Birmingham | 1927

It’s a cold winter night in the narrow streets of Small Heath, you try your best to walk on the cobblestones in your narrow heels, the crisp air clawing at your bare ankles. You had just visited your late husband’s grave, John Shelby. He got killed in a fight against the Changrettas and after finding out about his death, you remembered the letter he told you to open incase something happened to him, and in it were the following words :

" darling, if you’re reading this letter then it’s already too late. I would have loved to spend forever and more with you but unfortunately, it’s a luxury I couldn't afford. I want the best for you and your safety has always been my top priority which is why after you bury me, as difficult as that might be for you, you need to pack up and move to my family’s estate. There lives my aunt Polly, my oldest brother Arthur, my younger brother Finn and of course, Thomas. You’re going to sit down with the latter and he’ll explain everything to you. I have instructed him to marry you incase I were to die. I know you’re most likely reluctant and maybe even angry but again, I have your best interests at heart and that doesn't exclude your safety. You can’t live alone in our house, you can’t remarry a stranger and you certainly can’t leave Birmingham. Which is why you’re going to stay within the family and marry my brother. Please be aware that this is what’s best for you and your safety, I don’t want you to lay where I’m laying as you’re reading this. Take care and I love you. -John "

You’ve already done what he instructed you to do, as painful and at times as humiliating as it felt, you were aware that that was what’s best for you and your safety. You’ve always seen Thomas as your brother-in-law. Nothing more, nothing less. So him pre-agreeing to marry his brother’s eventual widow felt slightly misplaced for you. Nonetheless you put feelings aside and worked on the legal procedure with him. The wedding is tomorrow and you have no idea how you’re going to go from seeing this man as your brother-in-law to marrying him, the big, scary leader of The Peaky Blinders who’s word isn't repeated twice. You feel fear, doubt..perhaps excitement? But if there was one thing that was certain, is that you were ready.