looked away.
If Susan knew of this then it was more than likely that this piece of information had reached Lady Evelyn's ears. Christina was all but frightened of Lady Evelyn.
Lady Evelyn however, though disappointed with the news of Lauren and Eric was assured by Susan that this will be another trial that Beatrice would have to face. Lady Evelyn smiled at this. This was yet another obstacle for the mistress of Dauntless to endure. Though she did not enjoy wishing ill thoughts on her nephew's wife, she knew it would make the girl stronger. And any mistress of Dauntless had to be strong.
As expected, Beatrice did her best and held herself confidently. One strong letter to her sister at refusing any more visits set her sister into place. Little known to her was that Tobias had threatened Eric that this marriage was not be dishonored by his habits. If Eric had chosen to forget about that, as easily as Tobias bought them back into society, Tobias could have them removed.
Mr. Wickham read Mr. Eaton's letter while his wife slept. He detested having to succumb to relying on Tobias but knew that his situation in life would be little had he refused help then and now. Shauna and Ezekiel had also been a huge assistance and that would end as well should Tobias say so.
"I told you that it would all work out having our eldest marry men so rich," Mrs. Prior smiled and cried tears of joy. "For they are continuing to assist our family in our time of need," she finished.
"In truth my wife," Andrew told her. "I believe Mr. Eaton and Mr. Pedrad do those things for nothing else but the love of our daughters not for our benefit."
"Hush now, Mr. Prior," Natalie scolded her husband but Andrew only chuckled lightly and retreated from the room.
Ezekiel and Shauna were enjoying life together immensely. Though they had returned to Netherfield soon after the first year of marriage had come and gone, there was talk of them moving back towards their rental in Dauntless. There was only so much of Natalie's constant presence that Ezekiel could bear, even with his cheerful disposition.
It had been nearing their second year of marriage that Beatrice decided to redo the rooms around where she and Tobias's bed chamber was. She had located the perfect room across the hall from their own and decided that that is where she would redecorate.
"What is it that you want redecorated, love," Tobias took her hand in his as they walked in the garden. He had seen her determination the past couple days and did not understand why. "Is Christina unhappy with her quarters when she visits?"
"No, there is another guest that I am thinking of," Beatrice smiled.
"Is it the cushions that you are removing?"
"All of the furniture in there, I'm afraid," she answered.
"Where are you putting them?"
"I have not thought about it yet. What do you think I should do," Beatrice stopped their walking and turned to Tobias.
"What about the sitting room," Tobias asked. "You could move the sitting room and place the furniture to another wing."
"Marlene stated that your mother enjoyed sitting in there after taking her meal," Beatrice smiled. "I'd like to preserve tradition."
"You are extremely kind to cater to my mother in that respect," was her husband's reply before he leaned in to give her a kiss. "Still I do not understand your intentions to move about the furniture from that room to another."
"I like that room that is near to ours."
"Again, my dear," he wrapped her in his arms. "What do you need the room for," Tobias asked.
Beatrice took a step back, taking Tobias' hand and resting it on her still flat stomach. "We need a nursery."