#esmeshelbys

[vivianleighwishesshewasme]

Un-Happily Ever After

Dark Tommy x Esme (Don't read if under 18. Forced relations, rape and non con, abuse. )

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After John is murdered, Tommy overhears Esme's plan to leave the family. He has no intention of letting that happen.

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Prologue

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 Tommy had sent Arthur home after Esme had requested time to be alone with her husband's body at the mortuary. He could hear soft Romany words spoken with fierce resolution in the next room. 

She was telling his brother's body that she was leaving the family and taking her children. The bond with the Lee’s and Shelbys was complete. 

Except it wasn't, not to him. He needed the bond to remain intact. Esme’s children were Shelby’s on both sides and he wasn’t about to let her cart them off to her people in a caravan. 

Esme was too smart and too well knowledgeable about his family's business. She couldn’t leave. Tommy couldn’t risk it.

He’d paid the mortuary staff handsomely to help aid him in his plan. Only a few severely loyal or new blinder men would be witnesses to what he was about to do to her. His family’s hatred would divide further but he knew in the end they would come back, they’d always come back, The money was too good for them to walk away. 

He’d also planned to keep her hidden away for several weeks or months or even years if need be in the mansion. Any thoughts of fleeing to the mountains, forests or chickens were long gone. 

Esme was different though from his family, the Shelby name and money meant nothing but ill will for her.  A pure gypsy she saw the curse for what it was and would free John’s children from the curse, only that wouldn’t happen. Eventually she’d come to accept that. 

He had made sure of that.

[katerinapetrova]

just wanted to do a little follow forever, to tell you all how much i admire you guys. some i’ve followed for years and some only a few months - but you all have such gorgeous blogs and you’re a beautiful bunch of people (from what i’ve gathered anyway ahah).  keeping photoshopping away, keep reblogging and keep being you! x

aprilkepmer  • askarsismybb  • belamyblaks  • boothseeley  • buckscptn  • buffys  • chucksblairs  • cordychse  • damn-salvatore  •  daniels-gillies  •  dcrek • dearestderek  • ericnorthamn  • esmeshelbys  • faithslehane  • fhreya  • fircyca  • forbeshyphensalvatore  • gilliesjdaniel  • gyllenhaal-jake  • haleysbrooke  • jesseleesoffer  • joshduhamels  • katheripierce  • lindsayshalstead  • mcbrilliant  • murdockys  • michaelaconlin  • miikaela  • pauwesleys  • peppernights  • queensutton  • salvachester  • seeleybooths  • shaofantastics  • silversflint  •  sophiabuzh • sophiasbush • stillmisseric  • thefudge 

[aarondinglestan]

esmeshelbys replied to your post “ppl on the robronnet: HAHA WE WON! HAHA MEDALS FOR US!! HAHA HATERS...”

them: u cant ship aarlex anymore alex is gone me, still shipping aaron with ed, flynn and adam: U SURE ABOUT THAT BITC

jesus. like they didn’t ship robron when they were broken up for a year. or like, by “ship“ i mean, pretend they never broke up and kept calling aaron robert’s husband cos it’s so hard to refer to him by u know. his name

[filmesbrazil]

[pameluhr]

[imaginativeicons]

ITS MY BIRTHDAY AND IM FEELING 22 🔥💃🏼

Also I was aiming for cute joe vibes today ☺️

[shanetoo]

Peaky Blinders S5

I literally don’t know what really to expect, I’m pretty sure we don’t see Tommy smiling if we’re lucky then he will smile for 1 sec but our boy is Sad™️. Also I’m excited for Ada’s story aaaand I did expect that Tommy would marry Lizzie due to having a child with her but can’t seem to see them as a loving couple no matter how much Lizzie loves Thomas.

& I wonder when did Michael Married his new Wife and how his Relationship to Polly has changed because I don’t think that Polly was 100% happy about her

P.S. I will miss Alfie, John, May (if she won’t appear) and Esme so much

[jamespersonaltailor]

Feel very privileged to work on tailoring suits for the Peaky Blinders. Season 4 and recently season 5 that's not aired yet. The tailoring over last 6 month's has been something else, I can't wait to see it on screen. Quite a few late nights on the work bench 💪💪💪 Period correct, bespoke tailoring at its finest 👌👌👌 • • • Repost by 👉 @byorderofthepb • • • #peakyblinders #tommyshelby #arthurshelby #pollygray  #adashelby #michaelgray #esmeshelby #alfiesolomons #tomhardy #billykimber #bbc #helenmccrory #natashaokeeffe #finncole #sophierundle #tvseries  #cillianmurphy #paulanderson #joecole #shelby #series #mafia #netflix #byorderofthepeakyblinders #birmingham  #byorderofthepb More info on our bespoke tailoring please visit Www.TailorsInManchester.co.uk ✂️✂️✂️ (at James Personal Tailor & Son) https://www.instagram.com/jamespersonaltailor/p/Bt62atJAL8c/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=cxwapteqrnih

[vivianleighwishesshewasme]

Re-Arranged by marriage

The reaping -part 4

Tommy wakes up to a note and Polys broom.

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Tommy shot up in bed feeling something sharp and scratchy slapping at him. He raised his arm and blinked a few times. The sunlight slowly filtering into his room. It wasn’t even sunrise. 

His aunt stood over his bed getting ready to land another blow with her broom. 

“Polly, Oi, knock it off!” He yelled, uncaring who he woke up in the shared little town house. He glanced at the room, his eyes sweeping for her form. Only womanly person in the bedroom was his pissed as hell Aunt. 

“Yes, look around you stupid man!” She yelled. Her chest rising and falling. Her dark curls scattered around her pale face, eyes flashing thunder. She was in her nightgown. She wasted no time in getting in here. 

Something massive had happened to the family when he’d fallen asleep. He glanced around his black wallpaper room. Not even a picture. She was gone. He felt his heart slam into his chest. 

He’d gotten such panics in France. They were awful, feeling more like a heart attack. 

He sat back scoffing at her as she threw  a piece of paper at him. He’d recognize the handwriting instantly. 

Esme. 

He rubbed his eyes, sobering up fast. His eyes scanned her tear stained note to him. She must have left it down stairs? Why out in the family public domain. Had she meant to embarrass him? 

No, it was addressed to them all. She was intending to hurt the whole family. The Shelbys. 

“Do you need me to read it again? I was wide awake after seeing what she wrote Tom.” He looked up at her unimpressed. He was nervous. A cool sweat formed over his body. 

After several minutes he looked up at his aunt filled with panic and dread. He didn’t need this today. His day was already full with important duties, Esem knew that. She kept his diaries and made his appointment. Stupid  dramatic girl. 

“Polly, how long have you known about this note?” He asked. She scoffed bitterly at him. 

“It took me several minutes to wrap my head around it. And wake you up you rat bastard. Do you still need the opium Tom?” She asked incredulously. 

“I liked that girl. She’s too smart for this family, Thomas, and too good for us.”  Tom was surprised to hear that Polly liked her given that she’d had Esme pinned against a wall threatening to cut out her tongue a few days ago . Maybe she had apologized and confessed all that to his feral little gypsy bride; she'd still be there. 

Perhaps if he stopped associating with the barmaid after hours, she’d still be here in his bed, at his side. 

He rubbed the bridge of his nose. His head was pounding. He couldn’t think with the panic setting in. His mind racing like a horse on the track. 

‘What do we do Tom?” Polly asked softly. He looked at his aunt and threw up his hands. He had no clue. He thought he’d explained enough to where she’d understand. Apparently she hadn’t or didn’t like what he had to say. 

He should have known when she’d stayed quiet while he spoke to her, no, at her. He’d not paid attention and now they would both pay for it. 

“Go on with the meeting. I’ll hunt her down after.” He said. His aunt's head reared back in disbelief. Another wrong answer apparently. 

“Go on with the meeting. Fuck the bloody meeting, Tom, if she has made it to the Lee’s…..they could be coming for our heads. Screw the meeting!” She was hysterical again. He was being an idiot. He was even aware of it by now. 

“Oi, whats with all the fookin yellin. Woke all the bloody family up you did.”  John burst into his room half dressed. Visibly shaken. 

“You, I’m going to kill you.” Tommy lungs toward him. John lifted his fist ready to come to blows. Lizzie came to the doorway wearing a confused expression and an open robe, not much else. 

“We don't have time for this!” Polly yelled and laughed, losing her mind. She was right of course. Time was of the essence. 

‘What happened now? “ Lizzie askes exasperated. She pushed John back and placed herself bravely in between the two men. 

“Esme ran off to her kin. To the Lees. Left a bloody note on the dining room table.” Polly’s admission sent shockwaves flooding through the room. This marriage and an alliance with the Lee’s was a huge deal. 

“Fuckin Ell!” John yelled. The group grained and looked at Tommy for guidance. He was dressing for his day. It was going to be a  long long day. 

“Yes, and Tommy wants to have a family meeting.” Pol spat out. Tommy glared at her. 

The room erupted in disgust and questions. 

“Alright, alright, everyone shut the hell up! I’ll go to the Lees!” He pushed past his family and ran downstairs. He needed aspirin. Now. 

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[vivianleighwishesshewasme]

Re-Arranged Marriage

The reaping of Thomas Shelby's Ambitions

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Tommy watched everyone file in and take their places at the family meeting. Most of the main family sat at the table along with Lizzie. The staff gathered around wherever they could stand. It was going to be a busy betting day.

Esme went to sit on the stairwell. Tommy glanced at her and tossed his head showing her the empty chair he expected her to sit in front of him.

She shook her head no vigorously and crossed her arms. He frowned at her and cocked his head.

She had been acting strangely all morning. She had slept on the floor in a pile of blankets, when he said good morning to her she ignored him and left the room. She’d even gotten dressed in the family bathroom much to Finn and Arthur’s agitation.

Something was going on with her. He bet he knew too.

“Alright, we have a few things to discuss. The main point is that we had a meeting with Billy Kimber yesterday. He’s going to let us work security for him at the race track this weekend.” Cheer and chatter filled the space and they congratulated Tommy and the boys for a successful meeting.

“If we can impress him, we’ll be on our way to a legal betting license.” Tommy continued and smiled at the cheerful group.

Cheers erupted in the room. Esme gave a small smile to Lizzie and John when they glanced at her. She refused to meet Tommy’s eyes.

“The second order of business…settle down, is I heard what happened the other day in the shop. I won’t tolerate family fighting. Don't put your hands on each other unless there is no other way, let someone know if you have a grievance yes? We're going to be a legit business and we have big plans going forward. We need to be a united front, yes. Good, now fuck off, we have a business to open!” People rose to their feet and rushed about to assume their positions before John opened the doors flooding the small shop with customers.

Tommy waited for Esme to walk by him and he grabbed her elbow. He tugged her gently behind the closed green doors and waited, blocking her entrance.

“I thought we was working today.” She was surprised by his actions. She stood away from him and gently took back her arm. They crossed again.

Tommy sighed and shook his head. He gently grabbed a hold of her chin and tilted her little doll face up to meet his cerulean blue gaze.

“Are you okay, did something happen outside of Polly?” He asked tenderly, clearly catching her off guard. She faltered a bit but didn't answer. Her eyes held a distance in them. No weariness, like she was tired and didn’t trust him anymore. Something had shifted between them. He knew it was true now, the trick was getting an answer out of her so he could make it right or explain.

“Esme, I cant apologize or fix something if you refuse to tell me about it. Oi, look at me.” She stood there and stared. He was losing patience. He took back his hand and placed them on his hips. His posture demanded an answer.

“ I was upset yesterday so I took a walk . You didn’t come home so I went to see if you was by the orse.” Her voice carried softly but firmly, no pout or whine in it.

“I had to put a bullet between his eyes Esme, your kin, your kin cursed him with a seed in his hoof.” Tommy pointed his finger in her face, his anger rekindling about the waste of a horse. A surprise turn in his plans.

“My kin eh? I’m surprised I’m invited to the bloody Shelby meetings at all.” She countered rising on her toes to meet him. He bit the inside of his cheeks to keep from laughing. He knew she’d cut him if given the chance.

“Esme…” He stepped forward with his hands up in the air. He just wanted her to understand.

“No Tom, I don't want to ear it. I don’t. I’m not blood family. Not family to anyone am I?” She challenged me. She was hurt, he could tell. So that was her problem. She didn’t feel like a Shelby? He’d married her, welcomed her into his bed, what more did she want?

“You are my wife Esme, you are Esme Shelby. Polly said she apologized to you. We need to get it together to go forward for this family, do you understand me? “ He stepped to the side to block her exit. Her eyes flashed at him. She definitely had fire in her.

“When? In my dreams? I got no apology from anyone.” He searched her face for a lie, she was probably the most honest person he knew. He couldn’t find one. He’d have to deal with Polly later.

“I’ll talk to Polly.” He promised and he meant it. Whatever

“It’s not just about Polly. I know she’s upset.about her son and daughter, I was tryn to elp.” Esme’s face grew soft. She really was desperate to be a part of the family. He reached up and rubbed his hands up and down her arms in comfort. She relaxed only a little.

“I can't read your mind Esme, what happened between us?’ He asked gently. In an instant any goodwill he had just garnered vanished. A look of confusion graced her face, replaced quickly by rage.

“ A blonde barmaid that looks like a proper lady and warbles like a song bird. I saw you lookin at er last night. John came by last night and saw too. Said yous looked good together and you was taken her to the races.” Tears welled up in her amber brown eyes. She’d seen them last night. Together, Grace had been the one to cheer him up, not his funny, sassy little bride. He now understood.

“ Esme, It’s not like that, hey, girl, look at me. Look at me please. Thank you.” He wiped the tears away from her eye lashes with a swipe of his thumb.

“Grace is a means to an end for Epsom,yes. She looks like a lady so people will let us in then I can do what I need to with Kimber. Kimber thinks he’s a ladies man and will want to dance with Grace. I’m not taking my wife to put his greasy hands all over. Do you understand?” She half heartedly nodded her head. She wasn’t happy with his explanation.

“Good, good. We'll be off with you. Bets don't place themselves.” He opened the door and watched her shuffle her way through. Hoping they could move forward now.

It wasn’t good. She was fuming all day.

She wasn’t a bloody Shelby. Tom couldn’t quite look at her today when he’d talked about his horseshit reasons for wanting to take Grace. She wished she’d never had to marry in order to keep the peace.

She was ready to go back after what she’d heard coming from Tom’s office between him, Polly and his brothers.

They were going to war with her kin. She’d be expected to smooth it over. She was tired of being kind, soft spoken and diplomatic. That wasn’t who she was.

She was fierce, intelligent and honest. This family would do her in. She and Tommy had been married almost two months now and she was still bleeding each month.

Zilpha and her kin expected an announcement by now. What could she do, they’d only consummate their marriage once.

She had grounds to leave if she believed he was cheating with Grace. He was in his heart as far as she was concerned. She needed to see her sisters.

Esme stuffed a few things under her jacket, padded it up some and smoothed it out. She was going to clear her head. The boys were off at the Garrison no doubt getting drunk and gawking at the barmaid.

It was easy to slip by Polly who was drinking her gin and listening to music.

The moment she was outside she took in a deep breath. That house reeked of people and opium, she couldn’t stand it anymore. She wove in and out of Ally to the wash house. She needed to meet with her sister, then she’d have a plan.

Thank you to everyone reading, giving hearts and commenting. I uploaded two chapters this week in appreciation.

[vivianleighwishesshewasme]

Re-Arranged by marriage.

Tommy realizes what Esme has truly done. A women who's finally bested Thomas Shelby....

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Tommy and the blinders had loaded up on horse back to come talk things out with Esme and smooth things over with the Lee clan. They’d come heavily armed not sure what to expect. Her family had moved last night closer to the River making him have to search for her. 

He knew the tactic. They were pissed and he was going to have to work to convince them to send her back before he’d ever get to speak to his petite little wife. 

“Shotgun range.” Tommy called out to warn his brothers and company. The sun had fully risen causing blindness to him as he radiated off the river. They’d camped like this on purpose to give themselves an advantage. 

Maybe he’d made the right choice marrying the dark haired beauty, she reminded him of whiskey in a teacup. Dainty looking but she packs a punch. 

His chest swelled with pride. He was quite proud of her little display honestly. She’

D played him. He knew that instantly. He’d have to put a baby in her soon to make sure she stayed with him, and stayed too busy to out maneuver him again. Somehow he didn’t think a baby would take away from her high intelligence. 

He smirked to himself thinking of the sheer force that child would be against the world, a mix of both strong willed parents. A force to be reckoned with that was for sure. 

Johnny Doggs, his cousin and faithful friend waited for him just outside the camp. He looked disheveled and worried. 

“How bad is it Johnny?” He asked the concerned man as he dismounted his black as night horse. He knew the battle of wits was on now. The Lee men weren't this smart. This was all Esme and her mother Ziphila. 

“It’s not good Tom. The men are excited for a fight and Esme won't let anyone see her.” He said letting out a ragged breath. 

Tomm shook his head. He took his time lighting a cigarette as his brother and men surrounded him asking and waiting for a plan. 

“What Tom? you don't look worried.” Danny Wizbang said scanning around. Surely the leader of the gang could see they were outnumbered by angry clansmen. 

“Because I'm not worried, Danny, I can see what this is. Come on now, follow me.” John and Arthur exchanged perplexed looks but obediently followed an unbothered Thomas through the camp. 

They walked through camp trying to be vigilant but ignore the sneers and glares form the Lees. 

.

Tommy was flooded with relief when he saw Zilpha and Esme speaking outside the caravan. 

Esme’s chocolate brown eyes sparkled with mischief as he approached. He knew it, he fucking knew it. She had played him because of his fraternization with Grace. 

He smirked at her and winked. She smirked back but quickly hid it. They acknowledge one another as equals. So now he knew two things about her. 

She would lie for him and protect his family and she could play him like an instrument with that beautiful action mind of hers. He’d done well being forced into the position of marrying her. 

Polly would adore Esme when he told her what happened tonight. 

He became aware that the Lee’s descended on them at all sides. 

“I’m proud of you Esme, Bravo. I’m so fucking proud.”  He clapped all while grinning like a loon. 

A flash of knowing passed between the Lee matriarch and her daughter. She may not have been in on it initially but she was now. She looked like a proud mother hen. 

“Esme is loyal to you, not that you deserve it you bastard.” Esme’s cousin stood inches from Tommy’s face. The former soldier stood erect and unflinching. 

“Erasmus, back up. This is between Esme and her husband. Mr. Shelby.” Zilpha pointed to the caravan inviting him to peace talk alone with his triumphant wife. 

He was looking forward to getting her alone. 

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The moment the door in the dark little caravan closed Tommy descended on Esme, grasping her tiny little doll face tenderly in his large calloused hands held her firmly for a deep kiss. He wanted to devore her. 

She stood on her tippy toes to eagerly reciprocate. He knew he had to pull away now or he’d  end up taking her right there on the bench in her mum's caravan. Probably conceive a child in the Lee’s territory. The thought didn’t help his stiff erection at all. 

“Alright, girl. You got my attention yeah. I still need a posh woman for the deal, no coming home late, Grace will no longer keep the books, you will. Alright. No walking women home. Arthur is going to do that, yeah.” A sunny beautiful smile graced her face as she pulled him back down for another kiss. She didn’t even have to demand any terms. 

He literally handed her what she wanted. Him all to herself, no barmaid involved. 

“We still need to discuss Grace Tommy. I saw things and I heard things. This goes beyond you thinking I'm crazy with jealousy.  Grace doesn't make sense. She asks about the business in detail and suddenly Campbell and his men raid your facilities. Do the math Tom, you're too smart to be blinded by a woman.” She looked up at him searching his face hoping what she was saying was sinking in. She needed him to believe her. 

“I’m blinded by you right now Esme. I'm pretty proud of you.” He tried to bend down to kiss and take her into his arms, crush her up against his hard body.  He scoffed at her when she playfully shoved him back. A wicked sexy grin flashed across her face. 

“Keep it in your pants Tom. I’m not finished with you yet.” He chuckled at her. He wasn’t ready to be done with her either. 

 “She spoke to me last night, Grace did. She seems to think we're not a thing. Not a legitimate marriage because you swore yourself to me with blood. Says we aren't properly married.”  Tommy raised an eyebrow feeling a cool rage settle over him. He hadn’t known that Grace was challenging Esme directly and trying to plant doubts. What did she want with him? 

 He’d have to sort that out with Grace. She could be caught saying that, especially since he never had. A gypsy marriage was just as binding. He’d meant his vows. 

“ She listens to your conversations in the pub. Johns saw her as has Lizzy. I've even seen her in the betting shop fetching things for you. Tommy's little pet, she is.” He shook his head at her and mouthed ,”No.” Now she was getting off track. A little green eyed monster of jealousy settled behind her eyes. 

 “Esme, how come you never told me this before?” If she was loyal to him and was seeing the betrayal to Campbell….accusing grace of spying….no. 

“Because you tell me to stop. Shut me down. No more Tom. I’m the one in your bed, I'm the one who's loyal to you and isn't afraid to tell you the truth, no one else is doing that are they?” He placed his hands firmly on her soft curvy hips and thought about what she was saying, letting it sink in and become malleable. Arthur and John really haven't mentioned it. We’ll maybe John in jealousy the other night when he’d carried home Esme laundry for her. He saw how John looked at her. 

“ Alright, I hear you and you have me thinking. Let's get you a home wife, please don't ever leave me again eh.” He pressed his forehead down and against her soft raven hair. She smelled of woodsmoke and pine. 

He couldn’t wait to bury himself in her tonight. 

“I'm putting a fookin baby in you tonight.” His deep raspy voice elicited a shiver of excitement in the little woman. 

“Promise.” She grinded up at him reminding him of a cat. He enjoyed smacking her arse as she walked down the steps. Cheering followed as he stepped down allowing his eyes to adjust. 

He wanted to get her on the horse now and race home before the others burst in from their work day. Today was about him. 

He’d set Grace straight soon enough. 

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Polly knew and helped her. He saw the rest of the plan revolve himself when he came crashing in through the door and hoisted his wife on the table. 

Polly had moved her ham sandwich out of the way quickly scowling at the pair. It didn't last long though. He caught the devilish grin in his aunt's eyes. She’d help Esme plan the whole thing. 

“Esme, go up the stairs. I’ll join you in a minute, yeah.” He slapped her arse again and she glared as she turned to giggle and race up the stairs eager for her husband's arrival. 

Tommy placed his hands on the table and braced himself up smugly looking down at his aunt. She was trying to hide her smile. 

 “She's as clever as the devil himself isn’t she. She's a good match for you Tom, hold on to that one.” Polly shook her finger at him. He saw something else in Pollys wise expression. 

“No Pol, she's smarter than me….” He pushed off the table spilling her tea, earning a smack himself as he followed his lovely bride's footsteps up the stairs. For now, they were good. 

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[vivianleighwishesshewasme]

The Devils mate 2-part 6

Esme and her sister go riding. Allegations come forth causing Rosemary to make a decision on her own fate.

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Rough rider

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I strode out the front door letting the screen slam behind me. I had nightmares all night. Something was coming to a head. I could feel it in my bones. 

My dreams were of a faceless banshee clawing at me, chasing me away and wrapping her taloned hands around my family. She always pulled them back into the fog. No matter how many times I entered the white vagueness, called or frantically looked.

  I spotted Rosemary in the field across the road. She’d been a godsend to helping me around the house.

 I knew I needed to keep my word. The girl had told me she loved horses and was desperate to ride.  

Declan was napping so I probably had time. I was grateful that my baby was catching up on sleep. 

I walked to the barn and picked the best, most gentle mare I knew we had. 

 A white and grey spotted horse named Misty. Ruby had named her.  I wondered if I should saddle her or teach her to ride like a gypsy. I grabbed a bit and headed out. 

She’d learn better bareback first. At least that’s how I had been taught. 

“Come er!” I called out. She turned slowly towards  and her jaw literally  dropped open and her eyes got wide. She practically ran to the horse dropping her basket in the process. 

Esme smiled at her little sister, she was glad to see the girl coming out of her shell. She was a funny girl and smart as a whip. When Duke gave her the chance, she had no doubt they’d be smitten instantly. 

“Are you going to teach me to ride? She was exuberant and radiating excitement. 

“Yes, but you have to be in control of yerslf or even Misty will run off with you. She’ll be excited too.” Esme smiled and handed the girl the reins.

“Walk er over there for a bit, slow and steady the both of you.” 

After a while Esme helped boost the girl up and lead them both around the fields and woods. It felt so nice to get out and feel the dirt under her feet. 

When they’d arrived back home however they were greeted with a site that dashed the fun to shreds. Ruby and Charlie were playing with Devlin on the porch enjoying the warm weather, her mother stood over the children, eyes narrowed ready to fight. 

Esme smiled. She was ready.

“What do you think you are doing?! No man is going to want you Rosemary if you aren't a virgin, not a proper good man at any rate.” She raised her hands in exasperation and paced the porch. She looked disheveled, probably waiting for them to come back. Esme figured Charlie probably told her what the girls were doing. 

“Oi, Ruby, Charlie, take Declan into the house yeah. Put on your records for me.” Esme grinned broadly as her children listened, scoping up the giggling baby and going inside. She waited until she heard the door close upstairs. She’d opened the windows this morning to let in the gentle breeze, carrying out the house smells. She's glad she did. Now she could speak hearing the music fainty floating outside. 

“The horse ain't gonna take her virginity, it's a mare and they were both gently walking through the paths.” Esme said gently ribbing on her mothers worries knowing they were unfounded. 

“It isn’t your place to decide what she can and can’t do, Esme. I was too light-handed with you.“ Her mother said sharply. Esme’s genuine high laugh echoed off the forest sending birds scattering nearby. 

Was she being serious? Too light handed? That was the cruelest joke she’d ever told. 

“Light handed! Ha! I got smacked around when your brain switched moods like the bloody weather. Not to mention you'd let the “church” discipline me as a teen girl, locked outside, beaten and tied to a pole, and you almost let Peter rape me, you did. I’m glad Tommy disrupted your plans. I won't let you do that to Rosemary, she's a good girl. Too kind for yous lot.” She stood ramrod straight, her feet dug into the earth defiant and unmoving. 

Her mother was still diluted, Rosemary had told her as much through their little talks but she’d glimpse of kindness from the elder woman on occasion recently with her coming around. She’d falsely hoped they’d be good now yet she knew….she always knew better. 

“Rosemary, come here right now!” The command was harsh and thunderous, building the aggression between the two adult women. 

“Stay put, I’ll protect you.” Esme ordered the young woman. She refused to allow another girl to fall into her mothers cruel hands. 

“But they own me….and..” The young woman slipped off the horse and stood by her sister, her gaze firmly on the angry mother figure in front of her though. 

“And I’ll go down to the courthouse today and file for emergency guardianship.” Esme said hastily, but she’d meant it. She’d do anything. 

The legal way was best. 

“On what grounds?” Her mother challenged stalking toward them, her steps hard and heavy no doubt leaving angry prints in the soft ground. She was a foot in front of her dark haired daughter now. Esme could see the veins popping out of her mother's neck, hands and forehead. Her fists were balled tightly by her side. Esme looked down and looked back up at her mother. She was sixteen or even twenty anymore. She wasn’t afraid of her mum.

“Abuse. I’ve seen the marks on her arms, red and angry welts. Me name also holds weight in this town. I couldn’t save meslf, but I’ll be damned if I let you hurt er.” She said calmly and smoothly surprising herself. She was in control now. She was finally starting to heal. 

“ I’m getting your father, young lady.” Her mother stormed off towards the town stomping and hitting branches from nearby shrubs along the way. 

A tiny shaking hand wrapped around her arm pulling her back to the younger woman. Rose’s eyes were wide and she was trembling. Esme pulled her into a tight hug. She knew it would be okay but she understood the fear of not knowing. 

When she’d mated with Tommy she had no idea how he’d treat her. He was wonderful, but she’d gotten lucky, not all mates were kind like he was. 

“Esme, you don’t have to do this.” She pleaded with her sister to stop. She had no idea things could get better. And how could she, she was only sixteen. She barely knew anything yet about life and its true complexities. 

“I might not have to drag it out. I’m calling Duke and Tommy. A decision needs to be made. Right the hell now.” She said resolute. 

“Do you want your freedom?” Esme asked realizing she hadn’t asked her little sister yet.

“More then anything I want to be safe!” The girl confessed softly. Her shaking had stopped but she looked miserable. Esme understood and squeezed her hands reassuringly. 

“It won’t be easy, but I’ll be here to listen and help, ya.” The girls nodded and gently touched their foreheads together. Esme had no idea what the future held, but she was glad to start burning the bridges of her past and helping someone turn out better then she had. 

[vivianleighwishesshewasme]

The reaping of Thomas Shelby's Ambitions-Part 2

REarranged by marriage series

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“I don’t know what to bloody think. “ Esme confessed to her sister as she wrung out some clothing and hung it up to dry next to her sister Nova. The other women just look sympathetic to her little sister's plight. Esme was grateful for the heat  from the large tubs of boiling water. Sweat, condensation and tears all intermingled until they were indistinguishable. 

“Have you seen mum yet? What would she say?” The older woman gently wiped the rolling liquid off her younger sister Esme’s face lovingly. 

When Lee women hurt, they hurt together. 

“Don’t start a blood fight Esme. Go to your husband, at least he doesn’t beat you!” Her voice dripped with pain and venom. Not words she wanted to hear at the moment. She needed advice not to be rebuked. 

“Yes, but….” her sister hesitated.” What do you think she’d say about Tommy and…. You know….that women?” her sis asked cautiously. She didn’t want anyone to overhear and go wagging their tongues in camp or to the Shelbys. Erasmus their brother would have Tommy’s head on a pike in the middle of camp. A war would definitely happen then. 

“I don’t know Nova. Probably be disappointed, tell me to try harder or something. Inspire him with what's in between my legs like he's not trying to get it from the barmaid. “ The women laughed knowing that's exactly what would be said. Even Esme's silly little faces looked just like their mums. 

“It's a shame the other one ran off and married the whore. He was handsome too and he seemed funny.“ Her sister gratefully turned and started hand washing opposite of Esme who was choosing to remain silent. Sometimes she thought it was a shame. too 

__________________________________

John had spotted her first. Esme’s sweet voice was distinctive.  Even through the foggy windows streaked with water droplets of the wash house he could see her sweet little doll-like face. He caught bits and pieces of her conversation with her sister, Nova if he recalled right.  Lizzie and Pol had been right. Esme and Tom were not getting on as well as some family members thought. 

He stood under the streetlamp in the alley waiting for his petite sister in law to emerge. 

When she came around the corner with her wet little basket he grabbed her. She screamed and tried to toss the heavy basket at him but he muffled her with his hand and pinned her down to the ground with his long legs. 

“Esme, Esme, it's me, it's John, settle down girl.” He harshly whispered into her ear. He held her tightly until her heaving chest and racing heart calmed down. Not that he was complaining about the view.

 He liked Lizzie, the sex was good but Esme was built differently. Like a proper woman. Full hips and breast, all which were nice to squeeze and grab at while thrusting. He shook his head, freeing it of its sexually improper thoughts of his brother's wife. 

“What the ell is wrong wit ya! Grabbin me in the dark like that!” She chastised him angrily, her words chattering like a pissed chipmunk.  He laughed. He loved the way she dropped off words when she was excited or angry. 

“I was walking home and saw you. Thought I could walk you back and I dunno, talk about stuff?” He stood and offered her his hand. She took it pouting at him, a red flush cast brightly across her full face. Her dark eyes flashed with warning. Even in the dark with barely any light she looked ethereal and had her own glow to her. 

His brother was a fool.

“Stuff? What kinda stuff?” She asked wearily. He took her basket and refused to let her carry it. He was the man, he had it. 

“I dunno, life, marriage, anything really.” He said, watching her face. She still didn’t trust him fully. 

The door to the wash house flung open and Nova strode as she passed her sister she flashed the shorter woman near John a smile. Esme shakes her head much to John’s dismay. He was just being friendly. She disappeared into the shadows making her way to the Lee camp outside of town. 

“Fine.” Esme really didn’t want to walk the dirty dark streets of Birmingham alone anyway. 

After a few blocks John gently bumped into Emse pulling her from her thoughts reminding her they were walking together. 

“Geez, most women don’t usually act so sullen to be in my company. “ He playfully ribbed her. She gave him a soft smile and gently pushed him back half heartedly. He grinned seemingly happy with her response to him.

“Were brother and sister in law John, nothing more or less. “ He raised an eyebrow and smirked. Was she reminding him or herself? 

“I know.” He said a little pout forming at the corners of his mouth. Lizzie was a friend, not a mother. She was frazzled and tired all the time. Esme being a proper gypsy girl would have helped raise her siblings and so on. He’d made a mistake. 

“Com er, I know a shortcut home.” He said as he started weaving in and out of little allys. Esme had to follow since he had her clothing hostage. 

John abruptly stopped causing her to crash into his back. He turned his head and whispered at her to slow down and be quiet. 

She looked around the dark moonlight ally and wished she would have said no to his company. Why had he gone this way? 

Then she heard it….Tommy’s distinctive deep brummie accent. With how many cigarettes he smoked a day, it only deepened his already husky voice. Esme leaned into John arm and clutched it tightly trying to stay hidden but eager to hear. 

“We should head back to Esme.” He warned her, trying to gently push her back. She shook her head and mouthed no.  He’d tried. 

Tommy dropped Grace off at her door, his face illuminated by the cigarettes he was lighting for them both.  They were intending to linger if they were smoking. Esme hated when he came home late, and now she understood why. She was seething. 

John was watching all the emotions payout on her normally soft face. He regretted taking her this way. He had no idea that Grace lived here or that Tomy had been taking her home.  

“I’m excited to go to the races, Are you sure it's okay?” She asked sweetly her Irish tilt coming out making her voice that much more charming. 

Esme looked like she wanted to cut her throat. 

“It’s all in the plans, Grace.” Tommy chucked and pulled Grace's coat over her shoulders tighter. Esme lurched forward but John stuck his leg out blocking her. 

“If you jump out there you give away our position. Tommy would see us both, then they’d be guilty too.” He whispered softly hoping she’d take his advice and stay put. She glared at him. He wasn’t sure why he’d said guilty, they weren’t doing anything wrong but that had been the word that came out of his clumsy mouth.

“Then I’ll see you saturday.” Grace gave him a beautiful smile and flounced into her home turning to grin again and she closed the door. Tommy chuckled, turned and walked the way John and Esme needed to go. 

She looked at him, tears glistening in her eyes. He dropped the wash and clutched ehr to his chest letting her cry into his dress shirt. 

He rubbed her back and whispered little kindness into her dark hair apologizing for what they saw. 

Little did he know they had been spotted by a tattle tale. 

_______________________________________________

[vivianleighwishesshewasme]

Rearranged by Marriage

The Divide

________________________________________________________

Tommy is getting distant with Esme.

Chapter Text

Esme slammed her books down on her desk a little harsher then she’d meant to. She hadn’t slept much and Tommy was still being a bit distant to her. She supposed she should be happy that he was a nice enough man if not a bit cold. Could be worse, he could beat you. She thought bitterly. After their night in the caravan she’d expected more from him then little side hugs and a quick head kiss. She felt like a child to him and not a wife. She didn’t expect him to fall head over heels in love with ehr. She didn’t love him in truth, yet. Still, it would be nice if he looked at her the way John looked at Lizzie.

She knew most Lee men would like a wife like her, apparently Shelbys were a different breed and that she knew as a fact. All the Shelby Grays were different.

Her eyes darted to the Shelby matriarch, Polly Gray. Since the night of her and Tom’s wedding, after she’d helped Polly deliver Ada’s baby, she has been physically around the older women all while feeling the Shelby coldness that keeps people away at a distance. She wondered at this point if it was intentional or if the family was just like this.

She’d heard Polly talking about Anna, her daughter who'd been forcefully removed when she was a small child. Esme’s heart ached for the women especially since Anna was haunting Polly’s dreams and robbing her of sanity both in waking hours and non. She had been told by her cousin yesterday, who came to gossip about the Lee family news and do laundry, that Polly had used the Boswell name and gone to see psychics about her daughter's status on the plain of the living.

Esme could have told her Anna had passed, she knew the elder women knew, but having it confirmed by a charlatan sometimes had more merit.

It hurt Esme though that she hadn’t gone to her, after all, she was family in name at least.

She stood gossiping quietly with Lizzie, John’s wife while they discussed Anna and something about Tommy keeping an address from her. She wondered why Tommy wasn’t giving his Aunt information.

Esme would have helped butter him up if she knew what they were talking about. After all, they slept in the same bed and shared the same room. It’s not like they never spoke.

She nodded her time until Lizzie walked off to boil another pot of tea, to approach Polly.

“ Polly, that woman is a trickster.” Esme walked with caution like she was approaching a wild horse. She could feel the vibration of irritation and anger rolling off the other women like mist on a lake in Autumn.

Pol’s harsh pained face looked at her. The woman's eyes were watery but the current raged underneath in her chocolate brown orbs.

“Esme, Lizzie is no such thing, I don’t want to deal with silly woman jealousy.” She quickly dismissed her. Esme knew that wasn’t the problem. She wasn’t jealous of Lizzie.

“Im talking about Mrs. Price, from the patch. You saw er last night, yes?” Esme had heard from her sister about the visit. She knew Mrs. Price's brother pushed the glass, they used questions and vulnerability to prey on hurting innocent people. She didn’t want to see Polly get taken advantage of.

Esme was stunned when Polly stood and twisted the younger gypsy around while she pinned her against the wall, grabbing her coat roughly and holding Esme in place. Between the rough cool brick and Polly’s fists balled up into her shoulder Esme almost winced. Knew she couldn’t though. She couldn’t show weakness.

She was hurting far worse than anyone in the family knew. Esme could feel her shaking with rage, only an anger a woman could possess.

“What do you think you know?” The elder woman challenged Esme's, sneering in her face. She looked like a whipped dog, ready to bite anyone because she had been hurt, her trust had been abused. Her bark was loud and aggressive.

“I could hav’ told you she’d passed. We Lee’s have actually seers in our line. You can trust me.” Esme was practically begging through her own eyes to be let in. She hated feeling like an outsider in her own family.

“I trust no one right now, especially the man you lie next to at night. If you had any common sense you wouldn’t either.” Polly pushed off Esme shoving her harder into the wall with force that caused her to bounce back. Esme sighed and shook her head as Polly Gray stormed away and out of the shop.

Esme grabbed the last of her resolve to not pack and run off. She was shaken and angry. She briskly walked to the door, yanking it open for the day. The men wandered past ehr ready to place bets.

Throughout the long day Esme caught Lizzie gives her a sympathetic look but she chose to ignore the other Shelby.

She’d been around the family long enough she was one of them, she couldn’t understand.

_______________Tommy________________________________________ Tommy slammed his soaking cold body into the little wooden bar chair and slumped forward. He had just informed Grace that he was staying and in desperate need of a Whiskey.

He smoked and inhaled the tobacco deeply into his lungs relishing the burn he felt in his lungs. The Whiskey burned his throat warming a trail through his body as it slid down to his churning stomach.

He could feel a haze coming on. He welcomed the numbness after today. Polly was glaring daggers into his back all day for not disclosing Michael’s location to her even though he knew it was the right thing to keep from her. They both knew each other too well. She was chipping at his resolve. He’d do anything for family, including protecting them from themselves while he got proverbially hit, bit and scratched at.

He wanted to curl up and sleep endlessly when she had asked about his horse. Lee's, his wife's side had cursed it and put a bad seed in his hoof. Curly had asked if they should call Esme to remove the curse. He had no reason to believe Esme was a witch so he had decided against it. Now he wished he at least would have asked.

He hated putting down horses. They always died badly. He had a theory that horses were loyal, unlike people. They always just needed some freedom and air. LIke him.

He had felt some relief however once the whiskey hit. He was starting to relax, enough that he let Grace sing. She had a voice like an angel, soft and soothing.

She was lovely, demure and interesting. To him. This little Irish posh girl who’d washed up where she didn’t belong. Everything he was striving for in his ambitions and felt he was.

Instead he married a Lee girl all because of John's decision to elope with a whore. Tommy had gotten a feral, wild little gypsy woman. A reminder of who he was now, not where he desperately wanted to go. A war with the Lee’s would have delayed his plans, but now he wondered if it would have blown over. _________________________________

Tommy missed the little doll face pressed against the glass watching him smile at Grace and clap for her songs. He had no idea what fate had in store for him yet.

_____________________________________________________________

[jamespersonaltailor]

Brothers ☠🔝 • • • 👉 @byorderofthepb • • • #peakyblinders #tommyshelby #arthurshelby #pollygray  #adashelby #michaelgray #esmeshelby #alfiesolomons #tomhardy #billykimber #bbc #helenmccrory #natashaokeeffe #finncole #sophierundle #tvseries  #cillianmurphy #paulanderson #joecole #shelby #series #mafia #netflix #byorderofthepeakyblinders #birmingham  #byorderofthepb (at Manchester, United Kingdom) https://www.instagram.com/jamespersonaltailor/p/Btos-LYAoFZ/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1gg365x48w2op

[jamespersonaltailor]

☠☠ • • • 👉 @byorderofthepb 're post • • • #peakyblinders #tommyshelby #arthurshelby #pollygray  #adashelby #michaelgray #esmeshelby #alfiesolomons #tomhardy #billykimber #bbc #helenmccrory #natashaokeeffe #finncole #sophierundle #tvseries  #cillianmurphy #paulanderson #joecole #shelby #series #mafia #netflix #byorderofthepeakyblinders #birmingham  #byorderofthepb (at Manchester, United Kingdom) https://www.instagram.com/jamespersonaltailor/p/Btj81sMg3IH/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1o0h2iowo9jhe