PROLOGUE
AN: I have recently become obsessed with the Peaky Blinders and I thought why not create my own fanfiction on it. There are small changes to the TV universe with no Finn Shelby but a Lillian Shelby who is two years older. I do not know the ages of the Shelby members accurately but I have tried my best.
I apologise if I have historical errors in my work and anyone is welcome to DM me what I have done wrong. The main pairing for the story is OC/OC and I have yet to decide any other pairings. I hope you enjoy reading the story and I present to you 'All's fair in love and war'
~1903~
On the cold, weary night of the sixth of November in the Shelby residence of Birmingham, pants and moans filled up the house. In the master bedroom Maggy Shelby was suffering through contraptions, clinging onto her sister-in-law's hand for dear life.
"Push Maggy, push!" Polly advised Maggy Shelby, who lying down on her back was having a baby.
"Come on Maggy, that's right push," panting Maggy push hard, harder than she has ever done in her life.
"Fuck!" She groaned, as her contractions happened the baby was coming closer to the world. A wet rag was put to her forehead by Polly, in hope for the woman's fever to lower.
"One, two, three," Polly repeated continuously through each of Maggy's pushes. "I can see its head, come one just a little bit more and the pain will go away."
A scream of agony left the woman's mouth before a baby's cry filled the room. The baby had been delivered.
"It's a girl Maggy, a little baby girl on the tiny side." Polly quickly clamped the baby girl's umbilical cord and wrapped her up in a blanket. Turning around to aid Maggy, she realised something bad was happening.
"Shit," Polly realised that Maggy was bleeding hard from her uterus and she wasn't stopping. "Arthur! Arthur get here now!" She called out to her brother, Maggy's husband and the father to the little girl.
Bounding through the door that separated his wife to him and their other four children, Arthur entered the room in which his wife was dying in.
"What's wrong with her Polly, what's wrong with Maggy?" Arthur asked while being handed his new born daughter.
"She's losing blood, I can't stop it, I'm so sorry." Polly sadly replied as she tried to prevent Maggy from bleeding any more with towels.
"Arthur," Maggy weakly mumbled, seeing both her husband and sister-in-law in distress. "Come here, let me see my baby girl"
Walking over to his dying wife, with his new born girl cradled in his arms, he passed the premature baby into her arms. Tears were forming as he realised that Maggy was not going to survive, this fifth pregnancy had taken the toll on her.
"Isn't she beautiful Arthur," Maggy softly told her husband, with hair sticking to her sweaty face and skin turning into a sickly pallor.
"She is, darling," Arthur replied, stroking his baby's face. "What do you want to call her?"
"Lillian. Lillian Shelby, youngest of the Shelby children," Maggy spoke her last words.
"What a beautiful name," Polly said standing next to her brother and sister. "She's going to be a protected one, with three older brothers and one older sister she's never going to be marrying anybody." Tears were streaming down all the faces now, knowing that the inevitable was coming.
"My little Lily will always be loved, I want no one to blame her for my death." Maggy sternly says, breathing her last breathes.
"I will always love her," Arthur replies, "as I do to you."
"I love you too." Maggy's breathes had stopped. Her chest no longer rose. She had bled out.
Wiping the tears out of her face Polly said to Arthur, "Pick Lillian up, go and show her to the others. Tell them the news, I'll cover up Maggy."
Solemnly, Arthur picked his girl up and took her to the room next door. Arthur Jr, Tommy, John and Ada all stood up as their father entered the room with their new baby sibling in his arms.
Arthur Jr and Tommy immediately knew something had gone wrong with the birth due to their father's devastated face.
"Children, this is Lillian, your new baby sister. And I'm sorry to say that your mother has died due to complications in your sister's premature birth." Arthur gravely announced.
The children did not know what to think, hatred for their new sister who had taken their mother started to arise. However, seeing their premature and small sister made them make a vow. Lillian Shelby needed to be protected, loved and looked after and her siblings where never going to let her get hurt. She would never have to be involved in the Peaky Blinders, and Tommy and Arthur Jr hoped it stayed like that.
~1908~
It was a joyous evening in the Garrison. The Shelby's were celebrating John's first victory since becoming a full member of the Peaky Blinders. Tommy and Arthur were plying him with whiskey and beer at the bar of the pub. Arthur Sr, their father, was out and about at the local whore house, fucking away the feelings of loss for his wife five years ago. He had become absent in his children's lives, with Polly having to look after them and Tommy knew that soon he was going to leave them for good.
Polly and Ada were entertaining little Lily in the Garrison's side room. Polly watching them with a smile while Ada played dolls with Lily, now five years old.
The merry cheers of the Shelby boys filled up the whole pub, both the Peaky Blinders and the rest of the Garrison alike celebrated another defeat of the troublesome gypsies, the Lees.
"I'm going check that the boys are treating John right and not letting him get too pissed." Polly said to Ada, now 14 years old, who simply nodded in return. "Make sure Lily doesn't leave the room"
"Yes Aunt Poll," Ada replied before continuing to keep Lily amused.
Polly entered the maid area of the pub and headed to the bar where her nephews were downing shots as fast as bullets.
"Well well boys, it hasn't taken you that long for you to get John on the whiskey," Polly said laughing while ordering one for herself.
"Of course John can take the whiskey, we Shelby's can drink the hard stuff," Arthur replied, patting the back of his little brother John.
"Yeah Poll, I can take anything on," John cheekily said, earning himself a hair ruffle from Tommy.
"How are the girls?" Tommy said, tipping his head towards the side room.
"Ada's amusing Lily with her dolls. I'm still not happy that your five and 14 year old sisters have been brought here while you have gone and your brothers have been demolishing the Garrison's whiskey supply." Polly said unamused.
"Don't you worry about a thing Poll. We're just here celebrating and no one would dare go near the girls when they know we're here.
Unbeknownst to them, a very drunk man headed straight towards the Garrison's side room and straight to the vulnerable Shelby girls.
"Time for tea," Ada said while making the doll in her hand pick up her tea cup.
"No, no Ada. Matilda doesn't want to." Lily argued, putting her doll down. "I want to join Tommy and Arthur and John." She stropped and crossed her arms.
"Come on Lil don't do that, you know you can't join in with the adults."
"But I want to. I want Aunt Poll."
Suddenly someone came crashing through the doors. A very intoxicated and large man stood before Ada and Lily Shelby.
"Now look what we have here," the man slurred. "Well isn't it the two Shelby girls, unprotected without their brothers."
"Stay away!" Ada demanded, "You can't do anything to us while our brothers are next door." Ada was backing away from the man, pushing lily behind her. With her little hands grabbing onto Ada's skirt, Lily started to cry.
The man, not caring about Ada's replies stumbled towards her and grabbed her arm. "I bet you're a virgin, very tight but it's your little sister I want." The man sneered and pushed Ada to the side.
"Don't you dare touch her!" Ada shouted and screamed.
Abruptly, the Shelby boys barged into the room, hearing their sister's scream.
"Get the fuck away from my sisters!" Arthur shouted, going straight to the man and started to pummel him. John went straight into joining him; kicking and cutting the man with his razorblade cap. Tommy went immediately to his little sister.
"Lily, are you alright? He didn't touch you? Hurt you?" He frantically asked his sister, wiping away the tears running down her cheek before embracing.
"Im alright Tommy, but he pushed Ada. Is she alright?" Lily replied trying to wiggle out of his embrace. He held onto her tightly, not wanting to see what had happened to the man after he had taken Arthur and John's beatings.
"There's no need to worry little one, Ada's alright she's with Aunt Poll," Tommy reassured Lily, looking at Polly and Ada standing by the doors. "Don't worry Lily, we'll never let anyone hurt you or Ada ever."
~1909~
Arthur Shelby Sr had decided to come back to the Shelby residence, for however long he decided. None of them knew how long his visits would be and how long it would be to see him again. He was an absence in all of their lives that they didn't really care about. For Lily she didn't really see him as her father. In and out of her life since she was born and her mother had died, Lily considered her elder brothers as her paternal figures.
Lily knew that her father's absence was her fault, even though her family had denied it every time. It was her fault that her mother died giving birth to her and it was her fault that her father was a disappearing act. She knew little of her mother and had to rely on Polly and Tommy's accounts on what she was like.
Her mother was Maggy Shelby who had long flowing chestnut hair and piercing blue eyes, just like Lily and Tommy. Her father had told her many times that she looked just her mother and Lily believed that this just made Arthur Sr more willing to leave them.
Today was a rare occasion, Lily was actually spending time with her father.
"Lily how old are you now?" Arthur asked while puffing a cigarette.
"Six now pa, I'm nearly seven though." Lily proudly said.
"Ah six. I wonder, what's it like being in the Peaky Blinders kid?"
"What's it like pa? I don't know. I get free stuff though," Lily beams. "Mrs Hart at the sweet shop gives me sherbets for free and I don't even have to pay any shillings."
"Lucky you then." Arthur takes another puff, "The free stuff you get is out of respect for us. Listen now Lily, we, the Peaky Blinders, are in charge of this city. People respect us and pay us and in return we give them protection. You kid, will never have to pay for anything in this city as long as the Peaky Blinders are in charge." Finishing his cigarette, Arthur stood up. Put his hat and coat on and walked towards the door.
"Where are you going pa?" Lily asked, curious to why he was leaving unexpectedly. However she knew, an inkling, he was leaving them once again.
"Anywhere away from here baby girl," Arthur replied. "You'll see me again one day." And he walked out of the house.
He didn't come back for another ten years.
~1914~
It was a busy day at Birmingham's train station. The war had started and all eligible men aged 19 and upwards had to go and fight for the country. Unfortunately John, Tommy and Arthur had to go.
Standing at the platform Lily, Ada and Aunt Polly bid the boys farewell. Lily, being 11 now, understand why her brothers had to go but she didn't appreciate it, she didn't want them to risk their lives and in the unfortunate case, not returning.
Tears rolling down her cheeks, Lily bid each brother goodbye. Giving them the biggest and strongest hugs she could muster. All replied with promises of returning and not leaving he behind.
John made her promise that she would protect herself and their family. Arthur made her promise that she would uphold the Shelby name and the Peaky Blinders. Tommy made the vow and promise that he would return to them, and bring with them the victory of the war.
Bidding their farewells, the boys went onto the train and departed.
It had been two months since Lily's brothers had gone to aid the country in World War One and Aunt Polly had taken over the role as head of the Peaky Blinders. As much as Polly didn't like it, Lily aided her in the running of the gang.
Having been brought up with a good education and knowing how to read, write and count, Lily help with the finances of the Peaky Blinders. She had not control over how the money was spent but she helped to count the earnings.
It was nearing December. Birmingham had already started to get cold and more fires were burning throughout the city. It was a chilly after and Lily was walking down the street towards the Garrison, head held high, with people nodding at her and letting her go past. This was the kind of respect she deserved. After all she is a Peaky Blinder.
Walking into the Garrison, the first thing she noticed was a boy, around fifteen years old, talking to Harry Fenton, the landlord of the pub.
"Good afternoon Mr Fenton, I'm here for your monthly pay." Polly had wanted to Lily to get the landlords protection pay.
"Wait here for a minute Miss Shelby, I'll just go out back and collect it for you," Harry replied and went round the back leaving Lily with the unknown boy. Taking off her gloves she turned around to the boy to earn a swift reply.
"My name's Walter Fenton, Harry's my uncle; it's nice to meet you Miss Shelby." He said, kissing Lily's hand.
"Call me Lily, I sound so old being called 'Miss'" Lily replied, blushing and feeling a way that she had never felt before.
And thus a relationship was formed. Lily and Harry became close and they soon realise they feel something for each other. However they had to keep their relationship a secret, with Harry being four years older than Lily, they knew that Polly would frown upon the relationship. I did not help that Harry was now a part of the Peaky Blinders, Polly had seen Harry defend Lily once from a few drunkards and decided that he would be a good addition to the Peaky Blinders.
~1918~
They were coming back. The war was over and Britain won. John, Tommy and Arthur were coming back home. Standing at the train station Polly, Ada, Lily and Harry, who came as protection, were waiting for the boys to arrive.
Lily was 15 now, she had matured vastly over the past four years her brothers had been away. She and harry had been going well so far and their relationship was still a secret to Polly but Lily had an inkling that Ada knew what was going on. To be far Lily also knew how her sister had been in a relationship with Freddie Thorne, Tommy's ex best friend.
They were coming back. The war was over and Britain won. John, Tommy and Arthur were coming back home. Standing at the train station Polly, Ada, Lily and Walter, who came as protection, were waiting for the boys to arrive.
Lily was 15 now, she had matured vastly over the past four years her brothers had been away. She and Walter had been going well so far and their relationship was still a secret to Polly but Lily had an inkling that Ada knew what was going on. To be far Lily also knew how her sister had been in a relationship with Freddie Thorne, Tommy's ex best friend.
They got off the train. Tommy looked around the platform, looking for his family, with John and Arthur following him. He had spotted them. Before Tommy knew it Lily was in his arms, embracing him in a hug. She was taller he noticed and had very much matured from the skinny little girl she was before the war.
Reaching his shoulders now and body more curved and defined was his younger sister who now was 15 and no longer 11.
"Well hello to you too little one," Tommy happily said looking down at Lily. Arthur and John were hugging and greeting Ada and Polly beside them.
"I'm so happy you're back Tommy," Lily joyously said. Finishing their greetings she moved onto Arthur and John when Tommy noticed the boy next to Polly who had not taken his eyes of Lily. Greeting Ada and Polly first he then went on to speak to this unknown boy.
"And who is this Polly?" Tommy said nodding towards Walter.
"My name's Walter Fenton, Mr Shelby." Harry replied putting his hand out to shake Tommy's.
"He's Harry Fenton's son, the landlord of the Garrison, and he's a new member of the Peaky Blinders. Been very helpful while you've been away boys." Polly explained. John and Arthur nodded to this, not really minding about the new neighbour, they'd known Harry for years and trusted him.
"Nice to meet you Walter, call me Tommy, no need for formalities." Tommy didn't mind about the new member but he would keep watch. He'd seen the shared glances his sister and this boy had shared and he didn't really appreciate the four year age difference both held. Lily was only 15, she had no need for relationships at her age.
The Shelby family were back together. The Peaky Blinders have their leaders back and there was no stopping them.
~1919~
A man riding a beautiful black horse trots into a courtyard. A girl, considerably younger than him, trots beside him on an equally beautiful grey horse. The horse's hooves click on the cobbles. Laughing and chattering of the residents in the courtyard ceases to have existed. Whispered word goes around the children and mothers like wildfire. All games are frozen. Washing is left in baskets.
These people have brought instant terror to the people within the courtyard. Both are immaculately dressed. The man in a dark suit and polished shoes. The girl in fitted riding bottoms, a spotless buttoned up shirt and a tailored jacket. Both well-groomed and fairly attractive. The man's face is hidden with his cap while the women's long hair covers hers.
They are Thomas and Lillian Shelby. Members of the Peaky Blinders and now the only ones in the courtyard.
And here it is! Hope you have enjoyed these flashbacks to provide a backstory for the new Shelby and to help you understand her.
I aim to update every Sunday (hopefully) so chapter one will be put up next Sunday. Hope you have all enjoyed and don't forget to favourite, subscribe and review.