#Birmingham Town hall | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

listen-to-the-inner-walrus · 2 months

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Again, not an exhaustive list but for anyone else in the UK, these are where riots are expected today:

Aldershot - Immigration Advisors at 40 Victoria Road GU11 1TH, starting at 19:30.

Bedford - Immigration INN (Inn?) on Ford End Road MK40 4JT, at 20:00.

Birmingham - Refugee and Migrant Centre on Frederick Street B1 3HN, beginning at 20:00.

Bishop Auckland - outside the Town Hall on Market Place DL14 7NP.

Blackburn - Rafiq Immigration Services on Whalley Road BB5 1AA, at 20:00.

Blackpool - Immigration Solicitors at the Enterprise Centre on Lytham Road FY1 1EW, starting at 20:00.

Bolton - Deane & Bolton Immigration Lawyers on Chorley New Road BL1 4QR, at 20:00.

Brentford - UK Immigration Help in The Mile on 1000 Great West Road TW8 9DW, starting around 19:00.

Brighton - Raj Rayan Immigration in Queensberry House at 106 Queens Road BN1 3XF, starting either at 19:30 or 20:00.

Bristol - Gya Williams Immigration on West Street BS2 OBL, at 20:00.

Burnley - at Thompson Park on 111 Ormerod Rioad BB11 3QWat, starting at 13:00.

Canterbury - UK Immigration Clinic in the Canterbury Innovation Centre CT2 7FG, at 20:00.

Chatham - Immigration Status UK on Maidstone Road ME5 9FD, at 20:00.

Cheadle - Intime Immigration Services on Brooks Drive SK8 3TD, at 20:00.

Chelmsford - UK Immigration Information Centre on Violet Close CM1 6XG, at 20:00.

Derby - Immigration Advisory Service, Normanton Road DE23 6US, at 20:00.

Dover - Kent Immigration and Visa Advice at 5A Castle Hill Road CT16 1QG, reportedly around 20:00.

Durham - in Crook at Market Place, at 18:00. (Unsure as to whether this is the same one as in Bishop Auckland as I know Crook is near there?)

Finchley - Immigration and Nationality Services within Foundation House at 4 Percy Road N128BU, around 19:00.

Harrow - Yes UK Immigration and North Harrow Community Library within the Business Centre at 429-433 Pinner Road HA1 4HN, in North Harrow, at 19:00.

Hastings - Black Rock Immigration at 37 Cambridge Gardens TN34 1EN, at 20:00.

Hull - Conroy Baker Immigration Lawyer in Norwich House, 1 Savile Street HU1 3ES, at 20:00.

Lewisham - the Clock Tower, SE13 5JH, 19:00.

Lincoln - Immigration Lawyer Services on Carlton Mews LN2 4FJ, at 20:00.

Liverpool - Merseyside Refugee Centre in St Anne's Centre on 7 Overbury Street L7 3HJ, at 20:00.

Liverpool - Sandpiper Hotel (might be on Ormskirk Old Road? if any scousers can clarify where that is, that'd be great) at 13:00.

Middlesbrough - Immigration Advice Centre which is the Co-Operative Buildings at 251 Linthorpe Road TS1 4AT, at 20:00.

Newcastle - United Immigration Services in Artisan Unit 3, The Beacon on Westgate Road NE4 9PQ, at 20:00.

Northampton - Zenith Immigration Lawyers at 2 Talbot Road NN1 4JB, starting at 20:00.

Nottingham - East Midlands Immigration Services at 15 Stonesbury Vale NG2 7UR, at 20:00.

Oldham - somewhere on Ellen Street 0L9 6QR, at 20:00

Oxford - Asylum Welcome in Unit 7 in Newtec Place on Magdelen Road OX4 1RE, around 19:00. [Updated as of 15:53]

Peterborough - Smart Immigration Services in Laxton House at 191 Lincoln Road PE1 2PN, at 20:00.

Plymouth - in a Morrisons car park, I don't know which but I saw Victory Parade associated with it? If anyone from Plymouth can clarify, please do. Not sure on time.

Portsmouth - UK Border Agency at Kettering Terrace PO2 8QN, at 20:00

Preston - Adriana Immigration Services at 109 Church Street PR1 3BS, at 19:00 or 20:00.

Rotherham - Parker Rhodes Hickmotts, The Point S60 1BP, at 20:00.

Sheffield - City Hall on Barker's Pool S1 2JA, at 13:00.

Sheffield - White Rose Visas at 101 Wilkinson Street S10 2GJ, at 20:00.

Southampton - Y-Axis Immigration Consultants, Cumberland Place on Grosvenor Square SO15 2BG, at 20:00.

Southend - MNS Immigration Solicitors on Ditton Court Road SS0 7HG, at 20:00.

Stoke-On-Trent - ZR Visas on Metcalfe Road ST6 7AZ, in Tunstall, at 20:00.

Sunderland - North of England Refugee Service which is in Suite 12 in the Eagle Building at 201 High Street East SR1 2AX, at 20:00.

Swindon - I have no details for this, just seen that something might be kicking off there.

Tamworth - Lawrencia & Co Immigration Solicitors within the Amber Business Village on Amber Close B77 4RP, no details on time unfortunately.

Walthamstow - Waltham Forest Immigration Bureau at 187 Hoe Street E17 3AP, at 20:00.

Wigan - Support for Wigan Arrivals Project, Penson Street WN1 2LP, at 20:00.

York - only detail I've got it is York Stay City Hotel.

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kitixie · 1 year

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The Sapphire Ring

request: Hi! If your requests are open, I’d like to ask for a Thomas Shelby x Reader. Tommy gets injured in WW1 at some point and is taken care of the same nurse (reader) at the battlefield medic hospital. She has something distinct about her (I was thinking maybe some unique piece of jewelry so it could apply to anyone). He always remembered the nurse for helping him and the reader always remembered him as a patient she saved after losing a lot of her patients. And then years later they reconnect in Birmingham (he recognizes her jewelry first). Just helping eachother through hardship and fluff and reconnection leading to romance. You’re the best, can’t wait to see what you do with it! Thanks!

word count: 2.5k

warnings/info: no warnings for this, just sweetness and a happy ending :) also, i promise i am working on the next part of “Little Girl Gone”, so be on the lookout for that this weekend!! i had so much fun doing this request, i’d love to do more so if you have any requests, please let me know! enjoy!!

1916, in the midst of World War 1.

“Y/N, there’s a patient down the hall, he’s just out of surgery. Would you check on him, Love?”

You turned to face MaryAnn, the lead nurse tonight. Her curly brown hair framed her face a shoulders, her soft smile aimed at you.

“Of course, MaryAnn,” you said, returning her small smile.

Making your way down the hall, you ducked your head in. Most of these patients you’d already seen, so spotting a new face shouldn’t be hard. Especially if he was fresh from surgery, his moaning and grumbling would probably be heard before he was seen.

You had been working at the hospital for two years, you had only started working here because of the war. Your brother had gone off to fight, leaving you and your father home alone together. Your mother had passed away two years before that, leaving you only her cherished sapphire ring. The piece of jewelry was the only luxury your mother had ever had, growing up in a small town on the banks of Dundalk. It was a large sapphire in the center, flanked on four sides by sparking, clear diamonds. You wore the ring at all times, not much worrying if it would get messed up, as the hospital had paid you nicely, and you’d saved up a small pile just in case something happened to it. You loved the ring almost as much as your mother did, feeling as if it was your only connection left to her. You peered at the ring on your finger, continuing on your search for the mystery patient.

A few doors farther down, a loud bang came from one of the patient rooms. You rushed to the door, only to see a man standing up, and a rolling metal tray lying on the floor. You watched him for a moment, just to see what his next moves were. You observed his pale skin, almost blue tinged; then his dark hair. His head was shaved around the bottom, leaving a messy patch on the top half of his head. He looked to the tray, then to the bed, then to the window on the other side of the room. He leant over to retrieve something off the floor, when he cursed.

“Sir, are you okay?” You called, stepping into the room slowly so as not to frighten him.

He slowly turned towards you, and only when he was fully facing you did you see the bloody bandage dangling from his shoulder.

“I could use a bit of help, I suppose,” he grumbled, staring at you.

You slowly approached him, letting him see that your hands were clear. He was young, a few years visibly older than you, but young enough to justify that the only reason he was in here was because of the war.

“I’m not delusional, I know where I am. So you can stop easing towards me like I’m shell-shocked, aye?” He said, an accent coming out from somewhere.

“You can never be too cautious, ya know,” you stated, straightening your posture back up to full height, and walking normally paced towards him.

You removed his own hand from his bloodied shoulder, and nodded towards the bed. He followed orders, and sat down, rolling his head to the side so you could get a better look.

“I’m Tommy,” he offered, blowing out a deep breath.

“Y/N,” you said, focusing your attention on his now leaking stitches.

You could feel as he watched you, those blue eyes tracking your every movement precisely. He had indeed pulled out his stitches, but it was nothing you couldn’t fix.

“Ya pulled your stitches, so I hope whatever you were trying to do was worth it,” You laughed, casting him a gentle glance so he’d see the joke in your eyes.

“I was trying to get a smoke, so I’d say it was worth it.”

“You want a smoke? I’m about to restitch your shoulder, so ‘ats the least I could let ya do,” you smiled, picking up his discarded pack of cigarettes from the floor, also handing him his pack of matches.

He returned the smile, immediately struck up a match, sending the smell of smoke and tobacco throughout the room. You gently closed the door, not wanting to disturb the other patients with the smell. Walking back over to Tommy, you held a small suture kit in your hands.

“This is gonna hurt, so be ready,” you breathed, not wanting him to lash out at the pain.

“I’ll be fine, Love. But talk to me, will you? Helps distract me,” he said, exhaling a long stream of smoke from his mouth and nostrils.

“Okay,” you agreed. Readying the needle and thread you began speaking right before running the small metal piece through his skin.

“I’m from Ireland, born and raised. Although I used to live in Dundalk, now here we are in Dublin. My brother is fighting in the war, at least I assume he’s still fighting, hasn’t come home alive or in a box yet,” you joked, but feeling a slight twinge of pain in your heart. You continued, “I work ‘ere every night, I like nightshift best because it’s when the least amount of people actually come into the hospital. I don’t really handle losing patients well, but that’s another story,” you sighed, nearly done with the first few stitches.

Tommy nodded his head, releasing another puff of smoke before speaking.

“I’m from Birmingham, it’s not really a place worth talking about though. I fought in the war, ‘ts how I ended up here, but you’ve gathered that much. I’ve got a couple siblings, some still at war, some not, but they’re my only family.” he said, going back to his cigarette.

“I have the one brother, and my father. My mother died a few years ago, but it’s part of my past life now.” You spoke, finishing up the last few stitches. He hasn’t flinched the entire time.

“I’m sorry to hear that, Love. But every sorrier to say I can relate.” Tommy said, gently turing his shoulders towards you now that you were done putting him back together.

“It’s alright, I’m sorry for your loss too, it never really gets better, just more dull,” you remarked, cleaning up the kit from the small rolling tray you had placed it on.

You took notice of Tommy’s staring, following his eyes as the flicked over you, assessing every detail. His eyes caught on your ring, and he cocked his head.

“That’s a lovely ring, Mrs. Y/N,” he said, drawing out the Missus.

“It’s just Miss, and thank you,” you laughed, “it was my mothers.” You gave him a soft smile, looking toward the ring on your middle finger.

You helped Tommy settle back into his small bed, then bid him goodnight with the promise to check on him tomorrow.

The next evening, you barely had time to check in before MaryAnn was hounding you about Tommy. He had been refusing care all day, saying that you were the only person he’d allow to check his stitching. The other nurses had tried to reason with, tried to explain that you wouldn’t be here until 10 pm, but he would not listen. He wanted your care, and only your care. You promised MaryAnn you would handle it, and went off on your way to his room. You rapped your hand against the door, slightly cracking it open.

“Tommy?” You called out, not wanting to startle him.

“Oi, finally. I’ve been asking for you all day, where have you been, Y/N?” He said, slowly sitting himself up in the cot.

“I told you Tommy, I work nightshift. It doesn’t switch over until 10,” you laughed, “although I am flattered that you refused all care other than mine.”

“Of course I would, you have the best bedside manner of all the nurses.” taking a drag from the cigarette you hadn’t noticed earlier, “Plus you’re beautiful,” he added.

Your cheeks flushed, and you brought a hand to chest, resting it over your heart.

“Flattery rarely works on nurses, Tommy. Now let’s get those stitches checked.” You smiled, your cheeks hurting from how genuine it was.

After checking his stitches, you gave him the all clear and told him he should be released in a few days, and you swore a frown flashed across his face before straightening back out. You bid him goodnight, with the promise to see him tomorrow night.

For a week straight, this little routine carried on. You’d come see him as soon as you arrived at work, check his stitches, then the two of you would just talk. You talked with him about varying subjects, both of your families, home life (although Tommy didn’t give much away here), and your hopes for the future. You told him of your plans to travel after the war ended, and he told you how he never wanted to travel again. You would compare families, your brother palling in comparison to the array of Shelby boys that Tommy had described to you. Every night, the two of you would talk, some conversations were short, some lasted so long that MaryAnn had to come pull you from his room so that you would round on your other patients. You developed a sense of kinship with Tommy, although the two of you were admittedly very different. You got excited to go to work, marking events in your day that you were excited to tell Tommy about. You thought of him outside of the hospital, more than you should. But how could anyone resist the charms of Tommy Shelby?

On Friday night, you arrived to the hospital. You checked in, and began rounding on your patients, saving Tommy for when you had a bit of free time; you had a lot you wanted to tell him. You eventually found your way to his room, softly knocking on the door.

“Tommy?” You called, easing through the doorway.

Tommy was sitting up in his cot, stitches almost healed enough to go home. You had come to dread the day he would leave, he felt like a friend, maybe more.

“Y/N, Love, I thought you had forgotten me.” He said, adding his signature Tommy Shelby smirk to the end.

“I could never forget you, Tommy,” you blushed, “Now, let me check up on those stitches.”

He nodded his head, tipping it to the side so that you could access his shoulder better.

“How’s Georgia?” He asked. Georgia was an elderly lady who lived in your apartments, you had told Tommy about how she loved to bake for you.

“She’s good, she brought me meat pies earlier today,” you said, giving a soft smile, “These stitches look healed Tommy, I think you can go home soon.”

Tommy grew a distant look in his eye, gazing to the floor.

“I don’t really want to go, if I’m honest.” He said, pulling you from similar thoughts.

“I know Tommy, but your family probably misses you, I know I would be.” You replied, trying to coax him with a soft rub of his shoulder.

He placed his hand gently over yours, his massive hand covering the ring.

“You would be or you will be?” He said, cheekily flashing you a smile.

“I will miss you, Tommy. You have been a joy to take care of, and a good friend to talk to.” You could feel tears wanting to come from your eyes, but ever the professional, you held them back.

He gave a soft smile, placing a gentle kiss to your hand.

“If you ever find yourself in Birmingham, come find me. I’ll be at The Garrison, waiting for you.”

Tommy had mentioned The Garrison a few times, noting how it was his family’s favorite bar and pub, and how they spent most evenings there. You gave him a soft nod, and retracted your hand.

“Goodnight, and, goodbye, Thomas.” You smiled at him and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek, before you exited his room.

1921, five years later

You found yourself staring, craning your neck up to the sign in front of you. A hundred questionable decisions had led you here, to Birmingham.

The first decision, was getting married. The second, was getting divorced. Your husband had been a prick, and you knew it when you married him but he was handsome, and certainly you could have done worse.

The third decision was traveling. You had been all over the world, but you had avoided Birmingham like it had the plague. After Tommy was discharged, you quit the hospital. Every time you would walk by his former room, tears would well in your eyes and breath would catch in your throat. You hadn’t realized how accustomed to Him you had become, not until he’d left.

But now, five years after last seeing each other, you stood in front of the doors to The Garrison.

Pushing into the pub, holding the leash on your fear and anxiety, you approached the bar. An unpleasant bar keep took your order, appearing surprised at the order of Irish Whiskey for a young lady. You got your drink, and waited. Waited to see if what Tommy had said still rang true. Had he been waiting for you?

You heard a knock, coming from the window that peered into the back room of the pub. The bar keep opened it, and you nearly fainted. There, ten feet away, stood Mr. Thomas Shelby.

You stared at him, mouth hanging open like a fool. He had only gotten more handsome, a peaky cap now sitting atop his head, which looked much better now that he had some color and a fresh haircut. He was dressed in a fine suit, looking polished and refined, like a real man, not just a patient in the hospital. His eyes caught yours for a single second, and a look of recognition flashed across his face before vanishing. The window closed, and your heart sank. He didn’t remember you, or worse, he didn’t want you here.

You stood from your barstool, slapping a bill on the bar. Your ring, that same ring Tommy had stared at and asked a hundred questions about, still sat on your middle finger. The metal slapped against the bar, and you could only look towards the floor on your way out.

A warm, pale hand snatched your arm from your side, cradling that soft hand that held the ring.

“Y/N?”

You whirled around, face to face with Tommy. He had remembered you! You wrapped your arms around his neck, embracing him in a tight hug. He returned the gesture, wrapping his long arms around you and lifting you from the floor. Your head tucked into the crook of his neck, inhaling the tobacco scent you had always associated with Tommy. He gently placed your feet back on the floor before speaking.

“I never thought you’d come,” he breathed, a grin on his face, “but I am so glad that you did, Love.” He said, just before leaning in and placing a hard, passionate kiss to your mouth.

#thomas shelby x reader #thomas shelby x y/n #tommy shelby fic #tommy shelby imagine #tommy shelby x you #peaky blinder fanfic #thomas shelby #tommy shelby x reader #thomas shelby fic #tommy shelby #kitixiewrites

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freddiemercurylegendabovelegends · 10 months

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Today, on 27th November, 1973 - Queen Story!

Birmingham, UK, Town Hall

'Queen I Tour'

#freddie mercury #queen band #london #zanzibar #legend #queen #brian may #john deacon #freddiebulsara #roger taylor #queen 1973 #1973 #queen tour

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artthatgivesmefeelings · 10 months

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Carel Jacobus Behr (Dutch, 1812-1895) Town Hall, The Hague, 1853 Birmingham Museums Trust

#Carel Jacobus Behr #dutch art #dutch #1800s #christmas #winter #town hall the hague #art #fine art #european art #classical art #europe #european #fine arts #oil painting #europa

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timefadesaway · 1 month

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stop the far right – national day of protest today (august 10th)

here is the list of current demonstrations taking place today nationally

London - Reform UK HQ, 83 Victoria Street, London SW1H 0HW – 2:30pm

Colchester - Colchester War Memorial, High Street 1pm

Taunton - Town Centre, Market House – 2.30pm

Southall - Unity Hall, Southall Town Hall UB1 3HA – 12pm

Nottingham - Brian Clough Statute, Nottingham city centre – 1pm

Southampton - Bargate - 12pm

Hull - Queen Victoria Square – 10am

Norwich - Gentleman’s Walk - 12pm

Chorley - Union Street, Chorley PR7 1AE - 1pm

Preston - Friargate Pedestrian Area – 2pm

Sheffield - Sheffield City Hall – 12pm

Hackney - St Augustines Tower, Narrow Way, Hackney Central E8 1HR – 12pm

Leicester - Meet outside HSBC Bank, Humberstone Gate - 12pm

Shrewsbury - The Square - 12.30pm

Weymouth - Meet outside The Range, New Bond Street – 11am

Lancaster - Town Hall steps – 12pm

Stratford - Stratford Bus Station (old shopping centre side), E20 1EH – 11am

Derby - Meet Council House, marching to The Spot – 11am

Liverpool - Pier Head - 12pm

Coventry - Millennium Place, CV1 1JD – 1pm

Brixton - Windrush Square SW2 1JQ – 1pm

Abergavenny - Opposite Waterstones – 11am

Dumfries & Galloway - Planestanes - 11am

Wakefield - Cedar Court Hotel, Denby Dale Road, Wakefield, WF4 3QZ - 12pm

York - St Helen’s Square – 4pm

Cardiff - Nye Bevan statue - 1pm

Newcastle - Grey’s Monument – 9:30am

Calderdale - Outside Wilko’s, 2 Southgate, HX1 IDR - 12pm

Portsmouth - Guildhall Square - 1pm

Eastbourne - Outside Barclays Bank, Terminus Road - 1pm

Tower Hamlets - Altab Ali Park, Alder Street - 5pm

Islington & Haringey - Finsbury Park Mosque St Thomas’s Road N4 2QH – 2pm

Dundee - City Square, Dundee – 12:30pm

Hastings - Hastings Town Centre Robertson St, outside Owens - 12pm

Oxford - Bonn Square - 11am

Lincoln - Lincoln High Street, Speakers Corner - 2pm

Edinburgh - outside Scottish Parliament - 11am

Stoke - Hanley Town Hall, Stoke-on-Trent - 12pm

Manchester - Piccadilly Gardens - 11am

Harlow - The Obelisk, Broadwalk - 1:30pm

Birmingham - Outside Waterstones, Birmingham City Centre - 12:30pm

more information here, not necessarily comprehensive, so explore local organisers and groups if your area doesn't have anything! list may expand so check the link for updates.

#um im not usually the person to do this but please share ^ i just havent seen anything about it and i usually do with things like this so...#and nobody come and tell me that sutr suck or whatever i think this takes priority over whatever we're arguing about the swp etc

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deweydecimalchickens · 5 months

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Workers of the world, unite

Trades union wreaths in Pigeon Park. The broken-column monument commemorates the two workers killed in the construction of Birmingham Town Hall, and by extension all workers harmed by unsafe working conditions.

#Health and safety #international workers day #workers of the world unite #May Day #We'll have a May Day then #Join a union #Don't mourn organise #Beltaine is for workers to set things on fire and fuck

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ourshadowstallerthanoursoul · 3 months

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On this day... - June 13th

On this day Led Zeppelin performed:

+ 1969 : Town Hall in Birmingham, UK

“According to the ads, the only way to fly is by Led Zeppelin. On Friday night at Birmingham Town Hall, at the start of a five-date tour, the group certainly took off all right. The passengers were Bloodwyn Pig, the Liverpool Scene and a full house. An almighty wall of sound and a huge crashing of drums signaled the start of the group’s act which eventually overran by quite some time.” – ‘Zeppelin Fly High’ by R. Green (NME)

+ 1972 : The Spectrum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

“The histrionics of the band members, the awesome pretension of their loudness and stage antics, made it clear that several elements go into “superstar” concerts. First, of course, is the music. To fill a hall the size of the Spectrum […] huge amplification systems are needed. Every little instrument, even the hi-hat on the drum kit, must have a microphone place next to it. What happens then is that a little sound, such as a tambourine being shaken, becomes a mighty apocalyptic noise, louder than if the sky were to fall. Everything, in other words, gets bigger and louder and seemingly more important. Then, the ambience of the hall and the people in it is important. With about 17,000 people on hand, rock-festival-like hassles are inevitable. […] And the huge throng, which carpets the mammoth hall, makes demands on the musicians for showmanship and song selection that no one could possibly fulfill. […] Zeppelin played for two-and-a-half hours last night, a rarity. But the overall impression was that they sailed flashily and mightily, but failed somehow to engage, working below the level when the brain gears in.” – ‘Led Zeppelin’s music needs the Spectrum’ by W. Mandel (Bulletin)

+ 1977 : Madison Square Garden in New York, New York, USA

“Down in the arena, it was after eight and the crowd knew it. There was wild cheering after every song on the public address system and waving of flags and banners. […] The massive garden was already alive with a frenzy it would not lose until after midnight. […] Coming almost exactly halfway through the performance, the acoustic set was Zeppelin’s surprising non-surprise. It was surprising because, aren’t these guys the terrible overlords of heavy metal? And yet not surprising because we had all been clued in to this unexpected turn of events. […] Kashmir brought the crowd back to rock reality, as the thunderous Zeppelin epic reverberated through the Garden. […] And for the umpteenth time, Stairway to Heaven knocked ‘em cold. Their ‘song of hope’ is a song that no Zep audience could leave without hearing, for everyone needs the kind of wishful wondering that Stairway has to offer. The crowd was spellbound and did not seem to notice, or care that Plant forgot several verses. The song was there, and that was more than enough.” – ‘Led Zeppelin’s Garden party’ (Sunday Magazine)

#on this day #led zeppelin #robert plant #jimmy page #john paul jones #john bonham #classic rock #ourshadowstallerthanoursoul

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emotionalcadaver · 5 months

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Part 12: Bloodied & Broken

Fandom: Peaky Blinders

Pairing: Tommy Shelby x OC

Summary: Lucy finds reassurance from an unlikely source.

Word Count: 3,810

Notes: Warnings for depictions of injuries and hospitals.

Previous Chapter • Series • Fic • Next Part

Chapter 4: Cinnamon Tea

Lucy stared up at the ceiling, fingers fiddling with each other mindlessly. Rain pattered lightly against the window outside.

Tommy was asleep in the cot beside her hospital bed, the gentle buzz of his light snoring enough to lull her into a slight doze. With her finally awake, he seemed to have relaxed somewhat, even though he still had yet to leave her side for any considerable amount of time.

The truth was, she didn’t particularly want him to go. The warm protectiveness of his presence helped to soothe and distract her, especially with how boring it was to be shackled to a hospital bed for days and days on end.

It was good to see him actually getting some rest. She doubted that he’d slept much at all while she was unconscious. He must have been exhausted.

But without him there to talk to and distract her, the thought that had been scratching at the back of her mind finally was able to fully take root, leaving her to stare miserably up at the ceiling, fighting back the lump building in her throat.

She would not be able to leave the hospital for awhile, yet, and even after she was discharged, the activities she would be allowed to partake in would be limited for a considerable amount of time. Resting would still be her primary task until the doctors told her otherwise.

Which meant her usefulness to the company would be small, to say the least. She might still be able to work, but so much of her job involved physical movement, be that just accompanying Tommy around town, or following a latest mark to collect information on. And that wasn’t even taking into account the fighting and shooting she was often tasked with.

She hated feeling like a burden. Like she was useless. And with those feelings, came the sudden fear that Tommy would start to see her the same way. And then he would get bored with her. Tired of constantly having to take care of her. The idea that he would only keep her around because of feelings of guilt or obligation and not because he genuinely wanted to made her want to curl up and cry.

And all the others already hated her. She didn’t exactly need to give them anymore reasons to want to throw her out onto the street by not being able to pull her own weight.

Logically, deep down, she knew that she was probably just being silly. Tommy loved her. He wouldn’t have remained watchfully at her bedside all this time, skipping out on work, if he didn’t. But still, the worry would not leave her alone.

She knew she probably should have just told him about her thoughts. So that he could smile at her in kind bemusement and kiss her hands and cheek, telling her sweet reassurances in his rich Birmingham baritone. But after all the stress and worry she’d put him through over the past couple of days, she didn’t want to burden him with even more.

From outside in the hall, she heard the click of heels against the floor, not really paying much mind to them until they came to a stop near the door to her room. Lucy frowned, adjusting her shoulders against the pillows, eyes darting to Tommy’s sleeping form beside her. She didn’t think that they were expecting any visitors today.

Slowly, the door creaked open, and she was greeted with the very last person she was expecting to see.

Polly was dressed in a pinstripe black and white coat over a white blouse, her black hat tipped at a slight angle on her head. In one hand she clutched a dripping, folded black umbrella.

When she saw Lucy awake and looking at her, she froze halfway through the door. For a moment, both of them just stared at each other, like two deer caught in headlights.

Polly recovered first, back straightening and stepping the rest of the way into the room. She leaned her umbrella against the wall by the doorframe, removing her hat then approaching Lucy slowly. For a moment, Lucy caught herself considering just how likely it might be that Polly had come to try to smother her.

Probably very unlikely. Not to mention stupid, with Tommy right there in the room with them. Even if he was still asleep.

Polly sank into the seat by her bed, hat resting in her lap. In the cot, Tommy stirred, but didn’t wake. Polly cleared her throat awkwardly.

“Hello.”

Lucy could have almost laughed at the absurdity of it, if she hadn’t still been so surprised. “Hello.”

Polly shifted uncomfortably in her seat. “How are you feeling?”

“Oh, um,” she and Polly almost never talked. And when they did, it was short and business-focused. And only lasted as long as absolutely necessary. “Alright, I suppose. You know, for having just had a bullet pulled out of my skull,” she smiled awkwardly. Polly nodded.

“I’m sorry I didn’t come to see you sooner.”

“Oh…no, no, it’s fine…”

Polly shook her head, face turning away to look at the bedside table, where a vase of flowers, a stuffed bear, and some trinkets were all on display. Presents from Ada, Arthur, John, and Esme, Tommy had told her.

“Tommy is angry at me for not coming by earlier.”

“I’ll talk to him–” Lucy immediately started to offer. Despite her and Polly’s issues, she’d never wanted to be the thing that came between Tommy and his aunt.

“No, that won’t be necessary,” Polly was still staring at the flowers on the table by the bed. “He’s right. I could have at least sent flowers or something.”

Lucy looked down at her hands, fingers still fiddling with each other unconsciously. “I don’t expect any of you to send me anything. Really. It’s not a big deal.”

Polly finally looked at her again, dark eyes stern. “You saved mine and Esme’s lives almost at a cost to your own. That’s not nothing.”

Lucy looked down bashfully. “You two would have figured out something else if I wasn’t there.”

“Maybe,” Polly agreed. “Or maybe not.”

Behind her, Tommy made a small sound in his sleep, and they quieted for a moment until he settled again.

“He’s really tired,” Lucy said, taking care to keep her voice soft. “I don’t think he slept much at all before I woke up. Normally he’s shooting awake at the smallest of sounds,” she stopped herself at the last bit, looking away again. But Polly didn’t comment on the slip up that more or less confirmed that Lucy had experience with regularly sleeping beside Tommy.

“You know, I’ve never understood it,” when Lucy looked up, it was to see that Polly had her eyes turned to focus on the window, where little droplets of rain were rolling down the glass. “The attachment he has to you. There are dozens of girls, many far more his type, who could do what you do.”

Lucy winced a little at the subtle slap, gaze moving to the frayed edge of the comforter pulled up to her chest. She internally struck herself for be so stupid as to think that Polly had actually come to visit just because she was concerned for her.

“And yet, he keeps choosing you. Over and over again. Tells you things he would never tell the rest of us. I’ve spent so long wondering why,” she turned her gaze back to Lucy, and the look in her eyes was so contradictory, so simultaneously warm and cold that Lucy wasn’t wholly sure if she should be comforted or insulted by Polly’s words.

“I thought that I would be relieved, if the day ever came that you died. But from the moment I heard you collapse onto that bettering shop floor, I haven’t been sure what I feel.”

“I figured you’d be hoping that I would never wake up.”

“Half.”

“Half?”

“Half of me hoped that you would never wake up. For the family’s sake. The other half hoped you would. Because I don’t know what will become of Tommy if you didn’t.”

“He’d be alright–”

“No,” her voice dropped an octave with sternness. “He wouldn’t,” a sadness suddenly entered her eyes. “You two have a bond that I will never be able to understand.”

“I’m sorry…” Lucy didn’t really know what else to say. Polly just gave a shake of her head, lip pursed. Lucy sighed. “Polly, I know you won’t ever accept me. I’ve known that for a long time, now.”

“You understand why.”

“Yes, I think so,” she swallowed hard. “It’s never been my intention to try to take him away from any of you–”

“But you might, someday. Whether intentional or not.”

“Tommy can make his own choices.”

“Yes,” Polly acknowledged. Lucy sighed. When Polly looked at her again, her expression was a little warmer. “I doubt much will change regarding our feelings or behavior towards each other in the future. But just so we’re clear, I am glad that you’re not dead.”

Lucy huffed out a small laugh. “Well, I suppose that’s something.”

“You are good at what you do,” they both knew that Polly wasn’t just talking about her official job description. “And for that, you have my respect.”

“Thank you,” she supposed that respect was about as good as either of them could hope for. Though at the mention of her job she cringed slightly, looking away as the doubts of her usefulness that had been swirling in her head prior to Polly’s arrival reappeared.

Polly cocked her head. “What?”

Lucy shot her a suspicious glance, not entirely sure if telling her would be a good idea. But after Polly had been more forthcoming than she’d ever been before to her, Lucy supposed she ought to return the favor at least a little.

“I’m probably going to be out of commission at least partially for a while. I might not be able to be as…helpful to all of you as I have been in the past,” without her rings to fiddle with, her nails started picking at her cubicles instead. “I don’t want to be a burden, or a bother to Tommy or any of the rest of you…”

“Hm…” Polly rubbed her thumb and index fingers together in thought. “I don’t think there’s a scenario in existence where Tommy wouldn’t do whatever it takes to ensure you’re looked after. Despite my best efforts, he hasn’t gotten rid of you yet,” the smile that briefly flexed across her features was humorless and a little bitter. “It doesn’t matter if you were unable to work at all. For the rest of your life. He’d take care of you. And he’d be glad to do it. It would be no burden to him.”

Lucy looked down. She’d felt silly as soon as the words had left her mouth. But the reassurance, despite the bitter twinge in Polly’s voice, helped her to relax a little.

“And head injuries can heal faster than you’d think,” Polly added with a small shrug.

Lucy smiled a little. “Right,” her hands stopped fiddling, moving instead to smooth across the bedspread while she cast Polly a sheepish look. “Thank you.”

Polly nodded, and gave her perhaps the closest thing Lucy was likely ever going to get to a genuine smile. With one graceful move, she rose from the chair, reaching into the handbag she had hooked over her shoulder.

“I have to get back to the shop, but here,” she held out a small tin to Lucy. “If you ask, the nurses or Tommy can brew some of it for you.”

Taking it curiously, she tilted the label, listening to the sound of loose leaf tea shifting inside the tin as she turned it. On the label, scrawled in Polly’s familiar looped handwriting, it read: Cinnamon Tea.

A smile pulled at her mouth before she could stop herself, eyes raising to meet Polly’s. “Thank you.”

Polly just nodded, like it was no big deal. Like it wasn’t a silent admittance that she actually may have cared enough to pay more attention to Lucy than she had ever indicated before.

“Polly?” they both started at the sound of Tommy’s voice. He had sat up in his cot silently, rubbing a hand along the back of his neck as he blinked the last bits of sleep from his eyes.

“Hello, Tommy. I was just dropping off something for Lucy, then heading back to the shop.”

His eyes darted between them, landing curiously on the tin in Lucy’s hands, then snapping to her face.

She wasn’t mean to you, was she?

She shot him a soft look. No.

Satisfied, he turned his gaze back to Polly. “How are things?”

“Fine. Quiet,” she glanced at Lucy. “There are whispers already spreading on the streets that your little Red Demon is unkillable.”

“Oh, good,” Lucy said dryly. “I’m always looking for ways to spice up my reputation.”

Tommy snorted before addressing Polly again. “Thanks for keeping things afloat while we’re here.”

“The least I can do,” Polly shrugged, placing her hat back on her head. “I’ll come back tomorrow, with some things I need you to look over.”

“Right.”

She nodded to Lucy. “Speedy recovery to you, dear.”

“Thank you, Polly.”

The Shelby matriarch gave one last, sharp nod, her heels then clicking against the floor as she went to retrieve her umbrella, and departed the hospital room without another word.

Lucy stared at the door she’d just left out of, half wondering if the whole encounter had just been a hallucination of some kind.

“What’s that?” Tommy asked, moving to sit down in the chair Polly had previously been occupying at her bedside, nodding at the tin still clutched in her hands.

“Cinnamon tea,” Lucy held out the tin to him. He took it, examining the label. He looked at her with a raised brow.

“Why?”

“It was what I was looking for in the kitchen right before the robber broke in.”

He hummed, turning it over before setting it down on the bedside table with the other gifts. “Surprisingly thoughtful.”

“I thought so too,” she smoothed her hand up and down his arm. “Of course, it’s always possible that she’s poisoned it…”

He chuckled, leaning in to peck her lips. “You’re terrible.”

“You were thinking the same thing.”

“Maybe a little,” he nuzzled at her cheek before leaning back. “How are you feeling?”

She shrugged. “Fine. Head still hurts, but not as achy as I was earlier.”

“Tired?”

“A little. It’s hard to sleep with this stupid thing on,” she tapped the brace lightly.

“It’ll come off soon.”

“I look ridiculous.”

He smirked. “Only a little.”

She pouted at him. “I’m so bored of being like this, Tommy.”

He took her hand, kissing her knuckles sympathetically. “I know, sweetheart.”

With a small sigh, she looked down at her hospital bed, silently and illogically hating herself for being stuck in it.

Tommy squeezed her hand to get her attention. At her questioning raised brow, he smiled, eyes soft.

“She’s right, you know. I’d take care of you no matter what.”

Lucy groaned softly, eyes closing. “How much of that conversation did you hear?”

“Most of it,” at her skeptical look, he smiled deviously. “All of it,” he shrugged. “I wanted to hear what she would say if she thought I wasn’t listening.”

“Devil,” if she could, she would have shaken her head fondly as she hooked her fingers into the front of his shirt, drawing him down for a kiss. He practically purred against her lips, nose knocking affectionately against hers after they parted.

“You’d never be a burden to me,” his voice dropped with the sudden seriousness in his tone. “Not ever. I love you. I want to take care of you.”

“I know,” she swallowed hard around the emotion his words conjured up. “I love you too.”

He cupped her cheek tenderly, eyes silently urging her to talk to him.

“I just…” she closed her eyes, taking a deep breath before speaking again. “I hate feeling so useless.”

“Oi, enough of that. You’re not useless. You’re injured and you need to rest.”

She must have looked unconvinced, because he scooted his chair closer to her and leaned in, thumb tracing the shape of her cheekbone.

“You stopped a robbery at the shop and saved two family member’s lives. That’s hardly useless,” he smiled at her reassuringly. “It’ll be okay. I’ll have Polly or Esme or someone bring some of your books from your flat next time they come over to keep your mind busy. And you can help me with the paperwork Polly brings over tomorrow, if you’re feeling up to it,” his brows raised. “You’re not useless. You’ll never be useless. But if you really are feeling that way, we can find things for you to do. I just don’t want you overworking yourself. You need to focus on getting better, eh?”

She couldn’t fully contain her sniffle at his words. Her attempt to nod was impeded by the brace and a small shock of pain the back of her head sent her in complaint.

“Yeah,” she wetted her lips. “Yeah, that sounds good.”

“My girl,” he kissed her between her brows. “It’s all gonna be just fine. I promise.”

Hooking her fingers back into his shirt before he could get too far, she pulled him back down until his forehead rested lightly against hers. “Thank you.”

“Nothing to thank me for, love,” he kissed both her eyelids before she could argue.

“I suppose I should enjoy Polly being so…amicable while it lasts,” she sighed. She was not naive enough to think that the niceties would last for long. “I wasn’t so sure when she first came in…and given that she left me lying on the shop when I asked her to stay…”

Tommy went stiff, a dark cloud passing across his face. “She what?”

Lucy blinked. “After I shot the robber, I was laying on the floor, and I asked her not to leave me, but she ran out after Esme–Tommy!” she managed to somehow grab at his arm when he moved to stand, latching on tightly to him before he could fully pull himself away.

“I’m going to fucking kill her.”

“No!” she squeezed tighter at his arm. “Tommy, it’s…it’s fine…”

He shot her a disbelieving look. “Fine? Fine!? No, it’s not fucking fine! She left you there? While you were bleeding out on the fucking floor?”

“I don’t even know if she heard me asking her to stay. And she may have been going to get help–”

“She told me you were dead when she and Esme came outside.”

Lucy frowned. “Oh.”

Tommy’s eyes were still dark, staring at the wall, thinking hard as he shook his head. “I had wondered, given that you were awake when I came in, and that she’d said that you shot the robber after being shot yourself, but I’d hoped I’d just misunderstood her…”

“Don’t–please, don’t make this into another fight with her, Tommy.”

“I can’t just let it go–”

“Yes, you can. You have to. I don’t want to be the cause of any more problems. I’m already enough of an agitation in your relationship with her as it is.”

He frowned, eyes narrowed. “You’re not a problem,” he touched her cheek. “She left you to die,” he whispered hoarsely.

“We can’t really know what Polly was actually thinking. And if you come at her about it, she’s just going to get defensive,” Lucy looked down. “Maybe she was in shock. Maybe she was going to get help. Or maybe she really was hoping I’d die,” she gulped around the tightening in her throat. “I don’t think we’ll ever really know for sure. But she came here, Tommy. She brought me this,” she gestured to the tin of tea, “That’s more than I was honestly expecting from her.”

Tommy’s throat worked as he swallowed. “I can’t just forget about it, Luce.”

“And you think that I can?” she asked with a raised eyebrow. He sighed, and she smiled, aware that she’d won. “I’m injured. You have to do what I ask.”

“That’s not fair,” he huffed, eyelids fluttering as she cupped his face.

“I’m sure that there will be plenty more opportunities for you to fight with her regarding me in the future,” her eyes dropped down, greatly undercutting any sort of teasing humor that the statement may have had. Tommy’s hand urged her gaze back up to his, brows creased with concern. She sighed, shrugging weakly. “I hate rocking the boat like this.”

“No,” Tommy said sternly. “Don’t ever worry about that. When she’s treating you badly, I want to know about it.”

“I know,” she drew his palm to her lips, pecking the scar that ran across it, then each of his fingertips. “I know, love. Thank you.”

He kissed her forehead, pulling back to look down at her for a moment before straightening and reaching for the tin of tea. “Right. Let’s get some of this tea brewed then, hm?”

“I’d like that,” all the rain outside was making her feel like curling up in bed with a cup of tea and a book.

Tommy ducked out only momentarily, returning with two steaming teacups smelling strongly of cinnamon and a dash of vanilla. Tucked under one arm, he had a book he’d snagged from the little library that the hospital allowed patients and waiting family members to borrow from.

“Did you check that out before you took it?”

He shrugged as he handed her one of the teacups. “My donations made to this hospital helped fund the building and stocking of that little library. Technically I’m pretty sure that this book is already ours.”

She snorted, blowing on her tea before taking a sip. The liquid was warm and pleasant, coating her throat and heating her from within.

Shoving the chair out of the way, Tommy pushed his cot to rest right up beside her bed, so that when he climbed into it, it was almost like they were laying side by side in the same bed. He shuffled in closer to her, until their sides were brushing and he could gingerly wrap an arm around her shoulders, being careful not to bump her brace or jostle her bandages.

Cracking open the book, he turned his head to kiss her forehead. “Try to rest, alright?”

“Yes, boss.”

He just snorted at the title, giving her shoulder a squeeze.

Laying in that hospital bed, she managed to find peace in the sound of his deep voice reading to her, his chest rumbling under where one of her hands had come to rest on it, with the scent of cinnamon tea wafting through the air.

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bluesman56 · 2 years

Video

Anthony Gormley in Birmingham by Tony

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listen-to-the-inner-walrus · 1 month

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Heads up to any UK folks, there are a bunch of places where there may be more racist riots happening today.

Not an exhaustive list but:

Bedford - Immigration Inn at 93 Ford End Road MK40 4JT, at 20:00.

Birmingham - Unsure about location (as a local I'd guess the Immigration Advisory Service on New Street but that is just a guess), expected to start at any point past 12:00.

Cardiff - Unsure about location or time unfortunately.

Chelmsford - Only seen things about the "Immigration Centre", they may be on about Immigration Accomodation Surveys Writtle on/in the Green CM1 3DU?, at 20:00.

Derby - Immigration Advisory Service on 195 Normanton Road DE23 6US, at 20:00.

Durham - Durham Town Hall, Market Place DH1 3NJ, at 18:00.

Glasgow - Apparently something is happening at The Roma Cultural Centre which is on 43 Nithsdale Street G41 2PZ, unsure about time.

Glasgow - Also at George Square, starting at any point past 13:00.

Hull - Conroy Baker Ltd which has an office registered in Norwich House 104, 1st Floor, 1 Savile Street HU1 3ES, starting at 20:00.

Lincoln - The Carlton Centre on 2 Carlton Boulevard LN2 4FJ, starting at 20:00. (This protest is planned for the Immigration Lawyer Services in The Carlton Centre which does not physically exist FYI).

London - UK Immigration Help in/on The Mille at 1000 Great West Road in Brentford TW8 9DW, starting at 20:00.

London - Immigration and Nationality Services at Foundation House, 4 Percy Road in North Finchley N12 8BU, at 20:00.

Manchester - Windmill Street and Mount Street, not sure about time.

Northampton - Zenith Immigration Lawyers at 2 Talbot Road NN1 4JB, at 20:00.

Nottingham - East Midlands Immigration Services at 15 Stonesby Vale NG2 7UR, at 20:00.

Peterborough - Smart Immigration Solutions at Laxton House, 191 Lincoln Road PE1 2PN, at 20:00.

Preston - All I got for location here is UK Border Agency which I can find no such place in Preston? If any locals can lend help here, that'd be greatly appreciated. Starting at 20:00.

Southend - MNS Solicitors at 2 Ditton Court Road SS0 7HG, at 20:00.

Walthamstow - Waltham Forest Immigration Bureau, 187 Hoe Street E17 3AP, at 20:00.

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sl-newsie · 4 days

Text

American Woman (Thomas Shelby x American OC) Ch. 31: My Own Person

Masterlist: https://www.tumblr.com/sl-newsie/739551758747090944/american-woman-thomas-shelby-x-american-oc?source=share

It’s a good thing I didn’t even bother to unpack. If luck is on my side I can slip out the kitchen door and be gone before any tears can fall. I hurry down the stairs and down the echoing hallway. Muffled chatter from the party seeps through the walls. Almost there-!

“You’re leaving?”

Christ, why did he have to find me? He should be too occupied with his bride and their guests.

I turn around slowly to face Thomas with as steady of a face I can muster. “I’ll be in town for a few days, then I’m off.”

He starts walking closer. “You’re more than welcome to stay on Watery Lane-”

“It’s already settled. Polly arranged it for me.”

I turn away and reach for the door again-

“I have an idea,” Thomas says. “Since we’re in Arrow House now, why don’t you live there? For good? Then you can work for us without having to travel so much.”

Can I afford to be submerged in more disappointment? He only means to be generous and hospitable but keeping this close to him will only cut my heart deeper. Can’t he see that?

“Thomas, that’s very thoughtful. But it’s-”

“There you are, darling!” A perky voice rings down the hall. It’s Grace. “Oh, are you leaving?”

Her subtle mocking disappointment does little to hide the relief in her eyes. She wants him all to herself and I can’t say I blame her.

“Yes, yes I am. Would it be possible to meet Charlie before I go?”

Grace, still wearing the same disgustingly sweet smile, shakes her head. “I’m afraid he’s sleeping.”

Of course. I can’t even meet their son.

“Congratulations, Thomas. Grace.” I look between the two. “I will take my leave now back to Birmingham.”

“I’ll arrange for a car to drive you,” Thomas immediately inputs and begins showing me to the door.

Thomas. Please stop. “That’s really not necessary-”

“Nonsense.”

Try to play it off. “I see,” I smile charmingly. “There’s more than enough cars, eh? Trying to fluff your feathers, eh?”

Thomas rolls his eyes. “Very funny. I’ll go find you a driver.”

Before he walks off, Grace places a simple kiss on his cheek. She’s testing me. She’s reaching across with her left hand to show off the new wedding band on her finger. That does it. When Thomas is out of sight I face her with a tamed temper.

“Will you stop that?” I hiss. “Please stop flaunting your good fortune and leave me alone.”

Her smile falls. “I’m not-”

“We’re both on the same page, Grace. I’m not a fucking idiot. Don’t forget it’s your own fault it happened this way. You betrayed Thomas and he had the common sense to forget you. But you kept growing on him. Tempting him. Even after you married another man. You both committed adultery.” Her eyes widen at my statement and I put my hands on my hips defiantly. “Yes. I figured it out. Sin always catches up with you, Grace.”

She crosses her arms. “I love Charlie. I love Tommy-”

“Then quit whining when he’s distant,” I explain softly. “Thomas has always been a workaholic so you knew what you signed up for. It will take a miracle for him to change.”

Her gaze sharpens. “Don’t think I don’t know. You love him.”

Seems that everyone’s figured out except the man himself. I’m trapped in an endless circle of mockery and desire. Grace already has suspicions of my family. Will she try to spill this too?

I close my eyes and nod. “Yes. I do. But unlike some, I can control myself and walk away with quiet, dignity, and… grace.” Before my American side can flare up again I begin walking back to wait in the kitchen. “I love him, and that’s why I’m not staying. He chose you, Grace. Never take that lightly.”

Grace must believe me because the spite in her eyes has been replaced with surprised regret. See? Not all women are sniveling bitches.

“Verena, I… I’m sorry.”

Still looking away, she can’t see my annoyed face. “I wish I could say the same. Maybe if this world weren’t so barbaric we could have been friends.”

Back to the kitchen. Mother was right. My place is here. Providing a meal, keeping everyone happy but myself. There has to be a better life than this.

“Hey!” Thomas struts in. “I’m sorry, you’ll have to wait a bit longer for that ride back. Finn made me promise to keep the car waiting so you could visit more.”

Part of my frustration melts away. “That little rascal. Where is he?”

“Joining the others outside.”

Then that is where I shall go.

“Be careful!” Thomas calls when I walk past. “They can get a bit rough.”

After all the pain, at least I can keep seeing those crystal eyes. Some fresh air will do me some good. I just need to get past these expensive people.

I squeeze past an older gentleman and almost bump into someone. “Excuse me.”

“Pardon me,” the woman replies in a Russian accent. “We have not met. Who are you?”

The accent throws me off. Back away. Back away.

I purse my lips. “Verena Steenstra. Who might you be?”

The dark-haired woman smiles. “Duchess Tatiana Petrovna.”

A royal. A Russian royal. No, no. I do not need that. “Pleasure to meet you. Excuse me.”

More rich blood, more unwanted drama. But it also just gave me an idea. A quick phone call might be in order before I depart tonight.

I leave my trunk by the front step and spy a group of men gathering by flickering torches. One silhouette is waving at me.

“Oi, Verena! Where’s your man?” Finn calls.

“Why would I have one?” I ask as I approach. “I’m only visiting.”

“Still no lucky man, eh?”

I punch his shoulder playfully. “You should talk. Where’s your girl, Finn?”

He waves me off. “Alright, alright. How’ve you been?”

How have I been? I just watched the man I love marry someone else, Finn. What am I supposed to feel?

“As good as I can, I suppose,” I answer instead. “Yourself?”

In the dim light his eyes spark with excitement. “Fantastic! I can carry out an educational conversation with them uniforms, no problem.”

I hum in approval. “Good to hear my work hasn’t been wasted.”

“I’m always up for a lesson, Verena.”

“Oi, Finn!” One of the Blinders shouts. “Get yourself a girl?”

We both stiffen and look at each other with disarray.

“She’s not mine,” Finn explains quickly. “She’s her own person.”

The Blinder steps closer with a wicked smirk. “So she’s available, eh?”

Finn steps over and pushes him away with the same force Thomas would display. “No. Hands off. You don’t like it, talk to Tommy.” The man walks off muttering to himself and Finn looks over with embarrassment. “‘M sorry, Verena. They’re half-drunk-”

“It’s alright, Finn,” I sigh. “Nobody looks at me the same when they find out I’m single. Where I’m from it’s fine for men but a lady staying single this long raises a few eyebrows.”

A few minutes go by and we sit in comfortable silence in the golden light. “Are you upset about Tommy?”

I feel my chest tighten. “I can’t be upset on his wedding day,” I whisper. “He’s happy.”

“But are you?” Finn presses.

I squeeze my eyes shut and shake my head. “That doesn’t count. If you all are happy then I’m happy.”

“Verena. Are you happy?”

He takes my hand. He wants me to open up but I fear that will not end well. Jesus, Finn. Through these years of lessons I’ve taught you too much about empathy. Now you’re twisting my own methods against me.

“It’s incredible how he can see past me,” I murmur just so he can hear. “Thinks nothing’s changed between us. But he’s a married man now. I guess he feels differently. I just wish he would stop trying to reach out and see how much it hurts.”

Instead of telling me to move on or offering a drink Finn shakes his head quietly. “Someone like you shouldn’t have to go through this. You’re too nice.”

“Even mean people deserve to find love,” I point out.

He raises his eyebrows at me. “See? That’s what I mean. Nice.” More seconds of silence go by before he speaks again. “I would take you, you know. But I know you don’t think of me that way.”

How is this sweet young man the brother of the brutal gangsters?

“That’s very kind of you, Finn. Maybe down the line if we’re both old and gray then my family will force me to marry and I can choose you. But you’re right. I do love you but not in the way people expect.”

“It’d be nice if you were a sister,” he grumbles. “Not her.”

I point a warning finger at him. “That’s not up to us. Be nice to her, Finn. She’s your family now.”

He lets out a heavy sigh. “John and Arthur think so. Polly pretends to think so. Tommy’s forgotten how she betrayed us.”

“It’s his decision.” I change to a more firm tone. “Promise me you won’t tell a soul about what I said. It will undo everything if you do.”

Finn nods. “I promise.”

Good. Good, good. Now I won’t be the only one who’s seeing how blinded Thomas is. I can work for Shelby Company Limited far away from Thomas. Well, technically I could return home and give in to mother’s rants. Get married to someone new, a stranger… Who am I kidding? I don’t want that yet. What I do know is that I think I've had my share of tonight’s events.

“It’s getting late. I should be going- Where are you going?” I ask when I see Finn climbing onto a horse Johnny Doggs is holding.

“For a ride,” he replies.

“For a race!” Johnny announces. “Want to watch, Steenstra?”

I put my hands on my hips. “Absolutely not. Finn, this is dangerous-”

“Alright place your bets!” Johnny ignores me and starts leading the horse away. “Pick your favorites! ‘Cause I hope my boy Finn doesn’t fall off the fucking horse.”

Someone walks up behind me and the familiar smell of cigarettes and cologne tells me it’s Thomas. “Here you are. I think Finn will allow you to go now, eh?”

“Yes,” I answer, watching him ride off with a crowd of men surrounding him. “He’s much more occupied now. He’s grown up.”

“You’re not going to watch?”

I stride back to the steps and retrieve my trunk. “As fun as it would be to take part in whatever shenanigans you’ve got planned for tonight I must decline. You lot might be able to still sneak this insanity into your lives but I’m done with it.”

Thomas regards me with calculating eyes. “You’ve changed too.”

No shit, Thomas! Today I’ve had to mourn the only love I’ve known and you’re completely oblivious to it!

“No. I’ve learned to put my foot down.”

Thomas leads me to the other side of the mansion where a line of cars are parked. How many vehicles does one need?

“Well, have your pick.” He gestures to the lot. “Got a favorite?”

His eagerness brings a smile despite my deep sadness. “They’re all gorgeous, Thomas.”

I end up picking the Bentley 3 Litre. A hired hand starts the engine and Thomas loads my luggage into the trunk. He opens the door and I climb inside. The car starts driving down the dusty driveway and as I watch Thomas through the window I give a small wave.

Goodbye. It kills me to do this but I must quarantine myself from you, Thomas. Your kindness will only disembowel my heart faster.

“Birmingham, Watery Lane. Is that correct, Ms. Steenstra?” The driver asks politely.

“Actually I will be staying somewhere else tonight, if you wouldn’t mind. And could you possibly keep it confidential from Mr. Shelby?”

Okay, now I see where Thomas is getting his wealthy inspiration from. This mansion is no less grand than Arrow House. But what’s different this time is that the person waiting at the front door will understand my situation.

“Hello, Mrs. Charleton.”

The woman dismisses the name with a wave. “May, please. How is America?”

“Party central, apparently. Much less hostile.”

She catches on to my hidden bitterness. “I assume you just came from Tommy’s place?”

I let out a slow breath and look up to face her. “Is it that obvious?”

May opens the door and allows me inside, giving me a look of sympathy. “Sadly, yes. Is Thomas stringing you on?”

I shake my head, now looking at the wall with distant eyes. “He’s never done that. At least not consciously. Besides he would never do that to Grace. Seems that every time I see him he assumes we’re old chums. He’ll always see me as a therapist, not a romantic interest.”

The mention of Grace isn’t enjoyed by May either. We’re both parts of the basket that didn’t get picked. Each of us got hooked by Thomas’ charm. My one saving grace is that I didn’t give in to the temptation of lust. But time can wither a person away.

“Do you know she’s helping to run the new Shelby Charity Foundation?” May says as I slump into a seat facing the warm fireplace. “No doubt Thomas is trying to improve his public image. Next thing you know he’ll be knighted.”

I scoff and glare at the roaring flames. “How generous.”

@meadows5

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