Hope this chapter is what you guys have been waiting for. I do hope you enjoy it and please let me know what you think.

Thank you to everyone that is reading this story still, I do hope it is what you have been expecting.

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. I do always manage to miss mistakes when I edit, so I am very sorry in advance.

Thank you for your time and I hope you enjoy.

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

Edited: 11/04/18

As the night went on and more drinks were shared out, I couldn't help but think about the New Year. Why did the plan involving Graves have to happen on New Year's Eve? Why couldn't we just enjoy ourselves for the night and deal with Graves another day?

I glanced at Tommy from the corner of my eye, noting that he was enjoying himself as he talked to Papa about the races. While I normally enjoyed anything to do with horses, I didn't want to think about them now, not while I was meant to be enjoying my day.

"Ada," I called to her, seeing that she looked as bored as I felt, "Would you like to join me in the library?" I felt Tommy's eyes on me then. Did he have a problem with me leaving? I wasn't going to stay here just because he wanted me to.

I wanted to spend time with Ada and knew she wanted to get away from all this chatter as well. She looked positively bored listening to Polly and Grandmother talk.

"Of course," Ada said, taking my cue as she rose from her seat. I led her out of the parlour and smiled as she let out a sigh of relief. "Your Grandmother is a nightmare."

"You don't have to tell me," I muttered as we walked down the hall.

"She was complaining about her clothes. Her clothes. She said they were getting old." Ada's cheeks had gone red at how annoyed she was. "I can bet she put them on new!"

"She probably did. I've never known her to wear things more than a few times."

As we entered the library, I turned to take in Ada's expression.

Her face had changed drastically.

Her eyes were darting around the room trying to look at everything at once. I understood that it could be a marvellous thing to take it at first glance.

Floor to ceiling bookshelves, jam-packed with all kinds of books. Books upon books covering any available surface. The comfortable sofas and elegant coffee table which had a selection of treats laid out. The little window seat with a pile of soft blankets.

"Do you like it?" I asked, pulling the bell to get service from the kitchen. I think it would be good to get some hot drinks while we relaxed. Perhaps Daisy will slip us a little more wine.

"It's beautiful," she whispered, spinning in a circle as she took everything in once again.

"It's my slice of heaven." I gestured for her to join me on the sofas. "No one comes in here. Papa had taken the parlour as his and Grandmother had the sunroom. This is my place.

"And it'll be a slice of my heaven tonight," she stated, slipping her shoes off and tucking her feet under her on the sofa.

"So, what's going on with you and my brother?" Ada asked, her glass of wine held tightly in her hand.

"I have no idea what you're talking about," I hiccupped, holding my hand over my mouth as the words tried to slip out. "He kissed me," I admitted the alcohol getting the better of me. "A lot."

"Oh," Ada giggled, her wine spilling out of her glass and over her dress. "And did you like it?"

"Oh, Ada, I loved it. He makes my stomach tingle," I gushed, feeling my cheeks heat with both the thoughts of Tommy kissing me and the wine.

"Maybe one day you'll end up marrying him," she said, the smile on her face growing at the thought. "Then we'd be sisters for real!"

"Shh," I whispered, leaning over her and placing my finger on her lips. "Polly caught us in his office."

"She did?"

"I was on his desk and he was standing between my legs." I gave her a look, resting my hand on my stomach as I remembered how excited he had been. "He was very happy to be there if you get what I mean," I added, winking.

Ada burst into laughter, her wine glass dropping to the floor, the little wine left in the glass spilling onto the expensive rug.

"I wish I could have seen his face when you were caught."

"We've decided to start courting, but you mustn't tell my grandmother," I said hastily, cupping her cheek as she nodded seriously. "I really like him, Ada."

"I can tell," she told me. She looked around the room as if trying to understand where she was. "I have a secret to tell you, but you mustn't tell Tommy. I know I can trust you, but he'd do anything to get my secrets, even if it means slipping his tongue down your throat."

"Ada!" I snapped, sitting up as butterflies fluttered in my stomach at the thought of Tommy kissing me like that. "I would never allow Tommy to seduce your secrets from me," I added, grabbing her hand and hoping she'd understand I was telling her the truth.

"I've been sneaking around with Freddie Thorne," she admitted, her face worried as if I'd shout at her.

"I knew it!" I shouted, bringing her into a hug as she laughed. "As long as you're happy, I don't care."

"He makes me very happy," she said, hugging me tighter.

"Ada," Tommy called through the doors of the library. He frowned at the sight of us sat on the sofa, wine spilled on the floor and two empty bottles on the table.

"Thomas!" I exclaimed, happy to see him.

"I think it's best you two go to bed," he said looking at us.

"He wants to get into your bed," Ada giggled, slipping out of my arms as she stood and stumbled her way to Tommy. "Don't you go corrupting Elsie, big brother. She's still a virgin."

"Ada, stop," I begged, covering my face with my hands as I tried to hide from Tommy. He knew I was a virgin, but I didn't need Ada bringing it up.

"Right, that's enough," he said, taking Ada's shoulder and pushing her towards the door. "Off to bed now, and don't speak to anyone."

"Bye, Elsie!" she yelled, holding her hand over her mouth as she laughed and stumbled out of the room.

I glanced at Tommy before collapsing onto the sofa, my face buried in the pillow. I grumbled as he bent down and rested his hand on my shoulder.

"I think it's time for you to go to bed as well," he said softly, his hand running through my messy braid. I shifted over, turning to face him.

"You're so beautiful," I muttered, lifting my hand and letting my fingers brushed against his lips. Tommy pressed a kiss to my fingers before standing and helping me up.

"Come on, I'll take you to bed."

"I don't think Polly will be happy about that," I giggled, leaning my head against his chest as he walked me out of the library. "What will she say?"

The dress was beautiful. The green silk would fit snuggly against my body and show off more than I would like, and I had no idea why Papa had given me such a dress to wear. Shuffling around my room, I placed the dress down on my bed and looked at the lingerie Ada had insisted I wear tonight.

The set was lacy and white. There was a garter belt, and I had never seen such underwear before. I had no idea where Ada got this from. Or why she gave it to me to wear. What did she think I was planning on doing with Tommy tonight? Running my fingers over the lingerie, I sighed and turned to look at the make-up on my dressing table.

I had to put so much effort into tonight. I hope this bloody plan worked out in the end.

Tugging the towel off my body, I grabbed my moisturizing cream and quickly applied it before slipping into the lingerie. They were a comfortable fit and they made my skin look creamer against the white lace.

I pulled on my dressing gown and settled onto the bench in front of my mirror. Applying my make-up into an elegant style, I looked myself over in the mirror. I looked good. I had never applied my make-up so carefully before. The liner around my eyes made the green stand out brightly and the mascara made my lashes look longer.

Plucking up a deep red stick, I coated my lips in a fair amount before puckering my lips together and gently dabbing them with a tissue. Looking at myself once more in the mirror I fought the temptation to bite my bottom lip. I could understand why Ada had given me that lacy underwear now.

Looking this good, it was tempting to thinking about how I could be spending my night with Tommy.

Pulling my curls to the top of my head, I twisted half of it into an elegant braid, sliding in the delicate silver leaf slide into the end of the braid so it rested on the right side of my head. I left the rest of my hair to fall around my shoulder in their tight curls.

Once I was confident that my hair looked just as good as my makeup, I walked over to the bed and let my gown drop. Running my hands down my thighs, I slowly brought the dress closer to me.

Could I really do this? By putting on this dress I was allowing myself to slip into Tommy's lies. Would our plan really work? Would this mess with Graves be over if I went through with this?

Sighing, I slipped into my dress, happy that there was no corset. I would not be asking Tommy for help tying those strings. Letting my hands run down the dress I quickly slipped my feet into the low heels and grabbed the small beaded bag from my bed.

I entered the hallway, coming to the stairs and large entrance hall. I could see Tommy waiting by the door, a cigarette hanging from his mouth as he was waiting for me. At the sound of my heels clicking on the stairs, Tommy turned, his eyes widening slightly at the sight of me.

Watching his eyes widen was one of the biggest reactions I had ever seen from him. Was it bad? Did I look horrible?

"This dress is really tight," I said, resting my hand on my rib cage. I was curious to know that he thought.

"I can see," he grunted, his eyes taking in the dress as it clung to my body.

"People are going to stare at me and I won't like their eyes on me," I added, biting the inside of my cheek as I tried not to fidget.

"I won't either," he sighed, running his hand over his chin as he pressed his cigarette into the tray on the side.

"Maybe I should go change? I've got a better-fitted dress that'll look good."

"You look beautiful," Tommy said, pulling on my hand until I was standing in front of him. I looked up at him, feeling my cheeks blush at his words. He pressed a gentle kiss to my lips, smiling into it as his hand rested on my lower back. "Shall we head out?"

"If you insist, Mr Shelby," I replied, rubbing his lips as they coated lightly with my red lipstick. I grabbed my coat, a long green cloak-like coat. Papa had gotten it for me as a Christmas gift. It was one of my favourite presents, it reminded me of the cloaks they wore in the past.

Taking my hand, Tommy led me out of the door and down to his car. It was a chilly night, fortunately, it wasn't raining but it would get colder as the night went on. As Tommy started up the car, warm heat washed over me causing goose pimples to rise on my arms.

This was going to be a new experience for me and for Tommy.

It was busy when we arrived. The staff was rushing around, trying to cater to everyone, while trying to get their other jobs done at the same time. Tommy parked in Papa's space and took my hand in his as we walked to join the small line that had formed outside.

It seemed some people were trying to get in without a ticket. I rolled my eyes at the thought. It was cold out here and while I wasn't as snobbish as my Grandmother, I didn't want to be hanging around in the cold while someone tried to buy tickets that were sold out.

"Mr Shelby," a voice called out, gaining our attention as we turned to face the server as he came up to us. I recognized his face, he was the usual server that took Papa to his box, I think his name was James. "Lady Shelby, your Grandfather told me that I would be expecting the pair of you tonight. If you'll follow me," he gestured to the door and with a gleeful smile, Tommy followed after him. At least I wouldn't be standing in the cold for long.

As we made our way through the communal area to the stairs, I could see many well-dressed people as they engaged and started to join in on the early New Year celebrations. It made me smile, these people weren't as rich as those that had their own boxes and the fancy life, but they seemed to be enjoying things more. If Grandmother could see this and remember that she didn't need money to have a happy life.

"I've opened a bottle, but Lord Cromwell told me you'll be needing a softer drink, Lady Shelby," James said, nodding to the sparkling soda he had bottled next to the champagne. I clenched my jaw at his words but nodded when Tommy looked at me. "If you'll be needing anything else, don't hesitate to wave one of us down."

"Thank you," I muttered grabbing my glass and taking a hesitant sip. I looked at Tommy then, frowning as he sipped at the champagne. "I still don't see why I have to drink this. No one's looking."

"Got to make it look believable," he replied, placing his glass on the table before taking my hand in his as he pulled me to the balcony. "Do we know any of the horses today?" I rested my hands on the balcony looking over at the horses.

I nodded my head, taking in Chasing Dreams as he was readied in his place. Next to him were a few other horses I knew, but I kept my focus on Chasing Dreams.

"We know number six," I told him, watching as he took in Chase before turning to me.

"That's your horse," he said, the shock on his face. I almost laughed. That was the second time today where Tommy had let me see his feelings as clear as day. "I didn't know he was racing today."

"It was a surprise." I took his hand in mine, pressing a kiss to the back of his hand as I gave him a soft smile. "And he's not my horse."

"But your grandfather told me he was." I rolled my eyes and I ran my fingers up his arm, a teasing smile on my lips.

"He is mine, but I'm gifting him to you," I whispered, pressing a kiss to his cheek as I let my fingers run at the bottom of his neck, slowly making my way up to the base of his head.

"What?" he asked, confusion lacing his voice as he tried to pull back to look at my face. I tugged on his head until his lips brushed lightly against mine.

"He's a late Christmas gift," I mumbled, pressing my lips to his roughly, stopping any more words for slipping out of his mouth.

"I'm sorry he didn't win," I said to Tommy as we watched the winning horse being crowned with a flower-crown and the jockey given a bunch of flowers. I always found it odd that they gave male jockeys flowers. What were they going to do with them? Give them to their mothers or wives?

"He came second," Tommy replied, nodding to Chasing Dreams as he was given a carrot by the trainers. "He beat Graves' horse, so I see that as a win." I smiled knowing that Tommy would do anything to rub it Graves' face.

"I hope you're feeling up to the conversation, we've got to get through a dinner and I'm not sure who's sitting at our table. They'll all be wanting to know how you trained Chasing Dreams. It's the first time they've seen him here," I told him, rising from my seat as I looked longingly at his glass of champagne.

"I don't know anything about his training," Tommy said, downing his glass and giving me a smirk as if he knew how much I wanted his drink. Offering his hand to me, he tilted his head. "Shall we?"

"If you insist," I mumbled, taking his hand and allowing him to lead me into the large viewing room.

There were circular tables placed around the room, obviously put there while the races were on. They sat about eight people, and they were scattered around the area used for dancing. The tables only fit due to them removing the smaller tables that usually sat on the dance floor. It was a weird sight to see and I hoped that Graves wasn't sat anywhere near us.

"Mr Shelby," James said, giving a slight bow as he gained Tommy's attention. "I'll take you to your seats."

Tommy nodded and we shared a glance before following James. It seemed that we'd be following James a lot tonight. Without Papa here, I was a little lost on what I had to do, and it seemed Tommy had no idea what to do either. I could only guess that Papa had spoken to James and told him to watch out for us tonight.

When James stopped at one of the tables, he gestured to the two names tags holding our names. Percy and his wife, Mary, were already seated on my right, while Tommy sat to my left. On his left, there was another young couple, one I hadn't seen before, and opposite us was yet another young couple. Had we been sat on the young couple table tonight?

"Your horse did well tonight, Elsie," Percy said, as we joined him at the table. I smiled at him, happy to see Mary was here tonight.

"Chasing Dreams is Tommy's horse," I stated, looking over Percy to see Mary. "You're looking wonderful, Mary. How's little Elizabeth doing?"

"Eliza's doing great. Percy's mother decided that Percy and I need the night off and gave us their tickets for tonight. She won't leave our house and every time I turn away she's there wanting to take Eliza from my hands. I love her, but she needs to give me my space," Mary gushed, resting a hand on Percy's arm as she leaned over him. I giggled at her words, knowing how Percy's mother could get.

"Tommy and I don't need to worry about our mothers trying to steal our baby away, we both lost our parents quite some time ago." I spared a glance at Tommy, not knowing how he'd feel at the mention of his parents. I knew he didn't get on with his father, I knew they hadn't spoken in years if what Polly had told me was true, I knew Arthur Sr. had abandoned them when Finn was a baby. "Though I do suppose Papa would be a nightmare with a baby in the house and Tommy's sister, Ada, would never give me a moment's peace." Mary laughed at my words, sharing a look with Percy. I

went to reach for the glass of wine that had been set in front of me, but as my fingers wrapped around the stem, Tommy slipped the glass from my hand and replaced it with the sparkling elderberry. I huffed, giving him a glare as he tried to ruin my night.

"You're not drinking, remember," he said, waving off the bottle of wine the waiter tried to offer him. He poured himself a glass of sparkling elderberry as well and I almost laughed at the sight. Thomas Shelby drinking sparkling elderberry juice. "I'm driving," he stated reminding me that neither of us would be drinking tonight.

"Not drinking?" Percy asked, a glint in his eye as he looked me over. I swear his eyes rested on my stomach for a minute as he waited for an answer. I shook my head, turning away from the smug look on his face as the waiters started plating out the starter.

My head rested on Tommy's chest, listening to his heartbeat as we danced slowly to the live band. This was a nice moment. He was relaxed, and he was holding me in his arms and I felt so peaceful. It would be moments like this that I would treasure.

Moments when Tommy held me, and it felt like he cared for me. I knew he cared for me, him sending me away when Graves and his men came to The Garrison was proof of that.

Moments when I could forget about all the danger and just be with him.

I felt him press a kiss to my hair, his arm slipping around me until it rested lightly on my stomach. I sighed, closing my eyes as he pulled me closer to him. He was warm, and I had never felt more comfortable in my life than when I was in his arms.

The music came to an end and with annoyance, I pulled away from Tommy's arms. I wish the moment would have lasted longer.

"Another dance?" he asked as another slow song started playing. His eyes were the brightest I had seen them, and I could almost see the happiness in them.

"I'd rather we go home," I whispered pressing a kiss to his cheek. "But first, I need to use the Ladies' room."

"I'll escort you," he said, taking the lead as he shifted his way through the other couples dancing.

It was quieter in the hallway, but there were a few people wandering around. I caught one young couple sneaking kisses and it made me wonder if they were married or two children of the rich people that were disappearing off for a New Year's kiss.

"Thomas Shelby being a proper gentleman," I teased, leaning against the wall by the Ladies. "I'll be a moment and then we can go home, perhaps give into a nightcap?" I wanted him to agree so much.

Tommy nodded, pulling a smoke from his pocket and lighting it as he watched me leave for the Ladies. I gave him one last look before rushing into the toilet. I was looking forward to going home and being alone with Tommy. I knew I wouldn't be doing anything that Ada suggested, but being alone with Tommy where only I could see him was a wonderful thought.

Finishing my business, I went about washing my hands but kept my thoughts on Tommy. Would he think I was being forward with him? Did he think I had offered myself to him? I just wanted to be alone with him.

"Tommy, are you ready to—" a hand over my mouth stopped me from continuing, and I looked down the hallway, not spotting Tommy.

"Graves is waiting for ya down in the stables," the man hissed, dragging me down the staff staircase to the stables.

I tried to struggle against him, but he was bigger than me. He pushed me into Graves' stable just as Graves lifted his gun and shot his horse in the head. I cried out as the horse dropped to the floor in a heap.

"Nice of you to join us, Mrs Shelby," Graves said as he turned to face me. He waved at his man and I was pushed to the floor a few feet away from the horse. I blinked through the tears as I looked up at Graves as he loomed over me. "Perhaps we should bring your husband in here? He is, after all, the reason you'll have to hold a gun tonight."

His words confused me. What did he mean I'll be holding a gun tonight? My eyes went to Tommy as he was dragged into the stable, his arms bound behind his back. He was gagged as well, and he had a cut on his head, the blood running down the side of his face.

"What are you doing?" I asked, trying to keep my voice calm as I struggled not to cry.

"I'm going to get you, Mrs Shelby, to shoot your husband."

"What?" I cried, not understanding what he was talking about. Why would I ever shoot Tommy? I wouldn't.

"You, Elsie, Edith, whatever your name is, you, are going to shoot your husband," Graves said pulling me roughly to my feet. I stumbled slightly as he shoved his gun into my hand, his fingers gripping mine tightly until my fingers wrapped around the gun. "You will shoot him, or I will kill you and your unborn child." At his words, I felt a pressure against my stomach.

Looking down, I saw the silver of his knife.

Thank you for reading xxx

I hope it was enjoyed xxx