Adam lost his head. He gave into the kiss and Chris deepened it. Their lips fit together like they were made just for one another. The idea of being a servant in the house had flown out of the window.
Adam's brain began to function again. His eyes flew open. He broke the kiss and moved away from Lord Christopher.
"Oh… Milord… forgive me, please." Adam's heart pounded in his chest. He was torn between running away and letting Chris kiss him again.
Chris stood and went to Adam. He put his hands on Adam's shoulders. "Calm down, Adam. I kissed you. I am not sorry I did. There is nothing to forgive. Oh Adam, you are so beautiful." He kept his hands on Adam's shoulders to keep him from fleeing.
Adam flushed and lowered his eyes. "I can not deny it wasn't wonderful. But… Milord, it just isn't right." He looked at Chris, his eyes flashed with uncertainty.
Chris pulled Adam closer. "Say it, please say it. One time, without Uncle or Lord in front of it. Please, Adam." His blue eyes bore into Adam's hazel eyes.
Adam looked at the man in front of him. "Chris." He said it, and it wasn't hard.
"Wasn't so hard was it… Adam?" Chris pulled Adam in for another kiss. Adam melted into it. This might be his only chance and he was going to take it, right or wrong.
When their second kiss broke, Adam rested his head on Chris' shoulder. "Oh Chris, as much as we might want this, it can never be. Gentry and servants don't… well, they just don't. You understand?" Adam spoke with a bit of sadness. He didn't know how it could work.
Chris led Adam to the bed so the could sit. "I know that's what my head says, but my heart says otherwise. It has happened, we would not be the first." He held onto Adam's hands.
"Not in the house of a Duke. I will not bring shame on your father's name. He's been so good to us. It is not often families in service stay together. I can't… I just can't." Adam again spoke with sadness. His feelings for Chris grew by the minute and he had to stop them.
"Look, I will speak to poppa. He is the one that… knows about these things. Adam Copeland, I am not afraid to say it. I could come to love you, very, very much." Chris spoke from his heart. He caressed Adam's cheek. He smiled when the handsome blond leaned into the touch.
"No, Chris. Don't speak to his Grace. Not, yet.. I… I… could love you too. However, as I said, I won't bring shame on the house nor on the name McMahon. Do you really think my drawing was good? Will I be able to really help Tommy?" Adam wanted to change the subject.
Chris understood, for the moment. "Yes, it is excellent. Yes, I am sure you will be able to help Tommy. May I keep this?" He held up the drawing Adam had done.
"Yes, if you want it." Adam took the pad and carefully pulled the drawing out.
Chris took the drawing cautious not to fold or tear it. For now, he put it safely on the table. He once again pulled Adam in for a kiss. Adam didn't resist, and fell deeper into Chris' arms.
Adam gasped when he heard, Beth, Becky and Paige come up the stairs. Adam held his finger to his lips to keep Chris silent.
The three maids shared a large room on the other side of the house, but they had to pass by Adam's room to get there. He prayed they didn't come in to say goodnight like they sometimes did. Luckily, they went right past his rooms and around the corner.
"That was close. Sometimes they come in and say goodnight. You should go, and we both need to forget what happened tonight, ever… happened." Adam stood and walked away from Chris. He wanted to turn his back, but he couldn't.
Chris stood and went to Adam. "I will never forget, and neither will you. Get some sleep, I can see how exhausted you are. Thank you for the drawing." He pulled Adam in for another kiss. Adam responded.
Chris pulled back with a last caress of Adam's handsome face. He picked up the drawing and left. He made his way down to his room. No one saw or heard anything.
Adam quickly changed into his nightshirt. He blew out the lamp and climbed into his bed. Adam's mind raced. He knew it could never work out, between himself and Chris. But, there was a part of him that wished it could. He wished it with all his heart, but if wishes were horses, beggars would ride.
He was glad Chris liked the drawing. He wondered if it really was good or if Chris only said it was because of… things.
Adam smiled, he could still feel Chris' lips pressed to his. It had been his first real kiss. He'd found kissing to be wonderful. He closed his eyes as sleep came over him. Adam hoped he would dream of Chris.
Chris went to his room, thoughts of Adam on his mind. He looked at the drawing in his hand. He thought Adam should be an artist, not a servant, but what could he do?
He also knew, Adam was right. Gentry did not marry servants. Especially in a Ducal household. For a brief moment, Chris thought of giving it all up, grab Adam and run away. However, he knew that running away was never the answer.
The young Lord went to his roll top desk and pulled up the lid. Chris laid the drawing on the desk, the pulled the lid back down. He would have the drawing framed. He wanted to give it to Prudence.
Chris thought as he changed into his nightshirt. The Great Bell chimed twelve times. It would now stand silent until "Big Ben" woke the city of London by chiming six times at six o'clock in the morning. Although he was tired, Chris could not sleep. He blew out his lamp.
He sat on the wide sill of the window in his room. Chris could look down on the street, but now, it was dark and empty. Chris let out a sigh, so deep it had to have started in his toes.
Chris started a bit when he heard a light tap on his door. His heart began to pound, had Adam come down to see him? "Come in." Chris called out. He knew it wasn't Adam, the blond wouldn't be so rash.
When the door opened, Chris smiled. "Hello, Dean. Come in." He indicated for his brother to sit next to him on the window seat. Dean too, was in his nightshirt. His normally well groomed deep auburn hair was a bit unruly from being freshly washed, but not yet combed.
"You can't sleep either?" Dean chuckled a bit as he sat next to Chris.
The window was large enough that they could turn and face each other, so their backs rested against the walls of the window frame.
Chris shook his head. "No, I can't. I guess it is all the upset about our little Bumble Bee. I thank God her fever came down. I also thank God, Adam knew what to look for." He smiled softly as he spoke of Bea… and Adam.
Dean nodded. "Yes, thank God. Poor little Bea. Yes, Copeland is a good one. Chris… can I talk to you about something?" Dean looked at Chris. It wasn't that he didn't care about Bea, because he did, with all his heart. He just had other things on his mind at the moment.
"Of course, brother." Chris gave Dean a grin.
"You know I how I clerk with Kenny at Regal's? So I could learn law. You also know I… I… like Kenny… very much…" Dean was cut off when Chris chuckled.
"You mean you love Kenny. You do know he likes you too, so how is that a problem?" Chris was curious. If only Adam could be the son of a Duke.
Dean ducked his head, his cheeks flushed in the soft moonlight that flooded the room. "Well, yes. But today… Lord Regal… invited me to dinner on Friday at Wilton's. It was not a Solicitor asking his clerk. He was asking me as… romantic. Father encouraged it when I asked. Chris, I… want Kenny not Lord Regal. If I say no, what if he made trouble for father on the Benches or interfered with his trying to get on the Admiralty?"
Chris now understood Dean's dilemma. Lord William Regal, while a family friend, could be a very powerful enemy as a member of Parliament. Regal was also a Front Bencher, for the Liberal Party. Duke Vincent McMahon was a Front Bencher from the Tory Party. If they clashed… yes, Chris understood.
"Dean, I am the last one to give love advice. However, if you don't want to go, don't go. Would Regal really do something because you refused to go out to supper?" Chris gave a shrug. He didn't know the answer.
Dean shrugged in return. "I don't know, for sure. I would say something, but what if he took it out on Kenny. Spoke out to his professors at Oxford, stopped him from becoming a lawyer. Love is… complicated." He let out a sigh.
"Tell me about it…" Chris mumbled. He then looked at Dean. "You know, you could just ask Kenny to marry you." He gave his brother a wink.
Dean let out another sigh. "He isn't ready yet. Oh we have talked about it, but I… gathered he didn't think I was being serious. If I push, I could lose him. So, what about you? What did you mean?" He was curious, was Chris in love? Maybe someone he met on his mysterious outings two or three times a week. But now he wasn't so sure.
Chris gave a shrug. "I meant nothing. I just haven't found… the right one. Dean, if you really love Kenny, and you do want to marry him, have a serious talk with him. You know the Hart's wouldn't object and neither would father and poppa. That is my advice." He ended with another shrug.
Dean lightly banged his head on the wall behind him. "Yes, you're right. I should have a serious talk with Kenny. Just like you should have a serious talk with a certain blond?" He arched his brow at Chris. Now he would know he had been right or wrong with his idea.
Chris looked at his brother. "Oh good Lord, is it that obvious? Dean, do not say anything, please. But, as a matter of fact, I did have a talk with him… just a while ago. It didn't exactly go the way I hoped it would."
"Don't worry, brother. I would never say anything. I wasn't exactly sure myself. I have watched you.. watch him. I am sorry it didn't go well, it would be a difficult line to cross. At least I don't have that problem with Kenny." Dean spoke openly, even if it was perhaps, a bit harsh.
Chris scoffed. "Thank you for not saying anything. What if, Dean? What if Kenny was a footman and not a Lord? What would you do?"
Dean looked out of the window. He could just see the steps up to the Hart's house next door. "You know, I honestly don't know. I think, if I truly loved him, I'd have to… I don't know… convince him it didn't matter. Let me ask, does he feel the same about you?"
It was Chris' turn to look out of the window. "Yes, he does or at least he seems to. I can understand his fear, I really can, but…" He simply didn't know what else to say.
"You have a serious problem. Well, I am off to bed. Thanks, Chris. I hated to bother Roman after everything. And don't worry, I won't say anything. Goodnight, Chris." Dean stood and gave his brother a hug.
"Thanks, Dean. I am here anytime. Goodnight." Chris also stood. He walked his brother to the door. When Dean left, Chris closed the door and climbed into his bed. For as much as he had on his mind, Chris fell into a deep sleep. He hoped to dream about Adam.
At five o'clock in the morning, Paige knocked on Adam's door. She knocked a third time before she heard Adam grumble. "I'm awake. I forgot. I will be right down." Adam called out to the maid.
"Alright, but hurry, or I will be behind all day." Paige called back. She then hurried downstairs.
Adam quickly washed and dressed. He'd forgotten it was the morning he filled the wood box. Paige needed to light the kitchen fires, the stove and boiler for hot water. Paige was right, it would throw off the whole day if the fires were late.
Adam hurried down the stairs. He was surprised to find Jason stacking wood in the box. Paige already had the fires lit.
"Thanks, Jason. I overslept. I will do it for you tomorrow." Adam thanked his brother with a hearty pat on the shoulder. They took turns filling the wood box during the week.
Jason grinned at his brother. "I'd sleep in too if I were up half the night. Yes, you can do it tomorrow." He gave his brother a sly wink.
"How do you know how late I was up? You sleep over the mews." Adam was curious, and a bit worried. What and how much had Jason seen?
Jason laughed. "I can see the light from your lamp from my window." He stacked the last pieces of wood into the box, and closed the wood box door.
"Oh. Well, yes, I stayed up too late. I couldn't sleep. All the worry about baby Beatrice. I read too long." Adam explained with a shrug. It sounded like a plausible thing to say. He just hoped Jason thought so.
Jason gave his brother a pat on the shoulder in return. "I'm sorry. I should have thought of that. Tell you what, if you ever want me to come to your room, make the lamp flash, open and close the curtain. I will be there. You know, for once, I am glad I react to stings. It made you know what to do. Come on, I bet ma has coffee ready." Jason gave his brother a smile.
The brothers walked into the main room. "Thanks, Jason. I will, if I ever need you. For once, I am glad too. I just hope neither of you get stung again." Adam spoke as they went into the kitchen. The brothers greeted their mother with loved filled kisses to her cheeks.
"Here, get your coffee and go sit. Breakfast soon. Sausages and egg, but out of our way." Judy gave her boys their coffee, then shooed them out of the kitchen. Beth and Becky helped Paige make toast.
With laughs the brothers went to sit. Mark had come out of his room and sat at the table. Before he could blink, Judy brought him a cup of coffee. They exchanged warm smiles.
"Good morning, Sir." Adam and Jason spoke at the same time. It made them laugh.
Mark too chuckled. "Good morning, boys. Adam, I am thankful to God that you knew what to do for our littlest Mistress. You had quite the day. I saw Jason filling the wood box." He arched his brow at Adam.
"Yes, I over slept. It will do it for him tomorrow. I am sorry. I had a hard time getting to sleep. Stayed awake too long, reading. I am sorry." Adam gave Mark a sheepish look.
Mark gave Adam a pat on the hand. "It's alright, son. I wasn't chastising you. I know you will repay your brother. Ah, this looks wonderful." He remarked as the girls and Judy brought their breakfast to the table. The servants ate rather quickly, but chatted happily as they did.
Today, Jason helped upstairs. He would Valet for Dean and Chris. While Mark helped Vince and Eric. Adam would do his normal work for Roman and Seth. Beth was also the lady's maid for Stephanie.
It was a rare day, everyone was going out. Eric, Chris, Stephanie and Seth were going to the Houses of Parliament, to sit in the gallery. Vince was going to make a very important speech and the family united to show their support. Dean and Roman would be at their work, but Roman hoped to hear at least some of the speech. It just depended on how much work his father had for him.
The good thing was, Eric, Seth and Stephanie were going by cab. Chris was going to ride Highflyer. That meant Jason wouldn't be tied up all day, just waiting with the carriage.
By ten o'clock, the house was empty except for Nanny Renee and the babies. It had taken Eric a bit to convince Seth, Bea was fine. Seth agreed but made Nanny promise to send word if Beatrice showed any signs of further reaction to the sting. All that was left was a small, red mark where the Doctor had removed the stinger.
With the house empty, the servants took advantage. All the fires were put out, and the ashes removed. Afterward, they were relaid and ready to be lit when needed. There was no point in fires in empty rooms.
Adam helped Mark clean the dining room. Becky scrubbed and polished the floor. When she finished, she left Mark and Adam and kept scrubbing the foyer floor.
"Well, that's all here. Come, you can help me in the wine cellar. I need to take stock and see what needs to be replaced. Good training for you." Mark spoke with a firm nod.
Adam grinned. "I would like to learn. Will we need your cellar book?" He asked as they went downstairs.
"Yes, we will." Mark replied simply. He went to his room and retrieved the book from his desk. As they went down the ten steps that led to the lowest part of the house, Adam carried a large kerosene lamp with a large reflector that would give them light in the dark room. Mark unlocked the wine cellar with the large iron key. The room was cool and dry.
"You can do the Ports. Make note of what kind and how many of each. Then I will compare to my record and order what need to be replaced." Mark gave Adam a small pad and pencil.
"Yes, sir." Adam took the pad and pencil and went to the racks where the rich Port wines were kept. They were the most prized wines in the cellar. Vince McMahon was known for the expensive and rare Ports he served.
There were bottles of white, red and rosé wines. Some were dry and sweet, others dark and smoky. There was a fine selection of wonderful French Champagnes as well. There were also some sparkling wines, served on less grand occasions.
Mark taught Adam how to look at each bottle, to check that each cork was tightly sealed. Once in a great while, the vineyard could cork a bottle wrong, and the wine would sour. Mark knew what to look for, and it taught it to Adam. It was all part of training Adam, to perhaps one day, be a Butler in his own right.
Mark glanced over at Adam as the young man looked closely at the cork in a bottle of rosé. He knew Adam's eyes saw what his hands did, but his mind was a million miles away… or maybe it was no further than the Houses of Parliament.
Mark sighed. "You love him, don't you?" The question was out of the blue but he had to know if his suspicions were right.
Adam turned to look at Mark. "Who? What? No, I don't love anyone… except ma, Jason, the girls and you as my family." He put down the bottle of wine before he dropped it.
Mark took Adam by the shoulders. "Son, look me in the eye and answer my question again. You love him, don't you?" His eyes bore into Adam.
Adam had to look up a bit to look Mark in the eyes. He sighed. "Yes, I do. At least the start of love. He feels the same about me. I am going to kill my brother. He told you, didn't he? I'll never trust him again." He knew Jason had to have said something, how else would Mark have known.
"You have your mother's temper, too quick for your and her own good sometimes. Your brother did not betray your trust. I see and observe everything in this house, Adam. Downstairs and upstairs. That is my job as Butler. It is my responsibility to make sure this house is a show place for some but more importantly, a home, a haven for the family. It is my duty, no my honor and privilege to do it. I am training you to do the same, so you can run things when I retire. So, I take it, the real reason you over slept this morning was a late night, talking with him?" Mark spoke his heart. He also had to know now, before things got out of hand. He had to protect everyone.
Adam looked at Mark again. "Yes, we were talking. He… well… you see, I'm going to help one of the orphans…" Adam went on to explain about Tommy and trying to help him. That lead to were Adam was now.
"...so, I drew a picture for Chris. It was of him holding one of the little girls who'd hurt her foot and two others, Mary and Victoria. I guess I did a good drawing. It touched him and he… he…" Adam couldn't say it.
Mark gave Adam a soft, fatherly smile. "He kissed you and you kissed him?"
Adam could no longer look Mark in the eye. His shoulders drooped. Adam could only nod "yes". He could not deny it any longer, especially not to Mark Calaway.
"Sit down, before you fall down." Mark pointed to one of the empty wooden wine crates. Mark sat on a second crate, across from Adam.
"We have a serious problem…" Mark was cut off by Adam, when the blond sniffed and a tear ran down his face.
"I know it can never work. I told him that, I did. I told him to just forget about me, in that way. I told him I didn't want to do anything that would shame their Graces, ever. I said Duke McMahon was good to us. He let ma, Jason and myself stay together. Chris said he would speak to Duke Eric. I told him not to. Then he took the drawing I did and left. He… I don't know what he will do, I honestly don't. I hope he just lets it go." Adam swiped his eyes with his fingers and gave another sniff.
"You told him all that? I must say, not many young me in love would be so selfless. I just hope he listened to you and won't act rashly. Adam, I know you love him, but you have to listen to your own advice. I also know it isn't easy to… forget love." Mark sighed, he did feel bad for Adam.
"But, you don't do you?" Adam looked at Mark and sniffed again.
Mark looked at Adam. Confusion marred his rather handsome face. "I don't what, Adam? I am not sure what you mean."
Adam scowled at Mark. "Oh? You forget love? I am sure my mother would like to know that. I think she has a different opinion about it. I should have known not to trust you. I shouldn't have changed my mind about you. From now on, you stay away from my mother!" He started to get up to leave.
Mark pushed Adam back down. Anger flashed in his own green eyes. "You just wait. You listen to me, and listen with both ears and your head. I love your mother, dearly. You misunderstood… no, no you didn't, I put it badly…" He paused, took a deep breath to calm himself, then continued.
"I meant I had to forget my love for your mother, when she chose your father. I was happy for her at the time, because she was so happy. I set my own feelings aside because it was best for her. She never knew, till after everything with your father. That is what I meant. I understand what it is to forget love. Do you understand now? I love your mother. We will marry the day we retire." Mark had softened his voice, but the fire still burned in his eyes.
Adam's eyes searched Mark's. He saw the anger, but it was deserved he supposed. Adam also saw something else in the Butler's eyes, love for his mother. The same became etched on Adam's face, as the realization hit him.
"Yes, I understand. I am sorry I made the wrong conclusion. Ad you said, I do come by it honestly, from my mother. Alright, you managed to forget love, for a while, but you got another chance. Another chance at love with the person you were in love with. I will never have that chance, not ever. I am not sure how to do that. Oh Mark, never have I ever wished to be more than I am, but I wish it now, with all my heart." Adam couldn't stop the waterfall of tears.
Mark leaned over and pulled Adam into his arms. "I know, I was very lucky to have a second chance with your dear mother. I wish I had some wise words for you. What I can say is, you've done the right thing in telling Lord Christopher to not pursuit it further. I only hope he has the good sense to do it. I am sorry, Adam. I am very sorry." He held Adam close and felt fatherly towards the blond.
Adam managed to pull himself together. He dried his tears with his handkerchief. "There isn't anything to say. Don't worry, I'm not going to let this get in the way. Mark, thank you. Thank you for being so patient with me. Once again, you had to suffer my temper when I got your words wrong. Mother is very lucky to have you in her life. I am happy you are in our lives. Somehow, it will be alright." Adam smiled at Mark.
"Son, I am the lucky one. Your mother is everything to me. So are you and Jason. Adam, I want you to come to me, anytime. I am here for you. Now, we'd better finish up. Your mother will have luncheon ready soon." Mark gave Adam a final hug.
Together, Butler and Footman finished taking the inventory of the McMahon wine cellar. When they finished, Mark locked the door and Adam blew out the lamp.
"I was just about to send Jason down to find you. Adam, have you been crying? You're eyes are red and puffy. What's wrong?" Judy looked at her son with deep concern.
Adam laughed as if nothing had happened. "No, it was all the dust from the bottles. You know my issues with dust and animals. What's for lunch? I am famished." Adam gave his mother a kiss.
"The poor boy must have sneezed a hundred times. Adam, after luncheon, I will show you how I do the inventory ordering. Yes, what is for luncheon?" Mark backed up Adam's story. It was for the best.
"Pork chops, onion sauce and gratin potatoes, and spinach. Might as well take advantage of no upstairs luncheon. You poor boy, and your reaction to dust. Go wash your face." Judy gave Adam a pat.
Both Adam and Mark went to wash up. By the time they finished, the table was ready. Beth had taken a tray up to the nursery, along with milk for the twins.
When they could speak, Beth was first. "Baby Bea is just fine. You wouldn't know what had happened to her yesterday. Nanny did say, no walks in the park for a while." Beth finished with a smile.
The meal continued happily. Adam laughed and Joked with Jason. Mark was secretly very proud of Adam.
Later, as promised, Mark taught Adam how to read the wine cellar inventory and how to place the order. It would be mailed to the vineyard the McMahon's patronized. The order would be delivered in two weeks time.
The upstairs erupted in a bit of chaos when the family returned home in time for afternoon tea. When Adam helped Mark serve, he felt Chris' eyes on him, but made no reaction. There was no point.
That night, when Adam went up to his room, he was startled. Lord Christopher sat on his bed.
"Adam, we have to talk."