By Order Of The Peaky Blinders

Chapter Nine

A/N: I've tried to match the dates up properly but yea, things are a little out of whack. I hope I did this justice. This covers the war

Time moved swiftly after their night, curled up on the couch and just holding each other as night turned to dawn and they revelled in the peace, not knowing the next time they would feel it.

They had luckily managed to travel to the training grounds together, but were swiftly separated despite neither of them wanting to be, Tommy was sent to one side of the training grounds with the rest of the Birmingham Boys while Viola was sent to the other, where the Nurses resided.

Viola checked off what she had in her bag with her mental list, having memorised the list of what was allowed and what she could bring with her:

>One canvas or calico bag – six feet four inches by three feet – to be filled with straw at camp

> One pillow or pillow bag

> Two blankets

> One Macintosh rug is useful

> One enamel washing basin and a piece of soap

> Two towels; one should be large for bathing

> One duster

> One knife, fork and spoon

> One enamel cup and saucer

> Two enamel plates

> Two tea clothes

> One brush for boots (1d nail brush will do)

> A bicycle lamp or a candle lantern

She had also packed several of the uniforms allowed, anticipating the need for them in case of tears or washing, she had packed a sewing kit and two of her favourite books, in case of downtime along with a pack of cards. Tommy had promised to teach her some games so they could pass the time together.

The uniform she would be required to wear was a white apron with the Red Cross emblem displayed on the bib. Made of linen, with bib pleated in band and continuing in straps (without join), cut in three widths and pleated in band at sides. On both sides was a large square pocket stitched on, the front part of pocket having a narrow strip continuing upward and stitched in the two-inch waist-band, fastening at the with linen button, the straps crossing over and also buttoning about five inches from either side of centre at the back.

Along with a starched white linen belt, two and a half inches wide, to be worn over apron and finally ordinary black boots with black stockings. Tommy had been thoughtful enough to have her boots altered to have steel caps placed at the front, he told her that if she kicked someone hard enough, she would break their bone.

Viola understood that while there were standards to her uniform now, when she got out in the war, they would be thrown out the window, the focus being on saving as many lives as possible.

Tommy had also given her a pack of razors, taught her how to wield one and how to hide them on her person. Viola really didn't wish to learn, didn't want to hurt people but Tommy had given her such a vulnerable, pleading look that she had relented. Viola wanted to be able to protect herself but the thought of it being necessary had made her feel sick, but she was going to war and war did terrible things to people and made terrible things necessary to survive.

Viola had also dealt with some lose ends, sending a letter to her parents because she knew that they would hit the roof when they found out she was being enlisted.