Stolen Heart [Tommy Shelby x OC]

Chapter 27

Lily settled in Arrow House with ease.

A week after her arrival in Arrow House, she had sent a letter to Alexander, informing him about the change in their plans. He could come back if he wanted to because she wouldn’t be able to leave the country for a while. His reply had been understanding though a little sceptical. But he wrote he would come back after the harvesting was over. And take her back. A sentence he had vehemently underlined.

She spent her days looking after Oliver and Charles, who was initially in tears, longing for both his parents. But soon he got used to her and began to get along with Oliver. She was happy to find Oliver saying more words in his presence. She had initially dismissed his silence as speech delay but ever since Tommy’s remark, she had been waiting for him to speak. He was still slow but there was progress.

Sometimes at night, when she would find it difficult to sleep after putting the kids to bed, Lily would climb down the lengthy staircases and wander around the huge mansion. And sometimes, despite herself, she would find herself looking at the beautiful portrait of Grace Shelby. And her hand would unconsciously touch her long braid. And she would compare Grace’s slender figure with her curvy one. Or her sparkling blue eyes with her plain brown ones.

Occasionally, Polly and Ada paid visits with updates about Tommy’s health. They had accepted her presence in the house and were grateful that someone familiar was with Charles. Lily had gathered from them that Tommy's skull was fractured along with massive internal bleeding. He had had various operations and his recovery would take time. But he was making good progress.

One afternoon, two months into her stay at the mansion, when Polly was visiting and the kids were playing around them, Polly asked abruptly, ‘Does he know?’

Lily narrowed her eyes, ‘It was you who told him.’ 

‘Does he believe it?’ She corrected.

‘Not yet. But I don’t know for how long.’ Lily said sadly.

Polly nodded in sympathy. She knew what Tommy would do after he found out. And she wished she didn't.

‘So tell me about the artist you’re spending time with.’ Lily asked teasingly.

‘Oh, he’s just painting me.’ Polly blushed, something Lily never thought she would witness.

‘Elizabeth Gray, don’t you lie.’ Lily said in mock-admonishment.

And so the rest of the day went in Lily extracting information about Ruben Oliver, while trying not to dwell on Tommy’s impending return.

3 months later

Early morning, Lily dressed in a yellow dress with flowers printed at the sleeves and hem and a neckline that just covered the top of her breasts. It was a bit risqué, but it wasn't as if she was expecting anyone today. Putting on her brown coat, she hurriedly went down the stairs.

‘Mary, I have some important papers to collect from the old house. Can you take care of the children for a while?’

‘Of course. Miss Peyton?’

Lily turned at her voice.

‘Mr. Shelby came back last night.’