Cut From The Same Cloth

by Wenlock

"Polly knew that Rose would do more than survive; she would thrive. She was indeed cut from the same cloth as Tommy – and that would be both her blessing and her curse." What began as a brief imagining of a younger Shelby sister, Rose, and an encounter with Alfie Solomons, has grown into a story of life growing up in the most notorious family in Birmingham.

37. 5th November, 1924

5th November, 1924

My dearest Rose Petal,

As I write this, I can hear the fireworks explode over the Thames as London celebrates Guy Fawkes Night. I wonder if you can hear them too. Do they do Guy Fawkes Night in Birmingham? I've always thought it a strange thing to celebrate. It would have been quite a moment in history if they'd blown up the Houses of Parliament back in the day, killing the king, showing the world that a man with some gunpowder isn't to be underestimated. Instead, the king survived and spawned a line of monarchs down to our own royal king today who sent thousands of men to die for him in France. Maybe I should get my hands on some gunpowder to stop him doing it again. Although, now that Tommy is himself a friend of royalty, I'd be sure to be apprehended. He would definitely give me up. I wonder if people would celebrate Alfie Solomons Night and burn effigies of me on bonfires.

I was extremely pleased to receive your letter, dear Rose. I was quite concerned about you when I didn't hear from you. I have to admit, I knew that you were ill. I have people in Birmingham who can find things out for me. I'm not one to meddle in other people's business and especially not in other people's families, but if you were my sister, I wouldn't leave your side or stop doing everything I possibly could to see you better. But, there I go, talking out of line again. I'm sure your family knows what's best for you.

You must have been happy to meet your new nephew. I can't imagine having Arthur Shelby as a dad, but good luck to the poor kid. I'm sure his Aunt Rose will keep him on the straight and narrow. I was interested to hear that your brother John asked you to move in with him. I'll be honest with you, I think you should. Being all alone in that big mansion of Tommy's isn't good for you. You need family around you.

Rose, my dear child, what happened to you was not your fault. I'll write it again - what happened to you was not your fault. Your brother got involved with bad men and thought he could control them. He should have known better and, to be blunt, does shoulder some of the blame. But, as you say, laying blame won't change anything.

I don't think you should get on a train to come to London. I'm sure Tommy would know and it wouldn't end well. He may not appear to be interested in what you're doing, but I can guarantee he knows exactly what's going on with you. Knowledge is Thomas Shelby's currency and he'll be making it his business to know what each of his family is up to. As would I.

If it helps you to write to me, then do so as much as you need to. It may be easier to write then to talk. Not that I wouldn't love to see you, Petal, but I don't think running away to London is the best idea. Why don't you work on getting back on that horse of yours? Is there someone who can help you? Someone who can accompany you to the stables and ride out with you? There must be someone in your large family who can do that for you? And take Fred too. He's probably big enough now to be more of a guard dog than a puppy. I told him to look after you and he's an obedient dog.

Keep eating our apples, my sweetheart. They'll keep you healthy. And reduce the amount of medicine you take. Trust me, it won't help you in the long run.

Cyril sends his love and I remain, with much affection, your

Alfie