METHOD OF MADNESS ━ 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐬 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐛𝐲 ¹ (Under editing)

𝒾𝒾. 𝓉𝓌𝑒𝓁𝓋𝑒: bring her

ᴺᴼᵂ ᴾᴸᴬᵞᴵᴺᴳ : trouble's coming - royal blood

⇄ ◃◃ ⅠⅠ ▹▹ ↻

ii. twelve: ❝bring her❞

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Small Heath, Birmingham

Later that day, the garrison was filled with the sounds of delight and laughter. The air hummed with the melody of 'The Sunshine of Your Smile,' as men and women alike swayed to the rhythm.

It was one of those bustling days at the pub, with Mariana slipping into her usual spot, a bucket of beer in hand. The Shelby brothers were gathered around a table, engaged in a game of cards. John greeted her with his usual grin, while Arthur, distracted by the game, barely noticed her arrival until John elbowed him.

"Hello." Mariana greeted them, her tone devoid of warmth, especially towards Thomas, who simply glanced at her before returning to his cigarette. Yet, despite her cool demeanor, they welcomed her with open arms, save for Thomas.

"Mari, love, feels like it's been ages since we've seen you around." Arthur remarked, looking up from the game, a hint of mischief in his eyes.

"That's because you've been too busy losing every game to even notice my absence." Mariana retorted, shooting him a playful glare. Arthur chuckled sheepishly.

"And what about me, Mar?" John chimed in, turning his attention to her.

Mariana shrugged nonchalantly, rolling her eyes, she asked, raising an eyebrow. "Would you like some whiskey too?"

John was about to accept when Thomas intervened with a subtle glance in her direction.

"No, just beer." He said firmly.

For Mariana and Thomas, it felt reminiscent of their first kiss back in 1913, after their final rendezvous in the pub. Amidst the banter and camaraderie, there lingered an unspoken tension, a silent acknowledgment of what had transpired between them. She, like Thomas, grappled with the aftermath of their kiss, uncertain of how to navigate the complex emotions swirling within her.

And with the knowledge that Thomas intended to bring Grace to the racecourse on his arm, Mariana couldn't help but feel a pang of uncertainty clouding her thoughts.

"Why no whiskey, Tom?" Arthur asked his brother, a playful glint in his eye. "Are you expecting trouble?"

Thomas simply took a card from the deck, examining it before placing it back on the tabletop. Mariana couldn't help but notice a subtle shift in Thomas' demeanor, but before she could dwell on it, the raucous singing from the main room interrupted their conversation, prompting John to burst into laughter.