Eleanor Brown started her life over again in Small Heath, thinking from now on everything could only get better. Soon she met Thomas Shelby and thought about how wrong she might have been about that. Will she be able to cope with the whole Shelby business or is it better for her to walk away?

Chapter I

I felt sick the whole train ride to Birmingham, not necessarily because trains made me uneasy but I was starting a new life, from scratch. What was to become of me? Six months ago I would have never imagined myself sitting on a train to a filthy city with no family left, I wish I could cry but I knew that wasn't going to help me, especially in this new world.

I am Eleanor Brown, nineteen years old of age and a daughter of a former businessman, I say former because four weeks ago my father took his own life. The last few years he gambled a lot and at one point there was no money left to gamble, he was in serious debt and couldn't take the shame that came with it. My mother was a very proud woman, maybe even too proud. You see, we lived a good life in London, we had money, friends etc.. But after my father died everything was taken from us, we were able to afford a little cottage on the outside of London but my mother could not cope with it. She was born rich, lived a luxurious life and suddenly the man she loved was gone and she had to give up all the comfort she was used to. Her spirits were low for several weeks until she peacefully died in her sleep one day. I keep telling myself it was her love for my father that took her so soon, she missed him so much even though he had brought so much trouble upon the family.

And here I was, about to arrive at the train station in Small Heath, I sold the little cottage because I could not afford to maintain it. London was still too expensive, that's why I decided to flee to Birmingham. I also hoped no one would be familiar with my family's situation here, because I couldn't take the whispers in the street anymore. I stepped out and immediately felt suffocated by all the smoke, but I was determined, I needed to find a room that I could rent because I didn't want to experience the streets of Small Heath at night. I admit that I looked posh in my red dress and black coat, but I couldn't help myself because these were one of the only clothes I had left. I tried so many houses but as soon as they saw my red dress they charged me double, thinking I could afford it (which I obviously couldn't), I tried to explain to people that I didn't have much money but they did not seem to give a care in the world. I could not stay in a hotel because one night would be too expensive and I wouldn't have any money left for tomorrow.

It was starting to get dark and I didn't know what to do anymore, I felt dirty by all the polluted air and was so hungry and still didn't manage to find a room. I saw this pub called 'The Garrison' and thought perhaps someone there could help me find a place to rent. As I walked in and made my way to the bar to approach the barman, someone turned to me and said that women weren't allowed to sit at the bar unaccompanied. "I will be leaving in a moment, I just need to ask something, my apologies" but the barman seemed quite occupated and it took him a while to notice my presence. "Sorry love, no women allowed to sit-" I interrupted him before he could finish his sentence. "I know, sir and I am sorry but I am new in town and just need to ask a quick question, do you perhaps know where I can find a small room I can rent for not too much money?" The man sighed because he obviously didn't seem to have the time for these kind of things in the middle of a busy night shift. "Can't you see I am very busy girl ?" he said a little aggravated.

Before thinking about it twice I replied "Perhaps I can help?" He didn't seem to believe the question that I asked but he looked around and noticed the Garrison was so full he could never manage on his own. "Can you poor drinks?" "YES" I said way to excited. He made a gesture with his head that I should come behind the bar which I did immediately and put the apron on he handed me. "Harry Fenton" he said with a nod. "Eleanor Brown, pleasure".

I didn't waste a second and started taking orders from the men sitting at the bar, I wasn't used to working in a pub but I knew all the drinks as I often poured them for my father and his friends. I ignored the vulgar comments some of the men made and just wanted to work the night away. I was already tired from wandering Small Heath all day but I needed to get my mind of the fact that I didn't have anywhere to stay; I might as well just make the best of it and work instead of wander the streets at this hour.

Three in the morning and the last person left the bar, finally! "So Eleanor eh?" Harry said while wiping away the sweat on his forehead. "Yes, how did I do ?" "Not bad, especially for a first time" "Well, yeah, I never worked in a bar before" He smiled and said "It looks like you just never worked, at all" pointing at my dress. I wasn't mad because he was right, I never worked a day in my life but that's not the case anymore. "Well yeah but all good things must come to an end." Before I could let the reality set in he replied "Well you were looking for a room and unfortunately I don't know any but you were a great help tonight so you can sleep in here, just for one night though, if you want ? I lock everything up so no one can bother you and the only person who has a spare is out of town" Well I would never find a room at this hour so I accepted and settled myself in this side room next to the bar after I thanked Harry before he locked the Garrison and left.

I was exhausted and still so hungry but as soon as I laid down on this wall mounted sofa, I drifted away and slept off the exhausting day.

"What the fuck is this?" a deep loud voice made me shoot up; I thought no one was able to get inside ? I looked up at this tall man in a black fitted suit. He had remarkable blue eyes and high cheekbones, thinking to myself that I had never seen a man this handsome before.