Chris went down to the servant's hall. Judy was at the stove. "Oh good. I was afraid you wouldn't leave Adam. You need to eat and relax a bit. Go in and sit, Mark is at the table. We sent Cody, Paige and Becky out to the biograph. Jason, of course drove the coach. Beth has been with Adam before during one of these migraines." She motioned for Chris to go into the other room.
Chris kissed Judy's cheek. "One thing. Barrett came in, as I was on my down here. He said his mother had sick headaches. She used brown paper soaked in vinegar to help. Would that work? A cool cloth seems to help him." He looked at Judy like a worried child.
Judy smiled softly. "We tried the brown paper and vinegar. The strong smell made him vomit. It made it all worse. Poor little Addy. He can only ride it out. Some are bad, others not so much. Now, go. I will have some stew and dumplings in a tick. Mark has the tea." She gently turned Chris toward the other room and nudged him. This was Chris, her future son-in-law, not Lord Christopher.
Chris sat down at Mark's right, he knew Judy sat on his left. Mark put down the paper. "Hello, son. Here, you look like you need this." Mark poured a cup of tea for Chris, not Lord Christopher.
"Yes, very much. I am so worried about him. He is as white as the bed sheet." Chris took a sip of his tea, tea made anything better.
Mark nodded. "I know. It was even more frightening when he was younger. It's hard to watch someone you love and care about suffer, and there is nothing you can do to help." He took his own sip of tea.
Chris sighed. "You're right about that. It happened so fast. Oh Mark, he's hurting and there is absolutely nothing I can do to help him." Chris tried not to, but the tears fell.
Mark leaned over and pulled Chris into his arms. He let the man cry. Sometimes tears were the best way to cleanse the feelings of the soul. Judy came in with the pot of fragrant stew. She felt bad for Chris, as she sat in her chair.
Chris gave a last sniff and swiped his eyes. He gave a bit of an embarrassed laugh. "Sorry, Mark, but thank you. I… he… well, as you said, it is hard to see him suffer and not be able to help him. I… never want him to be in pain or ever be unhappy. When he is… I feel like I am failing him." He sniffed again.
Judy reached across the table and took Chris' hands in hers. "Son, you're not failing him in any way. These headaches happen. I am almost glad he has them. They are a reminder that he is alive, when he could have so easily broke his neck and died. Now, if you left him to suffer, that would be failing him. Remember, in the cab, he left my embrace and turned to you. There are also times he will be unhappy, and there are times you will be unhappy. There even may be times when you will be unhappy together. That is when you cling to one another and support one another. Lift each other up. You are so much like Adam. You take everything to heart. You're doing all you can for him. So stop fretting and eat your supper. I'll have beef tea for Adam, but the longer it steeps the better." Judy ladled up a bowl of hearty beef stew with fluffy, bread-like dumplings.
Chris smiled at Adam's mother. "Looks wonderful. Thank you, momma Judy. I was being a bit childish. Can I ask a question? If it's too personal, let me know." He looked at the still newlywed couple.
Mark swallowed his bite of stew, then spoke. "Yes, we have made each other unhappy. Yes, we have argued, hotly, at times. It is part of a relationship. We have one rule. Take time to cool off, then talk. The other thing, listen. Sometimes a little argument put some spice in your life." he gave Chris a sly wink.
"Marcus!" Judy spoke with an angry tone of voice, but the gleam in her eyes betrayed her.
Chris looked from Mark to Judy. He burst out in laughter. He began to eat with a renewed appetite. Judy's stew and dumplings were delicious. Mark and Judy laughed as well. They had achieved their goal, to make Chris relax.
Wade Barrett sat in a comfortable chair in the small sitting area of his room, in the McMahon house. His room was next to the day nursery on one side and the schoolroom on the other. Shane's room was directly across the hall.
Barrett didn't read a book, he read the papers Margret had given him. The papers had come from the former Professor Sean Morley. Wade hated to think about Sean; he had quickly vanished. While Wade was all for the ideals of the committee, he did not want to fall victim to them. The other thing that could keep him safe, warming Sasha Banks' bed. He hated it, men were his real sexual desire, but he did his duty and kept Sasha sexually satisfied. Wade just wished she wouldn't drown herself in cheap perfume.
Wade shuffled the papers and began to read. He only got a few paragraphs in before his mind wandered again. He had to get a look at the letters Adam translated for Duke McMahon. He thought he would have had the chance tonight, but once again, he was foiled. The committee knew he had to be slow and cautious, however, they would not wait forever.
"Oh momma Judy, that was wonderful. The family would be jealous. The food at the Savoy doesn't hold a candle to this. I wish Adam could eat." Chris wiped his lips with his napkin. He'd eaten two and half bowls of Judy's stew and dumplings.
Judy smiled. "Glad you liked it, son. Don't worry, I will save the left overs for Adam's luncheon tomorrow. He will be tired, but the headache will be gone for the most part. By day after tomorrow he will be back to normal. Only once, when he was around sixteen, did he have a two day migraine. We took him to the hospital. All they could do was give him medicine to make him sleep… it made him sick." She sighed. She too, as his mother, made her feel helpless.
"We will pray this is a normal migraine and he will be better tomorrow." Mark spoke with a bit of an emotionally gruff voice. He too wished he could help Adam. But, he could hold Judy together.
"I'm going back up. I'll send Beth back to you. Thank you for this, I needed it. I will be sitting up with him all night." Chris stood and pushed his chair under the table.
"Alright, son. I will be up later to check on my baby. I will bring you some tea." Judy kissed Chris' cheek as he leaned over to kiss her.
"Thank you, momma Judy. Say, Mark… could you… come up a minute?" Chris knew Mark knew everything that went on in the house.
Mark stood. "Absolutely, Sir. I will be right back, dearest." He gave his wife a kiss and followed Chris.
Chris stopped at the top landing. "Do me a favor. You know everything. I want you to keep an eye on Barrett. There is just…"
Mark halted Chris. "Something not right with him?" He arched his brow at Chris.
"You are a very astute man. I can't say what it is, but it is there. I don't want whatever he is doing to affect Shane. I trust you above anyone in this house, except father… well you know what I mean. Please keep this between us. Oh, and one more thing. Bless Adam, he is too trusting at times. Make sure his satchel from Roman is always locked in the safe if we are out. I will discuss that with Adam, when he feels better." Chris spoke firmly to the Butler.
Mark laid a hand on Chris' shoulder. "I do understand, and I appreciate it. Yes, I will make sure the papers are safe. And yes, just between us. Don't worry, no one will hurt this family as long as I am here." He too spoke firmly. Butler and Lord bonded in their thoughts.
Beth sat at the table and ate the food Judy had kept for her. "Poor thing never moved. The cool rag did seem to help. Lord Christopher is so… loving with him. " She ended with a bite of stew and dumplings.
"Good. I will take him some tea in a couple of hours. Thank you for sitting with him, dear." Judy gave Beth a pat on the shoulder. She then went to sit in her chair and picked up her knitting.
Mark sat and read one of Adam's books. He puffed on his cigar, almost in tempo with the music that played on the wireless.
It got a bit chaotic when Cody, Becky and Paige came in from their outing. When Paige saw Beth, she hurried over to sit with her.
"How is Adam?" Paige asked as Cody politely took her coat, hat and gloves. Becky sat after hanging her things up. Beth filled them in as Cody went to make a pot of cocoa.
At six o'clock in the morning, Adam let out a groan. "Water… closet." He muttered in a very gruff voice. His head still hurt, but it was a dull thud compared to the crippling pain before.
"Alright, my Kitten. Let me help you." Chris spoke in a sleep laced voice. He looked like a disheveled mess. He'd slept in the chair.
Adam blinked a few times, the managed to keep his eyes open. "Chris? What?" I… feel…"
Chris stood and moved to stand next to the bed. He told Adam what had happened. "… I slept in the chair." He looked up when Mark poked his head in the door.
"Ah, he is awake. I will go tell Judy." Mark had stopped to look in again. Chris and Adam had both been asleep the first time he checked.
"I'm awake. I need the WC." Adam groaned again. If he didn't go soon, he would wet the bed.
Mark nodded. "I will help him, Milord. Why don't you go freshen up." It wouldn't exactly be proper for Chris to see Adam so… exposed before the wedding.
Chris nodded. "Good idea. Mark will help you, love. Your Lion needs a wash and shave. I love you." He kissed Adam's temple.
An hour later, Adam had a breakfast tray with rich beef tea, toast and coffee. Chris had a breakfast tray with eggs, sausage, toast and coffee. Chris was in clean clothes, just a shirt and trousers. Adam wore a fresh night shirt and was propped up in his bed. He had color in his cheeks but still felt ragged.
"This is good. Ma makes the best beef tea. Love, thank you for staying with me. It always happens so fast. I never remember." Adam still sounded weak, but he ate well.
Chris chewed his bite of egg on toast. "Was glad to do it, darling. Well, no… I am sorry for the reason. You looked so ill. There wasn't any way I wasn't going to stay with you. I did eat supper with your mother and Mark. Beth sat with you. Honestly, how are you feeling?"
Adam smiled at his fiance. "I feel better, but I feel rough. I will be alright after some rest. Please, don't miss the orphanage because of me."
"No, we will go tomorrow instead. However, if you aren't up to it, I will go. We need those dress measurements for the girls. You rest today. I will be your Footman." Chris gave a laugh, and took another bite of his breakfast.
Adam dipped his toast in his beef tea. "Alright. But if you do need to go today, please do. I know Prudence counts on you." He ate the bite of toast. It was easier to chew.
"She knows things happen. I want you to rest today, no reading." Chris spoke firmly and took his last bite of food.
Adam chuckled a little. "I will be good. I should work on the translation letters though."
"No. Father and Roman told me to tell you not to worry about it. You have caught him up enough. Oh by the way, I put your satchel of letters in the safe, in the morning room." Chris moved Adam's lap tray so the blond could lay back more to relax.
"Locked in a safe? Why would you? How can I get them if you aren't here?" Adam was a bit shocked.
Chris put their trays on top of the dresser. He sat back down in the chair. "Yes, I want you to lock them in the safe when you're not working on them. After all, they are national matters. Don't worry, I will show you the safe and teach you the combination. Trust me, it is for the best." He looked at Adam firmly.
"Alright, love. You are right. I shouldn't just leave them around. I am going to sleep now. It helps me more than anything. Would you tell ma?" Adam laid back and closed his eyes with a yawn.
Chris gave Adam a sweet kiss on the lips. "Yes, love. I will tell your mother. Sleep my little Kitten." Chris decided to take the empty breakfast trays to the kitchen.
Wade Barrett scoffed when he saw Chris carrying the trays like a common servant. He decided not to say anything. I would cause too many questions. Wade waited till Lord Christopher was out of sight.
Wade silently opened the door to Adam's bedroom. He glanced around to see if he could locate the satchel of letters. He jumped when Adam spoke.
"Mister Barrett?" Adam opened his eyes and raised up on his elbows. What could Shane's tutor possibly want.
Wade quickly pulled himself together. "I thought I heard you moan in pain. I wanted to see if you needed any help." He feigned a look of concern.
Adam frowned. "I… don't think I did. I am feeling much better. I need to sleep today, then tomorrow I will be fine. Thank you for the concern." He turned his frown to a smile. He had no reason to dislike Wade.
"I saw his Lordship leave. I wanted to make sure you weren't calling for someone. My ears must have been playing a trick on me. As long as I am here, can I get you anything?" Wade again feigned concern. He was curious, how did a servant catch a Lord? Maybe Adam was good in bed.
Adam smiled. "No thank you, Mister Barrett. I am sure my mother will send tea back up with his Lordship. Again, thank you for the concern."
"You are welcome. I will leave you to rest. Never hesitate to call if you need anything." Wade gave Adam a nod, then left. He'd have his chance.
Chris growled as he came up the stairs. Why was Barrett in Adam's room? He hurried to get to Adam, he had to make sure his Kitten was alright.
"Adam, darling? Are you alright? What was Barrett doing in here?" Chris wasn't angry, he was worried as he sat in the chair next to the bed. He took Adam's hand in his and kissed it.
Adam laced his fingers with Chris'. "I'm fine, love. He thought he heard me moan in pain. He wanted to make sure I was alright. He was very kind to care."
"I… suppose so. Adam, please, never be alone with him. I trust you, without question, it is Barrett I don't trust. There is something… off about him." Chris squeezed Adam's hand. He didn't want Adam to take things the wrong way.
Adam looked at his fiance. He could see the real concern in Chris' clear, blue eyes. "I… why? What about him bothers you so much? And yes, love. I know you trust me, as I trust you. I would… I only have eyes for you, my Lion." He raised Chris' hand to his lips and kissed it in return.
Chris chuckled a bit. "You have me there. I can't pinpoint it. There is just… something. Enough now, you get some rest. Cody will bring tea in an hour or so. I told your mother no rush. She said she will be up after their luncheon. Everyone is going out. Except, us, Nanny and the twins. Poppa, Seth, Shane and Barrett are going to hear father speak at the House. Stephanie is lunching with the Hart's." Chris explained as he caressed Adam's head. He laughed to himself, Adam was sound asleep.
By the evening, Adam was able to join the family for supper in the dining room. They were all glad to see Adam looking so well and happy. It was a lovely family meal. Later, Chris and Adam had cocoa in the servant's hall with Adam's family.
Chris, Adam and Shane rode to the orphanage. Adam felt like a new man as he and Locket trotted between Highflyer and Merlin.
It was a beautiful early June day, with not a cloud in the sky.
"What a glorious day." Adam spoke as they made the turn onto the lane that led to Mayfield Manor.
Shane laughed. "Yes, it is. Great day for cricket. We can play longer. Chris said the school is on summer break for four weeks." He couldn't wait to see little Jimmy and the other older boys.
"We can play all afternoon. Adam you can help Tommy and have a tea party with the girls outside. Too nice to be inside." Chris too loved the wonderful weather.
Thirty minutes later, Chris and Shane played cricket. Lady Prudence played croquet with the older girls, including Eugenia. Adam sat with the younger girls, Melanie, Mary and Victoria. The girls made dresses for their dolls with the materials Adam forgot last time. Tommy played cricket with a promise from Adam to draw later. Little Jimmy sat happily and watched the older boys.
"That is very clever, Melanie. That's what the girls did for my mother's wedding dress." Adam admired the way Melanie draped a lace scrap over her dolls dress.
"Your momma got wedded?" Melanie asked in her childish way. Adam found it adorable.
Adam nodded. "Yes, she did. Just a few weeks ago. She married, Mark, the Butler. My ma is a cook and a very good one." He held the doll so Melanie could tie a ribbon around the dolls waist.
"Was she a pwetty bwide?" Victoria asked. She had a lisp from three missing teeth that had fallen out.
Adam smiled again. "Yes, she was a very pretty bride. My friends that sent you this material, made her dress. This is what they didn't use. So her dress was made of this, with the lace over it." He showed her how his mother's dress had looked.
"Dat is pwetty. You wedded Uncle Cwis?" Victoria asked as she too tied a bow around her doll.
"No, not yet. Our wedding is next month, on July twenty-ninth. We will have photographs made. You can see them." Adam grinned. They weren't ready to tell the girls that they would be in the wedding.
Mary grinned. "Good. It will be nice to see." She draped some material to make a shawl for her doll.
"I promise. We may even bring you some wedding cake. My mother is going to make it." Adam gave Melanie back her doll. The ribbon looked pretty.
"Thank you, Uncle Adam." The three girls chorused. They jumped on Adam and tickled him. Adam laughed and tried to tickle back, but the girls held him down.
After a couple of minutes, Adam spoke. "Alright, alright. I give up. Enough now, please girls." Adam laughed, but his tone of voice was firm.
The girls stopped as the bell for luncheon rang. The boys and girls quickly washed at the water pump. Chris and Shane helped and kept things under control.
Adam helped the girls pick up their dolls. They put everything in a basket. Adam carried it into the house for them.
Luncheon was roast chicken, potatoes, spinach and for dessert there were strawberries and cream. Adam had to admit, the roast chicken was very good.
Near the end of the meal, Prudence tapped her glass to get the attention of the children. "My dears, after luncheon, the older children may go outside. But please, try not to disturb the younger children during nap time." Prudence ended with a smile. The children got up to leave in their orderly fashion.
"Chris, can we talk?" Prudence asked quietly.
Chris nodded. "Of course. Let me settle Shane and Adam. I will come to the morning room."
"Alright." Prudence gave a nod and headed to her morning room/office.
Chris went to Shane. Adam had already gone up to the play room.
"You go with the boys. I've got to meet with Pru." Chris gave his little brother a pat.
Shane grinned. "Alright." He hurried off to join the older boys, who'd gone back outside.
Chris shook his head with a smile. Shane was a good kid. He went upstairs.
Adam sat in the small chair. The little children settled around him. He looked over at Chris, who stood in the doorway.
"I will be down with Pru. Have fun." Chris gave a wave. Adam nodded with a smile.
Chris hurried back down to Prudence. He found her on the sofa, with several papers in hand.
"Sorry about yesterday, Pru…" Chris explained about what had happened with Adam. "… after a day of rest, he is fine now."
"I am glad he is recovered. I must get a telephone installed. I thought it was a newfangled fad and wouldn't last long. I can't be right about everything. I'll see to it next week. Michael would find it easier as well. Oh, before I forget, here are all the measurements for Tommy and the four girls. If any alterations need to be done, Martha and Elizabeth can do them. Chris, I have discovered, Elizabeth can sew like an angel. She has repaired father's favorite tapestry. I was able to hang it again. It is like he's back in the house." Prudence shuffled through the papers and handed Chris the one with the measurements.
Chris folded the paper and put it in his pocket. "Adam will thank you for this. He and Stephanie have dresses on hold for two weeks. Anyway, yes dear Pru, having a telephone is starting to be important. So, did Michael find out anything about Barrett?" He arched his brow at Pru.
Prudence Mayfield frowned. "Yes and no. Here…" She handed Chris a few more sheets of paper. Pru continued. "You will see when you read this. However, I can tell you, something isn't right. Michael said Barrett's information is too perfect." She was interrupted by Chris.
"Manufactured?" Chris looked from the papers to Prudence and back again.
Prudence nodded. "Yes, too make him look good. Cole did say, it's not unusual, it helps people get jobs, and the information is harmless. You know how it is, adding an uncle with a title or if there is a title, maybe raise it a rank. Or perhaps adding a bit more educational background. But, he said Barrett was too perfect. He hasn't found anything… shall we say… shady about him. Michael also said he will have his men dig deeper. It just might take time. Oh.. and well… he needs…"
Chris chuckled and pulled his brown leather pocketbook out of his inside coat pocket. Chris removed some paper notes. "Fifty should cover it." He handed Pru the money with a smile.
Prudence also chuckled. "Sorry Chris, but thank you. Now about our Sasha Banks. The interesting thing… her information also seems to be manufactured, as you put it. Cole has a theory… her information and Barrett's information could come from the same source. Don't jump to any conclusions. His man is going to dig deeper. This will make it possible. Apparently the investigator, Randal Orton is a master of disguise." Prudence put the money from Chris in her pocket with a pat.
"If you or rather Orton needs more, let me know. Pru… maybe there could be a way to get Orton in the house. He could really investigate Barrett then… but how? Without raising suspicion in Barrett or the family and staff." Chris rubbed his chin in thought as he spoke. There had to be a way.
Prudence grinned. "That is very clever, Christopher. I will speak to Cole about it. I am sure they can or will come up with something. Well now, let's get to our real business, the orphanage. Here is the expenditures statement…" Prudence gave Chris another paper. The two focused on business with Barrett and Banks temporarily laid aside.
Upstairs, Adam finished the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. The little children always loved the different voices Adam used.
"Never take a bear's porridge." Mary laughed.
Adam nodded. "That is a very good point. You never steal anything from anyone… especially a bear. Now my dear little ones, time for naps." The maids had come into the playroom.
"Thank you for the story, Uncle Adam." Melanie hugged Adam and kissed his cheek as he held her in his arms.
Adam gave a sigh of happiness as he held his future daughter tight. "You are welcome, sweetheart. You be good and take a nap." He kissed the top of her head. Mary and Victoria were also hugged and kissed. Soon only Tommy and Eugenia were left.
"Eugenia, don't you want to go out and play with the others?" Adam asked with a bit of concern. There was no school work to help her with.
Eugenia smiled. "I promised to sew the doll dresses. I can work better here, in the quiet. Elizabeth will come help me later."
"Oh alright. Come on Tommy. I have new exercises for you." Adam pulled the sketchbook out of his satchel.
Back in London, at the McMahon house, Wade Barrett cursed. He'd managed to sneak into Adam's bedroom to look in the satchel. He couldn't find it. Wade looked in every drawer, careful not to disturb anything. He even looked under the pillows and mattress. Where could Adam had put it? Maybe it was in the morning room on the table Adam used as a desk. There was just one problem, Eric McMahon was in the morning room. Barrett walked back to his own room. There was nothing he could do without that satchel.
Mark Calaway smirked. He'd observed Barrett from the door that led from Adam's room to Chris', through the keyhole. He knew Barrett looked for the satchel that was in the safe in the morning room. He quietly left Chris' room, but of course, he had reason to be there, as the Butler.
Adam had finished helping Tommy. Today he'd shown the young artist how to shade with color, using the oil pastels Chris had given him.
"So now you see, not all shadow is black." Adam finished up the example of a few rocks near a pond. He'd shaded the rocks to show depth and distance. "Next time I'll show you dimension. Think about it." Adam ended the lesson and put the lid on the box of pastels.
"I will work on it, Adam. Thank you. You would be a wonderful art teacher." Tommy closed the sketchbook.
Adam chuckled. "Thank you, but no. I never studied it. It just… comes to me. When you get to art school, you do it how they teach you. They are the real professionals."
"I'm sure they won't be as kind and patient as you are, when I don't understand something." Tommy stood when Adam did. He wanted to rest his eyes and his mind. He also wanted to help Jimmy with his reading.
Adam smiled at Tommy. "I am sure they will be just as nice. Remember, when they do get onto you, it is because they know you can do better. A teacher always wants you to do the best you can. So you remember, to be patient with them." He gave Tommy a wink.
Tommy looked at Adam. "I never thought of it that way. Thank you. You are a good friend."
Adam smiled. "So are you. It's nice to share talent with you. Now, go help Jimmy, he is waiting for you." He nodded to the little boy who had come into the room.
Nap time was over. Melanie, Mary and Victoria ran over to see what Eugenia had done with their doll dresses. Adam joined them.
Eugenia spoke. "Elizabeth will help me sew them tonight, if you like them."
"Oh yes, they are lovely." Victoria spoke happily. Melanie and Mary nodded in agreement.
Adam sat on the floor, Melanie crawled into his lap, he held her close. "That is very pretty. You do such a good job, Eugenia." He admired the dress on Melanie's doll.
"I want to make dresses when I am older. I wish I could draw, but I know what I want the dresses to look like." Eugenia sighed.
"Maybe sometime, you could tell me your ideas and I can draw them for you." Adam gave the older girl a smile.
"I will help you, Eugenia." Tommy said from the corner where he used the letter blocks to help Jimmy.
Eugenia grinned. "I'd like that, Tommy."
"That is an idea, Tommy. You could be an illustrator for magazines." Chris spoke as he, Prudence and Shane entered the room. It was getting time to head back to London.
"That is a good idea." Prudence agreed as she sat in the rocking chair. Mary sat in her lap.
Chris picked Melanie up out of Adam's lap, so Adam could stand up. She hugged Chris' neck. Chris closed his eyes and hugged Melanie tight. Adam smiled. Both Chris and Melanie looked so peaceful. He couldn't wait until they adopted her.
Shane hugged Jimmy good bye. "I will bring you some letter cards next time."
Jimmy gave Shane a smile, and held up his thumb. That w as his way of saying "alright."
Chris set Melanie down. "We have to go. We will be back on Monday. You all be good for Auntie Pru and the others. I love you all."
"I love you all." Adam gave a wave.
Shane waved as well. "Love you too. I will be back next Friday." He gave Jimmy another wave.
Somehow the grooms always had the horses, saddled and waiting. Prudence steeped outside.
"Take care my dears. I will see you soon." She kissed all three men on their cheeks.
The three men mounted their horses. With waves to Prudence they rode down the lane to the main road. It was still a lovely day.
"Oh dear." Adam spoke as a carriage approached. It was an open landau style. The passenger was one Lady Sasha Banks.
The three riders stopped on the narrow road to let the coach pass. The driver gave them a nod as he drove past.
Lady Banks turned her head to avoid looking at Chris, Adam and Shane. The coach slowed a bit.
As the carriage passed, a fragrance invaded Chris' nose. It was the same fragrance he's smelled… on Wade Barrett.