She frowned, for though his words were not insulting, they didn’t sound much like a compliment either.

He jerked his gaze away and now looked at her father. “We are finished for tonight. I have nothing left to say to you. We can alter the written agreement together tomorrow and arrange for a special license. Your money and my influence should make that no trouble. Good evening.”

He said nothing else, but pivoted on his heel and exited the room. Once he was gone, Thomasina took a long breath and realized she hadn’t done so in the entire time he’d been near. He stole the air from the room when he was in it.

Mr. Shelley turned to her, his gaze narrowing. “What a pickle you and your sister have gotten us all into. We are very lucky that Harcourt has agreed to take any of you after this nonsense. Good night.”

He stomped out and once he was gone, Juliana looked at her. Thomasina shrugged in response to the question Juliana hadn’t asked, and her sister sighed as she moved to the parlor door and quietly shut it.

“Thomasina,” Juliana whispered.

“I know you are disappointed in me,” Thomasina said softly. “And I know I have helped create yet another mess for you to manage. I’m sorry about that.”

“Anne created a mess,” Juliana said with a frown. “And I’m sure she would be far less apologetic about it if she were here. Selfish, selfish Anne.”

As Juliana paced away, Thomasina watched her with concern. “Anne follows her heart. Often it is my favorite thing about her. In this case, I hope it isn’t a mistake, for I have no idea who this man is that she’s marrying.”

Juliana turned. “Yes, her impulsiveness…well, it is frightening. I fear this will convince Father to abandon her entirely, despite the danger she might have put herself in.”

“I agree.” Thomasina shivered. “If she is not a benefit, he might see her as a detriment, better left to be cut away.”

“I will talk to Father again about seeking her out and finding out who this man she ran away with is. Perhaps you will press Harcourt to do the same.”

Thomasina’s breath caught. “Me, talk to Harcourt about it?”

“Well, yes,” Juliana said with a humorless chuckle. “You are apparently his fiancée now and will be his wife in a week if he and Father have their way. Oh, Thomasina, is this truly what you want? Or is it just your way to make everyone happy?”

Thomasina hesitated. She had never spoken to anyone about the very wrong feelings she’d been having toward Harcourt. The idea of admitting her attraction to him all along made her feel a little sick to her stomach. So instead she shrugged. “I am not so silly as our sister, to not recognize a good match when I see it. If it also accomplishes alleviation of this terrible situation, then it seems like it’s a good outcome for everyone involved.”