The Professor watched, as the two men went into the crowd. She was interested to see what they would do, how they would act, given the information that they had just received. As far as the people that were here were concerned, the person that controlled them.......this bunch of over privileged reprobates, the person who held their reputations in their hands, was a mysterious figure, that no one would dare mention. That everyone knew better than to question; had nothing to do with her. That was why they were all here drinking her champagne and having a good time; so, if either man were to ask, her guests would deny everything. Would never see a connection between this powerful figure, and their host. Would laugh at the notion that she was anything but their friend. But a friend was the last thing that she was.
In truth, she couldn't stand the likes of Pollard, Forbes and Fitzgerald being in her home. Pollard was a warped and twisted little coward, that had used his father's money, power and influence, to ensure that he would not have to face the horrors of war, like so many other men. That he would not have to see and face death. And according to some of the working girls in the city, he more than lived up to his moniker. Roland supposedly into things that you would never admit to in polite company..........or any company for that matter.
Then there was Forbes. She really didn't have anything against the police per se; in fact, she had used them to her own benefit on a number of occasions. And as far as the constabulary was concerned, all of her businesses were legitimate..........she was a legitimate business woman. But if she did hate the police, the corrupt ones like Forbes would be right at the top of her list; (Y/n) considering men like him, worse than most criminals that she had met. A man that was willing to ruin the life of anyone, if it meant that he kept his position and his power; and the likes of Fitzgerald allowed him to do that.........and in all honesty, encouraged him. And speaking of Fitzgerald, (Y/n) had more on him than he might believe. The Professor knowing more than that he would happily murder a man to stop him from getting anywhere near his wife: a wife that he had just so happened to have found in a brothel in London. The truth about the colonel's real war record; what he had done during the last war, how he had sent men to certain death, sure to ruin him more than the information regarding Watts, would. But they, along with everyone else, were there to prove to the Londoner and Brummy, that despite the fact that she was a woman; she had more power and reach than either of them could ever dream of. This whole evening solely for Solomon's and Shelby's benefit; to have them see that if either of them were to step foot in her territory again, it wouldn't end well. Which would be very unfortunate, given that she had no desire to see anything done to either of those rather handsome faces.
"Ralph............" The professor said quietly, as the rather dashing American came to join her.
"Would you be an absolute darling and go and put a smile on the Lady Elizabeth's face. Lord knows the poor woman could do with a little cheering up; I can't imagine the last time that she had anything that could be described as fun. And if there is one man here that I know could show her some fun, its you." (Y/n) said, straightening out the lapels of his jacket.
"What about her husband.............?"
"Oh, there is no need to worry about the Earl. I don't think that he would really notice that she had gone; he seems to be far too interested in the waiters, to give a damn about his wife. That, and I have to admit that I feel sorry for her. It is one thing being sold into a loveless marriage just so that the families feel like their blue blood won't be tainted; but sold into a loveless marriage where your husband won't even touch you, has to be a new form of humiliation for that woman............." (Y/n) replied, handing his two glasses of champagne, before turning and pushing the tall, dark American, over to the lonely and lost looking woman.
"Ya do have a heart then..................?" A calm voice came; (Y/n) turning to see Tommy Shelby looking at her. The man lighting a cigarette and drawing in a long breath.
As soon as the Professor had walked off to mingle with her rather dubious guests, Tommy and Alfie had decided to split up, to see if they could learn something more about their host; but despite all that (Y/n) had been able to tell them about the others, her guests could only say that she was a well respected and highly successful business woman; a philanthropist that donated money to the local communities, to school, and the police widow and orphan's fund. It more than obvious that the professor had two sides. Neither Tommy or Alfie sure if her guests actually knew about the other side, or just weren't admitting that they did.
"A heart........me? That is a terrible thing to say, Mister Shelby. But, I suppose that if a person were to believe I did, then they might underestimate me. They might believe that I could be trusted. They might even tell me things about others, about themselves, that they would never tell anyone else. You see, I never do anything without a reason. I never let people know, or think things about me, unless it benefits me. I never show any of myself, unless I believe that it would be good for business. Though..........I might be willing to make an exception in your case. Perhaps you and I could go and speak quietly somewhere.............?" The Professor explained, as she moved over to the handsome man, taking the cigarette from his lips and placing it between hers. Tommy nodding slowly and allowing her to lead him from the room. Alfie watching the pair as they left.
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