Summary: This might just be the most interesting boring party Tommy Shelby has ever been to.
Authors Note: This was written for @notyour-valentine 1k Follower celebration using the prompt "An inappropriate giggle" which is so cute! I hope I managed to do this prompt justice. I went a little to hard so I hope its not too long. This is like my second fic ever but I had a lot of fun writing it and I hope y'all like it! Sorry in advance for any mistakes you encounter bc no beta. Anywhoo Once again Congratulations on such a huge milestone! Enjoy!
p.s I named her Lucy bc I had "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" on repeat lol
Thomas Micheal Shelby was a man of many talents, he was rather good with words, a natural leader, and a savvy businessman, seemingly all one needed to successfully run a company and intermingle with England's high society. Oh, how wrong he was, for all his many talents Tommy Shelby has yet to master the deplorable art of small talk.
Attending parties has suddenly become an integral part of his job. Charity parties, dinner parties, company parties, derby parties, the whole lot of them all the same high and mighty lords and those cowards from the cavalry and decorated upper-class ladies talking about everything and nothing. Granted they would once in a while say something with some merit but the instances were few and far in between, and it certainly was not worth the side glances he would get from the men or the overwhelming sound of the ladies giggling and not so subtly commenting on his bachelor status.
“I certainly think that is a cause worth supporting, don't you think so Mr.Shelby?” a high-pitched voice shook him from his thoughts. Shit! What is this woman's name Lady Beabroke? What were they talking about? Better to just go on with it
“Of course, noble indeed. Where would I need to inquire about donating?” he asks politely hoping his voice does not sound as dazed as he felt.
“Why I believe Lord Walker’s secretary handles all their donations isn't that right sir?” Lady Beabroke continues addressing the well-dressed plump man standing across from them.
“Ah yes, my niece! I am afraid she is late again as I have not seen her but once she makes an appearance I will make sure to point her out to you Mr.Shelby we are very grateful for any contribution, children are the future after all.” Lord Walker says a deep chuckle all proud and smiling way too much for someone as serious as a Lord. If Tommy still believed in Father Christmas he might have mistaken Lord Walker for him.
Tommy politely excuses himself for a moment to walk towards a waiter holding a tray with champagne glasses hoping the alcohol would hold him over until dinner, he doesn't make it 3 feet before he is ambushed by pearls and giggles.
“Oh, Mr.Shelby I am so glad you were able to make it tonight” says Lady Owen the organizer of the event, her husband is a betting man, and never seems to have any luck with the horses.
“Yes Mr. Shelby you’re a delight indeed” Lady Madison continues in an overly sweet voice almost making him cringe “ Why you should've brought your darling brothers! I would love to meet them, rumor has it they're as handsome as you!” Both women break into delicate practiced laughter.
“You lovely ladies are too kind,” he says, giving them a side smile. It must have the right effect as both women seem charmed enough.
A loud laugh interrupts whatever intelligent conversation the women were about to regale him with next, which causes them all three to turn towards the entrance of the grand hall.
“ I am fine, it's just a little water sir! I needed a shower anyways ” a female voice says just as a young woman in a green dress walks into the hall with a waiter holding a small hand towel up to her which she gratefully takes. She is more or less dry, her exposed arms are littered with droplets and he notices her trendy bobbed hair is slightly damp as she rubs the towel up and down both of her arms, the whole time smiling and giggling at herself.
“Ah that must be Lord Walker's niece,” Lady Madison says “Heard she is quite a… funny girl, she comes from America you see”
“Uncle!” she excitedly yells once she spots him among the crowd attracting everyone's attention “Oops excuse me that was loud! As you were everyone” she continues walking to her equally smiley Uncle who embraces her in a bear hug before looking her over and laughing once again both seemingly finding it hilarious that she showed up to this high-class party in such a state.
“Americans never change, do they? So loud! Also, look at her dress, it almost hits her knees how indecent!” said Lady Owens judgemental voice quipped sounding incredibly scandalized “Oh my she’s coming this way”
Indeed she was. The young woman was merrily making her way toward them this time with a small folder in her hand.
“Good evening! You must be Mr. Shelby, my Uncle has told me a good deal about you” she said offering her hand for him to shake. He was at a loss for a second as he’d often heard ladies don't shake hands but recovered quickly and extended his own gently shaking her smaller hand. Her skin was soft yet not without a certain roughness to it, definitely not an idle lady that sits all day for tea and gossip and her grip was firm and full of confidence, she's done this before then. She made eye contact with him the whole time offering a sweet smile, her gaze was soft and relaxed. He was not used to not seeing people with their guard up and this girl was an open book, it almost startled him to see someone bare it all without a care in the world.
“Thank you so much for inviting us Lady Owens, it's a lovely party” she turned to the hostess politely.
“I was beginning to think you would not show up Ms.Walker '' Lady Owens replied tensely, pointedly ignoring Ms. Walker's gratitude “A little more and you would've missed dinner. Would you like to use the upstairs to freshen up?” Ah, there it was the unique passive aggressiveness of the upper class.”
“I am truly sorry for my lateness it's too easy to get turned around in a city like yours and don’t worry about me Lady Owens I’m sure it's not the first time your guests have seen wet hair with this dreary weather you have here in London,” she says with a polite smile Good save Tommy thinks she was not rude but she did not take it on the chin either. Ms.Walker turned back to him and took a breath to start speaking when she was rudely interrupted by Lady Owens
“As I was saying Mr.Shelby your eyes are truly magnificent isn't that right Lady Madison”
“Why I do believe they the bluest I have ever seen”
“That is very kind of you, My Lady” Tommy replied, wondering if he was starting to feel embarrassed.
“See Mr.Shelby I have a daughter, she’s a bit younger than you but she's a pretty thing, very good background and very obedient” Lady Owens continued
“All of this is terribly interesting Lady Owens but in order not to waste more time,” Ms.Walker started “Mr.Shelby my uncle has instructed me to give you more information regarding our foundation it can all be found in these documents along with our office address here in London I would love to take you on a tour of our facilities so you can make an informed decision on whether or not you decide to partner with us”
He admired the way she politely took over the conversation and enjoyed Lady Owen's baffled look at being so suddenly stopped mid-conversation handing him the folder she turned to the ladies and said “Well ladies I won’t take any more of your time you can get back to your obedient daughter and Mr.Shelby's dreamy blue eyes” she looked at him and winked teasingly before gracefully walking back to her uncle.
“Well she is certainly forward, isn't she? Modern women, no wonder they can't find suitable husbands I heard they call them charity girls” Lady Owens said scornfully
“Charity girls?” Lady Madison asked suddenly very intrigued at the chance to hear some new gossip
“Oh, I can barely make myself repeat it,” Lady Owens said, putting her jeweled hand to her chest seemingly steading herself “You know working girls Mary? Well a charity girl does what working girls do without charge”
Lady Madison gasped and held her hand to her chest “Oh my”
Both had seemingly forgotten Tommy was standing there with them utterly bored of their little exchange. He turned to see Ms. Walker standing next to her uncle talking to Lord Madison who seemed to be charmed by her, both exchanged a couple of laughs before Madison nodded and he shook hands with her Uncle presumably making a deal. Working girl or not, she is good at her job.
Once dinner was served Thomas found himself sitting next to Ms.Walker and after a toast to the king they started to eat, chatter filling the large hall.
“So did she get the date?
“Excuse me,” Tommy said as he turned to look directly at her
“Lady Owen’s obedient daughter. Did she land a date with your magnificent blue eyes Mr.Shelby ?” The last sentence was said in a fake London accent, gaudy and posh imitating Lady Madison. Tommy did not know how to react. No one in these events ever spoke to him so casually or in such a direct manner before.
“Shame” she responded “you know when she first started talking I thought she was trying to sell you a dog”
That made Thomas almost choke on his champagne. She just says whatever comes to mind eh? he thought.
“I mean good background and very obedient. I was thinking about a greyhound or something. Guess not, just her human daughter” she turned and smirked this time her eyes were mischievous. It reminded him of the look Finn gave them when he would think no one knew he was smoking cigarettes in the garden.
“But hey I am a modern woman, I drink, I smoke, I dance the Charleston, no chance of finding a husband with pretty blue eyes for me”
“You heard that” his brows furrowed. For some reason, he felt a tinge in his chest at the thought of her taking what those old hags said about her seriously.
“Oh they never say anything you are not meant to hear at these parties” she replied calmly smiling back at him “It only serves as a reminder that my life is more fun than hers”
He had never really thought about it like that. Money always meant freedom and power but fun? No, fun had never really crossed his mind.
“It almost makes me feel bad for Lady Owens” she continues
“Why is that?” Tommy started now engaged in the most entertaining conversation of the night.
“Even though she is a literal charity girl I doubt she’s had a good lay in a while”
Thomas' couldn't help but snort before his face fell “I am sorry you had to hear that. It's none of their business”
“Don’t trouble yourself about it Mr.Shelby it's not like you said it” She said calmly “Not the first time and not the last time someone will call me that I can assure you, the upper class is an uptight bunch but seeing them scandalized is always very entertaining”
“You got that right, love” he replies going back to his food “Call me Tommy”
“I’m Lucy,” she says and he turns around to find her already looking at him. She smiles sweetly and he finds himself returning it. Her cheeks blush a little, must be the champagne.
“A toast to my lovely wife” Lord Owen's booming voice is heard from the head of the table “Who organized this lovely evening and whose big heart encourages us to give to those most in need”
Everyone raised their glass before Lord Owens continued “And of course, we must include my wife’s fellow charity girls who are always willing to help her spread joy and kindness.”
Lucy turned to look at him immediately they managed to hold it together for a second before they dissolved into laughter. Lord Owens was significantly confused and his wife was going red in the face either in anger for their inappropriate reaction or her husband's seemingly innocent comment having a double meaning he was ignorant to.
Quickly composing herself Lucy spoke first “I deeply apologize, Lord Owens. Mr. Shelby is more charming than I gave him credit for” she motioned to him placing her hand on his arm gently ignoring the scandalized and judgemental stares from the ladies sitting across from them.
Lord Owens most definitely already under the calm fog of alcohol simply smiled “No apology needed Ms.Wilson. We were young once too”
Once dinner was through the guests started to slowly dissipate as their cars were brought towards the front.
“Well Tommy I thank you for a truly entertaining dinner” Lucy spoke as they both waited for their cars away from the rest of the guests
“You should be thanking Lord Owens and his charity girls” Tommy replied while lighting a cigarette feeling rejuvenated as he inhaled the smoke tasting the tobacco. His reply coaxed another pretty laugh from her, shoulders shaking with mirth. He stared at her lips, the rouge that lay on top of them almost gonet but they seemed soft and that cheerful smile that decorated her soft features creating a very alluring picture.
“Tommy?” she called. Shit, she caught me, he thought. Her mischievous eyes were back and seemingly hypnotized him as he barely registered her movements as she took the cigarette from his mouth and brought it to hers gently inhaling as she looked directly at him. She exhaled and then moved to put his cigarette back in his still-open mouth. Lucy then proceeded to caress the side of his face before bringing him down to her height to gently kiss his cheek.
Tommy looked deeply into her eyes when she pulled back still holding his face. “What was that for eh?”
“Charity,” she said teasingly before caressing his face. She started making her way to the front when he grabbed her hand. “See you around?” he asked, suddenly nervous, not sure why. Lucy squeezes his hand before saying “Not if I see you first” giving him one last wink before joining her uncle.
Tommy takes his cigarette from his lips and catches a glimpse of a slight lipstick stain around it where his lips had just been. He lets out a slight chuckle as he looks at the starry night sky.
