Tommy walked across the street to join his twin as they both made their way back to Watery Lane, in his usual suit and peaked cap with a cigarette hanging out his mouth. Elizabeth turned her head hearing the footsteps closing in, her trench coat tied tightly round her, her own peaked cap covering her head as her hair was twirled into a low bun. She offered a small tense smile in greeting, knowing he'd just come from the Garrison, and he'd just had his meeting with Grace about her employment, ignoring her comments on keeping the blonde at an arm's length. She'd just been to visit Polly, needing a space to get some things off her chest and wanting to see Finn, their youngest brother still staying with their aunt until Elizabeth would be well enough to cook and look after the boy without assistance.
"I need to talk to you." Tommy admitted to his twin who frowned with confusion.
"About what?" She asked, hoping over a puddle as they cross the road to their front door.
"Peace." Tommy answered vaguely, not wanting to reveal his plan so out in the open, opening the door for both of them. Elizabeth tilted her head and looked back at her twin as she reached up to pull off her cap, her brother closing the front door before doing the same.
"Peace?" She answered, about to continue when both her and Tommy froze staring at each other, hearing some shuffling and banging directly upstairs.
"Finn?" Tommy checked quietly with her, knowing Arthur was still at the Garrison.
"Pols." Elizabeth answered immediately, her muscles tense as she closed her eyes, straining to listen while trying to keep her breathing under control as she tried not to panic. Everything in her convinced it was the Lees coming to finish the job Erasmus had started.
Tommy folded his hat into his pocket, patting his sister on the shoulder gently to get her attention, her eyes flashing open. He raised his right hand and placed a finger over his mouth in a gesture for her to keep quiet, before using his left hand to steady her as he moved around to take the lead. Elizabeth took a deep breath to settle herself, watching as Tommy took his first step on the staircase, his gaze flickering over the woodwork as he looked for any kind of trap or trip wire. He nodded the ok back to her as he continued up slowly, reaching a hand into his jacket and pulling out his revolver as soon as he hit the top step, able to hear more shuffling in his own room. Elizabeth remained right behind her twin, her eyes flickering briefly to her own room as she debated whether to get her own revolver, but quickly dismissed the idea, for fear whoever was in their house would hear the door opening and give her and Tommy away. Tommy glanced back once more to his sister when he touched the door handle, his back to the door and his gun raised. Elizabeth took a few more steps closer and leaned against the wall, nodding the ok. Tommy nodded and took a steadying breath. He pushed the door open, quickly aiming his gun at the body in the room.
Tommys arm quickly fell, his eyes nearly rolling at the sight of John. Elizabeth, who had leaned around the corner at the lack of shot, did roll her eyes letting out a huff of annoyance.
"What the hell, John?" Tommy bit out as he put his gun back in its holster, frustrated at his brother for causing panic to both him and their sister.
"I couldn't get it lit. Couldn't even do that." John half explained angrily, a slight slur to his words indicating he'd been drinking before he'd reached this stage. Elizabeth frowned as she saw the item he was holding. Of course, she'd known Tommy had been smoking something a lot stronger than tobacco but hadn't yet been faced with the actual substance.
"What do you want to be smoking that for?" Tommy asked, stepping closer to John.
"Same reason as you. Pain in the head." John replied, not looking at either twin as he moved to take a seat on Tommys bed. Elizabeth flashed Tommy a look of warning as she moved further into the room, feeling another story of John's woes of love coming on. She unfastened her coat and pulled it off, hanging it over her arms as she sat on the bed beside her younger brother.
"I spoke to Lizzie. Told her what you told me. She said, "Your brother Tommy is a dirty liar." And then I spoke to her sister and her cousin. I bought them a couple of drinks. Just a few regulars, they said. That's all. To keep the wolf from the door she still sees a couple of regulars. You must think I'm an idiot!" John hissed out. Elizabeth leaned her head over onto his shoulder, trying to show support, but kept her gaze down on her arms, unsure what to say. She felt terrible for her brother but knew it was for the best that the truth finally hit John. Tommy, seeing his twin at a loss, came and sat on the other side of John.
"I think you're the first Shelby in history to have a legal license for anything." Elizabeth started to smile as she saw John beginning to perk up at the reminder, able to see a flicker of the old Tommy in her twin, "What would our granddad say, eh? He'd be turning in his grave. "Honest bloody money! Hey, in this house? Here?"" Elizabeth lifted her head from her brothers' shoulder as she and John let out a few small laughs at Tommys impression of their grandad, knowing it to be all true what he was saying.
"You always used to do voices when we were kids." John reminisced, a laugh shaking him slightly. Elizabeth's smile began to fall, a feeling of sorrow washed over her, once again feeling the grief for the child she had once been.
"Well, we're not kids now, John." Tommy reminded his brother, his own mood sobering.
"But we still have to look out for each other, right?" John questioned, glancing between his two older siblings. Elizabeth put on a small smile, nodding her head.
"Course, we do." She answered as Tommy nodded.
"Yeah." Tommy reached a hand up to place on the back of his brothers' head in reassurance before pushing himself up, "Come on, go home. Get some sleep. We've got a big day tomorrow." Tommy revealed to the two as John got up and Elizabeth remained seated on the bed. The two frowned over to their brother, Elizabeth tilting her head as she eyed him.
"We have?" John questioned, turning to look at Elizabeth who shrugged lightly.
"Tomorrow, we finish the war with the Lees for once and for all." Tommy explained to the two, bringing John's attention back over.
"Since when?" John asked, frowning once more as he looked between the twins.
"Since just now." Tommy nodded, patting John on the back and leading him over to the bedroom doorway, "Ten o'clock, tomorrow. Be ready for anything."
John nodded, saying nothing more but offering a wave to Elizabeth before he dived down the stairs. Elizabeth eyed Tommy as he quickly shut the bedroom door letting out a sigh and rubbing a hand over his face. He continued to ignore her as he pulled his cigarettes out his pocket, sticking one in his mouth before offering one to Elizabeth. His twin tilted her head at the action, narrowing her eyes as he kept his arm out, clearly wanting her to take one. She let out a sigh and took it, Tommy quickly shoving the box back in his pocket and pulling out his matches. He lit both their cigarettes, taking a few steps back to lean against the chest of drawers. The two remained in silence for a while before Elizabeth sighed and pulled the cigarette out her mouth.
"Tom, what is," She started.
"John's getting married in the morning." Tommy cut in, "To a girl from the Lee family." Elizabeth blinked a few times, taking in the information before letting out a laugh of shock, taking another drag from her cigarette.
"You have some balls on you Tommy." She bit out shaking her head, her eyes narrowing suspicion and realisation creeping in, "It was me or him, wasn't it? If John had run off with Lizzie, it would be me being sold off tomorrow." Tommys eyes narrowed, but he didn't deny her claims, Elizabeth let out a dry chuckle, "You're a devious bastard Tom. All that shit about looking out for each other and you've sold him like a horse."
"He needs a wife." Tommy countered, "He said it himself. It's a done deal, the Lee girls gone a bit wild,"
"And needs marrying off. I know the reasoning." Elizabeth bit back, "I guess it would have been Erasmus for me like Dad had planned when he came back last time." Tommy cast her a look of warning, his anger at the mention of their father getting the best of him.
"You were who they wanted." He snapped back, earning a look of surprise from Elizabeth. Her gaze fell to her coat as she sighed, rubbing her hands over her eyes as she tried to wind back in her anger over the topic of arranged marriage. She kept her eyes down as she took another drag from her cigarette, both twins trying to reign in their emotions.
"And this will bring peace?" Elizabeth asked quietly still sounding uncertain but unable to suggest anything else to bring peace. She continued to look down, treading lightly since she had been the one to bring up their dad. Tommy let out a breath, nodding his head once.
"We'll be kin." He answered. Elizabeth chanced a look up.
"Did you at least look at who they were going offer? Will John be happy?" Tommy smirked and shook his head at the question.
"He'll be very happy." Elizabeth smiled slightly, feeling slightly more comfortable.
"So, what's the plan for tomorrow?" She asked, putting out what was left of her cigarette in the dish beside Tommys bed. Her twin took another drag of his.
"Just meet with Pol tomorrow morning and she'll explain, I've invited Ada." Elizabeth's eyes lit up slightly at the mention of their younger sister.
"You saw her?" She asked, "is she ok?"
"I sent Grace." Tommy admitted, smirking slightly as Elizabeth tried and failed to hide her annoyance with the barmaid.
"Right." Elizabeth breathed, nodding her head, trying to justify her brother's decision in her mind, "Women only days." The two fell into silence, Tommy watching his sister as her eyes flickered back and fore, as if searching for any questions she might have missed, he thought about offering her a drink when she let out a yawn.
"Go to bed Lil, we can chat in the morning." Tommy half ordered. Elizabeth glanced up at him, opening her mouth as if to fight him before she sighed, nodding her head. She pushed herself to her feet and offered him a small smile as she got to the door.
"Night Tom." She offered, pulling the door open. He nodded his head.
"Night Lil."
It was mid morning when Elizabeth finally had managed to make it to Polly's. All the cousins and her brothers had come around for breakfast, all having a few beers to celebrate the potential end of the war with the Lees, and while she couldn't stretch her right arm too far, she'd taken on the mission to try and cook breakfast. She'd managed most of it herself, Arthur only having to help pick up or a few items that were either out of her area of mobility or too heavy, but overall it had been a success. She'd then had to get changed and it had taken longer than expected with constant questions from her brothers of where things were that's she'd tidied up.
"Hey Pol, I'm here! Sorry, I'm," Elizabeth started as she came in the door, only to lift her head and frown at the figure standing in the hallways, "Ada?" Elizabeth called gently, unsure how to act with it being the first time she'd seen her younger sister in months. Ada turned around, a confused frown over her own face before it morphed into shock.
"Lil." Ada greeted back, looking as unsure of what to make of her older sister. Elizabeth looked over her sister, able to tell from just the glance that Ada had been in hiding for too long and looked slightly undernourished.
"You look great. How's my niece or nephew getting on?" Elizabeth asked, not making any sudden moves for fear of startling Ada while cursing Freddie in every language she knew for causing the rift and the change in her sister.
"They're good." Ada answered somewhat shortly, seeming suspicious of Elizabeth, her gaze flickering up to the cap that still sat on Elizabeth's head. Elizabeth's smile fell slightly at the look, recognising it instantly and realising Freddie must have told Ada of her role in the war.
"Ada, I," Elizabeth began when Polly appeared from upstairs, smiling down at the two sisters.
"Come on girls, we have a wedding to go to." Polly cheered, a smile over her face at seeing both her nieces in the same room for the first time in months.
"Let's go." Ada agreed, smiling more genuinely over at their aunt who paused, glancing between the two younger women. Elizabeth placed a familiar easy smile over her face, trying to hide her frustration.
"We're going to be late Pol." Elizabeth agreed, not wanting to cause an argument on a day like today.
The three women exited the house, Elizabeth allowing Polly and Ada to take the lead as she followed behind. Polly kept Ada's arm tucked in hers as they walked down streets, making Elizabeth smirk slightly as the move mimicked what her mother had used to do to her, for fear she'd keep running off with Arthur or Tommy when they'd been on family walks. She kept her mouth closed, once again reminding herself that Ada wouldn't be as open to teasing at the stage in pregnancy especially with the rift between them both. The arranged meeting place for the wedding wasn't far outside of Peaky territory but had been far enough for the Lee family to set up a miniature camp as such. The small group of women arrived just as John and his wife to be had taken their positions in front of Johnny-dogs who was running the ceremony.
Polly released Ada's arms as soon as they got to Tommy, quickly walking on past the two with a smile over her face at the sight of her nephew and his new wife to be. Elizabeth kept her easy smile in place as she came up to Arthur, Tommy and Ada, deciding it best to stand on the other side of Arthur since Ada seemed so uncomfortable with her. Tommy briefly glanced over at Elizabeth, who refused to react to the look, continuing to stare forward and watch the ceremony only glancing to the side to take a drink from the hip flask when offered by Arthur, easing her nerves as she looked around the faces of a few of the Lees that were looking on smiling.
"You look well." Tommy offered Ada, who nodded once.
"And harmony and togetherness which is sanctioned and honoured by the presence and the power of these two families around us. Do you, John Michael Shelby, take Esme Martha Lee to be your beautiful young wife?" Johnny-dogs continued.
"You got my invitation?" Tommy asked Ada.
"Grace said there's a truce." Ada answered, not looking over at any of her siblings and keeping her gaze forward, readying herself for if Tommy reneged on his deal.
"Family day. Your husband couldn't make it?" Tommy continued, digging slightly.
"He's not speaking to me. And when he does he calls me a "Fucking Shelby" even though I'm a Thorne now." Ada revealed to her brother who smirked.
"A thorn in my side, that's for sure." Tommy joked. Ada shook her head, amused with her older brother and able to tell from his face his views on her husband.
"My God, Tommy, you admire him, don't you?" Ada smirked, shaking her head at him.
"There remains one more part of the ceremony. It's the mingling of the two bloods. So the two families become the one family. I now pronounce you man and wife! Well, John, kiss the bride, will you?" Johnny-dogs ordered earning cheers and claps from the gather crowd as John leaned in to do just that.
Elizabeth smiled as she watched her younger brother and his new wife kiss once again, clapping along with everyone else. She was happy for her brother; horrified Tommy would do such a thing to one of them, but happy her brother had at least got a woman that seemed to make him happy, all she could do was hope it continued. She was also grateful for the peace it would bring between them and the Lees and hoped it would be the end of the fighting, especially once Kimber was dealt with. It would be nice to finally rest and not have to worry about her family for a while.
The newly married couple made their way past the family, Esme hugging her kin while John shook their hands, both smiling as they made their way through the crowd of family. John smiled as he reached his siblings, patting Finn on the head before hugging Ada, Tommy, Arthur and Elizabeth who all were quick to offer their congratulations. Esme shyly smiled and nodded her head to the siblings, only reaching out to offer a hug to Ada and Elizabeth who returned the gesture eagerly, both complimenting the woman on her dress, the men patting John on the back as they continued to congratulate him.
Elizabeth smiled as the beer began to get brought out and a few Lees appeared with instruments, her unease growing slightly as a few Lees took it as a sign to come over to chat to Tommy and Arthur. Silently, she backed up slightly, patting Arthur on the back briefly with a smile and a promise to be right back before walking around the group, keeping out of the way. She made it to the edge of the makeshift camp, keeping slightly out of sight of the crowd as she walked about, admiring the designs on each caravan, just needing a moment of peace.
"You look a lot like your mother in that dress." A voice spoke, causing Elizabeth to spin around quickly. Zilpha Lee smirked as she leaned against the caravan, amused with the reaction of the younger woman. Elizabeth let out a small breath, grateful she hadn't taken the gun from her room like she had briefly considered.
"Thank you." She eventually replied, unsure how else to respond. The Lee matriarch continued to watch the eldest Shelby sister, her eyes dancing across the younger woman as she took her in.
"Did your brother mention I asked for you?" Zilpha questioned the younger woman, taking a few steps closer to her, wanting to see how she would react. Elizabeth hummed, turning so she could lean her back against the caravan, placing the easy Shelby smirk over her face.
"He mentioned it. I'm humbled you think me good enough." She offered back, watching as the senior Lee seemed to appraise her in a way Polly would when she'd be looking for something, "Though I imagine now you're looking closely, you can see what you'd be truly getting."
"Hmm, maybe it was wise of your brother to offer your younger brother instead." Zilpha admitted, able to see the damage to the young woman, the demons battling in her mind. Elizabeth chuckled, looking down to the ground and shaking her head.
"Did you want something Zilpha?" She asked, not wanting to offend the woman but not wanting to be scrutinised further.
"Your aunt mentioned a darkness in you, I came to offer advice." Zilpha revealed, her back straightening when Elizabeth's attitude seemed to darken, and her eyes narrowed.
"Everyone has their demons." Elizabeth countered, unhappy Polly had been talking to the Lee matriarch about her in such a way, "mine just happen to show a little more."
"You should be careful Elizabeth. Your aunt was right, it will be the death of you." Elizabeth let out a sigh at the warning, holding back her eye roll and scoff for fear of offending the woman and causing a new war.
"Thank you for your wisdom, Zilpha." She offered, before smirking cheekily, "I suppose your boys gave it their best shot. Best leave it to my demons to do the deed next time." Zilpha gave the brunette a look of warning, eerily similar to Polly's that made Elizabeth's smirk fall.
"You should heed my warnings, Elizabeth." Zilpha warned. The woman in question looked down, staring intently at the floor as she fought her for wing levels of annoyance, debating her words before a heavy sigh escaped her, knowing the woman wouldn't reveal anything spoken matriarch to matriarch.
"Can't kill me if I'm already dead." Elizabeth eventually bit out, her eyes lifting to meet the Lee Matriarchs gaze who frowned deeply at the younger woman, "Polly likes to imagine I never left, hell, they all do. But I left Zelpha, I lied to people, I killed people, I got attacked by people. There's not much I didn't experience. My demons kept me alive, and they still do. I do what I need to for my family, as you do yours, it's why we keep going. Again, I thank you for your wisdom, but I fear your truth may have already come to pass." There was a pause as the two women eyed each other.
"Spoken like a true matriarch." Zilpha eventually nodded, seeming impressed with the woman in front of her, "You would have made a good addition to the family, but it's clear those brothers still need you." Elizabeth let out a small huff of amusement.
"Don't tell them that." She joked, pushing all her darker emotions back, reminding herself it was John's wedding day, and shouldn't have been the time for such revelations.
"Enjoy the night, Elizabeth, you and your kin are safe here, after all we are now your kin too." Zilpha nodded, having sensed the unease and understanding why the woman would feel that way after having had them burst into her home and make an attempt on her life.
"Thank you, Zilpha." Elizabeth's nodded. The older woman offered the younger a smile before disappearing back around to join the party, leaving Elizabeth alone with her thoughts once again. Elizabeth lifted her hands to rub over her face.
She could admit her unease with the Lees. It was only natural after what happened. Her shoulder still twinged and there was a lovely scar under her bandage to go with it. She would be forever marked by what happened, but it was embarrassing for it to have been noticed. She hadn't meant the elder woman any offence and she desperately hoped she hadn't created a wedge between them. Zilpha had been kind to her in the past, when she was closer to Erasmus and visited often with Charlie for dealings with horses. She was honestly still rather surprised Tommy hadn't agreed to the proposal of her and Erasmus, Polly would have been delighted with that match. Part of her worried Tommy had another match in mind.
"There you are!" John called, appearing round the side of the caravan. Elizabeth quickly brought her hands down, placing a smile over her face.
"Alright John?" She greeted, pushing herself off to walk over to her brother.
"Come on, Arthurs been searching for you!" John revealed to his sister who rolled her eyes and shook her head at him.
"I wouldn't go far, it's a family day." She told him, allowing John to throw an arm over her shoulder and pull her off back to her brothers and cousins who all cheered in greeting.
Elizabeth glanced to the side as she got brought to the centre table, Tommy handing her a drink of beer. Her gaze met that of Zilpha who smiled across and raised a glass, Elizabeth sent her a smile in return, raising her own mug before taking a drink, downing it when her brothers started cheering her on.
The party continued into the night, the music and singing keeping everyone's spirits up as fires and candles were lit. Elizabeth joined in a few dances with her brothers and aunt. She was finishing a jig with Arthur when she noticed her twin disappearing out the side of her eye, watching him to go sit with Zilpha at the side. She hugged Arthur as the song finished and moved to join them when another man grabbed her hand, pulling her back to the dance floor.
"Ellie." Erasmus greeted as he swung her round, purposefully using her left arm.
"Erasmus." Elizabeth returned, her eyes betraying her wariness as an easy smile continued to stay on her face.
"Come now, we're family." Erasmus nearly teased, finding her continued use of his full name amusing, "how's the shoulder?" The Shelby sister nearly glared but averted her gaze to the floor for a moment to reset her emotions, relax pacing her smile with an unamused smirk.
"I got rid of the sling yesterday, lovely scar though." She revealed to the man before letting out a sigh as she caught a glimpse of Arthurs face, "I don't know what game you're playing but we've just declared peace, my brothers look ready to kill you."
"Ach let 'em try." Erasmus smirked, not concerned in the slightest, knowing the brothers wanted peace to continue, "You could have been my bride."
"Dodged a bullet there, oh wait." Elizabeth bit back, smirking in return, only to wince as Erasmus tried to continue the dance and grab her right arm. She let out a hiss, and inadvertently backed up, lifting her left arm to cradle her right.
"Not quite healed up then." Erasmus nodded, choosing to wrap an arm round the woman's waist and lead her away from the other dancers, catching the look of warning from Zilpha who nodded to Thomas. Elizabeth's twin leaning forward and clearly watching him closely.
"Not quite." Elizabeth agreed, a slight hiss in her words as she moved her shoulder slightly to try and reduce the pain. Erasmus sighed as he realised her, taking a step back to watch the woman he had once cared for, feeling some guilt for the pain he'd caused.
"I apologise Ellie, but," Elizabeth rolled her eyes, moving her gaze from her arm up to Erasmus.
"It was war. I know the terms." She nodded, "my name was marked for death, I'm lucky you're a bad shot." She teased, smirking at the man. Erasmus let out a chuckle and nodded his head.
"Now we have peace." He nodded, looking her over as he spoke. Elizabeth eyed him before shaking her head, looking to the ground.
"We had fun Raz but it would never work." She told him, her attention drifting slightly at the sight of her younger sister dancing intently round a fire, "We both have different priorities." Erasmus let out a laugh as he nodded.
"Zilpha said you'd say that."
"You should listen, she's a wise woman." Elizabeth returned quickly, glancing over her shoulder at the man once more a sad smile on her face, "You'd never have asked if she was still here." Erasmus smile turned bitter at the reminder of the reason he and Elizabeth had separated as he nodded, accepting her point, "She was always better for you Raz, us Shelby's are a curse."
"Perhaps." Erasmus nodded, opening his mouth when Elizabeth turned back to her cheering sister once again, her priorities being clearly displayed, "It was nice to see you, Ellie."
"You too Raz." Elizabeth hummed, before making her way over to her sister in the dance floor, seeing Tommy getting up to do the same.
"Ada, come on, have a rest. Sit down." Tommy called as both he and Elizabeth made it to their younger sister's side at the same time. Elizabeth nodded her head in agreement.
"Come on, Ada let's have a sit down." Elizabeth agreed, trying to tuck Ada's arm into her left one. Ada shook her head, pushing her sister off by the shoulders towards Tommy, Elizabeth wincing at the pressure on her wound as Tommy caught her.
"Come and look, Esme. Come and look at the family you've joined." Ada called, Elizabeth cradling her arm again as Tommy moved her to stand at his side, John and Arthur looked over at the shouting, moving closer, "Come and look at the man who runs it! Chooses his brothers' wives for them! He hunts his own sister down like a rat and sends his twin to kill his own brother-in-law!" Ada ranted, backing up as the family gathered in, punching Tommy in the chest a few times before redirecting a blow to Elizabeth who knocked her arm away on instinct with her right, holding back another hiss of pain.
"Ada, that's enough!" Arthur called as Polly also came over, trying to grab Ada and calm her down. Everyone calling the youngest sisters names to try and get her to quieten down.
"And now he won't even let me have a fucking dance!" Ada yelled over them, "Not even at a fucking wedding!" John looked over at Polly, frustrated his sister was embarrassing them at his own wedding.
"Sit her down." John ordered their Aunt, seeing Elizabeth wasn't really able to grab their sister.
"Calm down, Ada." Polly soothed as Ada began hyperventilating, "Ada, calm down." Ada continued to pant, bending over slightly, Polly looked down, her face falling in shock as water appeared beneath the panting woman, "Holy shit. Water. Right." Elizabeth looked up from her arm her mouth falling open for a moment in shock before she quickly shook it off and came over to Ada's other side, helping to support her, saying nothing as Ada tightened her grip on her left hand, just grateful it wasn't her right.
"Not now, Ada! Bloody hell, you do pick your times!" Arthur called, with annoyance.
"Shut up Arthur." Elizabeth snapped back on behalf of Ada, "Tommy, Coat! John, Car!" She barked, their brothers jumping to attention as Polly and Elizabeth worked to help Ada away from the makeshift dance floor.
"Let's go, let's go, let's go!" Polly called to the boys as they got to the family car. Elizabeth supported Ada as Polly climbed in, helping half lift Ada into the backseat to sit with their aunt before nodding to Tommy.
"John, go get your new car. Tom and I will take Ada and Pol." She ordered, Arthur and John nodding along, knowing this was woman's business and whatever their sister said would go at the moment. "Let's go." Elizabeth nodded to Tom, climbing in the front seat as Ada continued to pant in the back. Tommy climbed in, starting the car and beginning the drive back to Watery Lane.
It was a short drive, Polly offering Ada words of support the whole way, as the younger woman went through a whirlwind of emotions. Elizabeth tried to offer support but kept her mouth shut when Ada flashed her a glare. Elizabeth didn't take it personally, knowing Ada was going through some unimaginable pain and understanding she had likely caused her sister undue stress by threatening to shoot Freddie.
Once the group of found had arrived, Elizabeth was quick to pull herself out of the car, ignoring all pain she was in from her arm as she twirled back to assist Ada in getting out the car. Her younger sister leaned heavily on her, Elizabeth keeping her mouth closed firmly as she instantly began moving her sister towards the door, knowing it would be best for her to get somewhere comfortable and safe as quick as possible. She paid little attention to Polly who lingered at the door for a moment, desperate to get the father of the baby to be present.
"Hang on Ada." Elizabeth breathed as Ada let out a small shout of pain as a contraction hit her, Elizabeth having to pause on the staircase to allow her to catch her breath, "Nearly there." Elizabeth continued, offering a smile of thanks as Esme appeared, grabbing onto Ada's spare hand in a show of support.
"Ada!" Polly called appearing just as Ada managed to take another step, "You need to tell us how to get Freddie, the truce continues until sunrise, we can get him."
Elizabeth but back her groan of annoyance, knowing that would only make things worse and that, even if she didn't like the man, he had the right to be present at his child's birth. As if knowing what was going on inside her head, Polly sent Elizabeth a glare, warning her to keep her mouth shut. The eldest sister nodded her head, putting a comforting smile as she looked down at her younger sister, as they finally got to the top of the stairs.
"I'll get him Ada. I promise." Polly eyed the twin sceptically but kept her mouth closed, Ada however glared over.
"You'd sooner kill him." Ada argued, wincing again as another minor contraction hit. Elizabeth shook her head, taking a step away to allow Polly in.
"Ada, I swear to you, I wouldn't do that to you, not now." Elizabeth promised, "We promised a truce and even then, as loath I am to admit it, it's his child, he has a right to be there, for you and for my niece or nephew." Ada stared at her for a few moments before nodding, revealing his location at the other side of town. Elizabeth smiled, pressing a kiss to her sister's forehead before diving back down the stairs, swearing to be as quick as she could.
Elizabeth dived into the side of the car; glad Tommy left the keys inside before he presumably headed towards the Garrisons for the men to wet the baby's head. The brunette quickly shoved the car into gear, taking off down the road, speeding past drunks and common criminals as she desperately tried to get to the address in time, having already seen that Ada's contractions weren't very far apart. She stopped the car two houses down from Ada's address, not wanting to give Freddie the chance to flee like the rat he was. She ran down the road, knocking on the door heavily but calmly to not draw any unwanted attention. An older woman came to the door, frowning and eyeing the Peaked Cap warily.
"Can I help you?" She asked, not fully opening the door. Elizabeth nodded, placing her foot in the doorway to stop the woman slamming it closed.
"Tell your houseguest the hell hound is here to collect him," she grunted as the woman tried to slam shut the door, lifting her arm to counter it and reduce the pressure on her foot, "His wife is about to become a mother." Elizabeth watched as the woman's eyes widened, clearly having known Ada was pregnant, seeing her unmoving, Elizabeth raised her eyebrows, "If he wants to be there, we need to go. NOW!"
The startled woman ran back into the house, leaving it open as she dived into a cupboard under the staircase. Elizabeth stood in the doorway, knowing Freddie would know she wouldn't lie about family, Tommy perhaps but not her. Sure enough, the man stumbled up the staircase, falling out the door and just managing to catch himself on the wall.
"She's, I'm," Freddie stuttered. Elizabeth rolled her eyes.
"Come on Fred, we need to go!" Elizabeth called to the man, turning on her heel and marching over to the car, "Truce is until sunrise, if you hurry, I'm sure we can get you three out by then." Elizabeth shrugged, surprising herself at the generosity but knowing it was probably primarily down to the dumbfounded shock across Tommys ex-best friends face.
"Right." Freddie breathed, climbing into the car as Elizabeth stuck it into gear, speeding as fast as she could back down the streets leading towards Watery Lane, "I'm going to be a dad." She heard Freddie breath; she glanced over at him.
"Yeah, you are, and you better look after the pair of them." Elizabeth threatened, Freddie nodding absently, as the passed the Garrison, not seeming to be listening. She slowed to turn onto Watery Lane, Freddie almost seeming to realise what was going on as he suddenly dived out the car and ran off towards the door, "Fucking Freddie." Elizabeth breathed, rolling her eyes as she parked the car beside the house, Freddie banging on the door impatiently, calling out to Ada.
"Move, Fred." Elizabeth ordered, pushing past him to twist the handle and push the door open, Freddie looked down at her. The two shared a look, silent understanding and agreement passing through them as the heard a small cry from inside, both finally having something mutual to protect.
"I'll take care of them." Freddie swore to Elizabeth who eyed him for a moment longer before nodding.
"I know Freddie, now go get her." Elizabeth nodded, stepping to the side to allow the man in. Freddie took no further prompting and dived in the house, pausing outside the kitchen door. Elizabeth paused, taking a moment to pull of her coat and hat, giving her sister a moment with her husband.
"It's a boy, Freddie." Elizabeth overheard Ada tell her husband, a small smile gracing her face as she listened to the happiness in her sister's voice. She moved to lean in the doorframe, watching on as Freddie pulled a chair over to sit beside his wife and new son.
"It's a beautiful baby boy." Freddie breathed, Ada smiling as she gently handed over their child, watching on a Freddie held their baby for the first time. Elizabeth smiled, only for it to twist into a frown as she noticed a flurry of motion out the corner of her eye, she pushed off the door and went over to the window, peering past the curtains. Polly and Esme taking her place and watching the happy couple from the door.
"There you go. Welcome to the world, Son." Freddie cooed to their new baby, Elizabeth glanced back, smiling lightly and trying not to appear panicked as she walked back over to the two women in the doorway.
"Get them out of here." Elizabeth ordered Polly who frowned at her niece as she proceeded to push past them getting to the front door just as a thundering of knocking was heard from the other side.
"Open up, Police!" A voice ordered, Elizabeth leaning all her weight against the door, stretching her left arm out to grab her cap and pulling it close to her chest as she tried to buy her sister time.
"Pol! Move!" Elizabeth shouted back as the officers began kicking at the door, suddenly realising no one else had moved, all staring in shock at the door. Polly nodded, diving into the kitchen only for Elizabeth to glory out a grunt of pain as the door was pushed firmly open. She turned lifting her peaked cap, only to wince as a baton hit her heavily in the chest, the officers having expected her to be there. She fell to the floor, the wind knocked out of her, the officers paying her no mind as they pushed onwards into the house.
"You can't come in here! There's a baby that's just been born." Esme shouted as the officers proceeded to come in, running over to try and help Elizabeth up. Elizabeth panted as she tried to get back to her feet, hearing the commotion in the kitchen as Ada and Freddie shouted for each other, hearing her nephew crying. Elizabeth forced herself to her feet, pushed herself off the wall and got to the kitchen door, quickly raising a fist and punching the nearest officer across the face. The man dropped his grip on Freddie at the shock of being hit, allowing Freddie to try and pull away but the other officer was quick to tighten his grip as the one she'd hit pulled his own fist back and slapped her heavily across the face. Elizabeth stumbled slightly at the power in the hit, landing back in the hallway, as the two officers pulled Freddie away, the man calling for Ada as he was hauled out the doorway.
Polly and Esme stood in shock, as the house fell into a horrified silence, the only sounds filling the house that of Ada and her new sons' cries. Polly hugged Ada close, her mind blank as she tried to work out what had just happened. Still in the hallway, Elizabeth blinked heavily as she tried to right herself, trying to pull herself back to her feet, already able to tell she would have a new bruise on her face. She lifted her right hand to rub over her face, prodding her cheek gently as she got to her feet. Elizabeth had just managed to take a step into the kitchen when Polly's gaze snapped to her, a level of rage Elizabeth had never seen before over her aunts face.
"You." Polly hissed lowly, eyed narrowed as she glared darkly at Elizabeth, "This was all you and your bloody brother, wasn't it?"
"What?" Elizabeth frowned, her head tilting as she tried to work out what her aunt was saying, "What are you on about Pol?"
"Stay with her." Polly ordered Esme, ignoring Elizabeth for a moment before marching over to the girl, grabbing her right arm and dragging her out the door.
"Polly!" Elizabeth hissed, pain flooding her from her shoulder and stomach as she was dragged through the streets, though not wanting to hurt her aunt, "Polly! Stop!"
Elizabeth gasped when Polly suddenly threw her into the doors of the Garrison, not expecting such strength from her aunt. Her aunt reached for the handle, opening it and pushing her niece through, Elizabeth stumbling in. She fell into the table closest, using it to right herself as Polly came marching in behind.
"It's a boy." Polly called, Elizabeth just watching on as her aunts dangerous glare moved from her. She twisted to see Thomas behind, a confused look over his face as Polly suddenly ran at him, her fists raised. Elizabeth pushed off the table, coming over to hold Polly back, only for her aunt to turn on her again.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" Tommy called, earning the attention of John and Arthur who came running over.
"Oi, Polly! Polly!" Arthur shouted at his aunt, as Elizabeth let out a hiss of pain, Tommy pulling her back to stand with him as Arthur and John kept a hold of Polly.
"But the police came and took his father away!" Polly hissed at the twins, both looking at her with confusion, "Don't you dare look at me like that!" Elizabeth's eyes narrowed at the insinuation, taking an angry step forward.
"I just tried to fight the fucking Coppers off!" Polly just continued to glare at the pair, not believing there wasn't some underlying scheme behind it all. She shook her head, taking a step away before spitting on the floor in front of the pair.
"You liars!" Polly hissed before marching back out the door, leaving four stunned Shelby's behind.