Chris had not seen Adam for two days. It was Wednesday, he should have been at the orphanage. Chris couldn't bring himself to go. He couldn't face all the questions of where is Adam. Chris had sent a note to Lady Prudence Mayfield. He'd told her not to worry, he would be back, but wasn't sure when. Chris hoped Pru would understand.
Adam stayed in his room, but spent most of his time on the balcony. He only allowed Cody in. He didn't want to hear any lectures from Mark. Judy worried about her youngest. His plates were returned with only one or two bites eaten. Adam even shut his brother out. No one could understand what he was going through and the decision he had to make.
All of Chris' family was on his side. Chris had taken the time to sit down and really listen to what Shane had to say. He realized his little brother had been carefully influenced by his Professors. Chris was more angry at that, than at Shane. In the end, the brothers made up. Chris totally forgave Shane, and Shane was back to his old self of being kind and helpful.
Shane felt awful and responsible for causing the problem with Chris and Adam. Chris told Shane it was deeper than that. He knew Adam had to get the final doubt out of his mind. At least Chris hoped that is what would happen.
Shane had something in mind, and he recruited Jason to help him. Jason agreed once he heard Shane out, and why he had behaved so badly. Jason wanted to take a horse whip to some Professors at Eaton.
The one thing Adam did do was spend time with Bea and Reggie. However, never when Seth or Roman were with them. Nanny Renee respected Adam and didn't ask questions. It wasn't her place. However, she did care and worried in silence. She too was all for the marriage.
Adam sat on the balcony and drew. He found that losing himself in artwork helped. He currently worked on a landscape of the street below. He added a few pedestrians and horseback riders. One of the riders looked a lot like Chris and only a fool wouldn't have recognized Highflyer. Adam had nearly filled one of the sketchbooks.
Vince was disappointed. He'd hoped Adam would help him with the next letter he was posting to Germany. Eric had told him to be patient, and that Adam would hopefully work things out. Eric hadn't been too surprised, while Shane had been the catalyst, Adam had more on his mind. He had to get the final doubt out of his mind. At least that's what he hoped.
Mark Calaway was about ready to take Adam to the woodshed and tan his behind. Everyone in the house was upset. However, the most upset were Jason and Judy, his beloved wife. Mark had to listen to tears at night, when she thought he was asleep. Adam had a lot to answer for.
Seth was just plain sad. He and Adam had gotten close as they looked after the twins while Roman was at work. Adam had great advice about things, but what Seth liked best was that Adam listened to him. Sometimes he felt like he wasn't always heard, and he could share that with Adam. They had being married into the family in common… or would have.
Chris sat in the morning room and stared at nothing. He never even blinked when Eric came in to do his morning correspondence. He sighed, Chris looked so broken. There was nothing he could do to help his step-son. Adam had refused to see him. Well, refused wasn't the exact right word, Adam had asked to be left alone… to think.
"I thought you would go to the orphanage today. It would get your mind off everything." Eric spoke gently to Chris, as he sat at his desk under the window.
Chris gave a guffaw. "And have to answer the question, where is Adam a hundred times? Especially Melanie? I thought… she's so… our daughter…" Chris broke down in wracking sobs. Chris flopped onto the couch.
Eric got up and went to Chris, just as Mark came in with the morning tea. Mark's heart broke at the sound of Chris' sobs.
The Butler set the tray down in silence. "This ends… today." He left with a nod. Mark headed up the stairs. He was going to put Adam to rights.
Shane came out of his room. He saw Mark about to go into Adam's room. The couldn't happen. "Calaway, I need help, now. Please." Shane motioned for the Butler to come to his room.
Mark sighed, but duty came first. He went to Shane's room, the young man had left his door open. "How can I be of service, Master Shane?" Mark looked at the young man who stood in the room.
"Jason and I need your help. That is if you want to help my brother and Adam?" Shane had a rather mischievous look on his face. Mark stepped further into the room and closed the door.
Eric sat on the couch and rubbed Chris' back with one hand, and poured two cups of tea with the other. What could he say? All Eric could do was wait out the round of tears. The break downs had become countless over the last two days. Eric managed to take a sip of his tea, as he continued to rub Chris' back.
When Mark left Shane's room, he smiled. Shane might have been responsible for the current situation, but, the young Master sure had a plan to fix it. Mark hoped it worked. He had a lot of respect for what Shane was about to do. Mark also swore not to say anything, just in case it didn't work out. Shane was an extremely brave young man.
Jason was in the mews. He had polished the landau coach. He now groomed Merlin, Shane's gelding, who was stone gray with black stockings, mane and tail. Seth had also given permission for his horse, Matchem to be hitched with Merlin. Matchem was also a gelding, and was all gray. The pair were striking together.
Jason thought about what Shane was going to do. He had to hand it to the young Master, he had a big set of nerves. If it went well, and Adam didn't marry Chris, Adam was a fool.
In his room, Shane finished dressing. He'd been glad for Mark's assistance. He put on his hat and hurried out. If he wanted to do what needed to be done, he had to be someplace on time. He also didn't tell anyone he was leaving. Mark had said he would take care of it if anyone asked. Shane quietly went downstairs and out the front door. He would go around to the mews. Jason would be waiting for him.
Adam looked down to the street below. He was a bit curious. Shane had come out of the house, dressed like he was going to a royal ball. He saw the teen going toward the back, to the mews. Well, maybe he was going calling on friends, even if he was a tad over dressed.
Adam looked down at his drawing. He'd moved on to something else. He drew Chris about to bowl at cricket. He was surrounded by the boys on the orphanage cricket team. A group of girls sat under a tree. Melanie, Mary, Victoria and Eugenia were front and center. Adam drew himself leaning up against the tree.
In the morning room, Chris sipped his tea. Eric sat at his desk and wrote some letters. People were always asking his advice or asking him to be a patron of their charities.
"Poppa, I'm sorry. Thank you for just being here." Chris turned on the leather sofa and looked at Eric.
Eric looked up as he dipped his pin in the ink well. His glasses he wore for reading and writing were half-way down his nose. "It's alright, son. What else are poppas for. Chris, my dear boy, Adam will work it out. I think he simply had a last bout of bad nerves. Of course, Shane didn't help. I am furious with Headmaster Barrett. Your father is going to talk to the Head of the Board of Eaton. We can not have our young men indoctrinated like that. It's too much like the nationalism our German friends talk about. Also something your father called Fascism or something. Anyway, both are bad. Your Father says our German friends are starting to say they are better than Russia. Austria-Hungry are joining the Germans. Serbia with the Russians. After that, I am lost. I hope Bret can get your father on the Admiralty. I understand that better because it was my life with Sika. Only your father won't be going to sea. Sorry, son, I know I wandered. Back to Shane. We are keeping him home. We will find him a tutor. Perhaps Adam can help him with languages. He seems to have a natural talent for learning them. Art as well." Eric ended with another dip of his pen in the inkwell.
Chris swallowed another sip of tea. "You're confident that Adam will agree to put my ring back on. I hope you're right. I can't shake the feeling… well… I am trying to stay positive. I just wish he would talk. Even his mother has been shut out. Jason told me that Calaway told him she cries every night…" He paused to sip more tea.
Chris continued. "You know, Professor Ross at the orphanage school is excellent. He might know of a tutor looking for work. Maybe even one of the former orphans. You see how well Rhodes has fit in. I will leave the politics to father and Roman. I will get out of your way. Highflyer needs a gallop in the park." Chris got up and went to where Eric sat at his desk.
"Have a good ride, son. It will help clear your head. Wish I had time to go. Diamond hasn't had a gallop in a long while. Be careful. Love you, son." Eric grinned when Chris kissed his cheek.
"I will. Love you, poppa. Come with me tomorrow." Chris gave Eric a smile and left the morning room.
Chris went up to his room to change into his riding togs. He called Cody to ask Jason to saddle Highflyer for him. When Chris was dressed, he stopped and put his ear to the door that adjoined Adam's room. He sighed, he heard no sound. He missed Adam so much. He wanted to tear the door down and kiss Adam into submission. He could only pray that his blond Kitten would come to his senses.
Chris left for his ride, through the servant's hall. He smiled when he saw Adam's mother in the kitchen. She prepared luncheon for both up and downstairs.
"Momma Judy?" Chris called out softly.
Judy turned from the pot on the stove. She smiled when she saw Chris dressed for riding. Judy held out her arms to the tawny blond Lord.
Chris fell into Judy's arms. She was the closest thing to Adam. He didn't cry, but the tears filled his eyes. Judy held him close.
"I know, I know. My son can be more stubborn than a mule. But once he finally makes up his mind, he won't change it. I just hope he makes the right decision; you." Judy spoke in a soft voice in Chris' ear.
Paige and Becky had gone into the pantry to give Judy and Lord Christopher time alone. Both the girls and Beth were sad. Adam's actions affected everyone. The duo busied themselves until they were needed.
Chris kissed Judy's cheek. "I hope so. I hate that he's shut everyone out. Well, I'd better go, I don't want to be late back for luncheon. It smells wonderful."
Judy stepped back to the stove. "Roast pork, roast potatoes, broccoli and cream gravy. All his favorites. I don't think he's eaten more than a dozen mouthfuls. Have a good ride, my dear."
"Sounds delicious. Love you, momma Judy." Chris gave Judy another kiss on the cheek.
"Love you, dear." Judy smiled and went back to stirring the onion sauce for their luncheon. When they heard Chris leave, Paige and Becky returned to help Judy. They resumed their salad chopping.
Jason had just finished saddling Highflyer when Chris came out of the servant's hall door. Maxwell stood with one of the Hart family horses, saddled and ready to ride. It was Starlight, Shawn's mare.
"Anything from the stubborn monkey butt?" Jason asked as Chris took Highflyer's reigns from Jason.
Chris chuckled. "No, not a word. I'm about ready to go in there and turn him over my knee. Well, soon I hope." He deftly mounted his buckskin stallion. Highflyer was ready to go.
Before Jason could speak, Shawn Hart came into the mews. "Ah, going for a gallop in the park?" Shawn asked as he took Starlight's reigns from Maxwell.
"Yes, I am. What about you?" Chris asked as he worked to hold Highflyer steady.
Shawn mounted and settled into the saddle. "Me too. I need some fresh air. I had a million letters to write. I needed time to think. Mind if I ride with you?" Shawn asked with a smile. Eric had asked him to talk to Chris. Now was the perfect time.
Chris took a firm grip on Highflyer, the stallion was very anxious to run. "I would like that, Uncle Shawn. It's been too long since we've talked."
"Good. Thank you, Maxwell. I will be back in time for luncheon. Let's go my pretty girl." Shawn urged Starlight on. He and Chris left the mews at a quick trot.
"Highflyer was more anxious than usual. I hope Duke Shawn can keep up." Jason remarked to Maxwell as they went back into the stables.
"His Grace will keep up. By the way, why didn't you drive Master Shane? Does he drive well?" Maxwell asked. He'd been too busy to ask when Shane drove off.
"He can drive. He didn't want anyone to know where he was going. I only know he said it would help my brother and Lord Christopher. I hope so. I want my brother back. Oh Maxwell, Addy is hurting and he won't talk, not even to me." Jason pulled Maxwell in and held him close.
Maxwell wrapped his arms around Jason. "He will be alright, love. You've told me how stubborn he can be. I am sure he will make the right decision. He and Lord Christopher belong together. Only a fool can't see it." He held Jason closer and spoke softly.
Jason nodded against Maxwell's shoulder. "I hope so. Addy was so happy. He loves Chris. I don't understand him sometimes, I honestly don't. Everyone in our house, and everyone in your house approves. Why can't he understand that?" Jason sighed. He gave Maxwell a soft kiss. The two Coachmen broke apart and went back to their charges. They had more horses to groom before luncheon was ready.
Eric was startled when Vince and Roman came into the morning room. It was nowhere near time for them to come home. Had something happened?
"Why are you here?" Eric's tone was a bit more terse than usual, but he was surprised.
Vince gave one of his low chuckles. "I think you forgot. Today is Wednesday, our half day. Not to worry, my love. With all the upset in the house, things are a bit upside down. I'm going to go up and change, it is rather warm today." He gave Eric a wink and a kiss. Vince loosened his tie.
Eric chuckled. "Yes, I totally forgot. I am glad you are home. Go change, luncheon in an hour and a half, at one." He returned Vince's kiss. Eric also cleared away his writing things He'd done enough for the day.
Vince went up to change. Roman greeted his poppa with a smile. He poured himself a drop of whiskey. "Anything yet?" Roman asked in a worried tone of voice. He drank his sip, put down the glass and loosened his tie.
Eric sighed, stood and stretched a bit. "Sadly, no. Chris cried again. He's gone out for a ride. Shawn went with him. Maybe he can calm your brother. If Adam only knew how much… sadness he was causing. I know Seth is missing him." Eric took a seat on the sofa.
Roman nodded. "Yes, he is. He won't speak to anyone but Bea and Reggie. I hope Adam makes a right decision. Being so stubborn will suit him as a McMahon. I'm going up to see my darlings. We will be down for luncheon." Roman gave his poppa a smile and left the morning room.
Eric smiled when young Cody came into the morning room. He quietly gathered the tea things from earlier. Cody added the glass Roman had used to the tray of dirty cups.
"Do you require anything else, Your Grace?" Cody asked in a soft, formal tone of voice.
Eric looked at Cody. "No thank you, Rhodes. I forgot to day was the Duke's half day. Make sure he and Lord Roman are included for luncheon…" Eric paused. He stood and went to the young footman.
"Rhodes… Cody. Do not fret. No matter what happens, your position here will not be affected. You are a part of this household and family as long as you want. We are extremely pleased with your work. Now, I will let you get on." Eric gave the young man another smile.
Cody gave Eric a nod of deep respect. "Thank you, Your Grace. I am happy here." He quickly left. It wouldn't do to cry, but he was happy enough to want to.
Eric sat back down with another sigh. He was glad that Cody seemed happy. At least one good thing out of all the chaos. A happy servant.
Upstairs, Roman found Seth in the nursery, with Nanny Renee. They had finished feeding and changing the twins. The twins were cozy in their cribs.
"Hello, my darlings. How are all of you?" Roman asked as he kissed his husband's cheek. Nanny quietly left the couple to talk.
Seth sighed. "They miss Adam, especially Reggie. Bea finished her bottle first, that has never happened. Why don't you go change. You can come back and help me rock them to sleep."
Roman caressed the chubby cheeks of his twins. "I will be right back. Poor poppa forgot today was our half day at work." He gave Seth a kiss. He went across the hall to their room to change.
Seth sighed and picked Reginald up. He took his son to rock him. Reggie fussed a bit, then settled. Roman soon joined him, with Bea in his arms. The parents rocked their twins in quiet companionship. Adam and Chris were in their thoughts.
Eric looked up from the newspaper he read when Vince returned to the morning room. "Where is Shane? I was going to have a word with him." Vince sat down next to his husband, and lit a cigar.
Eric looked at Vince, brow arched. "He's in his room as far as I know." He was surprised that Shane wasn't in his room.
"I am going to ask Calaway. Shane is not of age to be running around London without permission." Vince got up and rang the bell for service.
Mark entered the morning room. "Yes, Your Grace?"
"Calaway, do you know where Master Shane is? He does not appear to be in the house." Vince asked in a stern voice. He wasn't angry with Mark, but he wanted to know where a fifteen year old would go; alone.
"He went calling on a friend, Your Grace. He said he didn't want to bother you at your correspondence. I do not know what friend. Reso said the Master did not tell him where he was going. He said he would be back, perhaps before tea." Mark gave the story he promised Shane he would tell. Mark also didn't lie. He just wasn't going to say what friend.
Eric had a feeling Mark knew more than he said. However, Shane probably asked the Butler to say nothing. Eric would respect that, unless Shane was late getting home.
"Thank you, Calaway. Let me know when he returns." Eric spoke firmly, but the gleam in his eye said otherwise.
Mark understood the look. "Yes, Your Grace. I am sure he will be fine. Do you require anything else, Your Grace?" His eyes held the same mirth.
"No, thank you, Calaway." Eric went back to his newspaper as Mark left with a nod.
Vince huffed a bit. "That's not like Shane. I hope he's not doing something he shouldn't be." Vince totally missed the exchange between his husband and the Butler. Eric just shook his head, sometimes his husband was totally unaware of things that went on in the house.
Adam finished his drawing of the cricket game. He put down the sketchbook. Adam sighed he wished he could make up his mind. Sometimes he thought it would be alright to go ahead and marry Chris. Other times, he thought no, it would only cause Chris and the McMahon family trouble in the long run. He didn't know which was right.
Adam sighed for the millionth time since Monday. He didn't feel like drawing another picture, at least for now. He had a feeling of uneasiness rise up in his spine. Adam shook it off.
"I'm letting it get to me too much. Why can't I make up my mind?" Adam spoke to himself as he laid down on his bed.
Up the hall from Adam's room, Seth and Roman sat in their sitting room and talked.
"Can't we just go in there and beat some sense into Adam?" Seth spoke in a near whine.
Roman chuckled and pulled his husband into his lap. "No, love. We can't. I think it would just make it worse. I hope he will come around. Chris was so happy, as was Adam. It's just… sad." He held Seth close.
Down in the servant's hall, everyone was seated at the table. Judy's luncheon was good, but all anyone could do was pick at their plates. Even Cody barely ate. He looked over at Paige. The pretty scullery maid let a tear run down her cheek.
Cody reached over and wiped Paige's face with his napkin. "Don't cry, Paige. You're too pretty to have red eyes." He spoke softly to the maid.
Paige ducked her head with a flush. "Um… thank you, Cody. I miss him, he was like a brother to me. He didn't treat me like I'm a silly girl like they do sometimes." She nodded toward Beth and Becky, who talked quietly together.
Cody smiled. "I don't think you're silly. I know I am not Adam, but you can talk to me any time. Don't worry, I'm sure Adam will be alright. He is trying to make the best decision for everyone. He can't do that. He will have to realize, he has to make the best decision for himself. It is not an easy thing to do." He ended with a shrug.
Mark looked at Cody. "That is a very astute observation, Cody. You are right. It is not easy to decide to please yourself. What Adam has to learn is, making himself happy will make everyone around him happy. All we can do is pray he realizes it; soon."
"My poor boy. He has the weight of the world on his shoulders. He gets it from me, I am sorry to say. Well, come on now, eat up. Adam would not like knowing you aren't eating." Judy sighed and took a big bite of her food, to encourage the others.
Jason spoke up. "I've decided, if he doesn't say anything by tomorrow, I am going to make him talk to me. This has gone on long enough." He spoke firmly. He was tired of Adam shutting him out.
Judy looked at her eldest. "Son… well, no, you do what you think you need to do. Just remember, Adam is very sensitive. Be gentle with him." She gave Jason a mother's look.
Jason frowned. "Maybe he needs a good talking to. Sometimes, gentle isn't the best. He is hurting everyone, including you. I don't like that. Enough is enough." He growled out his words.
"Jason." Mark spoke sharply. He had to stop things before something did happen.
Jason slumped in his chair. "Sorry, ma. I won't do anything. I promise. I'd better get back to the mews. Lord Christopher and Duke Shawn should be back soon." He got up and went around to kiss his mother.
"He will be alright, son. We have to let Adam be Adam." Judy gave Jason a hug and a kiss to his cheek.
Jason smiled. "Alright, ma. Love you." He gave his mother another kiss and headed to the mews.
Judy sighed. "He means well, Mark. This whole thing has the entire house inside out." She took a last bite of food and got up to tend to the upstairs luncheon.
Mark hoped Shane's idea worked. If not, the entire McMahon house could implode, upstairs and downstairs. He wasn't sure if he would be able to pick up the pieces.
Adam got up and went back onto the balcony. The feeling of unease grew deeper. Something was wrong, he just didn't know what.
Adam jumped when a knock echoed on his door. "Come in."
Cody came in with Adam's luncheon tray. He carried it out to the balcony and set it on the small table. "Your mother made it special for you. She will be upset if you don't eat."
Adam smiled. "Thank you, Cody. I will try. I'm… I don't mean to… never mind."
Cody smiled. "You're welcome, Adam. Look I know you don't know me very well, but I am a good listener. Sometimes, talking to a stranger helps. They aren't prejudiced."
"I appreciate that, Cody. Maybe I'll take you up on that. I want what's best for everyone, but, I want to be happy too." He gave a deep sigh. The feeling of unease crept further up his spine.
Cody turned to leave. "Making yourself happy just might be the best thing for everyone. I will be back for the tray." He quickly and quietly left. He hoped Adam took in what he said.
Adam looked at where Cody had stood. Was the younger man right? He just wasn't sure. He lifted the lid of his luncheon plate. Adam smiled, his mother had made his favorite meal. He then frowned. It only reminded him of how worried she must be. For once, he was hungry. Adam picked up his fork to eat.
The McMahon family sat at the table. Stephanie, Roman and Seth joined Vince and Eric.
"Go ahead and serve, Calaway. I am sure Chris will be along soon. If not, he can eat later. Perhaps he's having a much needed talk with Shawn." Eric spoke firmly. No need to keep everyone waiting.
"Yes, Your Grace." Mark gave a nod to Beth and Cody. In less than five minutes, the five family members were served.
"Oh, roast pork. My favorite." Seth exclaimed when Cody laid his plate down.
Stephanie poked at her plate, but didn't eat. "Poppa, something is wrong."
Eric looked at his step-daughter. "Is something wrong with your luncheon? I thought everyone liked roast pork."
"No, poppa. The food is wonderful. Poppa… I think it's Chris. I think it's serious." Stephanie spoke in a very worried tone of voice.
Eric, Vince, Roman and Seth all stopped eating and looked at Stephanie. It was Vince who spoke.
"Isn't he out riding with Shawn? I am sure he just fine." Vince took a bite of food.
"Eric! Eric!" Shawn's voice echoed from the foyer. Shawn sounded in a panic.
The McMahon's all got up and ran out of the dining room to the main hall. Two men carried an unconscious Chris into the house. Shawn looked harried.
"Chris was thrown, he hit his head. I got these two to bring him in their wagon. We need the Doctor!" Shawn spoke in a frantic tone of voice.
"Up here, please." Eric led the two men who carried Chris, up the stairs. He led them toward Chris' room.
Mark had already run downstairs to call the Doctor. Vince hurried up the stairs. Stephanie led Shawn to the morning room. The man needed a drink.
Seth looked at Roman. "I'll tell Adam." Roman nodded as Seth dashed off.
Roman went to the morning room. Shawn spoke. "… his horse had been unsettled all during our ride. Highflyer bolted when a rabbit ran in front of him. Chris hung on, but fell off when Highflyer suddenly turned to avoid a carriage. Chris hit his head awfully hard. I jumped off Starlight and went to Chris. The two men in the carriage turned back to help. They brought us here. Jason and Maxwell need to find Highflyer and Starlight." Shawn spoke rapidly.
"I will go to the mews." Roman hurried out. The horses needed to be found quickly. They were valuable companions.
Seth burst into Adam's room. Adam came out of the water closet. "Chris, hurt, thrown, come." Seth spit out what he could.
Adam had not seen when the carriage had pulled up, he'd been in the water closet. He looked at Seth. "What? Chris?" What had Seth said?
"Come on." Seth grabbed Adam by the ram and led him to Chris' room. Eric sat on the bed. Vince spoke to two men.
Adam looked at Chris. He flew to his bedside. "Chris, love. Wake up. Oh, please wake up." Chris was pale and made no sound or movement.