He spoke so persuasively that Senator Burgess was left without words. And what about those relatives who surround us like hyenas? Most of them have approached me. They worked with William before, but their expectations were not met. Wealth and Congressman Burgess excels in Tai Chi; he is not willing to relinquish even half of the benefits. Their only option is me—a "soft persimmon." In these special times, we can calculate some matters behind closed doors.
As I gained the upper hand in this prolonged battle, Senators William and Burgess couldn't sit idly. I need to investigate my whereabouts in the last five years. They aim to prove my moral character is corrupt, tarnishing my reputation so I can start on an equal footing with them again. Joke! How can the losers uncover matters personally handled by Thomas Shelby?
I stared coldly at the old man across from me. "Dani, this agreement is advantageous. You can smoothly acquire all my property, including the prince's share left by your father. David Barton smiled, sliding the will toward me. "Agreement? It's a threat, isn't it?" I examined the files on the table. If I had never loved Tommy, accepting all of Old Barton's fortune and later marrying Adam would be within my realm of acceptance. I might even choose to divorce in the future, provided I had already borne him a healthy son, relinquishing 60% of the Barton family inheritance.
"Do you want your brother to know your whereabouts in the past five years?" The old man still smiled, but his eyes were shrewdly calculating. "Compared to having nothing, isn't this the best outcome?"
The best outcome? I came all the way from Birmingham, leaving my lover, and after over a year here, are you telling me this is the best outcome? He never mentioned his plans and will when I first arrived in London. Instead, he waited for the right moment. First, he escorted me to the altar, showing me the hope within reach. Then, he presented his conditions. If I refuse, I hit rock bottom, losing everything I enjoyed over the past year.
October 15, 1923, 2:21 PM, Mrs. Shelby's 11th Conspiracy - Vanessa's Poplar.
The price is too high, and the conditions proposed aren't overly harsh, so most might succumb. But I'm different. I dared to run away from home at fifteen, had relations with a gang leader as an adult, shot in a brothel, managed illegal horse racing, and even threatened to bribe government officials.
"Give me some time to think about it." Consider how I can "repay" you nicely. Since that day, when I asked for consideration, David Barton has confined me to his room. Despite daily comforts, I lack freedom.
I carefully considered who else knows about my past. Tommy is reliable, so the only person left is someone beyond Tommy's reach—Campbell. As a direct subordinate of Churchill, it's not surprising he knows Old Patton. Attorneys Collins could be an ally if I can get him on my side. But first, I need to get out.
I noticed there are lit menorahs here. Barton House caught fire, burning my hand. These once fair and beautiful hands can no longer hold a pen, let alone sign a document.
"If you don't want people to wonder why Miss Turner disappeared again, you'd better let me go to the ball." Old Barton's expression soured. Even in pain, he couldn't keep me locked in the house.
So what if I set the fire? He has no evidence, and no one will believe him. It's a fantasy—knocking over a candlestick to escape. When no one's around, the pain in my hand intensifies.
"You're really cruel to yourself." Lawyer Collins gazes at my mummified hands with awe. "For freedom." I don't blame him for not disclosing the agreement, indirectly leading to my setting the fire.
Attorney Collins is new to society, unlike us, he doesn't grasp the cruelty of social competition. He feels guilty for the indirect consequences of his actions. I'll use that.
News of Miss Turner's burnt hands spreads to all London balls. People visit me daily. Old Barton can't keep me locked anymore. Even if I'm uninterested in the young men courting me, I entertain them for longer-term plans.
Through them, I learn a secret hidden by Old Barton. My aunt, Mrs. Button, resents me for being declared heir. I sent my uncle's illegitimate son to her, hoping to undermine my legitimacy. My recovered illegitimate cousin causes a stir.
In October 1921, I become Baroness Turner, giving a fifth of my wealth to my sister, who supports my brother William. I hire a private detective to uncover Old Barton's secrets. I prepare for a battle against him.
Pacing on my own city wall, I learn of Old Barton's illness in October 1923. Lying on a couch, Attorney Collins delivers the news. "Really?" I'm not surprised. I pick a grape, recalling the pain and burning. "He wants to see you, Madam Baroness." Old Barton is very ill.
"I really underestimated you. You deserve to be Charles' daughter." His sharp eyes and cunning words don't faze me. "For your mother's sake, let Adam go, and I'll give you half of my fortune."
"Do you think I'm short of money?" I look at him. "Do you think everything I did was because I lived in poverty for five years? On the contrary, I never experienced hardship in Birmingham. Everything I did was revenge."
Even though I lived happily, I can't forget the faces of those who hurt me, the beatings, Sister Mary's tragic death, and Nurse Claire's tears. I long for Tommy's comfort. Old Barton's offer doesn't sway me; I'm not short of money, but I'm short of family. I left my real relatives for money, and I miss Tommy dearly.
YOU ARE READING
Mrs. Shelby (Thomas Shelby x OC)
Fanfiction"Our business will expand far beyond England, to Europe, Asia, and beyond. And you, Darling, you will be the most powerful woman in the world. You will be Mrs. Shelby."
