A/N: Remember, in this period of time, before they reached the age of twenty-one, young boys and girls were referred to as Master and Mistress. After the age of twenty-one, their titles were given, such as Lord, Lady, Duke, Duchess, ect. If they did not inherit a title, they became Mister or Miss. I didn't want you taking the terminology to mean something else. I am trying to stay as true to the language, traditional at the time. All the best, LDB.
A week after Mark and Judy's wedding, Becky and Beth were in Master Shane's room. They cleaned, polished and put fresh linens on the bed, and clean, fluffy towels in the water closet. The worked hard, Shane would be on the three-fifteen train. His parents had already left to pick him up, driven by Jason in the open landau carriage.
Down in the kitchen, Judy stood like a sentinel over the hot stove. She was in the process of cooking Shane's favorite dishes. One was a steamed pudding, that contained lots and lots of dried fruit. It had the peculiar name of Spotted Dick. Despite the name, it was extremely delicious. The other dish she prepared was roast pheasant.
Mark came into the kitchen, and frowned when he saw his dear wife. Judy's face was beet red from the steam rising out of the large kettle on the stove.
"Dearest, let Paige do that. You should rest." Mark spoke with deep concern. His worry was not only voiced in his tone, but carved deeply on his face.
Judy turned to look at her husband, a very large wooden spoon in her hand. "I love that you worry, dear. However, Paige can not do this. There is fine line between perfect and ruined. I won't have Master Shane's pudding ruined. It won't be much longer. Now, out of my kitchen, I have to baste the pheasant." She moved to open the oven door.
"Alright, dearest. The pheasant smells wonderful." Mark sighed. He loved a good roast pheasant, but this meal was for upstairs.
Judy grinned after Mark left. Little did her husband know, there was another pheasant roasting for their supper, in the second oven. Duke Shawn Hart had sent over two pheasants. Duke Eric had told Judy to cook one of the birds for the servants supper. She had kept it as a surprise for Mark.
Adam was with Seth in the nursery and helped feed the twins. Roman and Chris had gone riding with Dean and Kenny. That meant Adam spent the afternoon with Seth. They had become fast friends.
Adam chuckled softly. "He does have a very good appetite. I hope they are back before Shane gets home. I…" He let his words fade, worry marred his handsome face.
Seth understood. "Adam, Shane will be alright. Don't worry about it. Especially when he sees how much Chris loves you." He gave Adam a bright smile of encouragement.
Adam held Reginald to his shoulder. "I hope so. He isn't here all the time. You know how boarding school can be. Honestly, I am glad I went to the village school at the old estate." He rubbed Reggie's back in small circles.
"I went to a village school. I agree with you. When we moved to London and I was sent to Eaton, I hated it. Being a Viscount's son… is pretty low there. At least it was only for one year." Seth gave Adam a wink and put Beatrice to his shoulder. She had finally finished her bottle.
Adam smiled. "Good boy, Reggie…" The baby had burped, then cooed. Adam adjusted Reggie in his arms, and gently rocked in the chair. "I forgot you were raised in a smaller village. Your grandfather was the Vicar, if I remember correctly." He smiled again when Reggie yawned.
Seth laughed as Bea let out an "urp" so loud, it made her brother startle a bit. "What a rude, little lady. You scared your brother…" He adjusted Bea so he could rock her to sleep.
Seth continued. "Yes, grandfather was a Vicar. When he passed, my parents moved to London. I miss them. They never got to meet their grandchildren. That is why I hate train travel." He sighed, with a bit of sadness.
"I remember. You and Roman had just returned from your Paris honeymoon. Your parents carriage… I am so sorry, Seth. You know, if you ever need a mother's hug, ma would be there for you." Adam gave Seth a soft smile.
The carriage Seth's parents traveled in had been hit by a train. Seth's parents, the Coachman and the four horses were killed instantly. They had been on their way to welcome Seth and Roman home from their wedding trip. It had been a sad time in the household.
Seth smiled at Adam. "I will remember that. You know, your mother was always the best the cook in London, but since she married Calaway… she could be the head cook for King Edward."
Adam quietly laughed. "Yes. I think marriage agrees with her very well. Oh, they are back." He smiled when he heard, Chris, Dean and Roman speak in the hallway. He smiled brightly when Chris and Roman came into the nursery.
"Hello, love." Chris spoke softly and gave Adam a kiss. He then gave Reginald's cheek a caress with his fingers.
Adam still smiled. "Hello, darling." He turned from Chris to Roman. "Here, rock your son." Adam got up and handed Reggie to his father.
Roman smiled at Adam. "Thank you." He sat in the rocker next to Seth and Beatrice.
"See you later, Seth." Adam kissed Seth's cheek, and led Chris out of the nursery. He felt now that Roman was home, he and Seth should be alone with their children.
"Let's go to your room, love. Sit on the balcony, it is such a lovely day." Chris stated as he led his fiance to his room.
Once they were in Adam's room, with the door closed, Chris pulled Adam in for a kiss. When the kiss broke, Chris spoke. "I missed you, my love."
Adam led Chris out to the small balcony. They sat on the small, two person white wicker seat. Chris had bought the small sofa a couple of days ago. There was a small table as well, so they could have tea on the balcony.
When they were seated with Adam settled in Chris' arms, the blond spoke. "I missed you, too. Shane should be here soon." He laid his head on Chris' shoulder.
Chris held Adam close. "I can't wait to see him. Your mother is making his favorite, Spotted Dick. She said to tell you she loves you." He kissed Adam's temple.
"Ah, that's why we didn't hear the doorbell. You came in through the kitchen." Adam laughed softly.
Chris chuckled. "It's faster. Plus, once your mother gave Dean some biscuits, he likes it too. Oh, um… about Dean. He and Kenny had a bit of row. Dean is a bit … miffed because Roman and I took Kenny's side." His chuckle turned into a sigh.
"Can you tell me? Or is it private?" Adam asked with concern on his face. He knew Dean and Chris were normally extremely close.
Chris sighed. "Apparently Regal asked Kenny to dinner next week and he is going to go. Dean told him not to. Kenny said it was to thank him for the help he gave Regal on a difficult case. Dean didn't believe it. He thinks Regal asked Kenny out to make him jealous. Kenny was upset that Dean thought that. Kenny assured Dean it was just a reward for his efforts. Roman and I knew Kenny spoke the truth. Dean took it the wrong way. It all went sideways. It was silly really. I think there is more to it, on Dean's side. The problem is, Dean explodes, then he thinks. I'll try to talk to him…" Chris halted when a knock echoed on the door.
Adam got up to answer the knock. "Hello, Dean. Are you alright?" Worry scanned over Adam's face. Dean looked like he'd just lost everything he ever loved.
"Chris? I need to speak to him." Dean's voice cracked with emotion. His eyes full of moisture.
Adam gently pulled Dean into the room, and led him to the balcony. "Sit. Talk. I will be down with ma. Remember, nothing, absolutely nothing is more precious than family. I love you both. Also, remember, Shane will be here soon." He left the two brothers to talk.
Adam went down to the servant's hall. He hoped Dean would be alright… and Chris. He was jolted out of his thoughts by Mark.
"Son, are you alright?" Mark was concerned, Adam was a million miles away.
Adam looked at his now step-father. "I'm fine. Brother problems upstairs. I left them to talk. Oh, it's supper time for you. I will just go sit in my chair." He looked at the girls. They were busy dishing up supper. His mother wasn't to be seen.
"Come, sit at the table. You can have a cup of tea. Your mother is in the WC." Mark led Adam to the servant's table. Jason and Cody sat in their places and talked quietly.
"Hello, brother. Eating with us tonight?" Jason asked as Adam sat in the chair Mark had pulled up for him.
"Hello, brother. Hello, Cody. No, Chris wants me at Shane's welcome home supper. Dean and Chris are having a brother talk on my balcony." Adam explained as he sat.
Adam chuckled, just as he sat, his mother came into the room. He, Jason, and Cody stood. Mark stood as well, and held the chair for his wife. Judy spoke as she sat. The men sat when she was settled.
"Son, you alright? I thought you were dining upstairs to welcome Master Shane." Judy asked as the girls brought the supper to the table. The pheasant was covered, so Mark would be surprised.
Adam nodded. "I am…" He explained again, but he didn't mind. "… so just tea for me, please."
Judy frowned. "I thought Lord Dean was upset. He didn't try to talk me out of some biscuits. They will work it out. It is nice to have you here. Now…" Judy reached over and lifted the cover from the pheasant.
"For you, dearest. Duke Shawn sent it just for you." Judy smiled at her husband.
Mark beamed. "I must thank him. You are a very naughty girl, hiding it. It looks splendid. Let us pray." He bowed his head, the others followed.
Upstairs, Dean sighed. "...so, I made a fool of myself, didn't I?" He looked at Chris.
Chris had an arm around Dean's shoulders. "Perhaps, just a bit. You know Kenny would never betray your heart. I do think you could be right about Regal though. He might be trying to get to you, through Kenny. If he can break the two of you apart, Regal might think you would turn to him. I would hope that would not be the case. You know what I really think?" He looked at Dean.
Dean scoffed. "I probably do. Regal wants a Ducal title, and thinks a marriage to me will get it for him. Does he not realize, Roman will inherit as the oldest?"
Chris made a "hum" sound. "Well… I may inherit. Technically Roman isn't a McMahon. Honestly, I would rather see Roman get it. He deserves it and he knows Parliament. I would make a right mess of it. Roman and I need to speak to father about it. But, that is besides the point. Dean, why don't you stop working for Regal. It would solve the problem." Chris shrugged.
Dean shrugged as well. "To be honest, I've thought about it. I do enjoy the work. Regal gets interesting cases. I've done the wrong thing and not to be rude, but I am talking to the wrong person. I need to swallow my pride, take my hat in hand and talk to Kenny. I have time before Shane and our parents get here. If I am late, tell pa I will be home for supper. Thank you, brother. Again, I am sorry I snapped at you. I love you, Chrissy." Dean gave Chris a wink and jumped up before Chris could smack him upside the head.
Chris laughed. "Glad to help. I love you, brother. Go get your man, I will tell poppa. Be good, Deannie." He laughed again when Dean rolled his eyes.
Chris went to find Adam, and ran into Roman in the hall. Roman spoke. "I guess Dean talked to you? I am glad. You're a good man, Chris. It was a great day when our parents married. I love Dean, but sometimes, I just do not understand him. I am glad he has you. Between the two of us, we can keep him on the rails. Love you, brother. Now, I have to bathe. Seth said I smell like Brimmer."
Chris chuckled. "So you smell like a mare? Not sure how I'd feel about that. Seriously, I love you and Dean. Brothers are special. Can't wait for Shane to get here. He will be surprised at my news; and Adam. Have a nice bath." He gave Roman a pat on the shoulder. Chris decided a bath was good idea himself. He headed off to his room, and Roman went to his.
"I am going to go get ready for supper. I want to look my best. I hope it goes well." Adam spoke as he finished his tea. The others were almost finished with their supper.
Mark spoke. "I will come up in a bit and help you with your collar and tie. I am sure it will be fine." He gave Adam a wink with a grin.
Adam kissed his mother's cheek. "Love you, ma. Thank you, Mark. I will wash up first." He said goodbye to the others and headed upstairs to his room. Adam knew Chris was in the bath, he'd heard the hot water boiler gurgle.
Adam opted not to take another bath, and he'd washed his hair that morning as well. He stripped off his to his undershorts and socks. Adam filled the sink with hot water and quickly washed and dried.
Next, Adam brushed and brushed his blond hair until it fell like silk to the middle of his back. Chris loved it down, so he wore it that way. After all, he didn't have to worry about keeping it out of the way of serving. Adam trimmed his short, neat beard. Lastly he brushed his teeth with the minty tooth powder. He splashed on a bit of the cologne Chris had given him. It has a spicy scent with a sweet, floral under note. Chris said it was like Adam, sweet underneath, but spicy when pushed.
Adam chose the navy blue suit. It was Chris' favorite on him, and it was Adam's favorite as well. He had just finished tucking in his shirt when Mark arrived to help him with the stiff collar and tie.
"You look and smell nice, son. Here, turn around. I will hold the collar in place." Mark spoke with a smile.
Adam turned his back to Mark. As Mark held his collar in place, Adam tied his tie and spoke. "Thank you. You know, I remember when you taught Jason and I how to tie our ties. You really were always a father to us. Um… Mark, could I call you father… sometimes?" Adam turned to face Mark.
With emotion filled eyes, Mark spoke with a gruff, emotion filled voice. "I would be honored, son."
Adam looked at Mark. "Thank you, father. I am scared. I'm worried that Master Shane won't be as accepting as everyone thinks. I know how boarding school can change people." His face was distorted with worry.
Mark put his hands on Adam's shoulders. "I hope so too, but no matter what happens, remember one thing; Lord Christopher loves you, with all his heart. Their Graces love you and have accepted you. Lords Roman, Seth and Dean have accepted you, as has Lady Stephanie. Adam, if he does say something, keep yourself in check. You and Jason have one fault, you both react, then think. Just be yourself. You have settled in very well up here. Your mother and I are proud of you. Now, you will find someone anxiously waiting for you in the morning room." He gave Adam's perfectly tied tie a final adjustment.
Adam smiled. "Thank you. You always know what to say to lift me up. You're right. Chris is the one that matters most. Oh, I just realized, the twins are one month old today. Say…" He leaned in to whisper in Mark's ear.
Mark gave a chuckle. "I am sure she can. Well come on, let's get you to the morning room." He gave Adam a nod, with another wink.
Chris stood and greeted his fiance with a kiss as Adam entered the room. Adam smiled at Chris. "Hello, love. Hello, Stephanie." He greeted Stephanie with a kiss to the cheek as she sat on the leather sofa. She smiled brightly at Adam.
"Hello, Adam. I think you look so handsome in that suit." Stephanie complimented. She patted the sofa and indicated for Adam to sit.
Adam sat next to Stephanie. "Thank you. I love that blue dress as well." He complemented in return.
Before Stephanie could respond, Roman and Seth entered the morning room. Greetings were exchanged by Adam, Chris and Stephanie. Seth settled on the sofa next to Adam. Roman and Chris sat in the chairs across from them.
Roman looked over at the mantel clock. "Oh, it's stopped. I'd better wind it." He started to get up.
Adam stood. "I'll do it. It is a bit tricky and I'm used to it. Tell me what time it is." He went over to the fireplace, where the old clock sat on the mantel.
"Five O'clock on the dot." Chris spoke as he looked at his gold pocket watch. The distant bells of the great tower confirmed the hour.
As Adam wound the clock, chaos broke out. The door bell rang. The voices of Eric, Vince and a young man could be heard as they entered the house. Mark could be heard as he welcomed Shane home.
Fifteen year old Shane Brandon Jericho Patterson McMahon burst into the morning room. He ran to Chris and hugged his elder brother. He then moved to his sister. Stephanie kissed Shane several times on the cheeks. Shane then hugged and greeted Roman and Seth. The young man fairly danced around the room, he was so happy to be home. Vince and Eric were welcomed by their children as well.
Adam had wound the clock, but stood back out of the way. Even though he was better, he sometimes still got that in between feeling, this was one of those times. He smiled when Chris came over to him. Before they could speak, Shane came over to the couple.
"Oh hello, Copeland. Make sure that new boy is careful with my trunk. Unpack it for me." Shane spoke like the young master he was. He hadn't yet been told about Chris and Adam.
Chris spoke up. "I am sure Rhodes will handle everything perfectly. Shane there is something you need to know…" He paused and pulled Adam in close, by the waist. "Shane, Adam is my fiance. We are getting married at the end of July." He looked at his little brother, a look of pride in his eyes as he spoke of their wedding.
Shane looked at Chris "You what?" He wasn't sure he'd heard correctly. A Lord marrying a servant?
Adam tried to pull away. He could tell Shane was not going to support their marriage. Chris tightened his grip around Adam's waist.
"I said, Adam and I are getting married. On July twenty-ninth, at eleven in the morning. Is there a problem?" He looked at Shane, brow arched. He kept a firm hold on Adam.
Before Shane could respond, Dean burst into the room. He nearly dragged Kenny Hart by the hand. "Shane! Welcome home! Kenny said yes! We're getting married!" Dean shouted he was so happy.
Everyone stood like silent statues for a moment as they processed what Dean had just said. Roman was the first to speak.
"Congratulations, brother. Kenny, welcome to you brother. It is about time." Roman hugged Dean, then Kenny.
Chris took Adam by the hand and led him over to the newly engaged couple. "Congratulations. See, talking always works. Welcome to the family, Kenny." He too hugged the couple.
"I'm so happy for both of you. Congratulations." Adam added with a smile. He too was pleased for Dean and Kenny.
Dean and Kenny were swamped by the others. Shane hugged Dean like a happy puppy. Vince took Dean aside as Kenny was hugged again.
"Don't worry, son. I will handle Regal if he tries to cause problems. Congratulations. I love you, son." Vince gave his step-son a fatherly hug.
Eric came over to his son. "My baby, I am so happy for you. I love you so much. Your father Sika, is smiling down on you from Heaven." He hugged and kissed his youngest. Tears fell from his eyes.
Dean hugged his poppa. "I love you. I hope so, I always want to make father happy…" He turned to Vince. "Thank you father. I love you. Thanks also for the help with Regal if needed, I don't think he will be very happy." Dean grinned.
After more chatter, Mark announced that dinner was served. Adam knew a place would have been added for Kenny without a minute of stress. He just hoped Jason wasn't going to assist. He also worried about Shane. Adam had the feeling the young man had more to say.
When they got to the dining room, Adam had been right. There was a place set, next to Dean. Chris took Adam by the hand and led him to the table.
Chris held the chair next to his place for Adam. Before Adam could sit, Shane slid into the chair.
"Shane, that is Adam's place. You're across from me." Chris looked at his little brother.
"But, I always sit here, between you and Stephanie." Shane spoke in annoyed tone of voice.
Eric frowned. "Shane…" He was halted by Adam.
"It's alright. I will sit here. He hasn't seen his brother and sister for awhile. It's only right he sits between them." Adam spoke as he sat in the chair across the table from Chris.
"Thank you for being so kind, Adam." Eric spoke with a warm smile to the blond, who now sat at his left, as Eric sat at the foot of the table.
Chris looked at Adam. He mouthed in silence. "Thank you. I love you, very much."
Adam flushed. "I love you, very much." He mouthed in return.
Vince led his family in a short prayer before the meal. "Amen" was chorused as the prayer ended.
Adam was glad, Jason wasn't there. Cody, Mark and Beth served. He knew Becky was behind the screen. Adam also noticed, Mark maneuvered to be the one to serve him. Adam was grateful.
"Pheasant, my favorite." Shane exclaimed as Cody served him.
Vince spoke up. "Be sure to thank your Uncle Shawn. He sent it over, just for you."
"I will." Shane answered and began to eat like he hadn't had a decent meal in weeks.
Adam ate his meal in silence. The conversation at the table was mostly about Dean and Kenny's engagement.
"… so, we will marry, next April. We will both finish our studies at Oxford then. We won't have our wedding on top of yours." Dean spoke to everyone, but looked at Chris, then Adam who sat at his right. He gave Adam a brotherly nudge.
Before either Chris or Adam could respond, Shane spoke. He started to tell about his time at school. Shane spoke with great excitement.
"… so, I will be the captain of our cricket team when I go back in September." Shane ended with a huge bite of his food.
Vince beamed at Shane. "That is very good, son. I am sure you will lead Eaton to victory. Adam, have you given any more thought to helping Roman and I?" He looked at his future son-in-law from his place at the head of the table.
Adam opened his mouth to speak, but Shane spoke first. "Oh that reminds me, may I come to your office? I can earn extra points if I do a paper on a member of Parliament. Who better to write about than my own father." Shane looked at Vince and took another bite of food.
Eric spoke. "Shane, I know you're excited to be home. However, you interrupted Adam. You need to apologize." He gave Shane a very parental look.
Shane looked at Adam. "I'm sorry."
Adam smiled at the teen. "It's alright, Shane. I know you are excited to be back home."
Chris spoke next. "So love, tell father." He gave Adam a smile of encouragement.
Adam looked at Vince. "Yes, Sir. I will do what I can to help. I would like to do it from here. After the wedding, I could come to the office. I've been expanding my German studies and I have also started with Russian. Chris kindly bought some good books for me." He smiled at Vince. He was anxious to be of help to Vince and Roman at Parliament.
Before Vince could respond, Shane chimed in. "I can help you, father. I have had German classes. I got the highest marks in the class." Shane spoke with a bit of a smug tone. He knew was smarter than a servant.
Chris was not happy with Shane's attitude. "That's good, Shane. Adam speaks fluent German, French and Spanish. He also knows Italian. I am sure he would be glad to help you study any time…" He looked from his little brother, to his father. Chris continued. "We decided until after the wedding, it would be better for Adam to work from here. Adam, poppa and Missus Calaway have a lot of plans to make. Adam needs to be here." Chris explained the decision he and Adam had recently reached.
Vince gave a nod. "Sound decision. I am in the process of writing a letter to the German Councilor I am in contact with. I was having to wait for one of our translators. I will bring it home tomorrow. You can help me then. I really do appreciate it, son."
Once again, Shane spoke right up. "I can help you, father. We learned all about the Dundestag in German lessons." He finished his dinner with a scrape of his fork across his plate.
"It's Bundestag with a "B". It roughly translates to Federal Diet." Adam spoke first to Shane, then turned to speak to Vince. "I will be more than happy to help you. Anything that could stop all the saber rattling. I am sure with you working on it, it will turn out alright." Adam smiled brightly at his future father-in-law. Adam was anxious to help.
Shane snarled at being corrected, especially by a servant. "I will help too, father. You have to know how to speak to government officials. Who is Missus Calaway? I would have thought his mother would help." Again he had a rather smug tone.
"Shane, what is wrong with you? I suggest you have a bit more respect for your future brother-in-law. Missus Calaway is Adam's mother. She and Mark were married last Sunday, upstairs, in the drawing room. It was a lovely wedding." Chris' tone was sharp. All while Chris had spoken, Mark, Cody and Beth cleared the table.
Shane sighed. "I'm sorry, Chris. Sorry, Copeland."
Eric arched his brow at Shane, but before he could speak, Mark came out from behind the screen. He carried a sliver tray, with two small, decorated cakes. One had an "R" piped in icing while the other a "B". Each little cake had one small, lit candle. He put the tray down in front of Seth and Roman.
"How lovely!" Seth exclaimed with a bit of awe.
Roman nodded and spoke. "Yes, but… I don't understand."
Adam ducked his head and spoke. "Today is the twins one month birthday. I thought it would be nice to celebrate."
Eric reached over and laid a hand on Adam's shoulder. "You are always so thoughtful. My own grandchildren and I didn't even think of it. Thank you, son. Yes, it should be celebrated. We are all still so thankful to you for saving Bea's life." He smiled with pride at his soon to be son-in-law.
"What happened to Bea?" Shane arched his brow at Eric. He'd been told so much on the carriage ride home. Shane had yet to see his niece and nephew. He couldn't wait to see them.
Seth explained to Shane what had happened. As he spoke, Calaway, Rhodes and Beth served dessert. Roman took half of each cake, and Seth the other two halves.
"… so he went down and got the paste. He also found the stinger. When the Doctor pulled it out, he said the paste and Adam's quick actions probably saved her life." Seth finished and took a bite of cake.
Roman spoke. "She battled a high fever for a few, tense hours. But, with Adam's help and watchful care, she quickly recovered. Thank the Lord. Adam, tell your dear mother thank you. This fruit cake is delicious." He took a big bite of said cake.
"I will, thank you. I only knew what to do because of my brother. Ma read a book about making the paste." Adam again ducked his head and flushed a bit.
"Why didn't you remove the stinger? That's probably why she got the fever." Shane spoke in a very nasty tone of voice. He was upset. A servant dared to sit at the table and talk like he was one of them. A thought came to Shane's mind, and he didn't like it.
"Shane Brandon Jericho Patterson McMahon, watch your tone and watch your words. This is not the way you were raised. Everyone of us, told Adam not to worry. That you would accept him and welcome him to the family like we have. Yes, it is unusual, but you know we are progressives. Adam has been and will be a wonderful addition to the family…" Vince spoke sternly to his youngest. He softened a bit, and continued to speak.
"...And for your information, the Doctor himself said Adam was right in not removing the stinger. He said it could have been pushed in deeper, and quite possibly could have caused Bea to be even more ill… perhaps… even worse. Adam knew exactly what he was doing, thanks be to God. Now, behave yourself." Vince ended in a return of a stern tone of voice.
Shane slumped in his chair. "I am sorry. I am very glad you were able to help baby Bea." He looked at Adam briefly. He sounded sincere, but was he?
Adam gave a nod. "Thank you, Shane. I understand it is… different. I just want you to know, I love Chris very much. Maybe we could go riding, have a picnic. I've gotten to know a lot of good things during picnics in the park." Adam hoped maybe Shane was just overly tired and overly excited to be home again.
"Um… yes… maybe. It would be good to ride Merlin again. I wish I could take him to Eaton." Shane sighed as he thought of his gelding in the mews.
Eric looked at Shane. "You know the rule. No personal horses at Eaton. Wait till you see Misty's latest foal. Also a month old today."
The talk continued over dinner. This time Eric turned the attention to Dean and Kenny. Dean explained a bit, but left out the things about Regal.
"… so, we worked our disagreement out, and I just decided why not. We love each other. Besides, with Chris and Adam, and Mister and Missus Calaway, the romance in the air was contagious. We really do want to wait until April. I have to go to the bank tomorrow and get grandfather's ring for Kenny." Dean finished, picked up Kenny's hand and kissed the back of it.
Eric beamed. "I am so happy for you two. I can't wait to talk to Shawn and Bret. There is a lot of romance in the air. By the way Shane, Missus Calaway made this meal and dessert just for you. Calaway, be sure to tell your lovely wife we enjoyed it very much." He gave Mark a nod.
"I will, Your Grace." Mark spoke softly with a nod.
Shane spoke up. "Yes, thank her for me. No one makes pheasant and Spotted Dick better than her." This time his words were honest and polite. Like the way Shane normally spoke.
Mark smiled. "I will pass on your compliment, Master Shane." He gave the young man a nod.
Adam grinned. "She will appreciate that. She stands two hours over a steaming kettle of water. She said it keeps her young looking."
Chris laughed. "As much as Shane likes Spotted Dick, Judy will look twelve years old by the time he returns to Eaton." His words made everyone chuckle. Adam noticed Mark bit his lip to keep from laughing out loud.
Eric spoke. "Let's go to the morning room. We have a lot of catching up to do." He stood, the others followed. The family moved toward the morning room.
"We are going up to check on the twins. Do you want to come, Uncle Shane?" Roman asked as he and Seth started up the stairs.
Shane looked at Roman. "Not being rude, but I will wait till morning. I can play with them then."
Roman smiled. "Good idea. A stranger at night, might unsettle them. Tomorrow you can be Uncle. Adam, you coming?"
Adam looked at Chris. His Lion gave him a nod. "Yes, I will just give them a quick kiss." He hurried up the stairs after Roman. Seth was already in the nursery. Chris and Shane joined the others in the morning room.
Dean spoke. "… we can celebrate tomorrow. I will take Kenny home now. I will be back later, kiddo. We can have one of our bull sessions soon." He gave Shane a pat on the shoulder.
"Sounds good. Congratulations you two." Shane smiled as Dean and Kenny left.
Vince poured brandy for himself, Eric and Chris. Stephanie had a small sip of sherry. Shane settled on the sofa between Vince and Eric. Stephanie sat next to Eric and Chris sat in one of the leather reading chairs.
Vince, Eric and Chris all had a cigar with their brandy. Everyone took a few minutes of quiet to digest their dinner and relax.
After some time passed, Chris broke the silence. "Shane, before Adam comes in, I have to ask. Do you have an issue with me marrying Adam? You were quite rude to him at dinner. As you were told, everyone accepts Adam, and warmly welcomed him to the family. Roman, Seth, Dean, Stephanie, and I spent a long time convincing him you would be just as accepting. Adam was worried about you, and feared you might be bullied at school. We assured him you could handle anything. Were we wrong? Have you changed, Shane?" He was firm. Brother or not, he wouldn't put up with Shane being rude to Adam.
Shane looked at Chris. "I just want to know one thing. Did he get with child, to get money and a title?"
Everyone looked up when they heard a male voice let out a sound of despair, followed by the sound of the front door being thrown open.
Adam had heard what Shane had said. He fled, heartbroken from the house of Duke Vincent McMahon.