Adam paced in his room. He'd been up since five, when he'd heard Paige scurry down to light the boiler. He was washed, brushed and fully dressed. The blond wore his dark gray pinstriped suit. Adam had styled his hair like Duke Shawn Hart. Down, with the top layer pulled into a shorter half pony tail. He felt it was more formal looking. Adam pulled out his watch and looked. It was seven. His mother would have the servant's breakfast on the table.
"I need a cup of tea." Adam muttered to himself. He picked up his hat and gloves. He quietly left his room and went downstairs.
Jason saw his brother first. "Addy? Is that you? You look like a real member of Parliament."
Adam ducked his head as he entered the hall. "Thank you, Jay. I do hope I look alright. Ma, a cup of tea? And good morning Mark, Cody, Paige, Beth, and Becky. Good morning, ma." He kissed his mother's cheek.
"Good morning, son. Yes, of course, sit. Paige dear, fetch a setting for him…" Judy spoke to Paige, then turned to Adam. "You do look very nice. I like your hair that way, you did a nice job." Judy took a bite of her eggs.
Adam smiled. "Thank you, ma. Oh, thank you, Paige. I'm not hungry, too nervous." Adam took the cup of tea from Paige. The scullery maid sat back down in her place.
"Have a piece of toast, son. It will help calm your nerves." Mark gave Adam a smile of encouragement.
Adam took a piece of toast from the serving basket. Nothing better than his ma's bread toasted. He managed to eat a bite or two.
"Adam, would you… no, never mind." Cody hesitated and went back to his breakfast.
Adam looked at his young replacement. "Would I what? You can ask me anything, Cody."
"Well, only if you can. If they have matchboxes in the Parliament tea room, could you bring one… for my collection? If it is allowed." Cody still hesitated as he spoke.
Adam chuckled. "Yes, I will. If I can. So, you liked the one I brought from Gunter's?"
"Yes, very much Lady Prudence started me collecting them. She brought me some from Paris and Rome." Cody replied with a boyish grin.
Paige leaned over closer to Cody. "Could I see your collection sometime? I'd like to see something from Paris. I've heard it is beautiful."
Everyone looked when footsteps echoed on the stairs. Lord Christopher came into the hall.
"I figured you were down here. Good morning, momma Judy. Good morning, Mister Mark. Good morning, girls, Rhodes. Good morning, brother." Chris clapped Jason on the shoulders.
"Good morning, dear. Sit and have a cup of tea. You can eat now if you want." Judy greeted her future son-in-law. She gave Paige a nod.
Paige quickly got a cup for Chris. Judy poured after Paige set the cup down. She returned to her seat.
"I will wait to eat, thank you. Love, you do look extremely handsome. Are you alright?" Chris gave Adam a kiss on the cheek.
Adam flushed a bit. "Thank you. I am alright, just terribly nervous. I mean, I am going to the seat of our country's power. I will be… what if I translate something wrong and cause a war to start? Oh Chris… I can't do this."
Chris turned to Adam. He took Adam's hands in his. "You are not going to cause a war to start. Your taking your German books with you. Don't be so nervous. I will be with you and so will Roman. He set up a desk for you in his office. You are going to be brilliant. You could be helping to stop a possible war. You are smart, handsome and extremely capable. Have confidence, my love." He gave Adam's hands a gentle squeeze.
Adam looked at his fiance. "You really think so? If you think I can, I will. Thank you, dearest. You always make me feel more confident. I love you."
Chris smiled at Adam. "I love you." For a moment, the couple forgot they sat at a table with seven other people.
Judy and Mark looked at one another. Mark spoke in a quiet voice. "He is going to be just fine." Judy nodded in agreement with her husband.
Jason finished his breakfast. "Well, I've got to get to the mews. I'm driving someone to work today."
Chris laughed. "Yes, you are. Father thought Adam would be more relaxed if you drove us all to Parliament. It gets a bit harried in a cab."
"I'll have the horses and carriage, spit shined and polished." Jason gave a wave and headed to the mews.
Mark looked at his watch. "Goodness, it is getting late. Come on, breakfast for upstairs. Better take this one upstairs, Sir." He gave Chris a wink.
"He is correct, love. Don't worry everyone, I will take care of him. Thank you for the tea, momma Judy. Come, love." Chris stood and took Adam by the hand.
Adam stood. "Love you, ma. You too, poppa Mark. Don't work too hard girls. Cody, keep them in line. Well, I am off to Parliament. Never thought I'd ever say those words." He kissed his mother and hugged Mark. The others wished him luck.
When Adam and Chris were upstairs, Judy clapped her hands. "Come on, we have breakfast to serve." She hurried off to the kitchen, Paige and Becky on her heels.
Upstairs, the McMahon family slowly gathered in the dining room. Eric and Dean were at the table. "Good morning, you two. Adam, are you alright? You look a bit… pale." Eric spoke with worry as Chris and Adam sat at their places.
Adam smiled. "I am alright, poppa Eric. Just a bit nervous. Christopher spoke to me, and I do feel better. I will be fine once I am concentrating on translations." He put his napkin in his lap.
"I am sure you will, son. Everyone gets scared or nervous when they take on a new venture. Ah, good morning, darling." Eric greeted Stephanie as she entered the dining room.
Before Adam could blink, he found himself in the landau carriage, pulled by Diamond and Misty. Jason was dressed in his formal livery. The passengers, Duke Vince, Lord Roman, Lord Christopher and Adam, all looked like the gentlemen they were.
"Adam, you will be in Roman's hands. I have a meeting with the Admiralty committee as soon as we arrive. You will be just fine." Vince spoke to Adam with a smile.
Roman nodded. "I've had a desk and chair put in for you, under the window. You have of lovely view of the Thames. Parliament is not as stuffy as it appears. Oh yes, it has it's deeply rooted traditions for public observation, but behind closed doors, we are just working men. You will be just fine, Adam." Roman spoke with a confident tone and a nod to match.
"I will be there to help you settle in, love. I will be your secretary, like Roman for father. I will fetch your tea, make sure your inkwell is full, all the small things to make you feel comfortable." Chris gave Adam's hand a squeeze.
Roman chuckled. "Well, as father's secretary, I do more than fill tea cups and inkwells. We have a junior staffer that takes care of those things. The juniors are often the younger sons, looking to be MP's one day. Mine is a nice fellow, a very chipper chap, name of Dolph Ziggler. His father is a member in the lower house. He's a hard worker." He gave Adam another smile.
Adam chuckled a bit. "You make it sound like a different world. All I want to do is translate."
Vince gave his distinct laugh. "And that you will do, my dear boy. Ah, here we are."
Jason stopped the carriage in front of the members entrance. A man in a full doorman's uniform opened the door of the carriage. "Good morning, Your Grace. Good Morning, Your Lordships. Good morning, Sir." He greeted the four men who disembarked from the landau.
"Good morning. Reso, we will all be leaving at different times, so no need for you to return." Vince spoke to Jason with a nod.
Jason gave Vince a tip of his hat. "Yes, Your Grace." He then leaned down a bit. "Good luck, monkey butt." Jason spoke in Adam's ear. He gave the reigns a slap and drove off.
Adam shook his head with a laugh. He followed Vince and Roman in to the Palace of Westminster, the seat of England. The most powerful government in the world. Adam drew strength and courage from his Lion, who walked next to him. Adam knew was about to do important work.
Various men greeted the McMahon group as they walked toward Vince's private office. Adam could tell the titled people from the untitled by the way they spoke in passing. Adam also observed something else, Duke Vincent McMahon greeted everyone the same, no one was better than another.
Adam realized another thing. He understood now that his lack of a title didn't matter, it really did not matter. Vince and Eric McMahon didn't judge people because of their rank. They judged on the person themselves. That was progression. Any slight remaining doubt he had about marrying Chris, flew right out of his head. He stood a bit taller and raised his head higher as he walked.
Chris wasn't sure what had just happened, but something about his blond Kitten had changed. It was a change for the better. Adam walked with more confidence. It made him walk prouder.
After a five minute walk, they stopped at the last office suite on the right. Roman took a key out of his pocket and unlocked the door. When they entered, Adam was amazed. It was if they had walked into the morning room back on Eaton Square.
The only difference was the desk was much larger and the leather sofa much smaller, as was the fire place. Instead of a deep green, the accent colors were dark blue. The walls were painted a lighter Wedgwood blue. There were four mullion glass windows, and the room was flooded with light.
Roman opened the door to his office that was like a smaller sitting room. Roman had a large, cluttered desk. Under the window was a smaller desk with a comfortable chair. The office was the same color as Vince's. There were two leather sitting chairs in front of a small fireplace.
Adam looked at Chris. "I wonder if the taxpayers… well, no… it has to be comfortable."
Chris shrugged. "Yes, to a point. Father happens to agree with you. But yes, the House of Lords entertains a lot of foreign diplomats, so they have to be a bit… extravagant." He spokes softly as Adam looked out the window
Adam nodded, but before he could speak, a young man with very blond hair, wearing a gray suit entered the room. He had an armful of files. He went to Roman.
"Good morning, Milord. Here are the letters for Mister Copeland to look at." The man laid several envelopes down on Roman's desk.
"Good morning, Dolph. Adam, meet Dolph Ziggler. He will help with anything you might need." Roman made the polite but quick introduction. He had work to get to.
Adam shook the man's hand. "Pleasure to meet you, Mister Ziggler. Look forward to working with you."
"You as well, Mister Copeland. Please do call me Dolph." Dolph returned the shake with a grin.
"Only if you call me Adam. Now, what do I do?" Adam grinned back at Dolph. He knew the young man would be a friend in the work place.
"Good to see you again, Dolph. I'm here to get Adam settled in." Chris greeted Dolph warmly.
"You as well, Milord. Congratulations on your engagement. Lord Roman also told me Lords Dean and Kenny are engaged as well. That is wonderful." Dolph was happy. He really liked the McMahon family.
"Thank you, Dolph. Well, I'll go sit and read the paper." Chris gave Dolph a nod. He then went to sit in one of the leather chairs. That mornings London Times was on the end table. He picked it up and began to read.
Roman handed Adam the letters. "Please translate these. Father will read your translation, then he will respond. You'll translate his letter on father's letterhead, he will sign it. It's that simple." He looked at Adam, brow arched.
Adam took the stack of what looked to be ten or eleven letters. "Alright. Goodness, this is more than I expected. It… Roman… it is not a fast thing, if I want to be accurate." He gave Roman a worry filled look. He wanted to do a good job.
Roman laughed lightly and laid a hand on Adam's shoulder. "Don't rush. Each letter takes as long as it takes. This his how far behind we are, waiting for the House translators. Our German friends know this. Once you get those done, it will only be one or two a week, sometimes longer. They have the same problems in Berlin. Father does not expect you to do all of these in one day. He'd rather you take your time and be accurate. They are in order of importance. I numbered them." Roman pointed to the corner of the top envelope, with a small "1" in the bottom left corner.
"That's a relief. Well, I will get started. Oh no! I left my…" Before Adam could finish, Dolph hurried in.
"Adam, your Coachman brought this. You left it in the carriage." Dolph held out a leather satchel.
"Thank you! I'm not used to carrying it. It has my German books and dictionary." Adam felt a bit stupid. He owed Jason a big favor. He took the satchel and went to his desk.
Roman and Dolph were at Roman's desk and discussed the days work. Adam settled in and prepared his work space. Chris quietly read the paper. He knew Adam would be alright.
At eleven o'clock, as Big Ben rang, Dolph carried a tea tray into Roman's office. He set it down on a low table in front of the two leather chairs. He then went to Vince's office and brought in one of the leather chairs.
"His Grace is still in his meeting. He said to have tea without him." Dolph gave Roman a nod, then started back to his duties.
As Dolph started to leave, Roman spoke. "Thank you, Dolph. Make sure you get your tea too. You forget to take care of yourself." Roman smiled as he stood and stretched his arms.
"I will, Milord. Oh yes, His Grace said luncheon at one forty-five in the members club. He put Adam and Lord Christopher on the list." Dolph gave a nod and hurried back to his post.
Dolph and the other juniors sat outside the meeting room, ready to get or bring things if their MP needed something. It was mostly boring, but at times could be harried. Dolph didn't care, it was a good job and he loved it.
Adam still worked at his desk. He hadn't heard Dolph enter or leave. Chris exchanged a look with his brother. "I'd better get him." Chris laughed.
Chris went to Adam. "Love, come to tea. Even Roman takes time for tea." He whispered in Adam's ear.
Adam looked up at Chris. The glasses he wore for reading rested half-way down his nose. "Alright. My eyes and brain could use a break." He stood and laid his glasses on the table. They joined Roman in the sitting area. Roman poured their tea.
"Oh, sandwiches." Chris took two onto his plate.
Roman chewed his bite, then spoke. "How are the translations going?" He took another bite, he was hungry.
Adam looked at Roman. "Very well. They are using more informal style German. Probably because of the translation problems. I would advise your father to do the same. When the Germans use the more informal speech, it means they trust or are looking to trust. If your father replies in more formal language, the Germans might take it as a sign they aren't trusted. It can be… delicate."
Roman's brow crinkled in thought. "I had no idea and neither did father. Maybe that's why it has been a bit… stand offish. I'm surprised our translators didn't realize that. I wonder… is it really that important?" He looked at Adam and ate another sandwich.
Adam nodded. "I would have thought so. I learned from Mister Schulz, the butcher. Yes, it can be very important. See, for a German to use the informal style is saying you are a friend, a trusted one; or that they want you to be. Roman, anyone who knows anything about the German language should know that. They would know to answer in the same way. Of course, your translators may be so overwhelmed with work, they didn't think about it." Adam gave a shrug.
Roman made a "hum" sound, as he chewed. After a moment, he responded. "Yes, I suppose that could be it. Plus, they do several languages. I will tell father what you said."
"Good. Responding the right way is very important. I finished the first letter. I clipped the translation to it…" Adam turned from Roman to Chris. "Love, I am alright now. You can go home if you want. I really don't mind." He smiled at his fiance.
Chris looked at Adam. "That's my brave boy. But, I am staying for luncheon. The braised pig cheeks here are delicious I can only have them when father invites us. I will decide after that."
"Roman!" Vince's voice echoed from his office.
Roman quickly got up and went into Vince's office. He closed the door behind him.
"That sounded rather… urgent. Oh well, not my business. Adam, you do understand, anything you hear, stays here. Don't even tell me. It's all national security. Sometimes, I think if I knew things that went on here in the Palace, behind closed doors… I'd be frightened." Chris spoke with total honesty.
Adam nodded. "Yes, I do know that. I also think I would agree with you. I've only translated the first letter… it is heavy. How your father responds is very important. Well, I'd better get back to it. Chris… thank you for being here. It means a lot to me. I really am alright though. Do go home after luncheon if you want." He stood, ready to go back to work.
Chris kissed Adam's hand. "I am happy to be here for you. This place can be intimidating. Go, I am doing fine here, reading." He smiled at Adam with love and adoration.
Adam bent down and gave Chris a very quick, chaste, kiss on the lips. "You are the best. I love you, my Lion." He want back over to his desk.
"I love you, my Kitten." Chris called back softly. He went back to reading the newspaper.
By two o'clock, luncheon had been ordered. Vince, Roman, Chris and Adam sat at a table under a window. The view was of the Thames river. As they waited for their food, they talked.
Roman told his father about what Adam had said about language. Adam further explained when Vince asked.
"… so, the way you speak when you respond is very important. Speak like you are talking over tea in the morning room. Don't speak like you would if you were making a speech from the front bench." Adam tried to explain it as best he could.
Vince's face contorted in deep thought. "This is very interesting information. It also makes me wonder why our translators don't know this. Nothing against you, son, when I say this but they are Oxford educated. They should have learned that." Vince was very confused.
Adam waited to speak. The waiter had brought their food. They had all ordered the same thing. Roasted pork filet, braised pig cheeks croquette, creamed savory cabbage with black pudding, apple puree and sage jus. It looked simply delicious.
After they had taken a few bites, Adam spoke. "Well, like I told Roman, the translators may be too overwhelmed. And, I am not offended. I know I am not University educated. I only learned about formal and informal from Mister Schulz."
Vince's mind churned as he thought and ate a few more bites. "You could be right. I would hate to think anyone in the translation department… well, never mind. Adam, I want to thank you again for doing this. With your help, I might finally be able to make some progress with our German friends. I also know, there are a lot of letters to be done. However, take your time. Accuracy is much more important than speed. I also don't want this to interfere with your trips to the orphanage with Christopher. You can take the letters to the house and work on them. I only ask one thing, never reveal the contents to anyone, except myself. Bless him, even Roman doesn't read them. I trust you both without question. It is just the way it is. As a matter of fact, you two and Bret are the only ones in the Palace of Westminster I fully do trust. Oh, that reminds me, after we finish here, I will be down in Bret's office. He wants to go over my speech for the Admiralty. Roman, you did excellent in putting my thoughts into words. You are the best speech writer in the Palace." Vince praised Roman with a smile.
Roman ducked his head. "I write good speeches because you have good ideas. As talented as Adam is, I bet he could write an excellent speech." He took the last bite to clean his plate.
Adam's eyes went wide. "Oh no, I don't think I could do that. I could paint a portrait of him giving a speech, I couldn't write one." He was adamant. Reading was one thing, writing another.
Chris patted Adam's hand. "Calm, love. It was only an idea. You should try it sometime. One never knows what they can do until they try. You are very smart you know." He gave Adam a wink.
Roman smiled. "I didn't mean to frighten you. Writing speeches is what I love best about my work. I only meant you should try, but only if you want. We, the family, want to see you go as far as you can. You know, Seth helps me at home. A lot of the ideas come from him. Before Seth… was in a delicate position, he worked with me. So, don't worry I won't make you write speeches." He gave Adam a pat on the shoulder.
Adam shook his head in disbelief. "The McMahon family is truly remarkable. You really do think every one is… equal." The blond spoke honestly.
Duke Vincent Kennedy Jericho McMahon looked Adam directly in the eye. "Yes, Adam. I do. We all do. Yes, we have titles, money and positions. I feel those things come with a heavy burden; responsibility. Oh yes, we have good times, own jewels and property. But, without… ordinary people working for us and helping us, we would be nothing. It is our duty to help those that help us. That makes us all equal. One can not function without the other. Now you understand why Eric and I have no objections to your marriage to Chris. We just wanted you to be sure. You have exactly what it takes to be a McMahon." He ended with a nod to Adam.
Adam also looked his future father-in-law in the eye. "Yes Sir, I do. It hit me this morning, walking in. You greeted the junior staff, the same way you greeted your fellow chamber members. I knew then that you meant what you said about our marriage. Any slight doubt that lingered, went away. I can't wait to be married to Christopher. And, I do not care what anyone says about it. Because I know, we have your support. That is all that matters." He spoke with more assured confidence than ever before.
Chris puffed up a bit. "That's it! I noticed a change in you as we walked into the Palace. I'm happy for you, love. I love you, so very much."
Adam's cheeks dusted over with a flush. "I love you."
Vince smiled. "We shall have a toast of port with our cheese." He indicated for the waiter to come to their table.
Soon they all had small glasses of fine port and selection of the very best English cheeses. Vince picked up his glass.
"A toast to my future son-in-law, Adam. And to his new found… confidence." Vince made his toast.
"To Adam." Chris and Roman chanted together, as they sipped along with Vince.
Adam held up his glass. "Thank you." He sipped as the flush on his cheeks deepened.
When luncheon finished, they all headed back to Vince's office. Chris decided to stay, just to be close to his beloved Kitten.
By the time they left, Adam had translated two more letters and had started the fourth. He packed the letters into his satchel. He would work on them at home. Roman's office was nice, but, he was just more comfortable at home. He would go to there to translate from time to time.
At the McMahon house, Adam went down to have tea with his family, to tell them about his day. Chris went to spend time with Bea and Reggie. Roman had whispered to Chris on the way home, he wanted some quick… alone time with Seth. Chris smirked and said he would play with the twins.
"… so, then we had lunch in the members club. It was very, very good. Sorry, ma." Adam hated to say how good other food was, but he had to be honest.
Judy laughed. "Son, it is perfectly fine to enjoy other food. They have French trained chefs, it should be very good. I am the last person to say, I'm the best cook in London."
Adam chuckled "Well, you are the best cook in London. I will work from home though. No need to me to clutter up Roman's office." He took a sip of tea.
Before anyone could speak, the front doorbell rang. Mark jumped up and put on his good coat. He hurried up the stairs to answer the door.
After several minutes, Mark came back down. "Son, go up to the morning room. Lord Christopher wants you." Mark stated.
Adam stood. "Alright. Thank you for the tea, ma. See you all later." He was still dressed from work, and he was glad. Adam hurried up the stairs to the morning room. He quietly opened the door.
A rather handsome man sat on the sofa with Vince, Eric and Stephanie. Dean sat at Eric's desk. Chris stood and indicated for Adam to sit in the leather chair. Shane sat in the other chair.
"Come in, son. We are waiting for Roman and Seth." Eric smiled as Adam sat. Chris stood behind the chair.
The stranger on the sofa gave Adam a very warm smile. A hint of lust in his dark eyes. Chris held in the growl that threatened to escape from his lips. He moved to stand next to the chair and put his hand on Adam's shoulder.
Adam smiled at his fiance. Chris always made him feel safe. Adam then looked over at Shane. The young man looked as nervous as a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs.
"Chris, as long as you are standing, please ring for tea." Eric spoke with a smile.
Chris nodded. "Of course, poppa." He walked over to the fireplace and pushed the button that would ring in the servant's hall.
Adam knew the hurried but controlled moments going on downstairs. All directed by Mark, with his ma in charge in the kitchen. He knew Cody would be doing little things to help, like filling the milk jug, sugar bowl and slicing the lemons. He'd taught Cody how to plate it all properly.
Then man on the sofa looked at tad nervous, but he still managed to look at Adam on occasion. Adam never noticed, he was too busy looking at his fiance, who spoke to Dean in a very quiet tone of voice.
The morning room door opened. Roman and Seth entered. Shane got up so Seth could sit. Greetings were exchanged. Chris came back to stand next to Adam. Roman stood next to Seth's chair and Shane now sat comfortably on the floor.
Vince spoke. "Now that we are all here, let me introduce Mister Wade Barrett, the former Headmaster of Eaton. Mister Barrett, my sons Roman, Chris and Dean. Roman's husband, Seth, Chris' fiance, Adam and this is my daughter, Stephanie. Of course, you know Shane.
"I am honored to meet all of you." Wade spoke in a very posh, educated tone of voice.
Nothing more was said as Mark, Cody and Beth entered and served the larger than normal tea. There were sandwiches, cakes and biscuits. Adam was proud, his mother and the girls had out done themselves.
"Calaway, please inform your lovely wife, there will be one more for dinner." Eric spoke to Mark.
"No, there won't, poppa. I am going out with Kenny. I am sorry I forgot to tell you." Dean spoke with a rather sheepish grin.
Eric smiled. "It's alright, son. You excused, love will do that. Never mind, Calaway. There will still be nine for dinner."
"Very well, Your Grace." Mark spoke with a nod. He signaled for Cody and Beth to follow him out.
"Now, Mister Barrett would you like to explain why you are here?" Vince looked at their visitor.
Wade gave a nod. "I am here to apologize. Shane, I had no idea what your Professors were actually teaching you. Any time I checked or read their reports, it was all perfectly normal. I am assuming the worst was Professor Morley?"
Shane nodded. "Yes, sir. He presented things in, what I realize now, in a very sly way. The way he said things. He got into my head and I hurt my family. How could you not have known? I'm sorry, but you are the Headmaster, it was your job to know." He spoke with a bit of anger. It still upset him that he'd been so awful to Adam.
"Shane!" Vince began to reprimand his youngest.
Wade held up his hand. "You're right, Shane. I should have known. All I can say is, you students weren't the only ones fooled. I failed, miserably. I am no longer the Headmaster. Also, Mister Morley is no longer there. I quit on my own. He was asked to leave. The Board is thinking about what to do, as you well know, Your Grace." He gave another nod to Vince.
"Yes, I do. Now, I have a proposal to put to all of you. What would you say to Mister Barrett moving in to be Shane's tutor?" Vince looked at his family, brow arched.