• MRS. SHELBY • A Thomas Shelby Fanfic •

fourteen - happy (almost) new year

I wore a dress that I absolutely adored. I felt beautiful. My hair done nice, jewelry on. I didn't know the feeling of being so filthy rich, and powerful. But as I stood there being watched by so many people, I couldn't help but feel the glory behind this lifestyle.

I'm sure I didn't look as miserable as the last few days were. Being without Thomas, and ending things the way we did was not fair, nor fitting. And yet, he didn't come by the house, didn't mail, didn't phone. Nothing. It's been five days, for the first time ever, today, I contemplated putting on my wedding ring.

I wonder how my birthday will go. It's always been the worst day for me, because mum and dad passed in that home fire on New Year's Eve. Hours before my birthday, on January first. Thomas was always there for me on those two days, listening to me cry, kissing my tears away. Loving me the way a woman is meant to be loved on the horrible anniversary of her parents death.

This Christmas, too, was a struggle. I had spent my Christmas bonus on putting money towards a baby. A baby that I'm not sure will ever be conceived giving myself and Tommy's marital status. I had showered Wanda in gifts though, getting her a new bed and toys. She loved it. I ended Christmas Day drunk off of spiked eggnog and falling asleep on the hardwood floor next to a lit fireplace and Christmas tree.

Tonight was to be different. I wore a smile as I shook people's hand. Seen some familiar faces of those who attended Tommy's fake funeral. People were nice, but also very scared of me. I guess it's because nearly everyone here is on our payroll.

Marcus had been a great host. Catering to at least 300 people, it was like a ball in here. Lights, flappers, music, fashion. Rich people, associating themselves with rich people. His home was open to the public, which was something I could never do.

I found a table with Moss, Polly, Michael and Arthur. Johnny Dogs was also here, but I couldn't find the lad. It was nice, we didn't talk about business, or the gangster lives we lived. Nope, instead, we drank, we laughed, and got along.

For Christmas, I had bought Polly a beautiful crystal necklace that she wore tonight. Michael and Arthur received silver cuff links each. Johnny Dogs, Curly, Charlie all got enough money to last them till next Christmas if they pleased. I got Esme and the kids plots of land to make their own small town and money to survive. I prayed she wouldn't send the money, like she had last year when Tommy had mailed it out. Linda, I bought a bouquet of flowers, because she wasn't my favourite person.

Marcus had approached the table, he kissed the back of my hand, never letting go of me. "Are you having fun, Misty?" He smiles down at me.

I put down my champagne and eases out of his hand, "I am, this is a great party. And your home is magnificent!" I grin.

"Great booze too." Polly nods.

I nod too, agreeing.

His perfect teeth show as he grins at me. "Good, now I have to let you know about the auction."

Polly speaks for me. "What kind of auction?"

"I am in the market for a new car." Michael says, leaning into the conversation. I smile at him, he's been behaving himself too, respecting the rules I had made.

"Women will stand on the stage and we auction them for a dance. The proceeds'll go to a charity of my choice."

"That's wonderful, but I didn't bring my cheque book." I look at Polly, "Did you?"

"Fuck no." She boasts before finishing her champagne.

I look at Marcus and shrug. "Sorry Marcus."

"Well that's alright, we can invoice you a bill. We know you lot are good for it. And I already put you on the roster Mrs. Shelby. After all, you are quite the showstopper in that dress."

I tilt my head, my eyes narrowing. "Why thank you, Marcus. But I really don't want to-"

"Oh stop!" Polly says, right as Linda nods.

"You must get up there!" Linda adds. "For charity!"

"You too then, love." Arthur says, kissing her cheek.

"It's settled then!" Linda stands, looking at Marcus. "Misty and I will take the stage!"

Jesus Christ!

"Wonderful!" Marcus grins before walking away.

"What a cock he is." I sigh, mumbling under my breath. "I swear he's old enough to be my parent."

"Be careful about that turd." Polly says, leaning into me. She puts two new glasses of champagne before us and sighs. I wonder where she got that from. "The bloke wants to fuck youse." She murmurs.

"He's a creep," I raise my glass and take a sip. I'm already tipsy, but I needed this drink. "I'd like to see him try to get a hard on."

"Fuck him and his shrivelled up cock." She raises her glass in a roast and I follow her. Making the toast.

"Amen!" I break into laughs before taking a big gulp of bubbly. I'm not one to drink, but when I do, I really go hard.

She giggles, nudging her shoulder into me. "I never thought you were funny, Misty, but Jesus, who would have thought, without Thomas's rain cloud around, you've loosen up." She pops the p.

I smile at her, mentioning the empty glasses of alcohol between us. "I reckon its the liquor that makes me funny." I lick my lips, finishing off the drink. "Promise me, you'll outbid Marcus if he tries to win a dance with me?"

"And lose my cash to see you dancing with that pig?" She giggles, leaning back in her seat. "Sounds like a lose lose to me. Sorry but no."

I laugh, she's right. It'll be hilarious seeing my awkward self dancing with such a small, old man. He wouldn't ever.

After a tasteless dinner a woman steps on the stage and clears her throat, and her voice is echoed throughout the massive ballroom. "Now for the main event. The auction."

"Great." I murmur, pushing myself to stand as Linda gets up and makes her way to the stage. "Wish me luck." I tell her.

"Good luck, dear." She says before sighing. "Give 'em hell."