Jason stood with Matthew Riddle as they held Highflyer, Locket and Merlin. Chris, Adam and Shane were going to ride to the orphanage.
"You sure picked a winner with Locket. She is so sweet and could be Highflyer's sister." Mathew spoke as Locket gently nudged his shoulder.
Jason smiled. "Well, Max spotted her first. But yes, she is a good one. I hope she and Highflyer will mate. They would make a nice foal." He laughed when Highflyer nodded in agreement.
Soon Chris, Adam and Shane came out of the entrance to the servant's hall. Adam carried a leather satchel. Beth, Becky and Paige had filled it with scraps of material, ribbons, yarn and a bit of lace left from Judy's wedding dress.
"Here, Adam. I will tie that for you." Matthew handed Adam Locket's reigns. He hurried into the stable for a bit of twine.
Matthew returned. He showed Adam how to take the twine and tie the satchel to the cinch of the saddle. It was close to Locket's body and out of Adam's way. Adam thanked Riddle with a smile.
The three mounted up. "We will be back at tea time." Chris gave a nod to Jason.
"Yes, Milord. Have a good time." Jason gave a nod to Chris and Shane with a wave to Adam.
"I put the sketchbook for Tommy in the satchel with the material scraps." Adam explained as they trotted out of the mews.
"Good. You can spend time with him after lunch, when the little ones nap." Chris smiled and slowed Highflyer as they got onto a higher traffic road.
"Chris, will I be able to help, other than sport?" Shane asked. He rode between Adam and Chris, mainly for safety in the traffic.
Adam spoke up. "Are you good at maths? I help Tommy and Eugenie with grammar and spelling, but I am useless at maths."
Chris laughed. "My little brother is very smart in maths. Best scores at Eaton."
Shane ducked his head a bit. "Well, he is right. Numbers come easy for me. If I can help, I will be glad to. Anything is better than another trip to the museum with Mister Barrett."
Chris looked over at Shane. "Problems with your tutor?" He still wasn't overly trusting of Wade Barrett.
"No. He is nice enough. I do like him, but he does tend to go on quite a bit. He is not the most exciting teacher. I hope he's better when regular lessons start." Shane gave a shrug.
Adam chuckled a bit. "Sounds like our teacher at the village school, on the old Northwold estate. He was good, but a bit… boring. I will be glad to have you help. I can work with Tommy if you will help Eugenie, she is a real sweetheart."
"I will be glad to do what I can. Look, don't take this the wrong way, please. But ever since I talked to the Old Dames, and helped you two, I want to help more people. Like poppa said, with our position in life, we have a responsibility to help others that need it. Did I put it right?" Shane looked from Adam to Chris. He thought maybe it sounded… egotistical.
Chris smiled at his little brother. "No, I understood what you meant. But remember Shane, they are not the Old Dames. They are children, who, for one reason or another, were tossed around like rubbish, until Prudence found them and took them in. They don't care about titles, they just want to be loved. Don't help because you think it's your duty, do it because you care."
Shane had a look of deep thought on his face. "I… understand. You mean… I thought they lost their parents by accident or to illness. You mean… some of them were just… abandoned? Nobody loved them?" He gave a sniff.
Chris pulled Highflyer to a halt. They were crossing through a quiet green space. Adam and Shane stopped as well. Chris and Adam could see that Shane had been affected by Chris' words.
"Sadly, yes. One little girl was found, as a baby, in an alley in London, others as well. Children, thrown out like rubbish. But that makes no difference. They are all humans, who just want to be loved and give love. They don't care about titles and social positions. Do you understand now, why I am so protective of them?" Chris reached over and laid a hand on Shane's shoulder.
Shane looked at his brother. His dark eyes were filled with emotion, but the tears did not fall. "Yes, I do. Those poor children. Thank God for people like Lady Mayfield and the two of you. Chris, can we adopt them all? I would take care of them." He spoke with absolute, raw, honesty.
As they continued to ride, Chris chuckled a bit. "I wish we could, Shane. But it isn't possible. I'll explain a bit more…" He went on to tell Shane how Prudence vetted potential parents. He then explained what happened to the children who were never adopted.
"… or they enter service. All the staff in Mayfield Manor are former orphans. Cody Rhodes as well. So, they are all looked after." As Chris finished, they made the turn onto the Mayfield estate.
Chris and Adam noticed Martha's house was occupied by two young maids from the main house. They hung laundry on the lines across the yard.
The girls waved at the three riders. The trio of riders returned the waves. Chris hoped he'd hear some news about Martha and Elizabeth. There hadn't been much Dean could do. It was an area of law he didn't know enough about. Chris had assured Dean it was alright, Prudence had lawyers to help.
When they arrived, two stable boys were there to take Highflyer, Locket and Merlin to the stables. Morrison opened the front door and greeted the three guests.
"Morrison, my younger brother, Shane. Shane, John Morrison. Is Auntie Pru upstairs?" Chris spoke as the three gave Morrison their hats and gloves.
Morrison frowned. "Pleased to meet you, Master Shane. No, Milord. Lady Prudence is in her office with Sir Cole. She said for you and Adam to go up to the playroom. She will speak to you later." Morrison indicated for the three to enter and proceed to the playroom.
"Thank you, Morrison." Chris gave a nod He was concerned but kept it off his face as they walked.
When they got to the playroom, Melanie, Mary and Victoria gave a squeal of joy. "Uncle Chris! Uncle Adam!" The three girls ran to Chris and Adam, followed by the other little children.
Shane watched in fascination at the adoration and love that the children showed to his brother and Adam. He was also surprised when a little boy of four, wrapped his arms round Shane's legs.
Shane bent down to the little boy. "Hello there. My name is Shane, what's your name?" The little boy looked at Shane with huge brown eyes, that filled with sadness.
Chris smiled softly. "This is Jimmy. He… um… can't talk. But he is a very good boy." Chris picked up Jimmy and hugged him close.
Adam leaned in, and put his hand up to Shane's ear and whispered. "Jimmy's mother, cut his tongue so badly, he can't talk. She was tired of his crying when his teeth were growing in. Lady Prudence said his mother is in an asylum now. We are teaching him to read and write. He is very smart for his age." Adam finished with a sigh.
Shane inhaled sharply. "Then teach him to read and write we will. It is… unbelievable." He took Jimmy from Chris and held him close. Jimmy hugged Shane's neck tightly. They had an instant bond.
Chris picked Melanie up. The two chatted happily. Chris sat down in the rocking chair and settled Melanie on his lap as they continued to chat.
Shane took Jimmy to a corner where there was a pile of wooden blocks with letters carved into them. He was bound to help Jimmy learn.
Mary and Victoria led Adam to their doll corner. They all sat on the floor. "I have something for you, from my friends. Do you want to see it?" Adam put the leather satchel he'd carried in on his lap. He arched his brow at the girls.
"Yes, please! Oh please!" Mary and Victoria spoke with excitement.
Adam chuckled. "Well, alright. Beth, Becky and Paige found some material and yarn for you. Oh and a bit of lace from my mother's wedding dress." He slowly began to open the satchel.
"Oh no! Oh no! I… brought the wrong satchel!" Adam pulled out the letters he'd been working on for Vince. He'd mixed up the the two satchels.
Back at the McMahon house, Wade Barrett cursed in silence. He'd looked in the satchel Adam had left on his bed. Instead of finding the letters, all Wade found were scraps of yarn, lace and material, along with a sketchbook.
It had been a perfect chance, but now? Wade cursed again. He carefully put everything back as he found it. Wade silently went to the door, and cracked it open. He saw the hallway was empty. Wade hurried out and up to his own room. Little did Wade know, a pair of watchful eyes had seen him.
"I'm so sorry my dear girls. I feel terrible. I promise, with all my heart I will bring it next time." Adam felt awful. The girls tried not to look disappointed.
"It's alright, Uncle Adam. People make mistakes. We forgive you." Victoria gave Adam a hug.
"You're forgived. We love you, Uncle Adam. Not what you bring us." Mary added in her sweet way.
"You two are too sweet." Adam hugged both girls. They all smiled when Chris and Melanie joined them.
Adam briefly explained what he'd done. "...it will teach me to open the satchel and look next time. Oh well, we have just enough time for a tea party, before we go to the school." Adam began to pour from the invisible tea pot.
An hour later, the little ones went for their morning naps before luncheon. Chris, Adam and Shane went to outdoor sports time with the school children.
When Tommy saw Adam he ran to him and hugged him. "Hello, Uncle Adam! I missed you. Did you get your work done?" He asked with excitement. He'd missed Adam coming with Chris earlier in the week.
Adam ruffled Tommy's long, dark hair. "Well, not all of it, but enough to be able to come today. But, I did a really silly thing…" He explained again about the mix up with the satchels. "… so, no sketchbook. I will tutor you after luncheon. My future brother-in-law will help Eugenia with her lessons, so I can do art with you. Now, go play cricket." He gave Tommy another pat. The young artist went to play.
Adam was warmly greeted by the girls. Eugenia hugged him. As he walked with her to the croquet lawn, Adam told her about the mix up. Eugenia told Adam not to worry about it. She said she looked look forward to it next time.
"Thank you, darling. You're so sweet, just like Mary and Victoria. Ah, I see Elizabeth is going to play." Adam smiled when he saw Martha's daughter.
"We love her. Elizabeth is… slow, but once she learns how to do something, she is very good. Miss Patricia has her reading a bit now. It made her ma so happy she cried." Eugenia explained as they slowly walked to the croquet lawn.
Adam beamed. "That's wonderful. It makes me happy that you children include her. Now, let's practice. I want to show you how to block the hoops." Adam gathered the girls and began to tell them about what Jason had taught him.
Chris introduced Shane to the other boys. They welcomed Shane like he was a professional cricketer. Chris knew Shane would fit right in. He went to sit on the steps of the ancient chapel/schoolhouse. Chris could watch both the cricket players and croquet players.
Chris' mind was elsewhere. He wondered what went on with Prudence and her solicitor. He figured it had to do with the young Banks girl or perhaps her father. Well, he knew Prudence would tell him. He hoped it wasn't awful.
"Mister Chris!" Martha called as she came out of a small building close to the schoolhouse. It was a small building made of rock, called the wash house. It was where the laundry had been done since the origins of the old estate.
Chris got up and went over to speak with Martha. She was going to hang up the sheets she had just washed.
"How are you Miss Martha? You look good." Chris took the heavy basket from her. They walked up a little rise, where several clotheslines stood.
Martha smiled. "Thank you, it does get heavy. I am good. Elizabeth is doing very well at school. Miss Patricia has her reading! The other children are so good to her and patient with her. I have to say, I hate why we had to come here, but it's been the best thing that could have happened. Lady Prudence said we could stay… forever if we want. I think it's best for Elizabeth. Two of the girls are at the house. The do work for my regular customers." She explained as she began to hang up the wet sheets.
Chris helped Martha. "I am glad, Martha. I do think it is best for Elizabeth. It is also wonderful that she is reading. Adam will be thrilled for her. He reads constantly. Has there been any trouble from Miss Banks?"
Martha sighed. "Not that Lady Prudence has told us about. I do know she went to talk to the father, but I have no idea what happened. She doesn't let it show, but I think she is worried. I do know she spoke to the police about Elizabeth. She said they had no issues. They all know us and they know the candy is always paid for." She put a clasp on the last sheet to hold it on the line.
"That's good, about the police. My brother, Dean did say if the police have no issues, the court wouldn't have much to stand on. If there is one thing I know, Prudence won't take any guff." Chris gave a firm nod. He and Martha walked back to the wash house.
Martha laughed. "No, she won't. Lady Prudence is… as tough as a shoe nail. Mister Chris, thank you for all your help as well. I know you do a lot more for the place than you let on."
Chris flushed a bit. "I... just want to help Prudence help the children. Well, it is almost time to go to luncheon. Take care, Martha. If you need anything, please tell me."
"I will, you dear boy." Martha gave Chris a smile and went back in to wash more clothes. It was her pleasure to do the work. It was the one thing she could do for all Lady Prudence did for her and Elizabeth.
Chris went over to the boys who played cricket. "Time to wash hands and faces. The lunch bell will ring soon." He clapped his hands to get their attention. Shane gave his brother a wave.
The boys ran to the outdoor water pump and took turns cleaning up. They were soon joined by the girls. Adam smiles when Eugenia helped Elizabeth. Just as the last hands were washed, Morrison rang the bell that announced luncheon was ready.
Soon everyone sat at the huge dining room table. Like Adam had been, Shane was amazed at how well the children behaved. Lunch was cottage pie. It was delicious.
Chris was even more concerned. Prudence was still in her morning room/office. However, across the dining table was not the time to talk.
After luncheon, the smaller children went up for their nap and the oldest children went back to school. Tommy and Eugenia, who were too old for naps, but not old enough for a full day of school, went up to the playroom with Adam, Shane and Chris.
"Shane, talk to them for a bit, please." Adam looked to Shane.
Shane nodded. "Sure." He went over to the table where the two children sat.
Adam went to Chris, who stared out of one of the windows. "Love, what has you so worried?"
Chris sighed and put his arm around Adam's waist. "Prudence. She is still in with her solicitor. That's too long for it to be anything good. What if the orphanage is in danger. What will happen to the children… and all the staff?" He sighed again.
"I'm sure everything will work out. It may take time. But… if something were to happen… we will do what we can. Be my strong Lion… not for me, but for the children, especially our Melanie. I love you, my Lion of Jericho." Adam dared to kiss Chris' cheek.
Chris caressed Adam's cheek with tenderness. "I love you, my dearest. Thank you. You're right, no matter what, we won't let the children suffer. If the Northwold wasn't so far from London, I'd ask father if we could use it. We only go there when father needs to get away for a while. Come on, I will help Shane and Eugenia, while you help Tommy.
"Now, any time you have a problem with difficult fractions, you can think of this apple." Shane smiles as he popped a slice of said apple into his mouth.
Eugenia laughed. "You just ate one eighth of the apple. It can never be whole again." She followed suit and ate an apple slice.
Chris ate one as well. "Can't be the lone hold out. Shane, that was an excellent way to demonstrate fractions." He gave his little brother a pat.
Before any more could be said, the little children came into the playroom. Chris smiled as they nearly drug Adam to the chair he sat in to tell stories.
Tommy sat at the table under the window and did the drawing exercises Adam had given him. This time it was on distance perspective. Although, he was still child enough to tune an ear to the story.
Adam told the story of Little Red Riding Hood, but he didn't make the big, bad wolf too scary, for the sake of the little children. Shane sat on the floor and took Jimmy into his lap and held him close. They managed to communicate without words.
Just as the story was about to finish, Lady Prudence came into the playroom. Chris thought she looked exhausted, but didn't seem overly upset. Prudence smiled at Chris. She sat at the table, to listen to the last of the story. One of the youngest girls climbed up into Pru's lap. Prudence hugged her close.
"… then the woodsman chased off the big, bad wolf and rescued Little Red Riding Hood's grandmother from the cellar. They all lived happily ever after." Adam finished the story in a much nicer way for the children.
The children loved the story and they all hugged Adam and thanked him. The children went off to their different areas to play. Prudence motioned to Chris and Adam. Chris brought Shane over to meet Pru.
"Prudence, this is my youngest brother, Shane. Shane, please to meet Lady Prudence Mayfield." Chris politely introduced the two.
"Pleased to meet you, Milady. I hope you don't mind that I came. I really enjoyed playing cricket." Shane gave a polite nod.
Prudence grinned at Shane. "Pleased to meet you. Please, do call me Pru. You are welcome here any time. Anyone Chris trusts, I trust. Would you mind to keep the children company? I need to speak to your brother and Adam."
Shane nodded. "Be glad to. Jimmy and I are learning words." He waved to Jimmy. Jimmy grinned at Shane and waved back.
"Oh wonderful! That dear little boy is extremely intelligent. Come, I am in desperate need of a pot of tea. Shane dear, if you need anything, ask one of the maids or Morrison." Prudence gave Shane a smile. She then escorted Chris and Adam out of the playroom.
When they got to the morning room, Morrison had just laid out their tea. The young Butler smiled. "Cook sent some luncheon for you, Milady." He gave a nod and left. Morrison closed the door.
"Please sit, gentlemen. Pardon me, but I am famished." Prudence took a bite of the cottage pie the cook had sent. Adam played "mother" and poured their tea.
Chris wanted to bombard Pru with questions, but he only asked one. "Is the orphanage in danger?"
Prudence delicately dabbed her lips with her napkin. "Relax, Christopher. The orphanage is not in any danger." She took another bite of food.
"Good. I'm sorry, Pru. I just had to ask. You know how protective I am." Chris ducked his head and sipped his tea.
Prudence smiled "I know, dear boy. No one appreciates you more than I, well perhaps except for Adam. I got the invitation to the wedding. When will you tell the girls and Tommy? I don't want to let any cats out of bags." She took her last bite of food.
Adam spoke. "We decided to wait till the first week of July. That is time enough to get their dresses and Tommy's livery. If we tell them too soon, it might make the others feel bad. If we could, we would have the all, but we just can't." He gave Prudence a worry filled look.
Prudence reached over and gave Adam a pat. "I agree with you. I have an idea. After you're married, come and let the children give you a wedding party. They would love that, and it would give the others a chance to be part of it." She gave the couple a look of hope.
"That would be wonderful. Yes, of course. Perfect idea, Pru." Chris agreed with excitement.
Adam nearly danced in his seat. "Oh how lovely. We could even wear our wedding clothes. But, don't let them get us any gifts."
Prudence grinned. "I will make a deal with you. I won't let them buy you any gifts. They will want to make you gifts." She winked at Adam.
Adam chuckled. "Well, alright. But, they are not to spend any money."
"Not a dime…" Prudence paused. She got and picked up a stack of papers from her desk. She came back and sat down.
"I tried to speak to Mister Banks. I found out, he is out of the country, and will be for a while. He moved his household to the estate so his daughter would be safer. Michael has done some investigative work. It appears Miss Banks likes to cause problems. She uses her title in all the wrong ways. She has had multiple sales clerks sacked. She tired to force out neighbors in London, simply because they were immigrants from Italy. It also appears her father thinks along the same lines. He was a lower court Judge, but was quietly asked to step down. He didn't judge fairly in cases were defendants weren't English, if you understand me." She shuffled through the stack of papers.
"Lady Banks sounds like a… real… silly cow." Chris growled a bit.
"She certainly is. My guess is, she doesn't like the fact that my dear children aren't as pure as the driven snow. There is absolutely nothing she can do to the orphanage. Michael assured me we have all the proper legal filings. Now, can she come and make a fuss? Yes, she can. But that is all she can do. If she makes too much of a fuss, I will close the gates and set guards. But, that is a last resort. Lady Sasha Banks will soon learn. I do not tolerate that kind of behavior or way of thinking." Prudence ended with a huff.
Adam let out his own growl. "I do not understand, how anyone can judge someone because of their skin tone. Or, like Elizabeth… or anyone that is a bit different. I am glad there is nothing she can do to hurt the physical orphanage, but she can still… shout at the children. Oh, Lady Prudence, I didn't… I know you will protect the children. I am so sorry. My mouth runs my head sometimes." He didn't mean to say anything hurtful to Prudence.
Prudence again reached over and laid on hand on Adam's. "My dear boy, you only spoke the truth. Yes, she can shout, but, the children will either not hear her, or not pay attention to her. I have spoke to them and will again. By the way, I am going to keep Martha and Elizabeth here. They are doing very well. It's better for Elizabeth as well. She was coming here anyway. I agreed to give Elizabeth a home when Martha… passes. Hopefully, that will not be for many years. Now Adam, I need to do a bit of business with your beloved. Would you mind?" She wasn't sure how much Adam knew about the depth of Chris' financial involvement with the orphanage.
Chris smiled. "He knows, Pru. I felt like he needed to." He gave Prudence a wink.
Adam stood "Yes, he did. However, I will go. Not everything has to be my business. Besides, I want to play." He gave the two a wink and hurried out.
Prudence laughed lightly. "No wonder you love him so much Chris… everything I said was true… but, I did learn something else… there is a… well, I guess committee is a good word, or perhaps a… club of people who are out to spread hatred for those that are not one hundred percent British. Chris, it is shocking. There a a few names you might know. Granted, they are on the fringes of society, small titles, but big names. Here, have a look. Sir Michael Cole has been a very busy little solicitor." Prudence handed Chris one of the reports Michael Cole had brought to her.
Chris took the report and read. After a moment or two he spoke. "Hum… now I understand. The Morley family. He was one of Shane's Professors…" He went on to explain, in more detail, about what had happened, and how it almost caused his split with Adam.
"… he got all the Old Dames to sign a paper, stating they would support us. Now, in my eyes, Shane is a man." Chris spoke with pride about his little brother. He held out the paper for Prudence to take.
Prudence took the paper. "That was quite a lovely thing for Shane to do. I've dealt with the Old Dames. They can be an intimidating group. I am glad to know Shane is away from a bad influence. That may also explain why these folk are so upset." She held up the paper with the list of names.
"Because of Morley being dismissed from Eaton? Yes, that makes a good deal of sense. I wish I could shake the feeling Mister Wade Barrett was part of all this. I find it hard to believe the Headmaster was so… blind and deaf. Maybe I am being an over protective big brother. Barrett hasn't done or said anything remotely suspicious." Chris gave a shrug. Still, he didn't trust Wade Barrett.
Prudence looked at Chris. "Never disregard your instincts. Doesn't mean you are right, but doesn't mean you are wrong either. Be on guard but, give him a chance. Now that was helpful, wasn't it?" Prudence gave a laugh. She got up and put the papers back on her desk.
Chris also stood. He too gave a bit of a laugh. "Is it worse that I understood? Seriously, I do understand how you meant it. Pru… could you get Cole to investigate Barrett? I will gladly pay for it. I don't think it would be wise to have my name connected. Not that I want you in trouble. Now, it is my turn to be blathering." He gave another laugh.
"My dear Christopher, do you think for one minute my name appears on any… questionable paperwork? Please to meet Miss Matilda Fairfax." Prudence held out her hand for Chris to take.
"Ha! Pleasure to meet you Miss Matilda. Prudence Alice Mary Anne Mayfield… if I desired women, I'd marry you." Chris shook Prudence's hand.
Pru laughed. "If I were interested at all, I might have considered it. I don't need a relationship. I have my children and that's all I need. You know why. Now enough. Yes, Matilda Fairfax will have Wade Barrett investigated. Cole keeps the expenses, I will let you know. Now, let's go play." She locked the stack of papers in her desk.
Together Prudence and Chris went up to the playroom. They laughed. Both Adam and Shane wore ladies hats and gloves as they had a dolls tea party with Mary, Victoria and Melanie. Prudence and Chris soon joined them.
The time passed way too quickly. Adam hugged the girls and Chris held Melanie close. Shane hugged Jimmy and promised to come visit again. Adam gave Tommy a last few quick tips on perspective as Chris hugged Eugenia.
Prudence, Adam, Chris and Shane went downstairs. Morrison had sent for their horses. The men picked up their hats and pulled on their leather riding gloves.
"Shane, my dear boy. You are welcome here any time. I try to make as much time for Jimmy as I can, but your extra help is wonderful." Prudence gave Shane a warm hug.
Shane smiled as he pulled on a glove. "I am glad to help Jimmy. It makes me so sad… poor little guy. Is there nothing a doctor can do for him?" He pulled on his other glove.
Prudence gave a sad sigh. "No dear, there is not. But he can lead a good life. He will always have a place here if he wants to stay. His mother… should have never had children. I look at it like this, Jimmy was born for a reason. Maybe, one day, he will be able to help someone else who can't speak. Who knows." She gave Shane a pat on the back.
"Then, I will help him find that reason, if I can. Thank you, Lady Prudence." Shane kissed her cheek.
"I am sure you will. Chris, Adam good to see you again. See you in a few days." Prudence hugged and kissed them both.
"Be back on Friday. Take care, dear." Chris kissed Pru on the cheek.
Adam also kissed Prudence. "I will too. I owe the girls the material. I brought the wrong satchel." He held up the satchel with his work for Vince.
Prudence sighed. "I did the same thing, more than once. Tie a colored yarn on the handle to tell the difference. See you, Friday." She walked the visitors out to the porch.
The brought Highflyer, Locket and Merlin around. The three men mounted up. They waved to Prudence as they rode down the driveway to the road.
A rider pulled his horse up to a stop. He'd just left the Banks Estate. He didn't want to be seen by the three from the McMahon house.
Wade Barrett decided to wait, then go the long way back to London.