Beth, Paige and Becky cooked the light Sunday breakfast for upstairs. Cody and Jason served. Mark was in his room, which after today, he would share with Judy. Judy was upstairs, with Jason and Adam, in Adam's room. The girls would be up later to help her dress.
"It's not many mothers who have two handsome sons to give her away. Oh my boys, your old mother is so happy. We thought we would have to wait. Adam, I believe your situation made it easier for Mark to ask if we could marry. So, thank you for that." Judy sat in her chair and sipped a cup of tea.
Adam smiled, "I can't take credit for that, ma. I'm sure Mark would have asked regardless. It is an honor for us to have such a beautiful mother. We aren't giving you away, are we, Jay? He looked at his brother.
"No, we're not. We could never give you away. However, we will let Mark borrow you, for many happy years. Will that work?" Jason gave his mother a wink.
Judy laughed. "Yes, son that will work. I can't wait for to see what kind of dress the girls made for me. Oh, I am all nerves."
Downstairs in Mark's room, Glenn kept his brother company, at Shawn Hart's insistence. No one would be at the house anyway. The Hart's and McMahon's were going to a restaurant for luncheon, then to the Sunday concert at the bandstand at Hyde Park. The music today was going to be by the string section of the London Symphony. It would be lovely.
Glenn laid a hand on his brother's shoulder. "Breathe, Mark. No need to be nervous, this is what you have wanted for a long, long time. Your dream is coming true." He gave Mark a pat.
Mark gave a rare belly laugh. "You are so right. It broke my heart when she chose him, but I understood it. I would have made the same choice. Everything happens for a reason. I think it will only make our marriage stronger. I am so glad Adam and I had that talk in the park. If we hadn't, I am not sure we would be getting married." Mark had Glenn hold his collar in place as he put on his tie.
Glenn nodded, the folded the stiff collar to hold the tie in place. "He needed to hear the truth. Does Jason know everything by now?" He turned Mark around to adjust his tie.
Mark nodded. "Yes, he does. He knew some of it, poor kid remembered seeing him hit Judy. But he was too little at the time to fully understand. Well, water under London Bridge now. Glenn, you like Judy don't you?"
"Yes, Mark. I love her like a sister. I know what Judy means to you. I will always look out for her." Glenn spoke softly with a smile to match.
Mark put a hand on Glenn's shoulder. "Thank you, brother. That means a lot to me. Isn't it about time you found someone?" He worried about his brother. Mark wanted Glenn to be happy in love.
Glenn ducked his head. "I don't know, Mark. I've never been a romantic. Although, I do find Finn rather attractive. If anything happens, it happens. I am not going to go looking. You know me, brother." He gave Mark a shrug.
"Yes, I do know you. Do me a favor, since the girls want to keep me out of the way, would you go get me a cup of tea? I could really use one." Mark looked at Glenn as he sat on the small sofa.
Glenn laughed. "My brother, scared of three tiny girls? Yes, I will get you some tea." He still laughed as he went to the kitchen. Mark just rolled his eyes.
Glenn had to make the tea himself, the three girls weren't there. It didn't matter, Glenn knew how to make a good cup of tea. He put the kettle on to boil.
Becky, Beth and Paige were up in the drawing room. Paige's Aunt had brought the roses. She also brought a mix of different flowers, that she had made into a bouquet. The three girls worked quickly to finish decorating.
The large French Doors to the balcony were open. They arranged the furniture to make an aisle. It would also enable everyone to sit and watch in comfort.
Paige finished tying a pink ribbon to the back of the last chair. They had chose pink and deep purple as the colors. Pink was Judy's favorite color and deep purple was Mark's. It was all off set by ivory.
"There, it looks wonderful. I am so glad Auntie had those purple petunias. They go so well with the pink roses. I hope Missus C. likes it." Paige spoke with a final fluff of the ribbon.
Beth grinned. "It does look lovely. I can't believe your Aunt traded all these flowers for four new aprons. We will have them made for her this week. You can take them to her on Saturday." She too gave a bouquet in a vase a final adjustment.
Paige laughed lightly. "Auntie can grow anything, but she can't thread a needle to save her soul. We'd better go make the final adjustments to Mrs. C's dress. I need to iron it, we have two hours." She, Beth and Becky headed up to their room.
Jason sat and watched as Adam did their mother's hair. Judy always wore it up, in a tight bun. It kept it out of her way when cooking. When it was down, the light brown, almost blond hair fell to her waist. Even her sons rarely saw it down. Adam brushed and brushed till it was like silk.
"I will plait it now. It will look nice with the flower crown." Adam divided her long hair into two sections. He then split one section into three. Adam began to braid Judy's hair in smooth, flat braid. When he finished, he tied the end with a thin, leather thong. He braided and tied off the second section.
Adam then pinned the two braids in a coil, like a crown, on his mother's head. "Jay, is it alright? Jay… Jason?" Adam looked at his brother. Jason's shoulders shook, and his hands covered his face.
Jason sniffed, and swiped his eyes. "It's beautiful, Addy. Just beautiful…" He sniffed again. I can remember, as a boy, patting her long hair to fall asleep. I forgot how soft and beautiful it was." Jason sniffed a third time, then blew his nose.
Judy also had tears in her eyes. "The last night, after he hit me and Mark threw him out, you sat in my lap and cried and cried. You started patting my hair. It had come free from the bun. You fell asleep with your little fingers in my hair. Mark had heard you crying, and came in. He gently worked your fingers from my hair as you had fallen asleep. He took you and put you to bed. It is a memory I will treasure forever. I love you both, so much."
Jason and Adam hugged their mother and all three cried like babies. They broke apart with a laugh when a light knock echoed on the door.
Adam wiped his eyes as he cracked the door open. He opened it wider. "Hello, love." He greeted his fiance as Chris stood at the door.
"I don't mean to intrude. Family just left for their day out. Miss Judy, I have something for you. Now, it is only borrowed, but a bride needs something borrowed for good luck. It's from poppa Patrick's grandmother Patterson. It was given to her by Queen Victoria. She was a Lady in Waiting to the Queen, when she was twenty. The Queen gave it to her when she left the Royal service to get married. Anyway, it was left to us. Stephanie agreed you could borrow it for today. So enjoy it. I hope it brings as much joy to your marriage as it did for great grandmother." Chris held out a square wooden box, covered in blue velvet. The insignia of V.R. was engraved on a solid gold oval plate.
Judy took the box. Before she even opened it, she felt the royal power it held. Chris held the box steady as Judy undid the gold clasp that held the box closed.
When the box was opened, Judy, Jason and Adam gasped. It was breathtaking. It was a diamond and amethyst necklace.
Seven oval, deep purple amethysts were surrounded by diamonds. The purple gens were spaced by delicate diamond bows. Each of the amethysts had three larger diamonds suspended from them. Two were shorter with the one in the middle a bit longer. The chain that fastened the necklace was sterling silver. The necklace was delicate and simply sparkled. It would be beautiful on Judy.
"Oh Christopher. Are you sure? This is for a Duchess, not a simple cook." Judy looked at Chris with doubt. It was so… royal.
Chris removed the necklace from the box. He moved to stand behind Judy as he fastened the jewels around her neck. Chris gently turned Judy to face him. He adjusted it so the center amethyst was perfectly centered in the dip of her neck.
"I am very sure. Stephanie was also insistent. You want her mad at me? You are part of the family, or will be after Adam and I marry. I want my future mother-in-law to feel like a Queen on her most special day. Please, mother Judy. Wear it with my love, Stephanie's too." Chris gave Judy a kiss on the cheek. He then turned her so Judy could see herself in the mirror.
Judy looked at her reflection, then looked around. She didn't recognize the woman in the mirror. "Oh… it is me. Christopher, thank you. It is beautiful, truly beautiful. I am so honored that you and Lady Stephanie want me to wear it. I wish now I had let Mark hire the photographer. I felt it was too costly. I love you, son." She gave Chris a kiss on the cheek.
Jason snickered. "You mean the photographer who will be here in an hour? Beth, Becky, Paige, Cody, Maxwell, Adam and myself all pitched in to hire him. Mark will just have to pay for the pictures you choose. Chris, thank you for making ma feel so special. It is beautiful." He gave his future brother-in-law a pat on the shoulder.
Judy shook her head. "Thank you, Jason. All of you and Maxwell? I am sorry he couldn't be here with you." She kissed Jason on the forehead.
Everyone looked when Adam let out a sob. Chris rushed to his fiance's side. "Love?" Chris asked softly as he hugged Adam to him.
"You… are just… so… wonderful. To let ma borrow the necklace. To make her feel so special. Every day I fall more and more in love with you. I love you, Christopher." Adam gave Chris a very love filled kiss.
Chris beamed at Adam. "I love you, Adam. Wait till you see what you get to wear for our wedding. The McMahon Coronet. Remember I told you?" He led Adam to the bed to sit with him.
Judy just smiled. "My baby is so happy. Jason, I know you are too. Maxwell is a good boy. Chris, this is just… stunning. I'm so glad you will be at our wedding…" She was halted by another knock at the door.
"Come in girls." Adam called out. He could hear them talking in the hallway.
Paige, Becky and Beth came into the room. Beth carried a hanger with a sheet draped over it. She didn't want anyone to see the dress they had made for Judy.
The girls had gone to Stephanie and Natalya's dressmaker. She sold them a plain, ivory silk dress that she used as a dressmaker's pattern, at a very low price. She also let them have some scraps of lace and ribbons. She'd done it as a special favor to Stephanie. After all, it was important to keep the Lady daughter of a powerful Duke happy. The three servants had turned the dress into something special.
"Oh Miss Judy! That is lovely! Lady Stephanie showed it to us, so we could design the neckline of the dress around it. I never dreamed it would look so beautiful on you." Beth explained as she admired Judy.
"Adam, her hair is beautifully done too. Now, you boys scoot. You too, Milord. We have a bride to dress." Becky waved her hands towards the door.
Jason laughed. "Alright. Adam, bring your Lord and let's go. We will go see if Mark has runaway." He gave his mother a wink and a kiss. Chris and Adam also kissed her then left.
"Oh… it's probably the violinist." Chris stated as the front door bell rang as they went down the stairs.
Cody got to the door as the trio got to the entrance that led to the various rooms of the house. The man that entered carried a violin case.
"Lord Christopher, good to see you again." The violinist spoke with a heavy French accent.
Chris shook his hand. "Good to see you again too, Monsieur LeDoux. Monsieur LeDoux, please meet my fiance, Adam and his brother, Jason. Adam, Jason please to meet Monsieur LeDoux, an old family friend and concert violinist."
"Bonjour je suis ravé de vois rencontrer, Monsieur LeDoux." Adam spoke as he shook hands with the violinist.
"Ah, you speak French very well. It is nice to meet you as well." LeDoux spoke with a grin.
Jason greeted the man. "Nice to meet you, sir. Sorry, I don't speak French. Um, Chris? Something to tell us?" Jason arched his brow at Chris.
Chris shrugged. "Every wedding needs music. Rhodes, please show Monsieur LeDoux up to the drawing room. He knows where to set up." He smiled at Cody.
"Yes, Milord. Sir, follow me, please." Cody gave Chris a nod. He indicated for the violinist to follow him.
When they were gone, Adam gave Chris a sound kiss on the lips. "You did it again, you wonderful man. Ma will love the music. She loves the violin." Adam was again filled with emotion.
"I agree, but, I won't kiss you. Thank you, Chris. You've done so much to make this day even more special. Again, thank you. You are going to be a good brother-in-law." Jason gave Chris a one armed hug.
Chris hugged Jason in return. "Your mother and Mark deserve to have their wedding be extra special."
The trio went downstairs to the basement. Glenn and Mark sat at the table and drank tea. Adam noticed Mark's cup trembled a bit.
Jason spoke. "We came to make sure you hadn't runaway." He sat down at the table.
Mark chuckled. "What you meant to say was, Beth, Becky and Paige tossed you out. Have some tea, Glenn made it."
Adam and Chris also sat. Adam poured cups for Chris, Jason and himself. "Mark, you just wait till you see ma. A Queen couldn't look more beautiful." Adam quickly swiped his eyes.
Chris gently dabbed Adam's tears with his handkerchief. "She looks lovely." Chris smiled at Mark.
Cody came back downstairs. He also sat at the table and sipped the cup of tea he'd left to answer the door.
"Who was at the door on a Sunday?" Mark asked in a curiosity filled tone.
Chris answered. "A friend of mine, Mister LeDoux. He will be playing the violin for your wedding."
"What? You did that for us?" Mark was flabbergasted. Before he could say more, the doorbell rang again.
"Sit. I will go, Cody. It's probably the other surprise. Tell him, brother." Jason stated as he hurried upstairs.
Adam laughed. "All of us, including Maxwell, chipped in to hire a photographer. All you will have to pay for are the pictures you want. We thought the two of you deserved to be able to have photographs of the day."
"I will pay for the pictures. I wasn't sure what to give you as a gift. This will work out perfectly." Glenn stated with a bright smile, something he rarely did. Glenn was even more stoic and serious than his step-brother.
"Thank you, brother. It will mean a lot to us. Adam, Cody, thank you. I will thank the girls and Maxwell later. Oh, Jason, thank you." Mark had emotion in his voice as Jason returned to the table.
"Cody, are you alright? Are you feeling at home? Happy? Lady Prudence will be worried." Chris asked the young man as a friend, not a Lord.
Cody smiled. "Very happy, Milord. Everyone treats me like I have been here for years. Please tell her Ladyship, I am very content. I, of course, will go visit on my day off. Thank you for thinking of me for the job. Lady Pru was right, you are the guardian angel of the orphanage."
Chris actually flushed a bit. "I do what I can. Helping get things for the orphanage is one time my title and my father's title and position help." He gave a shrug.
Before more could be said, Beth, Paige and Becky came downstairs. "She is ready. The Vicar came just as we came down. He is up in the drawing room. Jason, Adam, please go up to your mother. Paige will knock on the door when it is time." Beth explained as she adjusted her dress in the reflection of the kitchen door.
Adam gave Chris a kiss. "See you in the drawing room. I love you."
"Love you. I will save you a seat." Chris returned Adam's kiss with a wink.
"Mark, we love you. Make ma happy, you both deserve this." Adam gave Mark a kiss on the cheek.
"What Adam said. Love you." Jason spoke with a lot of emotion. He knew, more than anyone, what this day meant to his mother and Mark.
Mark sniffed. "I love you both. Thank you for the gift of your mother." A tear fell from his eye.
Adam and Jason went up to Adam's room, where Judy waited for them. They were both going to walk with her and give her away. The brothers hugged, then opened the door to Adam's room.
Adam and Jason stopped short and stared. Who was that beautiful woman? Where had their mother gone? The woman standing there was a Queen, not a cook, who lived and worked in the servants hall.
Judy looked at her sons as they stood like statues and stared at her. "Boys? Do… I thought I…"
Adam was the first to shake himself. He gave Judy one his best, and deepest formal bows. "I am sorry, Your Majesty. You look so beautiful, we did not recognize you. Oh ma, you look absolutely lovely." Adam stepped over to his mother. He carefully kissed her cheek. His eyes were not only filled with tears, but also with pride.
Jason shook himself. "Adam is so very right. You are not our mother, you are our Queen. All I can say is, I hope Glenn is strong, because Mark is going to faint when he sees you." Jason too, kissed Judy's cheek.
Judy smiled. "The girls did a wonderful job on the dress. See how the purple of the ribbon matches the amethysts of the necklace?"
Beth, Becky and Paige had turned the plain, ivory silk dress into a real bridal dress. There had been enough of the nearly shear ivory lace to make an over dress. The loose lace sleeves fell to Judy's elbows. The lace over the top fell just below her waist. They made an over-skirt of three layers, each one a little longer than the other. The dress fell to her ankles. Judy wore ivory shoes with a heel. The neckline of the dress was cut just enough to show off the borrowed amethyst and diamond necklace. A narrow, deep purple ribbon around her waist finished the look. The dress was fit for royalty.
The final touch was the crown of small light pink roses and amethyst colored petunias. The flowers were entwined with slightly dark pink and lighter purple ribbons. The ends of the ribbons fell down the back, just above Judy's waist.
"The girls did an amazing job. Wait till Stephanie sees it. She will probably want to borrow it for the ball season." Adam grinned brightly.
Jason nodded in agreement. "Ma, I have never seen any woman, look more beautiful than you… ever. You know how many grand women I have seen arriving at balls. None of them even begin to compare with you. Not a single one. Not even Louise, the Princess Royal."
Judy patted the cheeks of both her sons. "You boys know how to make an old lady feel young again. My dears, I also want you to know, just because I will be married, does not mean I stop being your mother. You can still come to me, with any problem or joy. You will have the added advice of a father, if you want. I want you to turn to Mark, as a father, because he was and has been more of a father to you than your birth father was. All the times he looked after both of you, when you were children. He loves both of you as if you were his. I wish now he had been. But, I was young and blinded by love. Adam dear, that is why were so concerned about Christopher at first. I wanted to make sure you weren't in love with love. I know now, that is not the case. I have seen how much you two love each other." She kissed Adam's cheek then turned to Jason.
"Son, if you feel, in your heart that Maxwell is the one for you, then propose to him. He will be most welcomed into the family. All any mother or poppa wants is the happiness of their children. I couldn't be any prouder of you, both of you. Mummy loves her babies." Judy kissed Jason's cheek.
"I love you, mummy." Jason and Adam spoke at the same time. It made everyone laugh.
Judy smiled. "You boys have brought me so much joy… and so many headaches." Again mother and sons laughed.
Paige cracked the door open. "Sorry to interrupt. We nearly forgot the bouquet. Here, Adam. Cody said five minutes, then he will come for you." She held the small bundle of flowers to Adam.
Adam took the bundle of flowers. "They are lovely. Thank you, Paige. We will be ready." He closed the door after Paige left. He admired the bouquet of flowers.
Paige had made a delicate bouquet of pink roses and purple petunias. She had added small fern leaf stems, and small white flowers, known as baby's breath. The flowers were bound with pink, purple and ivory ribbon with a lace bow. The tails of the ribbons and bow fell gracefully to Judy's waist as she held the bouquet.
"Now, she is a full blown, beautiful bride." Jason stated as Adam made final adjustments to the ribbons and necklace. Judy was picture perfect. Adam could only nod in agreement. He was too emotional to speak.
There was a light knock on the door. "It's time." Cody spoke softly through the door.
"Coming." Jason called out. Cody hurried down to close the double door entry to the drawing room, so the bride could make a very grand entrance.
The brothers led their mother down one floor. The hallway was wide enough for Judy to walk between her two sons. They were honored to give their mother away.
Cody stood outside the entrance to the drawing room. "Missus Copeland, how very lovely you look. When you're ready, I will open the door." He gave mother and sons a nod, with a smile.
Judy looked from Adam to Jason. "I am ready, my darlings. Take me to Mark."
When Cody opened the double doors, Monsieur LeDoux began to play his violin. He played Mendelssohn's "Wedding March." It was from Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Nights Dream". In 1858, it was played at the wedding of Queen Victoria's daughter, Victoria to Friedrich of Prussia. Since then, it had become popular to play at all weddings.
Judy was shocked to hear the violin, but as they walked toward the open balcony doors, she only had eyes for Mark. Chris, Beth, Beck, Paige and Cody stood and smiled as bride and sons walked down the aisle.
Mark could barely breathe as his eyes locked onto Judy. He never felt Glenn's hand on his back to hold him steady. Glenn too thought Judy was breathtaking.
As the music played, mother and sons drew nearer to where Mark and Glenn stood with the Vicar. The photographer stood back in a corner. His work would come after the wedding, when everyone would sit and pose for his camera. He'd never seen a more beautiful bride.
When they got to the Vicar, Jason stayed with his mother. Adam kissed Judy's cheek, then went to sit next to Chris. Adam had insisted, not only as the oldest, but because of their past, Jason should be the one to stand with their mother as support.
Chris smiled as Adam sat next to him. He took Adam's hand in his. He leaned in to whisper. "She looks like a beautiful Queen." He smiled again when Adam looked at him with a soft smile, and tears in his hazel eyes.
Beth and Becky sat together and dabbed at their eyes. Paige smiled when Cody sat next to her. He politely offered Paige his handkerchief to wipe her eyes.
The Vicar began the wedding of Judith Copeland and Marcus Calaway, with a prayer. All heads were bowed in deep reverence. After the prayer, the Vicar continued with the vows.
Mark followed the newer tradition and chose to wear a ring of gold on his left ring finger. He smiled when Judy slipped the ring onto his finger. Mark then slipped a gold band on Judy's left hand ring finger. The Vicar gave a final prayer. After the chorus of "Amen", he declared Mark and Judy as man and wife.
When Mark bent down to give his wife a kiss, the violinist began to play light classical music.
The newlyweds were pounced on with hugs, kisses and handshakes with cheers of congratulations and best wishes. Adam and Jason both openly wept as did the girls.
The Photographer took many photos. Some of the entire group, some with Judy, Mark, Adam and Jason, and some of just the couple. Then Mark wanted some of just Judy, then with her sons. Judy also made sure one of Adam and Chris was taken. She wanted it as a memento of their engagement.
After the photographs were taken, Glenn arranged for the photographer to send him the statement for the photographs that were chosen to be printed.
Monsieur LeDoux was graciously thanked. Chris was the one to take him downstairs. He paid the musician his fee, then gave him a large tip. The violinist was grateful and would be available any time Chris or the family needed him.
The photographer packed up. Cody gave him the collected money at the door. He arranged to call when the proofs were ready. Cody thanked him then closed and locked the door behind him.
The Vicar was the last to leave. Mark was the one that saw him out as the others went down to the servant's hall. Judy waited quietly for her new husband. Mark gave the Vicar a generous five pounds, to go to the church charity fund.
For a moment, the newlyweds were alone in the foyer. Mark took Judy into his arms and kissed her with all the love he felt. A love he'd felt for years. His patience had paid off.
"You look so beautiful. You are wearing my favorite color. That necklace is glorious. I take it, dear Christopher had something to do with it? I've seen Lady Stephanie wear it to a royal ball a few times." Mark spoke softly as he held his wife close.
Judy laughed softly. "Yes, he did. He said something borrowed brings good luck. He also said, Lady Stephanie insisted on it. Oh Mark, I am so happy, so very happy. It should have been you from the beginning."
"But, I have you now. The past is only going to make our marriage stronger. I love you, my precious angel." Mark gave Judy an extremely passion filled kiss.
When the kiss broke, Judy's face was as pink as the ribbons in her flower crown. He led Judy down to the servant's hall. He knew they would have everything ready by now.
"Ma! Have you been a naughty girl?" Jason teased when he saw the flush on his mother's face.
Adam playfully slapped Jason upside the head. "Jay! She is a married woman now! She can kiss her husband if she wants to. Oh ma, you look like you are about to burst with happiness." Adam hugged his mother.
Judy laughed. "Adam dear, don't smack your brother. However, thank you. Jason you are such a cheeky boy. Oh, how lovely! The servant's hall never looked so pretty."
The girls and Cody had set the table with a fine white linen cloth. They had arranged the flowers from the wedding into four smaller silver vases and spaced them along the table. They had set the table with the best dishes, glassware and sliver.
Two places had been set at the head of the table for Mark and Judy. In front of their places was want frosted, two layer cake. Becky had piped the frosting into a delicate lace like decoration. The white on white was beautiful.
Paige and Becky made tea and plated the sandwiches and other baked treats. Cody carried them in. As they worked, Chris asked Mark for the key to wine cellar. He returned a few minutes later with a bottle of the finest champagne. Chris handed the key back to Mark with a wink.
"Thank you, sir. Adam would you do the honors? You know what to do." Mark gave the young blond a nod.
Adam took the bottle. It took a lot of skill to open champagne and not have it bubble up, run over and spill have its contents. Adam carefully opened the bottle. Soon a soft "pop" sounded as he worked the cork out. All the champagne stayed in the bottle.
"Very well done, son. Now please pour. We have things to celebrate." Mark grinned, Adam had learned well.
Mark noticed Cody watched every move Adam made. It told the butler the young man was a good student and eager to learn all he could. Mark liked that.
When Adam filled nine glasses, the bottle was nearly empty. Everyone picked up their glass, Chris spoke.
"If I may. To Mister and Missus Calaway. May your marriage be filled with love and happiness. Thank you for allowing me to share in it. Bride and Groom." Chris raised his glass in toast.
"Bride and Groom" Chorused the others. Everyone sipped.
Jason raised his glass. "On behalf of Adam and myself, we'd just like to say, we love you both. We want nothing but happiness for you. Ma you are the best mother we could have ever hoped for. Mark, we give our greatest and most loved treasure. We do this because we know how much you love her. We love you, Mark. You have been with us as long as we can remember. Thank you for being there. Just… we love you both. Bride and Groom" Once again everyone toasted the couple.
Mark wrapped an arm around Judy's waist and spoke. "Thank you. Boys, I promise I will love and protect your mother with my dying breath. I love her with all that I am. I love you boys as my own. Now, let's eat, I am hungry."
With laughter, ever sat at their place around the table. Chris sat next to Adam, in Judy's usual place. As they had their tea, the talk was light and happy. Judy complimented the girls on the delicious tea.
When it came time to cut the cake, Mark and Judy stood. Mark picked up the knife and Judy laid her hand over Mark's. Together, they cut the first piece of cake. The fragrance of fruit cake filled the air. It smelled delicious. The newlyweds cut and served cake to everyone. With the last slice for themselves, the couple sat down.
"Adam you and Chris will have to tell me if you like the cake. If you do, I might use it for your cake." Judy said with a smile as she ate a bite of the cake.
Chris and Adam took two bites of the cake. They both smiled, Adam spoke. "This is delicious. I know it is ma's receipt, but you girls baked it. Chris?" He looked at his fiance.
"Wits wewishes." Chris tried to speak with a full mouth.
The girls giggled, They never thought a Lord would have bad table manners. Chris laughed too.
Chris swallowed, then spoke. "Sorry. I may be a Lord, but I can rude at times. It is delicious. I would love to have this as our wedding cake. Ladies you are very good bakers. But, after all, you've learned from the best and most lovely cook in all of London."
Judy blushed. "Thank you, Christopher."
After cake, it was time for gifts. Judy was told about the gift of the photographer. She got up and hugged Cody, the girls, Jason and Adam. She told Jason she would thank Maxwell later.
Jason then excused himself. He ran over to the mews to get Adam's gift. The girls and Cody quickly cleared the table. Adam admired the way Cody worked. He was quick and silent. The two most important things a footman could do.
Jason had wrapped the painting in a clean pillowcase, to keep the stable dust off it. When he returned, the others had just settled back into their seats around the table. Jason handed the painting to Adam. It was his gift to give.
"This is from me, but not alone. Chris helped. Jason and Maxwell also hand a hand in it. Anyway, I hope you like it." Adam put the wrapped painting on the table.
Together, Mark and Judy took the painting out of the pillow case. When the pulled out the portrait painting, both Mark and Judy's mouths fell open. Judy then saw "A.J.C. 1902" in the lower left hand corner. She gasped as did Mark.
"Son? You? You painted this?" Judy could barely speak.
Adam nodded. "Um… yes, I did. Do… don't you like it?" He wasn't sure of his mother's tone.
Judy saw the doubt in her son's eyes. She got up and hugged him tightly. "Son, it is wonderful. I had no idea you could do work of this quality. I knew you drew a bit, like that rose in the park that day, but this… this is the work of a master artist. It is… wonderful… thank you." She hugged Adam again and soundly kissed his cheek.
"Your mother is right, son. This is incredible. Simply incredible. I had no idea you could… that you were a professional artist. I will hang this over our fireplace. It is a beautiful frame as well. Did you have it framed… Chris?" Mark could barely speak.
"Jason made the frame. Maxwell helped him. Chris helped buy the art supplies by adding to my savings." Adam spoke with pride about the help he had from Jason, Maxwell and Chris.
Mark looked at Jason. "You are an excellent woodworker, son. This frame is as professional as Adam's art work. Adam thank you for the wonderful gift. Thank you, Jason for framing it. We owe Maxwell a thanks for his help too. Chris, thank you for helping Adam buy the supplies. I can't get over it." Mark spoke with a tone of awe.
Jason ducked his head. "Adam did the hardest part. Max taught me something called a French polish. It helps the old wood look like new."
"You did a splendid job. I can't get over it. It is like our own private gallery piece. What a wonderful day this has been. It is the third happiest day of my life." Judy kissed both her sons and sat back down.
"Third? I would have thought… never mind. Sorry, none of my business." Chris held up his hand.
Judy smiled. "First was when Jason was born, second when Adam came along. You will understand when you and Adam have children. Nothing, but nothing will ever be better than holding your baby for the first time. Nothing."
The celebration continued. It had been a wonderful downstairs wedding.