Jace studied the old man's pale face. "Father?" he said, cautiously.

"Yes, son." Lord Malcolm was still dealing with having his dream come

true

and having it shattered all in one swift moment.

"I think Jett's wrong. I think that *was* Joxer. I think my brother so

wanted him dead, he can't accept that he might not be." The middle

triplet

sighed. He didn't want to build his father's hopes, only to shatter

them

again, but he had to talk to someone about it. "And have you ever

known

Gabrielle Taylor to do something deliberately cruel? I've known her

since

childhood - she doesn't have it in her."

The elder Mansfield looked thoughtful. "No, she's not that sort.

Still, I

only got a brief glimpse of the boy - he could be fooling her, as

well."

"I saw him, father. It was like looking in a mirror. I do think it's

him."

Lord Mansfield looked tired. "Perhaps it is, son. I guess we'll have

to wait

and see."

~**~

The servants were thrilled to see Gabrielle and Xena again, and were

politely welcoming to Joxer, who was totally taken aback by the

number of

people who seemed to be present just to fawn over the two women. The

young

man's meager belongings were settled into the guest quarters, and

Gabrielle

went to lay down for a bit. Lord Taylor took Joxer into his study, and

offered him a cigar and brandy. The former ape-man was totally

confused by

the cigar, declining as gently as he knew how, but couldn't see any

harm in

the glass of amber liquid. That was, until it burned his throat all

the way

down, causing him to cough and choke. Lord Taylor slapped him on the

back,

laughing. "I forgot, Gabrielle explained you were raised by savages. I

suppose they didn't have 'fire-water' there?" Joxer shook his head,

understanding the meaning of the term easily. He wiped the tears from

his

eyes. The older man looked critically at the bloodstained

shirt. "Shouldn't

you change that, old chap?"

Ashamed at his appearance, after Gabrielle had worked so hard to help

him

look right for this, Joxer simply hung his head. Xena, who had been

outside

the door and alerted earlier by the young man's loud reaction to the

brandy,

stepped into the room. "He hasn't much in the way of clothes, sir. The

'savages', as you put it, didn't have a lot of tailors in the bush."

Gabrielle, too, had approached quietly during this.

"I was hoping to get your permission to take him to your tailor

tomorrow and

order him a few things, Poppa."

Lord Taylor smiled indulgently at his daughter. Ever since her mother

had

died in childbirth, his whole life had been wrapped up in this girl.

He had

seen, from the time of their appearance at the station that there was

something special between her and the newly discovered Mansfield boy.

And

while Jett had troubled him, this one seemed different - very

different. "Of

course, dear. Have Harrington make him up a few suits, and don't

forget a

tuxedo. And as for this ruined shirt of his," the man's face creased

in

thought, "I'm not as broad-shouldered as this strapping young fellow,

but,"

he patted his well-rounded girth, "I *am* broad, and one of my shirts

might

do for him in a pinch. Hazel!" he called into the hall, and a middle-

aged

woman in a maid's uniform appeared from thin air. "See if you can

find a

shirt of mine to fit young Joxer here in my closet." The maid

scurried off.

"I suppose the betrothed couple might like a bit of time to talk

before

supper, especially after all the day's excitement." The nobleman

winked at

the tall bodyguard. "Why don't you come tell me about your trip,

Xena, while

they take a walk in the garden?"

Gabrielle didn't have to be told twice, and firmly grasping Joxer's

arm, led

him outside. They walked arm-in-arm for a while, until they reached

the

secluded gazebo she considered her place of refuge in life. It was

where she

went when she wanted to be alone, or when things were troubling her.

This

had been the place she'd first sketched the flowers and plants, and

discovered her life's true calling. She sat on the bench, and patted

the

spot beside her. "Joxer, we need to talk." He sat close beside her,

much

closer than proper Victorian mores would consider suitable. A tiny bit

uncomfortable, Gabrielle swallowed hard and began. "What

does 'betrothed'

mean to you, Joxer?"

"You told me it was a better word for 'mate'," he answered simply.

"And what does 'mate' mean?"

"Two, together. A male and a female. Then, little ones. When my

cousin Jett

mated - " He stopped, unable to understand Gabby's squeal of surprise.

"You have a cousin named *Jett*?" she asked, wide-eyed. He

nodded. "And he's

an - orangutan, like the rest of your family there, right?" He nodded

again,

still not understanding her reaction. "Oh, that is so *perfect*," she

gasped

around her laughter. At his mystified expression, she pulled herself

together. "You'll understand better when you get to know your

brother," she

explained. "Go on."

"Jett noticed Murlee, like I noticed you. He gave her his mating cry -

like

I did. And she came to him, like you came to me. Not too much longer,

there

was Gamat, the baby." He smiled at the memory of his cousin's oldest

son. "A

few seasons later, there was Meeloo." He shrugged. "They mated. They

had a

family. Some of my other cousins joined with them, and they had a

family

group." His eyes lit up. "Are you worried about Xena? When she finds

a

mate, she can be part of our family group. Even before she finds one,

she

can."

"No, no," Gabrielle protested. "What you're describing is

called 'marriage'

here. A man, like you, and a woman, like me, promise before god and

the

priest and some of their friends that they will stay together

forever. Then,

after that, they can have babies." She wondered how many of the

details to

share with him. She knew a lot more than most unmarried girls her age

in

this day. It was one of the interesting benefits of having a former

street

child as her best friend. Xena had seen all the parts of life on the

seamy

side of London, and shared them with the artist years ago. As a

result,

Gabrielle knew that she would not come away from her wedding night in

dull

shock, as so many of the girls she had grown up with had. His troubled

expression drew her concern, however.

You told me it was 'betrothed'." He frowned at the inconsistency.

"That's because 'betrothed' is what happens before people get

married. And

since you and I haven't made the promise yet, we aren't married." She

took

his hands in hers. "It means we promise each other that we plan to get

married."

"We can make the married promise now. Then we can have babies." He

smiled;

the solution seemed so simple.

She sighed. "It's not that easy." His face fell. "The promise is made

at a

ceremony called a 'wedding'. It takes a while to put one together,

and it's

very important." She grew shy, and turned away. "I'd like to have a

wedding

with you, Joxer. But it means waiting for those babies, and other

things,

too." She blushed - only with this man would she even be having such

an

intimate conversation.

He could tell this troubled her, and he wasn't sure what to do. She'd

explained that while his grooming her hair was a nice thing, it

wasn't an

appropriate gesture of affection in English society. Yet she hadn't

explained what he should do instead. He remembered her greeting with

her

father, and what Xena had done when Gabby had been upset. He put his

arms

around her, and she turned, resting her head on his chest. Her arms

wrapped

around his waist, and they just sat there like that for a few

minutes. Then

Gabby reached up and touched his face, and she moved her lips to

touch his.

Uncertain what this meant, he sat still for a moment, but her mouth

moved

slightly, and he moved his to accommodate hers. This movement was

pleasant,

and he moved some more. Suddenly, she pulled away, her breath coming

in deep

gulps, as if she'd been running. He noticed his heart felt the same

way. He

pulled her closer again. "Joxer will wait for babies. Whatever it

takes to

make Gabby my mate. We will be - betrothed." He could just see her

wide

smile before she rested her head again on his chest.

~**~

It was sometime later, after the incident at the station, when Jett

entered

the house. Madison the servant took his coat.

"Madison, where is father?"

"He's in the den, sir, with Master Jace. Will there be anything else,

sir?"

Jett waved Madison away. "No, Madison. You may attend to your duties."

"Yes, sir," he replied as he bowed and walked away. Jett entered the

den

where his brother and father were seated.

He walked up to his father and clasped him on the back. "Father, I was

wrong. I'm so sorry. But this took me by surprise."

Malcolm looked at his son. "What do you mean, Jett?"

Jett knelt down beside his father's chair. "The man at the station

*was*

Joxer, father. By all that is holy, he *is* alive."

The old man stared at him. "You said it was just a cruel joke. How

could you

lie to me?"

"Father, I didn't. I really thought it was a deception. I thought

Xena was

behind it. You did offer money to anyone who found him, and I thought

Xena

did that to get the reward. But I was wrong. It is him, father. Why

don't we

all go over to the Taylor's home and see him? I know he will be so

happy to

see you father, and you too, Jace."

Jace looked suspiciously at his brother. "What are you up to, Jett?"

Jett placed an arm around his brother. "I am up to nothing, dear

brother.

Just helping to reunite father and son. I'll have Madison bring the

coach

around and then we can leave. I'll be right back."

Jett walked out into the garden where someone waited in the gloom.

"Do you have everything ready?"

"Yes, but you'd better bring him."

"I will, but give me a little time. I've got to earn his trust."

The shadowy figure nodded in agreement and slipped away.

Jett came out front where his father and brother were waiting. He

climbed

inside and ordered their driver Algernon to take them to Lord Reginald

Taylor's home.

~**~

Gabrielle took Joxer back into the house. He wanted to touch her lips

again

but she told him no.

"What was that we were doing, Gabby? It felt very nice."

She laughed a bit shyly. "It's called kissing."

He nodded his head "I like kissing."

He reached over to pull Gabrielle closer and kiss her again, but she

shook

her head, pulling away. "Not now, Joxer. There is a time and place

for such

things, and there'll be more of that once we're married." He looked

disappointed and Gabrielle touched his face lovingly. "Don't be sad,

Joxer."

He smiled at her. "I'm not sad, Gabby. I'll wait as long as you want."

She smiled back at him. Suddenly Hazel appeared. "Miss Gabrielle, your

father wants to see you. Lord Mansfield and his sons are here."

Gabrielle looked surprised, and then nodded her head.

"Tell father we will be right there, Hazel."

"Very good, Ma'am, I will tell him."

Gabrielle smiled at Joxer. "Your family is here. Run up and change

your

shirt, and let's go meet your father."

Joxer just stood there.

"What wrong Joxer?"

"I do not want to see my brother again. I..." He frowned in

concentration,

trying to think of the word his Gabby had used earlier. "I hate him,

he's

mean."

Gabrielle gently took his arm. "Joxer, I was angry. I shouldn't have

said I

hated Jett. He's your brother. Please, let's meet them. I won't let

him hurt

you again, I promise."

Joxer nodded his head, and after a quick trip upstairs, went with her

to the

den. As he entered, he watched the elderly man come forward. The old

man

touched his face, tears running down his cheeks. Joxer reached over

to wipe

them off, as he had seen Xena do for Gabrielle.

"Oh my son, is it really you after all these years? Let me look at

you."

Joxer stood uncertainly as the old man kept going around him. He

decided to

make Gabrielle pleased, and he gathered his father into a hug. The

man was a

little surprised, and he gasped, "You certainly are a strong one."

Xena gestured for him to let go. Joxer had forgotten about his own

strength.

"I am sorry. Did I hurt you?"

Malcolm shook his head. "No, no, my boy. It's just so wonderful to

see

you."

Jace came forward with his hand out to Joxer. "Hi, I'm your brother,

Jace."

Joxer looked at the hand and bowed down to kiss it. Jace giggled, and

Jett

stepped forward. "No, you don't kiss a man's hand; you shake it.

Watch me."

He took Jace's hand and shook it. "See? Like that."

Joxer stared at Jett - he seemed a lot friendlier. Jett turned to his

father. "Father, I think we should have a social gathering so you can

tell

everyone about Joxer."

Lord Mansfield nodded his head. "That's a wonderful idea, son." He

turned to

Joxer. "Would you like that son?"

Before Joxer could answer Xena broke in. "I don't think that's a good

idea,

sir. Not now."

Jett smiled at her in a way that made Xena want to slap him

silly. "Oh, I'm

sure Gabrielle will have him ready by next week. If she can."

The blonde woman looked angered by the challenge. "Oh, he'll be

ready, all

right. You just wait and see."

"Good, then. So let's set the party for - say, next Saturday?"

Gabrielle nodded her head. Lord Mansfield took Joxer out to the

garden to

talk and to get to know him better. Xena approached her

friend. "Gabrielle,

what were you thinking? Joxer's not ready for this."

Gabrielle looked at the older woman. "I don't know, Xena. I just don't

know."

~**~

The next week was the busiest Joxer could ever imagine. They began at

the

tailors, where Mr. Harrington fussed over his wide shoulders and

strong

upper arms, and wrote up the order for three suits, a tuxedo, a half

a dozen

shirts and a topcoat, with a rush on the tuxedo and one of the suits.

Joxer

had never been measured and wrapped and pinned like that in his life,

and

found out quickly why the assistant had warned, "Watch out for the

pins if

you sit down!" Then they went to the cobbler, who managed to put

Joxer in a

pair of soft leather boots that changed his opinion of shoes. They

were much

better when they fit properly. He also measured, and planned to

custom make

another pair. Then there were handkerchiefs and cravats and

suspenders and

even underclothes to be bought. After an entire day devoted to

outfitting,

the former ape-man slept better than he could imagine, partly thanks

to the

wonderful featherbed in which he rested.

The next day was spent going over etiquette and working through his

first

dance lessons, which Joxer wasn't certain he cared for. But Gabby

informed

him they would be a daily routine, and rewarded him with another kiss

when

he finally stopped fussing about it. For that, he would dance all

day, every

day. Lord Taylor coached his future son-in-law on the niceties of

politics

and after-dinner small talk. His daughter had made it clear in no

uncertain

terms that she did not want Joxer familiar with cigars, so he learned

how to

properly decline the offer. He did learn to sip brandy without

choking on

it, however.

On the third day, the walls began to close in. "Gabby," Joxer begged

his

love, "I have to get out and *do* something. All I do is sit or stand

or

ride in carriages. I need to swim, or climb some trees, or

something." She

had heard about the gymnasium that the Young Men's Christian

Association had

erected in London recently, and after some inquiries, was able to

arrange a

visit for her betrothed for a few hours. He came out beaming; having

swam,

learned more about boxing, and worked out on the bars and ropes.

While they

stood outside, at least four different young men, obviously in awe of

his

physical abilities, stopped just to express their admiration.

Xena, on the other hand, was determined to discover what Jett

Mansfield had

up his sleeve. The turnaround in attitude had been a bit too neat and

convenient for her tastes. She visited all her old haunts, asking

discrete

questions and showing a sketch Gabrielle had done of Jett, but no one

seemed

familiar with him. She even arranged lunch with Jace, who was as

suspicious

as she was, but had no more idea of what was going on.

Joxer's favorite occurrence of the entire period was the visit with

the

priest - not due to any newfound religious feelings, but because that

brought him a step closer to mating with Gabrielle. Marriage. She had

coached him on the proper answers, and he had done wonderfully, only

hesitating when asked about his baptism, which she covered. A date

was set,

not too far off, and Gabrielle had kissed him again on the landing on

the

way down. That night, he headed cheerfully to his father's estate to

have

his first dinner alone with his long lost family.

Things were going too well; Xena was worried.

~**~

The little 'family reunion' had gone swimmingly. Jett sat on the

bench in

the darkened courtyard after Joxer left the house, the only light

coming

from the glow of his pipe. "My *dear* brother is coming along so

nicely.

It'll be such a *shock* when he runs off on the night of his social

introduction. And of course, I'd only be obligated to comfort his

abandoned

fiancée."

The figure beside him snorted. "You're not good enough for her,

Mansfield."

The eldest triplet raised a brow in amusement. "And you *are*, my

friend?

Hardly. You haven't sufficient class in your little finger."

Jett's companion stood and glowered at him in anger. "She's too fine

a woman

to be impressed by social class. And I'll never be your friend." The

fine

gentleman tapped out his pipe and watched the other storm away.

"Oh, don't worry. I never *want* to be your friend." He stood and

dusted off

his pants, heading inside.

~**~

Jett and Lord Mansfield had insisted that Joxer dress for the party

at the

Mansfield estate, and so he had arrived late Saturday afternoon, his

things

having been sent over earlier. He was shown to a room by an awed young

serving girl, which he realized after a few minutes was the room that

had

been kept all these years for him. His clothing was hung on the front

of the

wardrobe, his shoes were polished and beside the bed. The wicker

bassinette

that must have been his was tucked in the corner, covered in netting,

but

otherwise, it was a room obviously outfitted for a young man. He

wondered if

Jace and Jett had similar rooms. A small part of him missed the

simple nest

he had shared with Sheera, Keenan and Raylan, and on rare occasions,

his

father. Except, this was his father, and this, not the nest, should

have

been his home. His mind whirled at the thought. A tap on the door

drew him

from his memories. "Come in."

"Joxer?" Lord Mansfield still seemed overwhelmed by the return of his

youngest boy. Even though he never gave up hope, the reality was far

better

than he had even dreamed. "I have something for you, son." The

elderly man

took a small box from his pocket. "I gave one of these to Jace and

Jett when

they turned eighteen, but yours has been in my dresser all these

years,

awaiting your return. It was a real pleasure to be able to remove it,

finally." He watched eagerly as Joxer opened the box and extracted

the fine

gold pocket watch. "See," Lord Malcolm pointed out, "Your name is

engraved

inside." He fumbled in his other pocket. "I know you've given

Gabrielle your

mother's locket, but I also wanted to give you this, as the first of

my sons

to become engaged." He held up a lovely emerald ring, and Joxer took

it

carefully from his fingers, examining it. "I gave this to your mother

when

she agreed to marry me. I'd like you to present it tonight, when we

announce

the betrothal formally."

Joxer was lost in the beautiful green stone. "It matches her eyes," he

breathed quietly.

"So it does," his father chuckled. "You do have it bad, my boy. But

you've

made a good choice."

The Taylor carriage was among the first to arrive at the Mansfield

estate,

and inside, an elegantly dressed dark-haired woman was fuming. "I

still

don't like it, Gabrielle. Jett doesn't just give in like that.

Something's

going on."

"Xena, everyone in London knows that you hate him and he hates you.

You've

spent all week trying to tie him to some kind of plot against Joxer,

and you

can't. Why don't you just accept that maybe he's doing what's right

this

time?" Gabrielle Taylor was considered one of the most beautiful

women in

the London social scene, but she rarely had cared about her

appearance,

dressing in whatever her maid laid out, and usually leaving parties

early

due to boredom. Her peculiarities had prevented many men other than

Jett

from even approaching her. This time, however, she had dressed with

care,

going over every detail carefully. She was stunning. And she planned

to

spend the whole evening dancing with her betrothed, whose true

identity

would finally be revealed to the world. She just knew nothing could

go wrong

tonight, and she refused to let her best friend's paranoia ruin her

grand

plans.

"I think we should go in," Lord Taylor offered, fairly certain he'd

missed

something somewhere in this conversation, which wasn't unusual. He

hoped

Malcolm would be able to understand her, once she married into *his*

family.

~**~

Lord Taylor helped his daughter out of the carriage. His ward gave

him a

look, so he didn't even try to help her. Xena hated social

gatherings - if

this one wasn't for her friend, she wouldn't be here. They entered the

house, and Madison took their coats and Lord Taylor's hat. They

walked into

the ballroom, where they were announced.

"Lord Taylor and his daughter, Gabrielle, and ward, Xena."

Lord Mansfield came up and greeted them. "Today is the day, Reginald,

that I

tell everyone about the return of my son, and you will announce the

upcoming

marriage of my son and your daughter."

"Where is Joxer?" asked Gabrielle.

"Can't wait to see him, can you, my dear? He feels the same about

you, I

believe. He'll be down soon."

"Mister Oscar Wilde," the butler announced.

Lord Mansfield turned to his middle son. "Why is he here?"

Jace stared at him. "I invited him." He turned and greeted his friend,

taking his arm and leading him away. Lord Mansfield shook his head.

He knew

that Jace was different, but he wished he weren't so public about it.

******

Joxer stood in front of the full-length mirror, looking at himself.

"Do you like what you see?"

He didn't turn, knowing it was Jett standing behind him.

"I think I look very nice, thank you."

Jett laughed as he place a hand on his shoulder. "Joxer, I've got a

message

for you. Gabrielle wants to see you in the garden."

"Why? I though I couldn't see her until the party."

"She wants to give you another kiss. She asked me to bring you." In

getting

to know his brother, Jett had managed to find out a great deal about

his

relationship with the Taylor's, one member of the household in

particular.

Joxer's eyes lit up. He gladly followed Jett downstairs and into the

garden.

"Gabby, where are you?" But she wasn't there, and his shoulders

slumped.

"Jett, you're wrong. Gabby isn't here."

Jett walked over and stood by him, his face twisting into an ugly

grimace.

"Do you want to know what I think? I don't think she ever really

wanted you.

I think under all that glitter you're still a savage, and not worthy

of

Gabrielle."

Joxer turned in anger. "You have no right to say that. I *am* your

brother."

"My brother!" He laughed without humor. "If I had my way, *Jace*

wouldn't be

my brother, either."

Joxer started towards Jett, when suddenly someone grabbed him from

behind

and put an odd smelling hankie over his mouth. After struggling for a

few

minutes, he passed out.

"You could have helped, Jett."

"You had everything under control, O'Malley. Now get him out of here.

Oh, by

the way - don't sell him to a sideshow. I thought it was a good idea

when

you first suggested it, but now I think it's too cruel. Kill him

instead."

Drake looked with disgust at the aristocrat. "Can you at least help

me get

him in the wagon? He's heavy."

"I don't do manual labor. That's what you're getting paid for." At

that,

Jett turned to walk away.

"Hey, if you don't help me, I won't get out of here. Might spoil your

little

surprise."

"Okay, fine. I'll help you. "

When they got Joxer into the wagon, Jett turned to Drake. "Hit me."

"What?"

"I said, hit me. I've got to make this look real."

Drake smiled grimly as his fist went into Jett's face, knocking him

out.

Then he tore his clothes. ' That should make it more convincing, my

*friend*. Thanks for the best offer I've had all day.' At that, he

climbed

into the wagon and drove away with Joxer's still figure.

The party was in full swing. Lord Mansfield clinked his glass to get

everyone's attention. "Please! Everyone take your seats. I have an

announcement to make."

Everyone sat down and waited for Lord Mansfield to speak. "As you

know, my

wife and younger son disappeared 22 years ago. My wife's remains were

found,

but no sign of my son Joxer ever was." He motioned for Gabrielle to

come to

him. "During her recent stay in Borneo, Gabrielle Taylor found my son

Joxer

and brought him home to me." Everyone gasped and started whispering

among

themselves. "I would like you all to meet my youngest son, Joxer

Mansfield."

They waited, but Joxer did not appear. Everyone was shocked when Jett

stumbled in instead. He was a mess. His shirt was torn and he was

bleeding.

Lord Mansfield hurried over to his son. "Jett, what happened? Tell

me, boy."

Jett moved weakly as his father helped him over to a chair. Someone

handed

him a brandy, and he took a drink before he began. "It was horrible.

I'm

sorry, father. Joxer attacked me. He just went nuts. It was like he

was an

animal or something. I didn't stand a chance."

"What did you do to him?" asked Xena dangerously.

Jett looked at her. "Nothing. He was just too much of a savage to

make it

here. He's gone, and he nearly killed me in the process."

Gabrielle grabbed Jett. The little blond artist had strength he never

knew

about, as was finding out now. "Where is Joxer?!"

~**~