By Order Of The Peaky Blinders

by GameofSuperwholockathogwarts

Viola Crawley, Lady, Gentlewoman, Nurse. Tommy Shelby, Gypsy, Gangster, Solider. They come from two worlds but war blurs all lines and who cares for the rules of society when the world is at war? One is a soldier on the battlefront, fighting beside his brothers and desperate to get home the other, is a Nurse desperate to help in whatever small way that she can, torn away from he

8. Chapter 8

AN/ SMUT, SA, MURDER, VICTIM BLAMING. This chapter is 1912-1914 :D

"Another invitation?" Tommy grumbled as they sat in the living room of watery lane, surrounded by Tommy's family, he was basking in the warmth after a rainy, freezing day in Birmingham. He had to work out on the river today, smuggling some gear with Uncle Charlie and he had gotten soaked to the bone and unable to meet Viola for lunch. And then he had to fight for their lives and gear when their contact turned on them.

So, he had sulked home, gotten dry and changed then pouted to Viola as she fixed him up, earning some sympathy kisses and some delightful gropes. and the Shelbys were spending the night inside playing cards and relaxing as a storm roared overhead, John and Martha were cuddled up together, John had his hand on her stomach and kept shooting her utterly besotted looks. Tommy would have teased him but he was just as bad, if not worse.

"If you do not wish to go, you don't have to" Viola pointed out to her partner as she turned the page in her book, Polly sat next to her embroidering a baby blanket for the forthcoming Shelby and shooting looks at Viola.

Polly desperately wanted more Shelby babies to spoil and thought that Viola should already have a couple sprawled out on the rug in front of them. Her hints weren't subtle and were more demands.

"Dear God! Vi, please, please don't leave him here alone without you! he just sulks or picks fights, Pol almost locked him in the shed" Arthur begged

"Fine, I'll have mercy on you" Viola grinned at Arthur, adoring the older man and ignoring a sulking Tommy.

/

Viola stood between Tommy and Sybil, dressed to the nines as Isobel and Matthew Crawley came into Downton Manor, Matthew Crawley was a handsome enough man, tall with broad shoulders and light blonde hair brushed away from his aristocratic features but Viola found his light blue eyes to be lacking in comparison to her Tommy's ice blue gems.

"Welcome to Downton." Mama greeted them and the staff dipped into bows or curtsies, making Matthew look distinctly uncomfortable.

"Thank you. You've been so kind." Isobel said with a nervous smile and Viola tried to keep her judgements to herself for now.

"What a reception committee." Matthew tried to joke but it fell flat.

"And I thought me being here was problematic" Tommy whispered to Viola

"You're not here apparently stealing Mary's inheritance" Viola muttered back

"The women of your family, so tenacious" Tommy complimented

"Nice word for deluded" Viola muttered coming back to the room when Sybil dug her elbow into her ribs.

"This is Carson. We'd all be lost without him. Mama, may I present Matthew Crawley and Mrs Crawley, my mother, Lady Grantham." Papa introduced

Isobel stepped forward and held out her hand with a smile "What should we call each other?"

"Well, we could always start with Mrs Crawley and Lady Grantham." Grandmama said tartly and Cora stepped forward to guide Isobel.

"Come into the drawing room and we can make all the proper introductions." Cora invited her and Violet glanced at Carson who was trying to contain his amused smirk, but wasn't doing a very good job. The family moved into the next room to sit down for dinner.

"Do you think you'll enjoy village life? It will be very quiet after life in the city." Robert spoke up once they had been served, focusing on his new heir.

"Even Manchester." Violet sniffed before glancing at Tommy "though, I suppose it's better than Birmingham"

"Thank you, Grandmama" Viola rolled her eyes, taking a sip of wine and ignoring her.

"I can understand how life could be such a strange concept to one as…experienced as you" Tommy emphasised the word experience, eyeing the older woman and pausing on her grey hair and wrinkles.

"Wisdom comes with experience, something I'm sure you struggle with, having never left the one country" Violet informed him with a disdainful sniff

"And I'm sure you have very fond memories of the birth of Christ" Tommy said with a serene smile "the middle east must have been awful on your English skin, but I suppose the wrinkles were worth attending such an event"

"Whippersnapper" Violet insulted

"Coffin-dodger" Tommy batted back

"I am very spry for my age" Violet said with a wink and giggle that had Robert choking on his drink and Viola laughing in delight.

"I'm sure I'll find something to keep me busy." Isobel cut in, eyeing Tommy who was clearly the odd man out, but seeing him absently push the bread plate over to her so she didn't have to reach started to clear things up. And the besotted look he shot her a moment later really confirmed it.

"You might like the hospital." Cora piped in "Viola is currently studying to be a nurse in Birmingham"

"Are you really?" Isobel asked in delight, pleased to have a topic to discuss with one of the women.

"Yes" Viola said with a shy smile "it's where I met Tommy, best decision of my life"

"She's the best nurse in Birmingham" Tommy bragged with a proud glint in his blue eyes "always fixing up my cuts and bruises, and my brothers"

"Aren't you a bookie?" Edith asked in confusion "how would you get hurt?"

"I'd need to talk to my lawyer" Tommy drawled out before changing the subject "Matthew, you're a lawyer, aren't you?"

"Yes, but I don't practice criminal law" Matthew said before jerking looking horrified by what he just said.

"who said what I did was criminal? I could have wanted to sue the council for mis-cobbling the road and making me trip and break my nose" Tommy said, gleeful at seeing the man scramble in mortification, it was so fun to poke at them!

"OH! No- I-I'm terribly sorry" Matthew apologised fumbling and Tommy laughed

"I'm messing with you; we're going to be family after all" Tommy waved off, worried Matthew would burst into tears.

"We are? Are you and Viola engaged?" Matthew asked in interest, wanting to get to know his family.

There was a thump as someone kicked a purpling Robert Grantham but the serene faces around the table didn't give away who it was.

"Working on it" Tommy said simply, taking a sip of whisky

Isobel coughed and asked about the hospital "What sort of hospital is it? How many beds?"

"Well, it-it isn't really a hospital." Violet admitted to Isobel.

Robert chuckled "Don't let Dr Clarkson hear you. He thinks it's second only to St Thomas's."

"Dr Clarkson is proud of his work, as he should be" Viola said, fondness for her old Doctor evident in her tone.

"It's a cottage hospital, of course, but quite well equipped." Cora added on.

"Who pays for it?" Isobel asked interested

Violet rolled her eyes "Oh, good. Let's talk about money."

No one would dare kick the matriarch of the family but Viola felt the urge rather violently. Why did ever dinner have to be so dramatic?

"My father gave the building and an endowment to run it. In a way, he set up his own memorial." Robert explained to Isobel.

"But how splendid." Isobel complimented.

"Grandpapa should have built himself a golden statue and be done with it" Viola murmured into her wine, making Tommy snort in amusement.

Robert nodded with a smile "And Mr Lloyd George's new insurance measures will help."

"Please don't speak that man's name, we are about to eat." Violet request causing Tommy to smirk as Thomas leant forward over Matthew's shoulder with the first dish

"I will hold it steady and you can help yourself, sir." Thomas explained to him and Viola almost smirked at how petty he was being

"Yes, I know. Thank you." Matthew said before addressing Tommy "Attend many dinners, Tommy?"

Tommy tipped his drink to Matthew before speaking "Not before stailc tintreach but she's a…very good instructor, hands on but I learn best that way"

Viola kicked Tommy's shin the same moment someone thankfully kicked Papa, his face fading from the puce colour it had turned upon Tommy's comment.

"What does stailc tintreach mean?" Isobel asked awkwardly stumbling over the gaelic.

"Lightning strike" Tommy explained to her.

"And what does that mean?" Isobel wondered if there was a romantic story behind the nickname.

"I'm only going to tell when she marries me" Tommy said with a smirk "I'm using it as incentive"

"Guess she is to never know" Robert piped in

"We do a lot because of curiosity" Tommy hummed

"Curiousity killed the cat" Robert pointed out

"But satisfaction brought it back, old Gypsy phrase that" Tommy said before adding on mischievously "have trouble with the last part Lord Grantham? It happens to men of your age I've heard..."

And because Thomas 'Tommy' Shelby was complete and utter fucking bastard who never, ever let a slight pass and delighted in scorching the earth so long as it got him his revenge "…I don't"

"Why-"Robert grunted and jerked at the force of the kick, making the dishes rattle on the table but once again, serene faces all around. Tommy almost pouted he wanted to see if he could get Robert to a burnt sienna colour. Polly was on about painting that colour on the walls and Tommy wanted to see if he liked it, pissing off his father-in-law just added to his glee.

"You'll soon get used to the way things are done here." Mary said with an awkward cough, why the low rent Gypsy Boy had to be here, she didn't know.

"If you mean that I'm accustomed to a very different life from this, then that is true." Matthew admitted with ease.

"As am I" Tommy told Matthew, perhaps he could find an ally in the Heir Grantham?

"What will you do with your time?" Lady Sybil asked him, keen to know her new cousin.

"I've got a job in Ripon. I said I'll start tomorrow." Matthew replied

"A job?" Robert asked with a blink, his daughter having a fancy to try a job was odd but allowable but his Heir?

"In a partnership. You might have heard of it, Harvell and Carter. They need someone who understands industrial law, I'm glad to say. Although, I'm afraid most of it will be wills and conveyancing." Matthew explained to the table

"You do know I mean to involve you in the running of the estate?" Robert double-checked

"Oh, don't worry. There are plenty of hours in the day. And, of course, I'll have the weekend." Matthew reassured

"We'll discuss this later. We mustn't bore the ladies." Robert dismissed and Tommy wondered why he wouldn't include the women; it was their family too wasn't it? God knows Polly and Ada just forced their way into a conversation if they thought it to be their business.

"What-what is a weekend? Viola never told me what the infernal thing is" Violet said with a frown.

"I'm so interested to see the hospital." Isobel said to Cora before glancing at Viola "would you take me on a tour perhaps?"

Viola tilted her head, to catch Tommy's eye "we might be able to swing that" she said after a moment when he nodded.

"Mm, well, you would be with your late husband a doctor." Violet Crawley added

"Not just my husband, my father and brother, too, and I trained as a nurse during the war. But look another Nurse in the family, did you ever consider becoming a doctor, Tommy?" Isobel looked over at the man who had a cigarette hanging from his lips

"And do an honest day's work? My ancestors would spin in their graves" Tommy said with dry humour.

"But you're a bookie, that's honest work" Edith said

Tommy rolled his eyes "yes, that is legal" and also the cover he used for all the illegal things he did.

"Oh, fancy." Violet stated bringing the topic back on discussion.

"I'd love to be involved in some way." Isobel added on.

"Well, you could always help with the bring and buy sale next month." Violet suggested "That would be most appreciated."

Viola bit her lip as the two older women traded icy smiles, she winked at Thomas when they passed his post and caught the amused smirk on his face as he bowed his head.

"It's kind of you to take an interest." Dr Clarkson told Isobel as he showed her around the ward the next day before glancing at Viola "And Lady Viola, you are always welcome"

"Hopefully without injury" Viola said cheekily, as she had known Dr Clarkson all her life, she felt comfortable in being less formal.

"Always without injury if you know what's best for you, my lady" Dr Clarkson told her wagging a finger.

"I'm afraid it's a case of the war horse and the drum." Isobel said before adding on "You know my late husband was a doctor."

"I do. I'm familiar with Dr Crawley's work on the symptoms of infection in children." Dr Clarkson told her

"Ah. Even I studied nursing during the South African war." Isobel added on and Viola tilted her head at the woman from behind her back, she really couldn't tell if Isobel was looking for influence, for recognition, for admiration or just making conversation. How odd.

"Really?" Dr Clarkson asked as a nurse escorted a weeping woman out of the ward.

"Very distressing. A young farmer, John Drake, a tenant of Lord Grantham's, came in today. It's dropsy, I'm afraid." Dr Clarkson informed them quietly

"What a shame" Viola murmured, shooting a look of sympathy over her shoulder at the sobbing woman

"May I see him?" Isobel asked

"As one of his Ladies, I should pay my respects" Viola added on

"Yeah. By all means." Dr Clarkson nodded his head, gesturing with his hand and Isobel walked around the screen, Viola following to find the man laid on the hospital bed, pale and feverish. His legs were swollen and full of sores

"Is the dropsy of the liver or the heart?" Viola asked curious

"Everything points to the heart." Dr Clarkson answered promptly, the man seemed to be having trouble breathing. He began to cough and blood came out as he brought a cloth to his mouth. Dr Clarkson rushed over to him.

"All right, Mr Drake, you're in safe hands now." Dr Clarkson assured him, tending to him as Isobel and Viola watched on.

After a poke around the hospital where Viola got to see her grandpapa's memorial in all it's glory Dr Clarkson escorted the two women past the hospital gates.

"What will happen to his wife?" Isobel asked suddenly.

"She may try to keep the farm on." Dr Clarkson snuck a look at Viola before speaking "Grantham is not a harsh landlord, but her children are young."

"Papa will try to help" Viola said "but the land must be worked"

"What can I do to help?" Isobel asked suddenly and Dr Clarkson looked surprised.

"If I'm to live in this village, I must have an occupation. Please, let me be useful." Isobel begged

As they were walking back to the manor in silence Isobel suddenly spoke up.

"Why did you do it?"

"Do what?" Viola asked cautiously, while this woman was family, she was also new to the family and Viola didn't know if she could be trusted.

"Decide to attend nursing school, from the looks of it, you would never have to work a day in your life" Isobel pointed out.

"Papa would rather I didn't, if I were to go out in the world, I'd form my own opinions and we know how dangerous that can be" Viola drawled out before becoming serious "I have been given a blessed laugh, I wished to give back, that is all"

"An admirable thing" Isobel praised and Viola hummed but didn't comment and the two walked in companionable silence.

/

"I don't think that's fair. Not here in the servants' hall." Thomas muttered as Viola entered the servant's hall with Tommy

"I agree. If she was a real lady, she wouldn't have come down here. She'd have rung for me and given me the button, that's all." O'Brien said with disdain and a frown carved itself onto her face.

"This isn't their territory; we can say what we like down here." Thomas pointed out

"Who says?" Mrs Hughes questioned.

"The law. And parliament. There is such a thing as free speech." Thomas told her defiantly.

"Not when I'm in charge! Don't push your luck, Thomas." Mrs Hughes scolded him "Now, tea's over. Back to work. You'd better take this." Mrs Hughes handed O'Brien Mama's coat button.

""Friends." Who does she think she's fooling? We're not friends." O'Brien sneered

"No?" Anna asked mildly.

"No. And you're not friends with the girls, neither. We're servants, you and me, and they pay us to do as we're told, that's all." O'Brien spat and Viola had quite enough

"Thomas is quite right" she said mildly making the servants jump.

"My Lady!" Mrs Hughes said spinning around in shock "what are you doing down here"

Amusement danced across Viola's eyes as she answered "I was looking for Carson, I was going to ask Lynch to saddle the horses and chaperone while Tommy and I go for a ride"

"Of course, my Lady right away" Mrs Hughes told her but Viola hesitated looking at O'Brien and Thomas, both looking nervous.

"Thomas, you were quite right, you are allowed to speak as you please in your space and have your complaints as dictated by the law but do, please come to us if there is something we can fix. It would be a shame to lose such an able-bodied man" Viola's voice turned ice cold as she looked at O'Brien "however, actions have consequences and if you don't like my mama walking about her house as she pleases. You are free to leave"

"Yes milady" O'Brien muttered, face pale as she looked at Tommy who was hovering behind her protectively.

"My mama is a true and honest Lady" Viola told her, eyes narrowed "she is also kind and probably wished to not make a fuss and have you walk across the house. And Mama considers you to be a dear friend but perhaps I should inform her of your true feelings or is this merely a lapse in judgement?"

"A lapse Milady, I swear it" O'Brien babbled

"It best be" Viola said threateningly "you enjoy a lot of privalages being connected to my family's name, a lot of good will and reputation. I can see that…easily changed, Tommy says finding a job is awfully hard I wonder how much more difficult it will be with a stained reputation? do we have an understanding O'Brien?"

"Yes Milady" O'Brien said pale white.

Viola turned to Anna, eyes warm and smiling "Anna, you are a dear, dear companion to my sisters and I. you are hardworking and beloved. If there is anything I can do, please ask if it's in my power I'll see it done, if not, I'll find someone who can"

"Thank you, milady," Anna smiled at her with a quick, small curtsy

"Thomas" Viola called and the man jerked and eyed her like a spooked horse "I suggest finding a higher quality friend, clearly O'Brien is incapable and poisonous."

"Thank you for your advice, my Lady" Thomas said dipping his head

"Tommy, I want to go ride" Viola said imperiously

"Of course, stailc tintreach" Tommy told her, focusing on her immediately and offering his arm, as they walked away Tommy let the servants see the razor in his open palm before hiding it up his sleeve, letting the silent threat hang.

/

"Why are you so against him?" Sybil asked Mary as the four sisters were lounging in her room as Mary finished getting ready for the day.

"Aside from the fact he's planning to steal our inheritance?" Mary asked her incredulous

"Your inheritance. It makes no difference to Sybil, Viola and me. We won't inherit, whatever happens." Edith pointed out

"He isn't one of us." Mary said firmly and Viola rolled her eyes

"Seeing as how he has the blood and is the lawful heir, he can be whatever he wants" Viola pointed out "be thankful it's a respectable profession"

"Cousin Freddie's studying for the bar, and so is Vivian McDonald." Sybil pointed out as Edith walked around Mary's room "and Viola's a nurse!"

"At Lincoln's Inn. Not sitting at a dirty little desk in Ripon. Besides, his father was a doctor." Mary said disdainfully "and Viola has always been odd"

"Yes, the desire to be independent how odd" Viola huffed

"There's nothing wrong with doctors. We all need doctors." Sybil pointed out

"We all need crossing sweepers and draymen, too, it doesn't mean we have to dine with them." Mary huffed "it's bad enough that Gypsy Boy is here, why is he here? I thought Papa would have him shot by now"

"Because I asked him not to" Mama piped in

"Because I'm Mama's favourite" Viola said with a grin "also Papa thinks I'm merely rebelling and if he ignores it, I'll change my mind"

"Will you?" Mary asked "I mean he has no prospects! You could have a Lord or better!"

Viola snorted "he might have no prospects but he has all the ambition. And Tommy will be a Lord or better one day"

"After decades of poverty" Mary huffed

"Whom don't we have to dine with?" Cora asked curious.

"Mary doesn't care for Cousin Matthew." Edith tattled and Viola rolled her eyes

"Sybil, be a dear and fetch my black evening shawl. O'Brien knows which one." Mama told Sybil, who got up to leave.

"And Edith, can you see if the drawing room's ready." Mama asked and Edith nodded before heading out of the room.

Mama turned to her but Viola rolled her eyes "you aren't subtle Mama, time I hunted Tommy down, God knows he's doing something ridiculous"

/

"Have you been able to explore the village?" Robert asked Isobel that evening at dinner.

"Indeed, I have." Isobel confirmed before glancing at Viola "Viola was kind enough to play tour guide. And I thought the hospital a great credit to your father's memory. But I'm afraid the good doctor and I did not see eye to eye.

Grandmama chuckled and said "Oh, you amaze me."

"He is treating one of your tenant, John Drake, for dropsy, but seems reluctant to embrace some of the newer treatments." Isobel continued undaunted by VIolet

"Drake is a good man, and far too young to die, but I suppose the doctor knows his business." Robert said firmly

"Not as well as Mrs Crawley, apparently." Violet sniped idly taking a sip of wine. Isobel went to reply but Papa smoothly stepped in

"By the way, if ever you want to ride, just let Lynch know and he'll sort it out for you." Robert said turning to Matthew

"The views are stunning" Tommy admitted

"Oh, Papa, Cousin Matthew doesn't ride." Mary said with a laugh

"I ride." Matthew said quietly but firmly.

"And do you hunt?" Mary asked some interest showing

"No, I don't hunt." Matthew denied

"I daresay there's not much opportunity in Manchester." Violet joked with a chuckle

"I don't know" Tommy said "if you don't mind catching rats, it can be lucrative"

"Are you a hunting family?" Matthew asked the group

"Families like ours are always hunting families." Mary said sharply

"Not always. Billy Skelton won't have them on his land." Robert told his daughter.

"Much like gypsies" Tommy piped in

"But all the Skeltons are mad." Mary brushed off

"Do you hunt?" Matthew asked focusing on Mary.

"Occasionally. I suppose you're more interested in books than country sport." Mary said showing her disdain for such a thing

"I probably am. You'll tell me that's rather unhealthy." Matthew said good-naturedly

"Not unhealthy. Just unusual...among our kind of people." Mary said snobbishly, taking everyone aback.

"There's nothing wrong with intelligence Mary" Viola said "it's a good think Matthew is a thinker; he'll lead Downton to a brighter future"

"I suppose Gypsy Boy's only positive is his intelligence" Mary sniped at Viola "it's all he's got after all, no true prospects or pedigree. No wealth, no connections or influence at least Matthew is a doctor"

Viola's hackles raised and she glared viciously at Mary "a self-made man is better than one who is handed the world on a silver platter, but you won't even get that will you Mary Dear? Relegated behind the fourth cousin"

Mary's eyes flashed with hurt at the vitriol Viola spat at her sister, but she didn't care.

"Mostly it's my pretty blue eyes" Tommy drawled out breaking the awkward moment "that stailc tintreach likes about me, and the fact that I can charm animals"

Mary spoke after a moment "I've been studying the story of Andromeda; do you know it?"

"Why?" Mathew asked cautiously

"Her father was King Cepheus, whose country was being ravaged by storms, and in the end, he decided the only way to appease the gods was to sacrifice his eldest daughter to a hideous sea monster. So, they chained her naked to a rock..." Mary explained to him

Violet chuckled uncomfortable "Really? Mary, we'll all need our smelling salts in a minute.

"But the sea monster didn't get her, did he?" Matthew asked her strongly, Sybil was transfixed by the story and the drama playing out right in front of her.

"No. Just when it seemed he was the only solution to her father's problems, she was rescued." Mary told him, surprised he would know the story.

"By Perseus." Matthew told her and some of the wind went out of Mary's sail.

"That's right. Perseus, son of a god. Rather more fitting, wouldn't you say?" Mary asked him

"That depends. I'd have to know more about the princess and the sea monster in question." Matthew said holding her gaze challengingly

"I prefer Eros and Psyche" Viola added on blandly "but then again, I've always found pure devotion to be fitting rather than all the drama of Andromeda, but then again a mad father that won't listen to his daughters desire, well they say stories are a reflection of life"

Robert sighed and took a sip of wine.

/

Viola had happily headed back to Birmingham with Tommy, glad to be away from her family's drama and immerse herself into her work at the clinic, studying with Kathy at the library, shopping with Ada and having tea and play dates with Polly and Finn.

Viola was pleased to go on dates with Tommy, spend days walking around Birmingham with Arthur and help John to pick out wedding necessities. But as they returned to Downton for the weekend, there was drama going on as usual, she followed Sybil's curious voice into one of the drawing rooms.

"What is he doing in here?" Sybil asked

Viola and Tommy entered, with Viola looking around curiously.

"He says he has urgent business with His Lordship." Mr Bates told them looking uncomfortable.

"He has business with Papa?" Viola asked confused as Tommy placed a hand on her back and moved her to his other side, so he was between her and the stranger. In his other hand, out of sight of the women he played with a razor, spinning it through his fingers with skill.

"Urgent." Grigg said and Viola's eyes went half-lidded at how the man was poking around.

"I've sent for Mr Carson to come at once." Mr Bates assured him

"Then I'll stay with you in case explanations are needed." Sybil assured him

"I will, as well" Viola said

"Thank you." Mr Bates mouthed

"I could just get rid of him" Tommy offered blandly

"As if you could" Grigg bluffed and Tommy took one long stride forward, razor coming up but Viola grabbed his free arm.

"The blood will take forever to get out of the carpets, Beloved, and I loathe to make the servants work so hard for filth" Viola shot Grigg a disdainful look

Tommy slipped the razor away before offering "I can drag him by my bare hands"

"No, I don't want you to be tainted and I'm curious" Viola told him before adding on "We can always reexamine later"

Tommy shrugged and wrapped an arm around her waist "As you wish, stailc tintreach"

They waited in silence until Griff started complaining.

"How long are you expecting me to wait? I'm a very busy man, you know." Griggs complained loudly and Viola's eyebrow twitched as she sat on an armchair, Sybil on the couch as Bates and Tommy stood in front of them, Tommy glaring at Grigg dangerously, his entire posture tense and ready. When Grigg would take a step to close Tommy's lips would pull back from his teeth as his razor came out. he ached to cut the man but Viola had asked him not to. He'd still drag him outside and beat the man to death with his bare hands if needed.

": If you could just be patient for a little longer, sir." Mr Bates said politely before shooting a look at Tommy, pleading for patience from him, almost sagging in relief when Lord Grantham entered

"Ah." Grigg said

"May I ask who this is and precisely what is going on?" Papa demanded to know as Mr Carson and Anna entered.

"Mr Bates, what are you...? Er...I'm sorry, Your Lordship. Mr Bates, you may go now." Carson tried to dismiss the man.

"No, stay where you are. No one is going anywhere. Do I take it you know this man?" Papa questioned turning to Carson

"Don't try and deny it." Grigg threatened

"No, I won't deny it. I do know him, my lord, but not what he is doing in the library." Carson told Papa apologetically.

"I tried to take him downstairs out of sight, Mr Carson, but he wouldn't come." Mr Bates defended himself, between that and praying Tommy didn't snap he really wanted to lay down. No wonder the man could charm dogs, he was a mad one.

"Thank you, that was thoughtful." Carson nodded at Bates

"But who is he?" Papa asked and Carson hesitated, looking…nervous?

"Will you tell him or shall I?" Grigg asked

"His name is Charles Grigg. We worked together at one time." Carson tried to brush off

"Oh, I'm a little more than that, aren't I, Charlie?" Grigg said cheerfully patting Carson on the shoulder. Carson grimaced as Viola mouthed 'Charlie' at a grinning Sybil.

"We're like brothers, him and me." Grigg said and Tommy raised a disbelieving eyebrow.

"We are not like brothers." Carson retorted hotly, looking mortally offended.

"We were a double act. On the halls." Grigg continued

"Pardon?" Viola blurted out.

"You were on the stage? Carson, is this true?" Papa asked turning to Carson

"It is, my lord." Carson admitted shamefully

"The Cheerful Charlies, that's what they called us." Grigg said, Carson rolled his eyes while Grigg did a tap dance and handed Robert a flier for their old act, Tommy finally relaxed and stepped back to Viola's side, still eyeing Grigg suspiciously.

"We did quite well, didn't we?" Grigg turned to Carson, clearly proud of his past.

"Until you couldn't keep your hands out of the till." Carson retorted.

"Would you like us to go, Mr Carson?" Anna asked him, mindful of his feeling while Viola pouted

"No." Carson said with a sigh "You know it now. You might as well bear witness to my shame. He turned up in the village with no warning some days ago on the run, asking for somewhere to hide and, of course, for money."

"God in heaven." Robert breathed out.

"He's wanted for some petty crime of which he is, of course, guilty." Carson glared at him

"Hey, steady on." Grigg chided him

"He threatened to expose my past to make me a laughingstock in this house. And in my vanity and pride, I gave him what he wanted." Carson admitted to Lord Grantham shamefully

"You did not." Grigg denied with a scoff.

"I put him in an empty cottage and fed him from the kitchens. I couldn't buy food in the village, it would raise too many questions. I stole. I'm a thief. She...saw it." Carson confessed as he gestured at anna and Viola blinked at how dramatic Carson was

"I'd never have said anything, Mr—" Anna rushed to assure him but he interjected focusing on Lord Grantham

"And now my disgrace is complete. My lord, you have my resignation." Carson said

"Really, Carson, there's no need to be quite so melodramatic. You're not playing Sydney Carton." Robert chided him before turning to Grigg.

"It's the theatre in him, Papa, he can't help himself" Viola said slyly.

"So, why have you come here, if he has done everything you asked of him?" Papa questioned Grigg, finding him utterly disdainful.

"Because he hasn't." Grigg said, sitting down in a chair and making himself right at home.

"He wouldn't give me any money." Grigg stated

"He tried to blackmail you?" Tommy asked Mr Carson

Carson nodded "If I had, how could I have prevented his returning to Downton once it was spent?" Carson pleaded

"It's hardly blackmail, just getting what I'm owed" Grigg protested

"I think you're owed a smile" Tommy said "I'll be happy to cut you one"

Robert cleared his throat roughly, shooting a look at Tommy before speaking "My dear Mr Grigg..."

"Ah. Nice to see someone 'round here's got some manners." Grigg said in satisfaction

"Hold your tongue!" Carson barked at Grigg, defensive of his Lord.

"I'll tell your what is going to happen. When I have given you twenty pounds, you will leave Downton immediately and we will never set eyes on you again." Robert told Grigg

"I'll have to see about that." Grigg said feeling powerful that a Lord was bending to his demands.

"If you return to this area, I will personally ensure your conviction for theft and blackmail." Robert threatened "or I will have my son-in-law deal with you"

Tommy smirked and took a step towards the chair, making Grigg spring up from the chair and move behind it, using it as a shield.

"Just a minute—" Grigg protested

"You will serve from five to ten years in His Majesty's custody." Robert said pulling out his wallet "Unless Tommy gets his hands on you"

"Oh, I'm always one step ahead of the police" Tommy promised darkly.

"You think you're such a big man, don't you? Just 'cause you're a lord, you think you can do what you like with me." Grigg spat at Lord Grantham "just because you can call on the law or use your attack dog"

"I'm Viola's attack dog" Tommy said blandly "I'm just being borrowed"

"I think it, because it is true." Robert told Grigg flatly and Tommy felt a smidge of respect for Robert Crawley. Robert held out the cash and Grigg debated for a moment before a cough from Tommy had him snatching the money.

"You'll not always be in charge, you know. The day is coming when your lot will have to toe the line just like the rest of us." Grigg told them sharply.

"Perhaps. But happily, for Carson, that day has not come yet." Robert replied serenely. Grigg glanced at Carson before stalking off, Anna and Bates followed. However, Sybil, Viola and Tommy remained.

"I...take it my resignation has not been accepted?" Carson asked awkwardly.

"My dear fellow, we all have chapters we would rather keep unpublished. To be honest, Carson, I'm rather impressed. Did you really sing and dance and everything in front of an audience?" Papa asked and Sybil smiled exchanging a look with Viola.

"I did." Carson admitted ashamed

"Will we get a show?" Viola asked

Carson shot her a glare, pulling himself straight "absolutely not"

"And do you ever miss it?" Robert asked

"Not in the least, my lord." Carson assured and he and Sybil headed out of the library.

"Son-in-law" Tommy spoke into the silence

"What?" Robert questioned him sharply

"That's what you called me, son-in-law" Tommy said calmly, Robert blustered for a moment before turning and leaving the library, leaving an amused Viola and smug Tommy

/

Isobel had sent a summons to Viola, telling her of the procedure they were going to do, interested Viola dumped a pouting Tommy on Arthur for the day, leaving a sulking man and a pleading man behind and heading for Downton.

"Mr Drake, your heart is not functioning properly and, as a result, your pericardial sac is full of fluid. I am proposing first to withdraw the fluid, and then to inject the adrenaline to stimulate the heart and restore normal activity." Dr Clarkson explained to Drake

"An injection of adrenaline? I've heard about it but to see it used successfully…I'll have to tell Dr. Stoyle when I get back" Viola murmured in fascination.

"Is it dangerous, Doctor?" Mrs Drake asked nervously

"The draining may stop the heart, and the adrenaline may not be able to restart it." Dr Clarkson told her simply.

"Mrs Drake, the choice is simple. If your husband endures this procedure, he may live. If not, he will die." Isobel added on.

"He's with a patient." They heard a nurse protest and then her Grandmama's voice followed, naturally.

"Please, please, no, let me pass. I must see the doctor at once." Violet said, stepping around the screen and Mrs Drake rose from her chair

"Your Ladyship." Dr Clarkson greeted her.

"Yes, it's just as I thought. Dr Clarkson, tell me you will not permit this amateur to influence your professional opinion." Violet said before shooting a look at Viola who sighed and tried to make herself invisible.

"Amateur?" Isobel demanded in offence.

Grandmama ignored her and turned to Mrs Drake "My dear woman, do not let them bully you. They'll not disturb the peace of your husband's last hours, not if I can help it."

"But that's just it, my lady. I don't want them to be his last hours. Not if there's a chance. Please, Doctor, do what you must." Mrs Drake requested firmly and Clarkson stepped forward to begin the procedure. A nurse handing him a needle and he attached it to a draining tube.

"As..." Grandmama trailed off as Clarkson and the nurse inserted the needle and Mrs Drake turned away. Isobel stepping over to comfort her.

"Steady. Yeah, all right." Dr Clarkson said

"Yep." The Nurse confirmed

"Nice and steady." Dr Clarkson murmured as he drained the fluid with a syringe attached to the tube.

"As president of this hospital, I feel I must..." Grandmama tried again but trailed off

"Valve." Dr Clarkson murmured as the fluid drained into a glass jar.

"...tell you I...I shall bring this to the attention of the board." Grandmama threatened weakly but everyone was ignoring her, focusing on the procedure.

"You're doing very well." Dr Clarkson reassured Drake calmly.

"Have you no pity?" Violet demanded just as the draining finished

"Adrenaline. Quickly, quickly. His heart's stopped." Dr Clarkson ordered and the nurse handed him the syringe, which he attached to the needle already inserted in Drake's chest.

"Ready?" Dr Clarkson asked

"Mm-hmm." The nurse confirmed Viola watched intently as Clarkson injected the adrenaline and pulled out the needle

"Yes." Clarkson breathed in satisfaction as Drake woke up and heaved deep breaths, Mrs Drake turned to look and went to hold and kiss his hand.

"Oh, my dear." Mr Drake murmured and Viola watched as Isobel turned to Grandmama, who was stunned by what happened.

/

"Your father told you what was going to happen, why must we come in person?" Tommy asked as they took seats in the crowd.

"Because I wanted to see the look on Grandmama's face and you have business nearby" Viola told Tommy

"fuckin' Americans, pain in my arse" Tommy grumbled "no idea why they want to meet in some back-alley club" Viola patted his hand consolingly.

"We can go dancing after" she offered and he perked up

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to this happy event: the investiture of our first chairwoman, Mrs Reginald Crawley, who has graciously agreed to share the duties of our beloved president, the Dowager Countess of Grantham." Dr Clarkson declared

Grandmama was clearly upset about this power play.

"Our little hospital must surely grow and thrive with two such doughty champions united as they are by the strongest ties of all, family and friendship." Dr Clarkson finished his speech with a smile but Isobel and Viola both looked uncomfortable.

Viola turned her head into Tommy's shoulder as her shoulders shook, eyes sparkling with glee. She adored her grandmama but this was just too funny!

"Alrigh" Tommy whispered into her ear "I admit, the invitation was worth this, now can we go dancing?"

/

Tommy patted the neck of his horse, a dark brown horse while staring at Viola who was dressed in her riding gear, his eyes kept dipping low and looking at those fantastic legs of hers…perhaps they could take a different route in the woods today? Biscuit wasn't one for racing nowadays.

Mr Carson: William." Carson called as he directed where the footmen should bring the drinks, Tommy snatching one for Viola and himself. As Lord and Lady Grantham greeted the hunting party while the footmen served the others, Tommy whistled when the dogs got to rowdy begging at Barrows feet. They settled imediatley sitting and falling silent as Barrow shot him an impressed look. Tommy smirked and mouthed 'witchcraft' at him.

"Are you done showing off your gypsy magic?" Viola asked him amused

Tommy shrugged and shot her a lazy grin "but it's always so impressive to you outsiders."

Viola rolled her eyes and decided not to inflate his ego anymore. Thankfully Lynch and Mary came over to them

"Have you seen Mr Napier?" Mary asked her directly

"The one you've been writing?" Viola teased her sister who shot her a glare before glancing around nervously "I'm afraid I haven't Mary, though he'll be here"

"How would you know?" Mary questioned

Viola sighed at her usually unflappable sister "Because it's you. the Lady Mary Crawley, intelligent, beautiful, talented and charming. How could he not want you?"

"Darling girl" Mary smiled at her gently. Before focusing on the crowd again

"Can you see them, milady?" Lynch asked as he looked around, Tommy calmly sipping his drink and waiting for the fun to start

"Not yet." Mary said before brightening "Oh, wait a minute, here is Mr Napier. I was beginning to give up on you. We're moving off."

Napier took his hat of to Mary before nodding and smiling at Viola, who smiled back.

"We were fools not to accept your mother's invitation and send the horses down early. As it is, my groom only got here an hour or two ago and my mount's as jump as a deb at her first ball." Evelyn explained to her sheepishly, worried that he'd be to late and insult Mary.

"What about Mr Pamuk? I gather if he takes a tumble, you will be endangering world peace." Lady Mary teased him gaily, delighted to be going on a hunt today.

"Don't worry about Kemal. He knows what he's doing on a horse." Evelyn reassured her with a charming smile.

"Well, where is he?" Mary asked with impatience, she wanted to go and hunt!

"Fussing. He's rather a dandy." Evelyn said with a shrug, used to his friends behaviour.

"Well, I can see him now. A funny little foreigner with a wide, toothy grin and hair reeking with pomade." Mary laughed at her own joke but Viola shot her a scolding look

"Let's meet the man before making a judgement" Viola muttered "and he's our guest either way"

"I wouldn't quite say that. Here he is now." Evelyn said nodding and the two women turned, Mary with a snobbish smile the dropped when Kemal Pamuk rode up, a very handsome man. Tall, broad-shouldered with smooth brown skin, wavy black hair and soulful brown eyes.

"Well then" Viola murmured, eyes cutting to Tommy who was watching her carefully, she rolled her eyes at the man, Pamuk was handsome but he was hardly Tommy Shelby handsome, she tapped her chest and smiled at him. His worried look melted into smugness.

"Lady Mary Crawley, I presume?" Pamuk said before spotting Viola and his eyes lit up "and…?"

"Lady Viola Crawley, I'm Mary's younger sister, prettier too" Viola said cheekily sending a wink at Mary who laughed in amusement.

Pamuk took of his hat to them, smiling charmingly and making him look even more handsome "Two great beauties"

"How right you are" Mary said smugly

"Sorry to be so dishevelled. We've been on a train since dawn and we had to change in a shed." Pamuk apologised.

"You don't look dishevelled to me." Mary assured him, her voice slightly breathless

"Oh, I'm sure he makes dishevelled look good" Viola added on "I'm almost jealous"

Pamuk smiled at her charmingly "My Lady, how kind of you to say but I assure you the reality is far different, perhaps you'll see one day?"

Viola blinked as the hunting horn was blown and Tommy strode over to Viola.

"Stailc tintreach, let me help you on the horse" Tommy murmured to her, hand clamped on her waist warning her not to push him.

She smirked up at him "Of course, Tommy"

Tommy sent a smug look at Pamuk but when he smirked challengingly Tommy's face twisted into something dangerous.

Viola reached out for the saddle to prepare her jump up when Tommy ducked his head and whispered threateningly into her ear "you better ride fast stailc tintreach, because when I get my hands on you…you're not going to be able to speak coherently"

She swallowed heavily as shivers ran down her spine at the threat "Oh, Tommy, promises, promises"

"It's not a promise, Viola, it's a fuckin' threat" Tommy snarled into her ear, hands tightening as he tossed her up onto the saddle, leaving her scrambling for the reins. Once she was settled, she stared down at dangerously focused ice-blue eyes.

"Ride" Tommy warned her and she heeded it, kicking Biscuit into a gallop and fleeing as if the devil was on her heels. He was.

Tommy leapt onto his own horse as he kicked into a gallop after giving Viola a thirty second head start, he wanted to be…fair after all. He could easily spot her, using her knowledge of the area to push Biscuit and ensure Tommy had difficulty following but he was Gypsy. He was meant to ride on the back of a horse, born for it, it was in his blood.

He grinned to himself, eyes focused on the braided brown hair with and ice-blue ribbon tied around the end of it, the same shade of his eyes, maybe he'll keep it, a trophy of his success or maybe he'll wrap it around her pretty neck.

Viola risked a glance over her shoulder, trusting Biscuit to carry her safely as he has always done, and cursed violently in a way that would make Arthur proud when she noted that Tommy was catching up to her, and oh, he was so unfairly handsome right now. Blue eyes focused on her, face carved from stone his hands were tangled in the horse's mane completely ignoring the reins, as he stood up on the horse the wind whipping against his lean form. He was unmoved, fierce and so utterly mouthwatering. Viola felt a thrill race down her spine at the hunt though it soon turned to panic when she realised that Tommy was forcing her into thicket where Biscuit would not be able to move.

She'd have to give up or go on foot.

Viola was not one to give up, so she pulled Biscuit to a stop, pressed a fleeting kiss to his nose and then fled into the thicket, as Tommy tore after her, the horses would be fine but she wasn't sure about herself. Viola felt like the bunny running from a salivating fox.

As she leapt over the little creek that ran through this part of the woods, Viola realised she'd made a horrible mistake. Tommy had a longer stride, longer legs. He was faster than her! He was toying with her, capable of catching her whenever he pleased.

He'd corralled her, forced her hand and could capture her as he desired. He was so clever, thinking several steps ahead to ensure his victory, to ensure the outcome he wanted…as she got lost in her admiration of the man, long arms wrapped firmly around her, allowing the scream to rip free of her throat.

"Got you" A darkly amused voice, rasped in her ear, Tommy was plastered against every inch of her, his hard shaft rubbing against her backside.

"I-I don't suppose we could discuss this?" Viola attempted diplomacy

Tommy laughed "after you were such a fuckin' brat? Do you like it when I get possessive ? Do you like it when I let out my darkness A chroí? When I'm maliciously cruel and delight in causing pain and tears? When I laugh and mock and taunt? Because I'm happy to please"

Viola let out a nervous giggle, no matter how Tommy acted, she knew she was completely safe with him but oh she was revelling in this.

"You think this is funny?" Tommy questioned as he brushed his lips over her neck "if you allow your mouth to get you into so much trouble…perhaps it should be used to get you out of trouble"

Viola blushed furiously at that as she rubbed her legs together.

"Would you like that stailc tintreach? On your knees, in the middle of the woods, pleasuring me where anyone could stumble over us?" Tommy chuckled "Goodness, what sort of romance books did you read? Ah well, it's to my advantage now, stailc tintreach do you want that?"

Viola swallowed heavily and spoke breathlessly "Please"

"Then on your knees, My Lady" Tommy mocked her stepping back and letting her stand on her own feet.

Viola glanced somewhat shyly up at Tommy who merely stared back stoically, an expectant look on his face, with flushing cheeks she sunk to her knees in front of him and licked her lips.

"Well? It's not going to get out on its own" Tommy rasped down at her, eyes hooded with desire as his hands clenched and unclenched.

Viola felt a thrill at how demanding Tommy was being and she reached out and unbuttoned his trousers, allowing his cock to spring free. It was red and weeping. She glanced up again at Tommy who had his jaw clenched, eyes seeking hers to make sure she was okay. Completely unashamed to be so exposed in front of her.

She leant froward and wrapped her lips around his head and pushing down to take as much of him as Viola could, her hands reaching up to reast on his thighs.

"Fuck!" Tommy hissed out, his head falling back as Viola's head bobbed up and down, looking for the right rhythm. Her hot mouth felt like heaven and he fought to not snap his hips forward. He was hers to explore at her own desire but God if she didn't start moving soon…

"Vi" Tommy growled out and Viola hummed causing a litany of curses to fall out of Tommy's mouth as one of his hands wrapped her braid up and tugged.

Viola moaned at the feel of his grip on her hair, not painful but a firm prickling that made her shiver. She found the rhythm that she liked, careful not to push to far, lest she gag. Tommy tasted salty with a hint of musk that had her pressing her thighs together desperately, the feel of him was warm and heavy and Viola was only encouraged, even more so as Tommy babbled praises down at her.

Reaching a hand to gently play with his ball sack as she scraped her teeth over the vein on top of his dick had him swearing up a blue steak and shooting ropes of cum down her throat without warning.

"Fuck, fuckin' Vi, warn a man" Tommy panted out hand soothing over her head and soothing down what hair he had messed up, tucking himself back into his trousers with his free hand.

Viola grinned up at him after swallowing him down "where would be the fun in that?"

"Found that fun did ya eh?" Tommy questioned as he helped her up and then pressed her against the tree closest to them

"Little bit" Viola said breathlessly as Tommy's hand casually smoothed down her waist with one hand stopping on her hip, the other playing with the button of her riding trousers teasingly.

"It should be a fuckin' crime for you to wear these in public stailc tintreach when I saw you…" Tommy heaved a breath, eyes blown wide in desire "you almost had me coming in my pants like a fuckin' school boy"

"What a waste" Viola remarked with mischief and he laughed

"But the things I've fantasised…oh, when we're married your not going to sit right for a week" Tommy breathlessly promised hand slipping underneath her trousers.

"Is that so?" Viola hummed eyes going half lidded as his long fingers teased her soaking wet lips.

"It is, but for now, relationships are all about reciprocity" Tommy told her, fingers dipping into her and making her head fall against the tree back as she moaned.

"R-reciprocity, is, is good" Viola mumbled lost in the sensations that Tommy's clever fingers provided, his thumb starting to lazily circle her clit, putting enough pressure to tease her but provide no relief, as she tried to roll her hips into his hand, his free one clamped onto her waist.

"Always so impatient stailc tintreach" he chided her "good things come to those who wait"

"I'm used to demanding and getting" Viola told him, her tone petulant and demanding

"And I'm the last in a long line to cave to your commands?" Tommy questioned, fingers reaching deep inside of her to press against a spongy mass that had her clinging onto his shoulders as her knees buckled and her mind clouded with pleasure

"stailc tintreach" he cooed into her ear, nipping at her earlobe "it's rude to ignore your conversational partner don't be a brat…"

"I'm- wha.." Viola blinked trying to clear her head but God how could she with Tommy's fingers moving like that?!

"As were having such an open discussion" Tommy commented calmy as if he wasn't three fingers deep in her, making obscene noises as even worse ones came babbling out of Viola, was she even coherent now?

"I want to have a discussion about Pamuk" Tommy hummed, crowding her space as he took in her scent, tongue flicking out to lick an obscene strip up her throat.

"You see, he was very rude today, flirting with you like that I could almost forgive it with how fuckin' radiant you are but the way he looked at you" Tommy's pleasant voice turned into a dangerous snarl "as if you were available, as if he could have you!"

"Can't" Viola managed to garble out, eyelashes fluttering as pleasure near overwhelmed her "'m yours Tommy"

Ngh, just…just a little more….

"Oh? what was that?" Tommy asked lightening up again as he thumb rubbed more firmly, as if in reward.

"Yours, 'M yours, Tommy Shelby" Viola swore to him breathlessly, and his fingers sped up, as a possessive grin crossed his face.

"Yes, you are" he praised pressing kisses against her flushed face, delighting in the little mewls she gave off, rising in pitch until she was silent, her breath caught, back arching so enticingly as pleasure overwhelmed her.

Tommy waited for her to sag back against the tree boneless, pressing kisses against her forehead gently as he removed his hand, taking to time to suck her juices off himself, savouring her taste.

"Now what are your thoughts about Kemal Pamuk" Tommy asked seriously, eyes roving over her face, wanting confirmation to completely eradicate his insecurities.

"Who?" Viola slurred out blinking in confusion and a terribly smug grin crossed Tommy's face.

"Exactly" he declared triumphantly his chest puffing out.

/

"Are you alright Darling?" Mary asked when they met up on their horses, eyes roving over a flushed Viola, who was looking unkempt.

"Oh, I'm fine Mary just a little tousled" Viola brushed off as they dismounted "Biscuit really went for this hunt, though we didn't manage to catch anything"

"Tousled looks well on you, my lady, it's a shame I didn't see" Pamuk paused for a moment and then carried on "at the hunt, that is"

"Ah, we were lookin' for rabbits" Tommy murmured as he eyed the roof, it looked like the fall would kill a man…but how to set it up?

"Ah Mr Shell, you must be honoured to be apart of this hunt, the opportunity mustn't come along often for a…clerk assistant?" Pamuk smiled at him

Tommy stared blankly back "I'm always honoured to be in the presence of stailc tintreach and I'm a bookie"

"It's all the same is it not?" Pamuk asked snobbishly "I wouldn't know being a gentleman and all"

"No, I imagine hard work is a foreign concept to you" Tommy said with a fake smile.

"Come on." Pamuk told Mary as the pair led the way into the entryway of Downton. And the party began removing their gear

"Home is the hunter home from the hill." Papa called cheerily before seeing the mud on Pamuk and Marys ruffled hair. His eyes then landed on a sweaty Viola and a ruffled Tommy.

"Heavens, you have been in the wars." Papa said in concern

"The price of satisfaction Papa" Viola waved off

Mary took the incitive to introduce the two men "Papa, this is Mr Pamuk. My father, Lord Grantham."

"How do you do, my lord?" Pamuk asked respectfully.

"Did you have a good day?" Papa wondered.

"Couldn't have been better." Pamuk said with a smirk "your daughters have shown me such hospitality"

"I'm glad" Robert replied as Carson came up and introduced Thomas

"This is Thomas, sir. He'll be looking after you." Carson told Pamuk who nodded at Thomas.

"You remember Mr Napier." Mary reintroduced Evelyn to Mama

"Of course. How are you?" Mama asked the man.

"So, kind of you to have us, Lady Grantham." Evelyn said courteously.

"And this is Mr Pamuk." Mary added on

"How do you do?" Mama asked him

"My lady." Pamuk bowed his head in order to kiss Mama's hand

"Well, what would you like?" Robert asked, eager to be a good host

"Just baths. We're worn out." Mary told Papa.

"I'm exhausted" Viola added on "my legs are aching"

"Riding can do that" Tommy said "we'll have to get your riding more, get used to the exertion once more"

Robert looked suspicious but didn't say anything.

"Erm, your cases are upstairs, sir, if you'd like to follow me." Thomas interjected and Pamuk nodded his head

"Yes." He gestured with his hand for Thomas to lead the way up the stairs, Viola trailed after with Tommy in tow looking forward to a warm bath and changing her clothes.

/

"I don't understand. Why-why would she want to be a secretary?" Grandmama asked in confusion as they sat around the dining room that night.

"She wants a different life." Matthew told her

"But why? I should far prefer to be a maid in a large and pleasant house than work from dawn till dusk in a cramped and gloomy office. Don't you agree, Carson?" Violet looked at Carson for confirmation.

"I do, my lady." Carson agreed immediately

"Grandmama, this is our house and nothing belongs to those that work here, I imagine Gwen wishes to strike out on her own and build her own life on her own achievements. Where everything she has- little though it may be, is hers" Viola joined the conversation, taking a sip of wine.

"Well, I suppose you would know" Edith piped in "working as a nurse of all things"

"I would know" Viola agreed blandly "saving a life and helping people is a wonderful thing but I'm sure you would rather a pretty new dress or even for just one suitor"

Edith flushed and her eyes dropped to her hands on her lap, as Mary interjected into the conversation.

"Why are we talking about this? What does it matter?" Mary questioned.

"It matters that the people that live and work here are content." Cora told her daughter

"Of course. We should be helping Gwen if that's what she wants." Sybil added

"Agreed" Viola smiled at her sister.

"I know a few businesses in Birmingham that are looking for sectaries, I can put in a word" Tommy told Sybil and by that he meant threaten them into giving Gwen the job she wanted.

"We have a list but more options could always be helpful" Sybil smiled at Tommy who nodded back.

"I agree. Surely, we must all encourage those less fortunate to improve their lot where they can." Isobel added in

"Not if it isn't in their best interests." Violet said disdainfully

"Isn't the maid a better judge of that than we are?" Isobel asked

Mary laughed and turned to Pamuk "What do you say, Mr Pamuk? Should our housemaid be kept enslaved or forced out into the world?"

"Why are you English so curious about other people's lives? If she wishes to leave, and the law permits it, then let her go." Pamuk said waving a hand.

"But perhaps the law should not permit it, for the common good." Violet declared

"Ah, Grandmama, always right" Viola teased her

"Of course, I am" Violet retorted

"So, you hanker for the days of serfdom." Isobel challenged Grandmama

"I hanker for a simpler world. Is that a crime?" Violet wondered

Kemal Pamuk: I do dream of a simpler world, as long as we can keep our trains and our dentistry." Pamuk declared

"What interesting priorities" Tommy muttered and Viola snickered into her hand.

"And what are yours?" Pamuk asked turning to him "I'm curious to hear the opinions of a common man"

"Good hearth, Good home, Good friend, Good food, Good wife and Good family" Tommy listed off with ease

"And have you found any of that?" Pamuk wondered

"Most" Tommy said ambiguously

"I would imagine a secretary would be a good fit for a clerk assistant, perhaps we can set you up?" Pamuk wondered with a chuckle

Tommy's eyes lidded as he allowed a satisfied smirk to show "I prefer nurses"

"And have you found one?" Pamuk asked

"Have I found one, stailc tintreach?" Tommy asked glancing down at her

"Oh, I'd imagine so" Viola replied with a gentle smile

Tommy turned smug eyes on Pamuk "well, that answers that doesn't it?"

"I suppose so" Pamuk said tightly "I guess I will be relegated to my own desires by myself"

Mary spoke up, wanting the conversation back on her "I wish I shared your enthusiasm. Our dentist is horrid."

"Well, why go to him, then?" Pamuk turned his attention to the older, eager sister.

"Well, he treated all of us when we were children. You know how the English are about these things." Mary said with a light laugh.

"Mm." Pamuk hummed before lowering his voice to speak to Mary "Well, the next time you feel a twinge, you must come to Istanbul."

"Wouldn't the journey be painful?" Mary asked him

Pamuk licked his lips and looked at her underneath his long lashes, murmuring "Sometimes we must endure a little pain in order to achieve satisfaction."

Napier then spoke to the table, complimenting Mary "Lady Mary rode very well today."

"Why did you send Lynch back?" Robert asked his daughter

"I had my champions to left and right. It was enough." Mary said calmly

"Spoiled for choice" Viola smirked at her sister, eyes dancing teasingly.

"Oh, I don't settle as quickly as you, darling" Mary batted back lightheartedly

"What can I say? I found perfection on my first try, not all of us can be as talented as I" Viola drawled out but there was no heat in their exchange only sisterly teasing. Mary giggled and tipped her drink to her in defeat.

"Did you enjoy the hunt today, Mr Napier? Mary said you had a tremendous run." Robert addressed one of his guests.

"It was like something out of a trollop novel." Napier said making Robert chuckle

"What about you, Mr Pamuk? Was your day successful?" Cora asked their other guest.

"Oh, yes, Lady Grantham. I can hardly remember a better one." Pamuk replied with a charming smile

"Tommy did you enjoy yourself?" Violet asked Tommy, she had admitted to herself that she did favour the boy, she needed to get something nice for Viola, being such a smart girl and finding a man. Yes, her namesake inherited more than Violet's name and Violet was pleased for it.

Tommy nodded "I had a wonderful time"

"I do wish you would have taken someone with you Viola" Robert added on

"Papa, I was perfectly fine" Viola told him

"And it's not like anyone would be able to keep up" Tommy said with a shrug

"Is that so?" Pamuk asked "I might have to take you up on that challenge"

"I'm very competitive, Mr Pamuk" Tommy told the man "Viola can keep up but she has to ride so hard and fast…it wears her out"

"And where did you learn to ride?" Pamuk wondered "being a…common man, you must not have gotten the education that is offered to those of a higher status"

"I'm gypsy" Tommy explained to him "it's in my blood and soul to ride, natural talent, you see, makes me a better rider than anyone and I can figure the world out without the answer being fed to me on a silver spoon."

"Oh? didn't you receive a silver spoon for your birth?" Pamuk sniped at hm "I myself received all sorts of gifts, my father even had a bejewelled rattle made but when you have so much money, the issue of what to do with it all comes into play"

"Best to keep silver away from us gypsies, we're like magpies around shiny things" Tommy said pleasantly "I much rather using my time and money productively, it ensures good results"

In the drawing room, Viola was sat on the couch with Tommy, watching in amusement as Mary talked with Napier, Pamuk and Matthew.

"My sister is indeed busy" Viola remarked to Tommy in amusement

"If you were unattached, you'd have thrice the suitors" Tommy remarked softly, blue eyes soft and vulnerable.

"Then, thank God I'm firmly and happily attached" Viola wrinkled her nose in distaste

"Are you?" Tommy wondered, he was a confident man, selfish too but sometimes…he wavered in his conviction.

Viola took his hand and turned towards him "I have met the love of my life at the age of sixteen and get to spend the next fifty years by his side why would I not be happy?" she wanted to brush away his insecurities but couldn't so she settled for reaffirming her love for him.

"Because he cannot offer you a castle or a title or wealth beyond imagining" Tommy said wryly.

"You're a stubborn man and ambitious" Viola assured him "if you say you going to go out and get a castle or a title or wealth beyond imagining, I'm sure you'll return triumphantly"

"Yes, I would" Tommy said bolstered before focusing on her with fond, adoring eyes "after all, I have the greatest motivation"

Viola flushed prettily "Silver tongued devil"

"You'd know" he said with a salacious smirk.

Viola caught Mary walking out of the room and frowned "Tommy" she murmured urgently

Tommy glanced over before nodding and standing to his feet, slipping his way out as everyone else was distracted.

Lady Mary: I think so. The second earl brought back several paintings from—" Tommy heard Mary speaking before she was cut off, he moved forward in concern to see Pamuk grabbing Mary's face and kissing her furiously, pushing her against the wall. Tommy hovered for a moment, unsure.

"Mr Pamuk!" Mary whispered in shock and Tommy crept closer

"Let me come to you tonight, please." Pamuk requested

"I can't think what I have said that has led you to believe—" Mary started but Pamuk interrupted

"Please. I don't know when we'll meet again. So let it be tonight." He pleaded leaning in to kiss her again, but Mary pushed him back

"Mr Pamuk, I will not repeat your words to my father since I should hate to see you cast out into the darkness, but can we agree to consider them unsaid?" Mary asked and Tommy took the opportunity to interrupt.

"I certainly heard them and would be happy to inform Lord Grantham about how you assaulted her daughter in his house" Tommy interrupted coldly; eyes focused on Pamuk

"We were just having a little fun" Pamuk brushed off, looking caught out

"It doesn't look like it" Tommy remarked casually

"Who even are you?" Pamuk demanded "are you a servant?"

"I'm Thomas Shelby but I can be the devil if you'd like" Tommy said with a serene smile "Now I think it's time you left, eh? Wouldn't want to cause a scene"

Pamuk brushed a hand through his dark hair before glancing at Mary and heading back into the drawing room, Tommy didn't want to have him in the same room as Viola but she was surrounded by witnesses and Mary was alone.

"Are you alright?" Tommy asked her calmly.

"Fine" Marry snapped before flushing with shame "I-"

"I'll walk you to your room" Tommy interjected, not taking her defensiveness personally "you must be tired"

"I'll be fine" Mary brushed off "shouldn't you be panting at my sister's heels"

"I was bad so I was sent away" Tommy replied blandly though his eyes sparked with amusement, he ignored the dismissal and walked by Mary's side silently, giving her space.

When they reached Mary's door, she paused and hesitated, Tommy kept his peace and allowed her time.

"Why did you follow me?" Mary asked him

"Viola was concerned, as was I" Tommy told her

"Why? You didn't know he would…" Mary trailed off

Tommy snorted "yes I did, I know men like that, using their power, leveraging and manipulating to get what they want. I'm like that"

"What?" Mary questioned shrinking against her door

Tommy shot her a glare for that assumption "Not like that, I'd never do that. Viola comes to me willingly and I'd sooner slit my own throat. But men who are like Pamuk are dime a dozen in the lower class, no one cares if a working girl gets raped"

"Is…is Viola safe in Birmingham?" Mary asked in concern

He shot her a droll look "Viola doesn't go anywhere alone, she's always protected" Tommy told her simply

"Thank you, for walking me to my door" Mary thanked him and he nodded his head

"Of course, I protect my family" Tommy reassured her "lock your door"

Tommy turned and headed down the hall to go and check on Viola and walk her to her room, after he would return to Mary's room and stand guard for the night, there was an alcove nearby that would work well.

/

When Tommy returned the door was opened a crack and he felt rage swirl in his chest, not only did that fucker flirt with Viola but he was now trying to manipulate Mary?! Nah, Tommy wasn't havin' it.

"Please leave at once or I'll..." He heard Mary trail off

"Or you'll what?" Pamuk questioned

"I'll scream." Mary threatened

"No, you won't." Pamuk declared confident in his ability to do as he pleased and get away with it

"Well, I'll ring the bell, then." Mary threatened

"And who's on duty now? The hall boy? Will you really let him find a man in your bedroom? What a story." Pamuk threatened her with the risk of scandal.

"Do you have any idea what you're asking? I'd be ruined if they even knew we'd had this conversation, let alone if they—" Mary protested but Pamuk interrupted

"What? Don't worry. You can still be a virgin for your husband." Pamuk reassured her darkly and Tommy's patience snapped, fucker wouldn't lay a hand on Mary.

"What do you think you're doing? You seem to struggle with both geography and English, this isn't your room and Mary said No. she refused you and yet here you stand" Tommy asked coldly as he slipped into Mary's room, firmly shutting the door behind him, he didn't want any witnesses to this.

"N-nothing" Pamuk waved off

"Is that so?" Tommy asked casually tilting his head, eyes flicking over to Mary who had her arms curled around her body head bowed in shame "Mary, is nothing happening?"

Mary swallowed and looked at him with teary eyes "I-I'm so sorry"

"You have nothing to be sorry for" Tommy said firmly before focusing on Pamuk "you on the other hand…"

"I have nothing to apologise for, she kept making eyes at me!" Pamuk blustered, accusing Mary who looked down ashamed as if Tommy would begin denouncing her. He wouldn't.

"I recall Mary saying No when you tried to kiss her earlier and right now, she's trembling with tears in her eyes while you loom over her…now that spells a picture to me that I don't like" Tommy said simply as his eyes swept over the room, nodding as he came to a decision.

"If you don't like it, simply leave, Mary has not requested my leave" Pamuk ordered Tommy who arched an eyebrow in response.

"I don't think you gave her much of a choice" Tommy said "and now, I'm not giving you one"

"What, you some gypsy dare tell me what to do?" Pamuk sneered at him "I can have you hanged you know! my father is the sultan's minister, I'm untouchable!"

"I'm not telling" Tommy told him blandly walking closer "and you are very much touchable"

"Then what- "Pamuk's demand was cut off as Tommy's fist lashed out hitting in just the right place, Pamuk stumbled forward and Tommy caught him before he fell, best not to leave a mark after all, that was the goal. Shame Tommy couldn't cut him.

Mary had clamped a hand over her mouth covering her squeal of shock as she stared at Tommy with wide brown eyes, he blinked slowly back.

"What did you do?!" Mary asked him in fear as her body trembled.

"Killed him" Tommy said simply, double-checking his heartbeat in case he hadn't gotten it quite right and needed to suffocate him. Mary rushed over and checked his pulse, searching for it.

"Oh god he's dead!" Mary breathed out looking at Tommy in horror as she snatched her hand away from the cooling corpse. She had thought Tommy had just knocked him out!

"That is sort of the point" Tommy told her in a monotone, why she felt the urge to double-check he didn't know. when he killed someone, they stayed dead.

"Why would you do that?" Mary pressed

Tommy raised an eyebrow at her "you had a man who wasn't your husband in your bedroom, a man you had refused and you were upset. I took steps"

"And if I had invited him?" Mary asked boldly

Tommy shrugged his shoulders "I don't care who you invite into your bed, He was dead either way, he flirted with Viola" his fists clenched as he considered kicking the body in front of him "my Viola"

"You were going to kill him for flirting with Viola" Mary demanded incredulous

"I'm a possessive man" Tommy said unconcerned, he knew how bad he was and he didn't care to change. Viola liked it so that's all that mattered.

"And Viola still wants you?" Mary questioned wondering if her sister had gone insane, if Mary should warn her as to the man she was in love with.

Tommy's eyes turned dangerous and Mary felt a shiver down her spine "best for people not to meddle, eh? Who knows what I'll do when my courtship is at risk…some men go mad they say. Now Mary to those you're indebted too you thank them, Aye?"

"Thank you" May said shakily as the danger Tommy was exuding seemed to fade replaced by satisfaction and then concern, Mary's eyes turned back to the body and she shuddered.

"w-what do we do now?" Mary asked him with wide eyes

"Get rid of the body, there's a river nearby" Tommy said as he moved to heft the body over his shoulder

"No! we can't do that, there'll be questions" Mary protested "he's our guest, he can't go missing!"

"Alrigh'" Tommy nodded, she made a good point "I'll go and fetch a sheet, stay here"

"Where the fuck has that girl gone?" Tommy grumbled to himself as he returned to the room, sheet in hand; he hated working with amateurs! First, deal with the body and then go and find Mary and wring her neck. For fuck's sake, you murder a man for a woman and then she just disappears on you!

When he was done wrapping the body up, the door opened, he carefully stepped in front, prepared to kill someone else- more work for him but better than the noose- when he relaxed at the sight of Mary.

"Where the fuckin' 'ell were ya?" Tommy demanded gruffly when Mary re-entered her bedroom and he groaned when Anna and Cora entered after

"Why are they here? I can move a dead body by myself" Tommy huffed; he was an expert at it! But he did enjoy making Arthur do it.

"Not all of us are experts at covering up murder!" Mary hissed at him "I thought, the…body is heavy!"

"Obviously" Tommy drawled out, it was just covering it up, the actual murder was done. "And this isn't the first body I've gotten rid of"

"You're a bookie!" Mary almost screeched her tone borderline hysterical

Tommy blinked at them "you actually believed that?" he wasn't even trying to cover up his gangster ways.

"So, you're not a bookie?" Cora demanded sharply, she knew Thomas Shelby was a dangerous man how could she not? he was like a big cat, a leopard silently prowling through the jungle and making no attempts to hide the predatory danger he exuded but around Viola he became a house cat.

"Technically" Tommy conceded, unconcerned with standing next to a dead body and chatting over it, the ladies however were pale and shaky "I'm also a criminal, a gangster and leader of the Peaky Blinders"

They sucked in a sharp breath, eyeing him carefully.

"I've heard rumours" Cora murmured cautiously.

"That's all you would" Tommy shrugged "we're only just clawing our way up in the world"

"Why would you tell us?" Mary questioned sharply "We could go to the police"

Tommy sighed at the woman, usually she was so clever but he supposed he could give her a pass, first murder and all that.

"We're currently covering up a murder" he pointed out "also, Viola"

Her name had understanding flashing across their faces

"You didn't bring her into that did you?" Cora demanded angrily, protective rage on her face

"I'm not stupid" Tommy pointed out before bending down and hefting the body wrapped in a sheet onto his shoulders, like he did with Stags he hunted

"You might not be but Mary, what were you thinking?!" Cora turned on Mary, her eyes furious

"I-I didn't- "Mary spluttered but Cora spoke over her

"You were so stupid; did you truly not consider what would happen? The ramifications, what if you had gotten pregnant with his bastard? What if you had been found? The magnitude of the scandal you have almost caused tonight would have stretched until long after we were both dead.

You would have been ruined, ruined and notorious a laughing stock, a social pariah, your sisters, oh the shame! They would be tarnished too. Our Family ruined, our honour tossed aside all for one stupid girl and her stupid actions. It would kill your father! I feel now that I can never forgive what you have put me through this night. I hope in time I will come to be more merciful, but I doubt it." Cora informed her daughter who had tears trailing down her face and Tommy finally spoke up utterly furious.

"She said no, clearly and refused him and that bastard came in her to coerce and manipulate your daughter and you're blaming her?" Tommy demanded sharply his eyes ice cold but burning with righteous rage "God, how I fucking loathe this about you Aristocrats, she's a young woman who had a flirt with a man. Nothing was promised and nothing was owed. But this bastard took it to mean something. Put it upon himself to invite himself into her bedroom, and press himself onto her. Mary protested, threatened to scream and he told her no one would believe her. And when she goes to her Ma for safety, for security you start blaming her! She isn't to blame at all!"

"Her reputation- "Cora protested

Tommy talked over her "will be fine, I will make it so. I killed that man in the defence of Mary because I protect my family, fuck the rest of the world. Now pull your head out, comfort your daughter and let's go stage a death. Mary you ready to go?"

"Yes" Mary nodded, wiping at her eyes.

"Good, Mary you're with me Anna, Cora, keep an eye out" Tommy ordered them before striding off, into the corridor, shifting the corpse slightly as his shoulders burnt.

Dawn was just beginning as Tommy finished setting the stage of Pamuk's death and stepped back in satisfaction, wondering why Mary stepped forward but understanding when she tried to close his eyes.

"I can't make his eyes stay shut." Mary admitted weeping as Pamuk's eyes opened again.

"You won't be able to" Tommy told her with gruff gentleness "Rigor Mortis has set in, come along now, eh?"

Mary nodded and sniffled into Tommy's chest who tentatively soothed his hand down the back of her head.

"You won't tell Papa?" Mary asked her Mama fearfully

Cora glanced at Tommy who looked at her expectantly "No, I won't as it's likely to kill him"

Mary hiccupped and nodded looking down in shame but Tommy crooked a finger under her chin, raising her head and sending her a chiding look. She had nothing to be ashamed of.

Cora sighed and handed the sheet to Anna "Anna, I will not insult you by asking that you also conceal Lady Mary's shame. Let us go." Cora said

The two left and Tommy went and blowed out the candle before leading Mary out and down the corridor. He was taken aback when Mary wrapped her arms around him in a hug.

"I see why my sister loves you so now, with how far you're willing to go for me, I shudder to think what you'd do for the woman you love" Mary murmured into her chest

Tommy petted her head and told her seriously "I'd do anything"

Earlier that tone had made Mary shudder in fear at how dangerous he sounded but now she sighed and relaxed feeling utterly safe.

Tommy waited for Mary to pull back after getting her fill of hugging before walking silently by her side walking her to her room and waiting for her to go in, this time Mary locked her door.

/

"Are you alright beloved?" Viola asked Tommy in concern, seeing the slight smudge beneath his eyes.

Tommy looked down at her and nodded "restless night, I'll tell you later"

"Of course, I'm sure you've heard what's happened" Viola said knowingly

"Yes, a tragic thing to occur to a man so young" Tommy said his tone emotionless.

"Mmm, a crying shame" Viola agreed dryly

"One moment" Tommy said to Viola before walking after the red-headed maid, Gwen.

"Gwen" Tommy called out, and the woman turned and smiled at him.

"Mr. Shelby is there anything I can do for you?" Gwen asked politely

"More what I can do for you" Tommy replied "I know of some business's in Birmingham, looking for secretaries, I've passed the information onto Sybil but I'd be happy to make a recommendation to them on your behalf"

"You would?" Gwen asked hopefully "That's very kind of you Mr Shelby"

"It's fine, Viola speaks very highly of you" Tommy told her before turning on his heel and heading back to Viola, he'd need to burn down a shop or something when he gets home, he was starting to get soft.

"Let's go home" Viola murmured to Tommy "I'm sure Arthur misses you and Martha wanted help in hemming her wedding dress."

/

"You want to go to a rally?" Tommy asked her with an arched eyebrow, taking a sip of whisky as they took a break from dancing at the wedding reception of John and Martha Shelby, they both looked radiant, bright smiles on their faces as they danced, if you looked closely a small baby bump was visible on Martha but she still looked radiant. They had to push off the wedding as Martha had gone into labour early and a month after delivering her first child, she had fallen pregnant again.

John had been teased ruthlessly but at least they were finally married.

"Yes, it's for women's votes and I'm interested sybbie invited me along" Viola told him "Also apparently Edith's found herself a fancy.

Tommy blinked and asked "Someone's actually interested in her?"

"Tommy" Viola huffed scoldingly and he shrugged unrepentant "so, the rally?"

Tommy nodded thoughtfully "you're taking us with, and…fifty peaky blinders"

"What?" Viola asked in disbelief "Fifty is far too many!"

"I thought I was being reasonable" Tommy said with an innocent blink

"Half it, Tommy" Viola told him with narrowed eyes

"But why?" Tommy questioned, he just wanted to protect her and with more men he could do so!

"Because you'll be there and Arthur and John" Viola listed off "and the three of you could fight off an armada also can you afford to have so many men out of your territory?"

Tommy paused quickly totalling the number of men he had before he hummed and nodded, he could swing it, put Pol in charge for the day. She'd keep everything set alright.

"I can bring fifty but you'll only see twenty-five close to us?" Tommy tried to bargain "so it'll seem like it was only twenty-five?"

"You'll bring fifty even if I disagree" Viola said as Tommy's face went carefully blank but she knew him. With a sigh Viola agreed and Tommy pressed a kiss against her cheek gratefully.

/

"Oh look! There's Sybil, beep the car Phil" Viola ordered and the man did so.

Sybil glanced over before beaming as she recognised the car, waving her hand.

"Pull over" Tommy ordered before glancing at Arthur who'd coordinate the men and then follow along with John, when the car stopped Viola hopped out with Tommy following and rushed over to Sybil, greeting her cheerfully.

"Viola, Tommy, you came!" Sybil said happily

"We wanted to show our support" Viola told her with a smile.

"Isn't exciting?" Sybil gushed to Viola who nodded enthusiastically.

"Exhilarating" Tommy said dryly eyes hooded as he looked around the crowd

"Oh? are you one of those men that don't want women to have a right to vote? That you don't want Viola to have an opinion?" Sybil asked him angrily, her hackles up

"I was raised by Polly fuckin' Shelby. You think she'd let me have such stupid views?" Tommy asked her dully.

"Ah, I-I'm sorry" Sybil apologised, glancing at Viola when Tommy didn't answer.

"Ignore him" Viola waved off "he's paranoid that something will happen"

"Something will" Tommy said with certainty "change is coming and men don't like that"

"Regardless, we're safe with you so let's go" Viola ordered linking arms with Sybil and striding off with Tommy hovering over them, soon joined by Arthur and John.

"Sorted it?" Tommy asked as they plunged into the crowd and John nodded.

"All done, Tom, won't have to worry 'bout a thing" Arthur assured him as he looked around, eyes narrowed suspiciously as they listed to a man reading off the vote count as the crowd clamoured and jostled each other, when someone got to close to Viola or Sybil, a Shelby brother would step in and brush them aside.

"The Honourable Joseph Gerald Antsy for the Conservative and Unionist Party: 6,363 votes" the announcer said

"Vote for women! Vote for women!" A woman shouted

"Martin James Dillon, for the Socialist Party: 2,741 votes." The announcer carried on as Branson, the new chaueffeur cam up to them in the crowd.

"Can we call it a day, milady?" Branson asked before eyeing them suspiciously "who are they?"

"Don't be silly. This is the moment we've come for." Sybil retorted before adding on "this is my sister Viola, her Tommy and his brothers Arthur and John Shelby"

"Alrigh' Arthur greeted distractedly as he noted how the crowd was getting more agitated "Tommy"

"I know" Tommy replied as he raised his hand and waved it, the nearest Blinder noticing and spreading the word.

"Trevor Andrew Morgan, the Liberal Party..." the aunnouncer raised his voice as he was starting to have trouble being heard over the crowd.

"This lot aren't interested in politics. They're spoiling for a fight." Branson shouted over the noise after he nodded at Viola and the three men.

"...is duly elected...is duly elected to serve as Member of Parliament...Member of Parliament..."

"Sybil!" Mathew joined their little group before seeing Viola "Viola!"

"Cousin" Viola greeted back

"...for the Ripon constituency."

"What on earth are you doing here? Both of you?" Mathew asked in concern

"I was invited!" Viola defended herself

"I couldn't miss this." Sybil added on passionately.

"Couldn't you? I could." Mathew muttered

Tommy spotted a Blinder clinging to a post and waving a hand in the agreed signal for trouble

"I don't like the look of this, milady." Branson murmured seeing a group of rough men enter

"Time to go" Tommy agreed as one of the men knocked another man's hat off. The men continued forward and Branson confronted the leader.

"Look, look, I'm on your side. Don't cause any trouble; you have to believe me." The man shoved Branson aside and confronted Mathew as Tommy, Arthur and John moved protectively in front of the girls.

"Why are you here? You're like us" One man spat at Tommy, looking betrayed

"No, I'm fuckin not, leave now" Tommy warned the man as Arthur palmed a razor, gearing up for a fight.

"Why should we do that Mr. la de da? You're a traitor to your people" the man accused him as the other man lost his patience and tried to punch Matthew, but Mathew punched him back, and somehow Viola and Sybil were knocked down, Viola cried out as Sybil hit her head on a low table, knocking her unconscious.

"Tommy!" Viola cried out in fear as she touched her sister's head and came away with blood, Branson was crouched over her anxiously

"Oh, no. Oh, please God, no." Branson pleaded

"TOMMY!" Viola screamed and his patience snapped, Tommy's cap was off and flashing across the man's throat in an instant as he spun around to see Branson and Mathew lifting her up, Branson holding Sybil bridal style while Viola stared in horror at the crimson on her hand.

Tommy glanced to Arthur and John as he gently coaxed Viola into looking up at him

"It's alright, she'll be alright but we gotta go alright stailc tintreach" Tommy cooed to her, hearing Arthur and John yelling behind him

"Fuckin' bastards! C'mon then!" Arthur yelled

"Cut the fuckers!" John shouted as he slashed with his razor "give 'em all a smile!"

"Alright" Viola breathed, Tommy nodded and gestured for Branson to stay behind him as he faced against the crowd.

Tommy slammed his fist into his opponent's cheek knocking him to the ground and stepping over him unconcerned as he cleared a path, when a man grabbed for Viola, he received got a slashed neck as he ruthlessly ignored the blood staining his suit. It was already soaked and his face was splattered with red contrasting against his ice blue eyes and giving him a feral, wild look that terrified the people around him.

He cut and fought his way viciously through the crowd, his men working to keep the fight away from them but Tommy occasionally yanked a sacrifice from the crowd to ruthlessly beat him, furious that they would dare start a fight that got his sister injured and almost hurt his Viola. Right then and there, he swore a feud against the fuckers that started this. Because he'd find them and cut their fuckin' heads off.

They wrestled their way through the crowd and back to the car where Sybil was gently placed in the back, her head on Viola's lap, Mathew and Tom climbing into the front.

"I'll take sybil to my mother's" Mathew told Tommy, nervously glancing at his blood-stained suit and the wild look in his eyes

Tommy panted heavily and wiped the sweat of his brow with his leather gloves, ignoring the blood that remained, he had a cut in his eyebrow that had blood dripping down his face, a bruise on his cheekbone and his ribs were aching but Tommy had given worse than he had gotten.

"Meet you there" Tommy told him "Need to sort this out, keep a fuckin eye on Viola, anythin' 'appens to her and I'll fuckin' cut you"

His accent had thickened in his furious rage and Mathew nodded reassuringly; hands held up defensively.

"I'll keep them both safe"

Tommy nodded and headed back into the crowd, moving to Arthur who was swearing up and down and John who was hollering with glee. They paused in their fights and focused on Tommy.

"Girls are safe" Tommy told them before raising his voice "ANY FUCKER WHO CAUSED THIS FIGHT IS TO BE CUT BY ORDER OF THE PEAKY BLINDERS!"

Caps came off and the cutting started turning the fight into pure pandemonium, Tommy grinned wildly and lunged into his fights, he had a lot of anger to work through.

When the wail of sirens started to come in from the distance, Tommy paused and put his fingers to his lips, giving off a high-pitched whistle, the order to bail and soon the peaky blinders were fleeing from the scene. The three brothers piled into the car where Phil was waiting with the engine running, as he drove, they pulled off their bloodied clothing and swapped for cleaner suits. Phil would burn the clothes later. Water cannisters and rags were used to wipe as much of their opponent's blood as they could.

It was important to have a tidy appearance when visiting after all.

Knocking on Isobel's door, Mosley opened the door and his eyes widened at the injuries on the three men.

"Mr Shel- "

"Where's Viola?" Tommy interrupted him, uncaring of social niceties, he wanted to clap eyes on the woman he loves and reassure himself that she was okay.

"Upstairs, drawing room but- "Tommy brushed past Mosley with Arthur and John, needing to set eyes on Viola now that his blood lust was satiated after seeing her to safety.

"Good lord man, what happened?" Mathew asked Tommy in shock but looking at both Arthur and John who were shoving each other playfully and laughing wildly.

"There was a riot, what do you think happened?" Tommy snapped at him before he settled at the sight of Viola who was fussing gently over Sybil, he strode over to her and hovered protectively, shooting a dangerous look at Tom when he took a step too close.

"Are you ?" He asked in concern

"Just fine, Beloved, you?" Viola asked pulling out a cloth and dabbing lightly at the cut on his eyebrow, eyes flicking over to John and Arthur.

"'m fine, we're fine" Tommy assured her, Arthur and John nodding along, both adoring being fussed over.

Tommy watched as Isobel fussed over Sybil, ringing out the blood into a bowl of water as she treated Sybil's head wound with a rag. As Sybil regained consciousness, Mary entered.

"My God. Oh, my darling..." Mary trailed off in horror before her eyes flickered to Viola who was fine, safely ensconced in Tommy's arms who had a iron grip on her, like a dragon hoarding his prized jewel.

Two men were stood either side of Tommy, their facial features hinting to them being brothers and the way they kept a careful eye on Viola confirmed it.

"I didn't know what to do, so I had Branson bring her here." Matthew admitted to Mary.

"Quite right. Mama would have fainted if she'd seen her like this. As for Papa..." Mary trailed off

"This will sting a bit, but it's stopped bleeding. Did you know she was planning this?" Isobel questioned her son sharply.

"Of course not." Matthew defended himself before looking at Viola accusingly

"I knew, Sybil was the one to invite me and if you recall cousin, I brought backup" Viola gestured lazing to the Shelby brothers who chuckled

"Glad I brought fifty" Tommy said, pleased with his own paranoia. And Viola rolled her eyes, resigning herself to having a whole platoon of men following her around now.

"Yes, your very clever" Viola huffed, squeaking when Tommy pinched her waist in warning.

"Well, what were you doing there?" Isobel asked turning to Mathew

"I was working late. I'd forgotten it was election night or I wouldn't have stayed." Mathew explained

"I'm so grateful you did." Sybil told him before flicking her eyes to the Shelby brothers "and I'm glad you three were there as well"

"Course" Arthur grumbled bashfully, unused to gratitude.

"Well, we weren't going to leave you alone" John mumbled, chewing his toothpick

"Anything for Viola" Tommy said simply placing his chin on top of Viola's head, uncaring of the scolding look Isobel sent him. who cares if it was improper?

"I could ring Branson's neck." Mary muttered viciously

"What was he thinking? I'm afraid it'll cost him his job." Matthew shook his head

"No. I told him he was taking me to a committee meeting. When he realised what it was, he wanted to come straight back." Sybil protested

"You'll have to stick up for him, because Papa will skin him alive." Mary warned Sybil.

"Shame for him" Viola hummed

"Are you feeling strong enough to go home?" Matthew asked Sybil.

"I think so, if you'll take me." Sybil requested before looking over at Viola and the Shelby brothers "are you staying the night?"

"No" Tommy denied "we need to get back and ah…clean up things"

What he meant was make alibis and bribe the police, again.

"And quite frankly I want to avoid Papa, he'll use this to start on Tommy again" Viola huffed with rolled eyes

Sybil nodded and Matthew smiled as he offered Sybil a hand to help her up.

"Here, wear my coat to cover the blood. You'll look more normal." Mary offered Sybil as she took it off and put it around Sybils shoulders

"Lean on me." Matthew told her and Sybil did so, Viola hurrying after her twin, fussily adjusting the coat with the Shelby brother's following her heels like little ducklings.

"Mary, are you okay?" Viola asked her sister gently, ambushing her as she left Isobel's house..

Mary stared in confusion before she realised "Tommy told you"

She nodded her head "Tommy thought it best that I know in case you want to talk, he'd listen if you wanted but well, he's not very good at comforting people- or so he says- better with horses and dogs"

Mary smiled at Viola "he's better than he thinks. You…you are very lucky to have your Gypsy Boy"

Viole beamed seeing that Mary could finally see what she did "Yes, yes I am"

"stailc tintreach?" Tommy called for her, the backdoor open with Arthur in the front and John in the back waiting for them.

"Coming!" Viola called over her shoulder before pulling Mary into a fierce hug "I love you, no matter what Mary"

"I love you too darling girl" Mary replied burying her face into her hair, she pulled back after a moment and strode off and Viola kept quiet about the tears that had dripped onto her head.

/

"Happy birthday" Viola murmured to her sleepy Tommy as she had awoken him with kisses.

"What a grand way to start the day" He murmured back, looking adorable with his mussed hair and sleepy blue eyes, soft as morning frost.

"Well, I had Polly take over the shop and Arthur is sorting out that protection payment you were so worried about, so we have the day to ourselves" Viola told him

"Do we really?" Tommy asked sitting up on his elbows

Viola nodded "you were talking about taking a trip on the river, so I thought we could do that today, if you wanted. It's your day and you get whatever you want"

Tommy blinked before a grin crossed his face "First, I want a kiss"

"Happily," Viola hummed and leant in to press a kiss against him.

They spent the day on a river barge, travelling around Birmingham, on the river like with animals Tommy opened up, became more carefree and boyish, eyes gleaming in happiness as he taught Viola how to steer a boat, how to get through the locks and moor the boat properly so it wouldn't drift off.

They eventually found a private place to tie the boat up and enjoy a picnic together, where Viola taught Tommy how to weave flowers while he taught her their names and properties, and how to make tea with them. Dandelion tea sounded rather interesting to her.

"Huh, Birmingham hasn't burnt down" Tommy commented idly as he piloted the barge next to Uncle Charlies yard where he swiftly tied the ropes, Viola helping him having spent the day happily learning under him.

"Arthur isn't so bad" Viola laughed "he just has some…different ways to think"

"Nice way to say he's insane" Tommy told her as he helped her off the boat, chuckling as she stumbled "I suppose Polly would have kept him in line"

"Hmm, lets go check on them, do you think Martha would have come along with the kids?" Viola wondered eagerly

"Probably, Polly's cooking her roast tonight" Tommy said with a shrug, wrapping an arm around her waist "like playing with Shelby babies?"

"Yes, I can't wait until we have our own" Viola hummed "squishy faces and tiny toes…adorable"

/

"Sybil's been mentioning Branson an awful lot" Viola murmured as she read her sister's letter, sat at the kitchen table with Tommy before a day of work, it was a dreaded vaccination day today. But she was going to lunch with Kathy which would be nice.

"What don't want her to end up with a chauffeur?" Tommy asked in amusement

"I don't care but when I've spoken to him…" Viola trailed off with a frown, Tom Branson had struck her as rather entitled, amusing as it was coming from her.

"What's wrong?" Tommy asked becoming serious

"He's very…opinionated, he's rude and inflexible, I don't like it" Viola said

"You don't have to be around him" Tommy assured her

"I wouldn't be so sure" Viola huffed "Edith's beau is apparently an old bore according to Mary and Sybil even struggles to compliment him. she says he's 'experienced and has a worldly knowledge, he's a nice chap, very homely"

"So, he's old, tired, boring and ugly" Tommy listed off and Viola nodded before frowning

"And those bloody rumours…" Viola sighed continuing to read parts of her letter to Tommy.

"There's no proof, words are wind" Tommy assured Viola

"Mrs Patmore has Cataracs" Viola said with a frown "but Papa is sending her to London for a surgery, I hop it goes well, Mrs Patmore is a wonderful woman and she loves cooking so…"

"Your father has sent her to the best doctor around, I'm sure it'll be fine" Tommy assured her before smirking "I didn't realise just how dramatic your family was"

"Oh? and what are the Shelby's up to today?" Viola asked him with an arched eyebrow

"Well, John's taking the older kids to start school, the oldest has taken to fleeing the school grounds, funny but now they're complaining. Arthur is coming with me; I need to make a few horses sleepy so they don't run as fast and we can make profit of our betting…Polly's running the betting shop and then going Racketeering with some of the lads. Finn and Ada are going into Birmingham to the library for some reason and you're going to work, like a respectable young woman" Tommy listed off before frowning

"though there's been rumours" He told her seriously

"The same Papa's been hearing? About unrest in Europe?" Viola asked him

Tommy sighed "According to my contacts…its going to be a lot more than civil unrest"

"War?" Viola questioned in shock and Tommy nodded

"I'll be making arrangements in the worst-case scenario, setting things up in case my contacts go dark" Tommy told her "I'll be quite busy at work"

"I understand" Viola assured him before glancing at the clock and swearing "I've got to go to work" Viola said thoughtfully, head spinning as she pressed a kiss to Tommy's lips before leaving her apartment, she didn't need to lock it. Tommy had keys.

It didn't escape Viola's notice how Dr Stoyle started teaching her tourniquets or how to sew wounds with things other than needle and thread, Flo took her aside and briskly began speaking on emergency first aid, drilling her on wrapping bandages and noting wounds and in what priority they should be treated…all the examples were of a battlefield.

Viola took the hint, knuckled down and began throwing herself into it all earnestly. They were prepping her to survive whatever conflict was coming and Viola was determined to not let them down.

/

"Mama's pregnant" Viola told Tommy "Though Mary has written to me about her fears should the child be a boy"

"Why should that matter?" Tommy wondered

"If the child is a boy, then Matthew is no longer heir and while Mary loves him…" Viola trailed off

"She loves status and money more" Tommy summarised and she nodded in confirmation "then ask Pol, she always knows"

"I will" Viola decided before dipping her pen in ink and beginning to write a reply to Mary, face furrowed thoughtfully.

Dearest Mary,

You have written to me of your dilemma and I feel for you, though I must confess since that dinner where you and Matthew debated the story of Andromeda, I saw the potential and I hoped.

Patrick was a man that you held an understanding with, that you two would marry for duty, to satisfy honour, have a few children, most importantly a son, as always and that would be that. Living your lives in the same house but separate, only coming together in the name of duty.

Matthew is a man that is perfect for you. He is intelligent, charming, compassionate and witty. He ebbs while you flow, he flows when you ebb. You match in a way that seems fated and you have both confessed your love. I would say that I don't understand why you hesitate but I do Mary.

You are accustomed to a certain life, and it can be daunting to step out of that, to step away from that safety net and take a leap of faith.

As someone who took a leap of faith, I can only advise, do it.

I can only advise you and reassure you that I will love you regardless Mary, only you, yourself can decide on what you want. Love or status. Fear or bravery.

Matthew loves you; you love Matthew. To me it is a simple answer to an obvious question but life is rarely simple and as much as I love you Mary, you do adore complicating things. And the relationship between you two has been complicated and fraught with miscommunications and misunderstandings but I bet that when you two finally come to the inevitable conclusion, it will all snap into place and you will mourn the time lost, agonising over hypotheticals, what ifs and what could be's.

Alas, I cannot see the future and give you confirmation of what you seek, all there's left to do is leap…but will you be brave enough?

Love is a power unlike any other and every day I revel in it, knowing I would choose Tommy Shelby's love over any priceless treasure or useless title. But we are not the same Sister Dear.

With all my love,

Viola Crawley (One day to be Shelby)

Viola folded the letter and headed off to post it before making her way to Polly, she had a question to ask.

"So, Polly what do you think?" Viola asked over tea as she finished talking about her problem.

Polly hummed and nudged the tea and saucer over to Viola.

"Drink it up, I'll read your leaves" Polly told her "When you get to the bottom, swirl the dregs around three times, clear your mind and tip the dregs into the saucer, while the up is upside down count to three while thinking of what you want to know and then flip it back over and hand it to me."

Viola hurried to do so, slightly regretting it as her tongue was burnt and there was no sugar to cover the slightly bitter leaves. Once she had done so, she handed the cup to Polly.

Polly hummed and began murmuring "The grim- death but it looks, it's so large, feral…as if there will be a lot of death coming our way, or you will see so much death, making the grim grow in accordance to the job he will perform…. A blurred arch, a disastrous trip to….I can't see but there is a Butterfly- success and happiness along with a bouquet- happy marriage and an apple- long life. Isn't that wonderful?

Oh dear…A key and cloud- caution and trouble but there is a flower, hope…how curious"

"So?" Viola asked not understanding the rest of it but wanting an answer to her question

Polly looked at her troubled "You'll have a brother, and he'll be a star"

/

Tommy came back to his apartment with Viola, as he hung up his coat and cap, he saw Viola tucked up on the couch the fire burning low as she sipped at some whisky, a bit of an odd sight as she preferred her wines and ciders when relaxing…

"stailc tintreach?" Tommy called for her carefully, coming and sitting beside her, one hand resting on her thigh.

"Hmm? Oh, Tommy…" Viola glanced at him before her eyes were pulled back to the dancing embers.

"Viola? What is it…has something happened?" Tommy asked c]in concern, he didn't remember any pressing matters occurring today apart from that drug smuggling and Viola had nothing to do with that so it couldn't be that, it had gone smoothly anyways.

"Mama, she…lost her baby" Viola told Tommy, tears swimming in her eyes "Polly was right, my brother will be a star"

"I…I am so sorry, Viola" Tommy told her taking her into his arms and pressing a kiss onto the crown of her head. "Is there anything I can do?"

"No" Viola shook her head "I just, I was sort of looking forward to having a sibling, Papa wrote to me…Mama is distraught as is Papa I imagine"

"If it was me, I would be devastated" Tommy murmured in sympathy.

"What if it is one day?" Viola wondered "What if I fail?"

"You could never fail" Tommy told her fiercely "if it happens, we'll work through it as we will work through all of life's troubles and strife"

"Thank you" Viola murmured kissing him

"Is the party cancelled then?" Tommy asked her after a while of silence, just basking in each others company and watching the flames crackle in the fireplace.

Viola shook her head "No, Mama didn't want that but we definitely need to go, I wish to see how Mama is"

"Then we'll go" Tommy promised her.

/

Tommy felt ridiculous in his garden suit, the white blazer and jacket where completely impractical if he were to get into a fight and blood was difficult enough to remove from dark colours let alone white. And while Arthur had teased him for wearing the light pink shirt, Tommy enjoyed the fact he matched Viola's blush pink dress and the colour brought out his eyes which soothed his irritation at the rest of the ensemble.

He had hung back, listening to the string quartet playing as Viola had gone to visit her Ma and check on her, Tommy took food from the plate Thomas offered and saw the nasty bruise on his face.

"Someone got you good" Tommy noted, eyeing the bruise appreciatively.

"I deserved it" Thomas admitted to him and Tommy arched an eyebrow

"Never admit to being in the wrong, especially when you're in the wrong" Tommy advised him "though, when you come and work for me, I'll teach you how to take a punch and how to win a fight. You'll need to know those skills"

"You think me being a butler is on my mind right now?" Thomas asked incredulously

"When going into battle, you need a goal, a future in mind" Tommy told him seriously "otherwise, you forget what you're fighting for and then you die"

Thomas nodded and headed off towards Dr Clarkson.

"How was your Ma?" Tommy asked Viola when she walked over to him, she let the plastic smile drop with a smile.

"She's heartbroken but acting wonderfully British, not wanting to put a damper on the party" Viola huffed looking frustrated "Grandmama would be proud"

"People mourn in different ways" Tommy brushed his hand over her arm in comfort

"I just wish there was something I could do" Viola grumbled

"Sometimes there isn't" Tommy said "but I'm sure you being there bolstered her spirits"

"I hope so" Viola said before spotting Matthew and Viola, walking in separate directions.

"Seems she didn't take your advice" Tommy murmured to Viola

"She never does, she's allowed herself to be persuaded by others, to bow to the pressure of our peers. And she's now lost the man she loves" Viola said her mouth twisted into displeasure.

"Well- "Tommy was cut off as Lord Grantham came running out of Lady Grantham's tent waving his hat.

"Please, will you stop, please!" he shouted capturing everyone's attention and causing the string quartet to stop playing "My lords, ladies and gentlemen. Can I ask for silence?"

Everything fell silent as focus gravitated to Lord Grantham who had a upset look on his face "Because I very much regret to announce...that we are at war with Germany."

Tommy's arm snaked around Viola's waist holding her to him as his jaw clenched.

As soon as murmurs had broken out, Tommy had grabbed Viola's hand and rushed out of the garden, heading towards the car, Phil running to catch up to them before getting into the front and starting the car.

"Tommy?" Viola asked when she snapped out of her shock.

"stailc tintreach" he replied calmly feeling anything but.

"Why, why are we leaving I- I need to talk to Papa and-" Viola started to ramble but Tommy interrupted her calmly.

"stailc tintreach, your Papa won't be sent to war and neither will your peers, not yet. They're apart of the peerage worth something. John and Arthur aren't, we'll be called up first, the foot soldiers"

Viola gasped paling rapidly as her grip tightened on Tommy's hand.

/

Tommy barged into a silent watery lane after dropping off Viola, assuring her that he'd come over after he'd checked on Arthur and John when he walked into the kitchen it was to Ada looking sick, Polly desperately trying to hide her fear probably thinking back to when her own children were taken from her. Arthur was staring down at his letter and John's hands were trembling.

"Tommy" John croaked "Tommy, I've been called up…what about my kids?"

"You have a letter too Tom, I imagine it's the same invitation" Arthur told Tommy, quiet and still in a way that was completely unlike him.

Tommy looked at the table where a letter with his name on it was waiting ominously. He strode over and ripped it open reading the letter and swallowing his fear, King and Country was calling on him. but he was more focused on his own little kingdom.

"It'll be alright John" Tommy told his younger brother…and God how young he looked; would he survive? Tommy shook his head. John would survive. He had to.

"How the fuck is it going to be alright Tom?! We're going to war and we don't know if we're going to come back!" John shouted at him, his fear turning into anger. Tommy strode over and cupped his face reassuringly.

"It'll be alrigh' John because I said so, alrigh? Aye, we're going to war but we're going to war together and we will fight together and survive together" Tommy told him

"And die together" John muttered bitterly and Tommy furiously pushed away the imagery of his brothers being torn apart in front of him, of being shot, of bleeding out.

"Its not going to happen" Arthur burst in, his eyes burning furiously "I won't fuckin' let it 'appen, not my brothers. not you two"

"There see?" Tommy grinned at John though he felt like throwing up "Arthur says we'll be fine and what Arthur says goes. Now, go home and spend time with your wife and children John. We're going to war"

John nodded and wiped his hands over his eyes before grabbing his cap and fleeing the house, Tommy bowed his head for a moment before turning to Arthur whose eyes were soft and understanding.

"It's alright Tom, go and see your lightning strike, eh?" Arthur told him "I have Ada and Pol I'll be alright"

"I love you, brother" Tommy murmured pulling him into a hug before brushing past them and heading back to his apartment with Viola, aching to see the woman he loved.

He felt like he was being unravelled at the seams. Pieces of him breaking apart and dissipating, he need the touch of his stailc tintreach, her touch would remind him he was alive. give him purpose and direction.

/

"I've been called up" Tommy murmured into her hair quietly "I'm to serve for King and Country and join the fighting. John and Arthur too but you'll be safe here, Polly and Ada will look after you and there's Finn for you to look after and I'll- we'll come back, the Shelby boys will come back"

Tommy had known since the garden party that he would be called up, he wasn't an aristocrat, wasn't apart of the peerage, he was just a solider, just a gypsy that was cannon fodder. Him and his brothers, low and behold when he returned. There was a letter with two similar ones being clutched in Arthur and John's hands. Both men were pale, John's hands shaking though neither of his older brothers mocked him for it.

Tommy had sworn to them that they were going to come home, that they would survive, he'd make it happen, when they had relaxed and agreed, Tommy had rushed off to Viola. He had shoved his hands into his pockets so they wouldn't see his own shaking hands.

"T-tommy" Viola breathed out hand clutching to him desperately reminding him he was alive and grounding him.

"And, I'll need your picture of course, to look at during the night and brag to the lads how I've got the prettiest girl waiting back home for me" Tommy continued keeping calm as he planned, focusing on the little things now, would help with the big things later.

"Tommy" Viola called for him again

"I know, I know this is scary but it will be just fine, I promise Viola, we don't have to do anything rash" Tommy rambled desperately, tightening his hold around her waist, silently begging for her not to leave him, please not his . He could go to war; he could fight but not with a broken heart.

"Tommy" Viola said firmly, stepping out of his safe grip and handing him a letter "the army, they need nurses and Doctors, I've been called, I'll be going to."

Thomas Shelby stared down at the letter and felt his heart shatter into a thousand pieces.

AN/

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA so you see my evil plan come to fruition! did ya see the twist coming? did ya? did ya?

took a while to write this monster of a chapter + life got in the way

I tried writing smut again...aha was it alright?

I don't like Edith, I'm sure it's already come across but yea, I really don't like her. I think she's been treated badly and Mary has been cruel to her and I have sympathy for her but I just...I can't with her. she's bratty, selfish, entitled, vain, vindictive, malicious a manipulator, liar etc etc. she has some good parts I suppose but I just do not like her. at all.

No means fucking No, and if it's not yes it's no. Don't give unconscious people tea. They don't want tea.

ah proof about how Tommy killed Pamuk- www dot healthline dot com/health/ commotio-cordis#symptoms it's rare so don't expect Tommy to become one punch man or whatever.