A/N: Decided not to make you wait two weeks! I hope you will enjoy this new story. First, nothing belongs to me except the plot and a few OC's. Everyone belongs to either WWE, AEW or themselves. This story is M/M and MPREG. If this is not your type of story, don't read.

Now, a bit of "history." This story is based in the time of Edwardian England, in the year 1902. I am not going to write in the extremely formal language that was used at the time, but I will use "slang" words from that time period and will try to avoid using "modern" slang from today. Also, words like Master, Mistress and Servant are used. The household workers were servants, and they were paid salaries and lived in the houses where they worked. Remember, words have different connotations, and in this story, have no ill meaning. Also, try to imagine all the characters speaking with British/English accents.

I have also done hours of research into the history at the time. It was the era just before the first world war, so sometimes, things may be talked about, that aren't politically correct by today's standards but were perfectly normal and acceptable in 1902. One of the key books I referenced is Mrs. Beeton's Household Management. A fantastic book about how things worked in households with a full staff of servants and their duties. As well as the duties and responsibilities of the Mistress and Master of the house. It also includes menus and how to properly set a table for different occasions, from a simple family breakfast, to a full formal visit from Royalty.

Another thing, in my world, male/male and female/female are accepted as absolutely normal. Even though it strongly goes against the history at the time. Also, boys can have babies. That is why this is called FICTION. As usual, my characters, while well known, may do things they would never do in "real" life, such as smoking or drinking. Also some ages will change, so that a brother can be older, even though in reality, he would be younger. Also, I am writing the characters as much younger than they are now. So look up photographs of them as very young men. Those are the physical descriptions I will be using. Of course the parental figures will be of a more "current" age. Also, remember, at the time, long, complicated names were common as they often included ALL sides of a family. A person could have many as five or six middle names, or three last names strung together. I will only use their full, formal names a couple of times, to avoid confusion.

One last thing. If you want an idea of the story I am trying to tell, it is based on the 1970's British TV show, Upstairs Downstairs. Long considered one of the best dramas ever done on television, known for its incredible historical accuracy. I hope I can come close, but I also know that is impossible.

If you have ANY questions regarding things that happen or are talked about in the story, please feel free to private message me. I know this is a longer than usual introduction, but I felt that I needed to lay a strong foundation for this one. So now, I hope you enjoy Chapter 1 of Downstairs, Upstairs.

It was Thursday, the first of May, in the year 1902. It was a warm, spring day in London, England. Chaos had erupted in the house at 102 Eaton Square, the home of Duke Vincent K. McMahon and his family.

The chaos was the result of the imminent birth of the Duke's first grandchild. Seth Rollins McMahon was married to Vince's eldest stepson, Roman Joseph Reigns.

Duke McMahon had five children. Three from his first marriage to Patrick. Christopher, aged twenty one, Stephanie, aged eighteen and Shane, age fourteen. When Shane was three, their birth father, Patrick passed away from a cancerous illness.

Four years later, Vince met a handsome widower, with two sons. Eric Bischoff had married Lord Sika Ambrose-Reigns, an Admiral in the Royal Navy. They had two sons, Roman Joseph and Dean Jonathan. Unfortunately, during a Naval exercise, Lord Sika was drowned at sea. It left Eric to raise Roman and Dean alone. A few years later, when he met Vince, it was almost love at first sight. They soon wed and had a very loved filled and strong marriage.

Over the years, the McMahon family became one. Vince regarded Roman and Dean as his own. Vince's children loved their poppa Eric. He was the one all the children came to with their problems, or to simply talk about things.

When Roman went to Oxford to study law, he met Sir Seth Rollins, the son of a Viscount from Southern England. They married a year later, and now, in the start of their third year of marriage, Seth was in labor with their first child.

Downstairs, in the servant's hall in the basement, the chaos of waiting was also felt.

The Butler of the house, Mark Calaway was a very commanding man, who stood at a height of six foot, ten inches. Calaway's job was to make sure the McMahon house ran like a well oiled machine.

The woman who helped Mark keep the household staff in order was the Cook, Judith Copeland. Judy, as she was known, was the mother of Adam, who at age twenty-one, was a Footman of the house, with the added duties of Valet to Lords Roman and Seth. Judy's other child, was Jason, aged twenty-four. He was the Carriage Driver and Horse Master for the McMahon family.

As far as Adam and Jason knew, their father had been killed in an accident. Mark Calaway, however, knew the truth, but would never betray Judith's secret. He loved her too much for that. Judy loved Mark in return, but that too was a secret. Servants were usually not allowed to marry.

Jason appreciated Mark's fatherly care and advice. He loved to learn from him. Adam, however, wasn't as receptive to Mark. He deeply respected the man, as the Butler, but that was as far as it went.

Mark and Judy sat at the dining table in the servant's hall. Tea had been made, and served by Becky Lynch, the Irish Under-house Parlor Maid. Beth Phoenix, the Head-house Parlor Maid, and Paige, the Scullery Maid, spoke quietly together, with Becky and drank their tea. Jason also sat at the table. Adam had been called upstairs to be with Seth.

Upstairs, in the morning room, Vince, Eric, Chris, Dean and Stephanie also had tea as they waited. Sitting with them were the Dukes Hart, Bret and Shawn.

The Hart's lived next door at 101 Eaton Square. They had two children. Lord Kenneth, or Kenny as they called him, who was aged twenty-four and Lady Natalya, aged eighteen. Nattie as she was called, and Stephanie were the very best of friends. Kenny Omega-Heart and Chris were also good friends. Kenny also had a secret, he was in love with Dean. Not even Chris knew how Kenny felt about step-brother; or so Kenny thought.

Roman looked out of the window in the sitting room in the bedroom suite he shared with his husband. He tried not to worry every time he heard Seth groan in pain. Roman watched for the family physician, Sir Andrew "Drew" McIntyre. They were lucky, Vince had a telephone installed earlier that year. It meant that the Doctor could be called, instead of Jason trying to ride fast through London traffic.

In the bedchamber, Adam wiped Seth's brow with a damp cloth. "There, Milord. This will cool you." Adam spoke softly, but the occasion dictated it. Seth needed to hear calm words that soothed.

Seth's eyes were closed as he spoke. His hands rested on his distended belly. "Thank you, Adam. Water please. Where is my Roman?" He panted as he spoke, the latest contraction had come to an end.

Adam poured a glass of cool water from the pitcher on the bedside table. He helped Seth sit up just enough to drink. "He is in your sitting room. Shall I fetch him?"

Seth lay back again. "Thank you. Yes please. I need my Roman." He panted harder, another birth pang had begun.

With a nod, Adam went to the door to the sitting room. With a servant's skill, Adam opened the door without making a single sound. He saw Lord Roman at the window.

"Excuse me please, Milord." Adam called out softly.

Roman turned to look at the blond servant. "Yes, Copeland?" He looked at Adam with worry on his face.

"Lord Reigns wants you to please come to him." Adam again spoke softly, and gave a nod of respect. Adam gave another nod as Lord Roman passed through the doorway.

Adam stood back and watched as Roman cared for his husband. Roman and Seth loved each other dearly. They were not afraid to show that love. Adam wanted a love like that, and babies. Adam had a secret crush on Lord Christopher, but he knew nothing would ever come of it. Gentry never married lowly servants.

Down in the morning room, Vince paced a bit. "Shouldn't the Doctor be here by now?" He pulled the watch out of his vest pocket and checked the time.

"My dear, he will be here soon. This is the second baby he will deliver today. Come, have your tea." Eric poured Vince a fresh cup of fragrant, steaming hot tea.

Vince sat down on the large, long leather sofa, next to Eric. He took the cup of tea Eric had so expertly poured. "Sorry, my dear. Bret, how are things with you? Things going well at the Admiralty?" He took another sip of tea.

Duke Bret Hart gave Vince a smile. "Things are going well. It won't be long until I meet with the First Lord of the Admiralty, the Second Earl of Selborne. We need you on that committee." He gave Vince a firm nod.

Before anyone could speak, the sound of the doorbell was barely heard. A few moments later, Calaway entered the morning room. "Your Grace, the Doctor is here."

"Take him upstairs. I will be up shortly." Eric spoke to the Butler with a firm look.

"Yes, Your Grace." Calaway gave a nod and silently closed the door.

Shawn Hart spoke. "I am sure Seth will be fine. By the way, Nattie, the dressmaker will be here on Tuesday at ten o'clock." He spoke to his daughter with a smile.

"Thank you, poppa. Uncle Eric, can Stephanie come? The new materials for the season are out. My seamstress has some lovely new things." Nattie looked at Eric with hope. Stephanie had the same look in her eyes.

Eric gave a nod. "Of course she may. Darling, you will need two new dresses and something special for the season."

Stephanie grinned. "Thank you, poppa. I promise not to spend too much, father." She looked from Eric to Vince.

Vince gave a light chuckle. "It's alright, princess. I want you to look your very best. You and Natalya will be the young ladies of the season." He tended to spoil his children, just a bit.

The door quietly opened again. Calaway stepped into the morning room. "Your Grace, the doctor said if you want to be there, to come now." He relayed the Doctor's words.

Eric stood. "I promised Seth I would be there. Shawn, please take over the tea." He hurried out of the room and went upstairs. Seth needed and wanted his added comfort.

"More tea, Your Grace?" Calaway asked calmly.

Shawn looked at the others. They all gave small nods. "Yes please, Calaway. With more of Missus Copeland's wonderful sandwiches."

Mark picked up the silver tea tray. "Yes, Your Grace." He easily carried the heavy tray, opened, then closed the door behind him.

Mark carried the tray downstairs. Judy spoke to Adam. "… I know son, but Seth will be alright. Now, help your old ma. I am sure they will want more tea upstairs." Judy gave her son a pat on the shoulder.

Mark set the tray down. "Yes, they do. And more sandwiches please, my dear."

"Paige, boil the water, then slice the bread. Adam, fill the milk and sugar. Oh and slice another lemon for Lady Stephanie." Judy gave her orders as she got more pâte for the sandwich filling.

Adam grumbled under his breath as he filled the silver milk pitcher and matching sugar bowl. He still grumbled as he thinly sliced a fresh lemon.

Mark watched Adam as he took a sip of tea. "Why all the wooden swearing, son?"

Adam rolled his eyes, but kept his head down to cover it. "I should be with Lord Seth. That Scotsman Doctor made me leave." He put the lemon slices on a small plate, and made it look like a flower.

"Well, doctors are like that. Duke Eric is there now. You did a fine job with this." Mark put the plate of lemon in its place on the sliver tray.

Adam managed to look up at Mark and gave him a very slight smile. "Thank you, ma taught me. Will he really be alright?" He looked at the Butler with worry filled eyes.

Mark took the moment. He laid a hand on Adam's shoulder. "He will be fine. You will soon get to help the Nanny when she arrives."

Adam gave Mark and even rarer full smile. "Yes, I will. Ma, need any more help?" He looked at his mother with absolute love and adoration.

Mark sighed internally, he loved Adam and Jason like they were his own. He wished Adam would be more like Jason and give him fatherly respect in return.

Judy could see the hurt in Mark's eyes. She needed Adam to be more respectful to the man. "Son, take the tea up, maybe you will hear some news. Is that alright with you Mister Calaway?" She maintained formality when "on duty."

"That would be just fine, Missus Copeland. I will carry the sandwiches. Ready, Adam?" Mark picked up the tray of sandwiches.

"Yes, Sir. Thank you." Adam carefully picked up the beautiful silver tray. Outside the grand house, Adam sometimes had the tendency to have two left feet, but in the house, he always took great care to never slip up.

When they got upstairs, Mark opened the door to the morning room. It always amazed Adam that Calaway could open the door with full hands. It was a talent the young Footman had yet to learn.

Lord Christopher perked up when he saw Copeland come in with the tea tray. He frowned, he could see the handsome blond was worried, and he knew why; Seth. He knew the servant was totally devoted to Seth and Roman.

Adam held the tray and went from person to person and stood stone still as they filled a cup with tea, then added either milk, lemon or sugar. Then he moved on to the next. He saved Lord Christopher for last.

Chris smiled at Adam and poured his cup of tea, and added nothing to his cup. "No word yet." Chris spoke softly and gave Adam a smile.

It was all Adam could do not to blush like a lovesick school boy. "Thank you, Milord." Adam's reply was barely audible. He did give the handsome, young Lord a smile. He then set the tray down on the long, low mahogany table in front of the leather sofa.

Mark placed the tray of sandwiches next to the tea tray. "Do you require anything else, Your Grace?" Calaway quietly asked Duke Vincent.

"No, thank you, Calaway. Tell Missus Copeland supper will be delayed until nine o'clock." Vince spoke kindly to Mark. He knew the servants were just as worried as they were.

Mark gave a nod. "Yes, Your Grace." He gave a nod to Adam. The two servants quietly left the morning room.

Christopher spoke when the door closed. "Poor Copeland. He is worried about Seth. I thought he was going to stay with him, to help." He knew very well how much Seth and Roman depended on Adam, and Adam on them.

"The Doctor probably put him out. You know how they are about extra germs. I'm surprised…" Dean was halted when the door opened and Roman entered.

Dean laughed. "I was just about to say, I am surprised the Doctor hadn't tossed you out too. Come on, brother. You look like you need a strong cup of tea." He got up and led his brother to the couch and sat him down.

Roman's hand shook as he took the cup of tea Dean had poured for him. While brothers, they were as different as night and day. Roman had the more exotic look of his late father, Eric's first husband, Lord Ambrose-Reigns. Sika had been of an Island heritage.

Roman had long, raven black hair, from both his parents. Dean was more like Eric in complexion, but had come out with the dark auburn hair, that was a trait of the Bischoff family. Eric's European heritage. They both had Eric's eyes, but to look at Roman and Dean side by side, you would never guess they were full blooded brothers. However, despite their physical differences, they were extremely close and each other's best friend.

Roman looked at Dean. "Thank you, brother. Yes, he threw me out, as Seth begged me to stay. I am going back after I have this. It was bad enough when he made Copeland leave." Roman held in the anger he felt, but it burned in his eyes. His Sethie needed him and by God he would be there, Doctor or not.

"How is Seth, son? And yes, you go back to him. Tell Doctor McIntyre, I ordered it." Vince spoke like the Duke he was. The Doctor needed to know his place.

Bret nodded in agreement. "Right you are, Vince. I was with Shawn when our two were born. Say, how is Shane getting along at Eton?" He lit a cigar as he spoke.

"Shane is Head Boy this year. The Headmaster said Shane has quite the head for maths. He will be home for the summer break in a few weeks. It will be good to have him home." Vince smiled. He missed his fourteen year old son.

Stephanie laughed lightly "I miss that little monkey. Chris, you, Roman and Dean should take him riding." She adored her little brother, even more so now that he was old enough to talk intelligently.

"High time he had his own horse. Father, may I have Reso look for one?" Roman looked at Vince. He tried to keep his mind off his husband.

Vince nodded. "Yes, I will speak to Reso about it. By tomorrow, your mind will be elsewhere. Now, finish your tea and get back to where you belong."

Roman grinned. "Thank you, father."

Vince smiled softly. It warmed his heart that Roman and Dean looked to him as their father. "Nanny Young will be here in a day or two. I am glad you chose a younger woman. I have a strong dislike for stuffy, old Nannies." The group of waiting people gave a light chorused chuckle, it total agreement about nannies.

Downstairs, Judy had take a moment to sit down, have a cup of tea and bite to eat. She had set Paige to cleaning and preparing the vegetables for supper upstairs.

Adam sat down at his place at the table, which happened to be across from his mother. He poured himself a cup of tea and took a biscuit as well.

"Lord Christopher said there was no news yet. The Doctor even made Lord Roman leave. He is going back though. Ma! These lemon biscuits are delicious." Adam remarked as he took another biscuit.

Mark had removed his formal coat, and put on his less formal pantry coat. He too sat and had tea. After he chewed and swallowed his biscuit, he spoke with a grin.

"They turned out perfectly. You may add them to the upstairs tea menu. I knew they would be good, you're such a wonderful cook. They are even better than grandma's." Mark put another biscuit on his plate.

Adam looked at Mark. "Ma makes up the best receipts. Ma, Lady Stephanie would adore these. She loves anything made with lemon." Adam grinned. His brother came in and sat at his place at the table. It never crossed anyone's mind to breech the seating arrangements.

"Thanks, Mister Calaway." Jason nodded as Mark handed him a cup for his tea.

Jason poured himself a cup as he spoke. "Any word on the new arrival yet? Misty may drop her foal tonight as well. Matthew is watching her for me." While always full of spirit and talkative, Jason's tone was soft. It came from being around the horses all the time.

Mark nodded. "Good. Misty drops excellent foals. Perhaps the two new arrivals will grow up together…" He paused, took the last bite of biscuit, a last sip of tea, then continued.

"My dear grandma would like knowing her receipt for these lemon biscuits is so very well liked." He gave Judy a smile with a wink.

Adam had been about to take another bite of biscuit. He put the unfinished treat down on his plate, and pushed it away. He silently got up from the table and went to the servant's privy.

Judy laid a gentle hand on Mark's arm. "He will come around, Mark. He feels protective of me." She smiled softly at the Butler.

Jason too looked at Mark. "I will talk to him again. I know how you feel about ma. I know you would never do anything to hurt her. Tell you what, Sunday is our afternoon out. Why don't we go on a picnic to Hyde Park. I can drive the two wheeler." He spoke with his quiet enthusiasm.

Mark gave a nod. "That is a fine idea, my boy. The family will be out with Duke Hart's family."

"The baby won't. I will need to stay here." Adam spoke flatly as he returned. He began to clear the tea things from the table.

Mark stiffened a bit. "We will see. They may take the baby for a first outing. We will discuss it on Saturday. I dare say though, some of your dear mother's roast chicken would make fine picnic fare." He smiled at the thought. Judy's roast chicken could be served at the Heavenly table.

Jason smiled brightly. "I will even shine up the old two wheeler for ma's roast chicken. Come on, Addy. We could get in a round of croquet. Maybe you can finally beat me."

Adam huffed. "I will see what happens. I won't leave baby just to play games."

Becky Lynch and Beth Phoenix came into the servant's hall. The had finished their work upstairs. Today was the day when all the windows were washed on the inside.

Becky sighed as she sat at her place. "I would have a cup of tea, but my arms are too stiff to lift it." She winced as she rubbed her arms ruefully.

Beth poured herself and Becky cups of tea. "I know, but now it is done until next month. Paige, come have some tea." Beth called from the pass window behind her chair.

"Coming. I've only got three more potatoes to peel. I have fresh tea water on the boil." Paige called back, a bit loudly.

"Paige, my girl. Not so loud." Judy spoke firmly to the Scullery Maid. Paige still had a lot to learn.

Paige came to the pass through window. "Yes, Missus C. I am sorry. I am almost finished." She spoke much more softly.

Judy turned to look at Paige. "Very good, my girl. You've earned your tea." She turned back to the others.

Mark leaned in to speak quietly to Judy. "Having them call you Missus C is fine, but never out of this room. Adam, when your finished with your tea, take the cellar book and pull out the wines for supper." He removed the cellar key from his vast ring of key and handed it to the blond.

Adam stared at Mark. "You want me to do the wines?" It was a huge achievement to be given the duty.

Mark gave Adam a smile. Yes, I do. You are able and you have paid attention. Remember to take the menu. I trust you, Adam. You are a hard worker, you listen and learn. You will fill my shoes nicely one day."

Adam ducked his head. "Thank you, Mister Calaway. I will but please, check my selections." He took the key, cellar book and menu. He went to pull the proper wines to go with the meal.

Judy smiled at Mark. "Thank you for that. It really boosted his confidence. Just… please be gentle if he picks the wrong thing. Jason, will you go fetch the hot water, and make Paige come sit."

"Yes, ma." Jason got up and did as he was asked. Paige was soon at the table having tea.

Upstairs, Stephanie, Natalya, Chris and Dean had begun a game of Bridge. Eric, who had returned when Roman went back to Seth, Vince, Shawn and Bret also played Bridge at another table. Kenny quietly read from a book of poetry.

Dean let out a sigh. "Sorry. I played wrong, partner. My mind isn't fully here." He gave Chris an apologetic look as the hand ended.

"It's alright, Dean. I led wrong. Ladies, another hand?" He looked at his sister and her friend.

Nattie laughed. "We only won because I misplayed. I think all our minds are elsewhere. Why don't we go for a walk?" She hated playing cards, but it was the proper thing to do.

Dean shook his head. "You can if you want, but I can't leave Roman. He knows I am here if needed."

"I didn't think of that. Well then, let's play another hand. It does pass the time." Nattie smiled again as Dean shuffled and dealt the cards for the next game.

At the other table, another hand was also dealt. "Well played, partner. I'm with the boys, I hate waiting." Vince gave a sigh as Shawn handed out the cards.

"My mother told me Roman took twelve hours to arrive, and Dean took six. I don't remember much. Once you hold your baby, you forget everything else." Eric spoke as he picked up his hand of cards.

Shawn sorted the card in his hand. "That is true. I don't remember anything except holding them for the first time. It is an instant love. Eric, we will go home soon if nothing happens." He didn't want his family to be in the way.

"Oh no. You must stay. I've already planned supper with you being here. Please, you are family to us. You must be the first to see the baby." Eric spoke with an insistent tone of voice.

Vince played a card. "Yes, we insist. As Eric said, you are family. You don't have to be blood you know. I love Roman and Dean as if they were my own. Eric feels the same about Christopher, Stephanie and little Shane." He spoke firmly and exhaled a puff of blue-gray cigar smoke.

Bret looked at his husband. "My dear, aren't you going to deny me the pleasure of Missus Copeland's delicious cooking, are you?"

Kenny laughed, something the serious young man rarely did. "Pa, you'd better not let Miss Guerrero hear you. I don't want rotten food served at meal times." He gave his father an impish wink.

Shawn also gave a light chuckle. "He's quite right, dear. I will speak to Miss Guerrero. She will be alright." He gave his husband a pat on the hand across the card table.

Dean spoke up. "Problem with your cook, Kenny? I happen to like Miss Vickie's cooking."

"As you know, she is from Spain. She tends to spice things up. A bit too much for pa's delicate digestion. He is getting old you know." Kenny explained. While he was a stoic and serious young man, he tended to have a very wicked sense of humor.

Shawn turned to look at his handsome son. "Now, now, dear boy. It is not polite to tell tales, specially on your pa…" He turned back to look at Eric.

"Thank you, my friend. Yes, we will stay to supper. Bret will be pleased. Missus Copeland doesn't use that Tabasco flavor." Shawn played his chosen card. The conversation continued as did the card games as they all chatted about Seth and the baby.

Downstairs, Mark looked at the wines and port, Adam had pulled from the cellar. He also had Judy's menu in hand. It was very important that the right wine went with the right course, even for a casual supper, like the one to be served this evening.

"Ah, very good and a very smart selection. This will go perfectly with the vermicelli soup, and the breast of veal, stuffed and rolled. Yes, this one with the leg of pork and apple sauce. Good, Champagne with the vanilla cream and then to toast and wet the baby's head. Adam, you have done very well. I know now, If I am ever away or otherwise disposed, this house will be in extremely capable hands." Mark gave Adam a firm clap on the shoulder.

Adam ducked his head. However he felt about Calaway personally, he held a great respect for Mark as the Butler. "Thank you, Mister Calaway. I watched and learned from you. Shall I decant?" He couldn't help it, Adam was proud of himself. He loved to learn and could happily spend every minute of his free time reading. He was very lucky, Duke Eric encouraged him to read any book he wanted from the family library.

"Yes, please do. I will lay the table while you do that. Better put on your livery coat." Mark sated as he changed into his more formal coat.

Adam carefully removed his more formal long tail coat from its hook. He only wore it when he served meals to the family. He gently brushed any dust or lint from the black material. The coat fit him like a glove.

"Adam, wait." Beth spoke out as Adam started to go up the stairs. "Let me redo your hair." Beth pulled a comb out of her apron pocket.

Beth, who was like a sister to Adam, combed Adam's long blond hair into a much neater, cleaner pony tail. When she finished, she tightly tied the leather thong in place.

"There, perfect." Beth gave Adam's shoulders a brush.

Adam grinned at the maid. "Thanks, Beth. You're the best. I will trade off my brother so you can be my sister. Well… no, ma would object." He gave Beth a wink.

Beth laughed and pocketed her comb. She went to help Judy, Paige and Becky in the kitchen. Adam carried the wine basket upstairs, followed by Calaway.

The upstairs dining room was large and airy. Deep green velvet drapes hung over the windows. The floor of wood was so finely polished, it resembled a mirror. It helped reflect the gas lights and candles to make the room brighter at night.

The dining room table could be expanded to comfortably seat twenty people. Now with one extension, twelve could be seated. The table was of expensive mahogany with chairs to match. Thick cushions of the same green velvet made the chairs comfortable.

At either end of the room were large, mahogany sideboards. Dishes and the sliver service in one, table covers and napkins in the other.

Next to the sideboard on the far end, there was a large, ornate screen. Behind the screen was another smaller sideboard, where the servants could put things. They also used it to dish up food and pour drinks.

Also behind the screen was the dumbwaiter. A small device on which dirty dishes could be placed. It was then lowered down to the kitchen where Paige would remove them. She could put clean plates on it, and send them back up to the dining room for the next course. It was a very efficient system.

Adam took the basket of wines to the sideboard behind the screen. He began to decant the wines. It meant they would be opened, filtered then aerated, so the full flavor of the wine could be enhanced.

As Adam carefully worked, Mark picked out the medium formal table linens. As he covered the table, the soft "swish" of the damask silk could be heard. As the cloth landed on the table, Mark made an adjustment with his hand. The cloth landed perfectly on the rectangular table. It had taken him years of practice for him to develop the talent, but by now, he could do it with his eyes closed.

Mark continued to lay the table with all the proper silverware. At a very formal dinner, as many as twelve pieces of silverware could be used. However, for this meal, there were only six. Still, it was a beautiful table.

When Adam finished decanting the wines, he brought out the try with the first glasses. The would be used for water, served at every meal. Mark laid the napkins in place behind Adam.

The last thing they did was the salt cellars and sliver candlesticks. Mark would light the candles just before he announced dinner to the family.

"Thank you, Adam. It looks very nice. Next week we will finally have fresh flowers again." Mark complimented. They left the dining room and Marked locked the door.

The Butler and Footman walked across the entry hall to the door that led to the basement. Once through the door, Adam spoke. It was not do to talk in the hall.

"Yes, it will be nice to have the flowers back. I hope Missus Williams had a nice holiday." Adam stated as they went down the stairs.

Mark smiled. It had been a long time since Adam had spoken to him, other than yes or no. "I do too. I believe she went to France to order flowers for the season. I ordered some rose slips for your mother's kitchen garden. She loves roses."

"Yes, pink are her favorite…" Adam paused on the landing and looked up at Mark. "He will be alright, won't he? Birth is… difficult." Adam had the worry for Lord Seth carved deeply on his handsome face.

Mark laid a hand on Adam's shoulder. "Yes, my boy. He is a strong young man. But yes, birth is difficult. It's difficult because it is bringing a life in to the world. By the way, I meant what I said, I am proud of your cellar choices. As a reward, you don't have to polish the silver after supper. I will do it."

"Goodness, thank you very much. Jason wanted me to listen to the cricket test on the wireless, now I can. Oh thank you again." Adam gave the older man a rare, genuine smile. His hazel eyes flashed with joy. It came from his mother, the beautiful, sweet yet spicy Judith Copeland.

Judy smiled when her son and Mark came down the stairs. Adam went into the other room, Mark went into the kitchen. Judy was alone for the moment. He could hear Paige, Beth and Becky in the wash room.

Mark, very boldly, leaned in and placed a lingering kiss on Judy's cheek. "He spoke to me, freely and showed his concern for the young Master. He smiled at me, my dear. He really smiled at me."

Judy flushed prettily from the kiss. "I'm glad, Mark. I wish I understood him better. He is my own child, but I don't understand him. He wants me to be happy. He must see you make me happy, so why can't he accept us… together. I'll try to talk to him or maybe Jason can." Judy stepped away from Mark as the three maids came out of the wash room. They chatted and laughed softly and never noticed the Butler and Cook.

Mark spoke to the three girls. "Beth, Becky go lay the dining room fire, it is chilly in the room. Paige, help Missus Copeland finish. I'm stepping over to see Glenn for a moment. I will be back in fifteen minutes."

With nods to the Butler, the girls went to do as told. Mark put on his overcoat and went out to the back door that went to the mews. Mark was going to speak to his brother, Glenn Jacobs. Glenn was the Butler for the Hart family, so they saw each other often.

In reality they were half brothers. Mark's father had married Glenn's mother when Mark was ten and Glenn was eight. They were close from the moment they met. Even then both aspired to be Butler's in grand houses. They started out as stable boys and as they learned and worked every job in service, the both became under Butlers in the old Duke McMahon's Estate. Eventually when Vince moved to London, Mark went along as Butler. The Hart's hired Glenn and now they lived and worked side by side and they loved it.

At eight-forty-five, Adam helped his mother put the soup tureen on the dumbwaiter. Adam pulled the rope and sent the soup up to Mark. While Mark did that, Adam and Beth hurried upstairs to help serve the dinner.

Adam wore his long tail coat and Beth wore a crisp, black dress with a white apron and cap. Mark had set the tureen on a chafing dish. It would kept hot by a small kerosene burner. It was all hidden by the screen. Beth also stood behind the screen, ready to dish up bowls of the soup.

Mark went to the morning room door and opened it. "Dinner is served, Your Grace." He stood aside and held the door open for the family.

As the McMahon's and Hart's stepped in to the area, Roman came down the stairs. He had a rather strange look on his face.

Eric and Vince went to their son. Roman looked at them and smiled. "I am pleased to announce the arrival of…"