As the weeks went by Ela's presence in Arrow House and her part in the Shelbys' life grew stronger, the siblings who only arrived at the mansion when utterly necessary were paying visits more often to enjoy her company, the grimness of the house had remarkably diminished, the sun seemed to shine brighter inside the cold bricks walls, there was more color within the halls, laughter could be heard at every corner with the other employees smiling when coming and leaving work, and Charlie had grown into his loveliness, it was all too noticeable.
She had brought life back into their routines even with the smallest actions, making the silliest jokes; joining the cooks to learn more dessert recipes to share with everyone during their visits, and learning to knit from Frances to give scarves and caps to Charlie, Arthur's and Jonh's kids; between the stress from the family's businesses, she had managed to relieve some of the tension from their existences.
Her relationship with the master of the house had improved significantly as well, although the tension due to their natures remained, she had stopped her avoidance tactics, greeting him joyfully whenever he was around, and although she noticed he did not have a sweet tooth to enjoy her pastries like the rest, she had still managed to bond with him through their mutual love for horses and fine liquor joining in conversations about them in the brief periods Tommy speared from his busy life. She had also learned much about his dedication to his job from watching him spend endless hours on the desk going through mountains of documents to work out his deals, reading the papers on the bills he was involved in parliament, and of course, hearing the maids gossip about his valiant behavior during the great war, his valor earned medals and recognitions from the crown.
Learning all he had been through and engaged in made her feel somewhat proud to work for him. She knew many of his businesses were criminal-like and illegal, but recognized it as part of his dangerous nature that would always be hard to stay away from, but the good he was doing as the representative of the Labour Party in the House of Commons was a way to reconcile with all the other harm that came his way.
He still made remarks around her that made her squirm and be on her toes whenever he walked in the room, her blood boiling the second he laid eyes on her, and feeling exhilarated when around him. Although it pained her to admit, she had noticed how her body was getting used to the dynamic, no longer reacting in a shameful fashion, instead, even through the embarrassment and blushing he managed out of her, her being heated up enjoying his way around her more than she ever thought possible.
It was midday on a warm Sunday afternoon and the Shelby family had gathered to discuss business even joined by Curly and their uncle Charlie. and now that it was settled, they were rejoicing in the backgrounds of the state tasting tea, whiskey, and cookies that Ela had baked for them while the kids played with her running alongside the lawn.
Since Curly and Charlie had brought over one of Tommy's horses to the house a few days back, Curly earning one of Ela's knitted scarves in the process and Charlie getting a pastry, receiving the gifts with the most gracious smiles and excitement. Having such a majestic animal around, she had been riding with Charlie non-stop, and that morning had not been the exception, so she was still dressed in riding boots and jodhpurs with a loose white shirt tucked in the front; her hair loose except for a purple bow she had tried on top, and being caressed by the hot air, Tommy looked at her from the distance without any expression to his face but considering how beautiful she looked in every way she intended.
-"Look at her go eh, she's something else no?" Arthur said appreciating the woman playing with the kids.
-"She's something else alright, even Esme likes her around the kids" John joked, but it was true, even with his wife's temper and lack of trust for anyone in the world, Ela had managed to make her feel easy when she was near although her frowned face remained.
-"Add that to her list of accomplishments, I have not yet earned a smile from Esme after all these years" Ada retorted and wondered at Ela's capability to make everyone like her without even trying.
-"Yes yes, last week Mr. Solomons was joking too with Mrs. Edna about having a kid just to get Miss Ela to work for them" Curly added and everyone laughed but Tommy's fist tightened around the glass he was holding at the thought of Ela living in a different house than his own, and although no one else noticed the reaction, it didn't go unnoticed by Polly's attentive glance.
-"Ah yes, her presence would lighten anyone up, even the most uninviting of hearts," said Polly while looking at Tommy in the eye through her own drink.
-"She's so good with kids, she'll make the greatest of mothers when she has her own" Charlie exclaimed and everyone agreed but once again the comment made Tommy's fist clench remembering how one day the woman would leave his side to form her own family with a man of her choosing. And although that would have repercussions on his son's life, his own consideration was for the role she was playing in his.
Since her arrival at the mansion, and even more so, since their dynamics changed, she had become along with his son his reason for smiling throughout the day even during the darkest times. Having her taken away from him, was something he didn't want to live.
-"She doesn't go out much really, her family is away but their threat has managed to confine her from a lot of life, as things are, it'll be long before she meets a fine mate that will take her away from us" Arthur explained, and everyone could only but agree and feel sad about it, although Ada had invited Ela to many of her parties, the woman had always declined, and no one could blame her; if there were aristocrats present, one of them might recognize her and then her parents would know where to look for her.
-"It's also that she's always working, it would be easier for her to meet someone IF SHE WOULD TAKE ONE OF THE FUCKING DAYS OFF I SO HARDLY FOGHT FOR" Ada started calmly but ended up yelling for Ela to hear her. The family chuckled as Ela turned around biting her lip with an apologetic look on her face. Then she gathered all the kids in a circle and whispered something to them, and they all yelled a second later in unison.
-"SORRY AUNT ADA!" everyone laughed at her mischief shaking their heads while Ela walked backward raising her shoulders sympathetically but laughing too.
Polly may be right Tommy thought, his uninviting heart as she had put it, felt lighter with her in his life.
Trying to pull a stunt on the Shelbys paid off miserably when by not looking where she was going she stumbled and fell butt-first inside the large fountain of the garden and got drenched. All the kids gathered around her worried she was hurt but she was laughing so hard they all laughed alongside her, and the adults at the other end of the house were all but bending with tears of laughter from the spectacle before their eyes except the one with wolf's eyes suddenly concerned for her.
-"I deserved that!" Ela exclaimed loudly from her position.
-"You sure did!" Ada said and stood up walking toward her to help Ela rise from the well-deserved God-given punishment.
As she got up with Ada's aid, Tommy immediately marveled his eyes at how the soaking clothes were clinging to her body, making her figure look even more ravishing than usual, his blood rose at the second letting go of his whiskey, and without a word, he stood in front of his brothers to block the sight of her. She looked too good, a sight to behold, and it would be for his wanting eyes only, he wanted no one else's to keep an image of her in that condition in mind suddenly feeling too protective over her.
It wasn't until Ada had walked her back to the house to change that he relaxed and returned to his spot.
And although nobody thought much of his motions, once again Polly read him perfectly, smirking at his reaction, and when the others had begun speaking of something else she got close to her iceberg of a nephew to pick his brain.
-"How interesting isn't it Thomas? How life brings around what we need most when we least expect it".
-"What I most find interesting Poll is how your brain constructs scenarios where there are none to be seen".
-"I was merely pointing out how her presence has improved Charlie's life, was something else in your mind?" she smiled nonchalantly and Tommy would have rolled his eyes at his inquiring aunt who had made her point too clear from the beginning. But he didn't react much, only let out a scoff.
-"You know Tommy, although Arthur is right about Ela's life being in a state of pause at the moment, whenever she does come across a good man that'll recognize what we all have already and she gets married, we should be ready to accept it" Polly wanted to wake Tommy from his never-ending arrogance and make him notice Ela would not be around forever, especially if a good reason didn't appear.
-"We survived without her working as a governess before Pol, since when do you think life doesn't go on without the nanny?" dismissing Polly's words was the only thing Tommy knew how to handle at the moment, as the thought of envisioning Ela with any man, leaving the house, their sides, their lives, not hearing her laughter, watching her knit in the drawing room, baking goods in the kitchen, blushing at his words, and feeling her scent all around the house was something he could not control his anger around.
-"We survived yes, but that isn't living is it? And I'm not talking about the nanny Thomas, I'm referring to the woman," she said convinced of her words and recognizing now more than ever Ela's impact on their lives had been greater than anyone realized at the moment, and it was more evident noticing how troubled his nephew actually became when reminded of the scenario of her imminent departure unless something changed.
-"Well, the woman doesn't have any present intentions of leaving, so how about we cross that bridge when we come to it? Eh," Tommy rose from his chair gulping the rest of his drink.
-"With our story on bridges Thomas, when not looked after, they burn before we get to them" Polly explained looking far in the distance and remembering too much of their history while Tommy got back to the house leaving the conversation behind. He knew his aunt was right, but he had no intention to give in to her sentimentality.
While Ada helped Ela change into some fresh clothes deciding it would be best to maintain her outdoor riding look as the afternoon with the kids was not over and she would surely get her attire dirty from playing with them, Uncle Charlie's words resonated in her mind about Ela meeting someone, having kids and finding new joy in her motherly role; and she realized how little she had done or paid mind to Ela being in her mid 20's and not having some entertainment and escapades with people her age and meeting men she could get interested on.
Ada contemplated she had not been so aware of it because Ela never talked about it or showed much interest when Ada mentioned meeting men, only engaging in Ada's stories about adventurous affairs but never mentioning her own wish to do so, but perhaps the woman was just good at hiding those thoughts or not even considering it would be something she could be involved in with her current situation.
-"You're so uncharacteristically quiet Ada" Ela said with a smile pulling her friend out of her thoughts.
-"Oh I know, I tend to bore you with my political rambling and mentions of men of no importance" Ada replied with her usual wit and Ela smiled broadly rejoicing in her company.
-"You know your political ventures don't bore me and as far as the men, of no importance perhaps, but always entangled in a mess with you," said Ela giving Ada a knowing look while finishing getting dressed.
-"I don't look for trouble, the trouble looks for me darling" Batting her eyelashes Ada replied.
-"And I get to gasp and laugh at how it all unfolds," Ela said remembering how the turbulent encounters of Ada always came to a never expected finale.
-"Not only at the conclusion honey, but the sizing and the climax are also always entertaining for you too, I've noticed" Ada knew Ela always liked hearing Ada speak of her flings, maybe not getting to know any when she was growing up, or at least none so disruptive and graphical as hers tended to be.
-"Ah yes, you're unhinged descriptions of sizes are not to be missed Ada dear" Ela rolled her eyes, thinking how Ada always made a point of describing the men she hung around with, their scent, their bodies in detail, what they could do, what they would whine about Ada not letting them do.
-"But today, I wish to hear it from you instead" Ela looked at her friend not understanding what she meant, Ada already knew all there was to know about her love life, not having more than kiss experiences with a man, not many either, and nothing memorable to discuss, so her brow furrowed in confusion.
-"Yes yes, I know you haven't lived anything close to the tumultuous events I have with men" Ada started while patting the spot next to her in bed for Ela to join her, and as the woman next to her did so, she continued "but we never talk about how you could either, or if you don't want to, I don't even know what you like in a man; if you want to marry, have kids and settle or be a full-on rebellious slut like me most days".
Ela laughed but considered Ada's words and the questions she was raising were subjects she did not entertain her thoughts much on, her life's complications didn't allow her to wonder or wish beyond being safely away from her family. But thinking about it now made her mind go to the one man she had gotten increasingly attached to, one that had so many of the things she discovered she liked, his ice-cold eyes that bore more meaning behind them than anyone could guess, the bouncing between his frivolous and playful nature she had experienced glances of, his stamina, courage, scent, everything about him entranced her.
Getting lost in her notions Ela blushed as Ada examined her expression, noticing the woman beside her did have an idea what she liked, but never guessing it came from a man walking around the very same house they were in right now, a man she called her brother.
-"Spit it out, I know you like someone, or you know what you like at least!" Ada encouraged Ela to talk excitedly wanting to get closer to her friend through the conversation. Ela conceded but picked her words carefully to not reveal anything about where her ideas were coming from, or from whom.
-"Well, I think I'm not cut for your lifestyle Ada as much as I like to hear you speak of it" Ela began smiling at her friend who gave her a knowing look "I do want to get married, settle and have kids, as for the man, I believe I would like a man with strong convictions, who cares deeply for his family so he would care for me just the same; someone who's brave enough to speak his mind as it is, even in a room full of people who think otherwise, but who does it in the manner that would make you listen attentively to whatever he has to say".
Ela remembered the many times she had seen Mr. Sheldy conduct himself around the guests in his house and how everyone, even if they disagreed with him, would want to know where he stood in their discussed subjects, how the family was his priority even when at times businesses could disrupt them and get in the middle of their relationship, but she refrained her mind and continued sharing her preferences with Ada instead.
-"My Omega nature is clear with me, so there's no question I would like to be with a strong Alpha, and I would submit to him if he was the right fit, it's in my blood and I'm not against it as long as I agree to it all; I've had a difficult past too so I would like someone who understood although I'm of noble birth, that's not part of my life anymore, but unfortunately I do carry a heavy baggage from those years; so he would have to know it and be patient with me because what it left me was no luxury or fancy living from any inheritance, it was only scars on my body and soul".
Ada took hold of Ela's hands in hers knowing her struggle, besides what they had discovered in the research they had done on her when she started her job in the house, she had heard some of Ela's stories as well, from the nuns to her parents burning her feet with metal crosses and sharp sticks during heats and then incorporating them in the household too when she was anything less than the perfect version they had envisioned of a noble-birth lady and a daughter.
Her stomach turned upside down at the tales, and how Ela had spoken during those conversations, her eyes looking far in the distance, lost in thought remembering her past, and tears escaping her eyes at their own will. It had hurt so much to hear how her life had been for so long; those evenings they had cried together and then pulled themselves up laughing and drinking Whiskey drowning their sorrows until the sun rose.
Ela noticed how the mood in the room had changed from the mention of her past, and although Ada made her feel safe and listened, she didn't want to go down that sad road, so she pulled a small smile and told Ada that's all she wanted in a husband.
-"Well I love all of that, it's exactly what you deserve, but you left something out hon" Ada's eyebrows rose with a smirk and an inquiring look, and Ela smiled confused since she didn't grasp whatever Ada meant.
-"Don't tell me you have not considered besides values and beliefs, what you would like your ideal match to look like because I won't believe it!" the demanding sweet voice of Ada made Ela laugh but inside she also struggled to come up with an answer. Ada was right, every time her employer walked into a room, and late at night, her mind would inform her exactly what her ideal man should look like.
-"Oh Ada, even if I did, I don't get to be so choosie honestly," Ela said firmly believing it was true, under her circumstances, she would be lucky enough if her other demands on a man could be met. Concerning herself with looks was not something that would become a priority among the rest.
Besides, she thought that regarding appearances, nobody would ever compare to what she wanted, the subject her eyes wandered to every so often walking around the house.
-"When was the last time you looked in a mirror darling? You might just be the prettiest woman I've laid eyes upon, you'll get to choose your pick, even when I don't believe any man could ever compare" Ada exclaimed loudly, not believing what she had just heard her friend say. She truly couldn't wrap her mind around hearing such a beautiful accomplished woman diminish herself like that; even if her situation was as complicated as hers was, any man would be graced with luck if she found them suitable.
-"Thank you, thank you really, but for a husband, it's not as if looks matter as much as the rest," she said feeling shy all of the sudden, knowing she could disclose too much revealing what she wanted.
-"You're saying that only because you haven't been married, or in a relationship for that matter, looking at something you like laying in bed next to you, or on top, makes all the difference in a marriage, now, let me hear it" Ela blushed at Ada's implication getting a visual that had seen many times before crossing her mind, where the bare strong arms, defined jaw, prominent cheekbones, and piercingly clear blue wolf's eyes laid on top of her, making her feel breathless and trapped in the best of ways. She let it stay in her head for a second before composing herself and knowing Ada would not let go of the subject until she answered.
-"Fine, fine, I like light eyes, somebody who's not lean not too muscular either, just broad shoulders, and a somewhat rugged body; strong features that display his dominance, elegant in his dressing, and confident above all" Ela stated picturing Tommy in his mind, the manner he conducted himself as if being the owner of any place he walked into although she knew he would always be wary and never intending to bring too much attention to himself, but impossible to pass as conspicuous because of his own nature.
-"Well, everything you have described is very much a mix between the aristocrats you grew up with, and the gangsters we've all gotten you close to in this business," Ada said more to herself than to Ela while rubbing delicately a hand over her chin, and Ela was thankful she had been specific to fulfill her friend's expectations of an answer, but not descriptive enough that would lead Ada to know who she was picturing when describing such a man.
Abruptly Ada let go of her considering position and her eyes shinned brightly, an idea had certainly reached her.
-"Well, I believe my very passive role in your quest for a man has come to an end," Ela thought quest was quite the opposite word she would have chosen to describe the situation, as she had not even made the slightest effort to meet anyone, but let Ada continue without correcting her "I have just the right way of getting you to meet people without getting your parents to know, now, undeniably they'll be just about half of what you described, but it's a start to get you to socialize, who knows, maybe you'll meet someone interesting at least" Ada said excitedly pulling them both to their feet and hurrying Ela out the door and to where the family was gathering.
Making their way to the backyard of the house Ela tried to explore whatever Ada meant but they were walking so fast, her friend didn't loosen her tongue on explanations, Ada very well knew her friend, and at the mention, Ela could refuse, but having the whole family to back her up, she would find it hard to refrain from accepting.
-"Aye Polly, have the preparations begun for the charity ball we'll be hosting for the childer's foundation?" Ada rushed her words with Ela on her heel, giving the whole family a look of satisfaction and wickedness.
-"They have of course, it'll be in less than three weeks" Polly eyed her niece with a cautious look, Ada had never been one to rejoice at the idea of joining such events, although they were for charity, in recent years, Tommy had decided the invitations would only be handed to the family's and groups they did business with, no nobles took part on it any longer, as they joined more for the luxury of the event than to open their hefty wallets to the cause; the night had experienced such a turn that if it wasn't for the foundation, and the glamour Polly always put behind it, it could almost look like a convention for the empire's criminal minds.
-"What's on your mind Ada?" Tommy said knowing his sister's intentions could never be harmless or unproblematic. As a family trade, she always had an agenda of her own and an eye for opportunity.
-"Well Tommy now that you ask, Charlie's and Arthur's words got me thinking" Ela looked at her expectant not knowing to what conversation she was referring to, but attentive to know her plan "We can all agree we have enjoyed Ela's company" everyone agreed with smiles and fond memories of the months they have shared with the girl and Ela blushed at their recognition, knowing all too well how much she had loved the time spent with them, but she noticed how the only unsmiling face nearby was getting suddenly angry at the point his sister wanted to get to "But then I think, we can all agree as well, that we have kept her to ourselves, and it's time others get to know her too".
Oh, Christ no! Ela's mind screamed and her eyes widened when she realized what Ada was about to ask.
-"I would like Ela to join us as a guest the night of the ball, a token of appreciation you could say, to give back some of the joy she has brought us" The first one to smile was Polly, applauding Ada for her fine idea and agreeing completely with her, stating it would be a lovely evening for Ela away from her duties.
-"Alright, Alright, yes, I agree, but just you know Ela, John here and I will be snatching you away from every bloke that comes near you to dance, isn't that right John boy?" Arthur said while doing a waltz-like motion with his arms.
-"Yeah that's right, there's only so much sharing we can allow," John said while smiling but thinking it would prove to be a great evening for the girl.
-"Well Ada, I can't say I have seen you so concerned for my employees' entertainment in the past," Tommy said matter-of-factly lighting a cigarette while looking at his sister with an amused but cold expression.
-"No you're right Tommy, but I do happen to care about the family's friends' well-being. Ela is just that in case it escaped your godly view" Ada confidently replied and everyone quickly noticed the tension that had built in the air which only increased as Tommy stood from his seat.
-"It hasn't escaped me Ada, as it hasn't the intentions behind your latest venture, your persuasion skills are almost as grand as your self-believed selflessness" his brothers didn't say anything, they knew Tommy didn't like to mix his businesses with other aspects of his life, but his reaction although calm seemed to be disproportionate and withhold more violence than he was willing to show.
-"Oh get off your high horse Tommy, it's harmless; we all need some fun in our lives now and again, Ela is no exception" Ada rolled her eyes at her brother while putting her hands on her hips with a disapproving look. Making such a big deal over something so little was downright stupid.
-"Harmless as it may look, our family affairs are never that as you may have forgotten by not attending any. Now if you'll excuse me, I rather think I'll keep riding my high horse" he buttoned his jacket swiftly while speaking "Curly, help me set it up".
-"Yes Tom" Curly ran to the stable to get the horse ready, gladly escaping the hostility between brother and sister.
Tommy walked away from his siblings and passed Ela on his way to the stable, the scent of pure angriness bordering wrath didn't escape her nose and made her wonder why he was so opposed to the idea, not entirely agreeing to it herself, she didn't understand why he would get to this level of upsetness by it.
Before he was out of sight he could hear Polly's voice near him almost in a whisper he knew he'd be the only one to catch.
-"Is this close enough to the bridge for you to start thinking how to cross it?"
She was right, more than right. Swearing under his breath he just kept on walking without giving her a look, not to her, and not to the precious purple-haired woman who was well on her way to getting matched away by his own sister.