Wade Barrett had been living in the McMahon house for a week. For the moment he was Shane's companion, in the fashion of a Governess. As it was summer, Shane didn't have lessons, but Wade took him to museums and galleries. The two got along fairly well.
Vince had found out that Wade was not involved in the problems at Eaton. Former Professor Morley, unbeknownst to anyone, was a member of an organization that wanted Professors to indoctrinate young men to the ideas of nationalism. That foreigners and the untitled have no place in society. The Minister of Education was in the process of looking into the private schools in the London area. Eaton was the first to be investigated. Four Professors were sacked. Wade was cleared, but thought it best to leave. He felt terrible that it had happened under his nose. The four Professors were very sly.
When Vince asked the family, no one really objected. They knew Shane needed a companion/tutor. However, Roman and Chris kept a close eye on things. Stephanie and Dean did as well, but they were more open to it. Roman and Chris were more wary, it was just the way they were. Chris also hadn't liked the way Barrett had looked at Adam in the morning room, when Barrett was introduced to them.
Adam sat on the balcony of the morning room. He enjoyed sitting there to do his translations as Eric sat at his desk. Adam had two new letters to translate, along with the last of the first ten he'd been given.
However, at the moment, Adam worked on translating Vince's responses to the first two letters. It was a much slower process, Vince did not have the best handwriting. Eric said it was because Vince spent ninety percent of his time writing.
"Eric, can you tell me what this word is? It looks like happenstance, but I'm not sure.." Adam asked as he got up and went to Eric's desk.
Eric looked at the word Adam pointed to. "Hum, yes, you're right. It is happenstance. Poor Vince. I must say you have the patients of a saint to read his handwriting." He handed the letter back to Adam with a smile.
Adam laughed. "Well, I'll have to wait on this one. It is not really translatable in the way he used it. Not the first time. How about I go down and get us some tea? Then I will help you. After all, those are invitations to our wedding you are addressing."
Eric chuckled. "Sounds good. You do that. I don't mind addressing the invitations but you do have much better handwriting."
Adam ducked his head. "I'll be back. Maybe ma has a cake baked." He put his letters and papers in his satchel and put it on the table in front of the sofa. He went to fetch their tea.
Wade Barrett came down the stairs as Adam closed the door to the morning room. "Hello, Adam. How are you this lovely morning?"
"I am fine, thank you. And you?" Adam asked as he went to the door that led to the servant's hall. Sometimes, Wade unnerved him a bit.
"I am fine, thank you. Shane went riding with Lord Christopher, as you know. So, I thought I'd see what was what in the morning room." Wade explained with a charming smile.
"His Grace is addressing wedding invitations and I am as well, after I get us some tea. Would you like some as well?" Adam asked politely. It would be rude not to offer.
Wade smiled again. "Yes, please. Why not ring for it?" He was curious. He knew Adam had been a servant in the house, but why did he still act like one?
"Because I am capable. It also gives me a chance to see my mother. I will be right back." Adam was short, but polite. He felt Wade judged him. He opened the door and went down to the kitchen.
"Hello, dear. I bet you came down for tea. It will be ready in a tick." Judy greeted her youngest with a smile.
Adam laughed. "Yes. I know this is window washing day, no need to interrupt. Oh, I need a third cup for Wade." He gave a sigh.
"Don't let him get to you. It takes a bit to settle in. It must be difficult for him. He was the Headmaster of one of the most prestigious schools in the London area. Now, he is basically a male governess. He really has nothing to do with you. Be patient and polite. It will be alright." Judy spoke with parental advice as she sliced cake. She had already prepared a small plate of sandwiches.
Adam poured the boiling water into the tea pot. "Yes, you are right. I didn't really think of it that way. It is a big change for him. I will be more patient. We are addressing the last of the wedding invitations." He spoke with a smile.
Judy grinned. "I am doing my half when I have moments of time. Mark will go mail them tomorrow. We need to go shopping for your wedding tuxedo soon." She placed the last slice of banana nut cake on the plate.
"Thank you, ma. I will find out when the shopping excursion is, Stephanie and Natalya want to go along. Thank you for the tea. I'd better take this. Love you, ma." Adam picked up the tray and kissed Judy's cheek.
"You're welcome, son. Remember, be patient with Mister Barrett." Judy spoke as Adam headed upstairs.
Adam opened the door to the morning room the tray balanced carefully on his arm. As soon as the door opened, he took a good grip on the tray and entered. Eric sat on the sofa with Wade. Adam set the tea tray down on the low table.
"Your tea, Your Grace." Adam spoke with a bit of jest, with a wink to Eric. The Duke returned the wink.
Wade chuckled a bit "You seem like you miss being a Footman." He took the cup of tea and plate Eric handed him.
"I was good at my job. It was an honor to serve…" Adam couldn't stop his words. He wanted Barrett to know there was an honor to being a servant. "… so, you see, there is a great deal of pride and honor in serving, especially in a fine Ducal household, such as this one." Adam finished with a firm nod.
Eric gave Adam a look of pride. "He is exactly right, Wade. Gentry can not function without servants. Everyone has a place in the world. No one is better than anyone. The poorest of men have just as much value as the richest. Now, do you understand why Professor Morley was very wrong in what he was doing?" He gave Wade a very pointed look. Like Chris and Roman, Eric didn't fully trust Barrett, but he was willing to give the man a chance; until proven otherwise.
Wade crinkled his brow in thought. He'd never thought of it in the ways Adam and Eric explained it. While not a total snob, Wade did think those with titles were better, now, he wasn't so sure.
"Yes, I think I do. I always thought titles and money made the man. However, I never taught that to any students. It will lay my hand on the Bible and swear it, in a High Court. But, Your Grace, be honest, isn't your life easier? You don't have to worry about earning enough to put the barest amount of food on the table." Wade's brow still crinkled in confusion.
Eric nodded. "In that respect, yes. However, it is our duty and responsibility to make sure he has the food to put on the table. The sad fact is, there are not many like ourselves and the Hart's. We do the best we can as a family. Vince and Roman with their work at Parliament. Chris with his work with the orphans. Dean, the law and Stephanie does charity work with Natalya. Adam helps Chris at the orphanage and helping Vince with translating. I do a lot and serve on committees. So, we do what we can. Do we help everyone? No, that is impossible. That is why we work so hard to convince others of our status to do their part. Each one we do, is another person helped. Just remember this one thing, no one is better than anyone else." Eric ended with a bite of sandwich and a sip of tea.
"I… understand. It certainly makes me think, as I never thought before. The way most of the boys were at school, thought they were better because of their parents status. No wonder it was so easy for Professor Morley and his associates to weave their nationalism propaganda into their minds I don't know how I failed to see it. I feel such a failure. I had a position where I could make changes, but my own personal ideas… well, now I know." Wade let out a sigh.
Eric felt bad, at least a bit. "You did do one very important thing. You had a very strong stance of no bullying. That went a long way, not only with us, but with other parents as well. You're doing excellent with Shane and to be honest, I am glad you are here for him. What with the wedding approaching and Vince's speeches in the House, I have precious little time for poor Shane. All I ask is that you keep our progressive values and teach Shane he is not better." He took a last bite of cake and drained his tea up.
Wade swallowed his own sip of tea. "I will, Your Grace. I realize now, more so than ever, how important your message is." He gave Eric a nod.
Adam listened to their conversation quietly. He drank his tea, and ate sandwiches and cake. He took in Wade's words, however, Adam noticed something else, Wade' eyes didn't match his words. He tried to remember his mother's words, but something about Wade Barrett… set Adam's nerve on edge.
"Adam… Adam, son?" Eric called out to the blond for the second time. Adam's thoughts were a million miles away.
Adam shook himself. Had someone said something? "Yes?" He looked over at the two men on the sofa.
Eric chuckled. "Yes, son. I asked if your were finished… twice. You were a million miles away. Are you alright?" He was no concerned, Adam didn't look very well.
Adam nodded with a smile. " I'm fine. I was thinking about something ma and I talked about while I was fetching the tea. I was thinking about my wedding tuxedo. We should probably shop for it soon." It wasn't really what had been on his mind, but neither was it a lie.
"Yes, we do. I will speak to your mother about a day soon. We will go out to supper that day, so she won't have to cook. Now, we'd better get to addressing invitations, not that many left." Eric stood and went to his desk.
"Yes, sir. I'll run this…" Adam was halted when Cody came into the morning room.
"No, I guess I won't." He handed the tray he'd picked up to Cody. "Thank you, Cody. Tell ma it was delicious."
Cody took the tray. "I will. Anything else, Your Grace?" He looked from Adam to Eric.
"No, thank you, Rhodes. It was delicious." Eric smiled at the young Footman. Cody left with a nod.
Wade got up. "I will leave you to it. Shane should be back soon. Unless I can do something to help you? I do have good handwriting."
"That is kind of you, Wade. You could help. Take this stack. The addresses are on the list wrapped around them. You can sit at the corner." Eric gave a stack of invitations to Wade. Eric had bound them in groups of twenty.
"Here, use my table, Wade. More room. I'll use the low table." Adam picked up a stack, along with his pen and inkwell. He sat on the floor and used the low table in front of the sofa as his desk. He laid his satchel on the floor next to him. He didn't want to lose it.
Eric laughed. "You young people and your legs that let you sit like that." He went to work.
After a few minutes, Seth came into the morning room. He had the twins in his arms. Adam jumped up like a rabbit and took Reginald.
"Hello, Reggie. Did you want your Uncle Adam?" Adam cooed as he sat back down the floor with Reggie in his arms.
Seth sat on the sofa with Beatrice. "Well, Beth and Becky are doing a deep clean of the day and night nurseries. Nanny went to buy some things for the twins. She needed a breath of air, the dust got to her. No matter how many times a day those dear girls clean, the city dust collects." He laid Bea on his thighs and tickled her. Bea laughed.
"I know. It is awful sometimes. You know, I've read about something called screen material. You cover the windows with it. You still get fresh air, but flies and a lot of dust can't get in. We were thinking about having it done at Eaton." Wade spoke up. He wanted to make a good impression. He knew Lords Roman and Seth were still a bit wary of him.
Adam chimed in. "Yes. I've heard about it too. It is a fine mesh, made of strong silk. You know Seth, it would be safer for her. We've already had wasps and bees fly in. You know how she reacts, if stung. At least over the nursery windows. It is costly. Jason and I could do the work. No need to pay to have it installed." Adam thought it was a fine idea.
Eric made a note. "Adam, run get Jason, if he his free, please." He looked at Adam.
"Alright…" Adam turned from Eric to Seth. "May I take him down? Ma would love to see one of them." He looked at Seth, brow arched.
Seth laughed. "Take them both. They would love to see her." He picked Bea up and handed her to Adam.
"Oh thank you. I will be back." Adam cradled the twins in his arms. Seth opened the morning room door, then the door to the servant's hall.
In the morning room, Wade growled inside. The screen had been his idea, but Eric acted like Adam was the hero. How was he ever going to get in Eric's good graces.
When he came back to the morning room, Seth spoke. "Wade, thank you for telling about the screen material. Anything that will keep Beatrice safe is worth the cost. Poppa, Roman and I will pay the cost." Seth sat back down on the sofa.
"No, son. Grandfather will pay. Yes, Wade, thank you. I remember now, Chris told us about it. Lady Mayfield covered the orphanage windows. I never thought about it. That was before the twins were born. Well done, Mister Barrett." Eric gave Wade a smile then went back to addressing.
Wade's internal anger vanished. He had to remember to not always jump to conclusions. Wade dipped his pen into the ink and went to work.
Jason stepped into the morning room. "Lord Seth, Adam will be up soon. Ma is in baby heaven right now. Your Grace, what can I help you with?" He gave a nod to Eric.
Eric told Jason about what Wade had said. "...Adam said you and he could put it over the windows of the nurseries. How soon could you do it?" He stopped writing and looked at Jason.
"This afternoon. I know the material. You can buy it by the roll, like wallpaper. I would just have to buy it, cut it and nail it up, Your Grace." Jason spoke in a thought filled tone.
Eric smiled. "Excellent. Tell Calaway I said you're to have the time to do this. Friedman and Riddle can cover the stables?"
"Yes, Your Grace, they can. I will do it right now. The shop is close by. Should I have it billed to you?" Jason looked at Eric.
"Yes, do that. Thank you, Reso. Beatrice will be safer with no stinging insects flying in." Eric gave Jason a big smile and a nod.
"Yes, Your Grace. Yes, anything for the little Mistress. I know that stress. I will be back soon with the window silk." Jason gave a nod and left.
Later, after luncheon, Adam, Jason and Wade were in the nursery. They had covered the two small windows in the night nursery. Now they were in the larger, more airy day nursery. It had four large windows. Adam cut the silky mesh material to the measurements Jason took.
"… Lord Christopher said you wouldn't mind him taking Shane to Sir Lawler's gallery." Jason explained to Wade as they measured.
"I can't believe he took ma and Mark's portrait. He took advantage of me being busy." Adam huffed a bit. He wasn't overly happy with Chris.
"Something wrong, Adam? Did you want to go to the gallery?" Wade was curious, Adam looked upset.
Adam stopped cutting and chuckled. "No, not really. I just… well… I don't think my painting was that good. I told Chris not to show it to Sir Lawler. He took advantage and used taking Shane as an excuse. Oh well, I hope Sir Lawler won't laugh. But honestly, sometimes Chris... makes me a bit mad." He laughed again and resumed his cutting.
"You must be a very good artist. Sir Jerry Lawler is one of, if not the best art critics in England." Wade spoke as he held the tape measure. Maybe this was a way for him to somehow, get to Adam.
Jason wrote down the measurement. "Adam could be a world class artist. He just needs more confidence. That's why Chris took the portrait without you. Just in case, so your feelings aren't hurt. Now cut. I want to get this finished."
"He did? Oh… I never… so he… wanted to protect me. Oh… I love him so much." Adam happily cut the window screen material.
By the time afternoon tea was served, the nursery windows were covered. Nanny Renee loved it. It was also much safer for Beatrice. The twins could still get fresh air, but not as much dust.
Just as Calaway set the large tray on the low table, Shane burst into the morning room. "Adam! He thought you were brilliant! Sir Lawler said it was one of the best portraits he'd ever seen! He wants to see more of your work!" Shane nearly shouted he was so excited. He sat on the floor at the low table.
Before anyone could say anything, Chris came into the morning room. "Well, little brother told you. I heard him down in the servant's hall. Your mother burst out in tears of joy…" Chris pulled Adam up out of his desk chair and kissed him soundly.
Adam was so flustered he couldn't think. "What… just… Chris?" He followed Chris, who led him to one of the comfortable leather chairs.
Eric and Stephanie sat on the couch Seth sat in the other chair. Wade was up in his room. He didn't want to intrude too much. It wasn't a good image, as he wasn't family.
Vince, Roman and Dean were upstairs and freshened up. They had all just gotten home from work.
Chris sat on the footstool next to Adam. "I will wait for the others. Then I will tell you exactly what Jerry said. By the way, that's a big stack of mail to go out tomorrow. Are they all done?" He held tight to Adam's hand.
Eric nodded. "Yes, thanks to help from Mister Barrett. Missus Calaway finished hers too. So, all finished. Now I can concentrate on the catering. Only twenty-five are invited to the reception of course that's twenty-five plus the Hart's and Adam's family. I made sure Lady Mayfield and the Schulz's were on the reception list. Next is getting his white tuxedo. Stephanie, you and Natalya keep next week open. I will speak to Missus Calaway tomorrow and decide on a day. We will all go out to a restaurant that evening…."
"What evening?" Vince asked as he, Roman and Dean entered the morning room.
Eric quickly explained as everyone settled in. Vince and Dean sat on the sofa with Eric and Stephanie. Roman pulled Eric's desk chair over to set next to Seth. Stephanie poured their tea while Eric spoke. Cody and Mark served the small sandwiches and cake.
"… so we will dine out. I am not going to have Adam's mother cook after shopping for Adam's wedding attire." Eric finished with a kiss to Vince's cheek.
"I agree. I will make reservations at the Savoy. Now, it looks like my son is about to burst. Something to say, Christopher?" Vince arched his brow at Chris, and sipped his tea.
"Well, I took Adam's portrait of Mister and Missus Calaway to Sir Jerry Lawler's Art Gallery, with Shane. Jerry said it was one of the best portrait paintings, by a modern artist he has ever seen. He even compared Adam's work to the likes of Holbein, Ver Meer and Rembrandt. He wants to see more of Adam's work…" Chris paused and turned to look up at Adam.
"Love, he wants to seriously talk to you. He may want to sponsor you. I did tell him that art was your personal thing and you might not want to paint for profit. But, he would still like to see more work, and that drawings were fine. I only wish you could have seen his face. I am so proud of you. I love you so much." Chris spoke with all the love he had in his heart for Adam. He leaned up and gave Adam another kiss on the lips.
"Adam, congratulations! That is wonderful. I can't wait for you to paint our portrait with the twins." Seth beamed at his friends.
Dean spoke. "Would you do one of Kenny and I? After we are married?"
Adam's mouth opened and closed a few times before the words came. "I… I… Yes… I will do for family… but… he said it was good?" He looked at Chris, utter shock on his face.
"Yes, he did. I was there, I heard it. Adam he was truly impressed. I had to read Sir Lawler's book on art for Art History. If he says you are a master painter, then you are." Shane spoke in a more mature way. Then he stuffed a whole slice of cake into his mouth.
"Shane, don't eat like a heathen. Adam, I am proud of you. I want to be added to the list, please." Stephanie spoke warmly.
As he quietly stood, Mark puffed up with pride. Chris had told Judy exactly what he'd just told Adam. He was a very proud step-father.
"I… just… I… mean… I thought I was a fairly good artist, but… not as good as that. I… don't want to do it for strangers. I do it out of love. Doing it professionally… no, I know I don't want to be a professional artist. I'd rather help Tommy become an artist. He wants to do it. Does… that make me… bad?" Adam's feelings were all over the place.
Chris took both of Adam's hands in his. "Yes, love, he really said that. No, it does not make you bad. It know your art is a private time for you. I … am sorry, love. I shouldn't have been so… sly about it. I was wrong to take the painting to Jerry. Please, forgive me and forget it." His eyes filled with worry. Chris knew now, he had done the wrong thing.
Adam smiled at his beloved fiance. "I am not angry with you. I know you did it to get his opinion. I just… don't want to share my art… with the world. I do it for people I love and care about. Not out of ego for my talent, but… how can I put it. When I painted the portrait of ma and Mark, it was like giving them a piece of my heart. Part of my love goes into each stroke of the brush. Does that make sense or am I a blithering idiot?" Adam hung his head. He was bad at saying things right.
Chris reached up and tucked the strand of blond hair behind Adam's ear. "You said it beautifully. You just keep your art for yourself and those you chose to share it with. Well, except Tommy, he needs your help. We will be going to the orphanage tomorrow. I do want to take some of Tommy's work to Jerry. It would help to know what areas Tommy needs more work in. Competition for the scholarship is tough." He gave Adam another smile.
Shane spoke up. "Chris… don't take this the wrong way. If Tommy doesn't get the scholarship, why don't you pay for his art school?"
Chris shook his head. "I would if I could, Shane. It's not a financial scholarship… well, not fully. It is more like a competition to accepted into the school. They only take in two new students each school year. You can lose your place if the standard of your work falls. It is very prestigious to graduate from the school. Students who do finish, usually go on to the sister school, in Paris. Of course, if Tommy doesn't get in, I will send him to another school of art. He his too talented. We want him to get into the best school. Does that answer your question?" He looked at his little brother with a grin.
Shane nodded. "Yes, it does. Thank you. I didn't know about scholarships like that. I hope Tommy does get in. I am sure he will, with you two behind him. Chris… um… I know how private you are about your work with Lady Mayfield, but, could I go with you sometime? I miss playing sports… maybe I could have a bit of a bat at cricket? I will understand if you say no." Shane really did miss having classmates to play sports with.
Chris looked at Adam. "What do you think? Think he could out bat Michael?"
Adam let out a breath. "I don't know, Michael is a very good batsman. Maybe he would like a test against Shane." He gave Chris a sly wink.
"Well then, I guess you'd better come with us tomorrow. However Shane, those children and the orphanage are life and breath to both Adam and I. Don't go in there acting like a Lord of the manor. They will probably call you Uncle Shane, especially the little ones. Do or say one thing… and suffer my wrath. Understand Shane Brandon?" Chris spoke with an authority only an older brother could have.
"I promise, Chris. I promise, Adam. I just want to play some sport. Thank you. I look forward to it." Shane got up and hugged both Chris and Adam.
Eric smiled at his children. "That is kind of you, Chris. It will be nice for Shane. What about Mister Barrett? Maybe he planned something for you tomorrow." Eric gave Shane a pointed look.
Shane's shoulders drooped. "Oh, I didn't think of that. Why did he have to move in now? Why not September, for school time?" He felt fifteen was too old to have a governess type person.
Eric sighed, but Vince spoke. "Because your poppa has a lot to do, and you are too young to be left to your own devices. That is how boys get into trouble. Don't think we don't trust you, because we do. Shane, there are people out there that would seek to harm you, because of our position. Being with Mister Barrett keeps you safe. So, until your are of age, you will just have to live with it." Vince explained firmly.
Shane nodded. "I understand, father. I didn't think of that. One of the boys at school was almost kidnapped at a park. If he made plans for tomorrow, he will have to change them. I am going to the orphanage." He gave a firm nod of his head.
Eric laughed. "Well, when you finish your tea, you can sort it out with him. Chris, Adam, thank you for including Shane."
"It will be good for him. Those boys take their cricket very seriously." Chris drank the last of his tea.
Adam let out a chuckle. "You mean your old, creaky knees will love it." He teased his fiance with a smirk.
Chris huffed. "I do not have old, creaky knees, thank you very much. But I do think I heard yours when you played croquet."
"Did not. Shane, you sure you want to go? Your brother can be mean." Adam huffed right back at Chris.
Shane laughed. "Don't I know it. Well, I will go up and talk to Mister Barrett." He got up and hurried out of the morning room. Sometimes, he was still a little boy.
Adam also stood. "I need to ask you a question about the letter I was translating to German. My satchel is upstairs. I will be right back." He too hurried out of the room.
Vince chuckled. "He sure is doing a fine job of translating. I've finally been able to get a few responses in the post. Now maybe things will get back in order." He finished a last piece of cake.
Chris smiled with a bit of pride. "He really enjoys the work. I hope he truly is alright about the gallery. I shouldn't have taken the painting." He sighed with worry.
Mark gave Chris a wink as he quietly picked up the used tea things. He meant that Adam was fine. He and Cody silently left the room.
"I'm sure he will be just fine…" Eric was interrupted when Shane bounded back into the room
"He said it was fine if I went. Said it would be good for me." Shane spoke with happiness.
"Good. You will enjoy it. Just remember what I said. Treat them like they are normal children." Chris again spoke firmly to his younger brother.
"I will. I promise." Shane stated just as firmly.
Upstairs, Adam came out of his water closet. He went to pick up his satchel from his desk. He looked at it. The latch was open. "That's strange. I know I closed it. Well… I think I did." He opened it and looked. All the letters were there, just as he had left them.
Adam closed the satchel and picked it up. He went back downstairs to talk to Vince.
Wade Barrett opened Adam's wardrobe and stepped out. He let out a sigh of relief. He'd almost been caught, reading the letters in Adam's satchel.