On Saturday evening, Judy was in the kitchen with Paige, Beth and Becky. Judy had a fat chicken in the oven. She roasted it for the picnic tomorrow. Beth boiled and cleaned bottles and Becky kept an eye on the milk that warmed on the stove.
Paige was in the wash room. It was her job to boil and wash the dirty nappies. At times it was a nasty job, but she didn't mind. She loved helping Nanny care for Bea and Reggie.
Mark sat at the table and did what he did every Saturday evening. He carefully honed and sharpened all the knives Judy used in the kitchen. He also sharpened the knives Jason used in the mews for things like cutting leather or the bale twine of the hay. It was a job Mark found relaxing, but at the same time stressful. One wrong move, and a finger could easily be cut off. No one, not even Judy disturbed Mark when he did the knives.
Adam was in the mews with Jason. He helped his brother polish up the old two wheel carriage. They would use it tomorrow, to be pulled by Jason's horse, Thunderbolt.
Thunderbolt had been a Christmas gift to Jason from Dukes Vince and Eric, five years ago. They said Jason needed a good horse to run errands. It had been a wonderful gift, and young man and horse were fine companions. Thunderbolt had one problem, only Jason could ride, drive or groom him. It made Adam sad, he loved to ride, but had no horse of his own.
Sometimes though, Adam did ride Peppermint, the oldest mare in the mews. She was a good, general work horse and liked Adam, but she didn't belong to him.
Adam ran the polish cloth over the leather seat of the carriage. Jason could see his little brother was in deep thought. He was curious.
"Think you can stand being away from the little Master and Mistress for the afternoon?" Jason teased. Sometimes, humor was the best way to get Adam to open up and talk to him.
Adam looked at his brother and smiled. "Yes, I can. Their Lordships are taking them next door to the Hart's. It will be their first time out. Renee said Lita can help her. I just wish… well, if wishes were horses beggars would ride." He went back to polishing the leather.
Jason stopped the repair work he did on the harness leather. "What, Addy? What do you wish? Come on, talk to your older brother." He patted the bale of hay he sat on and made room for Adam.
Adam gave the leather a final swipe, then sat down next to his brother. "Well, why can't just you, ma and I go on the picnic? Why does Mark have to come along?" He spoke with anger in his voice.
Jason was taken back by the way Adam spoke. "Because, Addy. He likes ma and wants to spend time with her and us. What has Mark ever done to you? Why don't you like him?"
Adam sighed. "I do like him and I do respect him as the Butler. But… why ma? Jason, when pa died, it broke ma's heart. She doesn't need another man in her life. She has the two of us. We can take care of ma. We don't need Mark." He spoke what he felt, he couldn't help it.
Jason sighed. "Well, he is coming tomorrow, and ma is happy about it…" He was halted when Paige came into the stables and went to the brothers.
"Adam, Nanny wants you for bath time." Paige passed along the message she'd been given.
Adam stood. "Coming. See you later." He hurried off to help Nanny Renee. Paige followed.
Jason let out a sigh. He needed to talk to his mother. It was time Adam knew the truth. Maybe then, Adam would see Mark in a new light. Tomorrow would be a good time for it; he hoped. Jason hurried to finish the leather repair job.
When Jason went into the servant's sitting room, he smiled. Mark enjoyed his pipe and paper, the three girls sat with their sewing and his beloved mother worked on her knitting.
Mark looked up when Jason came in. He could see the young man had something on his mind. He was about to speak, but stopped when Jason leaned into whisper in his mother's ear.
Judy gave a nod. "Mister Calaway, could we use your private sitting room for a bit?"
"Of course you may, take your time. Paige, dear girl, you can prepare the cocoa now. Adam should be back soon." Mark spoke first to Judy, then to Paige. No need to upset the routine.
Judy led Jason to Mark's private sitting room. There was a sofa for two, with a low table in front of it. Under the window was a roll top desk, where Mark did all the household paper work and wrote letters. The furniture was oak, and the cushions were leather. It smelled of Mark's pipe tobacco and faintly of his aftershave.
Mother and son sat on the small sofa. "Now son, tell me what has you so upset?" Judy asked with worry etched on her face.
Jason sighed. "Ma, it's time. Adam needs to know. I think it will help him accept Mark on the more personal level. We could tell him at the picnic tomorrow. If there is any screaming and yelling it won't upset the house." He gave his mother a pointed look.
Judy let out her own sigh. "I knew the time was nearing. Yes, I suppose you are right. I only hope Adam will be able to handle it. You know how sensitive he can be." She looked worried.
Jason nodded. "It helped me, ma. When you told me. I know I am different from Adam, but… well yes, he is sensitive, but he is strong. So, tomorrow? I can tell him if you want." He would do whatever his mother thought best.
Judy caressed her son's cheek with a mother's affection. "No son, I will tell him. You just be there. You may have many pieces to pick up. Now, go have your cocoa. Tell Mark I need to see him. I need to tell him, so he too can be prepared."
"Alright, ma. Mother, I love you, very much. Things will be better. I will send Mark." Jason kissed his mother's cheek, then went to get the Butler.
Judy smiled when Mark came into his sitting room. He sat next to her on the sofa. "We've never been alone together in here before. Now, what is the problem, my dearest?" Mark spoke softly with a smile to match.
Judy looked at Mark. "Jason thinks it's time to tell Addy the truth. I feel he is right. It… might help him see you like Jason does. So, we will tell him tomorrow, at the picnic. I felt you needed to know. It is going to hurt my baby, Mark. Maybe I was wrong to hide the truth from him. You know Adam is so sensitive about things. I wanted to protect him. I think I was wrong, and you have paid for that mistake. I am sorry, Mark. Like I said, I hope when he learns the truth, he will see you in a new light." Judy gave Mark a look of worry so deep, it marred her pretty face.
Mark smiled at Judy. "My dearest Judith, you did what you thought was best for Adam. You can not be faulted for that. I do agree that it is time. I will stand back and let you and Jason tell him, but I will be close. Maybe it will help his relationship with me. He is respectful, and listens to me when it concerns his duties, but… I'd like for him to look at me as a… father figure, like Jason does. Now, we'd better join the others, before they have wicked thoughts. Judy, may I please kiss you?" He arched his brow at Judy. He was after all, a man in love.
"Oh Mark, please kiss me." Judy flushed.
Mark took Judy into his arms and kissed her, chastely, on the lips. They smiled at one another. Come what may, the Butler and Cook belonged to one another.
Mark and Judy returned to the servant's area. Jason listened to the wireless. "The girls went upstairs to get some material. Paige said she turned the chicken and it will be done in half an hour. She will make us fresh cocoa when they come back." Jason filled his mother in on the news.
Jason waved when Adam came down the stairs. "Test match, come listen Addy."
Adam shook his head. "No thank you, Jay. I want to read. Nanny Renee let me borrow one of her new books. It's by an American author, Frank L. Baum. It's called, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. It is a children's story, but it looks rather… wonderful. Oh yes, Nanny said thank you for the cocoa and biscuits." He went to his chair in the corner to read.
Jason shook his head. "You and your books. Well enjoy it, Addy. Just don't ask me the score every ten minutes." He turned his attention back to the wireless.
"Pretty soon, you'll be enjoying a pipe, looking like a professor, son." Judy smile at he baby boy.
"I'm saving my money. I saw a meerschaum pipe I liked at the Tobacconist when I got pipe cleaners for Lord Roman last week. I can buy it next month." Adam spoke with a bit of pride. He would be a man, when he could buy his own pipe.
"It will suit you, Addy. I like cigars or a cigarette better though." Jason winked as he trimmed, then lit the cigar he pulled out of his pocket.
The three maids came downstairs. The laughed softly as they helped Paige make fresh cocoa before they settled in for more sewing.
Ten minutes later, fresh hot chocolate served, and everyone was settled in. Beth cleared her throat to speak. "Missus Copeland, we made this for you, to wear to picnic tomorrow." Beth held out a hat.
The black hat was made of broad cloth, made stiff with starch. It had a wide brim, to protect Judy's face from the sun. A bow of pink satin circled the crown. It was beautiful. Judy gasped in surprise.
"Oh my dear girls, it is simply lovely. Thank you, so very much. You three could open a hat shop." Judy exclaimed. She tried on the hat and it fit her perfectly.
"Becky cut and starched it. I sewed it and Paige made the bow. It does look lovely, Missus Copeland. You do so much for us, we wanted to do something for you." Beth exclaimed. She held a small mirror, so Judy could see how she looked.
"Ma, it's so pretty. You three did a wonderful job. Wait… that's why you wanted my old vest. It is amazing." Adam grinned. His mother did indeed look beautiful in the hat.
Mark smiled. "It is lovely, ladies. It is quite charming. I'll have to dust off my hat tomorrow."
"It is nice, ma. You three are so sweet." Jason complimented with a puff of his cigar.
The three girls were pleased that Judy liked it. They chatted together as they went back to their own sewing. It was a cozy Saturday evening at the house of Duke Vincent McMahon.
On Sunday morning after downstairs and upstairs breakfast had been cooked, served and cleaned up, Judy worked on the picnic with Paige's help.
"Are you sure you and Becky don't want to come along? I know the boys wouldn't mind."
Paige buttered slices of bread. "No, Missus Copeland. We're happy to stay here with Beth. We can help, in case the family come back early from the Hart's."
"Beth will appreciate that. Now there is enough chicken for you girls, be sure to eat. Keep things tidy, dear. Oh, the salt and pepper for the hard boiled eggs!" Judy exclaimed as she put the wax paper packets in the basket.
Paige wrapped the buttered bread in parchment paper. "Everything will be fine here. Yes, we will remember to eat. I will make some mashed potatoes and spinach to go with the chicken. I'll go get the lemonade from the ice room."
The ice room was a small room, just off the wine cellar. Blocks of ice, packed in sawdust kept the room ice cold. The ice was also used to fill the icebox in the pantry. It was a luxury to have in the house.
Adam came down the stairs. "They've left for next door. You should have seen the twins, all dressed up. They looked so precious. Their Lordships couldn't have smiled any brighter. Mister Calaway is locking up. Paige; Beth and Becky will be airing the rooms. They said to call when luncheon is ready. May I go change now?"
"Yes, dear. I've about got the basket ready, thanks to Paige." Judy waved her son to go change.
Upstairs in his room, Adam changed. He put on a pair of light gray trousers and a white long sleeved shirt. He wore braces of navy blue. He carried his light gray felt hat. For a change, Adam wore his long hair, free and loose. He brushed it till it shone like silk. It fell to the middle of his back. After a last glance in the mirror, he grabbed his hat and went downstairs.
Just as he arrived in the servant's hall, Jason came in from the mews. "All hitched up and ready to go. Mark is tying the basket on."
Judy, dressed in a pretty calico blue dress with tiny pink flowers, put on her new hat. She pulled on a pair of black gloves. "There, I am ready."
"You look lovely, Missus C. Have a wonderful time. Jason, may I turn on the wireless?"
"Of course. There is a lot of good music on Sunday afternoon." Jason gave a nod and smile to Paige.
Judy gave Paige a hug. "Thank you. Not too loud with the wireless, my girl."
"I won't." Paige waved as Judy left with her sons. She sighed. She was glad to have some time to just sit.
Mark helped Judy into the two wheeler carriage. She sat in the middle, Adam one one side, Mark on the other. Jason jumped up onto Thunderbolt's back. He rode instead of driving, so there was enough room for his ma, brother and Mark. With a gentle kick to Thunderbolt's flank, they were off for Hyde Park.
It was a lovely May day in Belgravia, London. They passed fancy carriages and common ones. However, it was all the same, people out to enjoy a nice day.
When they got to Hyde Park, Jason took them away from the bandstand, up to the more wooded area in the northernmost part of the park. He picked a nice place with no one else around. There was room to let Thunderbolt graze on a picket line. Jason could fetch a bucket of water from the nearby pond.
Mark stepped out of the carriage first. "Let us spread the blanket first. We don't want you to get grass stains on your pretty dress. Adam, help me please." He went to the back of the carriage and took a large, thick blanket out of the pannier box of the carriage.
Jason unhitched his horse and secured him, by a long rope tied around a tree. He then hurried to help Mark and Adam spread the blanket. They anchored it down by the corners with small stakes. A large oak tree gave plenty of shade. It was a very lovely picnic area.
Mark assisted Judy down from the carriage. Jason retrieved the picnic basked and Adam carried the jug of lemonade.
"What a lovely place. Thank you, son for finding it. Should we eat, walk or talk first?" Judy asked as Jason and Adam set their things down on the blanket.
Jason wanted to get the difficult talk over with, but he didn't want to spoil the delicious luncheon his mother and the girls had worked so hard on.
Adam looked at his mother and brother, something didn't feel right. "Jay, what is going on? Why do you look like a sinner going to confession?"
Judy and Jason exchanged a glance. They hadn't expected Adam to pick up on things, at least not so quickly. Mark stepped in and spoke.
"We are near Bayswater. I am going to see if there is a candy cart. Get a treat to take back to the girls. When I get back, we can eat. Alright?" Mark was really saying, "get it over with." He gave Judy a smile of confidence.
"Alright, Mark. Paige loves sour balls. Thank you, Mark." Judy gave the Butler a pat on the arm.
Mark winked at Judy. "It will be alright. Boys, behave and I will also get you a treat."
It made both Jason and Adam laugh. As Mark left, the boys helped their mother to sit. Judy may have been fifty years old, but she was as spry as her twenty one year old son.
When Judy was comfortable, Jason and Adam joined her. Jason lay on his side, and cradled his head with his hand. Adam sat cross-legged and removed his hat. He flipped his hair a bit, to get rid of his "hat hair."
Judy grinned. "Your hair looks nice down, son. Both my boys are so handsome. I am a very proud and lucky mother."
Adam shook his head. "No, we are the luckiest sons in the world. We have the most beautiful and perfect mother in the world." He leaned over and kissed his ma's cheek.
"Yes, we do. Addy, you like to see ma happy, don't you?" Jason looked at Adam. He sat up and turned serious.
Adam rolled his eyes. "Of course I do, Jay. Is this about Mark again? I have no problem with him being ma's friend, but…" He wasn't sure how to say what he meant, without hurting his sainted mother.
Jason moved to sit across from his little brother. He looked at their mother. "I will do it." Judy gave a nod.
"Do what? Ma? Jay? What is going on?" Adam felt frustrated. What in the hell was going on?
Judy laid a hand on Adam's shoulder. "Listen to your brother. Then, I will have something to say."
Adam gave a nod and looked at his older brother. "Addy, you are old enough to know the truth. Father didn't die. He ran off with a harlot from the streets, just before you were born. I don't remember him much, but I do remember seeing him hit ma, more than once. Mark is the one that always looked after ma. They were all in service together, at the Old Duke's estate. So see, without Mark protecting ma… she could have been really hurt." Jason looked hard at his brother.
"Why? Why did you lie to me? We did you tell me pa had died?" Adam looked from his brother to his mother. Confusion was deeply carved on his face.
Judy reached over and caressed Adam's cheek. "I am sorry, son. We thought it was best, as to not bring shame on the house. We said your pa had been killed while out hunting. It didn't raise any questions, so the story stuck. I should have told you the truth sooner. I wanted to protect my little baby as long as possible. I also needed you to understand what Mark Calaway means to me. How he protected me, your brother, and you. He also kept you from being harmed while I carried you. And, before you ask, never Adam. While I was married to your pa, Mark was nothing more than a very good friend. The deeper feelings came later, after we came to Eaton Square. Oh son, I dreaded this day. I am afraid, I've lost you, trying to protect you." Judy spoke with emotion and wiped a tear from her eyes.
Adam's mind was muddled with confusion. Everything he thought he knew, had been a lie. How could a man abandon his family. How could a man hurt his expectant wife? How was keeping all this secret, protecting him? Adam never even noticed when he stood up and began to walk. He knew he had a lot of thinking to do.
Jason started to get up to follow his brother, but Judy stopped him. "Let him go, son. You know how he is. Adam has to figure it out for himself. I pray he can forgive me for lying to him. He doesn't understand how it used be at the Old Duke's estate. It would have been harmful, for everyone." Judy again dabbed her eyes.
"I remember a blond man… he slapped you. You cried…" Jason recalled the memory the one memory of his father he had. After all, he'd was only two years old then.
Judy leaned over and pulled her oldest into her arms. "I know, baby. It is alright now. He will never be able to hurt me again. I am sorry you have that memory. I only hope Adam will be alright." She held on to Jason and sighed.
Jason clung to his mother like he did when he was two years old. As he felt safer in his ma's embrace, her own pain faded. Judy hated the memory Jason carried. She hoped, eventually, it would fade away to nothing.
Adam just walked, his mind raced with thoughts. He supposed he could understand most of it. He'd heard stories and read books about how strict things were for servants when his ma was his age. He knew the Old Duke was very strict. He probably would have had his ma thrown out. So, keeping it secret was vital. He could forgive his ma for that.
Adam, stopped and sat on an isolated park bench. He thought about his dear ma, and how awful it must have been, to be hit by someone who was supposed to have loved her, especially when expecting a baby. Till now, his father was just a name. But, he had held the name in reverence, because he'd been told his father had been killed while hunting for food for the table. Now, the name meant nothing. It was the name of a monster, who'd hurt his ma, and run off with a harlot. To Adam, if his father wasn't dead before, he was now. Dead and forgotten.
Mark walked slowly through the park. His pockets held bags of treats from the candy vendor. He hoped the talk with Adam had gone well. There were things Adam needed to understand. He wanted the young man to know, he only wanted to protect Judy… the love for her had come later...at least as far as Judy knew. Mark had loved her for a long time before that, but no need in adding to things.
As he walked, Mark saw Adam on the park bench. His blond head was down, as if in prayer. Mark decided to take the opportunity. He cleared his throat gently to get Adam's attention.
When the blond looked up, his face was a mix of confusion, anger and tears. He indicated for Mark to sit on the bench next to him.
Mark pulled a small paper bag out of his pocket. "Horehound drop?" He rattled the red and white striped bag a bit, to tempt Adam.
Adam managed a small smile. "Thank you. They are my favorite…" He took one of the candy drops, but didn't eat it… yet.
Mark sighed. He put the bag back in his pocket. He pulled out a packet of cigarettes and offered one to Adam. The blond took one, as did Mark. He struck a match and lit Adam's first, then his. For a moment, the Butler and Footman sat and smoked.
"Your pa was once a friend of mine. We were young Gillies together, at the Old Duke's estate. When he met your mother, a young scullery maid, it was love at first sight. They went to the Duchess for permission to marry. It took a lot of talking, but they finally convinced her to allow it. Nine months later, Jason was born. Your pa… began to change. He told me he wasn't ready to be a father. He was still good and kind to your mother, but, he began to drink. Not much at first. He would do it in the stables, I watched. However, I minded my own business, but, I kept a close eye. He did his work, cared for your mother, but hardly ever looked at your brother. Your mother continued her work at the house, then would go home to their cottage, exhausted, yet she cooked and cleaned for your father and Jason…" Mark paused and lit another cigarette. Adam didn't want a second one, but he popped the drop of candy into his mouth.
With an exhale of smoke, Mark continued. "Things were alright, but your parents drifted further apart. Your father started going to the village pub. I would help him home, drunk, more than once. One night, when I got him home, I helped your mother put him to bed. Your mother asked me to stay a moment for a cup of tea. She told me you were on the way, and asked me how she thought your father might take it. I told her I would talk to him, make sure he knew where his duty lie. Not only to your mother, but to the house as well…" Again Mark paused to stub out his spent cigarette. Instead of lighting another, he turned more on the bench to face Adam.
Adam also looked at Mark. His hazel eyes took in every look on Mark's face, and his ears absorbed every word he said. Adam wanted to hear everything the man had to say.
Mark continued. "The next morning was Sunday, our day off. Something told me to go to the cottage… to be close. I always obey those feelings, and they have never steered me wrong. Sorry son, I digress. This next part may be… hard for you."
"It's alright, Sir. I have a fair idea… I am not as… weak as people think. After all I am twenty years old. Please, do go on." Adam spoke firmly. There was a spark of fire in his eyes.
Mark smiled. He took the chance and put a hand on the young man's shoulder. Adam allowed it. "Well, I was nearly at the cottage when I heard your mother scream followed by the sound of crockery smashed. I hurried to the cottage. I heard your father say some words about your dear mother I will never repeat. I opened the door, little Jason cowered in the corner and cried. Your mother had blood on the side of her mouth. Your father was about to hit her again. I… stepped in and stopped him. I hit him between the eyes. It gave me time to get your mother and brother outside to safety. Your father managed to pick himself up off the floor. He said more words I won't repeat. He said he wasn't going to be trapped by screaming brats. He said he had better waiting for him, and she knew better than to give more brats to the world. He grabbed his hat and left. No one ever saw him again. I thought of the story that he was killed while hunting. We buried an empty pine box. The Duke and Duchess vowed to care for your mother. A few years later, we came here as you know, with Dukes Vince and Eric…" Mark paused again, he stood.
Mark looked at Adam. "I never once had romantic feelings for your mother before we came to London. I have grown to love her very much. I have nothing but respect for her. Adam, I love you and Jason, like you were my own. I wish you could accept my feelings for your dear mother. I hope, when we retire, we will marry. But, that will be up to you. I know Judy well enough to know, without your blessing, she would never consider it. You are a man, Adam. It is up to you." Mark gave Adam a firm nod. He walked away, he needed his Judy.
Adam watched as Mark walked away. He took a moment to think about everything. A lot of things made sense now. Maybe he had been wrong. He thought Mark wanted his mother for just one thing, he knew now that wasn't even close. Mark wanted her because he loved her. Adam stood. He knew what he had to do.
Mark returned to where Judy and Jason waited. "I saw Adam. I told him everything. It is up to him now. I am getting rather hungry, but, I guess we should wait." Mark sat down on the blanket, close to Judy.
Jason scoffed. "He can eat when he gets here. I say we eat now." His tummy growled in agreement.
Judy smiled. "Give him five more minutes. If he doesn't come back by then we can eat. I am glad he knows, Mark. It was time. I just hope he understands now." She sighed.
"I am going to water Thunderbolt. You children behave." Jason winked at his mother and Mark.
"You are a naughty boy, William Jason Christian." Judy exclaimed as her son walked away.
Mark took Judy's hand in his and kissed, a love filled look in his eye. "Oh, I almost forgot. I got you some peppermint drops." Mark reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a large red and white striped paper bag.
"Thank you, Mark. I will enjoy them. I hope my baby is alright." Judy's eyes filled with worry.
"I'm fine, ma." Adam stated as he sat down on the blanket. He leaned over and kissed his mother's cheek.
Judy pulled Adam into her arms. "My baby. Please understand, I just wanted to protect you. Please, don't hate me… or Mark."
Adam pulled back and looked at his mother. "I could never, ever hate you. I love you more than anyone or anything. I do understand, I do. I am glad I know the truth. I am sorry you were hurt by… him. I am glad Mark was there to help you and Jason…" He turned from Judy to Mark.
"Sir, Mister Calaway, Mark, you have my blessings to… court our mother. I understand everything much better now. I know, without any doubt, ma is safe in your hands. I am sorry for any previous rude behavior towards you, Sir. I hope you understand. All I want is ma's happiness. But, Mister Calaway, if you ever hurt her… It will be the last thing you ever do." Adam's eyes burned into Mark's.
Mark held up his hands. "I would never hurt her, Adam. Oh, we argue a times, but that is normal. Trust me, I know where your stubborn streak comes from. Thank you, Adam. That means everything to me. I also want you to know, you can come to me, anytime, as a friend or… even a father. I love you." Mark gave Adam a pat on the shoulder.
Judy wiped her eyes. "Thank you, Addy. That means the world to me. I am happy… even happier now. I love you, son." She hugged Adam close.
Jason sat back down on the blanket. "Now that Adam has his head out of his ass, can we eat?"
"William Jason Christian! Wash that heathen mouth of yours. Shameful, just shameful. Now apologize to your brother or no luncheon for you." Judy spoke absolute parental authority.
Jason hung his head. "I'm sorry, Addy. I… well… I'm glad you're alright now. You know I didn't really mean it. I am sorry to you too, ma. Mark, you as well. Can we please eat?"
"I forgive you, Jay. You can't help your dirty mouth. Seriously though Jay, I do understand. I want ma happy. Mark makes her happy. Now, let's eat." Adam gave his older brother a playful nudge.
Judy opened the picnic basket. Soon mother, sons and Mark enjoyed the delicious roast chicken, spinach salad and hard boiled eggs with bread and butter. They also had cups of icy cold lemonade. There was chocolate cake for dessert. An hour later, after the mess was cleaned up, they all rested.
Mark was on his back, his head in Judy's lap, as she leaned back against the tree. Adam's head rested on his mother's thigh. Jason lay on his stomach, feet in the air. They listened quietly as nature sang her symphony.
Adam sat up a bit. "Listen, you can just hear the concert at the bandstand." He laid back down.
"Sounds lovely, even from here." Judy spoke softly. She let her fingers gently trace through Mark's long, dark auburn hair.
Mark's eyes were closed, but he was aware of everything. "Would you like to go to the bandstand, my dear?"
Judy smiled down at Mark. "No thank you. I like it here better. Adam dear, tell us about that book you read. About the talking scarecrow and lion." She loved to hear Adam tell about the stories he'd read.
"Alright. It was a fantastic story. It starts in the American state, called Kansas. The little girl is named Dorothy…" He went on to tell about The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
"...so in the end, Dorothy knew, there was never any place as wonderful as home." Adam finished with a smile.
"Makes me glad we don't have twisters in England. That is a good story, Adam. Come on, help me hitch up. I've got to get back soon. Horses need tending." Jason sighed as he stood.
Adam also stood. "You just want to do some sparkin' with Maxwell."
Mark and Judy laughed softly as Jason and Adam playfully bickered. They folded the blanket as the boys hitched Thunderbolt to the two wheeler.
It had been a good day. Adam felt like a new man. Learning the truth about his father had helped him understand things. The most important thing, his ma was truly happy with Mark.
Adam wondered though, would he ever find that kind of happiness? He wanted it… with Lord Christopher.
