At Your Service [Tommy Shelby]

Distractions

As the day unfolded, time seemed to slip away unnoticed for Vivian. After exploring the grounds surrounding the grand Shelby residence, she eventually made her way to the stables. There, she was warmly greeted by some of the hardworking staff who tended to the magnificent horses that graced the establishment.

Among the equine beauties, one stallion, in particular, caught Vivian's eye. It was a striking black horse, exuding an aura of regal elegance, yet she could sense a restlessness about him. Observing him closely, she surmised that this majestic creature was not content being confined within the stable's walls. A sense of sympathy welled up within her as she considered that he might be one of those spirited warhorses, yearning for action and the freedom of open fields.

Vivian admired the horse's powerful presence, noting how it seemed to long for the freedom of the outdoors, the wind in its mane, and the thrill of movement. She imagined it galloping across vast expanses, its hooves pounding the earth in a symphony of raw energy and untamed spirit.

Throughout her day however, she could not stop thinking about that mysterious man she saw.  Arthur's words had confirmed that he was indeed THE Shelby, the man she was to work for. Tom she heard them call him. Tom Shelby? 

He had looked at her as if she was something to figure out. The intensity of his gaze had unnerved her, leaving her feeling exposed and vulnerable, as if he could discern every hidden thought within her.

She couldn't help but marvel at the power he exuded, not just over his brothers and his household but seemingly over everything around him. The way he had looked at her had stirred a mixture of emotions within her—a blend of fascination, apprehension, and curiosity. His confidence and self-assuredness were undeniable, traits that made it clear he held dominion not only over his family but over the world in which they lived.

Yet, what bothered her was his apparent lack of interest in her presence. As a newcomer to his domain, she had expected some acknowledgment, perhaps even a simple introduction, but he seemed indifferent to her existence. That arrogance that permeated his brothers' demeanor appeared to resonate within him as well.

she found herself contemplating the complex character of her employer. Handsome, impeccably dressed, and undeniably intimidating, he was a man of contradictions. His commanding presence had the potential to captivate, but Vivian remained skeptical. She believed that a man's true character was revealed through his actions, and arrogance could be a double-edged sword.

Still, she tried to convince herself that knowing him better wasn't a priority. Her main concern was securing a stable income in these uncertain times. Everything else—especially the enigmatic allure of the Shelby family—was merely a distraction. She knew she had to stay focused, keep her head down, and fulfill her duties, even if it meant navigating the complexities of a world she did not fully understand.

~

"What did you say her name was again, John?"
John snickered "Why? You've got a bloody wife, Arthur." For the last half an hour his brothers couldn't shut up about that girl in his lobby. 

Arthur shrugs "Having a wife is like the main course, Johnny Boy. Sometimes I want dessert. Isn't that right, Tommy?" Arthur turned to Thomas, nudging him with a playful grin, hoping to involve him in the banter.

Thomas rolled his eyes, not particularly thrilled with the topic of their conversation. "Shut up, Arthur,"  Which makes the boys only laugh harder. 

He was well accustomed to their banter about his personal life, especially his occasional dalliances outside his marriage with Lizzie. He should feel bad about it, or so Lizzie says. But he doesn't. There is no love involved, it's just lust. And to be honest he sometimes doesn't know if there is love involved with Lizzie either. 

He gets interrupted from his train of thoughts by Arthur shouting "Vivian! It was Vivian," he declared triumphantly, pleased to have retrieved the information. John chuckles "Took you long enough, you should get off the booze Arthur, before you become senile." 

"I already am John." And the two keep laughing.

Tommy found himself growing increasingly annoyed with the boisterous company of his brothers. "What did she want anyway?" he sneered, unimpressed by the earlier encounter with the girl.

"She'll be your maid, Tom," John replied, offering an explanation that Tommy wasn't aware of. He raised an eyebrow, surprised that he needed another maid. He made a mental note to inquire about it when they returned home.

John, never one to miss an opportunity to provoke, continued the conversation, "Maybe she'll change her mind, Tom. I told her she's too pretty to be a maid." Arthur snorted, evidently finding John's charm offensive amusing.

Rolling his eyes, Tommy clicked his tongue in response, "You always know the way to a woman's heart, ey?" As much as he found his brothers' comments ridiculous, he had to admit that they weren't wrong about the girl's beauty. When he first saw her, he noticed a certain innocence in her demeanor. She seemed shy and timid, quickly averting her gaze when their eyes met. Her charm and the power she unwittingly held over men intrigued him, but he had learned not to let such distractions get in the way of business.

Regardless of her attractiveness, Tommy was resolute in his approach to the maids. He had no intention of engaging with them beyond the professional requirements of their roles. As long as they performed their duties efficiently, he saw no reason to involve himself in their personal lives.

With these thoughts in mind, Tommy retreated into his own world, leaving the boisterous conversations of his brothers behind. His mind was consumed with the complexities of the Shelby family's endeavors and the challenges that lay ahead. The allure of the mysterious girl, Vivian, would have to take a backseat to the pressing matters that demanded his attention.