Once again, thank you to those who reviewed the last chapter. Anon2014 always encourages me and NegansGirl2020's comment nudged me out of a bit of writer's block to follow the story where it naturally needed to go. Please keep reviewing - it really helps. I hope you like this chapter.

Tommy sent Rose back to Arrow House two days after he woke up. She wasn't happy and it took all her self-control not to argue with him. He knew that his road to recovery would be a long one and, not only did he not want Rose there to witness him in his struggles, it was exhausting having her there every day. She was so happy that he'd woken up that she was like a ray of sunshine at his side – chatting to him, checking he was comfortable, trying to make him laugh, talking to the nurses. The problem was, the sun can be overwhelming when there's no respite. The morphine he took pulled him in and out of reality and he wasn't always sure what was real. When it wore off, the pain was intense and having Rose there was too much. So, he told her she needed to go back to school and back to working at the office and the shop.

"I can't go back. I'll be all on my own at the house." She was sat on the side of his bed.

"I've asked Michael to move in until I'm home."

"Michael?"

"Yes, Michael. Everyone else has families of their own to take care of. And Polly said she couldn't stay, she has business in London."

"What kind of business?"

"Never you mind."

Rose knew she wouldn't win the argument and she was also trying to be more obedient.

"Fine. I'll go back. But can I talk to you on the phone every day?"

Tommy sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. His head was pounding. Where was that nurse with his medicine? "Not every day, Mouse. You don't need to worry about me anymore. The doctors say I'll recover."

"Yeah, but…"

"No buts, Rose. You need to get back to school."

Rose wrinkled her nose, but didn't say anything. A thought occurred to her.

"Will I still have to work in the shop every weekend?"

"Yes."

A frown pulled at her brow. She asked the next question tentatively. "And Nua?"

Tommy's blue eyes examined her anxious face. He didn't like to back down but he knew he'd pronounced that punishment hastily. Besides, he didn't have the energy to hold out on her. He sighed.

"That punishment would have only lasted a week anyway and a week's already passed without you riding, so I guess you've served your time."

Rose's face lit up. "So, does that mean I can go out on her again?"

"Yes."

Letting out a squeal, Rose went to hug Him but the grimace of pain that passed over his face stopped her and she knew it was time for his pain medicine. She went to fetch the nurse.

The next day, Rose was back at home and feeling sorry for herself. Michael watched her push the food around her plate at dinner.

"You need to eat that, not play with it."

"I'm not hungry."

"Doesn't matter. Eat it anyway. I'm under orders from Tommy and Ada to make sure you're ok and eating decent meals is one of them. Honestly, anyone would think you were the same age as Charles with this list of things I have to make sure of: make sure you eat, make sure you sleep, make sure you go to school, make sure you work in the shop at weekends, make sure you don't drink the brandy."

At this last item, he raised his eyebrow at her and she scowled back at him. He ignored her expression and pointed at her plate with his knife.

"Eat."

Rose reluctantly ate her meal but it was painstakingly slow. Michael had finished his and was smoking a cigarette before she was halfway through.

"What's up with you, anyway? I thought you'd be happy Tommy's getting better."

"I am."

"So, why the long face?"

She shrugged. "I wanted to stay in London and see Tommy."

"It'll be a while before he's well enough to come home. You can't sit at his bedside forever."

"I can."

"Yeah, well, it wouldn't help anybody if you did. Your life doesn't just revolve around Tommy, you know."

She looked at him curiously. "How do you mean?"

Michael exhaled his cigarette smoke. He was enjoying living in Tommy's house for a while, being in charge, imagining life as a powerful rich gangster. He felt it became him to dispense words of wisdom to his young charge. "I mean, your life is your life, not Tommy's. You're you, you're Rose, you're not just Tommy's little sister. You have a purpose all of your own. I mean what would you have done if he had died? Who would you be then?"

Frowning as she took in what he'd said, she thought about his question.

"I don't know who I am without Tommy."

Michael nodded. "Then you'd better find out. The only person you can rely on is yourself, Rose. The only person you need to look out for is yourself because, when it comes to it, that's what everyone else will do."

"That's not true. My brothers will always look out for me. And Ada and Aunt Pol"

"Really? John's got his hands full with his own kids. Arthur's moving to California. Ada's in London. And Tommy isn't scared of dying. Do you think he thought about you when he went to kill that priest? About what would happen to you if he was killed? Did he think about you when he arranged all that business at the Derby?"

"Michael, why are you saying all this? Stop it!"

"I'm saying it because you need to hear it. I know you think it's harsh but one thing I've learnt from being with this family is that unless you take charge of your own fate, someone else will. And they'll do it to their advantage, not yours."

Despite herself, Rose recognised an element of truth in Michael's words. She was upset and confused but wondered if he was right. Her family loved her, she knew that, but they also loved power and money and reputation. So, where did that leave her?

Rose spent a lot of time out on Nua in those days when Tommy was in the hospital, but despite spending many hours riding, she struggled to clear her head of all the thoughts which ran through it. They swirled around and kicked off feelings in her which she didn't want and didn't know how to deal with. Feelings of utter sadness that Arthur was leaving; feelings of confusion at not knowing who she was without her family; feelings of fear as she remembered how it felt to think Tommy would die; feelings of panic as she worried about it happening again to someone she loved. Not knowing how to process everything that was going on inside her, Rose buried as much as she could and worked hard at ignoring it all.

Michael had invited Charlotte, the girl he'd met at the wedding, to stay with him at Arrow House and was fully absorbed in living the good life. He kept tabs on Rose, but didn't pay very close attention. Alice did, though. She tried her best to help her, but Rose didn't give much away. The maid had been glad to hear about Mr. Shelby's accident; she'd hoped that this would be the moment when Father Hughes would take Rose to be cared for by the parish. But Mr. Gray had moved in and Rose remained under the care of her family. Father Brereton assured her it wouldn't be much longer until this family of criminals would be brought down but for Alice it couldn't come soon enough. She was appalled by Mr. Gray's behaviour in the house, especially since that young woman had joined him. This was no place for a young girl and Alice knew there was only a short window left to rescue Rose from a future where her descent into criminality and wickedness would be guaranteed. Making her way to the front door in order to welcome Rose home after school, Alice felt like she was the only person who stood between Rose and ruin.

When the car arrived and Rose climbed out, Alice noted how weary she seemed. She gave a bob as Rose approached the door.

"Welcome home, Miss Rose."

Rose gave her a small smile. "Thank you, Alice. I'm going to change and then go out on Nua"

"Very well, Miss. There's a parcel in your room from your sister. It arrived today."

"For me?"

"Yes, Miss."

"Alice, has Tommy rung?"

"Not that I know of, Miss."

Rose nodded and headed towards the stairs. She hadn't spoken to Tommy in over a week. Initially, she'd tried to ring him every day but was often told that he wasn't well enough to speak on the phone. Ada phoned her regularly and kept her updated on Tommy's condition. She told her that Tommy was able to sit up and was working towards walking again. He was still in some pain but the medication was helping. Rose finally managed to speak to him after a couple of weeks, but she knew immediately that he was medicated. His words were slurred and he wasn't making much sense. The call didn't last long. The next time she spoke to him, she could tell he was getting better. He asked if she was still going to school, if she was still working in the shop, if she was eating enough. He asked about the horses mainly though and Rose was more than happy to chat to him about them. Sometimes, when he asked her how she was, she wanted to tell him that she wasn't feeling right – but she didn't know how to put what she was feeling into words, and especially not on the telephone. So, she didn't tell him but only asked when he was coming back. The last time she spoke to him, he'd said the doctors thought it would be a few more weeks. Rose was looking forward to him coming home. She was hoping that this would be a chance to start again with him. To maybe explain how she was feeling and hope that he'd listen to her.

Entering her room, Rose saw the parcel on her bed, wrapped in brown paper. Ada often send her little gifts and treats from London and Rose loved receiving them – a ribbon for her hair, a tin of hot chocolate powder, a book. This time it was something she had never had before – a pair of girl's pyjamas. She always wore a nightgown but had seen advertisements for ladies' pyjamas in magazines. They were a soft cotton pair of light trousers and a loose top. The ones Ada had sent were a pale red with pink flowers embroidered on them. Rose thought they were wonderful and smiled as she felt the material. Ada had enclosed a note wishing her a happy birthday for the following day, saying she hoped Rose liked them. Rose laid them on the bed ready to wear that night and wondered about her birthday the next day. Usually, Polly made a fuss of the children on their birthdays with a couple of presents, a cake and their favourite food, but that was when they all still lived in Watery Lane. Polly had been spending a lot of time in London lately so Rose wasn't sure that her aunt would arrange anything for her birthday. Arthur and John had mentioned a party but then Tommy had been attacked so she didn't imagine anyone felt like celebrating. Maybe she shouldn't expect a birthday celebration with Tommy in hospital. Rose pushed the thought aside and, as was becoming a habit, buried the feelings that come with it far away inside. She quickly changed into her riding clothes and hurried out to the stables.

The next day began as any other. Rose watched the sun rise and waited for Alice to come and help her dress. She really didn't need help but had grown used to daily ritual. And, truth be told, she enjoyed the regular daily contact with another person. Alice genuinely liked Rose and showed a concern and care for her that the girl missed now that she didn't live with Polly. That morning, Alice knocked on the door and came in the room. She knew Rose would already be awake and she smiled when she saw her.

"Good morning, Miss Rose. Up with the dawn again?"

"Morning, Alice."

"And, happy birthday, Miss Rose. Many happy returns of the day."

Rose smiled. "Thanks, Alice. I think I'm getting too old for birthdays now."

"Oh nonsense, Miss! You're never too old for birthdays. And, if it's alright with you, I have a small gift for you."

Alice took a small present out of the pocket of her apron, wrapped in brown paper and tied in a bow with a red ribbon. She handed it shyly to Rose who looked at it in surprise.

"Alice, you didn't need to get me anything, you really didn't."

"I wanted to, Miss. You're special to me."

Rose looked at her and smiled awkwardly. She was touched by Alice's words. "Shall I open it?"

"Yes, of course – that's what presents are for."

Carefully pulling the ribbon, she untied it and opened the paper. Inside was a pure white cotton handkerchief embroidered in one corner with an intricate red rose and in the opposite corner with her initials, RS. Rose ran her fingers over the beautiful embroidery, then looked up at Alice.

"Did you sew this, Alice?"

Blushing slightly, Alice nodded. "Yes. It's not much, Miss, but I wanted you to be able to look at it and remember me."

Rose stared at Alice, then looked at the handkerchief and cleared her throat. It was a lovely gift and she felt quite emotional at the gesture. She moved over to Alice and hugged her, not trusting herself to speak. Shocked at this uncharacteristic display of affection, Alice hesitated, then put her arms around her young mistress and hugged her back, a wave of protectiveness washing over her. After a few seconds, Rose pulled away as quickly as she had stepped forward and, embarrassed, turned away to lay the handkerchief carefully on her dressing table. Alice braced herself for the next thing she had to say.

"Mr. Gray left early this morning and said to make sure to eat breakfast before you leave for school."

Still with her back turned, Rose digested this information and nodded. It was just another working day.

"He also said he needed you to go to the shop after school today as they're short-handed. Someone called Scudboat will tell you what needs doing."

Rose squared her shoulders and turned round to face Alice. Just another day, no need to make a fuss.

"Thank you, Alice. I'll be fine to get dressed now."

Alice gave a small bob and turned to leave.

"Alice?"

The maid turned back to Rose questioningly.

"Thank you for my gift. It's beautiful."

Smiling, Alice nodded. "You're welcome, Miss Rose."

Later that day, Rose left school, walking with her friend Eliza as usual. Eliza slipped her arm through Rose's and squeezed it.

"I can't believe you're thirteen, Rose. What's it like?"

Rose smiled. "Same as when I was twelve yesterday."

Eliza laughed. She was a light-hearted girl with an easy smile and a mischievous spirit. She was as slight as Rose with chestnut brown hair and light brown eyes. She lived on the next street to Watery Lane and the two of them had been friends since they were small children. They got into a lot of scrapes together and their teachers despaired of them.

"How's your Tommy?"

"He's better. Doctor says he might be able to come home soon."

"That'll be nice, won't it?"

"Yeah, I think so. I've missed him."

"Are you having a cake tonight then?"

"No. I have to go and work in the shop now. They're short-handed."

Eliza was shocked. "On your birthday? That's a bit mean."

Trying to make out that she didn't mind, Rose shrugged. "It's fine. It's just another day. And the business doesn't stop for birthdays."

"You and that business. I don't know why you want to be involved so much. My dad says that women shouldn't be involved in business, they should stay at home and look after the house."

"Well, your dad's wrong. Is that what you want, Liza? To stay at home and have ten kids and spend your days washing clothes and cooking meals."

Eliza thought about it. "No, not really. But what else can I do?"

"There's loads of things you can do. You could be a secretary or a clerk or a nurse. Or you could run a business like I'm going to."

"Maybe I can be your secretary then?"

"Yeah, that's a great idea. Or you can run the accounts – you're good at maths."

"Or maybe I can set up my own business and we can be rivals and we'll have to shoot at each other with our guns."

Laughing, the girls began to run down the street shooting at each other with their fingers. Reaching Eliza's street, they stopped at the corner and leaned against the wall, still laughing.

"I would never shoot you, Rose. You're my best friend."

"Good!" But Rose couldn't quite bring herself to give Eliza the same assurance. She'd seen too much of how her brothers ran the business to know how ruthless it was. Not noticing, Eliza reached into her pocket and brought out a small bag of penny sweets. She handed them to Rose.

"Happy birthday, Rose. I saved my pocket money to buy you these."

Rose knew that Eliza's family didn't have much money. She had three brothers and two sisters and her dad worked in the car factory making just enough to get by. Rose knew that Eliza had saved up for a few weeks to buy her this bag of sweets. She threw her arms around her friend.

"Thanks, Eliza."

Letting go, she offered the bag to Eliza and then took one for herself and the two girls enjoyed their sweets leaning against the wall and chatting. Eventually, Rose knew she couldn't put it off any longer and, bidding goodbye to Eliza, set off for Watery Lane. She put the bag of sweets in her pocket before opening the shop door; she didn't want Scudboat cadging one. He looked up when she entered.

"Just in time, girl. I'm gasping for a brew. Go and put the kettle on, will you?" He indicated the kitchen with his head and went back to work.

Rose stared at him, annoyed at his rudeness, but he kept on working. Sighing loudly to indicate her displeasure, Rose walked to the kitchen doors and opened them.

She jumped two inches off the ground at the noise that greeted her.

"Surprise!"

"Happy birthday, Rose!"

Her mouth wide open, Rose took in the sight in front of her. The kitchen had been decorated with streamers and ribbons, there was a large cake in the middle of the table and the whole family, minus Tommy, was squashed in there, all looking at her and grinning widely. She stood rooted to the spot, thoroughly surprised, unable to speak. Arthur stepped forward and, laughing at her shock, picked her up, swung her round and hugged her close. He spoke close to her ear.

"Happy birthday, Rosie love. I told you we'd celebrate, didn't I?"

Putting her down, he turned to the family and announced loudly, "Right then, let's start this party, shall we?"

Someone started the gramophone and music filled the house. Chatter and laughter followed, as did the pouring of drinks, and Rose found herself the centre of attention. One by one, family members sought her out to hug and kiss her and give her presents. She had never had a birthday celebration like it. She wished Tommy could have been there to enjoy it too. He loved a good family occasion as much as they rest of them.

John gave her a bear hug which took her breath away. "Happy birthday, our Rose. Can't believe you're thirteen now. We'd be finding you a husband if we lived in a Gypsy camp!"

Rose pushed him. "I'd run away if you did that!"

He laughed. "Don't worry, we wouldn't inflict you on any poor husband! He'd have to be brave to take you on."

Also laughing, she punched him on his arm. "That's right! I'm not planning on being anyone's good little wife!"

"No, I didn't think you were." He reached in his jacket pocket. "Here, this is for you."

He handed her a beautifully wrapped present which she was almost loath to unwrap, it was so pretty. When she did, she found herself holding a beautiful silver cigarette case with a deep blue enamel inlay covering the lid in a sunburst pattern, emanating from the bottom left corner. There was also a matching lighter to go with it. She gasped when she saw it.

"John! It's beautiful!"

"Open it."

She pushed the small button on the side and the case opened smoothly to reveal a full stock of slender ladies' cigarettes and an inscription on the inside of the lid: 'Your loving brother, John.' She looked back at John, her eyes filling with tears. John shifted his feet awkwardly.

"It's so you know who it's from."

"Thank you, John. It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen."

Polly came and stood next to Rose, saving John from further embarrassment at the emotional moment. She pulled her niece into a hug and kissed the top of her head.

"Happy birthday, sweetheart. Were you surprised?"

"Yeah, Aunt Pol, really surprised. I didn't think anyone had remembered."

"Course we remembered. You're our girl, we'll always remember."

"Did you plan all this?"

Polly shrugged, giving nothing away. In fact, it had been Arthur's idea but he'd looked to Polly to pull it all together.

"I have something for you." Polly reached behind Rose to pick up a small square present. She handed it to Rose with a large smile. Rose eagerly unwrapped it. She was beginning to enjoy the fuss now and who didn't enjoy opening presents? She pulled the paper off to reveal a small framed oil painting of herself sitting on the back of Nua. It was an excellent likeness of both of them and the artist had captured the bond between horse and rider expertly. Rose was speechless.

"My friend, Reuben, painted it. Do you like it?"

Finding her voice, Rose whispered. "Aunt Pol, I love it. It's perfect. It's the best painting ever. How did he know?"

"Well, he met you at the wedding and I had one of Tommy's grooms take a photo of Nua. And I described you both to him. He's painted you rather well, hasn't he?"

Rose hugged the painting to her chest and beamed at Polly. "Thank you so much. Will you tell him thanks too?"

Smiling at Rose's delight, Polly tucked a strand of hair behind Rose's ear. "Of course. I'm glad you like it, Rosie love. I do like seeing you smile. You deserve a fuss – us adults get wrapped up in ourselves at times."

"It's ok. I know everyone's busy. I just wish Tommy was here."

"I know, but he's on the mend and it won't be long till he's home. He would want you to enjoy yourself tonight, not worry about him. Ok?"

Rose nodded. "Ok."

And enjoy the evening she did. She received so many gifts, she couldn't keep track: a delicate wristwatch from Michael, a set of sparkling hairpins from Lizzie, a gold bangle from Johnny Dogs, a hand carved wooden jewellery box from Uncle Charlie, a set of horse grooming brushes from Curly, a diary from Jeremiah and a bottle of brandy from Finn which he kept hidden under his jacket and promised he'd pour her a glass later. She was overjoyed with every gift she opened and, forgetting all inhibitions, gave out hugs and kissed liberally. Arthur hovered in the background until he found a moment, then moved close to her to give her his gift. It was quite large and he put it down on the table in front of her. It was wrapped in beautiful paper decorated with large and colourful flowers. She ran her fingers over the paper until Arthur got impatient.

"Go on then, open it!"

Laughing, she began to unwrap it, being careful not to rip the lovely paper. Arthur's gift was a stunning stationary set all contained in an exquisite mahogany box. There were drawers and doors and secret compartments. As she looked through them all, she found a beautiful fountain pen with three different nibs, two pots of ink, a stack of luxurious creamy white paper and envelopes, as well as a rocking blotter and an intriguing propelling pencil. Rose was very much taken with it all and commented excitedly on every item she inspected. She turned to give Arthur a hug to say thank you and was shocked to find his eyes glistening with tears, and all of a sudden it dawned on her why he'd given her this specific gift. It was so that she could write to him when he moved to California. She felt tears pricking her own eyes as she looked at her beloved oldest brother. She threw her arms around his middle and felt him hold her tight. Pulling away, she smiled at him.

"I love it, Arthur. Thank you. I'll write to you every week and you can draw pictures of California and send them to me so I can picture where you live. You're good at drawing."

Relieved that she had chosen to be positive about his upcoming departure, Arthur smiled back.

"I will, Rosie Red, I'll send you drawings. And I'll read all your letters, I promise. Don't tell the others, but I'm going to miss you the most."

Blinking back her tears, Rose grinned. "Of course you are - I'm the best Shelby!"

Arthur guffawed and pulled her into another hug. "That you are, Rosie girl, that you are!"

A voice interrupted them. "Well, if it isn't the birthday girl. Happy birthday, Rosey-Posey!"

Rose let go of Arthur with a squeal and wheeled round to find Ada grinning at her. Rose threw herself at her older sister and almost knocked her over with a hug. Ada let out a squeal of her own as she tried to keep her balance. Rose let go and grabbed her hands.

"Ada! You came up from London for my birthday?"

"Of course! It's not every day my baby sister turns thirteen."

"But you sent me that package and a note saying happy birthday."

"That was to throw you off the scent! We've been planning this for a while now."

"You're all so sneaky – I had no idea."

"That's the point of a surprise."

Ada put her arm around her sister's shoulder and pulled her close. Rose put her arm around Ada's waist, leaned her head on her shoulder and looked around the room at everyone she loved. She felt deeply, decidedly and completely happy. She imprinted the image and the feeling on her memory, knowing there could well be days ahead when this memory would be the only thing to keep her going. She watched Polly light the candles on the cake and laughed as Arthur broke a glass with a knife trying to get everyone's attention. All eyes turned on her as the room sang Happy Birthday to her and then Ada pushed her gently toward the table. She stood in front of the cake, her face illuminated by the light from the candles and her eyes sparkling with joy, then bent over and blew them out in one breath. Everyone clapped and cheered and Polly took the cake to cut slices for everyone. She handed Rose the first slice and the now thirteen year old took a bite. It was the most delicious strawberry and cream sponge cake she had ever tasted. It practically melted in her mouth. It didn't take long for her to polish off her slice and as she did, Michael came over to her and handed her the last part of his slice. She looked up at him, remembering how he would give her the last part of his cake when she lived at Polly's. Smiling at him, she took his plate and finished his piece too. He grinned at her, ruffled her hair and went to refill his glass. Ada appeared and whispered in her ear.

"I have something for you, but it's upstairs in your bedroom."

"But you already sent me those pyjamas."

"Well, I got you something else too. Come on."

Ada took Rose's wrist and led her up the stairs to the bedroom they had shared once upon a time. Opening the door, she stepped back to let Rose in. Stepping inside, Rose's breath was taken away by an exquisite gold dress hanging on the wardrobe. It was covered in small strands of beads which shimmered and shone every time the dress moved. Her mouth dropped open and she looked at Ada who was enjoying Rose's reaction.

"This is for me?"

"Of course! You can't be at your own party without a party dress."

Rose looked back at the dress in wonder. It looked like the dresses some of Grace's young relatives had worn to the wedding and she never thought she would have owned one herself.

"Well, are you going to put it on?"

Rose practically jumped up and down. "Yes!"

Ada helped her into the gorgeous dress and also produced some silk stockings and delicate gold shoes. She then pinned up Rose's hair using the pins Lizzie had given her and turning Rose to face her, took some of her make-up from her bag and applied it lightly to her face. Finishing with a touch of lipstick, she stepped back and gave a nod of approval. Ada turned Rose around to look in the mirror. The girl saw a young lady in her reflection whom she didn't recognise. She moved slightly for watch the beading on the dress catch the light. There was a small cascade of beads which fell subtly from her shoulders down her upper arms and there was a fringe of beading which fell from just above her knee to just below, and every inch of the dress shimmered with her movements. She looked at her face with Ada's make-up on and for the first time caught a glimpse of her mother. She had never seen it before, even though everyone always commented on it. Now she saw her and it felt for all the world like her mother was right there in the room with her. Ada saw it too and put a hand on her shoulder.

"Don't you cry now, Rose. You'll ruin your make-up."

At this, Rose laughed and span round to face Ada, enjoying the feel of the dress as it twirled. "Let's go and show Polly."

A silence fell on the room as Rose walked back in. She'd left a child but had re-entered a young lady. A proud smile on her face, Polly moved over the Rose and took her hand, then she turned to address the room.

"It looks like Rose is dressed for a proper party, ladies and gentlemen. And that party is waiting for us at the Palais. There are cars outside to take us all. Let's go and have a real celebration."

A cheer erupted in the room and a stream of people headed for the door. Rose looked at Polly, confused.

"The Palais? The Birmingham Palais?"

"The best nightclub in the city! That's where we're headed. There'll be food and drinks and dancing, Rosie. You have to try out that new dress on the dance floor, don't you?"

"But children aren't allowed in nightclubs."

"They are in this one."

"Why?"

Polly grinned. "Because we own it now." And with that she headed for the door, pulling Rose with her.

Thus followed a magical evening which Rose never forgot. The glamorous dance hall had become famous for being one of the only places to host jazz bands outside of London. The Shelbys pulled up outside in their convoy of cars and piled out. Arthur held out his arm to Rose and walked her to the doors of the club where the doormen, having been clearly prepared for this, opened the double doors for them to sweep inside. Rose felt like royalty. There was an area cordoned off for them, with sofas and armchairs and tables full of food. The dance floor was full of the young and the rich who were dancing to the live band using dance moves Rose had never seen before in her life. Very quickly the drinks flowed and the Shelby family threw themselves into celebrating. Rose found herself dancing with almost everyone, even Curly. She laughed and twirled and shimmied and had the time of her life. More than once, Finn found her and pushed a glass of brandy into her hand, but Rose took her time with it. She enjoyed the buzz but didn't want to lose control or forget what was happening. At one point, Arthur dragged Rose up to the stage, commandeered the microphone and made everyone raise their glasses to "the newest Peaky Blinder, Rose Shelby." The whole club toasted Rose who, flushed with embarrassment and brandy, beamed at everyone before pulling Arthur back to their corner. She dropped onto a sofa next to Polly who was sat chatting with Ada and Esme. She leaned against her aunt who put an arm around her.

"Having a nice time, Rose love?"

"The best time, Aunt Pol. This is the best birthday ever."

Ada laughed. "I think you're right, Rose. I never had a birthday party like this when I was growing up."

Esme nodded. "We didn't even do birthdays when I was a kid. Half my family don't really know how old they are."

Polly squeezed Rose's shoulders. "You hear that, Rose? Never doubt that you're loved. This family would do anything for you."

Slipping her arm around Polly's waist, Rose smiled contentedly. She really did feel loved and a lot of her recent struggles were eased with this assurance that her family cared about her. She felt able to lay to rest the fears that had settled in her since Michael's talk. It was true that John was busy with his family, that Arthur was leaving, that Tommy was reckless in the face of danger – but none of that meant that they didn't love her or that she was alone. She may not know who she was without her family, but for now, knowing that she was a Shelby was enough.

Gradually, as it headed towards midnight, the party began to wind down and Polly told Rose to say her goodbyes. Rose was sad that such a special time was coming to an end but she knew it would have to eventually. She gave everyone who was still there one final hug and then headed towards the exit with Polly. Her ears rang when she was outside after the loud music of the club and as the fresh air hit her face, Rose felt suddenly exhausted. Polly laughed as she yawned loudly and helped her into the car. Rose was almost asleep by the time they reached Arrow House. She turned to her aunt in confusion.

"Why did you come with me all the way here, Aunt Pol? You could have been dropped off at your house."

"I have one more present for you, love. Come on, I'll show you."

Polly climbed out of the car as the driver held the door open and Rose followed her, wondering what extra present was here at the house for her.

"Aunt Pol, you didn't need to get me another present. I have so many already."

Taking her shawl off as she entered the house, Polly turned to Rose with a smile. "But I've saved the best till last, Rose. It's in the sitting room. Go and see."

Intrigued, Rose headed toward the sitting room, followed by her aunt. She opened the door and realised that the best had indeed been saved to last.

Tommy pushed himself slowly up from the armchair and watched his sister's face light up with delight as she saw him. She looked a perfect picture in her party dress, her deep red hair reflecting the gold shimmer it gave off in the firelight, and his heart melted a little at the sight of the young woman she was on the cusp of becoming. She walked slowly over to him and very carefully put her arms around him, laid her head on his chest and leaned against him. He folded his arms around her and held her close, laying his cheek on the top of her head. He breathed in and smiled at the familiar smell of honeysuckle. Somehow, she'd always smelled of honeysuckle, even when she was a baby. He knew he was home when he smelled honeysuckle. He kissed her on the top of her head and Polly smiled at the sight of them. Neither was more complete than when they were together, like two sides of a coin.

"I have something for you." Tommy let go of Rose and headed painfully towards the sofa. He had timed his morphine to be just wearing off for when she got home. He wanted to be lucid, even if it meant more pain. He sat down heavily and motioned for her to sit next to him. He took a small green box of out his pocket and handed it to her. She took it carefully, it was clearly an old box and had seen better days.

"I'm sorry it's not wrapped. I've been a bit distracted lately."

She smiled at him. He gestured at the box, indicating she should open it. She did so gingerly. Inside was a gold necklace with a delicate pendent in the shape of a rose. Each petal was made from a separate piece of gold and nestled inside the flower was a small red garnet. It was clearly a very special piece of jewellery. She looked at it for a long time. It looked familiar in some way. Tommy provided the answer to her question.

"It was Mum's."

And then she recognised it. She has seen it on her mother's neck in every photo she had of her. She touched it gently with a finger, her eyes filling with tears. Tommy cleared his throat.

"I was saving it for you. She'd inherited it from her grandmother. Mum's favourite flower was a rose and she'd already decided before you were born to call you Rose if you were a girl. She desperately wanted another girl - she was fed up of boys. I was keeping it for your eighteenth birthday, but certain … recent events convinced me that it's not worth waiting. It's yours and you should have it now. Here."

He took the box from Rose's hands and carefully took out the necklace. He unclasped it, hung it round her neck and re-clasped it. She put a hand up to feel the golden rose and felt her mother's presence with her for the second time that evening. She turned back to Tommy, tears freely running down her cheeks now. He smiled at her.

"There now. It's perfect." He her face in his hands, wiping her tears away with his thumbs.

Rose put her hands over his, still not able to find the words to say, then leaned against him, tucking her legs under her. Tommy held her close, looking over at Polly who nodded, smiling. She knew Tommy would need to go and lie down soon, but she would leave them be for the next few minutes. Moments like these didn't come along very often.