METHOD OF MADNESS ━ 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐬 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐛𝐲 ¹ (Under editing)

𝒾. 𝐹𝒾𝓋𝑒: thomas' support

ᴺᴼᵂ ᴾᴸᴬᵞᴵᴺᴳ : forest fire - brighton

⇄ ◃◃ ⅠⅠ ▹▹ ↻

i. five: ❝thomas' support❞

✵✵✵

Small Heath, Birmingham

After a long day of cleaning up the garrison, Grace's first official shift at the pub began with a flurry of activity.

Marianna could feel her head spinning from the men's shouting, hollering, and chatter, not to mention the nagging discomfort caused by whispers repeatedly mentioning the term 'art' for reasons she couldn't fathom.

Fortunately, Grace proved to be a diligent worker and a tremendous asset behind the bar. As Mar busied herself refilling the pump, she couldn't help but admire Grace's graceful movements as she served the patrons with a warm smile.

Mar appreciated Grace's company, even though she kept mostly to herself. However, there was something slightly unsettling about Grace's presence, especially considering her apparent lack of familiarity with barmaid duties, despite her claims of prior experience. Nevertheless, Harry seemed pleased with the addition to the staff, and Marianna hoped that Grace would indeed become a valuable colleague and, perhaps, even a friend in time.

Today was Grace's turn to take the lead behind the bar, with Harry there to assist her. The boss wanted the newcomer to get accustomed to the fast-paced nature of dealing with raucous customers, so Marianna handled the simpler tasks, swiftly refilling and collecting glasses from nearby tables, navigating through the bustling crowd with ease.

One aspect Marianna found both gratifying and exasperating about being known as 'the Peaky girl' was the unspoken understanding that no man in Small Heath dared to bother her or even make eye contact, fearing the repercussions from the Peaky Blinders.

She was keenly aware of her own attractiveness; while she didn't consider herself stunning, she knew she wasn't unappealing either. Over the years, many men had pursued her, and she had entertained a few of them. However, when their advances became too persistent, she had no qualms about using her association with the Shelby family to deter them.

As she returned to the counter, Grace struck up a conversation, deftly serving a pint as she spoke, "Is it always this busy during the daytime?"

"No," Marianna replied, passing another beer bottle to Harry to fill, understanding the reason behind the sudden surge in patrons. "These lads are off to St. Andrews."

"To pray?" Grace asked innocently, her voice betraying her naivete.

Marianna chuckled, shaking her head as Harry joined in, "That'll be the day. St. Andrews is a football ground. The blues are playing. Those lads there are the forward line," he gestured towards a group of men at the bar, "And believe it or not, that's the goalie."