Upstairs breakfast had been served. Judy was in the morning room with Duke Eric. They were doing the menu for the week. Unless a dinner party was planned, Eric picked simple, well rounded meals for his family. Judy always made those simple meals taste fit for Royalty. Sauces and gravies and different spices were used.
"The Hart's will be here on Friday, as usual. Bret loves your lamb. Oh, I also promised, nothing spicy." Eric gave a bit of a laugh.
Judy wrote it all down in her menu book. "Yes, Your Grace. Poor Duke Bret. If you wish, I could try again to speak to their cook."
Eric chuckled. "I will speak to Duke Shawn about it. Perchance Adam? Does he not speak Spanish?" Eric asked as he finished writing his own planning book.
"A bit. He could try. I will send Adam to Jackson's for the fruit. Will that be all, Your Grace?" Judy closed her book.
Eric looked over his papers. "Very good. Yes, Jackson's is the best. Yes, Missus Copeland, that's all, thank you. I will take some tea in an hour, please."
"Yes, Your Grace." Judy gave a curtsy and quietly left the morning room. She went downstairs to her kitchen.
Paige washed the breakfast dishes. Beth and Becky were upstairs, doing their work of dusting, sweeping and making beds.
Jason was in the mews, and groomed the family horses, ready if they wanted to ride. He had also started working with Misty's foal. Jason loved training the alert little fellow.
Mark and Adam sat at the table and polished the silver. It was a long, tedious job. When Adam looked at Mark, he laughed.
"I just realized how much you dislike polishing forks. Your face tells it all." Adam had never noticed it before. He did find it funny.
Mark winked at Adam. "They are rather… trying. Can't leave polish in the tines. But, it has be done and done correctly. Imagine, the Lord Mayor of London taking a bite of food, with polish stuck in the tines! That is why, no matter how frustrating the job is, you always do it perfectly." He spoke like the Butler he was.
"Yes, Sir." Adam replied simply as he continued to polish the spoons.
Judy came in and at sat at her place at the table. Adam dear, I need you to go to Jackson's later, then stop at the Butcher's. Tell him I want one of his best saddles of lamb, for Friday. Dear, how well do you speak Spanish?" she had brought her pen and paper to write a shopping list.
Adam finished a spoon, then spoke. "Yes, mother. Duke Bret loves your lamb. I can speak a bit of Spanish, but I need to learn more. May I ask why?" He started on another spoon.
Judy explained what she and Eric had spoken about. "...so maybe you could help me speak to her, if asked. Poor Duke Bret and overly spicy food are not friends." She made a note on her list.
"I will be glad to try. Sir, when can I do mother's shopping? I have to be here at three to help Nanny with baths." Adam asked as he finished, then started yet another spoon.
Mark stopped and looked over at the clock on the mantel. "Whenever your mother has the list ready. Tell Jason to hitch up the dogcart. It will be better on the fruit than bouncing around in a bag on horseback."
"Yes, Sir. Thank you. I was worried about that myself." Adam smiled. He loved driving Peppermint in the small dogcart.
Judy looked from her menu book to her shopping list. She wrote more things down. "I will be finished in a tick. Tea upstairs in an hour. Oh yes, bones and suet from the Butcher's too. I need to make a pot of beef stock."
Jason came in the door from the mews. "I came to see if there were any orders yet."
"Dogcart for me, please. I have to go to Jackson's and the Butcher's." Adam finished the last spook with a flourish.
Jason gave his brother a pat on the head. "One dogcart for my baby brother. I'll have Peppermint ready." He hurried off to get the job done.
"Alright, my boy. Here is the list. Get Missus Jackson to help you get the best peaches. You can go anytime." Judy handed Adam the list.
Adam stood. "I'll finish my part of the silver when I get back. Do you need anything while I am out, Sir?" Adam always addressed Mark formally on duty. However, he now had more warmth in his voice for the Butler.
Mark thought for a moment. "No, not that I can think of. Thank you for asking." Mark was pleased, it was the first time Adam had asked him the question. It had meant a lot.
"Alright, Sir. I will be as fast as I can. Love you, ma." Adam kissed his mother and gave Mark a smile, then headed over to the mews.
Adam stopped short. Lord Christopher was there, about to mount his beautiful stallion named Highflyer. Highflyer was buckskin with four black stockings, with a black mane and tail. He was as handsome as the man who rode him.
Jason held Highflyer by the headstall as Christopher mounted. When he was settled into the saddle, Jason let go of the headstall.
Chris saw Adam as the Footman stood in the mews. "Good morning, Copeland. You off somewhere exciting?" He asked as he gathered the two pairs of reigns in his left hand.
Adam ducked his head. "No, Milord, just to Jackson's and the Butcher's. I hope you have a pleasant ride, Milord." He gave Chris a nod of respect. He smiled when Jason led Peppermint, harnessed to the dogcart, onto the forecourt.
Chris occupied himself with making adjustments to his tack. He stalled for time as Adam got into the small dogcart and took the trace lines in hand.
Jason watched with amusement. Lord Chris' eyes watched Adam's every move. "Be careful, Addy. Don't go too fast. Will you please pick up six cigars for me. Here is the money." Jason handed his brother a few hard earned coins.
"I will. See you later, Jay-Jay." Adam gently slapped Peppermint with the trace reigns. "Get up my lovely girl." Peppermint walked out of the mews under Adam's gentle hands.
Jason chuckled. Lord Christopher took off after Adam. He then sighed. He knew Adam was a bit lovesick over the young Lord. He felt bad, Adam had no chance in hell, the gentry never married beneath their class, especially not to servants.
As the Coachman went back into the stables, another thought crossed his mind. Jason hoped Lord Christopher didn't want Adam for a quick tumble in the bed. Jason vowed not to have his little brother hurt, in any way, Lord or not.
The Hart's Coachman, Maxwell J. Friedman saw the anger on Jason's face. "Jay love, are you alright? You look ready to fight the world."
Jason smiled at Max. "No love, I am alright. Just sent Addy off to the shops. I worry, he doesn't drive that often." He went to the stall of Lord Dean's horse, a black stallion named Sweepstakes.
Max laughed quietly. "He will be alright. Old Peppermint knows London better than the cab horses." He gave Jason a smile. He went about the grooming of the Hart family horses. He knew that wasn't what worried Jason, but it was not his place to push.
Lord Christopher rode up, so that he was next to Adam in the dogcart. "We seem to be going in the same direction." He tipped his hat to Adam.
Adam kept his eye on horse and road. "It seems so, Milord. Going to Hyde Park for a ride?" He was polite and hoped he did nothing silly.
"No, not really. I am going to the orphanage later. I like to ride a bit first. It clears my head. I was thinking, would you like to come with me sometime? The children would love you. You could tell them one of the stories, like you tell the twins." Chris spoke with a deep warmth about the orphanage.
Adam smiled at the thought. "I would like that, Milord. If it's allowed. I would have to ask Mister Calaway first, and of course, their Graces. Whoa up there, Peppermint." Adam stopped. He had to wait for traffic to cross at the street intersection. A London Bobby Police Officer helped direct, it was a very busy cross street.
"My fathers would take no issue with it. They support my helping… it makes father look good. However, that is not why I do it. I do it because I love children and those orphans need love...and care." Chris again spoke with warmth for the dear children.
Adam looked over at Chris. "I can see the sincerity on your face, Milord. I am glad you help those dear children. If I could… " He let his words fade. They were pointless to say.
It wasn't long before they arrived at Jackson's, one of the best fruit and vegetable sellers in London. Adam got out of the dogcart. He lashed Peppermint's lead rope to the hitch in front of the shop.
Chris dismounted and stood next to Adam. "If you could...what? What would you do?" He asked as Adam untied his shopping basket from the rear of the dogcart.
Adam looked at Lord Christopher. "Well, if I could, I would have a big house in the country I would give a home to every unwanted child and stray animal. At least I would try. Every creature on earth, human or animal deserves to be love and cared for." He took the basket in hand.
"I think that's a fine idea. Well, I'd better be off. Take care, Adam." Chris gave Adam a nod and swung back up on Highflyer. Horse and rider took off at a swift trot.
Adam stared after Lord Christopher. No one looked more handsome on a horse than Christopher.
"Oh Adam dear. Are you here for your sainted mother? I have some special peaches for her." Mrs. Jackson greeted Adam as the blond entered the shop.
Back at Eaton Square, Jason sat at his place at the table and drank a cup of tea. Becky was with him. Judy and Paige were in the kitchen and prepared upstairs luncheon. Beth helped Nanny Renee. Mark was doing his paperwork, at the table. When Becky got up to go to the kitchen, Jason leaned closer to Mark.
"Mark… Lord Christopher… he wouldn't… hurt Adam would he?" Jason asked with concern on his face.
Mark put his pen down and looked at Jason. "You'd better explain why you are asking this." His brow arched at the young man.
Jason briefly told about what happened that morning at the stables. "If… well… Lord Christopher, he wouldn't… you know… just… bed Adam for the fun of it… you know what I mean." Jason tried to be delicate, somethings were just not openly spoken about.
Mark laid a hand on Jason's. "You can put that fear away. For two reasons. Adam would never, and never would Lord Christopher. I have never known Lord Christopher to be like that. He is an upstanding young man of wonderful moral character. I worry more about Lady Stephanie. Anyway, I also know Adam would never allow it to happen. It does worry me though. I know our Adam has a bit of a fancy for Lord Christopher. I may have to tell your mother to have a talk…" He halted when Becky returned, and sat back down.
Jason got the hint and said no more. Becky did have a tendency to gossip, just a bit. Jason finished his tea in silent thought.
Mark went back to his paperwork. He was responsible for keeping the records of all the expenses of running the house. The Duke gave him a certain amount of money each month, based on the papers Mark gave him. He was very careful and never went over the given budget.
Jason drained his cup. "I must go. Lord Dean is riding with Lord Kenny later. I need to check the shoe on Sweepstakes left rear." He stood and headed back to the mews.
Mark looked up as Jason left. He could tell their discussion was still on the young Coachman's mind. He hoped Jason remembered his place and didn't say anything untoward to Lord Christopher or even Adam. It was a very delicate situation, that had to be handled… delicately.
Adam finished at Jackson's after Mrs. Jackson insisted he stay for a piece of fresh, hot peach crumble. Adam had to admit, almost shamefully, it was better than his mother's. However, he would never tell his dear mother.
Adam then drove to the Butcher shop. Mr. Schulz, the Butcher, greeted Adam like a grandson, Adam enjoyed the older man just as much. It also gave Adam a chance to speak the German language he'd learned. Because Adam could speak his native tongue so well, Mr. Schulz always made sure the McMahon house had the best and freshest he had to offer.
While Mr. Schulz wrapped his order, Adam ran up the street to get Jason's cigars. On a whim, he bought a packet of cigarettes. He'd enjoyed the one Mark had given him. He hurried back to the butcher shop. His order was wrapped and ready.
"Danke, Herr Schulz. Einen schönen Tag noch." Adam spoke and thanked the Butcher and told him to have a nice day.
"Gern geschehen, Adam. Komm bald wieder." Mr. Schulz told Adam to come back soon.
With his shopping done, Adam headed Peppermint toward home. He wanted to get the fruit and meat into the icebox as soon as possible. He remembered driving along with Lord Christopher that morning. He wondered what Chris was doing at the orphanage.
Jason smiled as he heard the "clip clop" of Peppermint as Adam approached. Jason knew every horse in the stable by their hoof-beats. He greeted his brother and took hold of Peppermint's headstall as Adam stopped the dogcart.
"Help me carry in the baskets, please. They need to get into the cool." Adam asked as he untied the baskets from the rear of the dogcart.
"You bet, brother. Come on." Jason grabbed the heavier basket from the butcher shop.
Paige and Becky took the baskets from the brothers. They took them to the pantry, where the icebox was kept. Judy supervised and was very pleased with Adam purchases.
"Here are your cigars, and here are the slips from Jackson's and Schulz's, Mister Calaway." Adam handed the cigars to Jason and slips of paper to Mark.
"Thank you, Adam. You did very well. Ha, he didn't even charge for the bones, suet or pork chops. You must have spoken very good German." Mark complimented as he wrote in the expense book.
Adam chuckled. "That was nice of him. I don't do it for that though. I just like speaking German to him. Give him a bit of feeling at home. With all the rumblings from Germany, some people aren't as nice to him as they could be. I don't know why, Mister Schulz supports King Edward, not the Kaiser." Adam spoke with a bit of anger. Why dislike someone because of where he came from. Mr. Schulz was a British Subject now.
Mark sighed. "I don't know why, Adam. Some people just lack any understanding. It's not right. It is not the right way black people are treated either. Well, we can't solve the hurts of the world, but we can help mend them."
Adam sat down. His mother had brought a fresh pot of tea. It was nearly time for their luncheon, before they served upstairs.
"Mister Calaway is right. We must have the Schulz's to dinner sometime, when upstairs is out. Paige, Becky you may serve luncheon as soon as Beth comes down. Adam, set the table please. Jason, help your brother." Judy gave her orders as she sat at her place.
Judy's sons quickly laid the table. They stacked the plates in front of Mark, ready to be dished up and passed around. Beth came downstairs and helped carry in the food. Soon the seven servants were seated and settled around the table.
Mark put a piece of mutton on a plate, then passed it to Judy. Judy passed it to Beth, to Becky, to Paige. When Judy was served, Jason and Adam were next. Mark filled his plate last. Mark then said a short prayer, that ended with a chorused "Amen." It also meant they could chat and talked while they enjoyed Judy's delicious food.
Adam told a bit about his shopping trip when the girls asked him. He didn't mention Lord Christopher and neither did Jason. Adam was grateful to his brother.
"I agree with Mister Calaway, treat everyone like you want to be treated." Paige said as she cut into her piece of meat.
Judy gave a nod. "We will have the Schulz's to dinner soon. We, in this house, must always lead by example. Have you spoken to your brother lately? We need to have him over as well." She looked at Mark and smiled.
"He is well, thank you. Yes, I would like that. About time to challenge him to a chess match." Mark replied with a last bite of food.
"I would like to learn chess. I've read a book about it, but I think you have to play it to understand it." Adam spoke thoughtfully as he finished his lunch.
Mark grinned at Adam. "I would like that, Adam. I would be glad to teach you. Maybe this evening. Well, we'd better get on with it. Upstairs luncheon in an hour." Mark spoke as the Butler as he gave his orders.
Jason helped clear the table, then went back to the mews. He had his own work to do. Today was the day he washed the good landau carriage. It was a huge job.
An hour later, Adam helped Mark serve the family. Eric, Roman, Seth and Stephanie were the only ones there. Vince was at work at Parliament, Chris was still out, and Dean was out with Kenny and Natalya Hart.
At the table Roman spoke. "Seth is making me go back to work on Monday."
Eric nodded. "Then that is what you should do. I know your father has missed your help. Especially with him trying to get in with the Admiralty." He took a bite of his food.
"I have missed it too. Well then, my love, back to work I'll go. I will miss my Bumble Bee and Reggie though." Roman sighed.
Seth smiled at his husband. "They will be here when you get home. You need to be helping father." He ate his last bite of food. When he laid his fork down, Adam removed his plate.
Stephanie spoke. "I am going over to Nattie's later. The dressmaker will be there to do the final alterations." She also finished, and Adam silently removed her plate.
"That's fine, dear. I can't wait to see the finished dress. The first ball of the season is in one month. We will have to air our tuxes soon, Calaway." Eric stated as Adam cleared his plate.
Mark gave a nod. "I will see to it today, Your Grace." He gave Eric another nod. Then helped clear.
"Oh, that reminds me. We need the Christening gowns down from the attic. The twins will be Christened in two weeks. Chris and Stephanie will be the Godparents." Seth looked at Eric, brow arched.
"Copeland, please take care of that. If they need any sewing, have Becky do it. She is a wonder with a needle." Eric gave Adam a soft look.
"Yes, Your Grace. I will do it right away." Adam spoke with a smile. He would do anything for the twins.
The upstairs luncheon ended. Mark and Adam soon had the table cleared and the dirty dishes lowered to the basement. With a final brush of a few crumbs from the highly polished floor, Mark was satisfied.
"Well done, Adam. You'd better go up and bring down the gowns. It may take you a bit to find them. Here is the attic key. I will start checking the tuxedos. They may need some repairs as well." Mark spoke as they left the dining room. Mark locked the door. After all, it was where the family silver was kept.
Adam took the large iron key from Mark. "Yes Sir. I will have to look in the trunks."
Mark smiled. "Adam, don't get lost in looking at baby things." He gave the blond a wink. He knew of Adam's love for children.
Adam flushed a bit. "I won't, Sir. I do have to help Nanny at three, so I won't get too lost." He gave the Butler a smile and hurried up to the attic.
Adam unlocked that attic door, and opened it with caution. Didn't ghosts live in attics? He quickly lit the large gas light. Suddenly the room was bathed in a soft light. All his fears vanished. It was filled with things the family never or rarely used. It was neatly organized, thanks to Mark.
Adam went to the far north corner, where several trunks sat. Adam opened one, it held boots and shoes. The next one held blankets and bed sheets. They were used when guests came and filled the unoccupied bedrooms.
Adam grinned when he opened the third trunk. It was filled with baby things. He held up a nightshirt and wondered if Lord Christopher had worn it as a baby.
Adam swallowed a yelp of fright when a voice spoke. "That belonged to Shane." Chris spoke as he sat on the middle trunk. Adam knelt on the floor in front of the open trunk.
"Milord, you gave me a fright. I was asked to find the Christening gowns." Adam found his hubris, and kept looking in the trunk.
Chris smiled. "Sorry, Adam. I didn't mean to frighten you. Look in the bottom, there is a cedar box. The gowns are in it."
Adam carefully removed items till he got to the bottom of the trunk. True to his word, there was a flat, cedar box. He pulled it out. Before he opened it, he began to put the items he'd removed, back into the trunk.
"Oh wait, let me see that please." Chris asked as Adam held a little light yellow toddler sized dress.
Adam silently watched Chris, as the man looked the dress over. "Perfect for Melanie. Um.. Adam, don't say anything, please? I knew where the gowns were because I come up here often."
Adam cocked his head in question. "Why? If I may ask?" He almost forgot he spoke to a Lord, not a friend. He fought another flush.
Lord Christopher ignored Adam's lapse of formality, he just didn't care. "Well, I sometimes take something to the orphanage. There is a family, looking at adopting a little girl named Melanie. If she has a really nice dress to wear, it could help. It would never take any family heirlooms, but things like this, will never be missed. Please, Adam. Say nothing. I know my father wouldn't care, I just don't want anyone to know. The work I do at the orphanage… is for me not the name McMahon. Can you understand what I mean?" He looked at Adam. His eyes held question.
Adam closed the lid of the trunk. "Yes, Milord, I do understand. I won't say a word to anyone. I think what you do is wonderful. Would you like me to wash and freshen the dress?" He smiled softly at Chris.
"No, I'll do it. That way no one can ask you any questions. I pay a washerwoman to do it. Now, open that and make sure the gowns are in there." Chris explained. He folded the small yellow dress and slipped it into his coat pocket.
Adam carefully took the cedar box in hand and set it on his lap. He noticed the McMahon family crest was embossed on the top. He clicked open the latch and lifted the lid.
Chris smiled as Adam carefully removed one of the gowns. "That one belongs to the Ambrose-Reigns family. Dean and Roman wore it. The other one is the McMahon family gown. Grandfather wore it, father wore it, Stephanie and I wore it and Shane was the last. It's just over a hundred years old." Chris spoke with pride as Adam held up the lovely gown.
Adam smiled. The gown was made of beautiful cotton and edged with fine, delicate lace. There was a matching cap with lace and ribbons. There were delicate lace booties as well. It was all still stark white and looked like it had been made yesterday. It was simply lovely.
"This is beautiful. I bet Master Shane looked like an angel in this. Not much for Becky to do." Adam carefully folded the gown and put it back in the cedar box. He latched it closed.
Chris smiled at the memory of his little brother in the gown. "I was seven when Shane wore it. We were at St. Margret's then too. I hope you will be there when the twins are Christened. After all, you were the first to feed and care for them." He smiled again at the memory of sitting up with Adam on the night the twins were born.
Adam gave a shrug. "I might, Milord. If Nanny needs my help. I would love to be there."
Chris brashly laid a hand on Adam's. "When we are alone, just call me Chris. We don't have to be so… formal, in private."
Adam lowered his head with a visible flush on his cheeks. "I can't do that, Sir. For one thing, it is absolutely not proper. Also, if I did, then accidentally let it slip in front of your family? No, Milord, I just can't. Please understand, Sir." Adam had to be firm. But he didn't want to upset Chris either.
Chris let out a sigh. "I guess I can understand. I'm sorry I didn't think about it. I could never be mad at you. Well, I'd better let you get back to it. Remember, you saw nothing." Chris patted the pocket that held the little dress.
Adam stood. "Thank you for understanding, Milord."
Chris also stood. "Have a good day. See you soon, Adam." He gave the Footman a wink and left the attic.
Adam picked up the box. "Good bye, Chris." He spoke in a near silent whisper as he heard Chris go down the stairs. Adam shut and locked the attic door and went all the way downstairs.
Becky was in the main servant's room. She did some ironing. Adam laid the cedar box on the table.
"Becky, make sure to take very good care of these. The McMahon gown is just over a hundred years old." Adam explained in an earnest tone of voice.
"I will, Adam. Not the first time for me. Our family gown is even older." Becky spoke with confidence and gave Adam a friendly wink.
Adam gave a chuckle. "Sorry, Becky. I didn't mean to imply anything. I bet your family gown is beautiful. Can you tat lace?" he sat for a moment.
Becky licked her finger, then tested the iron. She put it on the stove to heat again. "Yes, I can. But I don't have any bobbins. My mother has them. She makes lace for the dressmaker in our village."
"How wonderful. Oh, almost time for me to help Nanny. See you later, Becky." Adam gave Becky a brotherly hug then hurried off to help with the babies.
Thirty minutes later, Adam cooed at the baby in his arms. "You have to wait Master Reginald, ladies first you know. Are you ready for your nice bath?" He tickled Reggie's cheek. The baby gurgled at him and kicked happily.
Nanny Renee knelt on the floor in the nursery privy. She ran a soapy cloth over baby Beatrice. She also cooed and smiled. She wanted bath time to be happy and nothing to fear.
Beatrice made happy little noises and seemed to laugh at Renee. "They are such happy babies. When we're finished, will you have time to tell them a story?" Renee asked as she continued to wash baby Beatrice.
Adam cradled Reggie to his shoulder. "I will have time, not to worry." He went quiet as Renee lifted Bea into the tub.
The tub was filled with just enough warm water to rinse the baby. Renee still cooed and spoke softly. "There we go. We have to rinse away all the soap and make baby clean. What a good girl. Your brother is laughing too." She quickly but thoroughly rinsed her charge.
In a well orchestrated, rehearsed dance, Renee and Adam switched babies. Adam gently patted baby Beatrice dry as Renee applied the soapy cloth to Reginald. When they were finished, they took the clean babies into the night nursery. They were soon in clean nappies and dressed. They placed the babies in their cribs. Adam sat in a chair between the two cribs.
As Adam told the twins a story about a girl named Cinderella, Renee prepared the twins bottles. She loved listening to Adam and it seemed the twins did as well.
Adam fed Bea and continued to tell the story. He was so absorbed, he hadn't realized Lord Seth had come into the nursery. He fed baby Reginald and intently listened to the story.
"… and when the slipper fit, the Prince took Cinderella to the palace and married her. They all lived happily ever after." Adam finished the story. Baby Bea let out an "urp" of approval as Adam rubbed her back.
Adam laid Bea in her crib. Seth spoke. "That was a wonderful story, Adam." He put Reggie in his crib.
"Oh, Milord. I didn't hear you come in. It is one of my favorite stories." Adam smiled at Seth.
Seth kissed his children. "It's time for tea, but they come first. His Lordship and I will be down shortly, please tell Duke Eric."
"Yes. Milord." Adam gave a nod. He then hurried down to make sure Seth and Roman would get tea.
Later that evening, with upstairs settled and taken care of, the servants enjoyed their cocoa and nibbled on biscuits.
The three girls sewed, Judy did her knitting, Jason sat by the wireless and listened to a football match. Mark and Adam were in Mark's private sitting room. It was a quieter place as Mark taught Adam how to play chess.
"… and lastly, the grand lady, the Queen. She can move any direction and as many spaces as she wants. While the King decides the winner, the Queen must be protected at all costs. So, let's give it a try. As white, I go first." Mark chose a pawn and made his first move.
"I read books about certain moves and patterns to win. It seems to me though, you can easily make a move to counter it." Adam made his first move.
"That is true, but there would be a counter for it as well. It is a bit like warfare. A General can direct his troops one way but his opponent can counter that. Back and forth, tit for tat. It would be better to settle wars over a chess board rather than a battlefield." Mark made his next move.
Adam looked at Mark. "Are you saying all the distant talk could lead to war?" He asked with a bit of fear.
Mark looked at the young man. A young man who would, in all likelihood, go to battle, to not return alive. "I honestly don't know, son. Let's hope not. Perhaps men like the Duke can help prevent it." He lit his pipe, that he'd packed to smoke.
"I hope so. I really do hope so." Adam stated as he made his next move.
It had been a typical day in the House of Duke Vincent McMahon.