"What is your idea?" Chris asked as he sat next to Adam on Melanie's bed.

"Maybe, if Lady Prudence allows it, we could carry Melanie to the play room to hear the story of Cinderella." Adam suggested with hope.

Chris beamed. "That is a wonderful idea, Uncle Adam. I am sure Pru wouldn't mind. Would you like that, sweetheart?" He looked at the little girl in the bed.

Melanie clapped her little hands. "Pweese, Uncle Chris." She perked up and got some color in her cheeks.

"Well then, I'd better…" Chris was halted when Lady Prudence entered the room, a bowl of ice chunks in her hand.

"I wanted to check on our little patient." Prudence smiled as she went to the foot of the bed.

Chris asked Pru about Adam's idea. "… so that way she could hear the story too."

Prudence finished wrapping Melanie's ankle in the fresh ice. "I think it sounds like a fine idea. But, you have to promise to sit still. Remember, Doctor Foster said not to walk on your foot." She gave permission, but spoke firmly to Melanie.

"Thank you, Auntie Pru. I pwamise to be good. I wanna hear the story." Melanie again clapped her hands happily.

"You can come down, any time. They are a bit quieter after lunch." Prudence gave Chris and Adam a wink.

Adam stood. "Your carriage awaits, Milady." He carefully picked Melanie up and cradled her in his arms. He took care of her wrapped foot.

As they went down to the playroom, Chris held onto Adam's arm so he didn't trip with Melanie in his arms. Prudence went ahead to get the children ready for story time with Uncle Adam.

When they got to the playroom, the children greeted Melanie. They were glad she was alright. The children sat in a semi circle, with an empty chair for Adam.

Chris sat on the floor next to the chair, he reached up and took Melanie from Adam. He settled the little girl on his lap. He made sure her wrapped foot was alright.

Melanie nuzzled up against Chris. She rested her head on his shoulder, her hurt foot propped up on his upper thigh.

Lady Prudence stood next to Adam. "Now, I want all you to be good and listen to Uncle Adam's story. If you show him how good you can be, he will come back again and tell another one someday. I will be at the school if you need me." She gave the children a smile and left the playroom.

Adam cleared his throat. "Now, I will tell you the story of Cinderella…" He began to tell the story. All the children, even the boys enjoyed it and paid attention.

When Adam finished the story, the little children clapped. "Thank you, Uncle Adam." Mary and Victoria chimed together. Other children hugged and thanked him. It gave Adam a wonderful feeling.

Melanie yawned and curled more against Chris. He held her close and kissed the top of her head. "I think it's time for afternoon naps." Chris spoke as he stood. Melanie was already asleep in his arms.

The maids gently herded the smaller children up to their nursery. A large, airy room on the third floor. It was sweet and cozy.

Adam went with the maids, to help tuck the children in. Mary and Victoria had asked him, and he agreed. Chris took Melanie back up to her room. A maid was there, ready to look after her.

Adam learned that all of the servants in the house were once occupants, as orphans. The twenty-five year old Butler, John Morrison, had been the first orphan helped by Lady Prudence. He'd been found by Pru, abandoned behind a shop in London. That was the start of the Mayfield Orphanage.

The maid who had told Adam a bit of the orphanage history took him down to the front parlor. Chris was there and waited for him.

"All tucked in? Mary and Victoria sure have taken to you." Chris smiled. Adam looked so happy.

Adam nodded. "Yes, they are sweet girls. So, now what? It's not time to leave, is it?" Adam wasn't ready to leave, he wanted to help more.

Chris chuckled. "No, not yet. Let's go outside. I like to spend time with the older children who attend the school. It's their sport and exercise time." He led Adam through the house, to the back.

In the back of the house, on the huge lawn, stood a building that looked like a small church. It was made of rock, and was very old.

"This is the old chapel. Still is on Sundays, but during the week it is the school." Chris' words were halted by the 'clang' of the bell on top of the building.

The door flew open and twenty children rushed out into the May sunshine. Lady Prudence came out with an older man and woman. Adam knew by looking at them, they were teachers.

"Adam, please to meet Patricia and James. They are the teachers here. Patricia, James, this is my friend, Adam." Chris made the introduction.

Adam shook the hands of the teachers. "Pleased to make your acquaintance."

"Pleased to meet you, Adam." Both James and Patrica greeted him warmly.

Lady Prudence spoke. "I will leave you to it, Chris. Patricia, James and I have some things to discuss. Have fun." She hurried off to the main house, the two teachers on her heels.

Adam watched with a chuckle. "Does Lady Prudence ever sit for more than five minutes?" He looked at Chris.

Chris smiled softly. "No, it keeps her mind occupied. It is not my story to tell, but Pru has had many heartaches. The work she does here… well, it helps her forget. Anyway, let's go see what is going on." He shook his head. He only knew a little about Pru's past, but it was enough.

A few of the boys practiced cricket, the girls played croquet. Chris looked at Adam. "Cricket or croquet?" His brow arched.

"Croquet, but I want to check on Tommy first. Is that alright?" Adam looked over at the young artist. He leaned against an ancient oak tree and drew a picture.

Chris gave Adam a pat on the shoulder. "Do whatever you want. You do not need my permission." He gave Adam a wink and went to help the boys with their cricket.

Adam shook his head as Chris ran off to play. He walked over to the oak tree. He didn't want to make Tommy jump and mess up his drawing.

Tommy looked up when he felt someone watched him. "Hello, Adam." He had a bit of a frustrated tone of voice.

"Do you have a problem? Maybe I can help." Adam asked as he sat down next to the artist.

Tommy held up his drawing pad. "I can't get the distance right. I want this hill behind these trees, but, it doesn't look right." He was perplexed.

"May I" Adam held out his hand for the paper and pencil in Tommy's hands.

Tommy looked at Adam. "Yes, it is messed up anyway. Oh… wait, I'm sorry. I didn't mean that to sound rude." He felt awful about his word choice.

Adam chuckled and gave Tommy a pat on the arm. "It is alright, you didn't offend me. Now, let me teach you something I learned…" Adam took the pad and pencil. With the bit of rubber Tommy had, Adam erased some of the lines.

Adam with a few strokes of the pencil, he moved the hill behind the trees. Now the perspective of distance could be seen. When he finished, he showed it to Tommy.

"Adam! That's it! Can you show me how? I never get it right. That's why landscapes are hard for me. I need to learn so I get that scholarship to the art school." Tommy spoke with excitement.

Adam smiled. "Be glad to. See, you have to make these lines longer and these shorter. Watch." He flipped to a clean page in the pad.

Tommy watched as Adam drew a box. He then added another smaller box, it pushed the other box further into the background. Adam did it again with a tree and hill.

"Now, you try it. Do the boxes first, it's good practice." Adam gave the pad and pencil back to the young artist.

Adam watched as Tommy drew. He offered advice and Tommy listened and learned. After a few minutes, Tommy had it perfectly.

"Excellent. Now try the tree and hill again." Adam smiled with a teacher's pride.

Tommy looked at Adam with admiration in his eyes. "Thank you, Adam. I am glad Chris brought you today. I hope you come back."

"I'm sure I will sometime. I am glad I came too. I am going to play croquet now, leave you to draw. Call out if you need more help. Just remember, short pushes long." Adam gave Tommy another pat on the shoulder.

"Alright, Adam. Have fun. Oh, watch out, those girls play croquet with venom. Short pushes long." Tommy gave Adam a wink and a smile.

Chris had watched Adam and Tommy with one eye, and watched the boys play cricket with the other. He was curious about Adam and Tommy, but it would have to wait. Adam had joined the girls playing croquet.

Tommy had been right. The girls played a very wicked game of croquet. Once in a while, Adam offered a bit of advice about a difficult lay of the croquet balls. Adam also learned a few tricks from the girls as well. Wen the game ended, Adam spoke.

"That was a very nice trick, Eugenia. Now I might be able to win against my brother the next time we play." Adam winked as they took cool drinks of water from the water pump.

A redheaded girl of nine, named Eugenia laughed. "I am glad you learned it. Thank you, too. I didn't know about that hoop block. Maybe we will win when we play the village school down the road. The boys play cricket against them. Chris' advice has helped them improve. Oh, time to go back to class. Bye, Adam." Eugenia waved as the school bell rang.

"Thanks, Adam!" Tommy called out as he happily ran into the school house.

Chris walked over to where Adam stood by the water pump. "Did you have a good time?" Chris pumped the handle. He filled the tin cup with water and took a deep sip of the cool liquid.

"Yes, I did. I learned a few things. Maybe I can beat Jason at croquet next time we play." Adam laughed as he and Chris walked to the main house.

Chris stopped on the steps. "I saw you with Tommy. Was he alright?" He really wants that scholarship to the art school." He arched his brow at Adam.

Adam ducked his head. "He is fine. I am sure he will get the scholarship." He didn't expound on his response.

Chris shook his head. "Adam, I saw you drawing. Are you an artist? Could you tutor Tommy? I know many things, but drawing is not one of those things." Again he arched his brow in question.

Adam's cheeks flushed. "Well… I can draw. I helped Tommy get the distance perspective on the landscape he worked on. I don't think I'm good enough to tutor him, it is too important to him. I would hate to ruin his chances. I am just a footman. It's not my place." He spoke honestly.

Chris gave a growl of frustration. He led Adam to a nearby bench in the shade. They were hidden by box shrubs and green plants.

"Adam, being a footman doesn't matter. If you have the talent of an artist, you owe it to Tommy to share that talent. Don't you know by now, that at least here, in this place, we are all equal? All we want to do is love, cherish, protect and teach the children nobody wanted. Any help you could give Tommy could only benefit him. Maybe you could make a teaching book, I could bring it to him. We can work together to help these children." Chris spoke with absolute and utter passion. His blue eyes burned with it.

Adam looked at Chris, he didn't see Lord Christopher, he saw Uncle Chris, a champion for the children. "Alright, I will do what I can to help Tommy or the other children. Yes, I could do that. Draw up some examples for him to copy. Give him some exercises. It has been a while since I've drawn anything. I will have to save up to buy some pads and pencils at the stationary shop. It will take me a while." Adam sighed, he would have to give up his pipe, but it was for a very good reason.

Chris scoffed. "Don't worry about that. You will have what you need. Just remember, no one knows about the extent of my work here. Can you work in private?"

"No one comes into my room at night. I don't share. I can work before I go to sleep. You.. don't have to… buy…" Adam was halted by Chris.

"Yes, I do. Lady Prudence has a fund, and I also help. Others, like you, give their most valuable thing, their time. Now, we'd better go see Melanie again, then time to go." Chris stood and indicated for Adam to follow.

They went upstairs to check on Melanie. The maid had just finished putting fresh ice on her ankle. "After this one, you don't need any more. Unless it is really painful." The made spoke to Melanie with a smile.

"Good, my foots frozed. Uncle Chris! Uncle Adam!" Melanie squealed with delight when she saw her friends.

The maid took the chance to take the bowl and wet towels out. Chris and Adam sat on either side of the bed. They both gave the little girl a hug.

"We had to come say goodbye to your favorite patient. Don't worry, sweetheart. You will be up and running around in a couple of days." Chris gave Melanie another hug.

"Will you bring Uncle Adam back? He tells good stories. Uncle Chris, will I really be right?" Melanie gave a sad look at her cold foot.

Chris leaned down and hugged her tight. "Yes, my darling. You will be right, very right. Yes, I will bring Uncle Adam back. He can tell you a story about Dorothy and Toto, her dog."

That made Melanie laugh. "Wizard! I love that story. Auntie Pru read it too us. I could hear it over and over. I love you, Uncle Chris." She gave him another hug.

"I love you too, Uncle Adam." Melanie hugged Adam just as hard. Adam hugged her back.

"I love you, darling. Uncle Chris is right. If you rest your foot like the Doctor said, you will be very right. I promise to tell all about Dorothy and Toto when I come back." Adam gave Melanie's brow a soft caress.

The maid returned. She had milk and biscuits for Melanie. "Lady Prudence would like to see you in the morning room before you leave, please."

"Thank you. Take care of our girl." Chris gave the maid a nod. Then with final hugs and kisses, Chris and Adam left.

"Should I wait for you… Sir?" Adam tried, but he just couldn't be informal.

Chris smiled, Adam was so adorable. "Yes, please. I won't be long. The horses will be around in five minutes." He looked at his pocket watch, then put it back in his vest pocket.

"Of course, I will be outside." Adam gave a nod. He went out to wait for the horses as Chris went to find Lady Prudence in the morning room.

"Sit down, Christopher." Prudence spoke with a sigh. She sat next to Chris on the leather sofa.

Chris saw the sadness On Prudence's face. "What is the matter, Pru? I can see that you are upset."

"The family is not going to take Melanie after all. I don't know how, but they found out about her birth father. They are afraid, when Melanie has children they will be… well, you can guess." Prudence let out a another sigh. She really had thought she'd found the right family for Melanie this time.

Chris also let out a sigh. "You never hide it. Someone got into their heads first. Damn shame, but sounds like it wouldn't have worked out. I wish I could take her. Don't give up, Pru. She needs the right family. Oh yes,…" Chris went on to tell about Adam giving tutelage to Tommy.

"… I think it will really help Tommy, and Adam. We will stop on the way back and get the things Adam needs." Chris ended with a smile.

"You are right about Melanie. I let it get to me, I know better than that. About Adam, that is wonderful. I am sure it will only benefit Tommy. Chris, just remember, do not get him in trouble at home. There, he is a footman. You know what I mean. Keep the two things separate. Chris, you have feelings for him, do you not?" Prudence spoke in her open matter-of-fact way.

Chris smiled. "You know me all too well, Pru. Yes, I care for Adam, I very well may love him. I know, I know, but I can't help it. You met him, you have to agree, he is very special. Gentry have married servants, and they were good marriages. No, I won't let him get distracted from his work at the house to help Tommy. Now, I have to get back. I will see you in a few days. And Pru, take care of yourself, you work too hard." Chris leaned over and gave Lady Prudence a kiss on the cheek.

Prudence laughed lightly. "I understand, Christopher. You are a very special young man yourself. Not many would care as much as you do. I will rest, I promise. See you soon." She stood and walked Chris to the front door. She picked Chris' hat up off the table and handed it to him.

Adam sat on the steps. He stood when the door opened. "Adam, it was lovely to meet you. You are most welcome here, any time." Prudence shook Adam's hand.

"It was lovely to meet you too, Milady. I can't wait to return. Oh and tell Mary and Victoria I won't forget. They will understand." Adam replied with a laugh.

Last hugs and goodbyes were said. Prudence waved as Chris and Adam mounted up and trotted back toward London. She hoped Chris wasn't headed to heartbreak.

When they rode past Martha's house, the clotheslines were empty. "Probably inside ironing and folding, or out making deliveries." Chris explained as they trotted on.

After a twenty minute ride, Chris stopped Highflyer in front of a stationary shop. They were on the high street of Belgravia. The shop owner knew Adam, the Footman and Lord Christopher of the McMahon family.

When he dismounted, Adam knew his place, two steps behind Chris. Chris didn't like it, but he understood. He would do nothing to make Adam feel uncomfortable.

When they entered the shop, the sales clerk greeted Lord Christopher warmly. He gave a nod to Adam. Adam often came in to order stationary for Duke McMahon.

"I need for artist sketching books, a selection of your finest drawing pencils, a rubber and a medium portfolio case, please." Chris gave the order without any hesitation.

"Yes, your Lordship. Shall I have it delivered?" The sales clerk asked as he finished writing down the order.

"No, I will wait. You can wrap it all together." Chris spoke with a nod.

The sales clerk returned the nod. "Yes, your Lordship. Won't be a tick."

Chris turned to Adam. "Four should be enough for a start. One for examples, one for exercises. Two for later. Do you need a pen and ink as well?"

"That will work out fine. No, Milord, if I need them, I have pen and ink. Mother and Jason gave me the pen last Christmas." Adam responded in his footman's barely there voice.

"That's nice. When you need ink, let me know." Chris managed to give Adam a sly wink.

Adam ducked his head. "Yes, Milord. I will, thank you."

The clerk soon returned with a wrapped package. "I put everything in the portfolio case, Milord." He held out the package for Adam to take, as a Lord would never carry a package.

Adam tucked the package under his arm with a nod to the clerk. He laughed internally. If the clerk only knew the things were for him.

Chris pulled out his pocketbook. He counted out the amount of money on the slip of paper the clerk laid in front of him.

"Thank you for your custom, Milord. I was pleased to be of service to you." The clerk gave Chris a very deep nod of respect.

Adam opened the door of the shop and let Chris pass through first. When they got to the horses, Chris took the package so Adam could mount. He then mounted Highflyer, package still firmly under his arm.

They headed their horses toward Eaton Square and the McMahon house. Neither man spoke. There was a change, it was back to Lord and Footman. It made both Chris and Adam feel a bit sad.

Just as they rode into the mews, Chris finally spoke. "I'll take this in. Less questions. I will put it in your room."

Adam didn't have a chance to respond. Jason had come out to help with the horses. Chris dismounted. He looked at Adam.

"Thank you for your help, Copeland." Chris gave Adam a slight smile, then went to the main door of the house, package still in hand.

Jason held Peppermint as Adam dismounted. "Did you have a good time?"

Adam smiled. "Yes, I did. How are things here? Am I miles behind in my work?"

"Not at all. Mark had Beth and Becky busy, but everything is done. It's tea time. Go on in, I will be along after I see to these two. Oh you did Miss ma's Shepherd's Pie for luncheon." Jason led the two horses into the stables. Max would help him quickly groom them.

Adam chuckled as he walked down the steps to the basement. He'd had the same luncheon, he found it funny.

Paige had just laid out the servant's tea as Adam entered the room. He was warmly welcomed back and kissed by his mother.

When they were all seated, and tea poured, Mark spoke. "Did you have an interesting time at the orphanage?" He arched his brow at Adam.

"Yes, I did. I told the little ones, who were not in school, the story of Cinderella. They seemed to enjoy it." Adam was selfish. He wanted to keep most the day to himself, not to be rude, he just wanted it kept...special.

"I would imagine those poor little dears liked that. I am sure they don't get many treats like that. I think it is very nice of his Lordship to have an interest. I suppose he sits on some directorship committee." Judy spoke as she sipped her tea.

Adam gave a slight shrug. "I don't really know. Anything exciting here? Are the twins alright?" Oh Becky, when you have them ready, I will put their gowns back in the attic. They looked so adorable in them on Sunday."

"I am going to do it tomorrow. Yes, they did. Nanny and Lord Seth have taken them out for a walk. Nanny said it was time they started to get daily fresh air." Becky told Adam what she knew.

Adam smiled. "That's good. They need to get out, maybe I can go with them sometime. Ma, you make the best cherry cake. We had some today, but it didn't hold a candle to this." He took a bite of his cake.

Judy lightly laughed. "Thank you, son. It's taken a long time to perfect the receipt."

Everyone greeted Jason as he came in from the mews. He settled in and much to his mother's chagrin, wolfed down two slices of cherry cake and slurped a cup of tea.

Mark spoke. "Jason, you are good boy, but you would give a wild boar a run for his money. A little less gusto at the table, if you please." He sounded more like a parent chastising a toddler.

Jason had the decency to look sheepish. "Sorry, Sir. I was hungry. Oh Glenn said to tell you hello. He and Lady Natalya were off in the carriage." He took a more delicate bite of cake.

Mark nodded. "Thank you, son. I need to see him soon. Adam, he will be impressed at how well and quickly you have learned the game of chess. You would give him a good run."

Adam grimaced. "I have a long way to go before I am good enough to to play against Mister Jacobs. I am not good enough for you either. However, Jason had better be prepared for our next croquet match." Adam stopped himself. He didn't want to say anything about Eugenia, and the tricks he'd learned.

Jason scoffed as he finished his tea. "What? Did you read a book on croquet?"

Adam grinned. "Why, yes I did. Mister Calaway, may I go up and change? I don't want to stain my only dress shirt."

"Of course, my boy. When you've changed, please check the drinks tray in the morning room. Refill what needs to be refilled. Your mother will have the cellar key if you need it. I have to assist Duke Eric." Mark laid out the duties for the next little bit.

Adam stood. "Yes, Sir. I am not sure how to fill the aerator. Will you show me again?"

"Yes, I will, but later. It should be alright for one more evening." Mark spoke with thought.

Adam nodded. "Thank you. I will hurry and change." With a kiss to his mother's cheek, Adam hurried up to his room to change.

Adam stood shirtless in his room. He hung his Sunday dress shirt on a hanger in his wardrobe. He took his work shirt off it's hanger and was about to put it on when the door to his room opened. It was Lord Christopher.

Chris eyes scanned Adam's bare chest. The blond was more muscular that he realized. Adam had a defined abdomen, and light blond hairs on his chest. Even though Adam was all man, and a muscular one at that. His shoulders and neck were graceful and delicate looking. He wanted to touch, caress and kiss the beautiful man.

Adam could almost read Christopher's mind as the man stared at him. Adam quickly put his shirt on. He tried to stop the flush that rose on his cheeks, but he failed.

"I am so sorry, Adam. I didn't realize you were in here. Well, here are the art things. I was going to leave them on your bed." Chris explained as he held the paper wrapped package of things they purchased earlier.

Adam smiled as he buttoned his shirt. "It's alright, Sir. I am not normally up here during the day. I had to change out of my Sunday shirt. He finished buttoning his shirt. His work coat hung on the hook in the servant's hall.

"I see. Well, here are the things for helping Tommy." Chris' voice held a bit of sadness.

Adam picked up on Chris' tone. "Sir, is something wrong? About the orphanage?" Adam was worried. Had Lady Prudence given Chris some bad news?

Chris sat on the small chair next to Adam's bed. He indicated for Adam to sit. When the footman was settled, Chris spoke.

"Prudence told me the family that was going to adopt Melanie backed out. It will break her little heart. See, someone must have found out about Melanie's history and told the family before Pru had the chance. She, Melanie's birth father… was as black man."

Adam let out a sad sigh. "Poor Melanie. I can imagine. They probably fear, in the future, her children could be black. Who cares?"

"A lot of people, Adam. Pru would have told then and probably could have convinced them it would be alright. But now, there is no chance. It is sad, but better in the long run. Prudence will find the right family. If I were married, I would adopt her, but well, it is what it is right now." Chris gave a sad shrug.

Adam sighed as well. "Poor Melanie. But yes, better to find out before, rather than after. If I could, I would adopt every one of them. I will do whatever I can to help Tommy get that art scholarship. I will start working on things tonight." He spoke with strong determination.

Chris grinned. "Thank you, Adam. Tommy deserves that scholarship, but he has to compete with artists who can afford years of tuition. You may very well be the one that raises his ability to their level. Mary and Victoria, if I may ask, what did you promise them?" He arched his brow at the footman.

Adam grinned. "Material and ribbon scraps. They want to make new tea dresses for their dolls. I am sure I can scrounge some from the girls and they would never know why." He gave Chris a wink.

Chris laughed. "They will love that…" Chris was halted by a near scream from downstairs. It was Seth. Adam and Chris flew out of the room.

"Help! Oh help! My baby! Please!" Seth's voice echoed through the house.

It was the voice of a parent in fear, in fear for the life of their child.