Roman stood on the stairs as the McMahon's and Hart's looked up at him. Roman found his words. "I am proud to announce the arrival of Master Reginald Richard and Mistress Beatrice Constance Ambrose-Reigns-McMahon. Oh Pa, twins! My Seth had twins! They are perfect, simply perfect." Roman could not stop smiling.
Eric hugged his son. "Congratulations, my dear child. Is Seth alright?" He hugged Roman again.
"He is very tired, but fine. We need bottles soon. Copeland can bring them. Seth needs his help. Two! We have two!" Roman's voice cracked with emotion.
"Congratulations, brother. I can't wait to see them." Dean took his turn to hug his brother.
Every Hart and McMahon hugged the new father. Vince was the last to speak. "Go back to your family. I'll send supper up to you. I will also send Copeland with bottles. Thank you, son for including the McMahon name. I am honored. I love you, all four of you." He spoke with rare emotion. He loved his family, but rarely spoke openly about it.
Roman smiled at Vince. "And proud to add the name McMahon. Yes, I am starving, but have your supper first. There is time, the Doctor is still fussing over them, he said they were perfect and they are. I am going back up." Roman quickly hurried back up to his new family.
The news traveled fast to the downstairs. Eric had sent Adam down to get things ready for the new babies. Jason had just brought in the evening milk from the family cow.
"Bessie was generous this evening. Ma, could she have known extra milk would be needed?" Jason asked as poured the milk into the strainer. Any stray bits of straw or other things would be strained from the milk to make it clean.
"Perhaps, son. God works wonders. Now, It won't take a tick to heat. I am not going to skim this, the babies need the milk fat. Adam, take those bottles off the boil, they are clean. Dry them well in a moment, after they cool. Dip the nipples in the hot water, but quickly." Judy hurried to get the milk on to warm. It also killed any germs in the milk.
Adam carefully dried the twelve glass baby bottles. They were of a newfangled design, to help the baby drink better. The glass bottles were shaped much like a banana, with a rubber nipple on the stem end. They could also be filled ahead of time, and kept in the ice box. All Adam would have to do is warm them in a pot of water. It sure beat the old way of a rag, dipped in milk for a baby to suck on.
All while Judy and Adam prepared the bottles, Judy kept the upstairs fed. Jason helped by putting things on and taking them off the dumbwaiter. Becky also helped by preparing plates of food for Roman and a bowl of hearty beef broth for Seth. They all spoke excitedly about Master Reginald and Mistress Beatrice.
"I don't need to wear my formal coat do I? Seems a bit… stuffy for babies." Adam asked his mother. Judy knew just as much as Mark on such matters.
"No son, your service coat is fine. Don't forget the nappies we've been making. Oh and remember, use the scraps on your shoulder like I showed you. Keeps the spit up off your coat. I do hope I get to see the little mites. By the way, Jason, what about Misty? I hope she won't have twins!" Judy gave a laugh and handed Paige the dishes of vanilla cream.
Jason too laughed. "Well, I hope not. She is fine, Maxwell is with her now. I will relieve him in a few hours. Diamond is pacing his stall like the expectant father he is. Addy, when you're called, I will help you." He took a bite of the cheese his mother cut.
Judy smacked Jason's hand. "Use a fork, young man. You are not a heathen." Judy scolded her eldest without missing a beat.
"Yes, ma'am. I'm sorry." Jason picked up a small fork and took another piece of cheese.
Adam finished filling the bottles to take upstairs. He wrapped them in a small, quilted cloth to keep them warm. Just as he finished, Mark came down the stairs.
"Ah, you're ready then. His Grace Eric said for you to go up now. Jason, help him, but stay in the hallway, unless wanted in the room. Is the Doctor's horse fed?" Mark spoke as he entered the kitchen.
"Yes, Mister Calaway. I can have him hitched in two shakes." Jason stood. He took the basket of nappies in hand.
"I'll ask young Maxwell to do it. The sooner the Doctor is gone the better. Between us, Lord Seth is ready to toss the Doctor out of the window." Mark spoke softly to Jason. Adam was already gone with his basket.
Jason chuckled. "Please tell Max I will be over later to watch Misty." He hurried up the stairs after his brother.
Judy looked at Mark. "Do they require anything upstairs? I made coffee and a charcuterie board, just in case."
Mark smiled brightly. "That's just what I was going to ask for. Beth, please help me, then you can come back and help Paige. Becky, turn downs please. When we get done, Duke Vince said we could wet the babies head with the last of tonight's Champagne."
Becky quickly went to do her night duties. She would turn down the beds and lay out the night clothes for the family. She would sometimes help Lady Stephanie if asked. The McMahon family were more progressive than some. In some houses, the servants did everything, right down to brushing their Master's teeth. Vince and Eric were not like that and neither were the Hart's. They wanted things proper, but they and their children were capable of dressing themselves.
Adam knocked on the door of the Reigns' bedroom. Bedrooms were the only rooms the servant's knocked on before entering. It would never do for a servant to walk in on "things" that happened in bedrooms, sometimes on the spur of the moment.
Roman's voice called out. "Come in, Copeland."
As Adam opened the door, Sir Drew McIntyre, the physician came out. "Ah good, the little ones will be hungry soon…" Drew turned back to speak to Roman. " I will be back tomorrow afternoon. Seth, stay in bed until you close." Drew then left, his Doctor's bag in hand.
Jason gave Adam the other basket with the things for the babies. "Have fun." He gave his brother a wink. He was anxious to get to the mews, maybe he and Maxwell could steal a few kisses as they waited for Misty to foal.
Jason was in love with Maxwell Jacob Friedman, the Coachman for the Hart family. MJF, as he was sometimes called, loved Jason in return. He hoped, one day, he and Jason would be allowed to marry.
Adam shook his head at his brother and with a smile, took the two baskets and entered the room.
Seth sat up in his bed, he held two blanketed bundles in his arms, and smiled.
"Come meet your new charges, Adam." Seth addressed Adam by name, but only in private. He looked on Adam as a good friend and he knew the young Footman felt the same about him.
Adam set down the two baskets and stepped up next to the bed. Roman also sat on the edge of the bed and stared at his husband and their two beautiful babies.
"Oh, Milord. They are perfect, simply perfect." Adam exclaimed as he looked at the two babies in Lord Seth's arms.
"Reggie, Bea, meet Adam Copeland. He is going to help Nanny take care of you. You two listen to him. Adam is a very smart man. Would you like to hold them?" Seth spoke warmly to his children. He indicated for, with a nod, for Adam to sit in the chair next to the bed.
Adam pulled the chair closer to the bed. Roman got up, and took Reginald into his arms. He walked around to where Adam sat. With total confidence, he placed his newborn son in the servant's arms. Adam smiled as bright as the sun.
"Reginald Richard, pleased to meet Adam Copeland." Roman stated with pride.
Adam forgot the world as he held the baby in the crook of his left arm. The fingers of his right hand caressed the tender skin of the newborn babe.
"Oh my, you are a handsome little Master. Such strong hands already. You will be a fine horseman." Adam cooed as the baby wrapped Adam's finger in his tiny hand.
"He was born first. I was so relieved when he arrived. As the Doctor was checking him, birth pangs began again. Fifteen minutes later, she appeared. Ro?" Seth explained. He held his daughter for Roman to take.
Roman placed the baby in the crook of Adam's right arm. "Beatrice Constance, please to meet Adam Copeland." He spoke with just as much pride as before.
The moisture filled Adam's eyes as he looked at baby Bea. "You are the most beautiful girl in the world. You must teach your brother to be gentle. Master Reginald, you must teach your sister how to be strong. You must also protect her against the evils in the world. Mistress Beatrice, you must teach him how to laugh and play. You both need to read and learn everything you can, to help make the future better." Adam spoke softly but he also spoke like an adult. He didn't believe in treating children like they were stupid.
While Adam spoke to the children, Roman took the moment to carry Seth to the privy for a much needed visit. Roman also helped his husband wash his face.
"Thank you, my love. You have given me the two most beautiful children in the world. Are you really alright? You do look a bit pale." Roman fussed as he gently wiped Seth's face with a damp flannel cloth.
Seth relished in Roman's love filled words and gentle touch. "I am very tired. It isn't exactly easy, pushing one baby out, let alone two. If you and Adam promise to look after them, I shall sleep. We need to feed them first, if Adam will let them go." He grinned, as now dry faced, Roman picked him up.
Roman carried his husband to the bed. He tucked Seth in and kissed his forehead. The couple looked over at Adam. They could see the blond had never noticed them move.
The two babies began to fuss, they tried to suck on Adam's fingers. "They are hungry, Milords. I have their bottles ready. Here, Sir. Take them and I will get their dinner."
Ten minutes later, Adam watched as Roman fed his daughter and Seth fed his son. Adam's arms ached to hold them again, so he busied himself, unpacking the basket with the nappies and other things.
Adam neatly stacked the folded, ready to be used nappies on the small, mahogany sideboard. Things had been made ready for just one baby. Tomorrow a second cradle would need to be purchased. For now, the newborns could share one. Adam carefully turned down the soft eider down blanket ready for the twins.
"Little man, slow down. You will make your tummy ache." Seth laughed, Reginald had nearly finished his bottle. His sister was only half finished.
There was a very soft knock on the door. Adam opened it. "Oh thank you, Beth. Let's put it here." Adam took one of the trays from Beth.
Beth had brought supper for their Lordships. She smiled as she got a glimpse of the babies. She gave a polite curtsy, then left. It wasn't her place to speak out of turn. She knew Adam would tell her everything later. Beth did notice how happy Adam looked.
Downstairs, Mark helped the Hart family into their coats. The Hart's and McMahon's bid each other goodnight. There were hugs and more congratulations exchanged. After the Hart's left the house, Mark locked the door behind them.
"We are retiring for the night, Calaway. You may lock up and go to bed. Thank you for keeping things steady in all the chaos. Goodnight, Calaway." Duke Eric spoke warmly to the Butler.
"Very good, Your Grace, and thank you. Also, on behalf of all the staff at 102 Eaton Square, congratulations again. Goodnight, Your Grace." Mark gave a polite nod to Eric.
Mark waited for the family to go upstairs. Once they were out of sight, he moved quickly to lock up the house, pull the drapes and bank the fires. Normally the girls helped, but he didn't mind, he knew they were all tired and excited about the arrival of the twins.
Down in the kitchen, Paige finished the last of the upstairs dishes. They were clean, dry and neatly stacked in the dumbwaiter, ready to be sent up for breakfast.
The next thing Paige did was to fill the bucket with hot, soapy water with vinegar mixed in. She got down on her hands and knees and with a sturdy brush began to scrub the kitchen floor. While it was hard work, Paige did it with a willing heart. It gave her a feeling of pride to keep Mrs. C's kitchen clean. Paige, also used it as an outlet to get rid of her frustrations. There was nothing like a good scrub of the floor to cleanse the soul as well.
In the other room, Judy sat in her comfortable chair and relaxed by knitting. Beth and Becky sat in their chairs and did some mending. It was their time to also relax and talk quietly. Normally, Adam would have sat in the corner with a book, but he was upstairs with the young family. Jason would also have been in his chair, usually listening to the wireless. The test cricket was forgotten, Misty needed Jason in the mews.
When Mark came down the stairs, he spoke to Paige as he took off his coat. "Looks very nice, Paige." He always complimented when he could, not only did it help staff morale, he meant it.
"Thank you, Mister Calaway. The cocoa will be ready in a tick." Paige emptied the water pail. The floor was finished. She'd put the milk on to heat for their nightly hot chocolate.
"Thank you, dear girl." Calaway smiled. He then went to sit with the others. He looked forward to the newspaper and his pipe.
Mark sat in his large, leather chair with a bit of a grunt. He packed his pipe and lit it. No one, not even Judy spoke until Mark had lit his pipe and puffed out the smoke. It was his moment to breathe and relax.
"Very quiet without the wireless. Becky, find us some nice music will you, please?" Mark spoke with another exhale from his pipe.
"Yes, Sir. Glad Jason showed me how to do it. I think there is an opera tonight." Becky replied in an Irish laced accent. She reached over and turned on the radio like Jason taught her.
Becky turned a large knob. Static crackled then the sound of an opera singer was heard. "Oh, that's lovely." Becky stated with a smile. She picked up her sewing again.
"Yes, it is. Adam could tell us what it is about. He taught himself Italian, French, Spanish and German by reading books.
Mark looked up from his newspaper, but before he could speak, Paige entered the room with a tray of cocoa filled cups. She served Mark first, then Judy. She joined Becky and Beth and put their cups on the table.
Paige took out her own sewing. She was making a new dress to wear on Sundays to church. She had taken over a year to save enough to buy the material. It would be lovely when she finished it.
Mark repacked his pipe, lit it and puffed it back into life. "Thank you, Paige. Yes, Adam is very talented at learning languages. He needed to learn German, so we know the news coming from that direction." Mark was serious. The news from Germany wasn't good. There was a very distant rumbling of a possible war. Everyone hoped it would be worked out before anything like that happened.
Judy sighed. "Yes, he should learn even more. I wonder what is going on, he has been upstairs for a long time."
"Maybe he is sitting with the babies so their Lordships can get some rest." Mark spoke with reason as he turned the page of his newspaper.
Upstairs, Mark's prediction was correct. While the family came in to see the babies, Adam fussed with the babies things. After everything was settled, Roman put the twins in the cradle.
Seth and Roman slept as Adam kept watch over the children. He was about to wake Roman so he could go down and prepare fresh bottles.
Just as Adam silently stood, the bedroom door cracked open. It was Lord Christopher. He motioned for Adam to come to the door.
"I will watch them. I thought they might need to be fed soon. You go do that. Don't worry, I know what to do." Christopher smiled at the pretty blond.
Adam held in the flush he felt rising in his cheeks. "Thank you, Milord. I won't be long." He grabbed the basket. Chris sat in the chair next to the cradle.
Adam smiled when he got down to the kitchen. His mother warmed the milk. He could hear the opera on the wireless. Paige was in the wash room, washing the nightly cocoa cups.
"Thank you, ma. Lord Christopher is watching the twins. Lords Roman and Seth are getting some sleep. Oh ma, they are simply precious and perfect." Adam spoke with adoration for the babies.
"I hope I can see them soon. That was nice of Lord Christopher." Judy was not aware of the deep feelings her son had for the tawny blond Lord.
"Yes, it was. I don't want to keep him waiting too long." Adam took the clean bottles and warmed them in a bath of hot water.
Mother and son worked together to fill the bottles for the twins. When they finished, Adam wrapped the bottles. He placed them in the small basket.
"Thank you, ma. You get some sleep. Not sure how long I will be. I love you." Adam gave his mother a warm hug and a kiss to the cheek.
Judy hugged her youngest close. "I love you, little Addy. Get some rest too. Now, go feed those babies." She sent her son upstairs with a kiss to his cheek.
Adam silently cracked open the bedroom door. Roman still slept, fully dressed, next to Seth. Lord Christopher sat in the chair and held one of the twins. Adam stepped into the room. He noiselessly walked over to Lord Christopher.
"She started to fuss. Here, I will feed her, you feed him." Christopher smiled when Adam handed him one of the warm bottles.
Adam gently picked up Reginald as he started to fuss. Adam deftly sat on the floor at Chris' feet. He put the nipple to the baby boy's mouth. He began to happily drink.
"You look nice with a baby in your arms." Chris leaned over to whisper in Adam's ear.
This time, Adam did blush, but it was hidden by the darkness. "They are so perfect. Sir, how do you know so much about it?" He was curious as to how Christopher knew how to take care of newborn babies.
Chris smiled. "I do charity work at an orphanage. I've helped look after babies there. I love children. I want lots of my own one day. Do you like children? How did you learn how to take care of them?" He was just as curious about Adam.
Adam adjusted the baby in his arms. "You are good to do work with children. I read a lot of books on caring for babies. It just feels… natural to me. I would love to have half a dozen children. I love them. Don't forget to rub the air out of her tummy."
Chris nodded. "Yes, I will. You handle him like you have raised half a dozen children." He smiled down at baby Beatrice. She still drank with vigor.
Adam ducked his head. "You are a fast eater, young Master." He draped a cloth over his shoulder. He then cradled Reginald to his shoulder and rubbed his back. It wasn't long before a soft "urp" came from the baby.
Chris had done the same with Beatrice. She too let out a little "urp". "She's wet. I'd better change her." He stood so he could lay the baby on top of the sideboard to change her.
The top of the sideboard was padded with a thick quilt. Adam stood, Reggie secure in his arms. He wanted to make sure Chris knew what he was doing in changing nappies.
Adam was impressed. Chris swiftly changed Beatrice. He gently put talcum on her little bottom. Chris even knew how to slip his fingers in to keep the pin from poking the baby. Baby Beatrice was clean, dry and fed.
Chris sat back down and gently rocked the baby in his arms. Adam soon had baby Reginald, clean, dry and in his arms. He laid the baby in the crib and rocked it.
Adam smiled, the baby let out a tiny yawn, blinked twice, then closed his eyes. Adam sat back down on the floor, but kept rocking the cradle. He enjoyed just being so close to Chris. If he only knew how Lord Christopher felt about him in return.
"You should go get some sleep, Milord." Adam whispered softly as he put the now empty bottles into the basket.
Chris smiled at the Footman. "I am alright. Here, you take the chair." He stood. He held his hand out to Adam to help the blond stand.
Adam barely took Chris' hand. He easily rose to his feet. For a moment, the Lord and Footman stood nearly eye to eye. A look passed between the two. It made Adam blush again. It unnerved him.
Adam sat in the rocking chair. He was surprised when Lord Christopher sat on the floor.
"I will keep you company, while you get some sleep." Chris looked up at Adam. You could see his smile in the moonlight.
"I will be alright, Sir. You should go get some sleep. Honestly." Adam had leaned forward a bit to whisper to Chris.
"Close your eyes and relax. Trust me, I am fine. They will be hungry again soon. You need to be rested." Chris spoke with a tone of friendly authority.
Adam shook his head. "Yes, Milord. But don't blame me if your back hurts in the morning." He was shocked at himself. He'd spoke to Lord Christopher in a flirtatious tone. It just felt natural, not improper.
Chris gave a near silent chuckle. "I won't promise. I just want to hear them breathe. I've… to many…" He let his words fade. A deep sadness crossed over his handsome face.
Adam could hear the sadness in Lord Christopher's voice. "Milord? What do you mean? The little Master and Mistress are fine and healthy." He wasn't sure what Chris talked about.
Chris leaned forward to speak. "In the orphanage… so many… we'd tuck them into their cribs at night… in the morning… dead. Doctor's don't know why. Bad living conditions before being brought to the orphanage, being abandoned… who knows. I just want to know my niece and nephew… are alive… breathing and alive. I don't want to have to bury another baby as long as I live." A lone tear glittered in the moonlight as it tracked down his face.
Adam didn't feel his own tears, because Chris' hand reached up and gently thumbed them away. The young Lord spoke again. "I didn't mean to make you cry, Adam. I just… wanted you to know there was more to me than… being the rich son of a Duke. I want to put my title to good use." Chris went from sad to resolute. He was determined to make something of his name and title… something good.
Adam looked down at Chris. For a moment, he forgot he was a servant and Chris was his better. They were just two men talking.
"I am sure you will. I had no idea what you do outside the house. I think helping the children at the orphanage is wonderful. I would love to do something useful." Adam spoke openly again forgetting who he was and his place in the world.
Chris sat up a bit more, to be able to look at Adam. "You are doing something useful, Adam. You, Calaway and others keep this house running like clockwork. You make a place where we are proud to entertain, even Royalty. That's a big thing, Adam. When father is able to give a grand party, things happen. Deals get made, money gets donated to places like the orphanage. That wouldn't happen if your mother didn't serve the best food in Belgravia, if not all of London. Calaway, with your help, makes everyone feel welcome. The maids keep everything spotless. Without that, nothing would happen. Because of Calaway and all of you, we have the best house in Belgravia, maybe even London herself, barring Buckingham Palace, of course. So see, Adam, you are helping… so very much. Oh…" Chris stopped when the twins began to waken with fussy sounds.
"I will go fix their bottles. I won't be a tick." Adam quickly stood and went to the door. He was shocked, Jason stood in the hall, two baby bottles in hand. Jason looked exhausted.
"Beth said you'd need these soon. Misty had her foal, a colt. I'm going to bed. I have time for a couple hours sleep. Goodnight, Addy." Jason handed Adam the bottles with a huge yawn.
"Thanks, Jay. Have a good sleep. I love you." Adam took the bottles and went back to Chris.
Once again the young Lord and Footman fed the twins. This time though, Chris fed Reginald and Adam fed Beatrice. The young men relished in the feeling, quietly in companionship.
When it came time to change the twins into clean nappies, they had very dirty bums. While it didn't smell very nice, they did their jobs and thoroughly cleaned their little bottoms.
"Paige will have fun washing these. That is one thing I am glad I don't have to do." Adam wrapped the soiled nappies up and put them in a basket.
"You two go to bed. I am up now. Thank you for letting me get some sleep." Roman spoke softly as he stood behind Chris and Adam.
Chris smiled. "It was no problem, brother. It was glad to help Adam. They have been fed and changed. They are ready to sleep again, aren't you little Bumble Bee." Chris cooed to the baby in his arms.
Roman chuckled. "Bumble Bee, I like it. Now, let's put my children down."
Adam stepped aside to give the brothers room to settle the twins in the cradle. He didn't mind. Not many parents of their status, took an interest in their children. He was glad the McMahon family were more forward thinkers.
"Roman? Roman?" Seth called out in a still sleep filled voice. He felt Roman's empty pillow.
Roman turned toward his husband. "I am here, love, with Chris and Adam. They kept watch over the babies during the night. The twins are safe, fed, clean and sleeping." He assured Seth softly.
"Thank you, Chris. You too, Adam. I appreciate it very, very much. The Nanny will be here later today, but I will still need you, Adam. Please, go get some sleep now and Chris, make sure Calaway knows to let Adam sleep in." Seth spoke with more authority.
Chris went to the bed and gave his brother-in-law a kiss on the cheek. "I will, don't worry. They are beautiful, Seth. Oh, they had dirty nappies and everything was perfectly normal." He gave Seth a wink.
"Goodnight, Milords." Adam spoke with a nod. He had the basket of dirty nappies in hand. He quietly left the bedroom of the Ambrose-Reigns-McMahon's.
Just as he got to the stairs, Adam was halted by Chris' hand on his shoulder. "Promise to go up to bed. I will leave word with Calaway to let you sleep in. I enjoyed our time together, Adam. Sleep well." Chris gave Adam a warm smile and pat on the shoulder.
Adam couldn't stop the flush on his cheeks, he was again glad for the near darkness. "I… enjoyed it too, Sir. Thank you. I promise, I will sleep after I take this downstairs. Goodnight, Milord." He gave Chris a smile of his own.
Adam hurried down to the kitchen. It was quiet. It would be a couple of hours before Paige came in at five to light the stove. He put the dirty nappies in a bucket to soak. He put the empty baby bottles in a pot to be boiled later. Adam yawned.
The blond footman went up to the fourth floor or the attic of the house. As a male, he slept on the north end, the girls and his mother were at the south end. Adam also had the luxury of having the room to himself. Jason had a room over the stables in the mews.
Adam stripped down to his undershorts. He poured icy cold water from the pitcher on the sideboard into the wash basin. The wash basin stood waist high, and was made of oak. A hole cut in the top allowed the porcelain bowl to be removed and dumped. He washed quickly, Adam hated cold water, it it was what it was.
Adam slipped into his clean nightshirt. He let his socks on as he climbed into his comfortable feather bed. He was asleep almost before he pulled the covers up to his chin.
Adam never heard the door to his room crack open. Lord Christopher Keith Irvine Jericho McMahon looked at the sleeping footman. He smiled.
Chris went down to his own room. Like his brothers and sister, he had a bedroom, small sitting room and a water closet.
He too had a quick wash. The water was cold as the boiler hadn't been lit yet. Chris didn't mind, it was what it was. He slipped into his silk pajamas and climbed into his bed.
As he drifted off, Chris had a vision. He and Adam pushed a pram through the park. The baby in the pram was theirs. It was Chris' fondest dream, but sons of Duke's didn't marry servants… or did they?
The next day, The Nanny, a progressive young woman named Renee Young came to the house. She instantly got alone with everyone, including the servants. Adam felt like he'd found another sister figure.
Renee also got along very well with Roman and Seth. The twins also seemed to like her. Adam helped when needed. Usually in the afternoons, so Renee could take a nap.
The twins were now across the hall from their parents, in the nursery. Renee slept there as well. By the end of the first week, things were settled into a routine.
The house of Duke Vincent Kennedy McMahon continued to run like a well oiled machine, under the watchful eye of Mark Calaway, Butler.
