Shay.

It had been a long day. Shay made her way into the house through the back door. Her feet were sore and her back ached because they were giving the orphanage a good clean. They'd had so many children in over winter, that the place had needed to be set right. It was now the end of April and they had just got to it.

Children had been sick; more clothes and bedding were needed. There was always so much to do. It was never ending, and of course Papa was at her about getting new dresses for the season. Who had time for that? She had written to tell him her dresses from last year would be fine. As if people would remember what she had worn twelve months ago?

"We've had a big day, Shay." Mary drew her into a hug and kissed her cheek. "I'll see if cook has left us a meal. You go and wash, and I'll ask for it to be taken to your room."

"Oh, yes. Thank you, Mary. You are such a good friend." Shay hugged her in return, and then headed up the hall towards the stairs.

Thomas stepped out in front of her. "Shay."

"Papa!" Shay gasped and clutched her hand to her throat. "You scared me." She laughed and threw her arms around him. "What are you doing here? I wasn't expecting you for three more weeks."

"Obviously," Thomas huffed, took her by the shoulders and pushed her away so he could see her. "Look at you. You're a mess. Has something happened?" He ran his thumb over her cheek to wipe a streak of ash from her face.

"Nothing, Papa. We've been cleaning the orphanage. Sister Teresa likes it done every spring. If I'd known you were going to be here, I would have returned earlier. Why are you here? She gasped again. "Has something happened at home?"

"Your letter happened." Thomas chuckled. "Your mother insisted we come early so she can take you to buy at least one new dress for the Season." He sighed and shook his head. "She's waiting in the drawing room. I think you'd best go and clean up first."

Shay was so tired. She couldn't be rude. She ate in the drawing room and listened to Rebecca talk about a new boutique where dresses could be bought already made. Alterations could be made if needed. "I think we'll go there tomorrow, and buy you four, if we see some that you like, otherwise I brought three of Hannah's from last season. She said she didn't wear them, so we could have them altered to fit you."

"Mama, I don't need new dresses. I have five from last year. Each has only been worn once. Besides I don't intend to go to any balls this year. If money is going to be spent, I would rather put it into Blue Maids. We need new bedding."

"Shay." Thomas shook his head. "We had an arrangement, if you remember."

"Papa?"

"No," Thomas growled. "I'll not listen. I kept my end of the bargain. Now you have to keep yours. Please don't force me to withdraw my staff, my money and myself as benefactor from the orphanage." He stood up and ran his hand through his hair to try and calm down. She had his temper flaring. "Look at you. You're so tired you can hardly keep your eyes opened. If this goes on Shay, you will be an old woman before you are one score and five. I will not allow you to do that to yourself. There has to be moderation. If you continue on this path, I promise that I will force you home, and never allow you to return to London again."

"No!" Shay jumped to her feet.

"Yes." Thomas glared at her. "I think you had better take yourself to bed before you and I have a serious disagreement. We shall talk more of this tomorrow when you are in a better frame of mind. While you consider what I have said, remember your promise to me last year. It's not fair, Shay, that you can make such a promise, and then pull out of it as you please. These are not the actions of an honest person. You will be attending this seasons events, and I would prefer you did it willingly. If you are offered for, I will be considering each one. Now go."

"Papa!" Tears rolled down Shay's face.

"Go to your bed. We will talk more of this tomorrow." Thomas stormed out the door leaving Shay standing with tears streaming down her face.

Rebecca stood and took her in her arms. "Shush now. He will calm down tomorrow. This can be talked about at more length then."

"He's going to make me marry someone I don't love, Mama. Please don't let him do that."

"I'm sure he won't, but you did promise to attend this year's Season if he allowed you to live in London, and do your work for the orphanage. He's angry because you have broken your promise. If you keep to the promise you made last year, he would never threaten you with this."

"I'm sorry," Shay sobbed. "I'm so tired, Mama."

"Shush, I know you are. Come now. Off to bed and we'll talk more in the morning. You will both feel better then, and we can come to an agreement." Rebecca kissed Shay's forehead and led her up the stairs to bed.

*

"I don't want us to fight over this, Shay." Thomas looked over the breakfast table at his daughter, and gave her a gentle smile.

"I'm sorry, Papa. I was very tired last night and wasn't being fair." Shay stood up, went around the table and wrapped her arms around his neck. "I will keep my promise, but please don't make me marry someone I don't love."

Thomas held her face in both of his hands. "All I ask is you attend some of the Season's events. I don't expect you to go to all, but I want you to go with the thought of marriage in your mind. I want you to look at each man who takes an interest in you, as being a possible future husband. If you don't look at them in this way, you will never open your heart to the chance of love. I want you to be happy. Look at Hannah. She is going to be a mother. Edmond treats her very well, and they are both extremely happy and in love. I want the same for you."

"What if I don't fall in love, Papa? Will you force me to marry, even if I go to each event with an open mind?"

"This is something I don't want to do, Shay. However, if I don't think you are approaching this openly, then it is a possibility that I may have to take that path. If you promise me that you will try very hard to find an attachment to someone, and I can see you have honestly tried, then I will not take this course of action." Thomas could see the sadness in her eyes and knew he would probably never force her, but he had to push her to be open to the idea of marriage. "Do we have an agreement?"

Shay saw stress on his face. She loved him and knew that his intentions were good. If she didn't agree he would then take steps to find her a husband on his own. There was no harm in pretending to be opened to the idea of marriage. She smiled. "Yes, Papa we have an agreement."

I can't see this going as Thomas hopes.  What do you think?

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