METHOD OF BEDLAM ━ 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐬 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐛𝐲 ²

𝐯𝐢. 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐲-𝐭𝐰𝐨 ; in spite of all the things

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vi. thirty-two: ❝ in spite of all things ❞

𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠: feel it all around - washed out

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Somewhere in England

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As the clock struck eight in the morning, Thomas and James returned to Ada's house. The family room was a hub of activity as Ada, Mar, and Ada's son played together. Thomas, catching sight of Marianna, paused in the doorway, his gaze taking in the transformation.

Ada, ever observant, grinned at Thomas and nudged him. "Well, Tommy, what do you think?"

Thomas, momentarily speechless, found himself captivated by Marianna's appearance. She stood by the window, dressed in the exquisite flapper dress Therese had sent. The green-black laced satin complemented her figure, and the diagonal satin bands converged at the front, creating a mesmerizing effect. The dress exuded a timeless elegance that perfectly matched Marianna's beauty.

"It's like having your very own picture stellar, isn't it?" Ada, reveling in Thomas's stunned silence, playfully teased.

Thomas, finally finding his voice, cleared his throat and nodded approvingly. "You look... stunning, Mari."

Mar, coy at the unexpected compliment, offered a grateful smile. "Thank you, Tommy."

James, who had been silently observing the interaction, couldn't help but add, "Quite a transformation, Mar. You'll turn heads at the Derby."

"She already turns heads wherever she goes." Thomas, a hint of possessiveness in his tone.

As they readied themselves to leave for the Epsom Derby, Thomas and Mar found a moment alone in the family room. The air between them crackled with a subtle energy, a dance of glances and unspoken words.

Thomas, a sly smirk playing on his lips, approached Mar. "You know, I might have to fight off the other men at the Derby with you looking like this."

"Oh, is that so? Well, I can't help it if I turn heads, can I?" Mar, feigning innocence.

Thomas, a twinkle in his eyes, leaned in a bit closer. "Just make sure those heads keep turning in the right direction."

Mar, playing along, placed a hand on his chest, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial tone. "And what direction would that be?"

"Straight to me, always." Thomas whispered, his gaze lingering on her lips.

Mar couldn't help but chuckle. "Well, I hope you've got your game face on. I hear the Derby can be quite the battlefield."