Family renewed

David was acquainted with a Mr. Joseph Goodall who was currently an assistant master of Eton College; word was that he would be head master before long. With a little persuasion and the promise of a few favors, he was able to get Jim enrolled. David was an Old Boy himself. "Alice, all children grow up. When will you finally get used to the idea that James is not a little boy?" It had been just six months since the incident at the cliff. "He has proven himself over and over to be a man who can be trusted and relied on, and he should be allowed to continue his education, his time is running out and he will soon be too old to attend." Jim sat expressionless and stunned at the request David had just made, he did not know how he felt about it. Alice looked at him sadly and said "All children grow up you say? I know of one who didn't. I don't want to let Jim go. I can't let him go." It had been quite some time since anyone made a reference to Peter, and it did not sit well with Jim's conscience. The guilt still burned in his heart. David let the comment roll off him and continued "Why must you be so stubborn about it?" David had reacted much differently to the loss of Peter than he did when Margaret died. He was so sad that he had no family of his own. But rather than isolating himself, or becoming bitter and angry, he focused his all of his attention on Jim and had become more of a father figure to him. Jim was indeed the son that he always wanted. But it still came as a shock when David asked Alice if he could legally adopt Jim. It would be the perfect solution for them both; David would get an heir, and Jim would get a father. Alice was torn. She wanted Jim to stay at the inn, safe with her; but she also knew that George would have wanted him to go to school. "Why," she said "Jim has all the money he needs, why does he need to go to school?" David expected this and was ready with a response "Alice, it isn't just the money. A man needs more than money, he needs an education and he needs good standing in the community. James cannot live off his treasure forever. " David paused and spoke low and earnestly " I admit I am being a little selfish too. I have no family." He walked over and put his hand on Jim's shoulder." Then he said "Nothing would make me more proud than to call Jim my son." It was the first time that David had called him Jim.

When they were alone that night, Alice agreed to talk to Jim about the offer; she wanted to know how he felt about. "David is a good and generous man, but so was your father. He loved you, and you always made him so proud; I know nothing will ever change that. I don't want you to stay here because of me, I have to accept the fact that you have grown up and have your own life to live." She said. "I don't want you to be alone" he replied. Alice blushed a little and smiled, "Jim," she said. "For someone who wants to be so grownup, sometimes you are still such a child. David's proposal was not just for you, he has asked me to marry him." Before she left his room, she told him that she had already accepted, but the adoption was his decision to make and that she would not prevent it, if it was what he wanted to do. Jim was hesitant at first because he did not want to dishonor the memory of his father; it seemed almost like a betrayal. After all, Jim did not want a new father; he just wanted his old one back. Still, his father was gone and nothing could change that. David was here; he was alive and he was offering Jim an opportunity to move forward in life. After much thought and consideration, Jim came to a realization. He did not have to turn his back on his father just to embrace David. Why couldn't he be a son to both of them? Why did he have to choose one over the other? He would not disappoint David, and he would still honor his father's memory; he could be a man that both of them would be proud of.

Jim went downstairs to get breakfast started for the guests and he saw that Mary was already up. His feelings for her had not changed; he was as in love with her that day as he had been from the day he first saw her. "Mary" he said "How are you this morning?" She had been upset for quite some time after Peter's accident, but even in her own grief, she knew that Jim suffered more than anyone. She tried to help him through it as best she could, but she was beginning to think that he would never recover. "I am very well this morning Jim, how are you?" she asked. Mary noticed that he looked a little better; he actually had a smile on his face. It was the first one she had seen in over a year. "I feel pretty good today" he said. She smiled at him and he felt that familiar urge to kiss her. He moved slowly towards her and leaned forward expecting her to turn away at the last moment, but she didn't.

David arrived shortly after breakfast was served, eager to hear Jim's decision. Jim brought them into the parlor and told them what he had decided to do. He would attend Eton, and upon the completion of his studies, he would agree to be David's heir. However, when he started his endeavors in business he wanted to be called by his middle name in honor of his father; George Hawkins-Darling. He would leave his childhood behind to become the son David lost and the man that his father hoped he would be. Upon hearing this, his mother could not hold back her tears.