This was such a mess.

And of course it got worse.

Mr. Foxwood came striding in and Torie had never wanted to fall through the floor so much in her entire life. If something could just swallow her whole, she would be much obliged. He must hate her. Every time he seemed to come swooping in, she had done something inappropriate. Well, at least this time she hadn't, even if it looked like she had.

Anthony made excuses and the tone of his voice tore right through her, bringing her crashing back down to reality. Panic struck her.

Basil grabbed her hand and she looked helplessly at Mr. Alderton before turning back to Basil. Whatever it was that was wrong with him was about to ruin her chance at happiness and she was not going to let it go without a fight. "Basil, I said I wished to leave once already, I will not repeat myself again. I do not know what has gotten into you, but it is making me uncomfortable and I cannot stay." Her voice held a tone of finality that she hoped would do the job. Hopefully Mr. Foxwood could handle his brother. Hopefully he didn't think her a complete harlot.

Torie had bigger things to worry about, namely Anthony and his sprint away from them. Torie wretched her hand from Basil's grasp and she hurried from the room after Anthony.