A/N: Just a quick note. Remember to go to your FF settings and make sure the Email Opt-in, is turned on. Otherwise, you will not be notified when new chapters are released. Enjoy the chapter, and thank you for all who are reading...and please leave a review if you feel motivated to do so. All the best, LDB
On Friday evening, after everyone in the house were fast asleep, Chris sat on Adam's bed. He told the handsome blond about his day at the orphanage.
"… you should have seen Melanie, she was running around like a wild horse. Mary and Victoria loved the material scraps. There was enough for them to share with Eugenia. The best part was Tommy. He was so excited to learn about better shading. His eye lit up like a bonfire. He said to be sure and tell you thank you. He also asked if you could show him how shading can effect perspective. I said I would ask, so I am asking. They all hope you will come tell them the story about Dorothy and Toto. Those little mites really missed you." Chris finished telling Adam about the children.
Adam smiled. "Yes, I can draw some examples of shading and perspective for Tommy. I am so happy Melanie is fine. I would have loved to see her running. I can't wait to see the new tea dresses the girls make for their dolls. Chris… are you sure about Sunday? I just feel that Mark should be there as well. I've told you about his relationship with my mother. Mark is the closest thing to a father I have. His opinion matters to me. Well, that sounded terrible. I don't mean to imply Mark is a thing. You understand. I am just a nervous wreck." Adam held up his hand so Chris could see the tremble.
Chris took Adam's hands in his "It will be alright my love. If you want Mart there, then he should be there. Yes dear, I know you didn't mean that he is a thing. I am glad about your mother and Mark. Maybe, their love for one another will help them realize our love for each other. They do know I will be there, don't they?" Chris arched his brow at Adam. He knew how Adam could be.
Adam ducked his head. "Um… no. I have a reason though. I don't want Paige, Becky and Beth to get the wrong idea. They are going to the theatre. There is a new panto they want to see. Honestly, maybe you just showing up… oh… I don't know." He sighed again.
"Will you calm yourself, my dearest. You're going to worry yourself sick. I will do this however you want me to do it. If you want to tell them I am coming that's alright too. I only care about what makes you happy and comfortable." Chris spoke softly. He tucked the constant stray strand of blond hair behind Adam's ear.
Adam looked at Chris and took a deep breath. He found the handsome man calmed him like no other. "Do you know how wonderful you are. Yes, I think it would be best for you to just show up. That way no one will have time to prepare what to say. I think I put that right. Both Jason and Mark over think things and Jason also jumps to conclusions." Sometimes, his brother got things in a twist.
"Jason sound a bit like Dean. Roman listens and reasons things. Dean jumps to conclusions, then asks questions, but he always means well. Sometimes poor Seth get stuck in the middle. I too know the woes of brothers, your lucky, you only have one, I have three. Well Shane only counts when he is home. He is a good mix of all of us. As the baby, he sees and knows everything. I miss him. It will be good to have him home at the end of the month." Chris spoke openly and warmly of his baby brother.
"Stephanie must feel… left out sometimes. Hard to be the only girl with four brothers and a brother-in-law. No wonder she and Lady Natalya are so close. However, I bet if it came right down to it, she could probably put all of you off your feet." Adam laughed as he relaxed himself.
Chris chuckled. "That she could. When we were children, she always climbed up to the highest branches, and ran the fastest. My dear sister, is not the delicate flower she appears to be. Well, I'd better go. Not sure I will see you before Sunday. I am going out with Dean and Kenny tomorrow to watch a polo match. I will be there Sunday. In the green space you told me about. I do love you, Adam. Keep the hope." He gave Adam a kiss of encouragement.
Adam smiled at Chris. "Have fun tomorrow. Yes, the green space or nearby if it is occupied. You will find us I do love you, Chris. I do keep the hope, but I am also realistic. Goodnight." He kissed Chris on the cheek.
Saturday passed quietly. Adam even managed to not let his nerves show. He helped his mother roast the chicken they would take on their picnic. They also hard boiled some eggs and Jason put in a jar of Judy's bread and butter pickles. There were also sliced tomatoes and celery. Picnics were good for using scraps of things. There were plums and peaches for dessert, even if they didn't come from Jackson's, they were still fairly good quality.
Adam did miss not seeing Chris, but he got to spend time with the twins while Roman and Seth went over to the Hart's for tea. Adam had fun helping bathe the twins. Only a tiny red mark remained on Bea's belly.
Adam had thought Chris might come up to his room to say goodnight, but he didn't. Adam hoped that maybe Chris was thinking about what to say tomorrow. So he let it go. Adam had his own thinking to do.
On Sunday, after upstairs breakfast was finished, Adam and Mark went up to clear. Sunday breakfast was never served by servants. So Adam didn't get a chance to share a look with Chris. Well, he would see him soon enough.
Mark, Judy and Adam were ready to leave. Jason waited in the mews with Peppermint hitched to the two wheel carriage. His own horse, Thunderbolt needed a new shoe before he could be ridden or driven.
Mark spoke to Paige, Becky and Beth. "Beth, you make sure your lock up when you leave. Remember to behave. Have a good time." Mark gave a smile with his instructions.
"We will, Mister Calaway. Have a lovely picnic." Beth said as she walked to the door that led out to the mews with the others.
"Thanks, Beth." Adam smiled as Beth closed the door behind them and locked it. They would go out the other door when they left.
Mark helped Judy into the two wheeler, then he sat next to her. Adam jammed himself between Mark and the door. Jason leapt up on Peppermint and headed toward Hyde Park.
Adam actually managed to laugh and joke with his mother and Mark as they rode through the streets toward the park. It was a lovely mid May day.
When they arrived at the park, Jason went to their favorite spot. Luckily no one else was around. Jason took care of Peppermint, as Judy, Mark and Adam spread the large blanket out, under the ancient oak tree. Jason got the picnic basket, and jug of icy lemonade.
Mark helped Judy settle down onto the ground so she could lean against the tree if she so desired. Adam's eyes scanned the area and wondered when Chris would arrive. Jason put out a bucket of water for Peppermint, then joined his family on the blanket.
Mark opened the basket and pulled out four small glasses. He filled them with lemonade. "To us" Mark raised his glass. "To us" mother and sons chorused. They all took a sip. "Perfect, my dear." Mark complimented.
"Thank you. The lemons have been good this year. I haven't had to use as much sugar." Judy explained with a smile.
Mark and Jason laid back, propped up on there elbows. It felt good to stretch out and relax in the sun. Judy smiled at her sons and Mark. When Mark was relaxed, he was so handsome. Her heart fluttered a bit.
Adam perked a bit, a horse and rider approached. Jason looked up when Peppermint let out a nicker. It was the sound she made when she saw one her stablemates.
"Oh, it's Lord Christopher." Jason sat up a bit. Mark sat up all the way, ready to stand.
Chris pulled Highflyer to a halt and dismounted. Jason started to get up, but Chris stopped him. "I got it." He pulled off the stallions saddle and tied him to a tree with the rope he'd brought. Highflyer fell into grazing with Peppermint.
"Don't get up." Chris stated as the others started to stand. He sat on the blanket, close to Adam.
Mark looked at Chris. He knew something was up. "Glass of lemonade, Milord?" Now he knew why there was a fifth glass in the basket.
Chris reached over and took the glass. He filled it with lemonade. After he took a sip, he spoke. "This is wonderful, ma'am. I haven't had lemonade since my nursery days." He took another sip.
Judy was a bit… perplexed. "Thank you, Milord. I will make it for you, any time, Sir."
Chris smiled. "I am just, Chris. No titles here, please?" He gave Adam a look.
"Of course, Chris." Adam spoke easily. Inside, his nerves were about to explode.
Mark arched his brow. "I take it, you didn't just happen to be riding by, sir." Mark just could not use the young man's first name.
Chris looked at Mark. "To be honest, no. I didn't happen to ride by, Mister Calaway."
"I see. Well, I assume there is a reason?" Mark used his Butler's tone of voice. Any thought of relaxing was gone.
Chris sighed. "I didn't intend to make anyone uncomfortable. Please, let's just have a lovely picnic. Please, I am asking again, from my heart, while I am here, we are just people, having a day out in the park. Adam, how about some of your dear mother's roast chicken?" He hoped to make things more relaxed.
"Yes, Chris. Everyone, please. He means it." Adam knelt forward and took the smaller plates out of the basket.
Jason decided to go along, if it was what Adam wanted. "Chris, you will love ma's pickles." He took out the jar and opened it.
It was a bit more relaxed as everyone filled their plates. Chris managed to draw Mark into a conversation about politics, but they kept it neutral. The more they talked, the more at ease Mark felt.
Judy watched her son. Adam's eyes hadn't left Chris since the man had arrived. Everything she had spoken to Mark about was right. Adam and Chris had feelings for one another, very deep feelings.
As the little group finished eating, Chris decided it was time. No point in putting things off. "I guess… Adam and I have something we want to talk to you about. I am just going to say it…" Chris paused and took Adam's hand in his. Their fingers laced tightly together. Chris continued.
"I am in love with Adam, and he is in love with me. What I need to know is, how do you, as Adam's family, feel about it?" He looked at Mark, then Jason. Lastly his gaze turned to Adam's mother.
Judy smiled at the young Lord. "I must say, I am not that surprised. Mother's are aware of their children, and I am aware of how Adam changes when your name is mentioned. Now, I have observed how he changes when he sees you. My son lit up like a bonfire when he saw you ride up. As hard as he might try, those feelings can not be hidden." She spoke with a mother's wisdom.
Adam couldn't hide the flush that dusted his cheeks. Chris smiled at Adam's shyness. He tucked that stray strand of hair behind Adam's ear. Judy was touched by the tremendous care Chris showed her son.
Mark looked over at Jason. He couldn't tell what he was thinking and that worried the Butler. He would have to keep a close eye out. This situation had the potential to cause problems throughout the entire house.
"I… I… love him, ma. I know it is impossible but… why does it need to be?" Adam admitted his feelings with tear filled eyes. Why did it have to be so damnably hard.
Jason felt a bitterness rise in his throat. "So, how long before I have to bow and call my brother, Milord?" He got up and took off at a run. He had to get away, before he said even more… and worse.
Mark started to go after Jason, but Judy stopped him. "Let him go. He has to have time to think. Going after him now, will only make him more stubborn and resentful."
"Ma is right. Jay and I are the same. I don't… he wasn't like that when we talked about it before. He said he could understand, but I guess he didn't mean it. Ma, what do you think? I trust you more than anyone." Adam looked from Mark to his mother.
Judy smiled at her youngest son. "The mother in me is happy, because I see now, with my own eyes, how much you do love each other. That is all any mother wants, to see her children happy. Then, there is the second side of me. I was born into service. I worked my way up from scullery maid to cook. I am proud to be a servant. I am proud that my food feeds the grandest of London society. There is absolutely no shame in being in service. It is a job I am proud and honored to do. How many cooks in London can say they have cooked for King Edward The Seventh. I was also taught, that servants and gentry do not mix romantically. Son, there is no magic answer. Have you spoken to your fathers about this?" Judy looked at Chris.
Chris nodded. "Yes, I have. They told me to talk to Adam's family. Then I will talk to them again. I can say, they weren't totally against it. What Jason said is partly true. The only time would be during a formal party, for obvious reasons. Missus Copeland, I love your son. Marriage hasn't even been discussed. I am asking to court him, properly. With the idea of a possible marriage in the future. We just want a chance. I know we are asking a lot. You can't help who you fall in love with. I didn't just wake up and decide to make life difficult, especially for Adam…" Chris paused, then turned to look at Adam. His blue eyes filled with sadness.
"Adam, maybe you are right. I've upset your brother, shocked your mother and lost face in Mister Calaway's eyes. Maybe we should just… I will go now, I don't want to make trouble with your family. I love you, Adam." Chris leaned over and gave Adam a kiss. He didn't care who saw it.
Judy looked at the couple. "Now just you wait a moment. Give me a chance to let it… yes, you boys go for a little walk. I need to think. Adam, Chris give an old mother a chance. Trust me, I do understand about… difficult love. Come back in an hour, we will have our pudding. Addy, mummy loves you."
Adam crawled a little to where his mother sat. "I love you, mummy." He kissed her cheek.
"Thank you, ma'am." Chris too leaned forward and gave Judy a kiss on the cheek. He stood, then helped Adam up. Hand in hand they headed off into the park.
Judy looked at Mark. "How can I tell them no. If I had chosen you…"
Mark interrupted Judy with a smile. "He was charming, handsome, and potential to make a life outside of service. You… well, neither of us knew what he would turn into. It doesn't matter any more, dearest. We are together now. I just wish I had a simple yes or no for you, about Adam. It won't be easy no matter what the decision is." He ended with a sigh as he pulled Judy into his arms.
Judy leaned into Mark's embrace. "I say yes, I make Adam happy. But I also open him up to sniggers behind his back, teased about his background. If I say no, I break his heart. Maybe to the point he leaves because he can't stand seeing Lord Christopher everyday. Suppose Lord Christopher moves out for the same reason. That would break their Graces. Which do I do? Which matters more?" Judy gave her own sad sigh.
Chris led Adam to a park bench. It was the same park bench where Mark and Adam talked a couple of weeks ago. When they settled, Chris wrapped an arm around Adam. Adam rested his head on Chris' shoulder.
"I'm sorry." Adam said with a deep sniff.
Chris pulled Adam closer. "You have nothing to be sorry for. I'm sorry it's causing you so much distress. But, I am not sorry for falling in love with you. I don't know how, but somehow, it will work out. It just has to. I can't imagine my future without you by my side." He pulled Adam even closer, as if trying to pull the blond into his skin.
Adam looked up at Chris. "Why, Chris? Why do you love me? I'm not… I'm just not."
Chris chuckled softly. "My poppa asked me the same question. My feelings haven't changed. You are very handsome to look at, but that is only a small part of it. You're beautiful on the inside. You're smart, caring, hard working. You care so much about everyone else, especially your mother and brother, that you forget to take care of yourself. That's what I want to do. Take care of you. I do love you, Adam." He pulled Adam in for a deep kiss. After all, the bench was a bit hidden by a tree.
Both Chris and Adam gave a start when Jason suddenly appeared from behind the tree. "You really, truly love my brother, don't you?" He looked directly into Chris' eyes.
Chris also looked Jason in the eyes. "Yes, I do. So very much. I will do everything I can to make sure Adam's happiness comes first. Jason, I'm not after… a tumble with a servant. I am too much in love with him and I have too much respect for him. Does that answer your question? I can tell you more if you want. I could spend hours telling you how wonderful your brother is, but you already know that." Chris ended with a firm look to Adam's older brother. He'd meant what he said and hoped Jason understood.
Jason smiled at Chris. "Yes, I do know that. I'm sorry I had… wicked thoughts. Look, it might be a bit… strange to call my brother Milord, but if being with you makes Adam happy, that's all that matters. Besides, in private, he will still be my annoying little brother. Oh Addy, I just want you happy, but it's going to be very difficult. You know this… Chris. If you don't do everything in your power to protect Adam, you will have to answer to me, Lord or not. Do you understand me?" He spoke with fire in his eyes.
"Jason Christian Reso-Copeland, do not threaten Chris. He won't ever do or allow anything or anyone to hurt me, ever." Adam harshly chastised his brother.
"Easy, love. Jason is being a brother. I would say the same thing to someone who loved one of my siblings. Yes, Jason. I fully understand. I know I am asking a lot of Adam. We do know it won't be easy. I have to say, my parents are… progressive. They are very glad the ways of the Old Queen are not followed. I know they would also do their part to make sure Adam was protected. Yes, one day at a grand party, you might have to call Adam, My Lord, but later, you can call him what you want in private." He ended with a laugh.
"Oh like, Addy is a monkey butt…" Jason stuck his tongue out at Adam, and took off running.
Adam got up and chased his brother through the park. Christopher was on their heels. Mark and Judy both laughed when all three young men fell onto the blanket and panted to catch their breath. Judy filled their glasses with the rest of the still cold lemonade.
"Jason, what did you do?" Judy tried to give Jason a parental look, but she laughed too much.
"He called me a monkey butt." Adam spoke with a huff of indignation in his voice.
Mark bit back a laugh. "Well, that wasn't a very nice thing to say to your brother. Sir, are you sure you want to put up with these two? As you know, Jason will protect his brother."
"Well, Mister Calaway, only for the next fifty or sixty years. Besides, monkey's have cute butts." Chris ducked as Adam took a swipe at him.
"Ma, make them stop. I do not have a monkey butt." Adam moved away from Chris.
They all watched as Chris gently pulled Adam into his arms and soothed his ruffled feathers. He gently kissed Adam's cheek. It was pure love.
Judy looked at Chris and Adam. "We know it won't be easy. As a matter of fact, it will be very difficult at times. But, I can see, that Adam will be in very good hands. Christopher, you have my permission to court my son, if your parents approve. I know it is very unusual and goes against protocol, but, I believe, if at at all possible, Mark and I should have a talk with their Graces. Do you think they would be willing to do so? I don't think any final decision can be reached until then." Judy returned to a more serious tone of voice, with a look to match.
Chris nodded. "Yes, ma'am. It can be arranged. My poppa and father feel the same. I am sure they will arrange to have a talk with you both, very soon. I thank you, for being willing to at least let us try. As I've said, and will continue to say, nothing matters more to me than Adam's happiness."
Judy smiled at Chris, but it was different this time. Her smile was filled with honest emotion, and not just a smile she put on to be polite to the gentry. It warmed Chris' heart, because he saw the difference.
"I can see that, Chris. I would be proud to have you in the family. Promise me one thing, if it becomes too difficult, keep Adam safe, even if that means growing up and leaving the house. At least you won't starve, Adam can cook. After all, I taught him." Judy again smiled at her potential son-in-law.
Chris looked Judy in the eye. "I will, ma'am. I do have a place we could go. Lady Prudence Mayfield owns the orphanage where I help. She has offered me a lovely cottage on her estate. We would be safe and happy there, surrounded by children. By the way, ma'am, where did Adam get his artistic talent? Sir Jerry Lawler, who owns an art gallery, has told me, Adam could become a well known artist." He arched his brow, and sipped the last of his lemonade.
Judy looked at her son. "That is nice, about the cottage. Adam, son, you can draw?" She didn't know about her son's talent.
Jason beamed. "Yes, he can. I don't know why he keeps it a secret." He was proud of Adam's talent.
Adam ducked his head as a flush crept up on his face. "Yes, ma. I can draw, but I don't think I'm that good." The flush grew deeper.
"It comes from your father's side of the family. He could have been an artist, but… son, does Chris know? If not, he should. The first rule of any relationship is, do not hide things, keep secrets or tell lies. I mean keep secrets from each other… well, unless you are planning a surprise. I think you understand the difference. Son, could you draw something for me?" Judy spoke the truth. Adam and Jason's father did have artistic talent.
"Yes, ma'am, Adam told me. I am sorry it was hard for you. I am also glad Mister Calaway is there for you now. You know, I am quite sure my parents would not object to you two getting married… if you wanted to that is. Yes, Adam draw something for your mother. I am willing to bet, Mister Calaway has his notebook and pencil." Chris too spoke honestly. He then gave Mark a wink.
Mark chuckled. "You know me too well, sir. Yes, I have it…" He pulled out his small book and a short pencil. Mark held them out to Adam. "She loves roses you know." He nodded to a little garden of roses around a small statue down the path.
Adam took the little book and pencil. "I will try. Wait here. I draw better when not watched." He walked down the path. He sat on the grass and began to draw.
While Adam drew, Chris spoke again. "Mister Calaway, I also wanted to ask if Adam could go with me to the orphanage tomorrow. The children really want to hear him tell the story of Dorothy and Toto. There is boy, Tommy, who has artistic talent…" Chris went on to explain about Tommy and how he'd found out about Adam's talent.
"… Adam has been filling a sketchbook with things to teach Tommy, like shading and perspective. Hopefully, with Adam's help, Tommy will get a scholarship to the art school." Chris beamed with pride as he spoke.
"My goodness, my child is full of the unexpected. I hope he can help that dear boy." Judy also had pride in her eye as she thought of Adam's talent.
Mark also puffed up a bit. "I certainly have no issue with Adam going to the orphanage. I can easily do his work."
"I will help you, Mark. Maxwell and Matthew can handle anything that comes up in the mews. Unless I am needed to drive of course." Jason added his thoughts. He too was proud of his brother.
Judy looked at Chris. She began to see him in a new light. She saw not a Lord, but a kind, sweet young man. Judy was curious. "May I ask, how did you decide to help the orphanage? You don't have to answer if it is too personal. I can be nosy sometimes." She laughed a bit, she was nosy but never, ever gossiped.
"I don't mind telling you, ma'am. Lady Mayfield is a family friend. She told me about the orphanage. I love children so, I decided to go see what it was all about. I fell in love with it, and the children. It is heartbreaking how many children aren't wanted just because of choices their parents made. Only a handful are truly orphans, who's parents died. Most of them were just… tossed out like rubbish. No child is turned away. No child is ever just thrown out into the world. Lady Prudence takes care of them from beginning to end. Every member of her household are former orphans. Some have gone on to do great things. One is a doctor, several are University Professors, some have their own shops. If I can do something to help, I do it. I have even been known to peel potatoes. See, at the orphanage, I am just Uncle Chris, there no titles. Pru is Auntie Pru to the children. Adam was instantly accepted and is Uncle Adam. Melanie, Mary, Victoria and Eugenia were most unhappy he wasn't there on Friday." Chris spoke with love for the orphanage. It also not only shone in his eyes, but on his entire face.
Judy was astounded by the way Chris spoke. "Those poor little dears. You're doing such a wonderful thing. Mark, you make sure Adam can go any time he is asked. I will make sure to send material and yarn scraps with him. You are just wonderful." Judy didn't care about titles. She grabbed Chris and hugged him tight.
"Do not worry about it. Adam can go any time. You are doing a wonderful thing." Mark added with a rare, real smile.
Chris had a bit of a flush on his cheeks. "I just do what I can. Thank you very much for letting Adam come with me. Jason, I will speak to poppa about raising your pay to help out when Adam is gone. I just ask one thing, please. All of this is just between us. I do not want everyone to know what I do. I do not want praise or fanfare. I only want to help the children. Please?" He looked at Judy, Jason and Mark and plead with his eyes.
"Won't say a word. I will say, my respect for you has grown deeper. Anything I can do to make sure Adam can go, I will do it." Jason spoke with no room for argument.
Before more could be said, Adam returned. It hadn't taken that long to draw, but he wanted his family and Chris to talk. Apparently it worked.
"Here. Remember, I am not as professional as someone thinks I am." Adam handed his mother the little notebook with his drawing of a single rose.
Judy looked at the drawing with utter amazement. The rose looked like she could pick it and smell its sweet fragrance. Mark and Jason both leaned over to look at the drawing in Judy's hand.
"Son… my dear boy. I had no idea you could draw like this. It is so real, I can almost smell it. You will certainly be able to help young Tommy. Why didn't you tell me?" Judy cocked her head in a very Adam like way.
Adam shrugged. "I didn't think about it. I draw to relax. Sometimes, I draw what I read about." Again he shrugged.
"Son, I am speechless. I am truly impressed. You should do more drawing. His Lordship is right, you could be a world class artist." Mark added his thoughts.
Adam ducked his head. "I just do it for me. I am glad to help Tommy though."
Chris smiled and hugged Adam. "You will. You can come with me tomorrow. Mister Calaway gave permission. Jason will fill in for you in the house. I told them all about it. They also have agreed to keep it secret."
"Thank you! Jason, I promise to make it up to you. I'll even muck out the stalls." Adam leaned over and hugged his brother.
"When the stables make you sneeze a million times? No thank you. You would scare Misty's foal to death." Jason laughed.
"Oh, I didn't think of that. Thank you, ma." Adam took the two plums Judy had given him.
"Thank you, ma'am." Chris also thanked Judy for his share of the fruit. Mark and Jason did the same.
They enjoyed their fruit and Chris trusted them enough to tell them more about the orphanage, including Melanie's story. It even made Jason sad.
"That poor little thing. It is very good Lady Mayfield found out before Melanie got hurt." Jason threw his plum pits deep into the park.
Mark also tossed his pits. "I agree. It is terrible to judge that little flower because of something that might happen." He had a bit of anger in his voice.
Chris scoffed. "Yes, it was terrible. But, that is why Pru is so good about getting to know a family first. I've known her to spend a month with a family, just to be sure."
"She sounds like a wonderful lady. Adam, when you go there, you do the best you can to help Tommy get that scholarship to the art school." Judy spoke firmly, with a toss of her own plumb pits.
Adam smiled. "I will, ma. I am so happy you got to see Chris in his true self, not clouded by a title. I… you… can see why I like him so much… love him." A blush stained his cheeks as he once again ducked his head.
Judy smiled at her son. He was safely wrapped in Chris' arms. It was if, here in the park, they were free to just be a young couple in love. She started a bit when she felt Mark gently thumb the tear from her cheek.
"Why the tears, my dearest?" Mark asked in a near silent whisper.
Judy looked up at Mark. "Look at them. Here they can just be two boys in love. No titles, no… class ruling. They can just… be. If only it could always be thus. They belong together, Mark. How can I say no, despite how hard it will be?"
"I understand. I agree with you. We really must speak with their Graces about it. It could mean the difference between heartbreak or happiness." Mark wiped another tear from Judy's cheek.
Adam noticed. "Ma, what is wrong? Why are you crying?" He broke from Chris' embrace and moved close to his mother.
Judy patted Adam's cheek. "I am alright, son. It was watching you and how happy you are. Not bound by the rules of society so to speak. We will speak with your parents, Chris. Work things out.. if they can be." She gave Adam another pat.
Jason had gone to check on the horses. He laughed. Highflyer had dozed off with his head resting on Peppermint's back. It reminded him of Chris and Adam.
Much too fast, the afternoon went by. It was time to head back. Chris helped Mark fold the blanket and pack it into the pannier of the two wheeler. Jason and Adam packed up the basket and tied it to the top of the pannier. Chris saddled Highflyer himself, as Jason harnessed Peppermint to the carriage.
When the three passengers were settled in, Jason leapt up onto Peppermint's back, reigns in hand. Chris mounted Highflyer. He rode next to the two wheeler as they headed home.
Adam felt a pang of sadness. It had been a wonderful day. Would it be the last?