Vince, Eric, Stephanie, Seth, Roman, Dean and Adam sat in the morning room. Doctor Drew McIntyre was up in Chris' room with Shawn Hart. Shawn was there to tell the physician what exactly happened to Chris.

Adam stood at the window and chewed on his thumbnail. "It is all my fault. He was upset, that is why he got thrown." Adam barely spoke.

Before anyone could respond, Jason came into the morning room. "Your Grace, the horses are here and in the stables. They were on their way back, on their own, when Maxwell and I found them.

"Thank you, Reso. I will tell Duke Hart. Are they injured?" Eric asked, brow arched.

Jason looked at Eric. "They are fine, Your Grace. Highflyer has a scratch, but nothing serious. Starlight is perfect." He ended with a nod.

"Very good." Eric gave Jason a nod of dismissal. Jason glanced at his brother, but left. Now was not the time or place.

Seth went to Adam. "It wasn't your fault. It's not the first time Chris has been thrown. He broke his arm last time." He laid a hand on Adam's shoulder.

Adam looked at Seth, fear, worry and doubt were carved so deeply onto Adam's face, it made him look like a different person. It actually frightened Seth.

"Maybe so, Seth. But it is my fault that Chris was so upset, he didn't pay attention. It was probably that same upset that set Highflyer off." Adam turned away from Seth and once again stared out of the window.

Vince was the next to speak. "Adam, son, it is not your fault. But, you do need to…" He was halted by Eric, who shook his head.

Eric went to Adam. "Come, sit down and have some tea. Chris will be alright, he is just as hard headed as you." He smiled at the blond. He actually managed to lead Adam to the sofa.

Stephanie moved so that Adam could sit. "Here. A cup of good, hot tea with lemon will cure anything." She poured Adam a steaming cup of tea, and added a squeeze of fresh lemon and a spoonful of sugar. She gave it a stir and handed the cup to Adam.

Adam took the cup, it shook in his hand. He put the cup down, before he spilt the tea. "I can't hold it." He put his head in his hands, tears leaked from between his fingers.

Dean looked around the room. "Say, where is Shane?" He'd only just now noticed the youngest McMahon was missing.

Eric turned to his son. Dean sat at the desk by the window. "He went out before luncheon. He told Calaway he was calling on a friend. I am worried, he should be home by now."

"That is my fault too." Adam's voice was muffled by his hands.

Eric, who sat on the other side of Adam, placed a hand on the young man's shoulder. "Stop. Just stop. It is not your fault. None of this is your fault. Adam, I have to say…" Eric was interrupted when he heard Shane enter the house, with a bit of chaos.

"Poppa!" Shane came into the morning room, like a bull in a china shop.

"Is Chris alright? Reso told me what happened." Shane was breathless, he'd run from the mews.

Vince greeted his youngest. "We don't know yet. Doctor is with him, Shawn as well. Where have you been? You left without asking or telling. You worried your poppa. There is enough… going on without you adding to it." He was stern voiced and stone faced.

Shane sighed. "I am sorry, father, poppa. I didn't mean to worry you. I did what I did for Chris and Adam. I had to do something to make things up to them. I won't leave again without asking."

Vince's brow arched. "What exactly did you do?"

Before Shane could respond, Shawn Hart came into the morning room. Kenny, Bret and Natalya happened to arrive at the same time. Dean went to Kenny and kissed his fiance. Natalya squeezed in next to Stephanie on the sofa.

Shawn spoke. "Chris is going to be alright. No broken bones, just a few scrapes and bruises. He has started to come around. Doctor McIntyre said Chris has a mild concussion from hitting his head. The Doctor said Chris should be alright, but, he said the next twenty-four hours will tell. The Doctor wants quiet and only one visitor at a time. No excitement, and at least three days of bed rest. He will come down and talk to you in a bit. One thing, Doctor Drew said it could have been much worse. So, that is all I know." He finished with a shrug. Doctor McIntyre could be so annoying. He was a master of using a lot of words, without actually saying anything.

Adam looked at Shawn. "He will really be alright? Chris won't die?" He held hope in his hazel eyes.

Shane moved the tea things to sit on the low table, to look Adam in the eye. "Chris is not going to die… at least not today." He gave Adam a wink.

Everyone looked when Mark entered the room. "Pardon, Your Graces. Jason needs permission to call Doctor Brisco. Highflyer had a reason for acting up. Jason discovered an abscess in his mouth, a rather bad one. He said the bit aggravated it till Highflyer could no longer take the pain." Mark relayed what Jason had told him. Also, Adam needed to hear it, to prove it was not his fault.

"By all means, call him immediately. No wonder the poor horse threw a fit. Have Doctor Brisco check all the horses, just in case." Vince gave the order with a firm nod.

Mark returned the nod. "Yes, Your Grace. More tea? Sandwiches?" He asked as he picked up the used tea tray.

Eric spoke. "Yes, please. Have Missus Calaway make a rich beef broth for Lord Christopher. Also, the Hart's will stay for dinner, but tell her not to fuss. We won't eat much."

"Yes, Your Grace." Mark gave a nod and left the morning room with the tea tray.

Seth spoke up. "See, Adam. I told you it wasn't your fault. Poor Highflyer, no wonder he threw Chris. I would too it I had a massive toothache." He gave Adam a smile of encouragement.

Adam nodded. "I suppose you are right, it is not my fault about Highflyer. I still think Chris was distracted by… things." He leaned back against the sofa and closed his eyes.

Shane looked at Adam. "Adam, I have something that you need to see. It's what I went out to do. It was the only thing I could think of to do, to make up for what I said…" He reached into his inside pocket.

Before Shane could continue, Doctor Drew McIntyre came into the morning room. "Who is Kitten?" The Doctor asked, with no humor in his voice.

Adam flushed. Dean spoke. "That one." He pointed to Adam, then continued. "How is Chris?" He was extremely worried about his step-brother.

Drew responded. "Come with me, he wants you. He is restless and you can calm him. Chris will recover, but resting and remaining calm is all he needs, along with some healthy food. Please, come." He looked at Adam and curled a finger at him to follow.

Adam hesitated. "Maybe you should go, Dean. Brothers can be more help."

Doctor McIntyre rolled his eyes. "He wants you. Do you want him to recover or not?" He had no patience for people who didn't listen to him.

Stephanie looked at Adam. "Go to him, please. Think about him, not yourself."

"Agreed." Roman and Seth spoke at the same time.

"If you don't go, all the work I did today will be a waste. Please." Shane added his own wishes.

Dean stood in front of Adam. "Go to him. Don't be stupid like I was with Kenny."

"My son needs you." Vince spoke with the most emotion in his voice anyone had ever heard. He looked at Adam.

Eric laid a hand on Adam's shoulder. "He would do it for you. Just be there for him."

Adam nodded. "Yes, I will go." He stood and followed Doctor McIntyre up to Chris' room.

"I don't know what is between you and Lord Christopher. I don't care. All I know is, he wants his Kitten. All I want is for him to rest and be still. If you're the one he wants, then help him. Don't upset him. He took a very hard hit to the head." Doctor McIntyre spoke firmly.

"I understand, Doctor. I promise not to upset him." Adam spoke with a nod.

The Doctor opened the door to Chris' room. Chris was in his pajamas, in his bed. He whimpered, eyes closed. There was a nasty bruise on his cheek. Adam's heart melted. All the difficulties of the last few days vanished.

Adam sat on the side of the bed. He took Chris' hand in his and very, very gently caressed Chris' forehead. Chris seemed to immediately calm.

"I am here, my Lion. Your Kitten is here. Rest quiet now." Adam bent down and whispered softly in Chris' ear. He then kissed Chris' temple.

Drew smiled. "Keep him in bed. Let him eat when he wants. If he starts to vomit, call me immediately. Rest is best. I will be back in the morning. Oh and I'll tell his family short visits only." He knew by the way Chris calmed, Adam was the best medicine.

"Yes, Doctor. Thank you. He will truly be alright? He looks so… broken." Adam held fast to Chris' hand.

Doctor Drew nodded and packed up his medical bag. "He will be fine. Remember though, if he gets worse or starts vomiting, call me."

"I will. See you in the morning." Drew closed his bag and left Adam to tend to Chris. Maybe it wasn't as bad as he let on, but Shawn had asked for a favor. Get Adam and Chris together. Who was he to refuse the request of a Duke. After all, Chris had been thrown and knocked out. There was still a risk, so his warning wasn't totally unwarranted.

In the morning room, Shawn spoke. "...So while Chris is hurt, it's not dangerous. It could have been, it was a very nasty fall, but Chris knew how to protect himself. I got the idea when Chris told me how miserable he was, and how he needed Adam to realize, their love was all that mattered. So… if… there was a little nudge from the Doctor… I hope all of you understand. Chris will need the rest and care." Shawn finished telling everyone what the real truth was. Mainly so they could be assured Chris would fully recover in two or three days.

Vince let out his distinct laugh. "Shawn, you are a very sneaky man. I approve. Anything that gets those to back together is fine with me."

Eric got up and hugged Shawn. "I knew there was a reason I asked you to go with Chris. I hoped a talk would help, but to come up with this… He is really alright?" Eric went from happy to worried.

"He will be fine, Your Grace. I told Adam if anything changes or if Lord Christopher starts to vomit, call me immediately. There is always a bit of worry with a hit to the head, but two or three days of rest, and Lord Christopher will be fine." Drew spoke as he stepped into the room.

"Then I am assured. Thank you, Doctor McIntyre. You will be back to check on him? I am all for the idea, but Chris' health comes above all." Eric spoke in earnest.

Drew gave Eric a nod "Yes, Your Grace. I will be in the morning, around ten o'clock. Again, call me immediately if needed. Good evening, Your Graces, Your Lord and Ladyships." The Doctor gave a nod and left. Calaway escorted him out. Mark was also aware of the truth, and supported it.

Dean looked at his fiance. "Well, my dear, now I understand where you get it from. Reminds me how tricky you can be." He gave Kenny a kiss.

"By the way, son. You never said, what did Regal say when you told him? I haven't seen him in Parliament." Vince asked Dean as he lit I cigar and took a sip of brandy.

Dean chuckled a bit. "He's down in his constituency for two more weeks. Some sort of union trouble. He wanted me to go, but I was the only one that knew the case he is preparing for the High Court. I would imagine he will be surprised. It does not matter. Kenny and I have decided to leave if he makes trouble. We don't have to work, we want to. There are other law offices in London." Kenny nodded in agreement with Dean's words.

Mark explained what he knew as the servant's gathered for their supper. "So while Lord Christopher is hurt, it is not as bad as Adam believes. Duke Shawn thought it just might nudge Christopher and Adam back together. So, none of you are to let on any different. Am I understood?" Mark looked at everyone, including Judy. He wanted nothing spoiled by his staff.

Jason laughed. "Not a word. Duke Hart is a very smart man. Highflyer is probably worse than Lord Chris. Poor thing has to eat watery mash. I feel bad that I missed the abscessed tooth. I just thought he was twitching for a run. Abscesses are difficult. Nine times out of ten, you don't find them till they break open. He will be alright by the time Chris is ready to ride again. At least the other horses were alright. Sometimes, abscesses can be a sign of stable sickness." He took a big bite of his food.

Cody spoke up. "We had a bout of stable sickness at Lady Mayfield's. Lost two good horses before it ended. I am glad the horses here are alright." He spoke with a bit of sadness, he'd helped raise one of the horses that had died.

"I'm sorry that happened, Cody. More peas?" Paige offered as she held out the bowl of peas.

Judy smiled at the two youngest servants. She thought Cody and Paige were cute together. She smiled when her husband gave her hand a pat with a wink. He knew exactly what she thought, and he agreed.

Upstairs, in Chris' room, Adam gently ran a warm wash cloth over Chris' face. Adam was careful of the bruise on his cheek. The young Lord gave a whimper when the cloth touched the sore spot.

"Hush, love. You will be alright. I love you, so much." Adam whispered softly.

Chris whimpered again. "Kitten?"

Adam once again swiped Chris' brow with the cloth. "I am here, my Lion. Rest easy."

Chris heard Adam's voice, but couldn't see him. He slowly tried to open his eyes, but blinked a few times. After a few more blinks, he managed to keep his eyes open. Chris let a crooked smile play on his lips as his eyes focused on Adam.

"So beautiful, my darling Kitten. I love you." Chris' voice was weak, he needed a drink of water.

Adam smiled softly. "I love you. Here, take a drink of water…" He poured a glass of cool water from the small pitcher on the bedside table.

Adam put an arm around Chris' shoulders and helped him sit up a bit. The blond held the glass and let Chris sip the water slowly. Chris drank the full glass. Adam fluffed the pillows so Chris could sit up. It felt better on his head.

"Is Highflyer alright? He was so… jumpy, then that rabbit bounded out. I lost my seat when he swerved to miss the carriage." Chris closed his eyes at the memory. It hurt like hell when he hit the ground.

"… so, that's why Highflyer was acting up. His mouth was hurting. You are lucky, no broken bones. Just a bruise and a few scrapes and scratches… and a headache." Adam finished with a smile.

Chris frowned. "That explains a lot. No wonder he was agitated. How long do I have to stay down. Ugh… my head really hurts." Chris whined a bit.

"My poor Lion. Are you hungry? I am sure ma made you some beef broth." Adam caressed Chris' brow with a barely there touch.

Chris kept his eyes closed but smiled his crooked smile. "A bit. Maybe it would help my head."

Adam gave Chris a last caress. "I will be right back. I will go get you a tray." He kissed Chris' temple.

Chris cracked open his eyes. "Don't leave. Ring for it, please?" He sounded like a small child.

Adam gave a soft chuckle. "I would, but it is supper time downstairs. I don't want to disturb them, when I can do it myself. You will be alright."

Before Chris could answer, a light knock sounded on the door. The door opened, it was Shane. "Hi, Chris, Adam. Can I come in for a moment?"

Adam waved the young man into the room. "Good. Sit with your brother while I go down and get him something to eat. I will be back in a tick."

"Oh… well, alright. Then I have something I really need to talk to you both about." Shane stated as he took Adam's place next to Chris on the bed.

"Alright. I will be right back. Be good. Shane, he can't get out of that bed." Adam gave his instructions, then left to get Chris a tray of food.

In the servant's hall, supper had just finished. The girls cleared the table. They all smiled when Adam came down the stairs. They had missed him. Adam was hugged and kissed. Judy and Jason rushed into the kitchen. Mark and Cody joined them. Adam told about Chris as Judy got a tray ready for Adam to take upstairs to Chris.

"….so maybe a good hot bowl of beef broth will help. Shane is with him now. I said I wouldn't be too long." Adam finished telling about Chris.

Jason looked at his brother. "So does this mean you are going to marry Chris?" His brow arched in question.

Adam sighed. "I… haven't decided. I want to do what is best for everyone. Sometimes you have to make a sacrifice of self to make others happy. Now, I need to take this up to Lord Christopher." He picked up the silver tray his mother had prepared.

There was a bowl of beef broth and slices of bread and butter. Judy also added a dish of baked custard. It would be light but nutritious.

"Thank you, ma. I will stay with Lord Christopher, so I won't be at supper." Adam took the tray and went upstairs.

Jason sighed. "I shouldn't have asked him. Oh he is so… stubborn." He helped Becky clean the food scraps off the plates.

Mark gave Jason a pat on the shoulder. "It makes you a good brother. All we can do is wait." Jason gave Mark a slight smile, and continued to help.

Adam deftly opened the door to Chris' room, as he balanced the tray with one hand. It was all part of his training as a footman/under butler.

Shane got up so Adam could sit down on the edge of the bed. He put a pillow across Chris' lap, so Adam could nestle the tray on it. Adam noticed Chris had a bright sparkle in his eyes.

Adam tucked the linen napkin into the collar of Chris' pajamas, to keep him from dripping broth. Chris did stop Adam at feeding him. It made all three laugh.

"I can feed myself…" Chris stated as he took a spoonful of the rich, dark, roasted beef bone broth. He managed a huge grin. "Oh that is so delicious. When we are married, we'll eat Sunday dinner downstairs." Chris took another bite. He then dipped some bread in the broth and devoured it.

Adam frowned. "I… don't know. I… haven't decided yet, Chris. We have to do what is best for everyone. We can't be selfish." He sighed deeply.

Chris stopped eating. "Love, I want you to listen to Shane. Then look at what he has to show you. He did a very difficult and great thing for us today. Please, love. Please listen to Shane." Chris spoke with an almost desperate hope. If this didn't change Adam's mind, he feared nothing ever would.

Adam had never heard Chris speak with so much hope. What could it hurt to listen to Shane? "Alright, I will listen, but you eat. Alright Master Shane, what do you have to say?" He looked at Shane.

Down in the morning room, the McMahon's and Hart's talked quietly. They were waiting for Mark to call them in to supper. They were a bit more hungry than before, now they knew that Chris was alright.

Mark smiled. Judy and the girls had the meal for upstairs ready to go. She knew their appetites would be bigger. Good thing the pantry was full. Mark, Cody and Beth hurried upstairs to serve.

In Chris' room, Adam stared at the paper Shane had handed him. "… you… did… this… and… they… actually signed… it's real?" He couldn't take his eyes off the paper in front of him.

"Trust me, Adam. It is very real. Do you know how much tea I had to drink or bonbons I had to eat? Do you know how many grandsons and granddaughters I have to dance with during the ball season? All the Old Dames agreed, that they would accept you and Chris. And, they promised to never bring it up. I did it for you and for Chris. To make up for the horrible way I treated you. Adam, please, please, will you be my brother-in-law?" Shane asked with hope.

Adam looked at the paper. Several signatures were on it. Along with a promise to never spread gossip about the McMahon family. It also stated if they signed, the would accept the marriage of Lord Christopher and Adam Copeland, Footman.

"Shane… I'm… speechless. You… are… totally forgiven." Adam again looked at Shane, then at the paper. He was stunned.

Shane ducked his head with a flush. "I owed you and Chris. I am so sorry I ever listened to my Professors, but, they did it so subtly. Anyway, Adam, you didn't answer my question. Will you be my brother-in-law?" Again he looked at Adam with hope filled eyes.

Chris finished his bowl of broth and the bread. "Adam, you know how much I love you. Everyone in this house supports our marriage. Now Shane went to all the Old Dames and got their blessings. I don't know what else any of us can say or do. I love you. I want to marry you more than anything…" Chris still wore the sapphire and diamond ring on his little finger.

Chris pulled the ring off and held it out to Adam. "Adam Joseph Copeland, will you please marry me?"

Before Adam could answer, a knock came on the door. Shane got up and went to the door. It was Jason. He had two trays in his hand.

"Duke Eric sent this up for you and Adam. He said you both needed to eat." Jason explained as he held out the trays.

Shane waved him into the room. He put the trays down on the trunk at the foot of Chris' bed. He saw that Chris had eaten.

"Would you like me to take your tray, your Lordship?" Jason asked in his footman's tone of voice.

"Not yet, Jason. I haven't finished my custard. Jason, tell your brother to marry me. Maybe he will listen to you." Chris gave Jason a pointed look. He still held the ring out to Adam.

Jason shook his head. "Listen you stubborn monkey butt, enough is enough. Put that ring on your finger and get on with making everyone in this house happy." He spoke sternly to his brother, hands on his hips.

Adam shook his head. "I am not a stubborn monkey butt…" He huffed at his brother with a pout. "Go away, Jason. I have a decision to make."

"Yes, Your Lordship." Jason bowed with a very cheeky grin to Chris.

Both Shane and Chris laughed. Shane then picked up one of the trays. He sat in the chair close to Chris' bed. He balanced the tray on his knees and removed the cover He smiled. Roast beef, potatoes, carrots and peas were the supper fare. There was also a small jug of gravy. He poured gravy over the potatoes and began to eat. What happened between his brother and Adam was up to them. He had done all he could.

Chris held out the ring. "Please, Kitten. Will you marry me?" He wiggled the ring a bit so it sparkled in the soft glow of the lamplight.

Adam smiled, and held out his left hand. "Yes, Chris. I will marry you. I do love you so very much." A few tears fell as Chris slipped the ring back onto Adam's finger.

"Never, ever take this off again, as long as you live. Promise me." Chris looked at Adam before he let go of the ring.

Adam looked Chris directly in the eye. "I promise, my Lion. I'm sorry I took it off. I love you, so very much."

"I love you, so very much. No more nonsense." Chris pulled Adam in for a very passionate, love filled kiss.

"About time." Shane mumbled between bites of his food. He was happy.

Adam moved to pick up his tray. He used Chris' bed for a table. He then looked at Shane. "Thank you, Shane. It really means a lot to me that you went to all that trouble to talk to the Dames. You are a very special young man. I promise to massage your feet after all those dances. I again, forgive you. To be honest, my own brother said the same. He was afraid Chris was out for… well… you know. So, I can't be mad at you, for protecting your brother. Now, you finish your custard. You need to rest." Adam gave Chris another kiss. The atmosphere had completely changed. The three ate and talked like nothing had happened.

In the dining room, the McMahon's and Harts chatted over their supper. "Shane has been up there a long time. I hope it means things are going alright." Dean spoke softly to his own fiance. He took a bite of food.

Kenny smiled at Dean. "I am sure it will. I can understand Adam's turmoil. It is a big change for him." He leaned over and gave Dean a kiss on the cheek.

Upstairs, in Chris' room, the three finished their meal. Adam stacked the dishes onto one tray, then set that tray on top of the other two He picked them up to take downstairs. Adam, Shane and Chris had worked a plan to let everyone know, the wedding was back on.

"We will be right back. You stay in bed. You are not a well man." Adam spoke firmly to his fiance.

"I will be good, I promise. The only thing that hurts is my cheek. I landed on it. I am lucky I didn't break my jaw." Chris tenderly rubbed his injured cheek.

Adam kissed Chris' other cheek. "It will feel better soon. You are very lucky. Now stay in bed." He picked up the trays and Shane opened the door.

Adam went all the way down to the servant's hall. Shane went to the dining room. They had a plan to carry out.

In the kitchen, Adam managed to keep his left hand hidden. He spoke to his mother. "Chris and I want you, Mark and Jason to come up to Chris' room in half an hour. I have reached a decision and you need to know. His family will be there too. All Chris and I ask is for everyone to listen and the respect the decision we have made." Adam arched his brow at his mother.

Judy couldn't read he son's face. It wasn't a good sign. "Alright, son. We will be there. Half an hour."

Adam nodded and kissed her cheek. "Thank you. Supper was delicious. I love you, see you soon." Adam hurried back up to Chris. He didn't want to leave Chris alone for too long.

"… so, come up in half an hour. Chris and Adam said all they ask is that you listen and respect their decision." Shane made his announcement to the two families.

Vince spoke. "Alright, son. We will be there. We will abide by whatever they have decided." He spoke firmly.

"Thank you, father. See you then." Shane left the dining room and went up to wait.

"What do you think?" Vince asked as he looked at his husband. He hadn't been able to read his son's face.

Eric could only shrug. "I have no idea, dearest. To be honest, I don't hold out much hope. I feel Adam things it would be better for him to say no."

Shawn spoke up. "You never know, Eric. I am hoping my plan opened Adam's eyes a bit. But, what happens, happens."

Bret nodded in agreement. "Shawn is right. However, I hope whatever the decision is, I hope you can convince Adam to help with translations. It would be a big help, especially if you get that position at the Admiralty. Have you finished your speech?"

Vince shook his head. "No, not yet. I am working on the final draft. Yes, I hope Adam will help, no matter what. I also hope he will be willing to tutor Shane in languages. I also have to find out what is going on at Eaton. We can not have our young men indoctrinated to the ideas of our German friends, I mean the extreme ones. Many don't agree with the extremists." He let out a sigh. The saber rattling had begun to grow again. The potential for a coming war grew on an almost daily basis.

As the family talked at the table, Mark, Cody and Beth cleared the table. Mark wondered if he and Judy would be included in the family meeting in Chris' room. He figured he would find out soon enough.

Up in Chris' room, Adam tucked Chris back into his bed. Shane had helped his brother go to the water closet. Adam freshened the bed and plumped up the pillows to make a nest for Chris.

Adam gave Chris' shoulder length hair a final brush. He was gentle, there was a bump where Chris' head had hit the ground. Adam kissed the spot tenderly.

"You alright? You look a bit pale. Do you want the Doctor to come back?" Adam fussed with the bed covers as he sat on the edge of the bed.

Chris smiled softly, still a bit crooked because of the bruise. "On, I am just tired. I don't feel dizzy. I promise, I will tell you. They should be here soon. Shane, you ready?" He looked at his little brother.

"Yes, but… I'm not… you don't have to bring me into this. It is about you and Adam." Shane didn't want to be there. He only wanted to make up for what he had done.

Chris smiled. "Yes, we do. You did a brave thing. Oh… they are here." He stopped when a knock echoed on the door. It was time to tell the family.