Hello everyone.. Here is the chapter where Lady Lillian Evans meets the infamous Alfie Solomons.. Hope you all enjoy the new chapter.. In between each chapter will be another snippet of Lillians life..

The Four Seasons bistro in London would have to be one of the grandest places a person could eat and drink at for any reason. It was hard to get a booking at the private restaurant. Lillian had made a call and because of her name they had taken her reservation without a second thought on the matter. Even going to the extent of cancelling another person's reservation just to get her in with her friends. Lillian was dressed to the nines in a form fitted rose crimson dress with a back slit to make it easier for a person to walk in. It had capped sleeves with a black tulle Peek-a-boo illusion panel with a lace motif detail only just showing a little cleavage. She wore matching red shoes with the dress. They were a lovely style with a 11cm heel with a delicate cross strap with silver buckles. Both the dress and shoes were made by a lovely seamstress back in Small Heath that she loved to go to. Lillian had also worn a mid-shin length black fur coat before she got to the restaurant but had worn it for show for the circus crowd waiting for her. Lillian really did hate keeping up the "rich" façade that she had to hold up. But it was the only way the night could be made bearable with her select so called friends. What Lillian liked to normally wear was much more relaxed with long skirts, loose-fitting blouses and her trademark messy styled hair

After what must have been her fourth glass of some disgusting big named French champagne, Lillian was drawn back her thoughts by one of her rich friends "Lady Lillian? Hello? We were just talking to you".

Lillian visibly cringed at that name because it was a title she hated to be called. She looked up and took the last sip out of the glass "Sorry, what was said just now? I was off in my own little world for a minute there and missed whatever was said by you".

The thin blonde woman, whom Lillian could tell had never eaten a single piece of bread in her life. God if Lillian herself ever went on a bread free diet the truly would turn into the devil because she loved it with soup and then with ham and cheese sandwiches "We were just complimenting you on your outfit and was wandering how on earth you managed to get it at the estate. Let alone that dust filled village Small Heath"

Lillian shrugged her shoulders, signalling to have her glass re filled with champagne by the waiter "Small Heath does have its moments. It is from this quite lovely dress shop I go to whenever I am home in Small Heath. The seamstress' in that shop are amazing, better than anything I have had in London".

"What? Did they have all the different shades of black and grey? I mean. how many could there possibly be?" They were being so shallow, and it really made her angry with how insulting they were being.

Small Heath was her home and that place meant the world to her. She had been to glamorous places of the like that any woman would dream of going to, but Small Heath was her "place". Polly Gray raised her and brother like her own children. But for Lillian to hear her posh friends speak so insulting of her home like that. It made her blood boil over like a volcano with rage.

"I mean those Peaky Blinders aren't even human are they. We all know the brash reputations they hold in society. Especially the eldest one, Arthur. I mean, I have heard stories that he is simply a mad dog that Tommy likes to keep on a leash, only letting him off to kill".

The whole lot of them sat there laughing at their so-called funny joke thinking it was hilarious. But all it just did was anger her. Lillian felt foolish that she could have even thought it was going to be a good night out in their company. She felt embarrassed even of the fact for being so clueless.

"Oh, will you all just shut the hell up for once" Now they had gone a step too far because Lillian is very protecting of her Arthur. She cannot stand it when Tommy or John taunt Arthur like they do. They were so mean and cruel to him. Let alone complete strangers who had no idea who Arthur is as a person. He has a heart of gold and it was one of the reasons Lillian idolized him above all of the other brothers. She saw the good in him when no one else did. They only saw him as a mad man. Lillian took the champagne bottle and drank the last of its contents "The Shelby's may be brash and have no filter when they speak openly but at least they know who they are as a person. That family back in Small Heath is the only thing important in my life".

Lillian may be a prodigy but tonight she felt so dumb and foolish for believing anything could be any different.

"You can all go to hell for all I care" Her friends sat there horrified at her little outburst "Because I don't need this. I do not do all this fake friendship. Have a happy life the lot of you because this will be the last time, I speak to you".

"There is the freak show that is Lady Lillian. The one that everyone talks about"

Turning back, Lillian faced them with a glare on her face. Were they really going to pull that card? Name calling with words she had heard all before a million times. Her skin had become thick and not much got through anymore. Tommy had helped her with that "Is that really all you can come up with? Do you really think I don't know what you all say about me behind my back".

Lillian proudly turned her back to the rude people and walked out of that dining room with dignity. The waiters were quick to give her long black mink coat and her Chanel purse, which she hid inside her jacket pocket so no one could snatch it from her.

Lillian was reeling with fury from the antics at dinner and all she wanted to do was drink the white rum she had in her cabinet in her Camden home. Lords know they all need to learn what good alcohol is,

She looked before crossing the road and saw a pair headlights a way down the road. There was plenty of time for her to cross, even with the drizzly rain that was happening. At about halfway across the road, the heel snapped on her expensive heels and she slipped onto the ground. Lillian growled and clenched her teeth, sitting there on the wet ground.

Not even thinking twice, she unbuckled her other shoe and sat barefoot on the road "Oh I give up" Lillian whispered, knowing she had a long trip walking home with no shoes.

The car was now just metres from her and the driver was beeping the horn like a mad man at her "Get out of the fucking way will ya! It is a road not a fucking show you know! Or do ya need a hand, love to get up off the ground".

"Fuck you, you wanker Alfie Solomons!" Lillian chucked her shoes to the ground frustratedly and got up walking away barefoot in the wet. "I don't need your help nor the fucking Shelbys for that matter. I swear to god all of you men think I always need bloody assistance but I can damn well handle myself".

It was fair to say Alfie was taken back by the well-known Peaky Blinder princess standing up to him the way she did. Normally people feared him and his brash ways. But Lillian didn't show an ounce of fear in her eyes despite knowing who Alfie was "So you know who I am and yet you still call me a fucking wanker? Who the fuck do you think are you then, eh talking to me like that?".

Lillian turned to face him, looking like a drowned animal with "What if I said I know of you because of a certain blue-eyed Shelby, what are you going to do about it? Everyone seems to have an opinion about them without knowing them".

"I figured you were mixed up with them Shelby "boys". So where are those damn gangsters now? I do not see any in sight when they should be in fact protecting their little princess on Jewish turf" Alfie jeered, getting a little under her skin.

Lillian is pissed with him and walked away in a strut, muttering to herself about how men are ass holes. Alfie slowly rolls behind her in his car, touching the horn slightly and flashing the head lights at her. Lillian turns around, sticking her middle finger up at him and adding humour to it, she poked her tongue out at him "You are an sss hole!".

Alfie was being an ass "Listen sweetheart, you had better get in the car alright. Because, you see this if something happens to you on my turf while there was something I could have done about it. I will have Arthur Shelby hunting me down like a mad man and gutting me alive with his razor for allowing something happen".

A dog was barking from inside of the car. Lillian stops, finally surrendering to the fact she needs help and walks to the passenger side of the car. She opens the door and the dog barks playfully at Lillian. Alfie whistles for the dog to get in the back of the car. Lillian begrudgingly gets in, giving a dirty look to Alfie. She is stubborn one.

Then Alfie holds out her broken heel for her "Your heels, my lady".

"Smart ass" Lillian scrunches her face at him, poking her tongue out again. Alfie laughs and starts driving the car again "Has anyone ever told you, you are a bastard" Lillian told him.

"Yes, indeed they have when I am just about to do something harmful to them" Oh Alfie liked her and the spit fire character she held. Lillian would have to, to hold her own amongst the Peaky Blinders and their brigade. And Lillian was not afraid of him "But you are the first person who has said it straight to my face without quivering in their boots as a matter of fact".

The rain was coming down a little softer now, the rain just little speckles on the window without falling down "Well clearly everyone else around here are just chicken shits to not say what they think, aren't they" she answered back, looking away from the rain and straight into the eyes of Alfie. There was no panic in Lillian's eyes. The only thing Alfie could think a way to explain it was that of an old soul looking back at him. Someone who had seen and done a lot in their life. Love, pain, and sadness.

"What is a fancy lady like you doing out alone on the streets after dark anyhow?" Alfie asked

"That is none of your business" Lillian told him, turning her attention to the front. Although Lillian was not fast enough because Alfie saw the shadow of disappointment on her face. Something had happened during her night out that upset her.

"Well it is my business if a female Shelby is by herself on my territory alone" Alfie had to ask.

It was not only a danger for the lady to be in town by herself but also for Alfie because if anything happened to her, there would-be all-out war. And without a second thought Alfie knew it would be one he would lose.

"I am not a Shelby" she firmly told him, scoffing at Alfie and giving him a stern glare "Shelby isn't my last name anymore".

"May as well be if you are associated with them the way you are" Alfie said, shrugging his shoulders "You are their family, aren't you".

"They don't own me. I have a life of my own away from them all" Lillian replied.

"Yeah well it would be my head if anything happened to ya in my neck of the woods. You are lucky I spotted ya before the rats in the neighbourhood got a look at you and your pretty brown eyes" Alfie said to her.

Lillian nodded her head, a small grin with her eyes looking down to her hands and then back up to Alfie "And those rats would have been gutted like the vermin they are if they put a hand on me. Not by the Peaky Blinders but by me and no one else. I can promise you that".

Alfie smirked and a mischievous laugh escaped from his lips. The Jewish gangster had heard stories about the Peaky Blinder Princess through the whispers of the town people. Everyone had been telling their own stories in Camden until they were shut up by Alfie for not knowing they were talking about. What the fuck did they know about her anyway? Alfie knew Lillian was no damsel in distress but a force to be reckoned with that brilliant and quick-witted mind of hers. She had been brought up by Polly Gray, an older sister to Ada and a guiding light to the Shelby brothers amongst their madness of beating, murdering and butchering. But Lillian was most known for being the former wife of Thomas Shelby. Someone whom the gang leader would murder for.

Alfie also knew the lady sitting next to him had also just avoided answering the question he had asked "You didn't answer my question, why are you out walking by yourself late at night. Surely you would have been taught better by the Shelby's when it came to your safety".

Lillian resigned to the fact she wasn't going to get out of this one "I was at a dinner with my upper-class social circle, they said something that was insulting to my family and upbringing. So after hearing that I snapped. With the past five years, my patience has become very short with bull shit matters and mean things that is being said".

A touch of sorrow lingered in her bright eyes. Lillian smiles. But only with her mouth. That cheerfulness did not reach her eyes. There is a sadness there. It is lingering behind the veil. Alfie is not fooled. He can see behind the veil because he knew this look from his own. It baffled Alfie that someone as kind as her had been in that dirty war "I have seen that look before. Where were you in the war then?".

Alfie was no fool then "I had become a trauma nurse, followed the Shelby brothers to Somme to protect them as best as I could. I was even down in those blasted tunnels but never saw them the whole time".

For once on his life, Alfie was now completely baffled and speechless "A pretty little thing like yourself went off and fought in that bloody war. And the fact you did it for the Shelby brothers, that's quite commendable".

Her brows became furrowed, turning to talk to face Alfie "So you aren't going to say you shouldn't have gone off to that war and seen all of the horrors".

"No. no I am not" Alfie responded "You should be praised for your courage and valor. I think it is quite admirable that a young lady as yourself went to war and fought to keep her family safe. No one else with your status and gender would have done that" Alfie said, complimenting her on the heroism she had to go to a war like that.

Cyril the bull mastiff really did love her. He was lying beside Lillian with his head on the centre console. Alfie shook his head; the dog had already attached himself to her. He could tell there was something gentle about Lillian that could make a person feel at ease.

It was a reprieve from all the attention Lillian knew she was going to get once everyone knew she went to war. This made her like the Jewish gangster even more. Alfie wasn't treating her like a wilting flower "Thank you. You are the first person to have said that to me".

"Oh I can see that you are an absolute spit fire compared to the other dim mitted broads that are walking around the place" Alfie chuckled "They are too busy with the latest fashions to realise what is going on in the real world outside of their bubble".

By now they reached her large London town house. Alfie looked out of his window, whistling out loud at admiration of her home "Love looking house there? All by yourself, are you?".

"No" Lillian scoffed, rolling her eyes as she picked up her shoes and bag "I have a Peaky Blinder watching me at different times of the day and night. I have no doubt they will hear of you driving me home. There are also the neighbours who all are on Thomas' payroll".

Alfie had gotten out of the car at this stage and being the gentleman he was, opened the door for her "And what do you think the good ol Peaky Blinders will say that Alfie Solomons has driven their sweet little princess home".

"Nothing compared to when they hear when I invite you inside for a drink" Lillian thought out loud, giggling "I would actually love to see the pissed off look on Thomas' face".

Oh, Lillian really was not afraid of Thomas was she? "Poking the bear aren't there aren't you? Inviting me inside for a drink to piss them all off?".

As Lillian held her keys in her hand at the door, her eyes held truth when she turned back to speak to Alfie "I had seen some awful things during my time in the war. It is there where I looked evil in the eyes of many men, both my own compatriots and foe. And you, Alfie Solomons, you are a good man that may be doing bad things but it is all for a good end. Now, would you like to come into my house for a drink because I can handle them Shelbys even on my worse of days".

Cyril had sat down now beside Lillian with his tongue hanging out and tail wagging "Well it looks like I have no choice in the matter now that Cyril here wants to stay".

A big, bright smile appeared on Lillian's face "Alfie Solomon's, being told what to do by his dog. Wait till this gets out to everyone then, eh".

"But how could I say no to a beautiful young and smart lady such as yourself" Alfie added, taking off his hat and walking to the threshold of her house "You just keep that pit bull of a man, Arthur Shelby away from me okay. I have heard the stories about how protective he is of his little royal darling".

"Please" Lillian looked over from her shoulder as she unlocked her door, a hint of mischievousness shadowing over her dark brown eyes "Come on now. I happen to have my favourite bottle of white rum from the best maker here in Camden Town. Although I am sure I could teach him a thing or two about distribution to make his business a little more efficient and make him a little more money. But please keep that brown stuff to the workers because it honestly tastes like shit".

The corners of Alfie's eyes became wrinkled as he smiled, a chuckle escaping from his lips "Oh you are a cheeky little devil aren't you" Alfie was intrigued by her, such a small woman with so much power and knowledge "You sure are feeling bold talking to me like that".

Alfie remembered his manners entering a lady's house, taking off his hat, tidying his hair as he did so. If the entrance was anything like the rest of the house, it was all class and old money. Beautiful cream coloured carpet with the dark hard wood furnishes. Everything looked well cared for "Lovely home you have here. How much help do you have because this house barely has a speck of dust on it"?

Lillian playfully rolled her eyes at him "Oh I am all by myself, but I bet you already knew that didn't you".

She was certainly no dupe, and Alfie was impressed "Yeah well, when someone such as yourself from the Small Heath community lives in my town I have to keep tabs on you don't I".

Lillian laughed, leaning down, and chucking her shoes underneath the side table "You mean the name I have had since I was a little girl, the Peaky Blinders Princess?".

The Jewish gangster shook his head "No, as the beautiful young woman that has the mind of a genius and remembers all sorts of facts. Also that you are very educated and daunting".

She nodded because it felt good to not be first known as the Peaky princess but knowing Alfie Solomons was being a harmless flirt to her "Smooth Alfie but thank you for the kind compliment. It is great not to hear "that" nickname for once but me as a person".

Leaning down, she patted Cyril behind the ears "Let us get that drink then shall we. And I think I have some left over roast beef I made yesterday because this handsome boy looks like he is a little hungry".

Lillian adored animals of all shapes and sizes. They weren't bias to who's a person name was because they judged an individual for who they were "Follow me to the parlour so I can give you that drink and then I can change out of these blasted limiting clothes".

Walking through to the parlour, her house was spectacular with all the usual adornments. Wealth was known throughout the halls, but it was all simple and not in a person's face like some people do. Just like her. Alfie knew how much money the Lady Lillian Evans had and yet she lived a simple life compared to how she could do. The little lady would not even had to lift a finger to put on her shoes or brush her hair for that matter.

In the parlour the number of books that were spread everywhere around the room was impressive to Alfie. By a quick look there was books on first aid, the muscular and skeletal system, herbal medicine There was also three bookshelves that were floor to ceiling in the room. He could just imagine what her library in her big house would look like compared to this little library. Everything was in subject matter and then in alphabetic order in that subject. Books were not only on their shelves but in random spots in the room like on the tables, chairs, and the floor as well. Lillian saw Alfie looking around the room, feeling a little embarrassed she had picked up a couple of books that was on the drinks table "Sorry, I like to read. The outside world sucks so I read when I am not working in Small Heath. People like to stare at me when I go outside for a walk or for food".

"The outside world is a shit storm love. But a beautiful mind likes yours shouldn't have to hide just because other people fear something they don't understand" Alfie expressed to her "I mean, look at my reputation and yet here you sit with me without fear. You should be more concerned with the Blinders and their rep".

The fire was still dimly lit, and it needed more wood to make the room a touch bit warmer for them both. Lillian went to pick up the logs of wood that were neatly stacked on the hearth but Alfie stepped forward, shaking his head at her "You have invited me into your home and me as a gentleman I can light the fire for you, alright".

She nodded, appreciative of Alfie's kind gesture "Thank you. I can get changed sooner out of this blasted dress and into something more comfortable".

"I won't protest if you want to strip right here in front of me" Alfie joked, adding his sense of humour. A mischievous glint in his eyes.

"I'll strip off my clothes if you go first taking yours off first" Lillian keeps a straight face, wondering if Alfie will know that she is playing. She always has had the best poker face out of anyone around.

Alfie, with that sassy glint in his eye had begun to take of his jacket carefully. Was she faking it or not? He did not know "You do know it is a little cold in, here right? You do know what cold weather does to a man's pride".

It was a sense of respite for Lillian to have someone who was not so stiff and who was fun to be around with a good joke. Lillian laughed, not taking Alfie seriously at all "No one can ever get through and predict my poker face".

"You really aren't frightened of me, are you?" Alfie asked, proceeding to chuck the pieces of wood onto the fire "Surely you have heard people talk about me? About my harsh and wild ways. Tame one minute and wild the next".

"Like the same way everyone talks about the Peaky Blinders being brutal killers?" Lillian said "Or what they say about me being the crazy freak gypsy woman with how my mind works remembering everything. My being able to read people and their actions to reveal the truth behind their opinions and actions. Those people are just as scared of me as they are of you and the Blinders. Just because someone says something about someone doesn't mean you have to believe it".

"It is just bull shit they say such cruel things about someone that is as sweet as you" Alfie trusted a dog's instinct and Cyril was sitting beside Lillian. Cyril had never met her before and here he was sitting beside her loyally "Lord knows you must have the patience of a saint to put up with them Blinders".

"Thank you for that" That comment made her laugh "But I am not always sweet, Alfie. Just ask around the posh crowd and you will get to know my temper very well indeed. I have told quite a few of them to piss off and that was me being polite to them mind you".

Alfie laughed, leaning down and chucked another log of wood onto the fire and then looked up to her "Oh I have no doubt about that. I would say you would even give Thomas Shelby a run for his money when it comes to the brains department. You probably have more so than him I reckon. I have heard from numerous sources that you are the intelligence of the organisation and indeed running the company alongside the man himself".

"But I have to ask, why did you choose to live in Camden and not somewhere a bit more upper class and posh like Windsor or Surrey?" Alfie asked her curiously, standing up and had his arms crossed her chest "I am sure you could afford the whole neighbourhood of Camden on your own".

A distant thinking look was on Lillian face as she took out her hair pins, letting her long brown hair fall to her waist. Alfie was curious why Lillian kept her hair long. Women with the current fashion all cut their hair short and styled curly. And here the little lady had it long and beautiful. She did not conform to societies popularities amongst the women.

"The people here Camden treat me a little less different to back home in Small Heat. Everyone is nicer to me here. Some even look out for me and make sure I am okay living by myself. And besides, once you get to know me Alfie you will come to realise that I am no posh lady. I mean, here I am sitting here and drinking rum with you, the infamous Jewish gangster Alfie Solomons of Camden Town aren't I".

This woman certainly had a bit of spunk "Oh you are cheeky little devil aren't you".

"You will come to know it very well when these drinking sessions keep on happening" Lillian teased.

Alfie rolled up his sleeves "Well, since we are drinking friends now. I will have to show you around Camden town and show the secret spots around here to go to. I have heard whispers from a few close people I know that you happen to have a sweet tooth, especially sweets and cakes"

"I just might take you up on that offer" She laughed, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear, turning to go to her room and get changed "Oh boy that would piss a certain Shelby off".

"They don't control you, do they" Alfie called out.

Lillian looked over her shoulder whilst she was walking away "No! They always try to but never succeed in doing so".

He chuckled to himself, chucking a small piece of kindling into the fire. That woman was more powerful and knowledgeable than the infamous Thomas Shelby himself. Alfie was a different man in his time. He was not discriminative against a woman just because of her gender. They deserved to be treated with respect, it was just shit that the times had not caught up with how it should be.

Alfie had his own lookouts keeping an eye on the Lady Lillian Evans in Camden. He knew Ollie's mum had been talking to her at the grocery store. Helping her cook even with what she bought from the shopping list. Lillian thrived on learning anything new she could understand. Ollie's mum, Elsa, kept a motherly eye on her. Because just by looking around at all the books that were laying around, Lillian liked to spend her days reading inside away for outside world. For the outside world treated her as an anomaly. A freak.

Lillian had come back now to the parlour room and looked more like herself. Lillian was make up free and her hair been brushed through, pulled into a plaited tail that hung over her shoulder. She was wearing a lounge dress with an oversized dressing gown over top with woven flower patterns sewn in to the fabric. There was pure concentration on Lillian's face as she carried the tray with cold meats, cheese, pickles and the rum "Now it would be rather rude of me if I did not offer a guest in my house some food and refreshments. Do not worry, it is all kosher. Ollie's mum taught me how to make it all. But I guess you knew that, didn't you? You asked her to look over me, didn't you?"

"Nothing gets by you does it?" A smile appeared on Alfie's face, little crinkles around his eyes. Alfie was impressed by her intellects "You knew from the very beginning I had someone to watch over you. Someone as lovely and kind as you should not be cooped up inside of her home. You need to get out in the world love".

Alfie had finally caught the intelligent woman off guard "I have a jeweller shop above my rum house, so I know something rare and elegant when I see it. I had to keep my eye on you to make sure you were safe from all of the nasty fuckers here in Camden".

A genuine smile found Lillian's face, eating some cheese and pickles as Alfie poured another rum for them both. The smile was because Alfie was actually making her feel lovely "You do know how to use your words don't you, Alfie".

"No. I just know how a strong woman treated and respected" Alfie replied.

Oh Alfie knew what he was saying.

Lillian knew her adopted family loved her to no end of the world and would do anything for her if she asked "The Shelbys have known me my whole life and are the only family I know. They have seen me struggle for being tormented for the way my brain works. They just are protective of me because they saw how bad it gets, even now".

"But do they see you as the strong, smart and capable woman that you are now?" Alfie said, taking a sip of the rim "I can clearly see that you aren't that delicate little girl anymore".

She sighed, with a slight resistant tone. Tommy was the most protective of all the Shelby's over her. He had seen Lillian on some of her darkest days of crying and hiding away from all the witch cries as a child "Try and tell Tommy that one. He won't ever change when it comes to the protection of me. Tommy thinks he knows what is best for me".

Their bottle of rum was just about empty, Lillian had gotten up off the floor, but Alfie stopped her. He saw it on the mahogany table to the left of them "Let me get the rum, love".

Lillian was not used to this sort of a genuine gesture from someone "Thank you".

Alfie was curious though as to how she had put up with them all "Tell me something, how do you deal with those Shelby boys as calmly as I presume you do. You aren't being driven mad and driven crazy to a mental asylum because I hear of what they do and I think what the fuck"

"Oh I am already crazy, Alfie. I am simply good at hiding it" Lillian answered, laughing.

"Now, I suggest we play a game together to lighten the mood after that serious talk. It is called never have I ever. I ask a question, like I ask never have I ever smoked. If you have, you have a drink but if you haven't you don't take a drink" Lillian explained.

Now this is a game that Alfie can play and learn more about the mysterious Lady Lillian who read books all day "Alright then, I will start us of on an easy one. Never have I ever been to a beach".

Alfie took a sip of his drink, whilst watching Lillian just hold her drink and not take a sip "You have never been to the beach, Treacle? I thought a rich little girl like you would have made many trips to the beach. I am surprised you actually don't own one or two of your own".

She sighed; lips pursed into a thin line. Her eyes told a whole other sad story "No, I have never been to a proper beach. Well not one that is stained with blood of wounded and dying shoulders. Their body parts skewered around from a bomb going off. Although I would love to go to one that isn't".

"I am not that rich" she answers but Alfie looks her up and down and knows her worth. So Alfie knows she is lying.

"The only beaches I have seen have been red and filled with the war" Lillian shifts herself so she could cross her legs on the mat "It has always been a dream of mine to go to one since the war ended" Lillian moves closer to Alfie "Like, to have a big double story house on the beach. Lounge chairs where you can just sit and watch the waves crash on the shore and drink yourself drunk. Even go fishing!".

"Well, I think I am going to help you on that matter. I will get you to a beach. You have my word" An intrigued look had crept up on Alfie's face. It still baffled his mind that Lillian was so at ease with him alone and having over a bottle of rum, then onto a second bottle.

Now to change the mood in the room, Alfie had the next question "Never have I ever had a fornication with the opposite sex in a public place".

Lillian raises her glass of rum and takes a drink. Alfie just about chokes on his own. Not quite believing a polite young lady would have done such a thing in a public place.

"You do know I was married to Thomas Shelby when I was younger, that answer should not have surprised you" Lillian laughed

"I have to ask. Where did you do it? You need to tell me" Alfie had to ask; he was quite curious. "Because I need to have me some dirt on Tommy Shelby".

Lillian was a playful one that is for sure because that look in her eye showed there would be a whole other level to it. The smirk Lillian had was merely just skimming the surface of her cheeky nature "A lady does not tell her secrets to anyone. And as annoying and overbearing as Tommy Shelby can be, he is still one of my oldest friends and my family. I walked into the depths of hell for them. I don't know where I would be without them if they didn't take my brother and I on".

Tommy had a late business meeting with Lillian to discuss more tactics for the Shelby company to become a legitimate one. To become bigger and better. He has a key to her house, as she does to the family home in Small Heath. Tommy goes to unlock her front door but comes to find it is not locked to begin with. Tommy finds it odd and feels some concern for Lilly as she never leaves it unlocked even when she is home. It always needs to be locked no matter what. Quietly, Tommy opens the door as to not alert any potential intruders that could be in her house. Then he hears the laughter coming from the parlour, one was hers and the other was that of a man he didn't recognise.

He goes to examine and sees through the slightly ajar doors that Lillian is in the red velvet parlour chair holding a glass of her favourite white rum. Laughing. He can't see who her visitor is just yet. Then Tommy hears her guests voice and his face is devoid of all emotion. He couldn't believe it.

It's Alfie Solomons. The infamous Jewish gangster of Camden town "What is he doing here?" Tommy thinks to himself before walking into the room

Lillian is startled by his surprise presence. Alfie looks up at Tommy with a sly grin because he knew that the Peaky Blinder couldn't stand him being with his Peaky Blinder Princess "Thomas Shelby. To what do we owe this pleasure of your company on this fine evening?"

Tommy completely ignored Alfie's presence in the room to show his dominance over him "What is happening here? Having a few drinks, are we?" Tommy asked.

"Had a bit more than a little, mate. Turns out the little lady here loves my white rum" Alfie laughed, getting up off the floor "I will make sure Treacle here has whatever she needs now that I know. Maybe you can ease off on the watch on her then, let her live her life a little more than what you have been by keeping her locked up in a cage like you have".

"I can protect my own thank you very much" Tommy could not believe it. Both men stared each other down. Tommy had his hands in his pockets with jacket swept aside a little to reveal his side arm.

The rum was not helping Lillian from trying not to laugh in the background because she had to cover her mouth. Alfie knew full well of her suppressing her giggles because he himself was smirking. And Tommy saw it "It appears Lady Lillian had forgotten about the business meeting we were supposed to have this evening".

Lillian had her back to the two men staring each other off, gathered herself as much as she could despite the amount of rum she had drank "Alfie gave me a lift home because my evening hadn't turned out the way I had planned and I was finding myself walking back without a car".

"Why didn't you call me to come and get you?" Tom asked, a little bewildered.

Alfie was eyeing them both off "Now, now Thomas nothing happened to her. Clearly the young lady can handle herself because even when she knew who I was, she called me a fucking wanker".

Lillian had her arms crossed, eyebrows burrowed together and then stood toe to toe with Alfie "Well, with the way you were honking the horn at me. What did you expect? You were being a fucking wanker".

"Not to be sworn at that's for sure" Alfie answered back.

There was obvious tension with Tommy staring Lillian down and she did not give a damn. It was funny to see. Most people would have buckled down in fear and pressure under the Blinders gaze but there she stood tall and strong.

Alfie knew it was his time to leave the house "Well I had best leave you two to talk business. Lady Lillian, you are alright to tour Camden tomorrow with me as we had discussed before this ass hole knocked on the door?"

Lillian sees Tommy's jaw clench in response. Looking straight at Thomas, she said "That would be lovely, see you at 8am because I will have to head to Small Heath tomorrow for work with this man here. That is if Thomas hasn't blown a brain aneurysm because he looks like he is going to now!".

"Good night, Lady Lillian" Alfie bid his fare wells, tipping his hat and going to his car "I will see you in the morning".

The tension in the air could be with a butter knife that had been not even blunt to cause an abrasion on the skin. Tommy couldn't believe it. He had this hand up in the air, eye brows raised in disbelief "Alfie Solomons? Really Lillian?"

Here Tommy was yet again trying to control her and once again he was no succeeding in doing so "He can't be any worse than what you Shelby boys are, surely. Now can we get on with the meeting are supposed to have and I also take it you will be staying in your room here tonight?".

Tommy had to take a moment to gather his anger in check. He squeezed the bridge of his nose and took a deep breath. She really is the bane of his existence. Lillian was gathering the paperwork together that was meticulously organized from a draw "I know I can't stop you on the matter. But can you please just be cautious for everyone's own sanity back in Small Heath. Because there will be people who are going to blow a gasket once they find out you have been socializing with Alfie Solomons".

Lillian finally had sorted herself out and was pouring two glasses of whiskey "Of course I will, Thomas. If any of you were a bad people, I wouldn't be around you"

She held out his glass of whiskey "I can handle Alfie Solomons, trust me".

"Oh I don't doubt that at all. I fear for him to be honest" Taking the glass of whiskey, and all Tommy could think that this lady would be the bane of all the Shelby men's existence "You could take us all down if you wanted to with that mind of yours".

"Well it is lucky you Shelby's are my family then" Lillian joked.

He took off his coat, hanging it on the coat rack and putting his hat on the side table "Alfie Solomons should be scared then".

Lillian handed him a glass of whiskey, her eyes full of kindness and care "You know, you don't have to worry about me as much as you do".

With a dead stare, he looked into her green eyes "That won't ever happen, you know that".

"Always my knight in shining armour Thomas" Lillian commented with a smile