Doctor Drew McIntyre packed up his medical bag. "You are recovered. You can go back to your normal activities, but ease into them." He spoke in his firm physician's tone.
Adam spoke. "Don't worry, Doctor. I won't let him over do. I told him if he wants to go out later, we go by carriage or we don't go." He ended with a firm nod.
"Very good, Sir. I can see my patient is in very good hands. I am releasing him from my daily care. However, do call if he has any kind of set back. But, I am sure he will be fine. Lord Christopher has always been a quick one to heal. Only a week and his bruise is nearly gone. Well, I am off. I have truly sick patients to see. Take care, Lord Christopher, you as well, sir." Drew picked up his bag and left Chris' room with a nod.
Chris growled. "He is such a fuss pot. Can we go see our children? They have probably forgotten me by now, you as well. Please?" His growl turned into a plea. He wanted to go to the orphanage.
Adam laughed lightly. "Yes, my love. We can go. Jason has probably hitched Peppermint to the dog cart. He said Highflyer needs a few more days. It was a very bad abscess." He picked up both his and Chris' hats. Adam also had the sketchbooks to take to Tommy.
Chris frowned again. "Poor Highflyer. No wonder he tossed me. Alright, let's get out of here." He hurried to the door and opened it for Adam.
When the couple got downstairs, they went into the morning room. Chris had promised to tell Eric what the Doctor said about his recovery.
"Ah, my dear boys. So what did he say?" Eric looked up from his morning correspondence.
Chris started to speak, but Adam spoke quicker. "I will tell him, because I do not exaggerate." Adam proceeded to tell Eric exactly what Doctor McIntyre had said.
Eric smiled. "I'm glad. You do look fit, son. You two off to the orphanage?"
"Yes. I can't wait. I miss those little children. And yes, poppa, Adam will drive. We will be home for supper, maybe tea, but don't wait for us." Chris gave Eric a kiss on the cheek.
When Adam kissed Eric's cheek, the Duke took his hand. "I am so glad you made the decision you did. I also still can't believe what Shane did, taking all the Old Dames to Gunter's. Well, run along. Oh wait… I booked the florist for next week. We need to order the flowers." Eric looked at his appointment book. He was a bit harried.
Adam laid a hand on Eric's shoulder. "Calm down. It will be alright. I am getting my flowers for personal use from Paige's Aunt. The flowers from the florist are for the church." He wanted all the special flowers to come from Paige's Aunt. They were beautiful, and the large purchase would help the older woman.
"Oh yes, I remember. Now go, before my son explodes. Have a good time with the children." Eric waved the engaged couple away and went back to his work.
In the mews, Jason had Peppermint hitched to the two-wheeled dog cart. He also had Highflyer out for Chris to look at, at Chris' request.
"Hello my lovely boy. I know you didn't mean to throw me. I'm sorry we didn't know your mouth was sore. You're a good boy, Flyer." Chris stroked the long, soft nose.
As Jason held Highflyer's headstall, he spoke in a near whisper in Chris' ear. Chris beamed with a nod. Jason also smiled and returned the nod. Adam didn't notice as he waited in the dog cart. Chris needed to spend time alone with his beloved horse.
Jason walked with Highflyer and Chris to the dog cart. "Addy, drive carefully. Your Lord just recovered from one accident." Jason spoke with a cheeky grin.
"Don't worry, Jay. Sweet Peppermint is too old to go fast. We will be back later." Adam smiled when Chris was seated next to him.
Jason waved and Highflyer nickered as Adam drove Peppermint out of the mews. He hurried and took the stallion back to his stall. Jason had an important errand to run… while Adam was gone.
Chris enjoyed riding with Adam. It was easier to talk in a carriage instead of on horseback. They talked about anything and everything, but mostly about children and about adopting Melanie.
"So, you are sure. I can tell Pru today? No more changing your mind?" Chris looked at Adam.
Adam glanced over at Chris. "No more changing my mind, I promise. I think Shane would hurt me if I did. Yes, tell her. I can't wait for Melanie to be ours…" He let his words fade.
"But, you're worried about Mary, Victoria and Eugenia? They will be alright, love. We can't adopt them all. They will be happy for Melanie. Besides, we will still come visit at least twice a week." Chris spoke with confidence. He knew the others would be happy for Melanie.
"True. We can take Melanie to visit if she wants. Chris… I'm nervous about tomorrow." Adam carefully drove down the last busy street before turning off to get to the orphanage.
"You will be just fine. Wear your gray pinstripe, it is very professional looking. I will be there with you. You will also be with Roman. You are comfortable with him… wait… stop." Chris saw that Miss Martha sat on her porch, head in her hands.
Adam stopped Peppermint. He and Chris got out of the carriage. Adam tied the horse to the hitching post. The couple went through the open gate and went to Martha.
"Miss Martha, is something wrong?" Chris asked softly. He could tell Martha cried.
Martha looked up with a sniff. "Oh Mister Chris. It's Elizabeth. They want to lock her up in a mental institution. See, we went to the shops. She saw a jar of peppermint sticks. She took one and began to eat it. She always does that. Mister Jones, the shopkeeper, doesn't mind. I pay him a few extra pennies and it's alright. This time, a new, grand lady was in the shop. She saw what Martha did and went and fetched a policeman. Mister Jones explained, as did I. But the lady raised a terrible fuss and said someone like Martha shouldn't be allowed on the streets. She said her father was a Judge, and he would see to it. She is also giving Lady Prudence a very difficult time and wants to close the orphanage. Oh Mister Chris, they can't take Elizabeth. You know she is a good girl. What am I going to do?" Martha looked at Chris. The sadness in her eyes was overwhelming.
Chris sat on the porch, next to Martha. "Where is Elizabeth?" He indicated for Adam to sit on the other side of Martha.
"In her room. I keep her inside now. She's folding clothes for Lady Pru." Martha spoke with a sniff.
"May I go see her?" Adam asked with a hand on Martha's shoulder. Chris would be more help to the washerwoman.
Martha smiled at Adam. "She would like that. Thank you, Mister Adam. Second door on the left."
Adam got up and went inside. Chris sighed. "So a new family moved into the estate next to Prudence. Pru wanted to buy it for that reason, but the family wouldn't sell. Martha, don't worry. They won't lock Elizabeth up, I promise. I will speak to my brother, Dean. He is a clerk in a powerful law office. My father is a member of Parliament. He was speak to your Member. Does Prudence know about this? Technically your house is on her estate. She has the right to speak up for you." Chris was worried. The new family sounded like troublemakers.
Martha looked at Chris. "Oh, thank you, Mister Chris. No, I didn't think to tell Lady Prudence. It just happened yesterday. What do I do if they come for Elizabeth?" She could barely speak, she was so afraid of what would happen.
Chris patted Martha's shoulder. "Go to Prudence. She will let you stay there. I will tell her to send a wagon down. You and Elizabeth will be safe there. I promise. You will be safe in half an hour. I will speak to my brother as soon as we get back to London." Chris spoke with confidence. He knew Pru would handle it.
"Thank you, oh thank you. I will go finish their washing. We will be ready. Thank you." Martha stood. She would do whatever it took to keep her precious Elizabeth safe. Even if it meant leaving home.
Ten minutes later, Chris and Adam were inside the orphanage. Chris quickly explained about Martha and Elizabeth.
"Morrison, tell the Coachman to go bring Martha and Elizabeth here, immediately." Prudence spoke to the young Butler firmly. Morrison hurried off to do as requested.
"They will be safe here. That Banks girl is going to cause a lot of problems. She is just awful. She thinks because her father is a lower court Judge, she can do and say anything she wants. Now, tell me, how are you? Cody told us about your accident." Prudence first spoke with anger, then with a worried smile.
"I am alright. My horse tossed me. He had a sore mouth and got spooked. I took a cropper. This one took good care of me. Made me stay in bed four days. By the way… let's go to your office, please." Chris grinned at Pru.
"Adam, my dear boy, forgive me. Welcome, the girls will be so happy to see you." Prudence greeted Adam with a hug and kiss.
Adam grinned. "No forgiveness needed. Chris' news was most urgent. I can't wait to see them." He spoke warmly as they went to Pru's morning room office.
Pru sat down on the sofa and turned to look at Chris and Adam who sat at the other end. "So, what do you want? I can probably guess, so I will. When do you want her? Christmas, perhaps?" Pru's blue eyes glittered with mirth.
Chris laughed. "Pru, you know me too well. Yes, Adam and I want to adopt Melanie. Yes, at Christmas. We want to be a bit selfish. That gives us five months of marriage first. We also need to get her room ready."
Adam spoke up. "I do worry about Mary, Victoria and Eugenia. I don't want them to feel bad. I wish we could take them all." He let out a small sigh.
Prudence smiled softly. "Adam, you are sweet to care. Don't you worry about the girls. They will be happy for Melanie. I may have a family for Eugenia. But, it is early days. A Doctor and his husband are interested. I will go to London to investigate. The Doctor can be a bit… terse, but he is wonderfully kind. He his husband is a dear thing, like your Adam."
Chris arched his brow. "Sounds a bit like Doctor McIntyre. He can be very terse, but he is kind. He is our family physician. Never met his husband though." He took Adam's hand in his, just because.
Prudence laughed again. "That is exactly who it is. Well, I won't have to investigate too hard. His husband, Evan is adorable. Ah, sounds like Martha and Elizabeth are here. You were right to send them. You two go up to the playroom. I will get them settled." She stood as did the couple.
Chris and Adam went up to the playroom. "Uncle Chris! Uncle Adam!" Melanie cried out when she saw the two men. Mary and Victoria smiled too. The three played with their dolls. Eugenia was in school, like she was every morning.
Chris and Adam hugged and kissed the three girls. The other children also ran up to get their hugs. Mary and Victoria dragged Adam to their dolls tea party. Chris barely managed to grab the art portfolio for Tommy that Adam still carried.
"Cody said you hurted your head. I was scareded." Melanie clung to Chris as he settled her on his hip. He walked over to a comfortable chair and sat with Melanie in his lap.
Chris held the little girl close. "I am alright, sweetheart. I got thrown off my horse when a bunny rabbit scared him. Uncle Adam took very good care of me. I am all better now. So what have you been doing?" He began to rock Melanie gently.
"These new dresses are so pretty. I am sorry I didn't bring any new material today. My friends, Paige, Beth and Becky didn't have any more. My mother may have some soon." Adam explained as he admired the dresses they had made from the material he'd brought last time.
Mary spoke. "Dat's alright, Uncle Adam. We can do a lot with this. Eugenia is very good at dressmaking. Let's have tea."
Victoria held her doll. "Story later?" She looked at Adam with hope.
Adam laughed happily. "Yes, I will tell you a story after luncheon. It will be about a little girl named Alice." The girls clapped with glee.
After an hour with the little children, it was time for their morning naps. Chris and Adam went outside. It was time for the school to have outdoor sports. Adam took the portfolio for Tommy.
All the older children cheered when they saw Chris. He had been missed, especially by the cricket team. Chris was hurried off to coach.
"Hi Tommy. I am sorry it's been awhile. I have lots of exercises for you. Shading, perspective, detailing and shapes." Adam and Tommy walked to the big oak tree and sat under it.
Tommy took the sketchbooks Adam had brought. "It's alright, Adam. Cody told us about Uncle Chris. You needed to take care of him…" He paused and looked at the drawing exercises. "These are wonderful. Adam, thank you so much for helping me. I want to get that scholarship to the art school. I want to become a good artist. Then, one day, I will have the money to give Auntie Pru, to help others like me." The young man spoke with so much hope it radiated from him, like a beam of the brightest sunbeam.
Adam's own eyes welled up with tears. "I will do everything in my ability to help you, Tommy. You are just… wonderful." Adam hugged Tommy, and it was returned.
It was a special moment between two artists. When the hug broke, Adam began to show Tommy more about art techniques under the shelter of the old oak.
Chris and the boys who played cricket let out loud cheers, simply for the joy of it. They didn't see the young woman on a solid black horse as she rode through the field. He face was a mask of anger as the cheers grew louder.
As Adam and Tommy worked on distance perspective shading, Professor James Ross came over to them. He watched as Adam helped guide Tommy's hand to hold the pencil better.
"See how that turns the pencil just enough to broaden the line?" Adam let go of Tommy's hand and watched the young man draw.
Professor Ross spoke. "Excellent work, Master Thomas. Adam, I am very grateful for your help. I can tell him when something isn't quite right, but I don't know how to tell him to fix it. Perhaps I should take some lessons from you as well." Jim chuckled softly.
Adam smiled. "I would be happy to teach you. But, you do know I have never had anyone teach me. I hope I am not steering him wrong." It did worry Adam, he hoped his natural talent was enough.
Professor Ross gave Adam a pat on the shoulder. "Trust me, you are not steering him wrong. Now, I will leave you to it. Not much longer before luncheon." He gave the two artists a nod and went to go watch the cricket for a bit.
The outdoor time passed quickly. With more shouts and loud laughter, the children ran to the house when Morrison rang the bell.
"Uncle Adam!" Eugenia called out when she saw Adam. She had been on the other side of the schoolhouse, to play croquet with the girls.
Adam hugged the little redhead tight. "Hello, sweetheart. I'm sorry I missed the croquet."
Eugenia grinned. Her cheeks were flushed and wisps of hair stuck to her warm face. "That's alright, Uncle Adam. We all want Tommy to get to the art school. Helping him was more important than playing croquet."
"You are so sweet to understand. Come on, we'd better go in for luncheon, before the boys eat it all up." Adam laughed and led Eugenia by the hand.
Loud voices could be heard from the direction of Lady Prudence's morning room. One of the voices sounded like Christopher. Adam grew concerned.
"Honey, go eat. I am going to tell the story of Alice after luncheon." Adam left Eugenia at the door to the dining room. The chatter of the children kept them from the raised voices down the hall.
"Sir? Do you think we should serve? Or wait for her Ladyship?" Morrison asked with worry on his face.
Adam nodded. "Yes, serve luncheon. Lady Prudence would approve. Oh and um… close the doors… quietly." He felt it was the best thing to do.
"I agree, Sir." Morrison spoke in voice that told Adam he had things well under control.
Adam went down the hall to the morning room, the door was open. He hesitated, it wasn't really his place to enter… or was it? Adam decided, for once, to use his status as a future Lord. After all, he loved the orphanage just as much as Christopher.
A tall, young brunette haired woman of perhaps twenty-five stood in a black broadcloth riding habit. She wore a ladies top hat and a black veil covered her face. Her hands were on her hips.
"You keep those little heathens quite. They were screaming and shouting like hooligans." The young woman spoke with anger, vicious anger.
Chris bristled. "Madame, they were playing cricket. They were cheering because I told them they were now good enough to win against the village team. They are not heathens nor are they hooligans. And by the way, leave Miss Martha and Elizabeth alone. They have done nothing to you." he spoke in a calm, even voice, but the anger burned in his blue eyes.
"That horrible child stole a peppermint stick. Who's to say my jewels aren't next. People like her should be locked away from people with class. They serve no purpose in life. Totally useless. I am going to see to it she is locked away." The young woman again spoke in sheer anger.
"I beg your pardon, madame, but how dare you say that about sweet little Elizabeth! She works hard, helping her mother do the washing. She irons and folds perfectly. Just because someone might be different, does not mean they are useless. I've never heard such… nonsense. Maybe instead of thinking how good you are and how bad they are, you could help out here, be of use instead of…" Adam suddenly stopped himself. He'd never spoken so harshly in his life, especially to a member of the gentry.
Chris beamed with pride and went to Adam. "I present my fiance, Adam Copeland. Adam, this is Lady Sasha Banks. He wrapped an arm around Adam's waist. He gave a slight squeeze, to let his fiance know he approved.
Lady Sasha's mouth opened but she couldn't think. No one had dared to speak like to her like that before. Lady Prudence stood behind Lady Sasha, she gave Adam a wink and a grin.
"Well, I never!" Lady Sasha turned to face Prudence. "You will be hearing from my father, the Judge. In the mean time, keep those… children under control. Good day." Lady Banks turned on her booted foot and stormed out. They heard the front door slam shut.
Prudence hugged Adam. "Oh my dear boy. You said everything I should have said. I was just too… shocked. Christopher, don't you worry about Martha and Elizabeth. I will look after them. Perhaps Elizabeth can even attend school. Patricia has worked with… well, special children before. Well dears, shall we join the children. I am rather peckish."
"I hope you don't mind, but I told Morrison to serve the children." Adam stated as they walked toward the dining room.
Prudence gave Adam a pat. "Thank you. I don't mind at all. By the way, the children do not need to know about this." She stopped in front of the door to the dining room.
"Agreed." Chris and Adam spoke at the same time.
The children greeted Prudence, Chris and Adam. The three adults sat down at the table. Adam sat with Mary on one side, Victoria the other. Chris sat across from Adam, with Melanie and Tommy.
After lunch, Tommy and Eugenia went to the playroom. It was time for Adam to tell a story. Even Tommy sat to listen instead of going off to draw. He knew his artistic mind needed to take a break. Besides, the way Adam told stories gave him ideas for drawing.
Chris sat on the floor, Melanie ensconced in his lap. Pru also sat on the floor and held a little five year old boy, named Peter. Mary, Victoria and Eugenia sat at Adam's feet. The other children settled in close, ready to listen.
When everyone was settled., Adam began to tell the story of Alice in Wonderland. It was a wonderful story and the children loved all the voices Adam gave the different characters. Of course, he told a much shorter version, but left in all the exciting parts.
When the story ended, Prudence and a few maids took the children up for their afternoon naps. Tommy and Eugenia stayed in the playroom to work on their lessons.
Prudence, Chris and Adam were in the morning room. After Morrison brought tea, he closed the door. No one disturbed Lady Prudence Mayfield at her tea time.
"Adam, thank you again for what you said to that Banks child. Honestly! To say things like that about precious little Elizabeth. Yes, she isn't… normal, but if you show her what to do, and have a bit of patience, she can do anything. I will speak to my Solicitor, Sir Michael Cole. I will keep Elizabeth and Martha safe She can do her washing here. I will send a couple of the under house maids to Martha's house. They can bring the washing that comes up here. No one is going to take Elizabeth away." Prudence spoke with a vengeance as she poured three cups of tea.
"Ma'am, what… well… when something happens to Miss Martha?" Adam asked as he picked up his cup of tea.
Prudence smiled at Adam. "Elizabeth will come here. We've already signed a legal document. So don't worry. Elizabeth will be cared for."
"I should have known." Adam returned her smile.
Chris swallowed a sip of tea. "I am also going to speak to my brother, Dean. Pru, do you think Judge Banks can cause problems for you?" He was worried. Sasha Banks was not a nice person, not a nice person at all.
Prudence sighed. "I honestly don't know. They just moved onto the estate a week ago. I have yet to meet anyone but her. I am hoping it doesn't run in the family. Let's change the subject. I can handle Miss Banks."
Chris laughed lightly. "I am sure you can. Oh… you will get a proper invitation, but I know how busy you are. Put July twenty-ninth, eleven o'clock in your diary. We want you at our wedding." He picked up Adam's left hand and kissed it.
"Oh wonderful! I will be honored to be there. You are going to be such wonderful parents for Melanie." Prudence spoke with a bit of emotion.
Adam ducked his head with a flush on his cheeks. "We will do our best for her. She will make a great big sister."
"Yes, she will. She will love Beatrice and Reginald. Pru, please, I know you won't, but don't tell her." Chris arched his brow at Prudence.
Prudence nodded. "Not a word. It would be awful to get her hopes up, on the remote chance it didn't work out to take her. I have always said, the only thing ever written in stone were the Ten Commandments. Things happen when you least expect them. Still, I am able to say, one hundred percent, Melanie will be a McMahon by Christmas. Probably with a baby brother or sister on the way" She gave the couple a cheeky wink.
Adam flushed even more. Chris puffed up with pride at the thought. Prudence and Chris looked when Adam let out a gasp.
"I have an idea. Would it be possible for Melanie, Mary, Victoria, Eugenia and Tommy to be in our wedding as the Page and Maidens? Or… is that asking too much?" Adam looked at his fiance and the Lady of the orphanage.
Both Chris and Prudence smiled. "Oh Adam, they would be in wonderland! I of course, give my permission! How sweet of you to think of it! They will love that. Thank you, dear boy." Prudence got up and kissed Adam on the cheek, then sat back down.
Chris also kissed Adam's cheek. "You're just wonderful. I was about to ask if we could do that. No wonder I love you so very much. And I do love you, my darling." He kissed Adam soundly on the lips, not caring if Pru saw it.
Prudence, Chris and Adam finished their tea. Adam stood. "I know the two of you like to talk business. I will go up to Tommy and Eugenia. Take your time." He gave Chris a smile, and a nod to Pru.
Chris briefly held Adam's hand. "Thank you, love. We won't be long." He kissed Adam's hand.
When Adam closed the door, Chris spoke. "He is… just… I love him so much." Chris' voice was gruff with emotion and tears filled his blue eyes.
Prudence laid a hand on his shoulder. "And he loves you, just as much. I'm happy for you, Chris. You deserve this. Now come, I will show the accounts. You need to know how your money is spent." She got up, went to her desk and got the accounting books.
In the playroom, Adam found Tommy and Eugenia doing their grammar and spelling. They waved him over to the table. Adam sat across from the two students.
"I can draw, but I can't diagram a sentence." Tommy sighed as he looked at his paper.
Adam nodded. "Yes, it is hard. Alright the first step is to find the noun. What is the sentence about. Then you find the verbs, you know, the actions…" He took Tommy's pencil and clean sheet of paper. He wrote a simple sentence, then showed how to diagram it. Eugenia watched too, she had the same problem.
"Oh! Tommy, I get it now. Look." Eugenia took her pencil and diagrammed the sentence Miss Patricia had given them in class.
Tommy's face changed from confused to comprehension as he finally understood. He completed his sentence and looked at Adam. "Is this correct?"
Adam smiled with a nod. "Perfect. See, once you understand, it is very easy. Just never ask me to help you with maths. I am not good with numbers."
Tommy grinned. "Then I can help you, I am good at maths. Oh this is so easy now. Thank you, Adam for your help." He quickly worked the ten sentences their teacher had given them. Eugenia did the same.
"Glad I could help. I may take you up on that sometime, Tommy. I am good at spelling, shall I test you? A spelling bee perhaps?" Adam want to make learning things fun.
"Oh yes, please. Yes!" Tommy and Eugenia chorused.
For the next hour, Adam gave the two children a spelling exercise. He made sure they ended in a tie. The younger children had returned to the playroom after their naps. Adam was soon up to his chin in a dolls tea party. He loved every second of it.
Chris laughed when he came to find Adam. It was time to head back to London. Twenty minutes later, Adam drove Peppermint away from the Mayfield Orphanage.
"Adam, there is something I need to tell you. As my husband you will need to know. I do fifty percent of the financing for the orphanage. If anything ever happens to me, I want you to continue to make sure Prudence gets the money. I told you about poppa Patrick's inheritance and I live off the interest. Half of that goes to Pru every month. Don't worry, there is plenty for our own children. I wanted you to know. Chris explained as Adam drove on.
"Of course, Chris. Maybe Dean better draw up some paperwork to that effect for me to sign. Chris… um… no, not my business. I know you will always provide for our children." Adam would do whatever Chris wanted. He knew he could trust Chris to always care for him and their children.
Chris chuckled a bit. "Poppa Patrick left the three of us, one hundred thousand pounds each. Grandfather Patterson was a millionaire. So, you and our children will always be cared for. Well, yes, that is why I told you now. Dean is drawing up papers. We will sign them when he has them ready."
Adam stopped Peppermint at a busy corner to wait for the policeman to direct the flow of vehicles. "Oh… my… I… I… goodness. Well, no wonder Shane was so concerned. Chris… I want you to know, and I will say it just this once. Your money and title are nothing to me. It is Christopher the man, I love. I would love you, even you had been the stable hand. Come on, trot on my girl." Adam gave the old mare a light slap with the reigns.
Chris waited till they were in the quieter street. "I do know that, love. I would love you if you had been a royal prince. It is Adam, the man I love. I am so glad Tommy and the girls are going to be in our wedding. I am going to ask Shane to be my best man. Roman, Dean and Kenny will be my groomsmen." He spoke happily of their wedding. It was only two months away.
"Jason will be my best man. Seth, my groomsman. Stephanie and Natalya will be maids with the children. Mark will give me away." Adam added his plans.
The couple talked about wedding things until the pulled in the mews. Jason came out to greet them.
"Hello. I see Adam managed to get you home safely. Are you alright, Peppermint? " Jason greeted as Adam pulled the mare to a stop.
Adam scoffed. "I am a very good driver. If not, it would be your fault, you taught me after all." Adam was helped out of the dog cart by Chris.
Jason gave Chris a sly nod toward the stables. Chris grinned and winked in return.
"Come, love. I wan to give Highflyer some apple. Let him know I'm not mad at him." Chris took Adam by the hand. Jason stayed outside, to give the couple a moment.
Next to Highflyer's stall, a pretty Buckskin mare looked over her new home. Chris stopped in front of her stall.
"Adam, my love, meet Locket. She is yours." Chris looked at Adam, with a love laced smile.
Adam looked at the beautiful mare. "Oh Chris… my… she's… all mine? She is beautiful. Oh, thank you." He gave Chris a searing kiss.
It had been a day of strong emotions. Trouble for Martha and Elizabeth. Anger at the orphanage because of Lady Sasha Banks, and now utter happiness as Adam admired his new horse. What could happen next?