Another chapter ready for you guys and it's a lot longer than normal.

I am sorry for any mistakes in this chapter and do apologize for them beforehand.

I would love it if you'd leave a review - I'd love to know what you think of the story so far. It'd be much appreciated.

Hope you all enjoy this chapter and thank you so much for reading and reviewing xx

I'm currently editing this piece of work - when I mean editing, I mean I'll be adapting the story and plot, and I will be checking for grammar and spelling mistakes, but I may miss some as my main focus is on shaping the story, so it flows well before I continue adding more chapters. I am sorry if it takes a while, but I do hope you'll all be patient with me.

I would recommend re-reading each new edited chapter as there may be changes that would fit in with future chapter and future edits.

Thank you for your time and I hope you enjoy.

If you do have any problems or any suggestions, please let me know.

Edited: 12/02/18

"Lavender's blue, dilly, dilly,

Lavender's green,

When I am King, dilly, dilly,

You shall be queen." I sung, dancing with the younger children as the few older ones played their fiddles. While the fiddles may not have been perfect, the fun we were having meant the most to us.

"Who told you so, dilly, dilly,

Who told you so?

'Twas my heart, dilly, dilly,

That told me so." Finn was watching in fascination. It was the first time he'd been to the farm since the fair for our birthday. I thought it would be good for him to play with kids his own age, and Polly said he could come if he behaved. He seemed to be enjoying himself, though he wasn't joining me and the younger cousins dancing.

"Call up your men, dilly, dilly,

Set them to work.

Some to the plough, dilly, dilly,

Some to the fork." Lila-Grace, Bobbi, and Drake giggled as we spun in circles, their faces red as they let go of each other's hands and did a twirl before grabbing hold of their hands again, spinning around. I gave Finn a smile as one of the older girls Cleo asked him to dance with her. He got all flustered and shook his head no. She gave him a bright smile and sat down next to him.

"Some to make hay, dilly, dilly,

Some to cut corn,

While you and I, dilly, dilly,

Keep ourselves warm." Mah-mee and a few of the mothers had joined us, singing along as they took some of the children's hands and danced. Finn had a look on his face, one I couldn't understand. I spun Lila-Grace in the air as we sung together.

"Lavender's green, dilly, dilly,

Lavender's blue,

If you love me, dilly, dilly,

I will love you." My eyes locked with Tommy's as I sung. When had he arrived? Where was Finn? I could see John and Arthur by the paddocks talking to Maddox and Donnie. I bit my lip as Tommy kept his eyes locked on mine and I stumbled over the next words of the song.

"Let the birds sing, dilly, dilly,

Let the lambs play,

We shall be safe, dilly, dilly,

Out of harm's way." I couldn't keep my eyes off him. I felt that if I looked away something bad would happen. What was he doing here? Why were John and Arthur talking to Maddox and Donnie? Was this about Graves? I looked away when Mah-mee pulled me into her arms.

"I love to dance, dilly, dilly,

I love to sing,

When I am queen, dilly, dilly,

You'll be my king." Mah-mee spun me around and my eyes locked with Tommy's again. I could see the smirk on his lips, but I had no idea why it was there. Did he find me amusing? Was he making fun of me? He hadn't spoken to me since he dropped me off here last night. I was expecting to stay longer but as soon as Papa and Tommy told me about the plan with Graves I wanted to go home. Not one word was spoken on the way home. Did he have something to say now?

"Who told me so, dilly, dilly,

Who told me so?

I told myself, dilly, dilly,

I told me so." As we sung the last verse, the girls playing the fiddles gave the last few notes before resting them on the haystacks next to them and rushing to dance among their younger siblings and cousins. While we didn't have the music anymore, we still had fun dancing.

"Your man's not taken 'is eyes of ya since he arrived," Mah-mee told me as she spun me around, so I could see Tommy again. She was right. He was still watching me. I twisted back round to look at her.

"Tommy's not my man, Mah-mee, you know that," I whispered, feeling the eyes of a few of the mothers on me. This lot can be nosy at times.

"It'll 'appen soon, just you see Elsie-girl," she muttered, pressing a kiss to my head as she sighed deeply. It sounded like she was finding something hard. "Why don't you go see what Tommy wants." I gave her a small nod before turning away from her. Dancing with my little cousins, I finally came to a stop in front of Tommy.

He wasn't looking at me. His eyes were watching my cousins dance. Boys and girls, dancing to no music, just their voices as they repeated the song.

"Is there something you need?" I asked, wanting to get to the point instead of chasing after him like a cat would a mouse.

"Just wanted to see you," he grunted, looking away from the dancing as he pulled a cigarette from his breast pocket.

"You saw me last night, Tommy," I reminded him, knowing there was something else he wanted to talk about.

"Right," his eyes went over to John and Arthur who were now talking to Finn. "I've bought a horse, John and Arthur put him in a pen. I need you to look at him."

"Another horse? Does it not matter that I've already got three of your horses here?" I asked as I made my way over to this new horse.

"One horse belongs to me," he said as he followed two steps behind me.

"I've got Aden, Wen, and Storm. That's three Tommy, I'm sure you're capable of counting," I told him, spinning to look at him, walking backward.

"Storm is Finn's, he's not my horse," Tommy pointed out, reminding me that Storm belongs to Finn.

"That still leaves Aden and Wen," I muttered, looking at the new horse Tommy brought as we drew closer. Finn was sat on the fence with John as the two of them watched as Maddox tried to join up with the grey steed.

"I bought Wen for you, she belongs to you." His tone left no room for arguing. I tilted my head to the side as I looked up at him. It was another thing I didn't understand about Tommy. He came across as this dangerous man, but he did these sweet things. Why had he bought me a horse?

"That was very generous of you Tommy," I sighed, not knowing how I'm meant to be dealing with him.

"Hmm," he replied, leaning against the fence next to Arthur as we looked in on Maddox as he fell over. Finn and John burst into laughter as Arthur slapped Donnie on the back as he called out advice to Maddox.

"What's there to know about this boy then?" I questioned climbing up onto the fence, not bothering to change out of my skirt.

"Bought 'im off an Irish fella we met at the pub," Arthur announced, causing me to give Tommy a sharp look. Did he know anything about this horse? Did he have papers? Did he know the horse's medical history?

"That's fantastic," I spat sarcastically as I rested on the fence looking down at Tommy. "What can you tell me about him then?"

"He's been neglected. The man we bought 'im from said he got 'im a few months back when the war ended. He was starving then, put on a bit now, but he could be doing better," Tommy told me as he smoked his cigarette, looking to Maddox as he came over to us, shaking his head.

"He doesn't want to join up, Ellie," Maddox said as he pulled himself up onto the fence.

"He doesn't trust people," I told them as I watched the horse kick at the fence furthest away from us. "What's his name?"

"Leaving Behind Dust," John said, smirking as he glanced at me. Finn started giggling at his side but stopped when Arthur hit him on the head.

"We call him Dusty," Tommy sighed, looking over at Dusty. It suited him, the name. His coat was grey with specks of black and white. Dusty was the perfect name for him. "Can you sort 'im out? I want to get him racing soon."

"I'll see what I can do," I grumbled dropping down on the other side of the fence, making my way to Dusty.

"Hey boy," I whispered, making my way over to Dusty as he kicked at the ground, trying to find a way out of the pen. Even if I hadn't been told that Dusty had been through the war, I would have known. There were signs. Just like I had known with Aden.

The tension in both of their bodies was a clue. The mistrust in their eyes, another. It made me wonder how Tommy, John, and Arthur had managed to get Dusty here. He was so worked up, I couldn't see them bringing him here without a challenge.

Clicking my tongue as I drew closer to Dusty, hoping he'd be able to sense that I meant him no harm. The clicking was meant to gain his attention but I could see that Dusty was focused on Aden and Wen, watching them as they ate in their pen.

Did he want company?

Was he lonely after everything he went through?

Did he need a friend to soothe him from his troubles?

He reminded me of Tommy. Why was it that Tommy had been interested in two horses that had seen war? Was he trying to save them?

"He couldn't save himself," I muttered, turning to glance at him, finding him already looking at me. Biting my lip, I turned back to Dusty, knowing now what he wanted. He wanted the same thing Tommy wanted. "You want to be free, Dusty? I can see it in your eyes, boy. You want to be able to run, don't you? I promise you, Dusty, that if you work with me, you'll be able to run so fast…," I cooed to him, stepping closer slowly. I was aware that this could be dangerous. Sometimes the horses made a move that was too fast for me to see. Those were the times I'd end up in the dirt with a few bruises.

"Dusty, can you trust that I'm just trying to help you?" I asked, looking him in the eyes, hoping he wouldn't fight me. When he didn't show any sign of fighting, I solely picked up the rope Maddox had dropped earlier. "I'm not going to hurt you, I just need you to follow my lead, okay boy?" without hesitation I swung the rope out towards Dusty's front, smiling when he pushed away from the rope. I swung the rope in the opposite direction, cutting him off before he could get away, glad that Dusty seemed to be working with me when he dashed away from the tip of the rope.

After ten minutes of this, I was sure that Dusty would join up. I trusted that he would. Turning my back to Dusty, I looked over at the four Shelby men. Finn and John were still sat on the fence, Maddox sat up there next to them, while John and Maddox smoked.

Arthur was talking to Donnie, the two of them laughing about something, that seemed rather amusing to the pair. Tommy caught my attention though, he was talking to Lila-Grace and from what I could see, they both had smiles on their faces. Tommy's may have been small, yet it was still there.

He said something to Lila-Grace and she skipped off, leaving him alone. He looked up then, his sharp blue eyes startling me. There was something intense about his eyes. I always found them hard to read.

I jumped when Dusty's nose pushed against my cheek. I couldn't help the smile that crossed my lips when I realized that he was ready to join up. He trusted me, and I wouldn't forget that.

"I promise not to hurt you boy," I whispered, my eyes staying on Tommy, promising him the same thing.

The morning was cold. I had forgotten that Christmas was upon us until the cold reached me this morning. A small cry from Paddy had me climbing out of bed, my feet slipping into soft slippers as I rushed over to the crib. Paddy was red-faced, tears rolling down his chubby cheeks. He had kicked off his blankets and I could only assume that he was cold.

"You're a silly little boy," I cooed, tucking him tightly in the blankets, leaning down to press a kiss on his head. "You let me get dressed and I'll take you to get your bottle." I pulled on one of my woollen dresses and a thick overcoat.

We had a busy day today. The horses needed to be moved to the stables ready for Christmas. The fields would be used for a festival the day after Christmas that would go through to the New Year. More family would be joining us for the week after Christmas Day and we had only a couple of days to prepare. The farmhouse was already littered with caravans, but Mah-mee had declared that the place is tidied up, not that the family would mind, it didn't look a mess anyway. It was just Mah-mee fretting over nothing.

"You're up late," Mah-mee stated as I came down the stairs, Paddy snuggled in his blankets against my chest.

"Paddy just woke up," I told her, both of us knowing that I would have woken earlier if Paddy had. He hardly ever slept late.

"Aye, the boy was probably having nice dreams," Mah-mee said, taking Paddy from me, a bottle ready for him. "I left you some toast. They've already started on the farm work, you've got Dusty and Aden to stable and Hellfire will probably be around, he likes the warmth this time of year." I nodded, knowing that Hellfire would most likely be coming around sometime today. He'd been around the farm, he never ventured off the lands we own. "Finn's wanting to help. He was 'ere before the sun was up. He's been helping Maddie with the hay."

"I'll go out now," I muttered, staring at Paddy in her arms as he sucked on his bottle. "Are you watching Paddy today?"

"Donnie's gonna spend time with him while I do the house chores." I didn't think that was a clever idea. Donnie was still hurt, he wouldn't be able to push himself too much with Paddy, but I wouldn't argue with Mah-mee.

"I'm gonna make sure Finn isn't annoying Maddox," I said, kissing Paddy on the head before leaving the house.

The family was doing all sorts as I walked passed the caravans to the stables. There was a small group of them filing the dry stock with vegetables and seeds. Wheat and flour were being added to the dry shed as well. I knew another dry shed was stocked with butter and cheese. Half the time Milla and Poppy would take half a dozen blocks of butter and cheese to the farmers market just outside of Small Heath.

"Elsie!" Finn shouted as he saw me making my way to the pens. I glanced at him, seeing that he was walking away from Storm who had been moved into one of the stalls in the barn. "Storm almost knocked Maddox down, I had to calm him down like you taught me." He sounded happy and I couldn't have wanted anything else for him.

While I knew that he was looked I couldn't help but feel that Polly and the others just pushed him with John's boys. Finn was their uncle, not their brother and he should be treated as such. He was so young compared to his brothers and Ada, I think they sometimes forgot that he still wanted to be treated the same as them.

"That's excellent, Finn, why don't you help me with Wen? I'll even try and get Aden to come to you," I called back, knowing that Finn would agree. He loved horses just as much as I did. Just as much as Tommy did. If I could just get Tommy to see that then their bond would be stronger.

"Really?" Finn asked, rushing to a stop in front of me, his cheeks flushed from the cold.

"Of course, Finn, I promised you I'd teach you everything I knew about horses." I gave him a soft smile, ruffling his hair. "Come on, we've got a lot to do and it's going to take a while," I told him, leading him towards Wen and Aden.

"I can't wait to tell Tommy about this," Finn gushed, and I loved that he was thinking about Tommy when he was doing something he enjoyed.

"Aye, I think Tommy will like hearing it." If this was what helped Tommy deal with his issues, then I hope it's Finn that can get through to Tommy. I knew it would be hard. Simply forgetting what he'd gone through over the last four years was a stupid thing to ask, but I could only hope it'll start helping him heal, even if it was a little bit. "Help me get Wen's attention, Finn."

You'll have to let her come to you. Just lift your arm out and let her smell you, Finn," I told him, brushing my fingers over Aden's neck as we stood watching Finn try and connect with Wen. He seemed a bit skittish at first, but I could see his confidence building. "Let her see that you mean no harm. Trust her to lead you —"

"Fuck," Maddox's voice brought my attention away from Finn as he stepped away from Wen startled. "Ellie, we have visitors," Maddox announced, pointing out the two coppers as they walked up to the farmhouse. I didn't know why they were here, but I had a bad feeling about them.

"Finn if this gets bad I needed you to run home as fast as you can, alright? Don't try and help, just get home to Polly. Do you understand me?" I rushed out, grabbing him by the shoulder, stopping him from following Maddox.

"I understand," he answered, following me as I led him towards the house.

The two coppers had the attention of most of the family members and as we drew closer I could make out what they were saying.

"—leave. The owner of this land has ordered you to leave. You've got two days to pack up and leave or you'll be arrested. Is that understood?" the taller of the two shouted, his eyes roaming around.

The owner wanted us to leave? Why would Papa want us to leave?

"Excuse me," I called, gaining the attention of the two coppers. "I know the owner, he wouldn't send us away. If you wait, I can have him called up and have this sorted out." I was being a lot politer than I wanted to be, but I knew it wouldn't do to cause trouble.

"You looking for a smack, girl?" the taller of the two asked, taking a step towards me. I felt Finn shift behind me, no doubt worried I'd be hit.

The second copper, the blond one, looked at me, his eyes taking in my appearance before shooting to Finn as he stepped by my side, taking my hand. His eyes widened as a nervous look took over his face.

"Phil, you might want to back off, the boy's a Shelby," he stuttered, grabbing hold of Phil's arm.

"Graves wants you off his land, you Gypsy whore!" Phil spat, his glare meant to intimidate me, but I had seen Tommy's glare, and this was nothing in comparison. Maddox made a noise of protest, one that would end up with him being arrested for assaulting an officer, so I lifted my hand to stop him from doing anything reckless.

"Graves doesn't own this farm. It belongs to Lord Alfred Cromwell, I'm sure you've heard of him. He's also my grandfather, I can get a message sent to him and we can get this all cleared up. In the meantime, I'd appreciate it if you would leave the farm. I'll even send word to your boss and inform him that his officers have been wasting time that could be used in more engaging cases where their investigator skills would be put to proper use."

The smack came as a shock, but the stinging on my cheek didn't stop me from pulling Finn back as he went for Phil. With a stern look, Finn shrugged out of my hold and rushed away from us and towards Small Heath. At least he listened to me and went home if things went bad.

"Don't," I warned the men of the family as they went towards the copper. It wouldn't do if they all started a fight with two coppers. It's obvious who would win, and it wouldn't be fair. "I think it would be best if you left right now," I spoke to the coppers, ignoring Phil, but keeping my eyes on the blond one. He looked so worried.

"You just touched Tommy Shelby's girl," the blond hissed, grabbing Phil by his arm as he pulled him to the car parked on the road leading to Small Heath. I watched them walk away while biting my lip. This was going to cause trouble.

"Ellie, we should get that looked at," Maddox sighed, nodding at the mark on my face.

I couldn't even feel it anymore, but I knew that there was more pain to be felt. My marked face wasn't important, but it would lead to someone being in insufferable pain, just to who?

Tickling on my cheek woke me in a haze of irritation. I pushed my fingers over my cheek, wiping at the bruise that marked my skin. My fingers collided with another set of fingers.

Why was someone in my room?

I shot up, grabbing the knife under my pillow and held it against my intruder's throat. I couldn't see who it was due to the sleep clouding my vision but as their fingers wrapped around my wrist I felt calm.

"You going to cut me with that?" Tommy asked, his voice relaxing me even more as he lowered my hand, taking the knife from my grasp.

"What are you doing here?" I mumbled rubbing my eyes. The reason I couldn't see him very well wasn't that I had just woken up, it was because it was dark in my room. "What time is it?"

"Late," Tommy announced, leaning over and turning the lamp on I had by my bed. I blinked harshly as the light invaded my eyes, blinding me.

I could see him clearly now. He was dressed as he always was; in a three-piece suit with a white shirt and dark blue tie. I could see his cap tucked into his pocket.

His eyes seemed brighter in the light as they gazed at my face. His fingers brushed over my bruised cheek, his face turning into a frown.

"Why are you here?" I asked again, feeling a bit out of sorts with Tommy being at my house, in my room in the middle of the night.

"Finn told me what happened," he replied, his thumb brushing over my bottom lip as he trailed his fingers down my chin, lifting my head. His eyes locked on mine and he took my breath away. "I came to see you."

While it was sweet of him, it also pissed me off. The coppers had been here in the early afternoon, Finn had gone home before lunch. Tommy had all afternoon and evening to come and see me, yet he waited until everyone was asleep. He'd waited until the dead of night. Had he just walked into my house without knocking?

I huffed out, pushing his hand from my face as I climbed out of bed. I went to the window, my back to him as I crossed my arms over my chest. I could see his car parked by the road. Had he not wanted to wake anyone?

"You've had all day to see me, Tommy. Why come now?" I wondered, wanting to know if this was because he didn't want people to see us together. If that was his plan, then he could find someone else to care for his horses.

"I was busy," he stated, getting up from the bed, making his way to me. I could hear him getting closer. I could feel him getting closer. I turned to look at him, hoping he'd take the hint that I was angry at him.

"Too busy for me? What's going on with us, Tommy? You act all—" I stopped when I got a good look at him. His white shirt was splattered with blood. It was even on his collar and on the cuffs of his sleeves. I knew why he was busy now. "That cooper, Tommy?" I asked, knowing I didn't need him to answer me to know. "Was it worth it? I'm sure you'll be getting jail time for this. What about Finn? He needs you even if you don't know it. And John, do you think he'll be able to handle Arthur without you? He can barely look after his boys and work at the same time."

"John will be fine," Tommy cut me off, grabbing hold of my hand when I went to shove him.

"But Arthur won't. We both know that. Polly said you all came back different—"

"Don't talk about—"

"Arthur isn't the same, Tommy! Polly said he's dangerous now. He's got a short fuse. You saw him the other day. He can't keep hold of his anger. Do you really think he'd be able to do that with you locked up? And what about Ada? She might not admit it, but she missed you. Do you really think she'll be able to deal with you not being around? And Polly? She sure as hell needs you. She can't deal with the business without you, no matter how helpful John and Arthur are." I took in a deep breath as I look at him. Did he not really think about his family when he went after Phil? "You're so stupid, Thomas! Do you have any idea what you've done? I won't be able to—" I cut myself off when I realized what I was about to say.

"You won't be able to what?" Tommy questioned, taking a step closer.

"I won't … I won't be able to help them," I whispered, lying to him. Tommy tilted his head at my words and I knew he could tell I was lying. "I'm going to be busy in the New Year. I've got Paddy to care for and I start teaching at the school. I've got the horse, and Papa has a few events scheduled, plus the races will be picking up and I'm just … I'm just going to be busy, Tommy." I sighed, shaking my head as I felt him move closer. "There's still the thing with Graves. If you're locked up how are we meant to bring him to an end? Papa can't deal with all this by himself and I can't help him, I'm—" Tommy's lips engulfed my words as they captured mine.

"You're busy, I know," he mumbled, his lips pressing harder to mine. I sighed into the kiss, wrapping my arms around his neck as he tugged me closer to him.

My back hit the wall as Tommy pushed me back, one hand resting on my hip and the other tangled in my hair. His tongue swiped at my bottom lip before slipping into my mouth, stroking my tongue. I could taste whiskey and his cigarettes. I mumbled nonsense into his mouth as I pulled away from him with wide eyes.

We were both breathing heavily, our chests pressed together so tightly it was starting to hurt my breasts. What were we doing?

"Come to bed," Tommy whispered, pulling my hand as he led me to the bed. My heart thumped heavily in my chest as I kept my eyes on his. He was telling me something with his eyes. I could see that a small part of himself was left vulnerable.

He pushed me down gently and I watched as he kicked off his shoes. I bit my lip as he nudged his socks off, shredding his jacket and vest. He held my gaze as he pushed his trousers down, leaving him in his boxer shorts and shirt. His fingers unbuttoned his shirt before fiddled with the buttons on his cuffs.

He leaned down as he pulled his shirt off, pressing his lips to mine, pushing me down onto the mattress. He pulled the covers over me before slipping under them as well, pulling me into his arms, his lips finding mine again. He lifted me by the hips until I was rested on him, his hands running down my back.

The room went dark as he switched off the lamp. I was left in the darkness for a few seconds wondering what was going to happen but closed my eyes when his lips trailed down my neck.

Thank you for reading xx