CHAPTER THREE

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WOMEN'S BUSINESS

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WOMEN'S BUSINESS

Motorcars weren't frequently seen around the poorer parts of Birmingham, but the Shelby family business had brought in enough money to provide them with a car and for that Clara was grateful. For it meant she didn't have to sit in an uncomfortable carriage while she and her brothers took a ride through the country lanes towards the fair.

She was nestled in between John and Finn in the back while Thomas drove with Arthur smoking from the passenger seat. The afternoon breeze billowed throughly her hair as her head rested upon John's shoulder as Finn babbled on excitedly about all the sweets he was going to buy (Thomas was paying) and getting a ride on the carousel. But as Thomas pulled into a field to the side of the road and Arthur caught sight of the men and horses, his eyes narrowed suspiciously "I thought you said we were goin' to the fair?"

"We have business first." Thomas pulled the car to a stop "Come on. Bring your wits."

Clara frowned as she shuffled over to the car door "What business?"

"That's the Lee family." John mused as he hoisted Clara down by her waist, making sure she was steady in the muddy grass below before turning to watch as a familiar face made his way towards the Shelby siblings.

"Tommy!"

Thomas gave a stiff nod "Johnny Dogs."

Johnny Dogs grinned, shaking hands with Tommy "How the hell are ya?"

"All the better for gettin' the city smoke out of me lungs." Thomas smiled slightly, rubbing his cigarette across his lips before lighting it up.

Johnny Dogs raised an eyebrow "I thought you became a bit too grand for us."

Thomas simply took a draw from his cigarette "I've been busy."

"I'm riding with the Lee family now."

"I heard." Thomas deadpanned, eyeing the family in question "Myself, I'd rather live among pigs."

Johnny sighed "Come on, Tommy. No disputing. So, your first fair since France?"

"What do you know about France, you war-shy Gypsy bastard?" Thomas shot back before heading for a magnificent white mare "So this is the horse?"

Johnny nodded distractedly as he peered at their vehicle in awe "And that's the car."

Clara followed Thomas to the horse, smiling as she gently ran her fingers along the mares nose "She's beautiful."

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