I hope you will enjoy this new story. I own nothing but the plot and a few OC's. Every one else belongs to Vince McMahon, the WWE or themselves. The only profit I hope to make, is your enjoyment of the story.
The waters of the Pacific Ocean lapped up onto the shore and over the body of a young, blond male. Face up, he lay unconscious on the sand. The blond's once expensive clothes were in tatters, both his shoes and one sock was gone.
The young man's blond hair flowed out like a halo of gold, and moved like seaweed when the waters washed over him. His fingers were long and graceful, his body was lean, yet muscular. If he had been standing, his height would be six feet four inches. Over all, the young man was extremely handsome. The question? Who was he and how did he get there?
Two and half months earlier
It was April 1, 1838. It was a crisp, cold morning in the far remote territorial village of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
A beautiful, nearly brand new, twenty sail clipper ship, named The Madeline, waited for its cargo and passengers to board and sail.
The clipper was the latest design in ships. Instead of a huge, massive vessel, the clipper was long and narrow. It was built for speed, not transporting heavy cargo. It moved through water like an arrow.
The cargo that was loaded onto The Madeline included the household goods of Lord Wade Stuart Alexander Bennett Barrett and his family. Lord Barrett had recently been appointed by the young and newly crowned Queen Victoria, to go to Australia and become the new Consulate General in Sydney. It was a wonderful and prestigious appointment.
Lord Wade Barrett stood six foot, seven inches in height and he had short, raven black hair. His body was muscular without an ounce of fat. He wore a medium beard, with a mustache. Wade had opted not to wear the favored mutton chop, that the elder gentlemen found fashionable.
Wade Barrett was thirty years of age, but had been twenty-six when he, as an only child, inherited his father's title and all its property.
When Wade was ten years old, his father accepted an appointment from King George III, to be Governor General of York, Ontario, Canada. It had been a life frocked with danger and adventure. At the time, a war with the United States had left major damage behind. One of Lord Barrett's first duties was to establish and rebuild.
In 1834, when Wade turned twenty-six, York became known as Toronto. It was during the celebrations that Wade's father had a heart attack. He died before his body hit the ground. It had been a shock to Wade's mother, and three days later she followed her husband to the grave. It devastated young Wade.
Wade had been held together by his husband of one year, Adam Copeland and their new, infant daughter, Elizabeth Mary, or Eliza, as her parents called her.
For the next four years, Wade took up his father's work. He was no stranger to it, he'd been at his father's right hand for years, learning how things were. He had been a good and devoted son, and his father rewarded him well. Wade's inheritance included everything from money, to the family home, complete with staff.
Though newlywed, and with a honeymoon baby, Adam provided Wade with a warm, love filled home. Two years later, the couple were blessed with a son, Alexander Joseph.
When Victoria came to the throne last year, she was eager to establish Australia as a stronghold. The Queen wanted her best and most loyal subjects to be given positions of power in the wild country.
Lord Wade Barrett's work to finish establishing Toronto had reached the Queenly ear. When word of the Royal Appointment came, Adam was so proud of his husband that he gave the grandest party Toronto had seen yet.
Adam was just as excited as Wade, and loved adventure. He looked forward to going to Australia. Adam also knew he would follow Wade into hell, if that was where the journey led. Adam loved his husband, and Wade loved Adam. Theirs had been a true love match, as Adam had come from a more common world.
Little Eliza was excited too. She had a book with a drawing of a strange animal in Australia, called a kangaroo. She told her poppa she wanted one. Adam told his daughter, that while fun to look at, wild animals did not make pets. He promised her a puppy, and that made Eliza just as happy.
Little Alex was a bit too young to fully understand, but when he saw all his things being put into boxes, he knew something was about to change. As long as his poppa and fafa were there, Alex knew he would be safe.
The two children were Adam and Wade's pride and joy. Eliza had Wade's raven hair and Adam's hazel eyes. She would be a true beauty when she grew into her long, coltish legs. She was also extremely smart, and at five years old, was already reading and comprehending what she read.
Alex had Adam's dirty blond hair and like Wade, had deep, chocolate brown eyes. Alex was a very loving child, and kept his chubby legs constantly moving. He wasn't interested in books. Alex liked two things, drawing and horses. At three years old, he could already ride the fat Shetland pony, Wendy. Alex loved it when Wade let him sit, by himself, on Wade's great bay stallion, Champion.
Adam could not run his household without his beloved staff. Nearly all of them had worked for the first Lord Barrett, but, a few of the younger men had joined the household when Wade became Lord.
The first to be hired was Seth Rollins. He became Adam's personal footman and was also the one to help look after the children. Seth had been trained in one the great households in London. He'd come to Canada for a change in his life. When Seth inquired about the position, Wade immediately knew he would be perfect for Adam. Wade had been right, Seth took to Adam, and Adam took to Seth like lost cousins.
Wade's footman, Dean Ambrose, was also the understudy to the Butler. It also came in handy that Dean could also act as loader when Wade went out shooting. Dean was devoted to his job, and his employer. Dean also had a fancy for Seth, and Seth returned it.
Adam said as long as their work didn't suffer, Dean and Seth could pursue a relationship. The couple were thankful to the Lord's Barrett, as most households did not allow relationships between servants.
Braun Strowman was the bodyguard to not only the Barrett children, but Adam as well. Because Toronto was a wilderness settlement, law and order were chaotic at best. Braun had worked for Wade's father. He remained for Wade and his young family. The children loved the mountain sized man.
The Butler of the household was Mark Calaway. He too was a mountain sized man, at six foot, ten inches. He was as strong as an ox, but could polish the most delicate crystal without a bit of breakage. He had come to Canada with Wade's father. Mark had helped to look after Wade since he'd been born. He had no intentions of leaving the Barrett household. He loved Adam and absolutely doted on Eliza and Alex.
The last member of the Barrett household was Glenn Jacobs. Another tall man at an even seven foot. Glenn was the Stable Master and Coachman. His huge hands could shoe a horse or mend a broken bird's wing. Mark, who was Glenn's lover, swore Glenn could speak to animals. Glenn had also been with Wade's father. As a matter of fact, Glenn had been with the family longer than anyone. He'd begun work as a stable boy at age sixteen. Glenn and Mark had a strong, loving relationship and were looking forward to a new adventure in Australia.
The last member of the Barrett family was William Jason Reso. Jason was Adam's step-brother. At twenty-six he was a year older than Adam, and was single. He was to involved in work to worry about love.
Jason was a sandy haired good natured man. He wore a very light beard, much like his step-brother. If you didn't know about their relationship, you would swear Adam and Jason were real brothers. Jason was shorter and slighter than Adam, but other than that, they were alike.
When Adam was four, his mother, Judith, met and married Jason's father, Ralph Reso. Adam had been glad, his mother deserved to be loved and cared for, and Ralph loved Judy very much.
Sadly, about two years ago, Ralph and Judy were killed, on their way home after visiting with their grandchildren. Something spooked their carriage horses. Horses, carriage, the driver, Ralph and Judy careened over the side of a cliff. They drowned in the river below. It was a horrible and shocking accident.
Both Adam and Jason were devastated. Wade took over in making all the arrangements. Jason and Adam leaned on each other and grew even closer. Now Jason was going to Australia as well. He figured there would be a job for a bank clerk. Jason also knew how to invest money. He looked forward to making a fresh start. Adam had been thrilled when Jason accepted the invitation to join them on their voyage.
The household furniture had been sent to Vancouver. All that was really left in the house were clothes, a few blankets and things for Seth and Dean to cook with.
Adam made it fun for everyone. He told his children they were camping and made it like an adventure. Wade even played like he was a great bear on the hunt. Uncle Jason and Alex protected Adam and Eliza from the bad bear. It was wonderful fun, even when Alex nearly gave his father a black eye.
The journey from Toronto to Vancouver took close to a month. It was a long and arduous trip. All the adults carried a gun within reach, and would not have hesitated in using them. However, Lord Barrett and his family were not alone. Six army officers and two Indian scouts were with them. They were in more danger from wildlife than men.
When the family arrived in Vancouver, they were met by the Captain, Patrick Patters and his First Mate, Harley Race. Both were friendly, but had the language and attitude that Masters of the Sea tended to have.
Captain Patterson gave Adam and Wade a tour of The Madeline. Captain Patterson had been her only Commander, and he showed her off with an almost parental pride.
"She's been to Australia and back four times. Each sailing was better than the last. She can sail with just a puff of air. She cuts through the water like a knife." Pat spoke as showed off the ships wheel that steered the vessel.
Adam looked at Captain Patterson. "How rough will it get? Are we in any danger?" The only thing that bothered Adam about the move, was simply getting to Australia in one piece. It was a little more than two months at sea. That was a long time for small children.
Pat smiled at the handsome blond. "This is the best time of year for the journey. The seas are calm. I wouldn't say the same for starting in the fall, but in the spring, it is beautiful. Wait till you see the Kingdom of Hawai'i. Maybe you will catch a glimpse of King Kamehameha. It's like Heaven on earth, a paradise. We will port there for about three days."
Lord Barrett frowned. "I have heard reports of trouble in Hawai'i, will it be safe?" He worried for his husband and children.
Patrick nodded. "Perfectly. I have made friends with many of the King's fishermen. We will port at a place no one else could even hope to know about. It's all sword rattling by the French. The King is ready to join the so called modern world. Open up trading with the East and West. It will be alright." He spoke with authority.
"Alright, Captain Patterson. I put the lives of my family in your capable hands. Now, I'd better see to the loading. Adam, my love, you'd better say goodbye to Lilly. I am sorry the horses can't make the voyage. I will buy you a new horse in Sydney. At least she will be with Champion and Wendy." Wade first shook hands with the Captain, then spoke to Adam as they left the ship.
When they were back on the dock, Adam spoke. "Love, I understand about the horses, but what about Alex? Do we tell him or would saying goodbye to Wendy break his heart?" He looked at Wade, worry clouded his eyes.
Wade frowned. He took Adam's hands in his. "I wish I knew. Talk to Glenn, I trust him to know best when it comes to Alex and Wendy. I have to see to the loading, love. I'll see you at the boarding house. Um… Adam, I love you. There aren't many who would leave the safety of home and hearth, especially with two young children. I promise, I will make it the best experience for all of us." He wanted to kiss his husband, but it wasn't proper, not in public.
Adam smiled at Wade and squeezed his hands. "I love you, Wade. You are home to me. Where you are, lies my heart. I will speak to Glenn. Sometimes you have to say goodbye to something you love…like ma and pa Reso. Alex will be alright, he will forget about Wendy when we set sail. Got to Calaway. I'll be with Rollins and the children at the boarding house." Adam gave Wade's hands another squeeze.
Wade returned the gesture, then went to find Mark, but not before watching Adam walk away. Adam's ass had just the right sway, it drove Wade to desire. He hoped, that on this voyage, Adam would become with child again. The Barrett's wanted six children, more if they were so blessed. Wade shook himself and left to find Mark Calaway.
Adam turned back to look at Wade as he walked back to the dock. Wade's muscles flexed as he moved. He couldn't wait to be alone with Wade in their ship's cabin. Adam knew he was ready for another baby. There was only one way for that to happen. The thought made Adam tingle from head to toe.
Adam found his children, with their Uncle Jason and Seth. They were playing in the grass between the boarding house and stables. Jason was on his hands and knees as Eliza and Alex sat on his back. Uncle Jason made a good horse.
"Poppa!" Alex called out when he saw Adam approach. He slid off Jason's back and toddled up to his poppa.
Adam scooped the boy up into his arms. Adam inhaled deeply, there was nothing like the scent of his babies. If he were blindfolded, Adam would easily be able to tell his children apart.
"You two having fun with Uncle Jay?" Adam asked as he held Alex close.
"Yes, poppa. He be horsie." Alex laughed and clapped his little hands.
Adam smiled. "Good. Alex, poppa needs to tell you something. Let's go see Jacobs." Maybe now was a good time to talk about Wendy.
"Sir, he is in the stables." Seth gave a nod in the right direction.
"Thank you. We will have our tea on the porch, Rollins." Adam smiled at his footman. He hated being so formal with the staff, they were family. However, society demanded the separation of upstairs-downstairs, so to speak.
"Yes, Sir. Just call when you are ready." Seth gave a slight bow. He went into the boarding house to see to the family tea. Dean was already in the kitchen, to supervise the boarding house cook.
Adam carried Alex in the barn. Glenn was in the first stall with Champion. Glenn brushed the rich brown coat of the stallion till it gleamed.
"Wendy! See Wendy!" Alex spoke loudly. The sudden sound caused Champion to startle with a stomp of a hoof and a snort.
Glenn looked at Alex. "Master Alex, what did I say about shouting in the stable?"
Adam turned Alex so the boy faced Glenn. Adam and Wade had given their staff permission to discipline their children. Bad behavior could not be tolerated. Adam never feared letting their staff help raise their children.
"I sowwy, Gwenn. I sowwy Chwamp." Alex spoke with his head down. He hadn't meant to be a bad boy.
Adam let Glenn take Alex into his arms. "I forgive you, Alex. Here, give this to Wendy." He pulled a piece of apple out of his vest pocket and gave it to the toddler.
"Yes, Sir." Alex took the piece of apple. Glenn put him down and the little fellow toddled down one stall to where Wendy stood and waited. Adam and Glenn both smiled.
Adam then looked at Glenn. "His Lordship said I should ask your advice. Do we tell him about..." He nodded toward Alex and the pony.
Glenn knew what Adam meant. "Tell him. He deserves to say goodbye. He has to learn that sometimes, bad or sad things happen, especially if you have animals.. My father once said, the moment you get an animal as a companion, you've set yourself up for a broken heart. Sir, would you like me to tell him? That way neither you nor his Lordship are the bad guys. I don't mind, perhaps I can make him understand." He spoke to Adam more like a father than a servant.
Adam smiled. "I don't want to put you in that position either. Are you sure we can't take Wendy? She is small, and well mannered." He gave a hope filled look.
Glenn shook his head with a soft look on his face. "She would hate it. Plus the fresh water and feed, it isn't feasible. How about you be there when I tell him? It had better be soon though. The man comes tomorrow to pick them up."
Adam smiled. Alex toddled back to him. Adam bent down to talk to his boy. "If you are a good boy at tea, you can ride Wendy after..." He stood up and looked at Glenn. "We will be back in an hour. Have Lilly ready too, please Jacobs."
"Of course, Sir." Glenn gave a nod. He watched as Adam and Alex slowly walked back outside. Glenn sighed. He'd wanted a baby, but Mark said no. Glenn understood, unmarried people did not have children. It would bring shame down on the Lord's family and that could never happen.
Seth and Dean had laid out the afternoon tea on a blanket under a huge oak tree in the back yard of the boarding house. Everyone wanted as much time on grass, among trees as possible before setting sail on a long, long voyage.
Eliza was in her uncle's lap. Adam sat next to his step-brother, Alex in his lap. Seth poured cups of steaming hot, fragrant tea. Dean served tea cakes and small sandwiches on china plates.
"Thank you, Rollins, Ambrose. It is wonderful. I am glad you set up out here. The boarding house can be a bit rough. I'm so happy you are going with us. I'd be swamped without you. Oh, Alex and I are going for a ride after tea." Adam spoke warmly to his servants. He was grateful they were so loyal to follow them to Australia.
"I'll take Eliza for a walk. Would you like that, sweetheart? You could pick some flowers for poppa and father." Jason gave his niece a kiss on the cheek.
Eliza clapped her little hands. "Yes, please." She laughed when Jason tickled her tummy.
The little family enjoyed their tea. Unlike most parents of the time, Adam and Wade encouraged their children to be polite, but out going. To them children were meant to be seen and heard. Wade and Adam did not shut their children away in the nursery, only to be taken out like trophies during a party.
The way the Barrett's raised their children was a great cause for gossip in Toronto. Adam was glad to get way from the choking grand society.
Dean and Seth had their tea under the same tree, but back away from the family. Dean smiled at Seth. "I'm going to ask his Lordship during the voyage." His eyes were filled with love for the younger man next to him.
Seth's cheeks dusted slightly. "I hope he says yes. Especially when you explain we won't be leaving the house. Adam will be on our side, I am sure. After all, he came from our side of the street, the upper end, but the same side." He glanced over at Adam. He knew Adam would advocate for a marriage between himself and Dean.
"True. It will also be easier in Australia. I'm sure there isn't much of a society there yet. I… I… love you." Dean barely managed to whisper the last three words. It was almost as if they were forbidden.
Seth blushed even more. "And I love you. Oh hurry, they are about to finish." He could tell that tea time was over. Adam and Alex stood, ready to go for a ride.
Adam and Alex rode side by side, with Glenn riding behind. Adam was and excellent rider and Lilly was a well behaved horse. She knew to walk slow and steady to keep Wendy calm. A long rope in Adam's hand made sure Wendy couldn't just bolt away. However, Alex could ride better than he could walk, Adam had no fear.
When they returned to the barn, Adam took Lilly to groom her, and left Glenn to talk to Alex. Glenn had taught Alex how to care for Wendy after a ride. They checked her feet, then Glenn held Alex as the little boy combed the pony's mane. Glenn took a breath.
"Alex, you know we are all going on a long voyage on a ship." Glenn began the difficult conversation.
Alex kept working. "We go to tralia, to see Sidney." His tongue curled at the corner of his mouth as he concentrated on combing Wendy.
Glenn chuckled. "Yes, Australia. Alex, you know how you said goodbye to everything in Toronto? Well, you are going to have to say goodbye to Champion, Lilly and Wendy. They can not go on the ship." He waited for a reaction from Alex.
Alex's face wrinkled in confusion. "Wendy no go on ship? Ship big, Wendy little. Why she not go?" He tried to work it out, but didn't understand.
Glenn set Alex down, and knelt to the boys level. "No Alex, she can not go. It would make her, Champion and Lilly very sick. Horses and ponies need lots and lots of room to run and fresh grass to eat. You want Wendy to be happy, don't you?" It was hard to remember Alex was only three, he was so smart for his age.
Little Alex looked at Wendy. He looked at Glenn. "She really no go?" His little brow arched, much like Wade's when he asked a question.
Adam came to join his son and Glenn. "No, baby. Wendy can't go. She is going to live in a big, green pasture, to run and play with Lilly and Champion. When we get to Australia, you can have a new pony, father already said yes."
"Wendy be happy is good..." Alex paused. He went to Wendy and rubbed her nose. "I miss you, Wendy. You be happy pony. Love you." Alex gave a deep sniff. A fat tear rolled down his cheek. Adam picked up his son and hugged him close. Glenn rubbed his little back.
"It's hard for poppa too. I will miss Lilly and father will miss Champion. They will be happy in their new pasture. Wendy will also have another pony to play with. You're a big boy, now. Father should be home, let's go see him. Thank you, Glenn." Adam smiled at the servant.
Adam and Alex found Wade on the porch of the boarding house, Eliza on his lap. Jason sat in another chair and smoked his pipe as he rocked. Both men smiled when Adam and Alex joined them.
"Well young man, did you and your poppa have a good time on your ride?" Wade asked, his brow arched, just like Alex's had earlier.
Adam sat in a chair next to Wade, Alex in his lap. "Yes, fafa. Wendy go away. Say bye-bye." Alex curled up against Adam. He was sad, but he didn't cry.
Wade smiled at his son. "I know, it's hard. I have to say goodbye to Champion. We will get new horse friends..." He then looked at Adam. "We're ready to sail. Tomorrow we have the dinner with the Queen's Minister, then the next morning we set sail. Calaway will have the household ready and on board. My love, are you and Jason really ready? We can change our minds. I can make the Queen understand. She is young, she will understand." Again his brow arched and his eyes were filled with question.
Jason spoke first. "Adam is my brother. He, the children and you, are the only family I have. Where my brother goes, I go. I love you, brother." He spoke fimrly with a nod to his brother-in-law. Jason smiled at Adam as well.
Adam's eyes welled with emotion. "I love you, brother. I love you, Wade. You are home to me, as I said at the docks. Nothing has changed. Besides just because the Queen is young and newly crowned, she might not be so understanding. She wants her authority established, not questioned. At least that is how I would feel about it." He gave a shrug.
Wade smiled. "You're right. She probably wouldn't understand. I just wish it wasn't such a long voyage. I worry about the children. We can not take our eyes off them for one moment." Wade looked at Eliza and Alex, both had fallen asleep.
"With Strowman, Rollins, Ambrose, Calaway and Jacobs, along with the three of us, I think we can keep up. I think. I was proud of Alex. He took it well about Wendy. Only one tear and a sniff or two. You would have been proud, too." Adam was halted when Seth opened the door and stepped out of the boarding house.
"My Lords, dinner is ready. We prepared it in your rooms, it is more pleasant." Seth bowed at the waist. He wore his three piece black wool suit, not his more formal livery. That would be worn tomorrow, for the Bon voyage Dinner with the Queen's Minister of Trade.
"Thank you, Rollins. Ask Calaway to serve, you take the children up to bed." Adam kissed Alex's cheek then let Seth take him. Wade kissed his son's head.
"I'll bring her, Rollins." Jason stood, Eliza sound asleep in his arms. He followed Seth upstairs to the room shared by Seth and the children.
The next day was a very busy one. Because the boarding house was unsuitable for a Ministerial dinner party, it would take place on The Madeline. The family also moved onto the ship. That way, Captain Patterson could set sail when he wanted and not have to wait for everyone to board. It was important to catch the early morning winds.
Adam and Jason kept Alex and Eliza busy on the ship. The Coachman of the family that had purchased the Barrett's horses had come to take them away.
It was hard on Glenn. He'd raised Champion and Lilly from new born foals. Jason's horse, Regal, also went with the Coachman. Also sold were the four coach horses that had brought them across Canada. They were good sturdy drafter horses and they had done their duty well. Glenn was curious to see what Australian horses were like. They were smaller, but strong, or so he'd been told. Glenn knew whatever they were like, he would find the best, for only the best would do.
As the Barrett steeds vanished from sight, Glenn felt a hand slip into his. He knew that hand as well as his own. "They were good horses, love. You raised and trained them well. It's like you told little Alex, they deserve to be happy. You will have new ones to look after soon." Mark spoke quietly in Glenn's ear.
Glenn squeezed Mark's hand. "I know. They were good horses. I love you, Mark." He turned to look at his lover.
Mark smiled. "I love you. I must return to the ship. Have you finished packing all the tack?" He'd made the excuse of checking on the tack, so he could see Glenn.
Glenn shook his head. "No, but I will finish now. Send the dock man in half an hour. I wasn't sure if the Coachman would need their halters or not." He squeezed Mark's hand again. The couple parted, there was work to be done.
Adam sighed as Seth brushed his long, blond hair. As Seth was also Adam's footman, it was his duty to see to such things. Seth's job was much the same as a personal maid was for a lady of society. He took care of Adam's clothes, his footwear and Seth always styled and dressed Adam's hair. It was a job Seth relished in.
The young footman also took care of Adam's personal bed chamber. However, As Adam still slept with his husband, the room was only used as a dressing room.
If one of the children were ill, the child would sleep in the bed so Adam could be closer than the nursery, as the room adjoined the master chamber. At least that is the away it had been at Barrett Manner in Toronto. Now, on board The Madeline, it was different.
On the ship, Adam and Wade had the largest cabin at the back of the ship. Seth and the children were in the next cabin. The other servants shared cabins one deck below with the officers of the ship. Jason was in the last cabin across the hall from Adam and Wade.
Though The Madeline was narrower than most ships, she was longer. The cabins were made for comfort, which was different from the larger ships, that required three times the crew to sail.
Seth Rollins finished the braid he plaited. He tied the end with a leather thong. It fell down the center of Adam's back perfectly. Adam pulled at his high, stiff collar with a sigh.
"I hate these. That is one thing I'm looking forward to, is no formal dinners for the next couple of months. That looks very nice, Seth. Thank you." Adam smiled at his servant. Alone, in private, Adam used the man's Christian name, like he preferred to do. If things were different, Adam knew he and Seth would be close friends. Adam really hoped Seth and Dean could marry in Australia. Maybe as head of the city, he and Wade could set new standards… be less society driven, and more family oriented.
Seth smiled. "And I barely starched it. Well Sir, no more collars after tonight. Sir, I am going to start reading a new book to the children tonight. The one called The Little Mermaid. I thought them looking out for mermaids might help to keep them busy. Should I wait to start the story for you and his Lordship?" Seth's brow arched. Wade and Adam usually came to listen to him read to Eliza and Alex. Sometimes the three adults would read together and use funny voices for the characters in the story, much a like a play.
Adam sighed. "No, go ahead. Ministers tend to be long winded. This one is the Minister of Trade. I'm sure he will be letting his Lordship know what to do for hours. Well, here I go. Thank you, Seth." Adam gave a slight nod, then went to join his husband, in the ships galley, the dining area.
Adam was grateful that it was a small party. Wade, himself, Jason, the Minister and his associate, Captain Patterson and First Mate Race made up the dinner. Mark and Dean easily served and no one had to wait for a full glass, cup or plate. Dean had worked with the ships cook, an older man, named James Ross. He was a jolly man and an excellent cook.
"Well, Lord Barrett, this has been a delightful evening. You're going to have a fine voyage on this modern clipper. Her Majesty wanted the best. She also asked me to give you this gift, in thanks. Her Majesty is well aware of the difficult task she has given you. Moving your family to a new country. She has all faith that you will help bring Australia to the age of Queen Victoria. To Her Majesty, Queen Victoria." The Minister raised his glass as the dinner guests stood and raised their glasses in response.
"To the Queen!" The group staid in loud, proud chorus. They all remained on their feet as the Minister handed Wade a box, carved from ivory. Adam stood next to his husband and watched with great curiosity.
"Thank you, Minister." Wade stated as he unlatched the delicate sliver clasp on the box. The ivory box had a carving of a kangaroo on the lid. It was so detailed, it looked ready to hop off the box.
Adam gasped when Wade opened the box. Inside was a solid gold pocket watch, with a gold chain and fob. On the cover of the watch was an etching of a map of Australia, Sydney marked by a sapphire. The chain was fine gold and on the fob was the Barrett family crest, a rampant dragon with one foot on a shield, with a tree of life. The work was exquisite and tiny.
Wade carefully took the watch in hand. He pressed the stem to open the cover. Again Adam gasped. The watch face was in Roman numerals, the time was ten-fifteen. The watch chimed softly in the same manner as Westminster, it was lovely. It was Wade's turn to gasp when he saw the inscription on the inside of the front cover.
"To Lord Wade Stuart Alexander Barrett, for service to his country and his Queen. Good luck. Her Majesty, Victoria Regina. April, 1838."
"Oh Wade, it's beautiful. And from the Queen herself." Adam's fingers barely touched the glorious watch.
Wade nodded, his eyes were filled with emotion and love for the young Queen. "She has never met me, but she trusts me. She asked me, of all her Lords to do this wonderful thing. Adam, my love, I can only do this because you and the children are by my side. I love you, my precious darling..." He turned to look at their guests.
Wade spoke again. "I am not ashamed to say it out loud. Thank you, Minister. I shall write the Queen a note of thanks. I will give it to you in the morning. You will give it to her?" His brow arched at the Minister.
The Minister gave a bow. "It would be my deepest honor. She picked and ordered the engravings personally. She remembers when your father saved her mother from a nasty situation. The Queen did not elaborate, but she said if you have half the courage your father had, you were the right man for the job. Lord Barrett, thank you for a wonderful evening. I wish you luck, both of you." He first shook hands with Wade, then Adam. The Minister and his associate left. He was escorted by First Mate Race.
Jason and Captain Patterson admired the beautiful watch. The Captain then spoke.
"Better write your note tonight and have it sent by messenger. I'll sail when the winds prevail. When you wake up, we will be at sea. It's time to head for Australia.