#Furnace Cleaning Ottawa

[mrphltd]

Ottawa Plumbing and Heating Company | M.Rankyne

When it comes to plumbing and heating services in Ottawa, you need a company you can trust—and that’s where M.Rankyne shines. With years of experience, unmatched expertise, and a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, M.Rankyne has established itself as one of the most reliable names in the business. Whether it’s leaky faucets or keeping your home warm during one of Ottawa’s chilly winters, they’ve got you covered!

Comprehensive Plumbing Services

Plumbing problems are never convenient, but M.Rankyne makes fixing them a stress-free experience. From minor repairs to major installations, this team of licensed professionals handles it all. Some of their core plumbing services include:

Emergency Repairs: Burst pipes? Blocked drains? Their rapid-response team is available to tackle emergencies promptly.

Fixture Installations: Upgrading your kitchen or bathroom? M.Rankyne excels at installing sinks, faucets, and other fixtures with precision.

Sewer & Drain Cleaning: A clogged drain can disrupt your entire day. Their advanced equipment clears blockages efficiently to keep your plumbing running smoothly.

Water Heater Solutions: Whether you need repairs or a full replacement, they’ll ensure you always have access to hot water when you need it.

With a reputation for attention to detail and fair pricing, M.Rankyne is the go-to choice for plumbing solutions in Ottawa.

Expert Heating Solutions Tailored for Ottawa’s Winter

Ottawa winters are no joke. Temperatures can dip well below freezing, making a reliable heating system essential for your home or business. M.Rankyne specializes in state-of-the-art heating solutions to keep you warm no matter how cold it gets. Their heating services include:

Furnace Installation & Repair: Whether you’re upgrading to a new unit or maintaining an older system, M.Rankyne ensures your furnace works like a dream.

Boiler Services: Efficient and dependable, their boiler repairs and installations are perfect for older properties or those looking for high-performance heating.

Heat Pump Services: These eco-friendly systems not only save energy but also provide effective heating. M.Rankyne has the know-how to install and maintain them for peak performance.

Thermostat Upgrades: Want full control over your home’s temperature? Their technicians make smart thermostat installations seamless and hassle-free.

What Makes M.Rankyne Stand Out?

M.Rankyne isn’t just another plumbing and heating company in Ottawa. They stand head and shoulders above the competition thanks to their unique approach and dedication to their customers.

Years of Expertise: With a wealth of experience in the industry, the team combines technical skills with an in-depth understanding of Ottawa’s unique plumbing and heating needs.

Licensed and Certified Team: Every technician is thoroughly trained, licensed, and up-to-date on industry standards, giving you peace of mind knowing the job is done right.

Customer-Centric Approach: From the initial consultation to the final walkthrough, M.Rankyne prioritizes customer satisfaction. They listen to your concerns and tailor solutions that fit your needs perfectly.

Transparent Pricing: Hidden fees are a thing of the past. M.Rankyne believes in providing upfront quotes so you know exactly what to expect.

Testimonials From Happy Customers

Countless Ottawa residents and businesses rave about M.Rankyne’s exceptional service. Here’s what a few satisfied customers had to say:

“We had a burst pipe in the middle of the night, and M.Rankyne was there within the hour. The team was professional, polite, and fixed the issue quickly. I can’t recommend them enough!” – Sarah T.

“Our furnace stopped working on one of the coldest nights of the year. M.Rankyne responded immediately and didn’t just fix the problem—they explained how to better maintain it going forward. Fantastic service!” – David L.

M.Rankyne helped us upgrade our outdated plumbing. The work was completed on time and on budget with no surprises. Their team is incredibly reliable and knowledgeable! – Elaine P.

Reliable Services for Ottawa’s Unique Needs

Ottawa’s climate, with its freezing winters and humid summers, demands reliable plumbing and heating systems. M.Rankyne understands these challenges and delivers solutions tailored to your home or business. Whether it’s preventing frozen pipes or maintaining efficient heating systems, they go above and beyond to ensure your comfort year-round.

Call M.Rankyne Today!

Don’t wait until the next plumbing emergency or heating breakdown—M.Rankyne is here to help. Their team of professionals is ready to provide top-quality service, no matter the size of the job. Join the growing number of Ottawa homeowners and businesses who trust M.Rankyne for their plumbing and heating needs!

Contact them today to schedule a service or get a free quote. With M.Rankyne, you’re choosing a company rooted in reliability, expertise, and a commitment to keeping Ottawa homes comfortable and stress-free.

Visit Here= https://mrphltd.ca/our-services/

[ap-emergency-services-24h]

Emergencies in Ottawa or Toronto? AP Emergency Services 24H is here to help you in every need!

Count on our services for the best solutions in: Plumbing, Electrician, Drainage, and HVAC.

In Ottawa and Toronto, AP Emergency Services 24H is set apart as an example of reliability and effectiveness. With an absolute dedication to responding to emergencies on time, we offer a variety of important services to keep homes and businesses safe and functioning all of the time.

Services Offered:

Electrical Services

· Circuit breaker

· Wiring and rewiring

· Electrical inspections

· Lighting installation

· Switch Repair

· Electrical Maintenance

· Surge protection

· Electrical Emergency

Plumbing Services

· Garburator Repair

· Faucet Repair

· Tub Repair

· Shower Repair

· Sink Repair

· Clogged Toilet

· Leaky Pipes

· Emergency Services

Drainage Services

· Drain cleaning

· Sewer line cleaning

· Video-inspections

· Pipe repairs

· Drain unclogging

· Septic tank

· Drain installation

· Drain Emergency

HVAC Services

· HVAC installation

· HVAC system repair

· Furnace installation

· Ductwork installation

· Boiler installation

· Heat pump repair

· Radiant installation

· HVAC Emergency

Key Features:

Great Customer Service: At AP Emergency Services 24H, customer satisfaction is paramount. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are dedicated to providing exceptional service with a smile, ensuring a positive experience for every client.

Fast Service: Time is of the essence during emergencies, which is why we prioritize rapid response times. With our 24-hour availability, you can trust that help is never far away when you need it most.

Professionalism: Our team comprises highly trained professionals who approach each task with professionalism and expertise. From diagnosis to resolution, we adhere to the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship.

Why Choose AP Emergency Services 24H:

Reliability: With years of experience serving the communities of Ottawa and Toronto, we have earned a reputation for reliability and dependability.

24/7 Availability: Emergencies don't adhere to regular business hours, which is why we offer 24/7 services, including weekends and holidays, ensuring assistance is always within reach.

Competitive Pricing: We believe in transparent pricing and strive to offer competitive rates without compromising on the quality of our work.

In times of an emergency, AP Emergency Services 24H will provide quick, trustworthy assistance when you need it most. Contact us now for all of your plumbing, electrical, drainage, and HVAC requirements in Ottawa and Toronto.

We invite you to visit our website at https://ap-emergencyservices24h.com/ for further details about our services and to get to know our team better.

[theenergycentre]

Considering Selling Your Home? Don't Overlook Your HVAC System

Are you considering putting your home on the market? Before you take that step, there’s a crucial aspect of your property that demands attention – your HVAC system. In this article, we’ll explore why investing in your HVAC system before selling your home isn't just a wise decision, but could also make or break a deal. We'll discuss the significance of HVAC maintenance, the key components to inspect, and how it can impact your home's value.

Why Invest in Your HVAC System Before Selling?

When selling your home, every detail matters, including your HVAC system. Prospective buyers often prefer homes that require minimal repairs and are ready for immediate occupancy. While cosmetic issues are evident, neglecting your HVAC system can jeopardize the sale. Here's why investing in your HVAC system before listing your home is a savvy move.

Which HVAC Components Should You Prioritize for Buyer Appeal?

To maximize your home’s attractiveness to potential buyers and facilitate a smooth sale, focus on these four HVAC components:

Heating System:

If your furnace is outdated and no longer operating efficiently, it's time to consider replacement. The heat exchanger is crucial for converting fuel into heat, and neglecting maintenance can lead to gas leaks, a major deterrent for buyers.

Air Conditioning Unit:

Similar to the furnace, the age and condition of your air conditioner matter. An old or malfunctioning unit should be replaced to ensure a comfortable living environment, a feature highly sought after by buyers.

Ductwork:

Clean, properly sealed ductwork is essential for efficient HVAC performance. Aging or damaged ducts can deter buyers, and addressing ventilation issues promptly can maintain your home’s appeal.

Gas Fireplace:

While not necessarily new, your gas fireplace should be in good working order. Regular servicing ensures its functionality, crucial for impressing potential buyers.

Investing in maintaining or replacing these HVAC components can significantly enhance your home’s appeal to buyers.

Conclusion:

Selling your home involves numerous considerations, but neglecting your HVAC system could lead to missed opportunities. To increase the likelihood of a quick and profitable sale, prioritize HVAC system maintenance.

Contact The Energy Centre:

With over two decades of experience, The Energy Centre can help prepare your home for the market. They offer installations and repairs for all major HVAC brands and have implemented safety measures to ensure minimal disruption during the pandemic. Contact them for HVAC service or repair at 613-746-7000 or online for more information about their services in Ottawa.

[camheatingottawa]

Air conditioning Maintenance - Cambridge Heating and Cooling Ottawa

Regular maintenance can help you save money on energy bills.

Without regular maintenance, an air conditioner loses about 5% of its original efficiency for each year of operation. This means that your air conditioner has to work harder each year to perform at the same level, costing you more money, and causing more wear-and-tear on the unit, shortening its life.

But with regular maintenance, your air conditioning unit should be able to serve you faithfully and efficiently for many extra years, saving you money over the long run.

Performing regular maintenance on your A/C unit all year long will ensure you are getting the best out of your system. This will lead to significant savings on your electric bills while having a comfortable home. To help you with this, we offer air conditioning maintenance agreements that provide for checking and ensuring that your system is optimized for peak performance.

Freon levels are checked and regulated. If you are low on Freon, it could be preventing your system from cooling properly. It may also be a signal that there is a leak somewhere in the lines. We make sure your Freon levels are set for optimal performance.

Regular maintenance also helps prevent clogged condensate drains which can be full of harmful bacteria. Water and bacteria can build up in the lines that drain excess water from the system. We flush out the condensate lines on every visit. To prevent water leaking issues, it’s very important to make sure these lines are clear. In cases where algae buildup is present, we include algae tablets to clean the affected area.

We also thoroughly inspect all parts of the system. A squeaky motor may need some oil and lubrication. We also check all electrical connections and controlling devices for proper fit and voltage. This includes calibrating the thermostat if needed, and checking the safety controls.

Call us today at 613-800-3336 to schedule a preventative maintenance check.

Cambridge Heating and Cooling Ottawa

1902 Robertson Rd #202,

Ottawa, ON K2H 5B8

613-800-3336

https://www.google.com/maps?cid=20713307822055628

Recommended Links:

https://airconditioningrepairottawa.blogspot.com/ https://cambridge-heating-and-cooling-ottawa.business.site/

https://about.me/camheatingonottawa https://en.gravatar.com/camheatingon

[dreamairca]

Our gas technicians at Dream Air provide affordable residential gas line repair and installation service in Ottawa, ON and surrounding areas. Call us today at 613-558-4328(Heat) or 613-762-3035 for a quote.

[dail4duct-blog]

Dial4Duct Offers particular attention to all Customers

Dial 4 Duct in Ontario know what to do our customer and keep them satisfied. This is how we should work, and this is alright from the first time. If you are not satisfied, we will make you satisfied by our out class service.

https://dial4duct.com/our-deals/

[airconditioninstallation]

AIR CONDITIONING INSTALLATION OTTAWA

Air Conditioner Costs Ottawa (2021)

You've arrived at the ideal location! This report discusses the present 2021 air conditioner cost in our region week as what to expect when you select solutions for the installation. In addition, we cover a few commonly asked questions regarding fundamental AIR CONDITIONING INSTALLATION OTTAWA along with a few hints.

Once that decision was made, the main day in the life span of the air conditioner is its own installation day.

Our office staff will reach out and provide you a coming time to your installation staff. Upon arrival, our staff will introduce themselves and make sure they place protective flooring runners from front door into the furnace downstairs. At this point it might be wise to transfer any vehicles in the driveway to permit our staff better accessibility to your house. What's more, it's almost always a fantastic idea to clean the air conditioner region of debris and make sure there is great accessibility to the furnace region.

Services will normally send a group of two technicians to finish your installation.

All components on the air conditioner is going to be substituted unless differently specified. This includes the indoor coil, the line place connecting the components, the mat or mounts the unit is put on, your outside disconnect and some other drainage components. Since you're receiving a brand new unit, you don't wish to risk any guarantee problems by reusing outdated components, unless mandatory!

How Long Must the AC Installation Take?

Each AIR CONDITIONING INSTALLATION differs and there are many things which may impact the duration of time the installation can take. This includes length of this line set, route of this line set (does it need to maneuver finished ceiling), electric wiring length and several other parameters.

AIR CONDITIONING INSTALLATION OTTAWA

A lot of men and women inquire whether an air conditioner installation can happen in winter. The solution is yes! It's extremely important that your installing contractor comes in warmer weather to check and start the unit up. In case you've got your apparatus installed in winter, you'll have a service tech scheduled to run by and examine the device to make sure that you're getting appropriate cooling and to guarantee fan speeds are appropriately calibrated and refrigerant levels are ideal for cooling.

When choosing your air conditioner there are a couple aspects that finally the homeowner should determine. Although we'll always advocate best practices and educate our clients on the advantages of unique components, the decision is ultimately yours.

-Where would you like the unit set? Not all locations are equivalent in regards to aesthetics, noise levels and functionality. We'll suggest a location but it's necessary to discuss this with your home relaxation adviser.

-What degree of efficacy are you looking for? Components vary from minimum efficiencies to incredibly efficient high-end components, deciding on which unit best fits your requirements is vital.

-Would you want the unit on mounts or a mat? Once again, we might have recommendations but installation factors like this are around the homeowner.

Ottawa Air Conditioner Costs in 2021

Since there's such a wide selection of air conditioner goods available, we've provided a breakout typical range for mid-tier and greater end coolers.

Present average range: We've sold tens of thousands of air conditioner models within the previous two decades and also have compiled the information on typical cost to a homeowner in Ottawa. Though components are $2200-$10,000+ we've observed the normal price of an air conditioner in Ottawa to become 3300 in 2020.

High-end range: lots of customers are extremely environmentally conscious now and also a focus on efficacy appears to be extremely valuable to homeowners in Ottawa. We've observed an increase in earnings of components which are 16-25 SEER and use much less energy than older components. All these AC's can vary between $5000-$15,000 and we visit customers who buy high end components spending on average $6500 to enjoy the advantages of efficient, multi phase cooling with incredibly silent operation.

Will Air Conditioner Costs Stay the same?

As with any other solution, we've seen price increases of 3-5% yearly on-air conditioners. At Services we've worked really hard with our suppliers to maintain our pricing with significant bulk purchases and purchasing electricity. Providers have purchased countless components before Spring cost increases to make sure our customers in Ottawa get the very best pricing on quality components!

With factories shutting down because of COVID concerns, shipping lines interrupted and alloy costs increasing, air conditioner prices are expected to grow 8%-10% from 2020-2021. This is going to be an industry wide increase and can be due to the problems created by COVID-19. We've worked very difficult to make sure our year over year cost increases don't reflect those of the producers and the industry as a whole. With bulk purchases of components and substance, along with a dedication to our honest pricing model, we'll continue to become a pioneer in the cheapest AC installations in Ottawa.

[ottawarealtor]

Happy Saturday Everyone!  WE just listed this move in ready bungalow in Carson Grove which is right beside CSIS and LRT! This place can be perfect for a person looking to turn it into a secondary unit in the basement and I can show you how as I am a Secondary dwelling expert and have done this myself and help other investors and buyers do the same throughout the city.  This basement can be turned into a comfortable 3 bedroom apartment which can be rented for approx $1800 to $2000 monthly if done correctly. You can collect the rent and live upstairs or you can rent upstairs also for $1900 - $2200 monthly.  Alot of options and a great location and street! 1412 RAINBOW CRES, Ottawa K1J 8E2Listed at $474,750 MLS#1195073Lot size: 54.99 ' x 100 FeetTaxes: $3,992.00/2020Offers presented 12:00PM noon on June 17, 2020Side entrance to basement for possible secondary unit Welcome to 1412 Rainbow Crescent, a 3+1 bedroom bungalow in Carson Grove, walking distance to CSIS, CSEC, NRC, CMHC, Montfort Hospital, La Cite Collegiale, Blair Road LRT, Silver City, parks, schools, restaurants, shopping and more. Main floor features parquet hardwood, large living room with bay window, eat-in kitchen with stainless appliances, ample counterspace and access to the deck, 3 bedrooms, updated main bath and a side entrance (leading right downstairs). Lower level is fully finished with berber carpet, a huge Family room, 4th bedroom, laundry room, storage room and 3 piece bathroom. Fenced backyard has a deck (2014) and a storage shed...a perfect spot for BBQ's or a pool. This bungalow is ideal for a Family or as an Investment. Roof shingles 2013, Furnace and AC 2015, refinished hardwood 2015, kitchen counters 2015. No conveyance of Offers until June 17 as per Form 244. COVID-19 guidleines in effect for all showings. Professionally cleaned and sterilized throughout.Average utilities: $60/M water and sewer, $85/M natural gas, $90/M hydro Contact me today for more in formation while it is currently available! #ottawa #bungalow #carsongrove #csis #greatklocation #nicelotsize #secondarydwelling #legalbasementpartment #icanhelp #wecanshowyouhow #amazinoppurtunity #ottawahomes #ottawarealestate #ottawabungalows #soldbysorin #johnnyhuntrealestate #capitalhomesrealty

[ottawafurnacerepair]

HVAC: Choose the Best and It Will Do the Rest

HVAC or Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning systems have been in use for a long time now. They help us stay comfortable regardless of the season by heating and or cooling our homes, or commercial and industrial buildings. They also provide us with fresh and breathable indoor air so we can breathe air that is free from contaminants that come in the form of chemicals, odor, dust, and pet dander. These contaminants may likewise come from furnishings, cleaning materials, and other sources that are essentially all over one’s home.

  Most people rely on their HVAC systems so much that their energy consumption from using HVAC units accounts to half of their utility bills. Due to this, it is advisable that one should be careful in choosing his or her HVAC system and make sure that these systems address any indoor comfort issue you may have without shooting the utility bills up.

  People from very cold places may prefer to use heaters or heating systems so that they can be comfortable despite the freezing cold weather. Too much coldness can lead to hypothermia, which can eventually lead to one’s death. It is why you must be careful in choosing the unit for your home and make sure that it can provide warmth despite the freezing cold temperature outside.

Heating systems can take a couple of different forms. Some are furnaces that burn material to provide heated air through the ductwork, while another popular choice is boilers that heat water for steam radiators, or forced-water systems with baseboard radiators, electric heat, and heat pumps. A furnace will generally operate on natural gas or propane, while a boiler will use gas or oil to heat the water.

  Another option is a radiant floor, also known as a hydronic heating system. These use piping under a floor, and are made up of flexible tubes that are filled with water or a glycol solution.

  Source: http://twentyonecelsius.com.au/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-hvac-systems/

There are many advanced systems or models available in the market at varying prices. They have different features and energy consumption likewise varies. However, these are still proven inefficient compared to multi-staged systems that not only offer comfort but are more energy-efficient choices for both residential and commercial spaces. Aside from these, there are also other less common options that you may also want to look into that are friendlier to the environment if you are the type to be conscientious of your energy use and how much carbon footprint you contribute to your surroundings.

A split system is a combination of an indoor air handling unit and an outdoor condensing unit. The indoor air handling unit contains a supply air fan and an air-to-refrigerant heat exchanger (or cooling coil), and the expansion device. The outdoor condensing unit consists of a compressor and a condenser coil. Split-systems are typically found in residential or small commercial buildings.

  These systems have the highest energy efficiency rating (EER) of all the available AC systems. Manufacturers are required to take the EER rating a step further and provide a seasonal energy efficiency rating (SEER) for use by consumers. SEER ratings vary widely and range from 10 to 20. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the AC system operates. If heating is required, an alternate method of heating the interior of the building must be used, usually in the form of electric or gas heating. 

  Source: http://www.fsec.ucf.edu/en/consumer/buildings/commercial/hvac.html

Another type is categorized as ‘zoned systems’. They are designed to either cool or heat the different parts of your home individually thus the term ‘zoned’. This is possible through designing zone valves and curbs in the vents and ductwork of the unit which will lead to the blockage of air flow from the inside. For people who own larger spaces, this is very important because it ensures that none of the areas in your home are cooled or heated unnecessarily or when not in use. In short, it can help you save money and energy at the same time.

  Indeed, HVAC systems have given us so many benefits. However, we must keep in mind to always be vigilant when it comes to choosing the best HVAC unit for your home to ensure that it does not backfire and cost you your property, family, and sometimes even your own life when neglected or not cared for properly.

The post HVAC: Choose the Best and It Will Do the Rest appeared first on Furnace Repair Ottawa.

from Furnace Repair Ottawa https://furnace-repair-ottawa.ca/hvac-choose-the-best-and-it-will-do-the-rest/

[paleandmoonstruck]

Half-Sick of Shadows CH. 1

For reference: this is a Tommy Shelby x OC fic. Just me playing around a little with canon as a kind of fix-it fic. Enjoy!

(AN: The version of ‘Clair de Lune’ Lucy sings here is by Merry Ellen Kirk! All rights go to her and her beautiful brain.)

The gaslight reflected off the rain-slick streets, shimmering beneath Lucy’s boots. Long, glowing lines of gold seemed to lead her straight to Alice’s door; entirely too beautiful for what she had told her of Birmingham. The brass handle of her suitcase had grown warm from her clutching it, a steamer trunk filled with the non-essentials on its way from the train station. The man at the counter had assured her that it would arrive by the next afternoon, and directed her towards a line of cabs willing to take her to wherever she was staying.

She had walked the five kilometres to Alice’s happily, brushing away the voice that murmured that she wasn’t safe. She had learned to be invisible, and the dark blue of her coat and hat let the eyes of others skip over her. The city had taken her by surprise: Ottawa had been busy, but never this cramped and… industrial. Steam seemed to collect around the feet of the buildings, spewing from furnaces dotted around with no apparent rhyme or reason. Despite the hour, streams and masses of people filled the streets, clamouring together and shouting. The air stunk of factories, but as she drew nearer to where Alice lived, she found it had its own charm. She had always enjoyed being where it was lively, and the bright energy of Birmingham lacked the frantic fear of the medical tents that had tainted the bustle.

Before she knew it, the small door that read Alice’s address was before her face. The paint was peeling in the corner, something George would have fixed. She had barely lifted the knocker when the door swung open, the worn metal slipping from beneath her fingers. And behind the frame stood Alice.

She had changed in the months after the War’s end. Her hair was shorter, cut to her jaw in the current fashion. She looked smaller somehow. Carried herself differently. Lucy wondered how she had changed.

“Lucienne!” Alice gasped, throwing her arms around her. She still smelled like lavender and soap, still buried her shorter head in the crook of Lucy’s neck. Her nose burned with tears.

Resisting the urge to babble away in French, Lucy pulled back, “let’s go in off the porch, ma cocotte, before I start crying in the middle of the street.”

In a flurry of movement, Alice had taken her bag and ushered her into her little apartment. “It’s got two bedrooms,” Alice chirped, “we had planned on making the second a guest bedroom, but that can be yours now. Tiny though, I hope you don’t mind, love.”

Her tone was forced, and Lucy offered her a sympathetic smile. “Never. I’m just glad you got my letters.”

Lucy’s side had been itching all the way here. She wasn’t sure if it was the wound itself, or the fact that she knew it was there. She had scratched the skin raw during her nearly week-long trip across the Atlantic. Dropping her hat, she crossed the room to the fire. A long iron poker lay to the left, and she propped it up so the end was properly thrust into the coals. “Do you have any whiskey, Alice?”

“Where are my manners?” she said, dashing off to the small kitchen, “would you like it watered down any?”

“No,” Lucy replied, shrugging off her coat and starting to work on the buttons of her blouse, “straight, if you don’t mind.”

By the time Alice reappeared in the living room, Lucy stood naked from the waist up in front of the fire. Alice stopped dead in the doorway, eyeing her like she had lost her mind. Lucy remained unabashed. Alice was more like family than anyone who shared her blood, a sister in every way but biology. She drew nearer to where Lucy stood, eyes focused on the ugly raised skin on her right side. She handed off the whiskey, voice low, “did — did he…?”

“With a knife,” Lucy said, knocking back her whiskey. The rush of it flooded her from head to toe, glowing warmth settling in her chest. She put down the glass, grasping Alice’s hand in her own, “I need to ask a favour of you.”

“What?”

Pulling the poker from the fire, she eyed the metal. The edges glowed a bright orange, and she handed it off to Alice, “burn it. Please, for the love of God. I can’t walk around with it any longer.”

“Lucy,” Alice said, swiping at tears that hadn’t fallen yet, “you can’t ask that of me.”

“Please, Alice,” Lucy begged, raising her arm to show the full effect of the scar. Two jagged letters, FV, sat in the curve between her breast and ribs. “I feel like a cow.”

Alice nodded, grabbing the poker with two hands. “Arms up on the mantel. I don’t want to catch you somewhere else by accident.”

Bracing herself against the fireplace, Lucy sucked in a sharp breath as Alice dragged a chair over, propping her legs against it in case her knees gave out. The poker met her skin, blinding pain blooming across her ribs. Her death-grip on the oak mantel kept her from drawing away from the poker, but she wouldn’t have in the first place. The pain was cleansing. Rebirth lived on the razor’s edge of it, each wave of agony burning away the letters, the words, where his knife had dug into the flesh. She wished she could do this to her whole body. That the Lucienne who had loved him could go up in smoke as easily.

“It’s done,” Alice said, dashing away as if she had been the one burned, “I’ll get water to draw the heat out, and I think I have cooling gel here somewhere.”

Finally letting herself fall away from the fireplace, Lucy flopped onto the chair. As her head lolled back, she smiled at Alice. “Thank you."

Alice paused in the threshold of the kitchen. The apartment, Lucy realized, was arranged strangely. Alice’s things littered the rooms, with strange gaps. Like she had left space for George to put his things, and the holes still had yet to be filled. Her belongings, she supposed, could slot in to the empty spaces. “No,” Alice said, “thank you. For coming when I needed you."

For a moment when she woke, Lucy forgot where she was.

She came to thrashing, just as she had for the past week and a half. But Alice’s familiar smell clung to the sheets of the guest bed, and all at once she came back to herself.

Her new burn made dressing difficult, but it didn’t hurt nearly as terribly as she thought it would. The skin was a jagged block of new and old flesh, the once raised scar now lowered compared to the surrounding skin. Alice had informed her of a nearby bar in need of staffing, and she refused to languish unhelpfully for longer than she had. The past few days had been spent with Alice dashing off to work at the hospital, while Lucy cleaned anything she could get her hands on. She had assembled her and Alice’s things into a tidy order, the gaps where George’s belongings had been easily forgotten.

The dress she wore today reminded her of her uniform during the war, the sky-blue of it matching her eyes rather wonderfully. Little bluebird, a familiar voice hissed in her mind, mon alouette. She brushed harder against her palm. Despite herself, she couldn’t bear to cut her hair. It remained far past her shoulders — horribly old-fashioned. The curls helped a little, even if she spent a solid half hour a week brushing them out. The golden red of it didn’t suit the new style of bob anyhow, unlike Alice’s shiny black hair.

Staring into the mirror, she stopped seeing the woman she had been for the past seven months. The Lucy that had slogged her way to the medical tents and worked twelve-hour shifts on her feet reappeared. She almost expected to turn her head and find her face splattered in fresh blood.

She wondered if she would ever be the girl who had never seen war again, or if she was lost to 1913.

Twisting her hair back into the same bun she had worn for the four years of the War, she felt more and more like her old self again. By the time she had stepped out the door, her spine was straighter than it had been in months, and she met the eyes of each person she passed dauntlessly. And they stared. Both her dress and cloak-like coat were the same bright blue, admittedly standing out amongst the darker colours the people of Birmingham seemed to prefer. Otherwise, her old-fashioned sense of style and red hair made her stick out like a sore thumb.

When she swung open the door, the bar — pub, she reminded herself — appeared empty. She called out into the silence, cringing as her voice echoed back to her, “hello? Anyone here?”

“We’re closed right now love,” a voice answered. The man it belonged to came around the corner. He was fairly tall, wearing a suit of a fine make with the jacket and tie cast off. He had an impressive moustache, laid against a somewhat old, weathered face. His ears were quite large, and she tried desperately not to stare at them.

“I was told there was a job opening? For someone to come sing.”

He narrowed his eyes. “What’s your name? Where are you from?”

“Lucienne Frasier,” she said, cursing her blend of an accent. “But most English folk call me Lucy. I’m from Ottawa, in Canada. My mother was French, and my father was Scottish, so I sound a tad strange. But I’ve moved to Birmingham.”

She was babbling, and she knew this, but it was proving rather difficult to stop. Out came the hand gestures, and the rushed voice, but words kept spilling out of her. “I’ve worked in bars before. Before the War, I mean. As a singer, and as a barmaid. During the War, I was nurse. Served on the Western Front. But that’s not relevant, is it?…”

Her question hung in the air as a second, utterly familiar man rounded the corner. Sergeant Major Thomas Shelby stood staring back at her, a look on his face like he had just seen a ghost. She supposed he had. She hadn’t even considered the fact that she might bump into him in Birmingham, despite the relatively small size of the city. God, how could she be so stupid?

Northern France, November 4th, 1916.  

“Seven more wounded!” Someone called. Men dragged in the dead and dying on stretchers. A beat. Lucy was too slow, five other nurses had already flocked to the dead bodies. They were the easiest, only needing someone to properly pronounce them dead before moving on. She settled for a man with blood staining his torso, who lay still as a corpse. Dragging him over to her workspace, she began to cut away his torn and dirty uniform. Beneath, she saw that he was littered with stab wounds.

“Leave him,” Nurse Bernadette said, “he’s almost dead anyway. It’s not worth the effort.”

Maybe it was the fact that Bernadette was a raging bitch, and every nurse, medic, and doctor this side of the Marne knew it. Maybe it was the faint fluttering of the soldier’s eyelashes as she spoke. Maybe it was the fact that he was beautiful. Either way, a surge of anger and protectiveness rose in Lucy’s chest, and she snapped back, “mind your own damn patient. He’s mine to take care of, and I’ll do as I please.”  

Bernadette, ever the arsepiece, turned to Doctor Thompson. “Tell her to leave him be, she’s wasting time and resources.”

Doctor Thompson scanned the man, and saw Lucy’s face. “Her patient, her decision. We don’t have time for this, Bernadette. Mind your own.”

“Thank you, Doctor,” Lucy said, eyeing Bernadette murderously. She got to work, splashing her hands in Dakin solution and tossing on a pair of gloves. Anesthetic was administered quickly, and with expert technique. Thank God, his organs weren’t damaged. The stab wounds were numerous, but shallow. From the size and shape, it looked as though they had been made by an idiot who didn’t know how to use a bayonet. The work was painstaking, each stitch made with the utmost precision. Other nurses whirled around her in constant movement, stretchers flying across the medical tent as men were either healed enough to be taken to Recovery, or died on the table.

“Lucy,” a voice called. It was Nurse Russell, she realized. “Your shift is up, someone else can take over for you.”

“No,” Lucy murmured, shifting the man’s skin so the layers lined up with one another. She was hoping to reduce scarring, if possible.

She lost herself in the work, slaving over the dozens of minuscule stitches needed to piece him back together. By the time she was done, the clock informed her that it was an hour and half past the end of her twelve-hour shift.

“I’ll take him to Recovery,” she said, her tiredness crashing down on her now that she was aware of the time. She tugged him onto a rolling stretcher, and carted him off to the Recovery tent. She put him in one of the nicer ones, with ‘rooms’ sectioned off with hanging canvas. It was thick enough to block out some of the noise, and provided about as much privacy as one could expect.

Before she left to go sleep, she cast a backwards glance at him. His chest rose and fell slowly, but steadily. He was out of the woods. A strange feeling of relief passed over her. An odd affection for a man she had never so much as spoken to blooming in her chest.

She needed to sleep.

Northern France, November 6th, 1916.

“How’s Caesar?” Alice asked, poking her head into the room.

Lucy still wasn’t quite sure how she had swung it with Nurse Russell to let her momentarily switch from Incoming tents to Recovery. Well, she was somewhat sure. Not one full sleep after she had carefully stitched him back together, nearly every nurse in Recovery and otherwise had started fighting over who would get to watch over him. It wasn’t because he was good looking, though that certainly helped. He was a mystery. He still hadn’t woken, and there was absolutely no form of identification on him. It tickled the fancy of the girls who had signed on to be nurses out of a botched romanticism, and at least stirred the curiosity of the others. Lucy insisted that she should be the one to care for him, given that she had treated him, and therefore knew his wounds best. Nurse Russell had no doubt seen an easy out there, and deemed it the perfect solution.

“Still sleeping,” Lucy answered, absentmindedly feeling the cloth on his forehead. He had started running a bit hot within the first day of her taking him into her care. It seemed to stem from whatever he was dreaming of, however, as she had checked thoroughly for any signs of infection and found nothing. He was healing remarkably well. “You’ll be the first to know if he rises from his slumber.”

Grinning, Alice tossed her a canteen of fresh water. “I had better be. Don’t forget to grab some food, lunch’s in an hour.”

Lucy took a grateful sip, nodding as she made to soak Caesar’s cloth in bowl of cold water at his bedside. Settling down with her book of Tennyson, she made a mental note to change his bandages in a half hour.

She could pass hours like this, entertaining herself with small menial tasks and the minutiae of tending to him. She supposed she could have gone and checked on the others, but it wasn’t as though Recovery was short-staffed. She took up darning a pair of socks Alice had handed off to her, insisting that if Lucy was going to sit around Caesar’s beside all day, she might as well make herself useful. Without doing much in the way of thinking, she began to hum, which grew into full-out soft singing. It was a Scottish song her grandmother had sung to her as a child, some ballad that doubled as a lullaby. She kept going as she went to change Caesar’s bandages, turning to the side to grab her medical bag.

A rough voice echoed through the room, nearly scaring her out of her skin, “are you an angel?”

Any song died in her throat, and she turned back to see Caesar staring at her, bleary-eyed. “Not an angel,” she managed, ignoring the little thrill in her chest as she took in the bright blue of his eyes. “Just a nurse.”

“Ah,” he said, nodding a little. “Figured an angel wouldn’t be singing a Jacobite song, but thought I’d check.”

He had a thick accent, that while being unmistakably English, was unlike any of the other accents she had come across just yet. She gently tapped his bandages, “I need to change these, do you mind?” When he waved his consent, she began to peel back the thick cotton, examining his wounds as she spoke, “everyone will be so pleased to hear you’ve woken. What’s your name, by the way? You lost your identification, so we’ve been calling you Caesar I’m afraid.”

His eyes drifted open a little wider, surprise and amusement swirling in them in equal measure. “Caesar?”

“That’s my fault,” she admitted, cheeks heating. “I started it. We’re supposed to call unidentified men John Doe, but I thought Caesar was a little more apt, what with all the stab wounds.” She gestured to his torso, which was littered with stitches.

He peered over his chest, craning his neck to see his stomach. “Ah. I nearly forgot.”

“Forgot being almost stabbed to death?”

“You’d be surprised what a man can forget when he doesn’t want to dwell on something.”

“Well,” she drawled, “you’re healing wonderfully. You’re welcome, by the way. I had to fight to be allowed to stitch you up.”

“Bit of a lost cause, was I?”

“In the opinion of some,” she sniffed, slathering a poultice over the stitches to keep them from getting stiff.

A smile was tugging at the corner of his mouth. “But not in yours?”

She turned to made eye contact with him, growing serious. “No one is beyond saving until their heart stops beating. Anyone who says otherwise is just lazy.”

“In that case, you have my eternal thanks,” he joked. “My name’s Thomas. Thomas Shelby.”

Tugging his chart out from beneath her pile of recreational activities, she wrote his name in clear print. “Age, rank, and affiliation?”

“Twenty-six, Sergeant Major, Small Heath Rifles, British Royal Forces. And you? Do you have a name?”

“Lucienne Frasier,” she murmured, offering him a drink of water, “but you can call me Lucy, if you’d like. Twenty-three, Nursing Sister, Canadian Army Medical Corps.”

“Ah, you’re one of the bluebirds,” he said, accepting a swig from her canteen. Shifting in his bed, he cocked an eyebrow at her. “Tell me, do all Canadians have an accent like yours?”

“No, I’m special I’m afraid,” she quipped. “I’m from Ottawa, so I suppose I have a bit of the Valley accent. But my father’s Scottish, and my mother’s Quebec French from across the river in Gatineau. Blend all that together, and you get my voice.” “Well, it’s lovely,” he said, tone ringing with a sincerity that made her toes curl in her boots.

“And where are you from? I’ve never heard an English accent like yours.”

“Small Heath, in Birmingham.” His tone was fond, and her breath caught in her chest as the smallest of smiles bloomed across his mouth. “The Brummie accent’s quite a bit different from anything else, you’ll find.”

“I see,” she teased, “so you’re special too.”

“Quite,” he said, schooling his face into the model of seriousness. “Unbelievably special. You’ve no idea.”

Silence hung in the air for a few moments before he cracked a grin, and she exploded into quiet laughter, shoulders shaking with the force of it. He joined her, though he winced in pain. “Careful,” she giggled, “you’ll rip your stitches. And they were an absolute bitch to put in, so they’d better stay put.”

“Aye aye, Nurse Frasier,” he said, eyes drifting around the room. They landed on her book, and his face lit up, “is that Tennyson?”

“Yes, do you care for him?”

“My mother used to read poetry to us before bed,” he murmured. “One of her favourites was The Lady of Shallot.”

“That’s right after the one I’m on, at current. Would you like me to read aloud?”

“God, please,” he groaned. “It’s been so long since I’ve done anything but play cards and drink. Bless my compatriots, but war’s not a particularly intellectual pursuit.”

Settling back into her chair, she opened to the page she had last read. “I’ll start back at the beginning, it’s not particularly long. It’s Oriana.”

He nodded, settling back into his pillows with a small noise of contentment. A warmth filled her chest and entered her voice as she read, but she ignored it. “My heart is wasted with my woe, Oriana. There is no rest for me below, Oriana…”

Northern France, November 20th, 1916.

As she tugged her book of Tennyson out of Tommy’s hands, she couldn’t help but think that his pout was adorable. “Let’s go, physical therapy.”

“I was halfway through Lady Clare,” he complained, shifting his blankets off his legs anyway. “I’m thoroughly enjoying your notes in the margins.”

She tucked the book into his pack, snug between a thermos and a rather large matchbook. “You can keep it until you finish, now let’s go.” She tugged Tommy up and out of bed, his legs giving way beneath him as they hit the floor. In the span of a few seconds she had nearly the full one-hundred-and-thirty pounds of him draped over her. She wasn’t shorter by much, but her own knees halfway buckled, a small noise of surprise escaping her throat. For the briefest of moments her brain refused to work. All she could register was the heat from his chest against her palms, and the smell of him in her nose.

Snapping out of it, she timed her breaths to still the racing of her heart, pulling away. “Careful, it’s my night off. If you break a bone, you’ll be fucked ’til the morning.”

“If it’s your night off, where are we going?”

“Out of this tent,” she said, steadying him on his feet. “You can walk now, and I’m willing to be you’re bored out of your right mind. So come with me.”

Laughing under his breath, he let her help him into a coat and shoes and lead him out of the maze of army canvas. “I’m not complaining, but aren’t there rules about this sort of thing?”

“The only person who could get me in trouble is Nurse Russell, and she adores me.” Turning to face him, she flashed a bright grin. “Besides, I won’t tell if you don’t.”

They tumbled out into the night air hand-in-hand, giggling to themselves. A group of nurses and medics were clumped together, bottles of liquor from home clutched in their hands. “Lucy!” Alice called, waving her over.

“Alice,” she greeted amiably, “meet Sergeant Major Thomas Shelby, formerly known to all as ‘Caesar’.”

Laughing, Alice offered her a fresh bottle of champagne. She grinned at Tommy, “right clever, isn’t our Lucy?”

“The cleverest,” he said solemnly, his hand migrating from hers to the small of her back. She tried to pretend that the sudden warmth in her stomach was from the champagne as she tilted her head back, cheeks heating. She handed him the bottle, admiring the line of his jaw as he took a swig.

“Lucy!” a voice called, Doctor Harding waving at her, “guess what we’ve got!”

“What?” she called back, offering him a wave in return. “Brigadier General Alexander gave us his record player for tonight, bless him!”

“No!,” she said, drawing nearer to see the player and a stack of records propped on a table someone had carted outside. “How on earth?”

“I have my ways,” Alice said, batting her eyelashes playfully.

Snorting, Lucy took another drink of champagne, “does he know you’re engaged?"

Alice shrugged, “he knows what he needs to.”

“Sing for us, will you?” Doctor Harding asked. “You’ve such a lovely voice.”

“Doesn’t she?” Tommy said, tugging her a little closer. “First thing I heard when I woke up. Thought she was a bloody angel.”

“Reminds me of my wife,” Doctor Harding said carefully, as though he was defusing a bomb. “I hope our daughter inherits that, I can’t carry a tune in a bucket.”

Something about Tommy softened, and Doctor Harding seemed to settle as well. God, she would never understand men. Loosening herself from Tommy’s grip, she approached the pile of records, deciding on Clair de Lune. Her grandmother used to sing a version with words to her as a lullaby, and she was in the mood for something sad and comforting. The soft crackle of the player was achingly familiar, and she was forced to remember how long it had been since she used one.

The song was soft, and she revelled in the feeling of everyone’s eyes on her as she sang. Most of all, she shivered beneath Tommy’s gaze. He looked at her as though she actually was an angel. Some primeval creature descended from the heavens. She wound up staring at him as the final chords of the song played. It was him who began to clap first, a rare, bright grin spreading over his face. Something a little like relief flooded her chest, and she grinned back.

For the rest of the night, they were glued together at the hip. Settling beneath a tree with their champagne, she found herself growing bolder. “You have a girl back home?”

A cloud passed over his face, and he took another pull from the bottle, lighting up a cigarette. “Used to, before the War. Her name was Greta. She died of consumption before I enlisted.”

Clutching at her chest, a dozen feelings filtered through Lucy before she spoke. Regret. Empathy. Relief. Self-loathing. “My mother died of consumption when I was ten. I’m so sorry, Tommy.”

“She did?”

Lucy nodded, fisting her hands in her skirt. “We sent her to a sanitarium early on, so none of the rest of us caught it. Broke my father’s heart. He’s never stopped regretting not being able to be with her at her deathbed. Suppose I haven’t either.”

“What about you then,” he said, taking another drag as he changed the subject, “you have a boy waiting for you somewhere?”

“Good question.”

“What do you mean?”

Biting her lip, she dropped his gaze. “I was seeing someone before the War. We’ve known each other since the cradle, and I suppose we’ve loved each other just as long. He enlisted before I finished my nursing course. We’ve never… put a name to anything. He told me before he left that he thought it was for the best if we put whatever we had on hold until after the War. After all, God knows if one of us is going to die before everything’s over.” Her voice turned to ash in her mouth, and she tried not to mumble. “ Alice thinks he just wanted to be able to fuck someone overseas and not feel bad about it. But then again, her and George heard about the War and were engaged in a week. She’s an odd duck.”

Silence hung between them for a moment, and she felt the rough pad of his finger under her chin, forcing her to look at him. His face was earnest as he spoke, “he’s a fucking idiot.”

Her breath was shaky, and she found herself speaking before she thought, “honestly, I don’t know if I even really love him.”

“Why?” Tommy asked, voice rough.

He doesn’t make me feel like you do. “I’ve never tried to love anyone else. We just grew up and decided we were in love and that was that. I was his, and he was mine. What if we made a mistake?”

“I think you should expand your horizons while you have the chance,” he murmured, tracing her cheekbone with his thumb. She melted into his touch, jolting upwards as a round of applause split the night air.

Whoever was performing had just finished. Now someone was strumming a guitar, the beginning to a sailor’s song everyone knew the words to. “C’mon,” she said, struggling to her feet. “I’ll teach you to dance the reel.”

The next few minutes consisted of her attempting to teach a very drunk Tommy a dance she knew from childhood, all while being equally ossified.

“No,” she giggled, showing him how to move his foot, “like that!”

“Okay,” he said very seriously, “like this?”

They made it about halfway through, until the section where they were supposed to circle one another, palms about an inch apart with the other hand tucked behind your back. Instead, he laced their fingers together, curling his free arm around her waist. Everything stopped, the earth grinding to a halt on its axis. Everything but his face lost colour and was shrouded in darkness, all sounds but their loose pants falling into quiet. Every inch of her was on alert, all too aware of every single place where their bodies met.

“Could I kiss you?” he murmured, eyes sweeping over her face.

“God, please,” she begged.

He did, mouth ghosting over hers in a soft kiss that sent shivers down her spine and curled her toes in her boots. It was unbelievably short and chaste. Hardly enough. She pressed herself closer to him, stretching onto her tiptoes to kiss him again. His hand left hers, burying itself in her hair.

Tipping slightly off-balance, she flung her arms around his neck as she tumbled into his chest. He groaned into her mouth, arm tightening around her waist as the kiss deepened. She felt like she was on fire and drowning all at once, skin far too sensitive and breath coming in a rush between kisses. God, how long had she wanted to do this?

As he pulled back, she pressed a kiss to his jaw, “I knew there was a reason I saved your sorry ass.”

“Am I ever glad you did,” he said, his hand rubbing soothing circles into her hip.

“I should bring you back, curfew’s soon.”

“Would you stay?”

She almost said yes. Between his hand in her hair and the taste of his cigarette still lingering in her mouth, she couldn’t imagine prying herself away from him. She swallowed a lump in her throat. ”You know I can’t.”

“I know,” he said, kissing the tip of her nose. Her heart melted in her chest. “But God, I want you to.”

Tugging herself from his grip, she intertwined their fingers. “Let’s go, I’ll see you to bed.”

When she finally did help into his cot, he stole another kiss from her as she leaned over to fix his blanket. “Thank you for tonight. I did need it.”

She smiled, running her fingers through his hair, “don’t I know everything?”

“If I say you do, will you kiss me again?”

“Bribes are unnecessary, I assure you, mon coeur,” she said, pressing a quick peck to his mouth. “Now go to bed, you can hassle me in the morning.”

“Could you stay until I fall asleep?”

Sighing, she stuffed his blankets to the side to lie on top of them. He eagerly made way for her, wrapping an arm around her side. “Just until then, and then I have to go.”

He hummed his consent, burying his nose in her hair. She had to admit that they fit together well, his ribs slotting into the negative space left by the curve of her spine, arm slung perfectly across her waist. For the briefest of moments she though of Félix, and her heart withered in her chest. How could she lie with someone else, knowing he was out there somewhere?

No. She was being an idiot. He was the one who had called off whatever they had. And like Alice said, she had no assurances that he wasn’t off seeing other women as soon as he got a bit of leave. And god, she had never felt anything like this before. The soft rush of Tommy’s breaths ghosting over her ear filled her with a strange kind of inner peace. All she wanted was to lie like this until the end of time; to fossilize and stay frozen with his weight against hers.

He had fallen asleep, she realized. With great chagrin, she gently extricated herself from his grip. Pressing a kiss to his forehead, she left him sleeping happily for the night.

As soon as she entered her own room, she felt any energy she had leave her. She barely had the strength to peel off her boots before she fell into bed, the smell of him still stuck in her nose.  

God, she was fucked.

Northern France, November 21st, 1916.

She burst into Tommy’s room, a ball of panic. She had woken up late, and incredibly hungover. But she had still come to with a smile on her face.

To her surprise, the room was empty. Absolutely barren. Someone had stripped the bed and remade it, all of Tommy’s personal effects having disappeared. Poking her head out of the room, she called to a gaggle of nurses a few feet away, “where’s Sergeant Major Shelby?”

“Oh,” Nurse Jameson said, “we thought you knew, and that’s why you didn’t show up this morning. He’s gone.”

“What do you mean, ‘gone’?” she snapped, a ball of lead settling in her stomach.

“He was called back to the front,” Nurse Jameson said quietly. “They came for him early, barely gave him enough time to gather his things. Apparently they have a big project planned for the Clay-Kickers.”

She was hyperventilating, she noticed dimly. Her hands came to her chest, clutching at her heart. He couldn’t be gone. Just… gone. She felt like the wind had stolen her five-dollar note, and she was staring after it helplessly, grasping at the empty air where it had been.  

Retreating back into his — the room, she collapsed onto the bed. She hadn’t realized just how much it had smelled of him in here, now that his familiar scent was replaced with antiseptic and bleach. What had she really expected? That he would stay here forever? That she would get to wake up every morning and get to discuss books and poetry with him, teach him silly songs, exchange stories from before the War? She didn’t know. All she knew was that it felt as though someone had carved up her heart and taken a piece with them, and now she was supposed to live on without it.

“Well,” the moustached man said, “if you’re gonna’ apply to be a singer, might as well sing us something.” He gestured to a record player in the corner.

In the stack of records lay a copy of Debussy’s greatest works, and a strange boldness filled her. Her hands trembled as she lowered the needle onto the record, the grainy sound of Clair de Lune echoing through the pub.

Turning to face the brothers, she took her hat off, fully revealing her face. She began to sing, her shaky voice joining the swell of the piano:

You there, pearly white.

Can you see those stars, in my eyes?

A nice reflection it may be, so it seems, to me.

A kiss from Heaven lightly breathed,

Nightly unsheathed.

As she settled into the familiar rhythm of it, her voice grew louder. She began to move about the floor of the Garrison, tracing the shining wood of the tables as though it was full of patrons to be entertained.

You there, pearly white.

Can you hear those, stars tonight?

How I wonder what they might say to you.

O, how they wander but hardly they ever move.

What do they whisper while hardly they ever move?

The piano picked up in pace, and Lucy turned to face the brothers again, catching their gazes as she pushed forward. Tommy was staring at her like she had grown wings and flew, and she couldn’t help maintaining eye contact. Something about the look on his face made her feel powerful. Unearthly.

What do they tell you?

Tell me what they tell you.

What do they show you?

Show me what they show you.

And if I know you,

Like they likely know you,

Could I die?

Oh my dear.

And then she was no longer in 1919, in Birmingham. She was back on the Western Front, with blood still under her fingernails and Thomas Shelby’s eyes on her as she sang to a scratchy record on Brigadier General Alexander’s record player.

Love.

A lasting love,

Like a dove that flies

Right over the years.

Truth.

Precious truth.

She drew closer, making direct eye contact with Tommy as she sang the next few lines. A shiver ran down her spine and crept into her voice, curling into a gentle vibrato.

As in youth, I’d like to fly

Up above.

Lasting love.

Lasting love, enough to rise up

Through the evening sky tonight.

How you wander right over the evening sky

Like a dove.

Lasting love.

Everlasting love, like I never knew.

Quite, like you do.

Precious truth.

For the briefest of moments she directed her attention back to Arthur, who looked positively enraptured. But it was the heat and the memory in Tommy’s eyes that drew her back to him, moving a little further away as she sat on one of the tables, crossing her legs and leaning backwards as though she were draping herself over a piano. The rolling chords of the song slowed to a gentle plucking, framing the breathiness of her voice perfectly.

As in,

You there.

Pearly white.

Can you feel those stars tonight?

How I wonder if they are kind,

Are they kind to you?

How I wonder if maybe they sing this song for you?

There was the shortest of musical interludes, and in that time Lucy drew her finger across the shining wood of the table, lowering her eyes from Tommy’s. When she looked back up he had taken a step toward her. His chest moved up and down too quickly, breathless. And thank God, because she was too.

You there, pearly white.

Can you sing a song tonight?

Just for me,

Just for me dear.

Of a lasting…

Ever…

More music. Lucy slipped off the table, coming into Tommy’s space. He was quite tall. How hadn’t she remembered that? She was of a fairly average height, nowhere near Alice’s pixie-esque stature. But he dwarfed her. She had to crane her neck to meet his eyes.

Everlasting,

True love.

The piano drew to a beautiful close, and with a scratch and a jostle the record switched to a different Debussy. Chest heaving, she was still staring at Tommy, who stood in front of her like a marble statue. Arthur’s loud, bellowing voice echoed through the Garrison, “bloody beautiful! I’d say you have a job, Miss Frasier.”

All at once, the spell was broken. Shaking herself from her trance, she flashed the elder Shelby brother a bright grin, “thank you very much, Mr. Shelby. When should I start?”

“Tomorrow, if you can,” he said, taking her wrist and pulling her towards the bar. Removing a glass, he gestured to the wall of liquor with a questioning glance.

“Scotch, if you please. Straight.”

Chuckling, he pulled the whiskey from the first shelf, pouring her a glass. She took it gratefully, shooting half of it in one go. Her heart was still thumping a mile a minute in her chest, and she needed to still her shaking hands before someone noticed. “Now,” Arthur began, “our establishment is rather casual, so you’ll double as a barmaid. A couple of the boys can be a little handsy, but they’re a good bunch.”

“I’ve worked in bars before, Mr. Shelby. If one of them tries to get me against the wall I’ll give them a swift kick in the couilles, no need to worry. Now what would my duties be?”

As Arthur went over exactly what her job would entail, Tommy didn’t move from where she had left him. Twenty minutes later, she was back out on the street with a job and some future prospects. She couldn’t contain her giddiness, permitting a small grin. But she found herself waiting at the corner of the building. She wondered if Tommy would follow her out. Explain. Discuss. Praying no one would mistake her for a whore, she leaned against the brick wall, drawing her hat low.

A few beats. The sound of a door.

Tommy Shelby appeared at the corner, a cigarette already drawn between his fingers. “It is you.”

Raising the brim of her cap, she nodded, “it’s me.”

“Why’ve you come to Birmingham?” he asked, lighting the cigarette with an efficient strike of his match and a puff.

“You remember Alice,” she murmured, “she lives here now. This is where her fiancé was from. He died at Verdun, and she didn’t know where else to go. She’s been lonely, so she sent for me.”

“And your boy, did he ever come home?”

“He did.”

Tommy raised an eyebrow, offering her his cigarette, “he came to England with you?”

She waved it off, resisting the urge to cross her arms. “No.”

He leveraged a curious look at her, “why not?’

“We’re not together,” she explained, praying he’d leave it at that.

“Decided not to rekindle the romance when you both returned home?”

“No.”

Thank God, he did leave it at that. Nodding to her, he took another drag of his cigarette, “I’ll be seeing you tomorrow then.”

This surprised her. “You will?”

“My family’s company owns the pub,” he said. “You’d be surprised how often I’m here.”

“Well,” she said, flashing him a grin, “it’ll be lovely to see you. We should catch up.”

His eyes were as intense as ever, burrowing into her soul. God, he was beautiful.

Something about his voice was rough, “I didn’t mean to leave so suddenly. I had to go.

“God,” she said, trying to instill a false cheeriness in her words, “I hope you haven’t been worrying about it. I was a little shocked, but I lived.”

“Good,” he said, pulling his cap further over his face. “Have a good day, Miss Frasier.”

“Same to you,” she murmured, cursing herself for creating a distance between them. All she wanted was to see his face properly.

Instead, she peeled herself off the brick wall and kept walking, headed back in the direction of Alice’s apartment. She had done the right thing, she reassured herself. How could she be close with Tommy so soon after everything that had happened with Félix? And it had been years since she last saw him. For all she knew, he was happily married. It was incredily bold of her to assume that he’d even feel the same way after all this time, or even to ascribe the same depth to his feelings as hers in the first place.

Feeling reassured, she slipped her copy of her employment contract from her coat.

Tomorrow she would begin her job with Shelby Company Limited.

Chapters: I II ...

Ao3

[theseocompany0]

https://justpaste.it/f39fm

Keep your grill in top condition with Professional BBQ Cleaning Ottawa! We, Eco Team, are one of the leading companies that specialize in BBQ cleaning. Get a free quote today!

For more information, you can visit our website https://ecoteam.ca/ or call us at +1 613.627.6626

[mrphltd]

Ottawa Plumbing and Heating Company: Your Trusted Home Comfort Experts

When it comes to maintaining the essential systems that keep your home comfortable, having a reliable partner is crucial. The Ottawa Plumbing and Heating Company is renowned for providing top-quality services, ensuring that your plumbing and heating systems function efficiently all year round. This blog explores the comprehensive services offered by the Ottawa Plumbing and Heating Company and highlights why they are the preferred choice for homeowners and businesses in the region.

Comprehensive Plumbing Services

The Ottawa Plumbing and Heating Company offers a wide array of plumbing services designed to address any issue you might encounter, ensuring your plumbing system operates smoothly and efficiently.

Leak Detection and Repair

Leaks, whether visible or hidden, can cause significant damage and lead to high water bills. The Ottawa Plumbing and Heating Company uses advanced leak detection technology to locate and repair leaks swiftly, minimizing damage and preventing costly repairs.

Drain Cleaning

Clogged drains can disrupt your daily routine. The Ottawa Plumbing and Heating Company provides thorough drain cleaning services, utilizing cutting-edge equipment to remove blockages and restore proper drainage.

Fixture Installation and Repair

From installing new kitchen sinks to repairing bathroom fixtures, the Ottawa Plumbing and Heating Company offers expert installation and repair services. Their skilled technicians ensure that all fixtures are installed correctly and function perfectly.

Pipe Replacement and Repair

Old or damaged pipes can lead to leaks and poor water quality. The Ottawa Plumbing and Heating Company specializes in pipe replacement and repair, ensuring your plumbing system is safe, efficient, and reliable.

Comprehensive Heating Services

In Ottawa’s cold climate, a reliable heating system is essential. The Ottawa Plumbing and Heating Company offers a range of heating services to keep your home warm and comfortable.

Furnace Installation and Maintenance

A well-maintained furnace is key to a warm home during winter. The Ottawa Plumbing and Heating Company provides expert furnace installation and maintenance services, ensuring your system runs efficiently and reliably.

Boiler Services

Boilers require regular maintenance to operate effectively. The Ottawa Plumbing and Heating Company offers comprehensive boiler services, including installation, maintenance, and repair, to ensure your heating system remains in top condition.

Heat Pump Installation and Repair

Heat pumps are an energy-efficient solution for heating and cooling. The Ottawa Plumbing and Heating Company’s technicians are experienced in the installation and repair of heat pumps, helping you achieve optimal performance and energy savings.

24/7 Emergency Heating Repair

Heating emergencies can occur at any time. The Ottawa Plumbing and Heating Company offers 24/7 emergency repair services, ensuring that help is available whenever you need it.

Key Qualities that Set the Ottawa Plumbing and Heating Company Apart

Experienced and Certified Technicians

The Ottawa Plumbing and Heating Company employs a team of highly trained and certified technicians who bring extensive experience to every job. Their expertise guarantees high-quality service and dependable solutions for all your plumbing and heating needs.

Customer-Centric Approach

Customer satisfaction is at the heart of the Ottawa Plumbing and Heating Company’s operations. They prioritize understanding your specific needs, providing transparent pricing, and delivering tailored solutions that fit your budget and requirements.

Quality Workmanship

Using only high-quality materials and the latest techniques, the Ottawa Plumbing and Heating Company ensures exceptional workmanship. Their commitment to excellence guarantees long-lasting and reliable results, building a strong reputation for quality in the industry.

Timely and Reliable Service

Recognizing the urgency of plumbing and heating issues, the Ottawa Plumbing and Heating Company is known for its prompt response times and efficient service. They ensure your issues are resolved quickly and effectively, minimizing disruption to your daily life.

24/7 Emergency Services

Plumbing and heating emergencies can strike at any time. The Ottawa Plumbing and Heating Company offers round-the-clock emergency services, providing peace of mind that help is always just a phone call away.

Conclusion

For top-rated plumbing and heating services in Ottawa, the Ottawa Plumbing and Heating Company is the trusted choice. With a comprehensive range of services, experienced technicians, and a commitment to customer satisfaction, they are dedicated to ensuring your home remains comfortable and functional year-round. Contact the Ottawa Plumbing and Heating Company today to experience exceptional service and expertise for all your plumbing and heating needs.

[theenergycentre]

Stay Cool All Summer: Essential Central Air Conditioner Maintenanc

Regular maintenance is essential to prolong the lifespan of your air conditioner. To maximize its efficiency of Central Air Conditioner, begin by regularly replacing or cleaning the furnace filters. This ensures proper airflow, leading to increased comfort and efficiency. Additionally, inspect the evaporator coils at least once a year and clean them as necessary. Keep debris away from the exterior of the unit, and straighten any bent coils using a fin comb. Don't forget to check and clean out the drain channels to prevent clogging. Hiring a professional from Energy Centre HVAC for regular inspections helps minimize unexpected repair costs. Our skilled team is adept at identifying and addressing minor issues before they escalate into costly problems.

How should you prepare your air conditioning unit for the upcoming warmer months after winter?

As temperatures rise, it's tempting to switch on your central air conditioner without hesitation. However, there are several steps you should take to ensure optimal performance before the need arises:

Replace or clean the furnace filters regularly to maintain airflow throughout the summer.

Clear away winter debris from around the exterior of the unit, including leaves, sticks, and branches.

Inspect the insulation on the coolant lines and replace any damaged insulation promptly.

Test your unit before the heat becomes unbearable to ensure it's functioning correctly.

Check the inside registers to ensure they're not obstructed.

Schedule a professional HVAC inspection to maximize efficiency and longevity.

What steps can be taken to prepare your central air conditioner for spring and summer?

As winter gives way to spring, it's essential to prepare your central air conditioner for the impending heat. Here's what you should do:

Check the outdoor unit panels for any missing or misaligned parts and address them promptly.

Remove any condenser covers or coil blankets before powering on the unit to prevent damage.

Replace damaged pipe insulation to maintain energy efficiency.

Clear debris and vegetation from around the unit to ensure unobstructed airflow.

Replace indoor air filters to promote proper airflow.

Verify that the drainage hose is clear of obstructions.

Clean supply vents and return grills to remove dust and pet hair buildup.

What winter maintenance tasks should be performed on a central air conditioner?

Even during the colder months, it's essential to maintain your central air conditioner to ensure its longevity. Here are some winter maintenance steps to follow:

Turn off the power to the central air conditioner to prevent unnecessary operation.

Clear debris and clean around the unit to prevent blockages and damage.

Inspect the casing for cracks or rust and check for leaks.

Cover the unit with a waterproof vinyl or plastic cover to protect it from the elements.

Use foam pipe covers and duct tape to cover exposed pipes and wiring.

Regularly check and clean the unit to remove snow, ice, and water accumulation.

Should I hire an HVAC technician to maintain my air conditioner?

Before transitioning from heating to cooling mode, it's advisable to have your air conditioner inspected and maintained by professionals. The Energy Centre offers comprehensive services for all major air conditioning brands. With over 25 years of experience serving Ottawa and surrounding areas, we provide 24/7 emergency services and free in-home estimates. Contact us today to ensure your HVAC system is ready for the warmer months ahead.

[dreamair12]

Why Should You Install a New High-Efficiency Furnace?

There is no better method to keep the house warm during the chilly winter months than to switch on the furnace. Thankfully, modern furnaces are dependable and economical with energy.

Furnaces exist in various models, all of which keep the home warm even though every home has a particular set of requirements. The advantages of installing a furnace are listed below.

1.       Cold Nights Won't Be A Problem Any Longer-

Removing the cold from the house is the furnace's principal advantage. There's no need to gather around the fireplace because the heater keeps the entire house toasty.

2.       Furnaces Are Reasonable Purchases-

A less expensive investment is a furnace. New Furnace Ottawa can cost even more than a boiler, and fireplaces frequently cost more than $5,500. Therefore, the furnace in your home will still be less expensive than other heating solutions even if natural gas prices continue to rise.

3.       Enhanced Resell Value-

The immediate savings you will see from the higher AFUE ratings and more even heating of a high-efficiency furnace are heavily emphasized.

Additionally, when you replace your old furnace with a new one, the value of your home when you decide to sell it will soar.

4.       Furnaces Improve Indoor Comfort And Air Quality-

Modern furnaces come with features for air humidification. They purify the air and provide moisture to keep the house from getting too dry. In addition, the air is cleaned of any impurities and is generally better.

5.       Sleep Is Improved By Quiet Heating-

The noise from older furnace units keeps many awake at night. Modern furnaces produce hardly any audible noises and are exceedingly silent. As a result, homeowners may go to bed and sleep happily, eliminating the inconvenience of cold nights.

6.       Furnaces Work Well-

Furnaces are substantially more energy-efficient than fireplaces. As a result, homeowners should anticipate much lower heating costs with an especially efficient furnace, which will soon pay for the new appliance.

7.       Longevity

When maintained consistently, a furnace can endure more than 25 years. Models with exceptional durability might last up to 40 years. Few other heating methods will function flawlessly or without needing to be replaced for as long.

8.       Increasing The Home's Worth

Future homeowners will surely desire a convenient and effective heating system. Thus a furnace helps increase the home's value. In addition, they might view the cheaper heating costs as a major perk when they learn that the home has a furnace.

9.       Inexpensive And Cozy Heating

Installing a furnace would be advantageous for most homeowners. But before choosing, it's usually a good idea to get in touch with a reputable heating business. They may offer advice on the finest solutions, and insurance and warranties make things safer.

10.   Improved Airflow

The engine in your old furnace will wear as it ages, and you will eventually notice decreased airflow. Modern variable-speed motors are used in the construction of modern, high-efficiency furnaces. A variable-speed motor is made to run at reduced speeds over extended periods.

Dreamair.ca has many years of experience providing residential and commercial HVAC services, including Furnace installation Ottawa, Furnace inspection Ottawa, and Furnace repair Ottawa for all makes and models. Additionally, you can reach us directly at our website: http://dreamair.ca/.

For additional information, please visit our website: https://dreamair.ca/

DreamAir

Phone: 613-762-3035

Email: info@dreamair.ca

[dreamairca]

Our gas technicians at Dream Air provide affordable residential gas line repair and installation service in Ottawa, ON and surrounding areas. Call us today at 613-558-4328(Heat) or 613-762-3035 for a quote.

[dail4duct-blog]

Duct Cleaning | Duct Cleaning Toronto | Furnace Cleaning Edmonton

Founded in 2004, Dial 4 Duct is a company specialized in the maintenance and cleaning of ventilation system, ventilation and dryer ducts in Ontario. Active in the residential, commercial and institutional sector, our team has more than 15 years of experience in the field. Our company offers its customers a listening and a service of first choice.

http://dial4duct.com/