Chelsea had been dreaded today. Today was the day that William and Annie were collecting Chelsea and taking her out for a meal.
Chelsea knew it wouldn't end good, either she'd been shouted at for something or William would need her for something again.
But her biggest fear was them secretly arranging a plan to take her back home to Oxfordshire, it would be a good plan after all. The Shelby's would have no idea and wouldn't have the time to go over to Oxfordshire to get her.
Leaving the house that morning was very stressful, her Aunt Pol was giving her instructions on what Chelsea should allow and what she shouldn't.
"Polly, I promise nothing will happen to me." Chelsea spoke, taking Polly's soft hands in her own, "They're too scared of dad and his friends to do anything to me."
Polly stared at the girl with a small smile, "I love you, honey. I'll see you some time later, right?"
"Okay, bye nanny." chirped the young girl, giving Polly one last hug before hurrying outside of the house and shutting the door behind her.
As she walked down the street towards The Garrison where she was meeting her mother, the wind crashed against her face and in someway it calmed her down.
The Garrison was now in sight and she could see men entering, cheering and laughing with jugs of beer in their hands.
But something else stole Chelsea's attention, behind the Garrison, just by the side door stood Tommy Shelby and Grace, having a one to one conversation.
Slowly, Chelsea creeped over and stuck her back as firmly as she could against the pub wall, peeking her head around the side to listen in.
"Is there something you want to say to me?" questioned Tommy, holding the reins of his horse in his left hand.
Grace stared at him for a second, building up the courage to talk to the man who terrified every person in Birmingham.
"The other night you came into the pub when I was singing." said Grace, "You said singing was not allowed. I'd like there to be one night a week when there is singing. I think it would be good for everyone. Saturday nights."
Chelsea took her opportunity and jumped out of her hiding space, both of the adults looking over at her in shock as she shouted, "Please daddy! I love it when Grace sings! And that means I get too dance!"
Tommy took his daughters hand and pulled her closer to his side, ruffling her hair with his hand.
Grace smiled at Chelsea and looked back up at Tommy, "Harry was too afraid to ask you, so. . ."
Tommy nodded, thinking deeply, "But you're not."
"I am." said Grace, "But I love to sing."
"You sound like one of those rich girls who come over from Dublin, for the races. Do you like horses?"
Both Grace and Chelsea looked at each other, both pulling a surprised face from their fathers sudden change in conversation.
"How do you fancy earning some more money," asked Tommy.
"Doing what?" Grace asked Tommy skeptically.
Tommy let go of his daughters hand and walked to the other side of his horse before climbing onto the saddle, "Dig out a nice dress, I want to take you to the races."
And with one wink at his daughter, he turned away and rode off, leaving both his daughter and Grace staring after him.
"What the- what just happened?" Chelsea whispered in disbelief.
