Tommy had begun to focus on his more politically driven work and his strange focus on Jessie Eden hadn't escaped Alice. Despite his focus being elsewhere, he had asked Alice to stay at his home on the weekends where they would be mostly uninterrupted by Blinder or political business. Alice had put David back in charge as she started to descend back into old habits on the week days. When Tommy wasn't looking, she seemed to get herself into a diverse range of nefarious activities. She would join some of her women on the streets pickpocketing to occupy her days until the club opened at 3pm or find herself in the company of rich gentlemen, or women, who wanted some more adventurous company.
She did pride herself on not being a whore. She did however enjoy being taken to dancing, lunches, and cultural activities. She did enjoy the wandering hands and affection yet when she had her fifth glass of champagne, Alice couldn't decide whether the touch was right or the distraction was.
When Tommy wasn't around her, she would reach for her vices a lot sooner. There would be no resistance to taking whatever was offered to her.
On a quiet Monday afternoon, Alice had accepted an invitation to join some delightful American men for Afternoon tea. She had met them through Sabini and had agreed to entertain them with a few of her more professional women.
As soon as the tea was served, she regretted accepting the invitation. It was incredibly boring.
Alice looked at the man sitting opposite her at the elegant dining table. The delicate silverware presented the sweets of afternoon tea. She took a sip from her tea and smiled as the conversation continued. The man's eye wandered down from her face to her chest. She simply smiled and turned to look at the room.
The hall was furnished with a taste only wealth could provide. The other tables were occupied by men and women who probably didn't have to work a day in their life. Alice had always hated being in places like this. She lit a cigarette and her smile nearly faltered when she noticed a familiar face. She looked away and focused on the man across from her. He grinned and managed to swap seats with her neighbour. His arm slid around the back of her chair.
"I hear you are a very independent woman," The man said in a hushed tone.
"Oh yeah, where did you hear that?" Alice pretended to entertain him.
"Mr Sabini always talks fondly of your business," The American replied as he lit his own cigarette. "I have never quite heard of a woman like you Miss Black. So, when you said you would come today, I was surprised as I'm sure you've got better offers to occupy your time." He blew out a long exhale and moved closer. His knee touched hers. She suddenly wanted to recoil as she felt a heavy gaze.
"I think you would be correct," Alice took a draw and met the eyes across the room.
"May I call you Alice?" The man asked. His arm, which was draped over her shoulder, tightened around her slightly as his fingers danced at the top of her short sleeve of her dress.
"No you may not," Alice smiled wickedly.
"Okay, Miss Black. How are you still a Miss when you are such a fine and intelligent woman?" The man asked. She could feel his gaze drifting down from her chest. She sighed and Tommy went to move from across the room.
"Because I know when to say no and when to use force," She finally met the man's eyes. He grinned in response as if taking it as some sort of sexual promise. "And when a man finally tries to pin me down and make me his loving wife, I have moved on to the next source of interest."
Tommy had started to move to come over to their table. She smiled at the man and smiled mischievously as she leaned in.
"That seems like you've not found the right man," The American seemed hopeful.
"Oh… I agree," Alice smiled. She giggled as if on cue as Tommy stood on the other side of the table. Alice's girls suddenly hushed and the other two Americans looked up at his arrival.
"Good Afternoon, Ladies," Tommy smiled at the women before setting his eyes on Alice. "I'm sorry to interrupt but Miss Black asked me to escort her to her next meeting at 3 O'clock. I hope you can be without her for the rest of your day." He made his way around to her and held out his hand to help her out.
"I thought Miss Black had accepted our invitation for the entire afternoon," The American protested as he allowed Alice to move away from him. Alice took Tommy's hand and stood to feel his hand protectively at her back.
"As a busy independent woman, you can't expect me to give you so much of my busy time," Alice opened her purse to produce some notes which she placed on the table. "But my girls will stay and there is the money to cover this exquisite afternoon tea. Thank you so much for your time but now my driver must escort me to my next meeting." She signalled for Tommy to follow her. She headed to the door without a glance and felt Tommy grab for her hand as soon as they had made it through the doors.
"Thank you for interrupting," Alice said as she turned at his pulling hand. He let go and reached for his pocket watch.
"If I'm honest, I don't like seein' you with other men," Tommy almost smiled shyly.
"Well, Tommy, due to your heroic intervention, I am at a loss of what to do with my afternoon now my male company has been taken from me," Alice took her coat from the attendant and Tommy held it out for her to slip into.
"I would offer my time but I do have a prior engagement with my party," Tommy said. "However, Michael could give you a ride to my home where Charlie is currently at a loose end. He has done nothing but ask for you."
"He only saw me Saturday," Alice smirked as Tommy offered her his arm. "You need to teach your children to be less needy Tommy." She joked and he chuckled slightly.
"You will go then? I know we don't usually spend time together during the working week," Tommy asked. "Charlie loves you and your games."
"Of course, Tommy," Alice grinned and leaned into his arm to nudge her chin against his shoulder. "I know he's not the only one who enjoys my presence in your home."
"Thank you," Tommy said before he placed a quick chaste kiss on her cheek. He was smiling unlike himself when Michael finally joined Alice to leave.