On Monday, Adam had a wonderful time at the orphanage. He spend the morning with Tommy and James Ross. Mister Ross taught history, civics, geography and art history. He was not an artist, but he knew everything about it. Mister Ross thought Adam was an excellent tutor for Tommy. He now held out a hope Tommy would win the scholarship.

After a hearty lunch of beef stew, Adam told the smaller children the story of Dorothy and Toto. Chris held Melanie in his lap while Victoria, Mary and Eugenia sat at Adam's feet. They had a wonderful time and loved the silly voices Adam used for each different character in the story.

Adam also equally admired the new tea dresses the little girls had made for their dolls. Secretly though, he thought Eugenia had a real talent for dressmaking, even at her young age. They loved the material and yarn scraps Judy had sent. The girls promised new tea dresses on his next visit.

Later, Chris had his usual private chat with Prudence, while Adam played with the children.

"Adam is wonderful, Chris. I really hope you can work things out." Prudence spoke warmly to Chris.

Chris sighed. "I hope so too. Pru, let me ask. Is your offer to use the cottage still in the cards?" He looked at the older woman, brow arched, hope in his clear blue eyes.

Prudence gave a light laugh. "Of course it is, my dear. You and Adam would be most welcome to move in. I would need a couple of weeks notice. It would need a good clean and freshening. You know, Christopher, it could be the answer to your problem. His family wouldn't have to be uncomfortable and neither would yours. You can visit them as much as you want and of course, they could come here to visit you. Is that what you were thinking?"

Chris nodded. "Yes, more so for Adam than myself. He's fine now, but, at first Adam's older brother, Jason balked at having to call Adam, my Lord. There are issues though. Both of us are very attached to our family. I would miss seeing Beatrice and Reginald every day. And to be honest, so would Adam. I would also dearly miss my brothers and sister. Shane will be home for the summer soon. I also feel like it would be… running away. Pru, I have never run from anything in my life. I am sure Adam never has either. Oh Pru, I just don't know what to do." He let out a very deep sigh.

Prudence reached over and put a hand on Chris' shoulder. "Look, take it easy. You do not have to decide right now. You know you have the option of moving into the cottage. You never know, Chris. Things may work out just fine at the house. You worry too much about things. Take a breath and just see what happens. Like I said, you have the option of the cottage, it is not like you are going to move in tomorrow."

Chris guffawed. "You are right, Pru. Thank you for giving us the option of the cottage. Now, I'd better get Adam. Our family is talking together tonight. Everything will depend on how that goes. I am a bundle of nerves, but I have to be strong for Adam. I know he is worried too. I am glad he came with me today. It got his mind off it for a while. Thank you, Pru. I will be back on Friday, hopefully with Adam." He stood and offered his hand to help Prudence to stand.

Together they went to fetch Adam from the play room. After several hugs, and a promise to return, Adam was allowed to leave. It made both Chris and Prudence laugh.

Soon Highflyer and Peppermint trotted their riders back to London and the McMahon house. The couple talked about everything but the discussion that would happen later that evening. When they got to the mews, they stole a kiss behind some bales of hay.

"It will be alright, my love. Try not to worry. Don't break any dishes. I love you." Chris gave Adam a wink.

Adam chuckled. "I will try not to. You don't be nervous either. Love you." He gave Chris another quick kiss, then hurried through the door to the servant's hall. Chris went to the family entrance, where Mark greeted him.

Judy sat her son down at the table for tea. Beth and Becky went to help Mark serve upstairs tea. Paige was occupied with washing nappies for the twins.

"So how did the little dears like the material and yarn?" Judy asked as she poured her tea.

Adam grinned. "They loved it. You should have seen what they did with the scraps I got from Beth. Little Eugenia could be a dressmaker. They are all so precious. Tommy did very well. Mister Ross, one of the teachers thinks Tommy has a chance to get the scholarship." He spoke with excitement and his eyes sparkled.

"That's wonderful, son. Son, you know how Mark and I feel bout you and his Lordship. But how ever we feel, it is really up to their Graces. I just want you to know, whatever they say, you have my love and support. Try not to worry. I love you, son." Judy reached over and tucked the constant stray strand of blond hair behind Adam's ear.

"I love you, ma. We didn't mean to cause so many problems for everyone. I didn't know love could be so difficult. Oh ma, I love him so much. He is the most wonderful man. So loving, gentle, caring, I want to be by his side to help him. Is it wrong? Just because he happened to be born with a title?" Adam spoke his true heart with all the love for Chris he felt.

Judy caressed Adams cheek. "No son, it is not wrong to love someone. It does make it difficult because of the title. It shouldn't matter. Christopher said the same about you. He loves you just as much. Just hold on to that love, son. Mark and I will do our best."

Adam frowned. "Ma, don't do anything to get in trouble with their Graces. Let's talk about anything else, please?" He took a deep sip of his tea. Judy nodded and got Adam into a conversation about cooking. She wanted Adam to know as much as possible.

Upstairs, Chris skipped tea. He didn't feel like making a lot of small talk. He wished Roman was home. He was three years older than Chris, and could always give him good advice. Chris' eyes opened wide, Roman poked his head through the door.

"Ro? Is everything alright? You are home early." Chris looked at his older brother with deep concern.

Roman chuckled. "Everything is fine. Father has a very long meeting this afternoon, so he sent me home early. I thought you might want to talk. Seth said something is going on, but wasn't sure what. I am here if you do want to talk."

Chris invited Roman in. The two settled in Chris' favorite place, the window seat. The faced each other, backs against the window frame walls. Roman was so tall, he had to bend his knees, but he didn't care.

"Well, Dean kind of knows, but…" Chris launched into the story of himself and Adam. "… so, his mother and Mister Calaway are going to speak with poppa and father tonight. Oh Ro, I love Adam so very much. Why does it have to be so damn difficult?" Chris looked at his brother with angst filled eyes.

Roman smiled softly. "I owe Seth five pounds sterling. He told me you and Adam had feelings for each other. I said he was seeing things. I was wrong. I can see that you truly love him. Brother, it shouldn't matter about titles and ranks. Love is love. If you love him as much as I think you do, then fight for it. Seth and I will stand behind you and I am sure Dean will too. You know Stephanie will too, once she finds out. She is always talking about equality. You also know pa and father are more progressive. Do you know what Adam's mother thinks?"

Chris nodded. He told Roman about being at the picnic yesterday. "… she supports us, but also knows it will be difficult. I do have an option, but, I really don't want to take it. I have an offer for a cottage on Lady Mayfield's estate. I could just take Adam and run."

Roman looked at his brother. "Chris, leave that option as a very last resort. It sounds like all the parents will be able to work it out. The main thing; fight for him. I for one would love to have Adam in the family. Bea is alive because of him…" He was halted by a knock on the door.

When Chris called out enter, Dean and Stephanie came into the room. They sat on Chris' bed to face Roman and Chris.

Stephanie spoke. "Alright, Christopher, what is going on? How can I help?" She knew something was up with her brother. She'd asked Dean, and he said to ask Chris. So, she grabbed Dean and came to ask.

Chris once again told about himself and Adam. When he finished, Stephanie got up and left. The three brothers looked at each other, unsure of what had happened.

Five minutes later, Stephanie returned. She had Adam in tow. "This concerns him, he should be here." Stephanie gave her brothers a wink.

Roman moved and indicated for Adam to to take his place in the window seat. Adam sat next to Chris. He trembled, were Chris' siblings about to yell at him? Adam looked at Chris, the fear reflected in his hazel eyes.

"Am… I… in… trouble?" Adam was so frightened he could barely speak.

Chris laughed softly and pulled Adam into his arms. "No, love. They support us. Stephanie is the kind that thinks, since this concerns you too, you should be here. Right?" He looked at his brothers and sister.

"Right." Roman, Dean, Stephanie and Seth chorused as he entered the room and sat with his husband.

"Adam, we want you and Chris to be together. Only a blind man couldn't see how the two of you light up around each other. You can't hide the blinding light of love under a basket. Besides, you saved Bea's life. Because of that, I would back you to be Lord Mayor of London, if you wanted it." Seth spoke with a firm nod.

Stephanie spoke. "Seth is absolutely right. Adam you have always been more of a brother to us than a Footman. A title should not stand in the way of true love. If you and my brother want to be together, fight for it. Prove to all our parents, you mean it." She spoke with a firm fire.

Dean smiled. "Isn't she something. She told me the same thing about Kenny. It's not up to father to control my life or force me to go out with Regal. She is right about that, and she is right about this." He too spoke with a firm tone.

Adam laid his head on Chris' shoulder. "I… don't… deserve...I don't want you… to think." He couldn't form the words he wanted to say. To have the support of Chris' brothers and sister was too much.

Roman chuckled. "Yes you do, Adam. If Chris loves you, that is good enough for us. Just as Chris would stand behind anyone of us who was in a similar situation. We can see you love Chris. Adam was also know you. We know you aren't out to trick Chris out of money or a title. We have all dealt with people like that, trust me, we know what to listen for. So get that thought right out of your head."

Adam looked down at his hands "I was worried you would think that. Servant, out for money or a position. That is the last thing I would do. I just think Chris is about the most wonderful man I have ever met. I want you, as his brothers and sister to know, I would never do anything to hurt him or bring shame to his family. He means too much to me. If I had a Bible, I would lay my hand on it and swear it to you. Please, you do believe me, don't you?"

Dean got up and stood in front of Adam. "We believe you, I promise. But, how you could love an ugly old cur like Chrissy is beyond me." He teased Adam with a rather cheeky wink.

Chris let out a playful growl. "You will get along with Adam's brother. I recall something about Adam being a monkey's butt…" He ducked when Adam took a harmless swing at him.

Their antics cased the McMahon siblings to laugh, especially Dean. "I will have to keep that one in my memory for when Shane comes home." he sat back down in the sitting chair.

Adam looked at Chris. "I never thought, what about Shane? I've heard those boarding schools can be full of little bullies. What if they give him a hard time. They will hear about it you know. I don't want to be the cause of Shane being hurt." Adam's angst filled voice and look had returned.

Stephanie took her turn to go to Adam. She boldly lifted Adam's chin with her fingertips and kissed him. "That seals it for me. Anyone who cares that much about the feelings of someone else, is a prize in my book. Don't you worry about Shane. All five of us have taught him how to handle bullies. With you and Jason teaching him a few things as well, he will be able to handle anything." She gave Adam another kiss, then returned to her place on the small sofa.

Adam flushed even deeper as Chris kissed him firmly, in front of all his brothers and sister. Seth and Stephanie both swiped tears from their eyes.

"I… I… you are all so wonderful. I can't tell you what this means. I only pray… it all works out." Adam stammered then found his hubris.

"It will, or we will know the reason why. Chris, remember, you do have the option… if you need it, take it. Come along, let's give them a bit of privacy before supper." Dean stood. He herded his family out of the room, and closed the door behind them.

"Oh Chris. They did mean it, didn't they? They really approve? Are you sure Shane will be alright at Eaton? You know how bad it can be. By the way, what option did Dean mean?" Adam rested his head on Chris' shoulders.

Chris held Adam close. "Yes, my love. They meant it. Don't you worry about Shane. He can very well take care of himself. Oh, I told Dean about the cottage at Pru's. If nothing else, we could go there. We will wait and see how it goes. Don't fret so much my dearest." He gave Adam a resounding kiss.

"I see. Yes, we will see how it goes. I'd better go. I have to get ready to serve supper. Don't do anything to distract me. I don't want to drop soup on one of your parents." Adam spoke with a laugh.

"I will be good, I promise. Meet me back here after dinner. We will wait together. I love you, Adam." Chris gave Adam another love filled kiss.

"I love you. I will be here." Adam returned Chris' kiss and hurried downstairs.

Adam was surprised that no one asked him questions about why he'd been gone so long. He understood when Mark gave him a wink.

"I'm invited up to his room, to wait while you and ma talk to their Graces. Will it be an issue?" Adam spoke like a child to a parent. It made Mark feel… special. It warmed his very soul.

Mare gave Adam a pat on the shoulder. "No, it won't be an issue. Jason is seeing Maxwell after dinner. They are taking the girls to a show. Your mother and I thought it was best to have them take the girls out. What they don't know, won't hurt them. I told the girls it was a rare treat, they'd better behave and appreciate it. Don't worry, your mother and I will have a good talk with their Graces." He spoke with confidence.

"Thank you, Mark. I mean it. The girls don't gossip but, I will thank Jason too. Oh and Maxwell. Guess we'd better get to it." Adam smiled.

With a nod, Mark and Adam went to the kitchen. Adam could tell his mother was nervous, because she stirred with one hand and chopped with the other. Paige sliced cheese as Becky and Beth put hot food into serving dishes. They talked about the show later with great excitement.

Later, during the upstairs supper, Beth helped Mark serve while Adam worked behind the screen. Mark figured it was better than Adam spilling soup all over the place. Adam was grateful.

At eight o'clock, Adam was up in Chris' room. Downstairs, in the morning room, Eric and Vince sat on the long, leather sofa. Mark and Judy sat across from them in the leather reading chairs. At Vince's insistence they spoke as equals.

Chris curled up with Adam on the window seat. They looked out. The street below was empty. Gas lights lit the street every five feet. In the distance, the brighter gas lights of London could be seen. In the further distance, the chimes of Westminster rang the quarter hour.

Chris chuckled. "Come in." He looked at the door. He just knew his siblings were there. Adam thought Chris was insane, until the door opened. Dean, Roman and Stephanie came into the room.

"Seth will be here shortly. He's finishing putting the babies to sleep. He sent me ahead. Said you needed me more than they do." Roman explained as he sat on Chris' bed.

"Lord Roman, go to your children. They are way more important than… me." Adam spoke in earnest.

Roman sighed. "Here, it is just Roman. If I went in there, Seth would just send me back. So don't get me in trouble with my husband. Seth can be vicious when he needs to." He gave Roman a pointed look.

Adam grinned. "I don't want you to get in trouble. I just… you are all so amazing to care so much about your brother's happiness."

"We don't give a fair fig about Chris' happiness. We're worried about yours." Dean spoke with a grin to Adam.

Chris scoffed. "Are you sure you want another one like Jason in your life?" He pulled Adam closer.

Adam laughed. "Well, only for the next fifty or sixty years or so." He snuggled into the arms that made him feel safe and loved.

"Thank you, Adam. I appreciate that. Not everyone gets my humor. I thought Kenny was the only one. Watch out for him. Kenny can be ten times worse than me. Part of why I love him." Dean spoke frankly and openly about his love for Kenny Hart.

Adam looked at Dean. "May I ask, what would you have done if Lord Kenny was a Footman?"

Dean didn't hesitate. "I would still have fallen for him. He's just my type of person. None of us are stuck on titles and relationships. Yes, our titles are nice, and yes, sometimes they help us achieve something. However, a title means nothing to the heart. Love is title-less, or at least it should be. Maybe for Royalty a title can control love, but I think even that may change in the future." Dean gave a shrug.

Stephanie laughed. "Maybe, but can you imagine something like a Prince marrying an actress? I doubt that will ever happen. But then again, who knows. Adam, you grew up at Northwold right?"

Adam nodded. "Yes, I did. I was glad when we came to London. Oh, the estate is beautiful, but there is so much more to do here. I thought I had stepped into wonderland when I went to my first bookshop." He smiled at Stephanie.

Everyone looked up when Seth came into the room. "Sorry I took so long. After Nanny and I put the twins down, I went to the morning room. I wanted to see if I could hear anything through the keyhole. I couldn't hear anything but muffled voices. At least no one was shouting." Seth confessed with a bit of a sheepish look.

Roman wrapped his husband in his arms. "You are a very naughty boy, but at least you tried. Too bad poppa had that vent covered."

Dean laughed as did Stephanie and Chris. Chris explained. "When Shane did something and our parents wanted to discuss his punishment, they would go to the morning room. Shane's room is over the morning room. He found an old vent in the floor. He could listen and find out how much trouble he was in. He then knew how to get out of it. One time, when he was eavesdropping, Shane sneezed. Poppa heard it, but said nothing. The next time Shane went to listen, he found the vent had been covered by a nailed down board. That ended that. Shane was not happy." He laughed again.

Adam chuckled. "I always wondered why Jason put that board down. We were then asked to put that carpet and wardrobe over it. If little Shane was that smart, he won't have any problems with bullies. Too bad we can't go pull up the board without making a ruckus."

Roman spoke up. "He was that smart, until he sneezed. You are right, bullies won't be a problem for him. He is also a Head Boy, no one messes with them. Eaton does try to prevent bullying, but it is not easy. Maybe one day, in the future, the word bully will cease to exist, but I doubt it. I wish I knew why some people feel the need to bully others." He shrugged.

"Fear and jealousy. If they fear something, or someone, they bully them to feel superior. If they are jealous of someone, because of looks, money, position, or talent they try to make the person feel less about themselves till they fail. When that happens, the bully wins. Roman, I pray your are right, but, I think there will always be fearful and jealous people, who will take it out on innocent ones." Adam spoke with deep thought. He thought about what his own father did to his mother, and how Jason continued to live with the memory.

Stephanie gave Adam a warm smile. "That is a very astute response. Adam, have you been bullied? It sounds like you know a thing or two about it." She cocked her head at Adam.

Adam looked at Chris. Chris held Adam close. He whispered in Adam's ear. Adam nodded.

Chris spoke. "He hasn't, but in a way his brother has. I am going to tell you something, with Adam's permission. It will not leave this room. Understand?" He glared at his siblings.

Roman, Seth, Dean and Stephanie all spoke. "Understood." Dean added. "You don't have to tell if you don't want, Adam."

Adam smiled a bit. "No, you need to know. I don't want some family secret coming out later and you don't know the truth."

Chris then told his brothers and sister about Adam's father, Judy, Jason and Mark. He didn't give the more personal details about Mark and Judy, but he told enough.

"… so, that's why Mister Calaway is part of this. He is more of a father to Jason and Adam than their own father was. Missus Copeland and Mister Calaway hope to marry one day. The only good thing, Adam inherited his talent for art from his father's side of the family." Chris ended with a soft kiss to Adam's temple.

"I am sorry your dear mother went through all that. You can draw?" Stephanie asked with a smile. She loved good art. She was a patron of Lawler's Gallery. Natalya also shared a love of good art.

Chris beamed with pride. "Yes he is. He drew that." He nodded to the framed drawing Adam had drawn of him with the four girls from the orphanage.

Stephanie got up to look. "Adam, you drew this?" She looked at Adam with astonishment.

Adam ducked his head with a deep flush on his cheeks. "Yes, I did. You really like it?"

"Yes, I do. This more like a photograph. Christopher, Jerry needs to see this." Stephanie leaned in to get an even closer look.

Chris laughed. "Who do you think framed it for me. Jerry wants to see more of his work. He thinks Adam has the potential to be a world class artist. Perhaps when things are settled, he will be able to concentrate on his art."

Stephanie stepped closer to Adam. As she did, Roman, Seth and Dean went to look at the drawing.

"Adam when you decide to concentrate on your art, I want to be your patron. I will make sure you have everything you need. I've been looking for a worthy artist. Of course, unless Chris wants to sponsor you. I will say though, it would look better for me to do it. That way no one could say you were achieving something because of him. Do you understand? I know the world of titles and positions is new to you. I certainly do not mean any disrespect. I am so bad at explaining." Stephanie had deep worry on her face. She hadn't meant any harm.

Adam smiled at Stephanie. "La… um… Stephanie, I do understand. It would look like Chris was promoting me, because of our relationship. You did or said nothing at all to offend me. I am flattered you think my drawing is good. If I decide to eventually pursue art, I would be honored to have you sponsor me. I don't care what he thinks." Adam gave Chris a playful nudge. It made Stephanie laugh.

Chris chuckled. "He is right, sis. I would be glad to have you sponsor him. Jerry knows you better, and you work with him more. When the time comes, we will talk about it. Thanks, Steph."

Stephanie grinned. "Good. Adam, I am glad you understand. When you're ready, we will talk about what you will need. Do you paint?"

"I have a few times. At the village school, the teacher sometimes had scraps of paint. I never used real artist paints or brushes. I'd like to try, color is all the difference." Adam spoke in a bit of a dream filled voice

"Christopher Keith, buy your man some paints, brushes and canvas. Jerry will have what you need." Stephanie chastised as she sat back down.

"Oh no. Do not spend money on me. I have the sketchpads and pencils. Other things will wait. I do earn my own money you know." Adam quickly protested. He didn't want Chris to spend any money on him.

Roman laughed. "Adam, stop being so wonderful. By the way, that drawing is charming. Would do one of Seth and the twins? I would pay you."

Adam grinned. "I would love to. You will not pay me. It would be my pleasure. You would have to sit for me, so I can do it properly." He was adamant in his tone.

Seth nodded in agreement with his husband. "I would like that, Adam. You come to the nursery when you can and I will sit for you." He smiled at the thought.

"I look forward to seeing it. Adam, you are a wonderful artist." Dean's praise was simple, but heartfelt.

Roman and Seth spoke quietly together. Love flowed between them. Dean leaned closer to his sister and told a bit of gossip he'd overheard. Chris pulled Adam in even closer and held him tight.

"They really like you. It is good to know, that whatever is being talked about downstairs, my brothers and sister are on our side. I knew they would be but, you really won them over. I am proud of you, and I love you so damn much." Chris lifted Adam's chin and kissed him with all the love he felt.

One by one, Chris' siblings watched their brother and Adam kiss. The love they observed touched them, each in different ways. They knew that Chris and Adam belonged together.

"They are staring at us again." Adam spoke with a flush as his lips brushed against Chris'.

Chris smirked. "Because they are jealous." He gave Adam another kiss and didn't care who saw it. Adam finally, gently pushed Chris away, another blush on his cheeks.

"You two are just to precious for words. You don't have to hid your love from us. Ever." Dean spoke with nods of agreement from the others.

Chris smiled softly at his brother. "Thanks, Dean. It really makes us happy that we have your support. I'm not sure what will happen, but your support will get us through it. I just wish we'd get called to have our say." Chris sighed.

Dean let out a "hum" sound, then spoke. "You're right. You should have a say. After all it is your future being discussed. If you aren't called down soon, go down. You don't have to be rude, but you can be firm. You know how father is, he appreciates hearing all sides."

"I agree with Dean. If you want Adam, prove it." Stephanie stated firmly.

"We also agree. I would have fought tooth and nail to have Seth. Nothing could have kept us apart." Roman spoke with a firm nod.

Adam had a dubious look on his face. "That all sounds good, if you have a title. I'm sorry, please. I do not mean to be rude or ungrateful. No one appreciates your support more than I do. But, you have to be honest, you don't know what life is like without a title. You can do and say things and people will pay attention. If I did or said the same thing, no one would listen, and I might be branded a troublemaker. Again, please I don't mean any disrespect. I'm sorry. I should have kept my mouth closed." Adam sighed and moved away from Chris. He knew he'd just said too much.

"Adam, love, don't." Chris reached over and wrapped Adam back in his arms and pulled him close. "No one is upset with you. We do forget what our titles do for us. We don't know what it is like to not have one. However, I for one don't use it to get ahead, you know this. We can't help the fact we were born with titles, any more than you weren't. It is just a matter of fact. Don't let the fact that you don't have a title keep us apart. I'd give it up if I could. Oh.. you know what I mean." He gave Adam a soft kiss.

Roman spoke. "Like Chris said. You did not offend us. But Adam, don't let the lack of a title keep you from working to achieve your dreams. If you want to be with my brother, then shout it from the rooftop. You do have that right. Do you understand?" He arched his brow at Adam.

Adam suddenly sat up. "Yes. Yes, I do. We should go down and stand up for our relationship. I don't have to have a title to love you. You do love me, don't you? You would slay a dragon for me, right? You are my knight, fight for me!"

Everyone laughed. Chris laughed. "Yes, I love you. I would slay a dragon for you. No, no title needed here. Let's give them half an hour longer. If we aren't called by then, we will go down." Chris gave Adam a kiss to seal his words.

Dean smiled. "Adam, some advice. When you speak to father, look him directly in the eye. Don't look down, stand your ground. As was said, he appreciates people who stand up. Also, are parents are more progressive. They don't follow the rules of society. If you love my brother, then tell them. Be honest and most important of all, be yourself." Dean went over and gave Adam a pat on the shoulder.

"He is right. Just be you." Stephanie added. She too went to hug Adam.

Before Adam could blink, he was in the middle of a McMahon sibling embrace. It made him feel wonderful. It felt like a shield of love.

Everyone turned when a knock echoed on the door. Dean moved to answer it.

Eric laughed. "I should have known. Chris, Adam we would like you two to come down and have a chance to speak. Come in ten minutes, tea will be ready then." He turned and left and closed the door behind him.

Chris and Adam would soon learn, would they be together or apart?