Viola woke quite early the next day, a blissful smile on her face as Tommy immediately came to mind and stayed there as she got ready for the day, belatedly remembering to grab the letter she had written the night before, dropping it off at the post office and making it to the Doctor's with plenty of time to spare.

She walked into the clinic, nervously checking the time to see that it was 8 am on the dot and she breathed a little breath of relief before heading for the receptionist, who gave her a bland smile.

"Hello, Miss do you have an appointment or do you wish to make one?"

"No, actually my name is Viola Crawley, I'm to be the assistant nurse here, for the foreseeable future." Viola smiled at her.

"I'm very excited to be working here" Viola replied

"Good" a thick Scottish accent had her jumping as a tall man with a shock of white hair and a neatly kept beard piped into the conversation.

"You're Viola are ya lass?" He asked peeking over his half-moon spectacles at her, he had a voice that reverberated around the room but it was warm and full of cheer.

"Yes sir" Viola relaxed her grip on her purse, finding the man to be warm and inviting.

He grinned at her rather slyly "I've heard all about you, got Small Heath in quite the tizzy you have, Flo isn't here right now, attending to some pregnant ladies. I'm afraid bursts of excitement are rather rare around here but when it strikes, it's like the clappers. I'm getting on in years as is Flo, we've got the experience but not the vigour of youth"

"You don't look a day over twenty-one" Viola complimented him slightly cheekily and he roared in laughter slapping his knee

"Oh, aye, I know I don't, now lass let me show you around" he gestured grandly with a rather alarming large hand but the man had been nothing but gentle and courteous so she allowed herself to be swept away, Maria sending her an absent-minded wave as she had turned back to her papers.

There was the waiting room/reception where Viola had walked in, three Doctor's offices, two nurses' offices and an archive room with an attached kitchenette/lunch room, two storage rooms and a cupboard of cleaning supplies.

The practice was small and Dr Stoyle- or Winifred if she preferred- explained that they only really saw to the Small Heath area and they were rather understaffed with just him and Florence being in attendance, Maria was a wonderful help with the management of the place but unable to help on the healthcare side of things and rarely did they get someone working at the clinic. Just as they were finished with the minitour, the door opened and a woman came in, walking over to the coat rack.

"And there's my lovely partner in crime, Flo, the yung'uns here!" Dr Stoyle called for her as she took off her coat and scarf.

"Oh, Winnie behave or you'll drive the poor duck off" Florence scolded him before turning to Viola "Hello, duck, I'm Florence but you go ahead and call me Flo, everyone does" Flo was a very small woman, with warm blue eyes, ruddy cheeks and blond hair kept in a strict bun, accentuating her laughter lines.

"Hello Flo, I'm Viola" Viola introduced herself, quickly warming to these people who were just so welcoming.

"And aren't you lovely, I see why he's so eager to claim ya" Flo said with a grin that had Viola blinking in confusion, before she could open her mouth and ask Flo had changed the subject "Now, Duck I need to show you how we take stock and I'm sure there's some bandages needing rolling and then we need to prep for the day! Come on, chop, chop!"

The welcoming smile turned sinister as Flo clapped her hands together sharply and sent Viola scurrying to put her things away so she could start her work day.

Flo was in a word was quick. She was quick-witted, quick moving and quick to pick up on Viola's mannerisms, quick to put her at ease. She had a wealth of knowledge and experience and exuded a warmth that only enhanced her ability as a nurse.

By the end of the day, Viola was exhausted, filled with content pride at a day well spent and looking forward to the next day. Though her mind was whirring with the information that had been piled on top of her, she hadn't been able to do anything hands-on herself but she had watched and asked questions between patients. Dr Stoyle hadn't minded her probing questions and even expanded on some things that were covered in a doctor's course.

She had been praised by Flo who seemed pleased with her work ethic but had shooed her off early, saying that Viola had done enough for her first day and she must go and enjoy being young. It only happened once after all.

Viola decided to use her time productively and go shopping, not for dresses but for groceries as she was going to cook for herself, maybe something simple like steak and veg? or a pie, surely making a crust can't be that difficult, she did have that little book of recipes that Mrs Patmore had written down for her, paranoid as the woman was about her recipes getting stolen.

She might have been lost in thought, but Viola wasn't so lost that she didn't notice the three men that were following her. They weren't being subtle and it sent warning bells ringing in her mind. One was vaguely familiar but the other two were shorter than him, bulky and with mean looks on their faces that made her palms sweat.

Viola took serval different turns but they still followed, she was nervously inching her hand towards the hair piece kept in her hair when the sounds of the market up ahead enticed her and without thought, she dove into the crowd, ducking around a gathering of nuns and stepping into the bakery, glancing out the window to see the three men looking around for her before the tall one shouted at the other two and they split up.

She frowned but turned her attention to the baker, who was waiting patiently and picked out a loaf, some rolls and a pie that looked delicious. She then walked around the stands picking out fruit and veg, getting lucky in finding some boxes of cherries and strawberries that made her mouth water.

And her final stop was the butchers, where she bought a selection, of sausages, bacon, chicken and steak enough to last her the rest of the week maybe she should invite Tommy over? Viola bit her lip, men usually liked a woman that could cook...but her skills still needed polishing. Viola frowned out the open doorway of the butcher's seeing the three men once again loitering close to the butchers, the entire time she had been shopping they had been hounding her steps and she was fed up with it.

Nodding her head, she clutched her basket closer to herself and strode out of the butchers.

"Tim?" Viola asked in curiosity at the man who had a newspaper in front of his face, not helping as his two friends were blatantly staring at her. She had just stepped out of the butcher's and finally gotten the courage to confront the men and demand that they leave her alone when she realised who the familiar man was.

"Oh! Miss Viola!" Time jumped and shoved the newspaper behind his back

"I thought she was Mrs- "the newspaper came whipping back and smacked the bald man on the back of his head.

"This is Jim and Billy MISS Viola" Tim introduced the two other grunts; he'd thought he'd been working his way up the gang and therefore the world but Mr Shelby was likely to cut him for failing.

"You were so kind to guard our picnic!" Viola said cheerily, relaxing now that she actually knew the man and he wasn't stalking her "I'm so grateful"

"You're welcome" Tim assured her, well if the future Mrs. Shelby liked him, then that would help, at least Mr. Shelby might not kill him...unless he was the possessive type. Oh, he was definitely dead.

"I need to go, but it was lovely speaking to you" Viola smiled at Tim and brushed past him heading for the florist, the bright colours and wonderful smell had enticed her into taking a closer look, maybe buying herself some.

"Hello Duck, interested in my flowers?" the short, older man asked evident pride in his flowers with his puffed-out chest.

"They are stunning" Viola complimented him as she gently touched the petals of a bouquet of lilies, not quite to the standard of Grandmama or Mr Mosley, but still a good effort for such a smoggy area.

"Well, that bouquet is six shillings" the man replied and Viola arched an eyebrow at the cost, she could buy a nice set of soaps for that amount. Her eyes flickered over to an approaching John and Arthur Shelby, both of them having honed in on their future sister and not willing to let her get scammed, Sparrow was known for scamming out-of-towners.

"Nah, don't be ridiculous, it's free isn't it, Mr Sparrow?" John interjected staring at the elderly man while chewing on his toothpick.

"Yea, a welcome to the neighbourhood isn't tha' righ' Mister Sparrow?" Arthur drawled out "Want to be neighbourly to our girl, eh?"

"Yes, quite right lads" Mr Sparrow nodded his head, not wanting them to burn down his flower shop like they did the jeweller's.

"Well, that's awfully nice of you Mr. Sparrow" Viola smiled at the man and he prayed she never figured out the kind of power she held over the Shelby brothers. especially that devil Tommy.

"'E's a nice man, Sparrow," Arthur told her, eyes twinkling in amusement "You're coming round for tea with Pol today ain't ya?"

"Yes, Arthur, I was going to drop this off and then head over after freshening up" Viola answered as she went to put her bouquet into the basket that was almost overflowing.

"What are you doing? Honestly" John rolled his eyes as he took the heavy basket from her, Arthur snatching up the flowers and looking nonplussed at carrying the colourful bouquet, it looked a little funny but Viola wasn't going to laugh at him.

"C'mon, we'll walk you" Arthur told her firmly his eyes flicking over her shoulder at the three grunts that had been assigned to look after her, at least the toothpick one had the brains to look worried.

"Aunt Pol! We're back! And we brought someone" John bellowed

The Shelby home is on Watery Lane and looked out on Montague Street. Which was around the corner from Belmont Road and Viola was happy that they were so close. She found the horseshoe nailed to the front door rather charming and Arthur had explained to her that it was for good luck.

Through the front door, there was a hallway and a parlour decorated with brass and fancy floral crockery. The house was rather compact but it was understandable as it was a terraced house. There were a lot of brass and flowery ornaments around which Viola rather enjoyed as they were all different, the house was cluttered and lived in and utterly charming.

John had explained that since they didn't live in a caravan or a barge as usual for them, their Ma had decided to turn the house into one, with lots of roses, elephants and castles. He told her that upstairs were the bedrooms if she wanted to go and explore. He led her into the small kitchen which had a coal fireplace and a pantry which had been opened out to form a back room. There was also a black curtain hanging which John said led to the betting shop. She could go if she pleased but it could be rather busy and might not interest her.

"Will you stop yelling" Polly came through the curtain a frown on her face that cleared up when she spotted Viola, Ada came in after carrying Finn who was occupied with a toy soldier.

"Didn't know if you'd hear me" John shrugged unapologetically as Polly moved to start tea and pulled down cakes for them to eat.

"If you were that worried, you should have come into the shop" Polly scolded before smiling at Viola "Love, why don't you sit down eh? Ada sit down as well"

Ada shot Polly a look of betrayal but sat at the kitchen table, putting Finn down by her feet and staring at Viola stubbornly, she had gotten a bollicking off Tommy for her words but she still didn't trust the prissy Lady.

"Hello Ada, how was your day?" Viola tried for a friendly conversation, she did want to get along with Ada and admittedly, she'd had her backup when they met for the first time.

Ada saw the warning glare Polly sent her way and sighed before replying "It was alright, a lot of business today which I was pleased with"

"Then I'm glad" Viola smiled at her "I must ask, what's it like growing up with so many brothers? I've only sisters for company and well, cousin Patrick but he rarely came over and when he did, he was more interested in Mary"

"They're all annoying," Ada said flatly "and idiots, never want to go shopping, though I suppose, Pol's not bad to shop with"

"Thank you very much," Polly said dryly as she set down the tea set and started serving them.

"Oh, I'm sure Arthur would look lovely in a lace dress," Viola said coyly, making Ada giggle as Arthur protested loudly, John immediately began to tease his brother.

"You two, leave" Polly pointed at them "This is girl time and Tommy needs help in the betting shop, don't tell him Vi is here, he'll just come running"

"A'lrigh' Pol" Arthur nodded

"Puppy love is so adorable," Polly said smirking at a blushing Viola, who was hiding behind her teacup, Ada looking amused.

"Want us to take Finn?" John asked but Polly just waved him off

"I leave Finn with you, you'll be using him to pickpocket and steal candies for you" Polly told them in amusement, the men didn't deny it just shrugging and heading into the betting shop.

"So, what do sisters do?" Ada asked Viola wanting to get to know the woman that her family was so determined to make a Shelby.

"Hmm, argue, share secrets, cover for each other, shop and gossip" Viola shrugged elegantly, ignoring the shrieking voice of her governess that still haunted her.

"Well then, how many bridesmaids are you wanting for your wedding to Tommy?" Ada asked gleefully, enjoying the sputtering of the woman in front of her, Polly sitting back and enjoying the show. Ada could well get used to being the younger sister in this relationship.

"Honestly, you Shelby's jumping immediately to marriage! don't you want to see if I suit first?" Viola questioned feeling her cheeks burning.

"We already know that you suit and Tommy claimed you as his lightning strike," Polly said as if it was a forgone conclusion and to them it was.

"Is lightning strike a...thing?" Viola asked curiously

"To our family, yes" Polly nodded

"Oh. have you two met your lightning Strikes?" Viola questioned

"Not yet," Polly said unconcerned "I'll meet him eventually but neither of us is in a hurry"

"No," Ada said shaking her head but Viola knew when a woman was hiding something and Ada definitely was.

Viola hummed and gave her a break turning the subject to the people of Small Heath and she was summarily surprised by all the in-depth knowledge and secrets the two women had.

Hours passed and eventually, the fire was lit and Viola agreed to stay with Finn while Ada headed out, Polly was currently in the armchair darning some socks while Viola lay with Finn in front of the fire, playing with his toy soldiers.

She glanced up when there was the sound of footsteps and Arthur and John rushed past arguing loudly as Tommy followed sedately stopping in the doorway and staring down at her and Finn.

"Stailc tintreach" he said, his voice a raspy purr that sent shivers up her spine.

"Tommy" she replied eyes focused on him, a smile flickered across his face as he moved into the room and took a seat on the floor next to her.

"How was your day?" He asked playfully waving a soldier in front of Finn who grinned and grabbed for it.

Viola swallowed the desire that rose at seeing Tommy so carefree, he'd make a good Papa, one day and answered him "It was okay, Dr Stoyle is a very nice man and Flo was very helpful and has a lot of experience."

Tommy nodded finally relinquishing the toy "They're good people even if Flo is an utterly terrifying woman"

"Is she really?" Viola asked amused that he'd find such a kind-hearted woman scary

"She didn't like it when we got into fights or tried to look for ghosts in abandoned buildings," Tommy told her with a boyish grin.

"Well, in that case, it was well deserved" Viola chided playfully "How was your day? Have you eaten?"

Tommy felt his chest warm at her blatant concern and he snuck a kiss that had her blushing, eyes darting to the open doorway "It was alright, had a lot of men making fool bets so we've made a tidy profit today. And I've eaten, fish and chips on the way home, Pol's an alright cook but sometimes it goes into dangerous territory"

Viola giggled and lightly smacked his arm "Cooking is complicated!"

"Maybe for a Lady but us commoners seem to manage" Tommy teased her

"Like you're such a good cook" Viola rolled her eyes

"I happen to be aye" Tommy agreed "Better over a campfire, you should let me take you one day. We'll go riding in the fields, hunt for dinner and cook some rabbits over an open fire underneath the stars"

She blushed "Sounds like a fun day out"

"Nah, we need to make a weekend out of it, you, me and the taste of freedom" Tommy smiled "It'd be nice to get away from business for a day or so"

"Speaking of your business, I saw some of your men today, Tim, Billy and Jim in the market today, they were coming from the Doctor's office but I didn't see them in the building and then we kept running into each other at the market," Viola told him cheerily, gaze focused on Finn and not seeing the pure irritation that crossed Tommy's face.

"What a coincidence," Tommy said flatly, he'd have to smack the thick out of those three boys. What was so difficult to understand about 'don't be seen' and 'stay out of the way' and 'watch over her don't interact' honestly was he the only smart one around here?!

"Isn't it? Oh, Finn is so cute" Viola cooed at Finn who was playing with some blocks that Arthur had carved for him.

"He's something alright" Tommy agreed roughly, rubbing his cheek from where he'd gotten a block to the face, honestly, he just wanted to hold Viola's hand!

"Mine!" Finn seethed at his older brother; his teeth bared threateningly.

Tommy narrowed his eyes wondering if he'd get away with cuffing his ear before his eyes lit up and his lips twisted into a sly smile.

"Poor Finny, I think he's tired and needing bed" Tommy declared more amused than he'd confess to at the look of betrayal that crossed his baby brother's face.

"Is he?" Viola asked in concern, she hadn't had any experience with young children so maybe he had kept him up late.

"NO!" Finn shrieked, clutching onto Viola's neckline

"He's going through a phase," Tommy told her smoothly "We should put him to bed"

"Alright then" Viola conceded, Tommy reached out for his brother but got bit for his efforts, luckily Viola swooped him up, pressing a kiss to Finn's cheek and settling him before Tommy could get the little shit back.

Arthur snickered at Tommy while he passed, following Viola up the stairs to the bedrooms.

"Shut up Arthur" Tommy grumbled at him, cheekbones tinging pink. Who cares if he got into a fight with a toddler? He won, didn't he?

Tommy had his own room as did Arthur but John and Finn shared what had once been the master bedroom. So, they settled Finn into his small bed, the lad acted grumpy but Viola managed to settle him and send him to sleep with a short lullaby. When she stood to her feet Tommy captured her around her waist and pressed his forehead against her own.

"Missed you" he admitted to her

"You saw me yesterday" Viola replied, wrapping her arms around his neck

"Long time to be without you, stailc tintreach" Tommy told her, eyes vulnerable.

"So, you're a big softy in reality" Viola snorted

"Just for you," he said brushing a kiss on her cheek

Viola sighed and looked out the window seeing the street lamps had been lit "I should get home"

Tommy grumbled, he wanted to offer his bed for the night but well, he probably wouldn't be able to keep his hands to himself and she did have a reputation to protect.

"I'll walk you home" he stated, reluctantly pulling away from her.

"My own escort? I'm spoilt" Viola told him batting her eyelashes

Tommy levelled her with a slightly threatening look "I'll show you spoilt if you're not careful"

She giggled at him "Why Mr Shelby, are you threatening me?"

"Why, Lady Crawley are you enjoying it?" Tommy asked her seductively, feeling vindication when she flushed red.

"Marry me and find out" she flirted

"Oh, I will," Tommy said seriously as he wrapped an arm around her waist and kept her tucked against him as he walked her to her apartment.

Viola hardly waited for Carson to open the door before climbing out and beaming at the man.

"My Lady" Carson greeted her, a small smile on his face

"Hello, Carson! I've missed you all so" Viola informed him, smiling at Barrow when he started unloading her luggage for the week.

"My Lady" Barrow dipped his head to her

"Hello Barrow, how are you?" Viola asked genuinely

"I'm well, My Lady, we are glad to have you home" Barrow replied

"I'm glad to be home, at least for the next little while," Viola said as she followed after him into the house "I've missed you all, it's going to be odd"

"Odd how my lady?" Barrow asked as they headed up the stairs, Viola breathing in the opulence that was her home, a far cry from Birmingham and her cramped little apartment.

"Well, having staff again Barrow, I have gotten used to doing things by myself" Viola told him as she took in her room "Did Gwen and Anne keep my room clean?"

"Yes, my lady, just as your lady mother ordered, we weren't sure when you would be stopping by" Barrow informed her.

"Ah, well I have been quite busy" Viola said with a slight flush "but I'm thankful for your hard work, I don't suppose I've said that before have I, Thomas?"

Thomas jerked and looked up at her with wide grey eyes before he straightened and smoothed his facial features "It's your right to have servants waiting on you My Lady"

"I suppose, but still Barrow, I'm thankful for your hard work and the hard work of the staff," Viola told him earnestly, living by herself had truly been eye-opening, there had been many times she'd gone begging to Polly or Ada to help her with one thing or the other.

Tommy had been no help, he'd happily choked down the tea she had made, forcing John and Arthur to do the same turns out the pot had to be warmed first and that she was buying and using the wrong sort of tea leaves, making her tea gritty and bitter.

Arthur and John had resigned themselves to pouring tea into one of her plant pots when she wasn't looking but Polly had put her foot down and told Viola straight while Tommy dithered in the background and tried to avoid admitting her tea was horrible.

"You-You are most welcome, My Lady," Barrow said clearing his throat awkwardly before bowing to her and leaving her alone.

Half an hour later there was a knock on the door and Sybil came into the room, a wide smile on her face.

"Viola" she greeted

"Sybil!" Viola replied and the two hugged each other fiercely "oh, I've missed you"

"I've missed you too, now to business, who is this, Tommy Shelby? And when can I meet him?" Sybil asked with a teasing glint in her eyes.

Viola shushed her sister and double-checked the door before turning back to her gleeful-looking sister.

"You didn't tell, did you? I just, I cannot risk this" Viola pleaded with her twin.

"Of course, not" Sybil reassured her "You are my beloved sister and I want you to be happy"

Viola sighed and perched beside Sybil "I know, I simply adore Tommy and this is so new and precious to me"

Sybil smiled at her "Well, tell me! What is he like?"

Viola grinned shyly down at her hands "he is confident and playful. Clever as well, and he's been so loving and gentle to me"

"I'm glad" Sybil said her eyes fond "Do you see this going somewhere?"

"Yes, I can see myself being beside him for the rest of our lives but...Papa" Viola huffed

"Papa" Sybil agreed "and the others"

"True" Viola nodded before shooting a slightly nervous look at her sister "Do you care?"

Sybil's head jerked and she looked at Viola with wide eyes "I only care that he loves you and can provide a good life for you, he can do that can't he?"

"Yes," Viola nodded "Tommy's ambitious, and wants to provide for us but even if I worked as a nurse the rest of my life and he was just a bookkeeper, I wouldn't care. Sybil, it's only been three months, but I love him"

"And he loves you?" Sybil double-checked

Viola giggled at her sister "he's been declaring his love and intent for us to marry since practically the moment we met"

"Well, at least he's direct," Sybil said in amusement "Come, let us get ready for dinner, Mrs Patmore's been in a tizzy, Carson almost had kittens when you turned up with minimal warning"

"It's my home" Viola grumbled, "why must I give a warning?"

"To avoid Carson's early death," Sybil said dryly as she pulled out an emerald green evening gown.

Viola rolled her eyes and kept quiet, well used to Shelby's form of manners by now which was to not shoot a gun in the house, giving notice to their visitations wasn't a thing. They just knocked and barged in, making themselves at home. Viola found it to be rather charming.

"Viola, darling girl" Papa greeted her happily when she walked into the drawing room with Sybil by her side.

"Hello, Papa, I've missed you," Viola said walking over to hug her father.

"We've missed you as well, darling girl" Papa assured her "you should have visited sooner"

"Sorry Papa, I know I said weekends but things have honestly been such a rush" Viola told her papa apologetically.

"What is a weekend?" Violet Crawley asked in confusion and Viola laughed brightly

"Oh, don't worry Grandmama, you'll never have to concern yourself with such a thing," Mary told her before smiling at Viola "Little Vi, I've missed you"

"I've missed you too Mary, how has the manor been?" Viola asked her

"As it always has" Mary said happily and Viola schooled her grimace away, had nothing truly changed in three months? Perhaps, she's gotten too used to the hustle and bustle of Birmingham and her own chaotic schedule.

"I'm happy for you Mary" Viola replied "And cousin Patrick?"

Mary's pretty face twisted disdainfully "Oh, he's fine I suppose"

Viola lowered her voice "Mary, I know you don't particularly like him but you love Downton, and you can't have one without the other"

Mary scoffed "You're the fourth-born daughter, you'd be lucky to land yourself a baron, what would you know? I'm only keeping him in check until something better comes along"

Viola rolled her eyes at her sister's defensiveness and snipe back "Don't worry, sister dear, I'll manage my prospects just fine"

Mary eyed her suspiciously "I'm sure"

Dinner passed at Downton as it always did, exquisitely made food, good conversation and wine. Viola had missed her family but she felt almost out of place, finding herself yearning for watery lane and the Shelby family with their rough and tumble earnestness. She missed having tea with Polly and getting advice from the older woman, shopping with Ada. Running into Arthur and John, going on dates with Tommy and playing with Finn.

When Viola fell asleep that night, she was thinking of ice-blue eyes reflecting the light of a fire as they cuddled on the couch, a snoozing Finn in between them.

"You have been distracted" Violet Crawley stated, jerking Viola out of her thoughts, she had spent the morning fussing over Biscuit and harassing the poor stable master about how he had been, she had then headed out with Mary for a ride around the village, having some fun racing each other.

Biscuit was an older horse but he still gave a good showing, using his experience to keep up with the young gelding. And then she had to change so she could attend tea with Grandmama, Viola had found herself irritated with the constant need to change.

"There is much for me to be distracted by" Viola demurred, placing her teacup down and praying her Grandmama left her alone.

Of course, she didn't

"Your grades are impressive and your work ethic is what I would expect of a Crawley, but it is more than that" Violet Crawley wasn't dissuaded "You have a look in your eye"

"I'm not up to anything" Viola protested immediately "I'm not some child that's stolen cookies before dinner"

"Perhaps not that" Violet conceded "but you're hiding something that would not be approved by the family"

Viola pursed her lips and refused to answer.

"Darling Girl, I won't pry- "Violet shot her a chiding look when Viola looked disbelieving "- don't look at me like that young lady, but if it's something dangerous or illegal at least give me a warning to arrange an alibi, yes?"

"It's nothing like that," Viola said "Papa just wouldn't like it"

"Ah," Violet said with a triumphant glint in her eyes "it's a man"

"Grandmama!" Viola protested "I-"

"Oh, don't try to deny it, I'm old, not dead and I was married once you know" Violet snorted waving a hand dismissively "I assume this man isn't considered suitable for your standing?"

"Maybe" Viola confessed quietly keeping her eyes focused on the cakes in front of her.

"Well, Dear, I understand wanting a fling but do be careful, guard your heart" Violet Crawley warned her.

"I know Grandmama" Viola replied earnestly, deciding against telling her Grandmama that the man was planning on marrying her and she was planning on agreeing. Best not to upset the family yet, they were still processing the whole 'working' thing.

AN/

next chapters are going to be time skips/skimming over things

trying to entwine the downtown abbey and peaky blinders timeline is a little difficult, and I need to pick and choose what I'm going to show.

I'll admit I got up to season 4 of Downton abbey and then just lost interest and I got up to season 5 where Michael challenges tommy and it was just so ridiculous, I lost interest after Helen Mccroy passed so yea my knowledge isn't complete whoops.

I don't want to spoil anything but thoughts on a Shelby brother- John or Arthur walking her down the asile or, or, or, Alfie Solomon? ehhhh?

it's short (for me) chapters for now because we aren't at the 'start' of the story this is more the prologue to the story.

Please comment, it makes my day!