Judy, Eric, Seth and Stephanie sat in the waiting area of the men's department in Harrods. They waited for Adam to try on his fourth attempt at a white tuxedo for his wedding. James, the sales clerk helped him.
"The second one fit him so well, but the color was just too close to ivory." Stephanie spoke with a bit of a sigh. She missed Natalya. She hadn't been able to come as planned, as Natalya was currently in bed with a summer cold.
"I agree. I wonder if it could be made whiter?" Seth asked as he turned the page of the latest issue of the Punch magazine he read.
Stephanie shook her head. "White isn't like that. There is no white dye." She knew a lot about fashion and dressmaking from her own dressmaker.
Judy nodded. "She is right. We just have to hope this next one…" She halted when Adam stepped out of the changing cubical.
Adam had on a bright white tuxedo with a long, split-tail coat. The ends hung down to the back of his knees. The coat had real, sterling silver buttons with castles etched into them. It fit like it had been expressly cut for him. It was perfect.
Judy couldn't stop the tears that fell from her eyes. She dabbed them away with her delicate handkerchief. "My angel, my little angel." Was all Judy could manage to say through the tears.
Adam stood on the podium. "I… I think this is the one." He turned to look in the three-way mirror. He ran his hands over the soft cashmere material.
Eric smiled. He had moisture in his own eyes. "It is simply perfect. Your mother is right. You do look like an angel. Chris will faint when he sees you."
Stephanie got up to look with a more critical eye. "James, you have out done yourself. I didn't think you could match the fit of the second one, but you did. In fact, you surpassed it. Adam, it is perfect. I will say, you do look like an angel." She sat back down with a smile.
"You… he will… Ma? I'm… to the… man I love…" Adam's own emotions suddenly overwhelmed him. He was going to marry Chris. It was a dream come true. He wondered, was it possible to be too happy?
Judy stood and stepped up to the podium with James's help. She gave the young clerk a nod of thanks. James stepped off the podium and stood back. This was a family moment, one he never tired of watching… from a distance.
Judy looked at her son. He stood six foot-four to her five foot-six frame. But right now, all Judy could see was the little toddler Adam once was. The little boy who clung to her when frightened. She reached up and caressed his cheek.
"Yes, my darling. You are going to marry the man you love. You are going to be happy. I can't wait to hold my first grandchild." Judy let a few more tears fall as she hugged her baby boy.
Adam smiled through his tears. "Well… I guess this is the one. Poppa Eric? Seth? Stephanie?" Adam asked as he looked at Chris' family.
Eric stood and joined mother and son. "Yes, it is absolutely perfect. Now, you need a top hat, gloves, shoes and of course, shirt and braces." He gave both Adam and Judy a warm hug.
Seth added his opinion. "It is perfect, Adam. You will make Chris faint. I'll warn Roman to be prepared to catch him." He gave Adam a wink.
"I can't add more to that or to what I said before. He also needs a silk scarf." Stephanie gave Adam a sisterly hug.
An hour later, they stood at the sales counter. "I can have it delivered in two days. The hemming takes a bit longer, it has to be absolutely perfect." James explained as he wrote up the sales slip. He would make a wonderful commission, but that was the last thing James thought of. Adam's happiness was his real commission.
"That's perfectly fine. Please put this on my account." Eric gave James a smile and signed the slip. The bill was almost seventy pounds.
"Seth, would you please take ma and poppa Eric up to tea? Stephanie is going to help me with dresses for the little girls. We won't be too long. I just need her advice." Adam asked with an expectant look in his eyes.
"Of course. You take your time. We will sit and talk over our tea." Seth responded with a happy grin.
"Thank you, Seth. One of the best things is, you and I can truly be friends." Adam gave Seth a hug.
Stephanie led Adam to the children's clothing department. Judy had a bit of excitement as she rode the moving elevated stairs. Seth made sure Judy felt safe, and she was glad for the help.
They were soon seated in the lovely Harrods Tea Room. Seth ordered tea with sandwiches, cakes and biscuits. He gave the waitress a look that said he would be the one to pay. Seth didn't mind giving Judy a treat.
"Your Grace, I want to… help pay for Adam's wedding clothes. I truly appreciate you… paying… but…" Judy was halted by Eric.
Eric smiled. "No, Miss Judy. It is my pleasure to do it. Why don't you use your money for another part of the wedding. I don't want to offend you. If you really want to, I won't refuse, but I do think it is not necessary." He gave Judy a pat on the arm.
Judy waited to speak. The server had brought their tea. The server poured the first cups, then left with a nod. Judy thought the food looked nice. She was anxious to see if it was a good as hers. It was just something a cook was curious about.
"Missus Calaway, poppa Eric is right. He bought my wedding clothes too. It meant I had the money for other things that came up." Seth added with a sip of tea.
Judy sighed. "Well, alright. Mark and I do appreciate your generosity. We can buy more flowers from Paige's aunt. Like we discussed. I wish others knew how kind you really are, Your Grace." Her sigh turned an appreciative smile.
Eric swallowed his bite of sandwich. "Thank you. Yes, you're doing all the personal flowers. I am sure they will be beautiful. I will say something else, your sandwiches are much better."
"So are your cakes. This is a bit dry." Seth added as he put a drop of milk on his cake.
Judy smiled. "Well, to be fair, they have to make larger quantities, they are harder to keep fresh. I thank you for the compliments. Yes, Paige's aunt grows her flowers herself. Paige swears she can grow anything."
Ten minutes later, Adam and Stephanie joined the tea party. The waitress brought a fresh tea pot and two more cups and plates. After they had a bite of food, Adam spoke.
"You should see what we picked out for the girls. All we need are their sizes. Lady Prudence said she would have them measured. Then her dressmaker can do any alterations. White satin with a lace bodice. They have just the right shade of blue ribbon around the waist. The dress comes in all sizes. Chris said he wants Tommy to dress like a formal rider in the hunt. I think it is a perfect look." Adam explained with excitement as he sipped his tea.
Stephanie was just as excited. "They really are pretty. I had the clerk put the entire lot on hold. Just remember, Adam, the hold only lasts two weeks. Sometimes, like this, the title helps." She gave Adam a wink.
Adam winked back. "I agree, Stephanie. I will tell Prudence tomorrow when we go to the orphanage. Knowing her, she either has it done or will get it done tomorrow. Poppa Eric, thank you again for my wedding tuxedo."
"You are more than welcome, son. The dresses for the girls sound wonderful. That's Chris, through and through. He'd ride Highflyer up the aisle if he could. That's also why he will love your tuxedo so much. It is more of an equestrian cut. See, there was a reason why that one fit so well." Eric spoke with a smile.
"Never thought of it like that. Stephanie, thank you for coming today. I know you'd rather be taking care of Natalya. I hope she feels better soon." Adam took a last bite of sandwich.
"Well, yes, to be honest I would. However, Shawn won't let me. He said he doesn't want me to get sick. Parents can be so… frustrating at times." Stephanie wanted to roll her eyes, but she managed to resist the urge.
Judy spoke. "Lady Stephanie, you will understand when you have children of your own. Two things all parents want. Their child's happiness and their good health. I am sure Duke Shawn was only trying to keep you safe. I had to keep Jason away from Adam, the last time he had a cold."
"Couldn't have said it better, Miss Judy. If the situation were reversed, I wouldn't let Nattie in to see you. At least until the Doctor said it was safe. Now, Miss Judy, here comes the big surprise for the day. We are going to get a dress for you to wear to the wedding." Eric gave Judy a smile and Adam a wink.
"Surprise, ma! We all took up a bit of a collection. Mark, Jason, Beth, Becky, Paige, Renee, Cody, Maxwell, Matthew, Chris and myself all put money in. So, with Stephanie's advice, you will look like the Queen." Adam explained as they finished their tea. Seth quietly put money on the table to pay. He also left a few coins for their server.
Judy's mouth fell open. "Addy, no. I can't let them do that. They already paid for the photographer for our wedding. I was going to have the girls change my wedding dress a bit. I just… thank you, but no."
"Ma, yes. Do you want to hurt their feelings? Plus, Chris put in too. We want you to have something new. Then, then girls will make you a new hat to match the dress. You said, all parents want their children's happiness. This will make your children happy, including your future son-in-law." Adam looked at his mother in the way only a child could do.
Seth looked at Judy. "Your child makes a very good point." Stephanie nodded in agreement with Seth's words.
Judy sighed. "Alright, a new dress it is. I can't say no, that would make me a hypocrite."
"Good. Ma, they came to me with the idea, I didn't ask them. Becky said you deserved it." Adam spoke softly to his mother as they left the tea room.
Stephanie took Judy to the ladies department. The gentlemen really weren't welcome there. Erick took Seth and Adam to the equestrian department.
"Now, it's time for your surprise. Chris wants you to have a saddle and bridle of your own. Vince and I are getting it as your engagement gift. Your brother gave me this, it's Locket's measurements." Eric pulled a paper out of his pocket and looked at it.
"I… I… I…" Adam couldn't find his words.
Seth chuckled. "I think the Copeland family has lost their power of speech today. Oh and Roman and I are buying a new stable blanket for Locket. Well, to add to your engagement present. So, let's go shopping. Poppa, Chris said to make sure the saddle was for cross country. He said it's best for everything riding with the occasional jump." Seth added the last minute instructions from Chris.
"That's right, I did." Chris spoke as he suddenly appeared at Adam's side.
Even Eric was surprised to see Chris. "Son, what are you doing here? You aren't supposed to see Adam's wedding tuxedo."
"I know you already bought it. I had James send a messenger to tell me when you were finished. I just got here. I was afraid I'd be too late, the cab was slow. What did momma Judy say about her dress?" Chris spoke with happiness. He was with his dear and beloved Adam.
"Well, she tried to object…" Adam further explained as the four men started looking at saddles. "… so now she and Stephanie are shopping. Oh and…" Adam went on to tell Chris about the dresses for the girls. "… so, all we need are their sizes. We will tell Prudence tomorrow." Adam finally caught his fiance up on all they had done that morning.
"You have been busy people. Well, let's get you a new saddle, all your own." Chris spoke softly. He wanted to kiss Adam, but it just was not done in public.
Judy and Stephanie joined the others. Judy smiled. Adam sat on a life sized wooden horse. The Harrods saddle maker measured the length of his legs to the stirrups. He would also take other measurements, to make sure the saddle fit both Adam and Locket.
"Lady Stephanie did such a good job, there was just enough left for matching gloves and shoes. I am going to make a special supper tomorrow to thank all of you." Judy spoke happily. She'd never seen anyone bargain like Stephanie McMahon.
"I can't wait to see how lovely you will look, momma Judy. Adam, you are not to see her dress before the wedding." Chris gave Judy a polite kiss on the back of her hand.
"I want to thank you, son. I know you gave the lions share to help them out. You are a good boy and I am happy to have you in the family." Judy spoke softly in Chris' ear. She squeezed his hand to seal her words.
Before anything more could be said, or rather loud female voice was heard. "How dare you touch me, you Spanish fly! Get the Head of this department, now!"
Chris let out a groan. "I will be right back." He went over to where the raised voice had come from. Chris was not at all surprised to see Lady Sasha Banks.
"Lady Banks, do you have an issue?" Chris asked politely. The salesman with Lady Sasha looked like a beaten dog, with anger boiling beneath.
Sasha glared at Chris. "Ah, Lord McMahon. Yes, I wanted someone else to give me custom. I don't deal with foreigners." She continued to glare.
"I would guess you have never shopped at Harrods before. They have hired the best saddle makers in the world. They happen to come from Spain. There are no Englishmen in the equestrian department. I suggest you take your custom elsewhere, Lady Banks." Chris spoke sweet as honey, but only a fool couldn't hear the disdain in his voice for Lady Sasha Banks.
Sasha gave a huff. "Yes, I will. You can rest assured I will be speaking to the owner about hiring foreigners, instead of good, clean, hard working Englishmen." She huffed again.
Chris smiled. "I am sure Charles would like to speak with you. Have a good day, Milady." Chris gave a nod as Lady Sasha Banks left in a huffing flurry.
The salesman looked at Christopher like he was King Edward himself. "Thank you, Lord Christopher. All I was going to do was measure her hand for a pair of custom riding gloves. What an unpleasant young lady. I was actually born in Kent. My parents came here from Spain. They are both prime saddle makers. Again, thank you, Milord." He gave Chris a deep nod of respect.
"Glad to help. I… have had… shall we say, run ins with her before." Chris gave a nod and went back to where his family still watched Adam on the wooden horse.
"Was that the person you said was giving Prudence a hard time?" Seth asked in a quiet voice.
Chris gave a nod. "Yes, Lady Sasha Banks. I am sure, by now, she knows there is nothing she can do to the orphanage. She is a very unpleasant young lady." He quoted what the salesman had said.
"Karma is a strong thing, Chris. She will learn her lesson one day." Seth spoke firmly.
The saddle maker had finished taking all of Adam's measurements. Eric gave him the paper that had Locket's measurements.
"Ah, who ever took these measurements is a horseman. I have everything I need. The saddle will be ready in two, perhaps three weeks." The sales clerk wrote up the sales slip for the saddle and bridle. He wrote up a separate slip for the lovely stable blanket Adam had chosen for Locket.
"I can't thank you enough. Poppa Eric you and father Vince… to just… accept me. Then take ma and Jason as family too, and poppa Mark. I love you, very much." Adam hugged Eric with all the admiration he felt for Eric.
"Thank you, Seth. I am so glad we can be and are good friends. Thank you too, for accepting me and for being so patient when I had doubts." Adam hugged Seth with brotherly affection.
As they walked to the main door of Harrods to leave, Chris leaned over and whispered in Eric's ear. Eric gave Chris a nod with a smile.
Chris then spoke in Seth's ear. Seth shook his head "no". "Thank you. I would, but I want to get home to the children. Have fun." Seth smiled at Chris.
When Chris whispered to Stephanie, the response was the same. Stephanie wanted to go to the Hart's to check on Natalya. She had bought a box of Nattie's favorite chocolates and a lovey new bed jacket so Nattie could be warm.
After hats were collected, the shoppers left the store. The doorman called up the next two cabs in the rank. Eric, Seth and Stephanie got into the first one. Adam and Judy spoke and didn't hear Christopher tell the driver of the second cab where to go.
Adam looked out of the window. "Wait, this isn't the way home." He looked at Chris, who sat on the seat across from him.
"It's not? Oh my, he must have taken a wrong turn." Chris feigned surprise.
Judy lightly laughed. "I think someone has something up his sleeve."
Chris pulled up the sleeves of his suit coat. "Hum.. no, nothing there. I wonder where it went?"
"Christopher Keith! What is going on?" Adam asked, his brow arched. His fiance could be… so annoying sometimes.
Judy laughed again. "You two are just too precious for words. Oh!" Judy realized where they were when the cab came to a stop.
The cab driver opened the door. He helped Judy out first. Adam followed his mother. He looked at the building and smiled.
Chris handed the driver some coins. Th driver gave a nod of thanks. The next passengers entered the cab. Gunter's was a busy place.
Chris took both Judy and Adam by the elbow and led them to the door, and opened it for them. "Come, there is a table by the window." He guided them to said table with a smile.
Adam held the chair for his mother. Chris then held Adam's chair. He then sat across from Judy.
"I have heard about their ices and tea." Judy picked up the menu card and looked at the choices.
"Thank you, Chris. It's like… you've… oh…" Adam tried not to cry, but the tears fell anyway.
Chris reached over and gently thumbed away the tear from Adam's cheek. "I love making you happy." He gave Adam's face a caress.
Judy smiled at her son and his fiance. The love they had for one another radiated like the sun. She made her choice as the waiter came to their table. Judy and Adam told Chris what they wanted.
"A lavender ice for the lady, a custard cream for the two of us, and a pot of tea. Please." Chris gave the young man the order.
"Right away, Milord." The waiter hurried off.
Chris let out a groan when the door opened. Lady Sasha Banks walked in to the shop. She paid no attention as she went toward the very back of the tea room. Chris lost sight of her. She had gone into one of the private areas that were hidden by screens. It was a place for those that wanted a bit of privacy.
"Thank goodness she didn't notice us." Adam spoke softly. He didn't want to gossip too loudly in public.
Chris nodded. "Me too, love. I don't want to think about her. Tell me more about the dresses you and Stephanie picked out for the girls."
Lady Sasha Banks sat at a table behind a large screen. "You'd better be careful. Lord Christopher, Adam and some lady are out there. You can not be seen with me." Lady Sasha spoke. Wade Barrett sat at the hidden table.
Wade frowned. "I thought they would go home after Harrods. I know the family is going out to supper tonight. The woman must be Adam's mother, the cook for the McMahon's."
"How could a man like Christopher marry someone who is less than common, a servant." Sasha huffed.
Wade let out a low laugh. "Well, at least he's English. I'm going to try to get his papers papers tonight, while they are out." He poured a cup of tea for Sasha from the pot he'd ordered.
"Just be careful. The committee would rather you go slowly than move too fast and get caught. You did an excellent job at convincing the McMahon's you had nothing to do with Morley. He was a failure. He will be dealt with… eventually." Sasha sipped her tea.
"Don't worry, my dearest. I will get the job done. The committee must know what McMahon is telling them in Berlin. When we get enough information, we can let our Austrian friends know." Wade laid a hand on Sasha's.
In the main room, Chris watched Adam eat his custard cream. He felt his cock harden as Adam's tongue made love to the spoon in his mouth.
"Um… taste good?" Chris asked in a rather gruff voice. He worked hard to keep the sheer lust he felt hidden.
Adam grinned. "It tastes like… clouds from Heaven. Sorry ma, but this is wonderful. I could eat this every day." He sucked more cream into his mouth and worked it with his tongue.
"Well… um… good… enjoy it, love." Chris had to look out the window to get himself back in check.
Judy looked at Chris. "Chris, dear. Are you alright? You look a bit… distracted." Being a lady, she read the wrong thing into Chris' actions.
Chris managed a smile. "I'm fine, ma'am. Sorry, she got into my thoughts. I told you all about her at supper last night. Aside from all that, I feel there is… something else about her. I think Lady Sasha Banks is… a threat. I don't mean to the orphanage. I wish father or Roman had time to investigate her further. I just can't shake the bad feelings I pick up from her." He gave a shrug. At least all the wicked thoughts about Adam were gone.
Adam suddenly pushed away his dish of custard cream. He only had a bite or two left. "Mummy." Adam barely spoke, as he rubbed his forehead.
"Addy? Is it your head? It's been ages since your last one." Judy reached over to caress Adam's temple.
"Bad, mummy." Adam sounded like he was in utter agony. He also sounded like a child.
"Chris, we must go. Now. He needs to lay down in the dark." Judy was calm, but firm.
Chris stood. "Yes, ma'am." He wasn't sure what had happened, but his fiance looked terrible. He threw coins on the table and went outside.
A few moments later, mother, son and Chris were in a cab. Every time there was a bump, Adam groaned. He leaned against his mother.
"What's wrong with him? He was fine ten minutes ago. Now he looks like he is dying." Chris looked at Adam with worry deeply carved on his face.
Judy looked at Chris. "When the boys were little, Adam had a bad fall. He almost went over a cliff. Jason caught him just in time. Adam nearly broke his neck. Ever since then, he gets sudden headaches called migraines. They don't happen often, the last one was maybe… two years ago. Poor baby, when they hit, they are sudden and hard." Judy explained as she held Adam close.
"What can I do for him? What about calling Doctor Drew? He looks so… bad." Chris' voice was filled with worry.
Judy smiled at Chris. "Nothing a Doctor can do. Adam needs to lay quietly in the dark. I usually sit with him. Sometimes he vomits because it hurts so bad. I make sure he doesn't choke."
"I will sit with him. My poor Kitten." Chris very gently rubbed Adam's back.
Adam managed to shift. He curled himself around Chris, and Chris held him close. Judy smiled, that was the way it should be. She knew Adam was in the best possible hands; hands of the man the loved him.
Chris directed the cab to pull into the mews. He didn't want the neighborhood to see Adam carried into the house. It was no ones business.
Mark happened to be in the mews and spoke to Jason as the cab pulled in. His curiosity was raised even more when Judy popped out.
"Mark! Help!" Judy called out to her husband.
Both Mark and Jason ran to the cab. Judy quickly explained. "I will carry him, Milord." Mark gently lifted Adam into his arms. Adam was as light as a feather in his strong arms.
Chris was grateful to Adam's step-father. He quickly paid the cabbie, then hurried after the others. Jason stayed in the servant's hall and explained about Adam's migraine. Beth felt bad for Adam. She knew how bad his headaches could get.
Mark carried Adam up to his room. He gently laid him on the bed. Mark deftly changed Adam into his nightshirt. Judy tucked him in, and kissed her son's cheek. The blond could only moan, and that was hard for him.
"I will go make some beef tea. Darling, there really is nothing you can do for him but sit. If he starts to cough or vomit, help him sit up. I will bring a bowl." Judy gave Chris a pat, and a smile. Mark had lit the lamp on the bedside table, and turned the wick low, after tightly closing the window drapes.
"Will you please tell the others that we won't be joining them for dinner at the Savoy." Chris spoke in a whisper to Mark. Judy had left to get a bowl, in case Adam got sick.
"Of course, Milord. I will make sure you aren't disturbed. Poor little thing." Mark sighed as he left the room. He felt bad for Adam.
Chris took off his coat and cravat. He also removed his shoes, then pulled the chair so he was right next to the bed. Chris took Adam's right hand in his and held it gently. He looked up when the door opened.
Jason came into the room with a porcelain bowl. "Ma said to bring this up. Poor Addy. These headaches come so quickly. May told me what happened. One Doctor said too much stress could cause them. You know how he takes everything to heart. Ma also said to ring if you need anything. Take care of my baby brother." He spoke with worry as he looked at Adam.
Chris smiled at Jason in the dim light. "I will Jason, I promise. Thank you. Come check on him any time."
Jason gave a nod. Like Judy, he knew his brother was in good hands. He quietly left the room.
Chris looked at Adam. His fiance looked as pale as the sheet that covered him. Adam occasionally let out whimpers of pain. Chris wished there was something he could do to help. Maybe a cool cloth. He got up and went to Adam's WC. Chris wet one of the soft wash cloths. He let the cold water run. After a moment, he wrung the excess water out of the cloth.
Chris sat back down in the chair, and gently laid the cool cloth on Adam's head. Adam let out another pain filled whimper. When his aching brain felt the coolness, it helped a bit. The sound he let out almost sounded like a sigh of relief. Chris smiled, glad he could help in some small way.
When Eric cracked open the door and looked in, Chris looked up. Chris waved his poppa into the room. Eric tiptoed to where Chris sat.
"How is he?" Eric asked softly as he bent over to whisper in Chris' ear.
Chris stood and led Eric to the WC. He also brought the cloth to cool it again. "This seemed to quieten his whimpers. Oh poppa, it hit him so fast. We were having tea at Gunter's. All of a sudden he was stricken." Chris went on to explain what Judy had told him. He soaked the cloth as he spoke. "… so there is nothing that can be done for him, I feel so helpless." He nearly cried for Adam.
"You are here for him, son. We will still go out. The house will be quiet. Nanny and the twins are going with us. Unless you want me to stay. I will, son, I certainly don't mind." Eric spoke with worry as Chris wrung out the cloth.
Chris shook his head. "No, poppa. You go, you love the Savoy. Nothing you can do here. What about Barrett?" He and Eric stayed in the WC for a moment to talk.
"He went out earlier, said since we had plans, he was going to call on some friends. He might come back before we do. I will tell Calaway to tell Barrett to be very quiet. Of course, Adam's mother and the others will be here if you need help." Eric explained.
"Thank you, poppa. Do enjoy yourselves, Adam would want you to. Yes, Judy is making some beef tea. I'd better get this to him." Chris looked over at Adam when the blond let out a whimper.
"Alright, son. I'll check on you when we get back. Love you, son. Don't worry, he will be better soon." Eric gave Chris a kiss on the cheek.
Chris returned his poppa's kiss. "Love you, poppa. See you. Please enjoy it." He walked Eric to the door.
When Eric left, Chris went back to Adam's bedside. He again laid the cool cloth on Adam's forehead. Once again, Adam seemed to sigh in relief.
Chris held Adam's hand and caressed it with his thumb. He wished there was more he could do, but he did what he could.
Two hours later, Beth cracked open the door. She did something that she would never have normally dared to do; she waved Chris out into the hallway.
Chris got up and went to the maid. Beth gave a curtsy. "Sorry, Milord, to call you into the hall. Miss Judy wants you to come eat. I will sit with Adam. I have done this before, when he had his last attack." Beth gave Chris a look of confidence.
"Alright. I could use a cup of tea. A cool cloth seems to help quieten him. I just made a fresh one. Come in, please sit." Chris waved Beth to the chair.
Chris went to Adam. "I will be back soon, love. I love you." He barley kissed Adam's cheek. Call me if anything changes, Beth. And Thank you." He smiled and left to go down to the servant's hall. He wanted to be close to Adam's mother.
Just as Chris came down to the foyer, the front door opened. Wade Barrett walked in.
"Hello, Barrett. Why didn't you ring?" Chris was curious, it was highly unusual to use a key.
Wade hid the fact he was surprised Chris was home. "I thought everyone in the family was out. I didn't want to bother the staff on a night off."
"Kind of you. Be quiet please. Adam is in bed with a sick headache. Beth is sitting with him for a moment." Chris briefly explained.
Wade frowned. "Sorry about Mister Copeland. Yes, I was just going to go to my room and read. If I can do anything, let me know. My sainted mother suffered from sick headaches. She said brown paper soaked in vinegar helped. I will say goodnight, Milord."
"Goodnight, Barrett. Thank you for the suggestion." Chris watched as Wade went upstairs. When Wade walked past him, something in Chris' brain niggled. It was the distinct scent of ladies perfume. One he has smelled before… but where… and who's?