Adam backed into the corner of his room, as far as he could possibly get from Lord Christopher. At least this time he was still fully dressed.

"You should not be here, Milord. We had this discussion last night. We had our moment, it was nice, but that is all it was. A moment. Now, please go. I beg you." Adam spoke in earnest to the man who sat on his bed.

Chris looked at Adam, but stayed firmly seated. He didn't want to frighten the pretty blond. "Yes, it was a lovely moment. It was so lovely, I never heard a single word father said, because my mind was one you."

Adam shifted on his feet. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be a distraction. Sir, please… this between us is just not possible. I don't know how else to say it, sir."

Chris remained seated. "Adam, nothing is impossible, I promise. You just have to want something badly enough. For me, you are that something. I don't mean to imply that you are a thing. I believe you are smart enough to know what I truly meant. Adam, all I am asking for is a chance to spend time with you. I want a chance to let our feelings for each other to grow deeper. Adam, I want to court you, properly, just like I would if you were… were…"

"Not a servant?" Adam arched his brow at Chris.

Chris nodded. "Yes. Court you like you were the boy next door." Again he looked at Adam in earnest. His blue eyes shone with the emotion he felt.

Adam sighed deeply. "I am not the boy next door. I am the boy from downstairs. I am the boy from the servant's hall. You know, Milord, there actually is a boy next door. Lord Kenny is rather good looking." Maybe he could move Chris' attention to another man, why not Lord Kenny Hart.

Chris laughed. "That would cause even more problems, with my brother. Kenny is the object of Dean's affections. My brother may not say much, but trust me, you don't want to anger him…" Chris turned serious and continued.

"I know who you are and I know where you come from. It doesn't matter to me." Chris again looked at Adam. Hope burned in his eyes.

"It matters to me, Milord. I don't mean to sound terrible, but it does matter. I told you last night, how good your father was to us. He allowed my family to stay together. I will not repay his kindness by bringing a shameful scandal to this house, his house. Why can't you understand that? Why?" Adam tried to keep the emotion out of his voice. This was tearing at his heart. His heart wanted Chris, but his brain knew it could not be.

Chris got up and went to Adam. He stood before the blond. "Adam, I do understand. The thing is, I don't care. I don't think it would cause a scandal. I honestly don't think anyone would even care. People have a lot of things on there minds."

"Milord, I am sorry to say, you don't see things the way we see them. I mean the way we servants see them. You… are… well… a bit jaded as to the real world. You see it from the perspective of the son of a Duke, a very powerful Duke." Adam tried to explain, without insulting Chris. It was extremely hard to do.

A bit of anger flashed in Chris' eyes. "Excuse me? I see the world through jaded eyes? I will be sure to tell that to Prudence and Melanie. I will also tell Tommy. You think I don't see the real world? I have to say Adam, sometimes you sound like the snob. I am sorry, but you do."

Adam, looked at Chris, his head cocked to the side as he took in the words the man said. Was Chris right? Was he a snob? No, that wasn't possible, he was the poor one, looked down on.

"How can I be the snobbish one? When I am the one looked down on because I am just a servant." Adam spoke with a bit of brashness. Chris was wrong.

Chris laughed again. "Do you even listen to the words that come out of your own mouth? Adam, sweetheart, you are the jaded one, not me." He took Adam by the hand and led him to the bed.

Adam let himself be pulled down to sit on the bed. His mind churned at their conversation. Was he wrong? Could the impossible actually be possible? His conversation with Mark, in the wine cellar ran through his mind. He'd been so sure that it could never be between himself and Chris. Now, he wasn't so sure. Could it work? But how?

Adam looked at Chris. "But how? How could it be? I couldn't live with myself if your father sent me away. It would mean not seeing my mother or brother. We would have to think about this, very carefully. Think with our heads and not our hearts. Christopher, you will see that it is impossible." Adam still had emotion in his voice and tears in his eyes.

Chris sighed again, then again. "My father would never do that, and my poppa wouldn't let him…" Chris laughed. "My poppa would not risk losing the best cook in London. But seriously, you are right. We do have to think about it. Adam, I want to talk to poppa about it. I won't mention you or even myself. I will make it seem like it is someone I know, and I need some advice. I promise. I won't mention us. Will you agree to that?" He arched his brow at Adam.

Adam scanned Chris' eyes, he saw only honesty. "Alright, but you must promise me two things. One, you will make it very clear it isn't about us, and two, you will heed his advice. Even if it isn't what you want to hear. Promise me or I won't ever speak to you, alone, like this again." He glanced at Chris and wanted him to know he was serious.

Chris took Adam by the hands and looked him in the eyes. "I promise, to both. I'll go now, but may I have a kiss?" He had an impish gleam in his blue eyes.

Adam's cheeks flushed. He nodded. "Yes." He fell into Chris' arms as they wrapped around him. When their lips met, Adam felt like his entire soul came to life. It was if time stood still. Also, for a moment, they were not Lord and Footman, they were just Chris and Adam… an impossible couple.

When the kiss broke, the couple spent a moment with their foreheads pressed together. They drank each other in, like one of the fine wines in the cellar below. Chris gave Adam's lips a small "smack", then stood.

"Goodnight, Adam. I promise, somehow it will work out… at least I hope so. Sleep well my handsome prince." Chris gave Adam a wave, then quietly opened the door and left.

Adam sighed. As he stripped out of his shirt and pants, he thought. As he neatly hung them up, he thought. Adam thought as he bathed from the wash basin, and thought even more as he dried himself.

By the time Adam had changed into his nightshirt and climbed into bed, his head ached from all the thinking. He let out a sigh as he blew out the bedside lamp. Adam, for one of the first times in his life, was too tired to read.

Before he could close his eyes, the door to his room opened. "Addy?" Jason's voice whispered out.

"I'm awake, Jay. Come on and cuddle with me, if you want. Did you have one of your bad dreams?" Adam knew once in a while Jason had night terrors. The memory of their father hitting their mother had left it's painful mark on Jason.

Jason snuggled under the covers with his brother. "No, I didn't. I saw your light on late again. I waited till he left. Adam, you… aren't doing anything you shouldn't… are you? He's not taking advantage of you is he?" Jason tried to be delicate with his words but clear in their meaning.

Adam sat up a bit. "You knew he was here? Does anyone else know?" He was in a bit of a panic.

"No, Addy. No one else knows. Now, answer my question." Jason too sat up and looked at his younger brother.

Adam looked his brother in the eye. "No, Jason. Not at all. We have kissed, but that is all we have done. I promise." He spoke with a firm voice and a look to match.

Jason smiled. "Good. I have to be honest, I was worried he was only out for… well, never mind. I should have know you wouldn't do that. I am sorry I even thought it. I really am." He gave Adam a brotherly hug.

"It's alright, Jason. It shows me that you care. Oh Jay, what am I going to do? My head says no, this will never work, but my heart…" Adam's words faded, he just couldn't say it.

"Wants to be with him?" Jason arched his brow and laid on his side to look at his brother.

Adam too turned on his side. "Yes, but I know it is not possible. What about you? You still interested in Maxwell?"

Jason smiled. "Very much. I love him dearly and, he loves me. I hope one day, we will be allowed to marry. It's just not the right time to ask… yet"

"I hope it works out for you, Jay. I like Maxwell, so does ma. He would be a nice addition to the family. You're lucky, the man you love is one of us. What if Maxwell were a son of the house? What would you do?" Adam cocked his head in question.

"Honestly? I would have paid him no attention. You know what I mean?" Jason answered matter-of-fact.

"Alright, but what if he noticed you? Expressed and interest in you… in a romantic way?" Adam sat up. He really wanted to know how his brother would respond.

Jason sat up and hugged his knees. "You know, I don't know. Oh Adam… I didn't realize… this is… you and Lord Christopher. I… don't know what to say. I just thought he was after a tumble in the bed. I didn't… you really love him, don't you? And he really loves you?" He looked at Adam with a more serious look in his eyes. This was bad.

Adam sighed. "Yes, Jason. We love each other, or at least the start of love. I just don't know what to do. He's going to talk to Duke Eric, but by saying it is for a friend. He isn't going to mention me. So, it will depend on what he says to Lord Chris. Mark knows. How I don't know, but we talked about it in the wine cellar. He is with me, it won't work. At least that is what my head says." Adam opened his soul to his brother.

Jason chuckled. "Mark just knows things. Must be part of his being a Butler. The older brother in me agrees, it won't work. But, I also know, the heart wants what the heart wants. Who says it can't work?"

Adam sighed. "My fear is, Duke Vince… what if he sends me away? I couldn't live without you and ma. I wish we could just… I don't even know." He quickly swiped his eyes.

"Runaway and just be together? I wouldn't worry about the other, Adam. Duke Vince isn't that type… at least I don't think so." Jason couldn't stop the yawn that escaped over his lips.

Adam shrugged. "Maybe. Come on, let's get some sleep. I have to get up and fill the wood box in the morning. I love you, Jay."

"I love you, Addy. Come on, I will protect you." Jason laid down and pulled his brother into his arms like he did when they were little. It didn't take long for the brothers to fall into a deep sleep. Safe, together.

Lord Christopher Keith Irvine Jericho McMahon paced in his room. He'd changed into his nightshirt, but sleep eluded him. He wanted to go upstairs, grab Adam and just leave. Two things stopped him. It wasn't the way to do things and he couldn't take Adam away from his mother and brother. Chris knew Prudence would give them a place to live, but he also loved his own family too much to just leave them.

Chris sat in the middle of his large bed. He had to think of how to speak to poppa Eric. He vowed to keep his promise to Adam, but, he knew his poppa was smart.

The young Lord laid down and stretched out. He caressed the empty pillow next to him. He wished Adam was there. He fell into a deep sleep as his fingers moved across the pillow.

Downstairs, in Mark's sitting room, Mark and Judy talked. It was something they did nearly every evening, but after the others had gone to bed. It was their time together, to just be Mark and Judy. Mark's arm was around Judy's shoulder as they sat on the small sofa.

"My youngest has a serious problem, but I can't talk to him. It would hurt him to know that I know." Judy spoke with a sigh as her head rested on Mark's shoulder.

Mark let out a sigh of his own. "I wouldn't have known if you hadn't told me. It was easy for him to believe that I knew. If he only knew how you are the more observant one. I only knew about his work at the orphanage by accident. I heard him talking about it to Lord Kenny one day in the mews."

"I thank you for that, my dearest. I knew it would be better coming from you. Not that I want to make trouble for you, it's just those things need a father's touch. You have been a father to them. Your relationship with Adam has been wonderful since that day in the park. He did talk to you?" Judy asked as she looked up at Mark.

Mark smiled at his love. "I know, dear. It was better for me to handle it, Yes, he spoke to me. Our boy does have a serious problem. He is deeply in love with young Christopher, and he doesn't even realize how deeply. I am also very sure Christopher feels the same for Adam. Adam knows in his head, that it is impossible. His heart tells him the opposite. I told him it was impossible. I just don't know if he really believes it. It has been done, but, not without a cost. On family kicked the son out to live with a mad he'd fallen in love with. Another family let their son marry a Valet, but slowly, the family were ostracized from society. I don't know. The McMahon's are more progressive but, the rest of London society, not so much so. I just don't know, dearest, I simply do not know." Mark gave another sigh and took a sip from his cup of tea.

"Yes, I agree, they are not the snobs like most and neither are the Hart's. I heard about the family that was ostracized. I believe they finally moved to their villa in France. I did hear the son and Valet have children and are happy. But, I don't see the McMahon's moving. Adam is a a very smart young man. He will do the right thing. This does not sound like something a mother should say, but at least Jason had the good sense to fall in love with another Coachman. Oh Mark… I sound like a terrible mother." Judy sniffed lightly. She didn't cry, but the emotion was there.

Mark wrapped his other arm around Judy and hugged her close. "No, it doesn't make you sound like a bad mother. It is never bad to speak the truth. We will just have to wait and see what happens. Maybe Jason will give Adam some good advice, he went up to Adam's room and hasn't come back down yet. My dearest, you need to go to your bed. Morning comes very early." Mark kissed the top of Judy's head.

Judy moved to get up and Mark stood with her. He pulled Judy into his arms and kissed her properly. "Goodnight, my love. I will see you in the morning." Judy smiled softly at the tall man who held her.

"Goodnight to you, my love. Can't wait till morning when I see your beautiful face." Mark walked Judy out of his room. He watched her go up the stairs. When the servant's hall was empty, Mark Calaway went to bed.

The McMahon house was dark and quiet. All the occupants slept, but an atmosphere of doubt hung in the air, love was in question.

"Jay, you don't have to help me. I owe you for yesterday." Adam chastised his brother who helped him fill the wood box.

Jason laughed. "I don't mind, honestly. Makes the job go faster. Matthew is feeding the stock, so I have the time." He stacked some wood in the box.

"Oh so you and Maxwell push your duties off onto Matthew? Well thanks, it is nice to do things together. Jay… you will keep… things to yourself? I don't want everyone to know about… you know." Adam gave his brother an anxious look, he was worried.

Jason laid a hand on his brother's shoulder. "You know I wouldn't say anything. I won't even talk about it outside your room. It will be alright, Addy." He gave Adam a smile of confidence.

Adam grinned at his brother. "Thanks, Jay. Come on, ma will have breakfast ready soon." They hurried to finish the job When they finished, they washed their hands in the water pump that ran to the trough for all the horses and the cow, Bessie.

The servants were settled at their table and ate their breakfast of porridge and toast. Judy made tasty porridge with a hint of cinnamon, with milk and a bit of sugar. It was a hearty start to the day.

"Adam, I will have the Butcher's list for you by the time you finish upstairs breakfast." Judy stated as she thought about the menus for the week. It would be a quiet one, no special dinners.

"Jay, I will just ride, no need for the dog cart. I will use my shoulder bag." Adam spoke to his brother and downed his last bite of food.

Jason nodded. "Peppermint will be ready and waiting."

During upstairs breakfast, Adam had to struggle not to react when he heard Chris speak.

"Poppa, do you have time to speak with me this morning? I need some advice on something, a bit delicate." Chris looked at Eric, brow arched.

Eric frowned. "Oh son, can it be after luncheon? I can give you all the time you want then. I am swamped this morning. I have so many letters to write." He was behind because of yesterday.

Chris smiled. "That is fine, poppa. I will do my things this morning. After luncheon then. Thank you, poppa."

Duke Vincent McMahon looked at his son. "Anything I can advise you on, son? I am always here for you as well." He wanted his children to know, he might be busy, but he was there if they needed him.

"Maybe later, father. Thank you. We know you are here for us, but you have so much at Parliament. Your speech yesterday was not only impressive, but inspiring as well. If you aren't appointed to the Admiralty after that, I want to know the reason why." Chris spoke firmly.

"Here! Here!" Roman, Seth, Dean and Stephanie said in chorus. They felt the same as Chris.

Vince beamed at his children. "Thank you. It pleased me very much to look up and see all of you there. Dean, it was nice of Regal to let you attend during your work hours. We owe him for that." Again he puffed with pride, not for himself, but for his wonderful family.

Dean sighed. He knew what he had to do, like it or not. "I am going out to dinner with him on Friday evening. I will give him your regards."

"That's good, my boy. I must dash. Calaway, fetch a cab please." Vince wiped his mouth with his napkin. He stood and gave Eric a kiss. He also gave Stephanie a kiss on the cheek as his family bid him a good day. He hurried out to get into his cab.

When Vince left, Eric looked at Dean. "Dean, dear. Don't let what your father said pressure you into anything. Have your dinner with Regal, but you stay loyal to your heart. You don't owe anyone your happiness. Understand?" He arched his brow at his son.

Chris managed to catch Adam's eye as the Footman took his plate. It was if Chris said "See, it will be alright." At least that is what Adam's heart hoped his look said.

No one noticed that Eric had seen the brief exchange. Eric had a thought, but it would keep. Maybe he would learn more after luncheon.

Adam slowed Peppermint to a walk when he heard a distant voice call out to him. He smiled, Lord Christopher, looking so handsome, trotted toward him on Highflyer. They were on the edge of one of the many small parks.

When Chris got to Adam, he rode a bit further off the road onto the green area. The two riders stopped their horses side by side.

Chris dismounted and went around to Adam and indicated for the Footman to dismount. The blond did as requested. They led their horses to a nearby park bench and tied them to a hitching post.

"Well, you were there. You heard. I think poppa would help us. I wanted to ask you. Can I change the plan? Can I tell him the real reason I want to talk to him?" Chris arched his brow at Adam.

Adam sighed. "Chris, no, please don't, please. You promised, a friend asked you. Please?" Adam looked at Chris with deep worry on his face.

Chris took Adam's hand in his. "Alright, alright. I promise. I will still say it is a friend. I just thought after hearing what he said to Dean… you would see it would be alright. But, I won't because you asked me not to." He spoke in a calm voice so Adam would know he wasn't mad.

"Thank you, oh thank you. Your brother is a Lord, so is Lord Kenny and Sir Regal is well, upper class. It isn't the same, it just isn't the same thing at all. You must understand that. Please, don't get your hopes up." Adam squeezed Chris' hands to let him know how grateful he was.

Chris sighed. "Yes, you're right. I guess I lost my head a bit. I am sorry I distressed you. I really am. I promise, I will say it is for a friend. You'd better get going. I don't want Calaway upset with you taking too long. I am going to the gallery to have your drawing framed. I will be going back to the orphanage on Friday. I am going to request Calaway to let you come along again, if I can. Would you like that?" Chris asked as he held on to Peppermint's headstall so Adam could mount up.

"Oh yes, I would love that, but, maybe not this week. I don't want the others to think I am shirking my household duties to… play. But, I will work on having some things for Tommy that you can take." Adam gave Chris a big smile. He also gave Chris an "air" kiss.

Adam's kiss made Chris light up. "Alright. We will see about Friday. Take care, my dear." He returned Adam's air kiss after he settled into his saddle.

Chris spoke as Adam began to trot off. "I will come talk to you tonight." He smiled when Adam gave him a wave.

Adam knew he would have to tell Jason not to worry if he saw his light tonight. He also hoped Chris would be careful not to get caught.

Mr. Schulz was happy to see Adam and was again pleased when Adam spoke to him in nearly perfect German. The Footman left with two heavy bags of the best beef, pork and lamb in London.

Adam was very glad he'd sopped at the tobacco shop first. Jason wanted cigars and Mark needed more pipe tobacco. Adam bought himself more cigarettes with a menthol flavor. He really enjoyed them, and gave up on the idea of a pipe. Adam didn't smoke much, but he did enjoy one in the evening with tea and a book.

When Adam rode into the mews, Maxwell, the Hart's groom came out to meet him. "Hello, Adam. Jason asked me to look after Peppermint. He had to drive Lord Seth, the little Master and Mistress, and the Nanny to meet Lord Roman." He explained as he held Peppermint so Adam could dismount.

Adam grinned. "Thank you, Maxwell. Jason will love being with the little ones."

Maxwell laughed. "Yes, he was. See you, Adam." He led Peppermint into the stables.

Judy was very pleased with the meat Adam had gotten. Together they put it away in the ice box. Mother and son talked happily as they worked. He then helped her out in the kitchen.

Mark was upstairs, doing something to help Duke Eric. Beth took the opportunity to clean the day and night nurseries. Becky was in the wash room, and washed nappies because Paige peeled potatoes for both upstairs and downstairs luncheon.

Adam peeled the last of the excellent peaches. His mother would make a crumble for their pudding after supper. For upstairs she would make a peach cream.

"I think I will try to plant one of these, just to see if it will sprout. Remember my sweet potato vine? It almost went around the entire perimeter of my room." Adam laughed at the memory.

Judy smiled. "Yes, I do. It is a shame it died. You can try, there is a spot in the corner of my kitchen garden."

An hour later, the servants sat down to their luncheon of Swedish meatballs and mashed potatoes. They also enjoyed braised carrots and more of the fresh tomatoes from the garden.

An hour after that, Adam and Mark served luncheon to Duke Eric, Lord Christopher, and Lady Stephanie. They had a quiet, general family conversation.

When he went to clear Chris' plate, Adam had to control himself. Chris had slightly brushed his hand across Adam's knee. Adam was also a bit put out, Chris should not do things like that. It was too risky.

Duke Eric spoke. "Come to the morning room in half an hour, son. Stephanie you and Nattie have a nice time at Gunther's. Be a lady, it is your first tea there and the Old Dames will be there." He gave his daughter a wink.

"I will, poppa. We are looking forward to it. Kenny might meet us there, Dean too. It would be nice. Kenny wasn't positive though." Stephanie replied as she put her napkin on the table, to indicate she was finished. Adam promptly cleared her plate.

"That would be nice. Those boys work too hard. Seth and the twins should be home soon. I bet your father and Roman burst with pride showing the children off at the Parliament Club. Copeland, again, we are all so thankful you helped little Bea."

Adam could speak, as he had been directly spoken to. "I am too, your Grace. If my brother wasn't the same, I wouldn't have known." He gave Eric a nod of respect.

The family left to do their afternoon things. Chris and Adam managed to steal a fast glance at one another. Adam's eyes said "Keep your promise, please." Chris' eyes responded, "I will."

When Adam dropped and broke a second glass, Judy banned her son from the kitchen. She sent him to the table to polish the every day silver.

"I'm sorry, ma. I don't know why I have such slippery fingers. Don't let Paige get blamed." Adam spoke in an apologetic tone. At least in wasn't upstairs glassware. Adam would also pay to replace the two glasses, it was only fair.

"We all have bad days, son. No, Paige will not be blamed. Now polish, at least you can't break anything." Judy gave her son a kiss.

It wasn't long before Mark took off his coat, and put on his work apron. He sat down to help Adam polish. He picked up the spoon Adam had just finished.

"Son, do this again. Look at what you missed." Mark showed Adam the streak of dried polish cream.

Adam sighed and took the spoon from Mark. "I'm sorry. I also broke two glasses. Take it out of my pay." He carefully redid the spoon.

Mark looked at the blond. The young man was a bundle of nerves, ready to ignite. "Don't worry about two glasses. Son, what is on your mind? We can talk, the ladies are too busy to listen." He arched his brow.

Adam wasn't sure if he should say why, so he didn't. "Well, Lord Christopher may want me to go to the orphanage again on Friday. I'm worried the others will think I am shirking my work for… fun. I wasn't sure if I should go or not." It wasn't a lie, it was just not what he was worried about.

"Oh, there's no need for you to be worried about that. If Lord Christopher wants you to go, that's fine with me. It's still work for the family, and that's what we do. I think it's a fine thing to do, in helping the orphans." Mark spoke with a smile. Of course he knew there was much more to it, but Adam didn't need to know he knew. Mark knew it probably had to do with the conversation going on upstairs, in the morning room.

Eric sat on the long leather couch with Chris. Each had a small drink of whiskeys and soda. It was a nice after luncheon drink.

"So son, what's on your mind?." Eric looked at Chris and took a small sip of his drink.

"I need some advice, for a friend of mine. His parents aren't quite as progressive as you and father. See, my friend has fallen in love with one of the servants in the house. He is worried about how it would be taken. I said I'd ask you." Chris spoke matter-of-fact. He didn't want it to sound like more than it was.

Eric smiled at his step son. "Chris are you really asking for a friend? Because, unless I am mistaken, I would think you were speaking of yourself and a certain blond footman named, Adam?"