There was something about summer days that brought peace to my body and soul. It could have been summer's sweet breeze tickling my skin or its warm mix of colours. Whatever it was, I was the happiest in the summer. It was a time to celebrate and be inspired by the fruits of our mother earth, and that is how I spent most of my summer days. Carefree, I often found myself at the local park painting my environment to become one with the sun. Flowers, trees and sweet chickadees etched themselves into my canvas, creating a blissful memory of summer's serenity.
Fresh berries filled my pockets, and crisp, sweet apples spilt out of my pockets during my travels through town. Strawberry jam and iced tea coated my tongue with saccharine goodness. The days were long, nights short and waking up in the morning involved a yearning to seize the day.
This year, my birthday fell on the summer solstice. I was thrilled to celebrate it during the longest day of the year. My closest friends and family were to join me in celebration. I planned a beautiful picnic by the lake, surrounded by birds and the refreshing breeze bouncing off the water. I hoped the weather was a delight!
However, everything wasn't always sunshine and rainbows in my life. The great war ended over two years ago, and people were still rebuilding their lives and adjusting to the change. Things were regaining their normalcy, but the effects of the great war would impact my life forever, as they would for everyone. For now, the boys were back to work, and I could read a newspaper without wetting it with my tears.
Since the war ended, my eldest brother Jack and I have had an estranged relationship. He returned as a cruel, drunken monster who seemed to think he somehow earned control over my life. It was a shame to see him be so aggressive and demanding. His once felt empathy vanished, and his advice, which used to be excellent, was now terrible. It was reality, but he was to blame for most of the unhappiness in my life.
I did have another brother, Michael, a gentle soul adoring Birmingham for all it had to offer. Unfortunately, Michael perished in France sometime in 1917. With the death of my brother Michael, my father, who was also on the front lines at the time, was allowed home to comfort my grieving mother. That was the last time I saw my father. Months after, when he was back in France, he caught tuberculosis and died somewhere in a field hospital. It was hard for my mother to continue to live. She felt as if she had lost everything, and while I supported her, I was grieving and screaming in agony inside. A few years passed since I lost my father and brother, yet there was a dull pain in the centre of my heart that would never disappear.
Before the war, my father owned a renowned tile masonry. His company was responsible for some of the most intricate and ornate designs in homes, buildings and abbeys. Besides spending hours painting my surroundings in the park, I spent my time working in the tile masonry office. As my father was no longer overseeing the company, Jack took over the business. Being a professional accountant, he managed the business's financials, while James managed the worksites and business deals. With the whole family working together, it wasn't always merriment. It was a unique territory, but we made it function.
"Adeline, did you finish typing a copy of Mr. Lewis's reference? He's here waiting for it!" James hollered as he burst through the front door, making me jump in my seat.
"I'm still typing it up! Tell him to hold his horses if he wants a decent reference!" Once I finished typing it, James quickly blotted his signature and hurried out the door. He was like a gust of wind. He swooped in, caused a commotion and left in seconds. The office was mayhem on Fridays and Mondays. Fridays were the crew's paydays, and Mondays were when most new projects began, and every man who was a part of the company was here on those days. Luckily today was a Tuesday.
That's why I was surprised when the door swung open, revealing a tall, handsome man wearing a light grey herringbone suit. He was fashionably dressed and took off his peaked hat when he entered. The first thing I noticed was his ocean blue eyes. Mesmerized, I couldn't help but stare at the mysterious man longer than I should have. The second he looked in my direction, my stomach filled with buzzing butterflies, and my palms grew sweaty. Who was such a striking man, and what was he doing here?
"Is James Yardley in?" The man greeted, flashing me a soft smile full of mystic charm. The second his husky voice lingered in my ears, I became more aware of my appearance, and I quickly adjusted my dress and posture.
"May I ask who is inquiring?" I questioned, trying to calm my nerves. I was always nervous around strangers, but a charming man dressed so smartly caused my mind to swirl.
"Thomas Shelby. I was with Mr. Yardley in France. I have a few words I'd like to pass on to him." Thomas announced as he peeked around the room and slightly leaned over the reception counter. He pulled a cigarette out of his pocket and offered me one before blowing a cloud of grey smoke in my direction.
"Please take a seat, Mr. Shelby." I motioned to the chairs at the front of the office as a bustling group of workmen stormed in, my brother following them.
"I said the back door!" James shouted at the men as he tried to lead them in the opposite direction. There must have been some confusion with the orders given to them.
"Bloody, hell. Delivery men should know what I'm talking about!" James spat before following the men back out the front door. He noticed Thomas when he stepped in and assured him he would be back momentarily.
"Just as I remember him!" Thomas snickered, shaking his head in astonishment.
"You were in France with James?" I questioned, trying to make small talk with the handsome stranger.
"Yes... It's been over a year since I saw him. We started together as clay kickers." I nodded, acknowledging how dangerous being a tunneller was. James was lucky to be alive, and he thanked the Lord each day, even if he didn't believe in God as much as he used to.
"I don't think I got your name when I came in. May I ask?" Thomas shot me a playful look before inquiring about me.
"Adeline. Adeline Yardley. " I nervously gasped, trying to avoid eye contact with Thomas. I yearned to glare into his big ocean eyes, but mine were filled with anxiety.
"James's sister?" Thomas pressed; shock marked his tone. He was putting a name to the face. I wondered how he had imagined me. I hope I did his imagination justice. When he tried to peek at my eyes, I gave up. The moment we locked eyes, it felt like the world was no longer spinning. I was drowning in the depths of the sea, and I couldn't get out. I was so captivated by his big blue eyes that when I didn't respond to his question, he asked me again.
"Yes! Yes, I'm James Yardley's younger sister!" I giggled, shyly pulling myself away from him. Goodness, I looked and felt like a big idiot.
"Well." He began, gently bringing his eyes back up to mine. He was slow with his movements. Almost mysterious. It was as if he wanted me to anticipate what he would say next.
"I've heard a lot about you," Thomas softly breathed, blowing another gust of smoke in my direction. Instantly, my cheeks flamed a hot red, and I could feel the adrenaline rush through my blood. I wondered what my brother told this man about me. I prayed for only good things.
"I'm afraid James hasn't told me anything about you, Mr. Shelby." I clutched my hands together, feeling my palms grow sweaty from my boiling nerves. I was so attracted to him, but I knew I couldn't be. I was engaged, and being fascinated by another man felt wrong, but I couldn't help it. Young, tall, handsome, well-dressed men like Mr. Shelby never talked to me. And my fiance, Charles, was far from young and handsome.
"Tommy Shelby! Good to see ya, brother! Hanging in there?" James asked, rushing through the front door. He was a ball of energy as he slapped Thomas on the back in his type of greeting.
"Doing well. I was catching up with your sister here!" Thomas remarked as he stubbed out his cigarette. I watched the men interact before they darted into James's office. It was as if they were brothers. As much as I wanted to listen to their conversation to learn more about the Shelby man, I held my urge back. It would be a shame if they caught me snooping around.
Just as Thomas was about to leave, he nodded goodbye, placing his peaked cap back on his head. With or without it, he caused my head to turn to mush.
"We're having a picnic next week for me sister's birthday. I know it's not your thing, Tom, but everyone would be thrilled to see and meet you, and I'm sure Adeline wouldn't mind. Right, Addy?" James put me on the spot. Before I could think, I nodded and smiled, agreeing to his plan. Thomas shot me a spirited glance before leaving the shop with my brother. Goodness, Thomas left me with aching butterflies in my stomach! Even so, I didn't want Mr. Shelby to come and ruin my special day. After today, I knew I wouldn't be able to think straight if I was in a room with him.
"What's wrong?" James asked, nudging me on the shoulder. He threw his hat across the counter and propped himself on it, staring at me with confusion nested in his hazel orbs.
"Why did you invite him?" I demanded, shaking my head with unrest. It was my birthday, and my brother was inviting his friends!
"You didn't object, Adeline!" James spat, furrowing his eyebrows at me. It was evident that James didn't know that I couldn't think straight around his friend. A part of me was glad that he didn't pick up on the now burning crush I had developed for Thomas. I was afraid to tell James about it, so I agreed to have Thomas join the picnic. Maybe he wouldn't show. He didn't say if he would or wouldn't. Who knows? Perhaps if he did attend, it would work out for the best.