It was Friday, July 4, 1902, twenty five days before the wedding of Adam and Chris. The engaged couple rode toward the orphanage. They were in the larger landau carriage, pulled by Highflyer and Locket. Chris drove, as he was an excellent driver, there was no need to take up Jason's valuable time. They had filled the carriage with the boxes of wedding clothes for the girls and Tommy.
"I hope Shane feels better soon. It would be bad timing for all the family to be ill." Adam spoke with worry. Not for the wedding but for the family. Shane was down with the same summer cold baby Reggie had.
Chris nodded. "I am sure he will be fine. Poppa will keep him in bed. Momma Judy's beef tea can cure anything. At least Reggie didn't share the cold with his sister. Don't worry, we are fast healers. You saw that when I was thrown." He looked over at Adam and gave the blond a wink.
Adam smiled. "Yes, I do. Thank God. I can't wait to see the faces on Tommy and the girls. I do hope the others understand. I think it is wonderful that Prudence is going to let them give us a party." He looked forward to seeing the children after the wedding. It would be a real party!
"The others will be fine. They don't get jealous when something good happens to someone. That is Pru's teaching. She says when something good happens for one, it is good for all. Oh, of course, sometimes there are tears. Pru lets them get it out, then sets them on the right path. She tells them, good people are happy when something good happens to someone else. She also says sometimes the reason good things aren't happening to you is because you are the good thing that needs to happen to other people. Prudence is one of the wisest people I know, aside from father and poppa." Chris ended with a shrug.
"Mark always says when you wish or do good for others, good things come back to you. Alright, I will stop worrying about it. I can't wait to see their faces. I have to remember to measure their heads for the ribbons for their flower crowns." Adam took the sketchbook out of his satchel and wrote a note with his pencil as they drove along.
The couple chatted happily as Chris skillfully drove. It wasn't long before they turned onto the lane that led to the Mayfield Estate.
The groom held on to Locket's headstall. Morrison, the Butler, came out and helped carry in all the boxes that contained the children's clothes for the wedding.
"Take them to the sitting room, John." Prudence directed Chris and Adam to follow the Butler, with their boxes. When every thing was settled, Prudence spoke again.
"My goodness, did you buy Harrods out?" Prudence laughed at the amount of boxes.
Adam chuckled. "Four dresses. Four new petticoats, four pairs of stockings, gloves and shoes. That makes a lot of boxes. Then there is Tommy's livery, top hat, gloves and boots. I also need to measure the girls for their flower crowns."
"Oh, I forgot about that. That is easily done. I thought it might be better to wait for nap time. We can bring the girls and Tommy in here." Prudence suggested as they left the sitting room.
"That's a good idea. I am sorry Shane couldn't come. He caught the summer cold baby Reginald had. It isn't too bad, but poppa wanted to keep him in bed. He said to be sure to tell Jimmy hello."
Adam spoke as they went up to the playroom. "I have some cards for Tommy to draw pictures on, then Shane will add the words. It was Shane's idea to help Jimmy learn to read and write faster." He patted the satchel he carried.
Prudence grinned. "That is a wonderful idea. Jimmy has blossomed with Shane's help."
"Uncle Chris, Uncle Adam!" Melanie, Mary, Victoria, Eugenia, Tommy and all the others called out.
Prudence laughed. "I will be in the kitchen. Elizabeth is helping Cook, and I want to be there. She is doing a fantastic job." She knew the children were in safe hands and left with confidence.
"Girls, you and Uncle Chris can have a tea party, I want Tommy to help me with something. Chris, take Jimmy with you, I bet Jimmy likes tea too."
Jimmy shook his head "no". He pointed to a corner with wooden blocks. Chris understood. "Alright, Jimmy. You go play with your blocks. I am sorry Shane isn't here today, but he will be here next time." He ruffled his fingers through Tommy's longish hair.
Jimmy gave Chris a thumbs up. He happily ran off to play with his blocks. Chris and the girls went to have their tea party. Another boy joined Jimmy and the others went back to what they had been doing. They would all have their own time with Chris and Adam.
Tommy loved the idea of making the cards for Jimmy. Adam also decided to draw a few pictures as well. It was good practice for both of them. They talked quietly as they worked.
Later, after the smaller children had been sent up for their morning naps before luncheon, Prudence took Tommy and the four girls to the sitting room. Adam and Chris sat on the sofa. The boxes had been neatly stacked and were hidden behind the sofa.
"Now, Uncles Chris and Adam have something to tell you. I want you to behave. No screaming or shouting. I don't want nap time disturbed. Now, sit and listen." Prudence spoke firmly, but had a love filled smile on her face.
The five children sat on the low table in front of Chris and Adam. Chris looked at his fiance and gave a nod.
"How would the five of you like to be in our wedding as maidens and page boy?" Adam looked at Melanie, Mary, Victoria, and Eugenia and Tommy with a grin.
The girls looked at one another, and remembered just in time not to scream with joy. Melanie jumped into Chris' lap and hugged him. Adam's arms were filled as Mary, Victoria and Eugenia hugged him. Tommy sat up and had a look of pride on his face.
Chris held Melanie close. "Does that make you happy, my darling?" He couldn't wait till he and Adam adopted her.
"Oh yes, Uncle Cwiss." Melanie hugged Chris even tighter,. She felt so loved and so very safe.
"What… what are we going to wear?" Eugenia asked as she moved to sit between Adam and Chris.
Chris chuckled. "Why don't you look behind you."
The girls looked, but all they saw was the sofa. Tommy twigged. He stood and went to look behind the sofa. "Here!" Tommy held up a box, the tag had Mary's name on it.
The girls let out quiet, little squeals and went to look at all the things Chris and Adam had brought them. Adam and Chris helped them carry everything to the main area of the room for more space. Tommy knelt on the floor, a bit away from the girls. Sometimes they were just a bit… too girly. He carefully opened the hat box first.
Tommy had a top hat, but it wasn't as tall as a formal one. It was half-height, made for a formally dressed equestrian rider. The hat was black with a wide, hunter green ribbon band around the bottom. Tommy tried it on, it fit perfectly.
"Oh Tom, it looks better than I had thought it would. Shall we go to your room and try on the rest?" Chris asked as he stood.
"We will both go with you. Charlotte?" Adam called out to one of the nursery maids who'd just passed by.
Charlotte came into the sitting room. "Yes, sir?"
Adam smiled. "Will you and Alicia help the girls while we help Tommy?"
"Of course, We'll come back here when we're ready. Come darlings. Alicia, help us please." Charlotte called out. Alicia appeared with another young nursery maid, Naomi. They picked up the boxes and too the four girls to try on their new dresses.
Twenty minutes later, Adam, Chris and Tommy were back in the sitting room and waited for the girls.
Tommy stood straight as a solider in his wedding livery. Aside from his hat, he wore a black coat that fit tight to his waist. The back had two tails, that ended mid-thigh. The coat was held closed by two rows of solid brass buttons. A narrow cravat tie and a pocket square of the same deep hunter green matched the ribbon on his half-height top hat.
Tommy's riding pants were snow white and fit like a second skin. They ended at his calves and tapered. His black boots ended just below his knees. A band of dark brown leather made a "cuff" at his knees. The boots were so well polished, they almost looked like they were made of glass not leather. Tommy's look finished with white gloves, with a brass button to secure each one at the wrist.
Adam beamed at Tommy like a proud poppa. "You look so handsome, Tom. I want of photograph of you on Locket sometime. So I can do a painting."
Tommy smiled. "I'd like that, Adam. Do I… well no… sorry." He frowned, he didn't want to be rude.
Chris stood and went to the young man. "They are yours to keep, Tommy. It is our gift to you for being in the wedding." He gave the lad a clap on the shoulder.
Tommy's eyes went wide. "I can? Oh, thank you, Uncle Chris. Now I can help the Coachman when Auntie Pru goes out. Thank you, Uncle Adam. I can… well, give back to Auntie Pru. Understand?"
Adam went to Tommy. "Yes, I understand, son. We are pleased to have you in our wedding. My brother, is a Coachman, would be proud to work with you." He too gave Tommy a pat on the shoulder. The three turned to the door, the sound of the girls returning could be heard.
Melanie, Mary, Victoria and Eugenia came into the room. Tommy's eyes went wide. Eugenia looked like a… a… girl. A very beautiful girl. Adam noticed, but said nothing. He would never embarrass either child.
"Oh girls, you look like angels. Absolute angels." Adam went over to where the girls stood.
The four girls were in very light ivory colored, calf-length dresses. The material was fine satin. They wore ribbons of deep hunter green around their waists. The sleeves of the dresses went just past their elbows, with tiny ribbons of the green tied at the elbow. The hems of the sleeves and skirts of the dresses were edged in lace. A band of lace also finished the hem of the neckline. Crinoline petticoats gave the skirts a bit of fullness. The girls wore white silk stockings, with white patent leather slippers. They looked simply charming.
"Darlings, you look like little princesses. We are honored to have you be in our wedding. You are angels." Chris smiled. To him, Melanie especially looked angelic.
"Thank you Uncle Chris, Uncle Adam. The dresses are pretty." Eugenia spoke with a bright smile.
"Yes, oh yes, lovely." Mary, Victoria and Melanie spoke at the same time.
"With your flower crowns, I will cry. You will all be so lovely. Oh I am so pleased. Everything fits perfectly." Adam took a closer look at the four girls.
"All of you look so pretty." Tommy added as he went closer to the girls. He tried not to stare at Eugenia.
"Tommy? My goodness. You look… so… different." Eugenia noticed Tommy as he stood tall and proud.
"Yes, Tom-Tom. You look pwetty." Melanie added in her own special way..
Mary and Victoria spoke. "You look nice." "Yes, you do, Tommy." They smiled at their friend.
Charlotte spoke. "We'd better go back and change. Luncheon will be ready soon."
An hour later, everyone sat around the table and ate their lunch. When the meal was nearly finished, Prudence tapped her glass. The room went quiet.
"My darling children. As you know, Uncle Chris and Uncle Adam will get married at the end of this month. Thomas, Mary, Victoria, Eugenia and Melanie will be in the wedding party. As much as your Uncles would love to have all of you there, it just isn't possible. I have an idea to put to all of you. How would you like to give them a wedding party?" Prudence looked around the table.
A buzz of excitement began. Children nodded to one another. "Yes! Oh yes! What fun!" Other words of approval were voiced as well.
Prudence smiled. "Adam, Chris, I would say the answer is yes. We can decide on a day later. That reminds me, are you going somewhere for a wedding trip?" She spoke to the couple as the children's chatter continued quietly.
Adam spoke. "You know, we haven't talked about that. I don't think so though."
Chris chuckled. "Prudence, sometimes you say too much. Yes, my love, we are going on a wedding trip. A short one, only two weeks, but we are going. We will be back on August the eighth. So plan the party for Friday, August tenth." He gave Prudence a wink.
Prudence laughed. "Sorry, Chris. But, on the fifteenth of August, the children will give you a wonderful party. Be sure to wear your wedding clothes."
Adam looked at his future husband. "Um, Chris? We are going on a wedding trip… for a week? Where are you taking me?" Adam was in a bit of shock. He never even thought of going on a trip.
Chris smiled at Adam across the table. "Yes, we are. No, I am not telling you. It will be my wedding gift to you. Just trust me." He gave Adam a wink.
Adam just stared at Chris, unsure of what to say. Melanie laughed. She tapped Chris on the arm as she sat next to him. Chris smiled at the raven haired girl.
"Uncle Adam can't talk." Melanie looked a bit worried.
Chris gave Melanie a sad look. "Oh no. That means he won't be able to tell you a story. What are we going to do?" He made himself look even sadder.
"No tory? Uncle Adam? Pweese talk." Melanie looked over at Adam. The man was still in a bit of shock.
When Adam heard Melanie call him for the second time, he shook himself. "What? Oh, yes, I will tell you a story. Sorry, Uncle Chris surprised me. I am alright, darling."
"Awight, Uncle Adam. Uncle Cwiss, don't think Uncle Adam likes prizes." Melanie thought grownups were a bit silly sometimes.
Chris chuckled "I don't think he does either. Now, finish your luncheon, darling. Then Uncle Adam will tell a story."
"Yes, I will. I have new one today. It is about a girl and seven dwarves. I found it in one of my German books. The story is called Schneewhißchen, or Snow White." Adam spoke with a smile. He'd been glad to find a new story to tell the children.
After luncheon was finished, the little ones went up for their hour nap. Adam and Chris went outside with the older children. Chris and the boys played their usual cricket. Adam and the girls played a game called Drop the Handkerchief.
The girls held hands and made a circle. Adam was "it" first. He walked behind the girls and held his handkerchief in his hand.
Adam would drop the handkerchief behind one of the girls, then ran. The girl had to pick up the cloth and chase Adam. If he made it back to her place in the circle before she could catch him, he took her place and held hands with the girls and she was now "it." If she caught Adam, he had to be "it" again. Sometimes he let himself get caught, sometimes not. The girls loved it, as did Adam.
The boys playing cricket grew curious about all the laughter from the girls. Chris burst out laughing when he saw Adam trying to run like a hurt animal as Eugenia chased him. The boys decided to join the girls. Now, the circle was even larger.
Chris was "it." He whistled as he walked. He would pretend to drop the handkerchief, then run a bit, it made the children laugh.
The funniest part came was Adam was "it." He dropped the cloth behind Chris. The girls tried to hold Chris back and the boys tried to trip Adam. Eventually Chris chased Adam, but Adam tripped and fell. That caused Chris to stumble and fall on top of Adam.
Chris began to tickle Adam. Adam roared with laughter. He laughed even harder when some of the girls jumped on Chris and tickled him, then some of the boys joined in. They all laughed so much, Prudence came out with her hands on her hips, and gave a very stern look.
Tommy was the first to see Prudence. "Uh oh. Stop! Everyone, please stop." He pointed to Prudence.
"You woke up the young ones." The Lady tried to sound stern, but the sight of a disheveled Christopher and ruffled Adam made her smile.
Chris stood and helped Adam up. "I am sorry, Pru. We didn't mean to get so carried away. My fault entirely." he sounded and looked like a child who had been severely scolded.
It was Pru's turn to laugh. "Oh, go have your tea. You children can stay outside and play."
With shouts and laughter, the older children went back to play. Tommy and Eugenia went back inside with Chris. Adam, and Prudence. They would rather be with Chris and Adam. Eugenia wanted to hear the story and Tommy wanted to draw more cards for Jimmy.
"You go upstairs. I will do my business with Pru. I will be there soon." Chris spoke to Adam and kissed his cheek.
Adam smiled. "Alright, love. Tommy, Eugenia take charge, I need the WC first." Adam needed to fix his hair that had fallen out of his ponytail.
Adam went to the WC and the children went upstairs. Chris and Prudence went to the morning room. Tommy and Eugenia ran herd on the smaller children as they entered the playroom after their interrupted naps.
Adam managed to smooth his hair neatly and retied the leather thong. When he finished he used the toilet, washed his hands and went to the playroom to tell the story to the children.
Prudence poured tea as Chris spoke. "I am sorry we woke the little ones." He took a sip of the hot tea.
Lady Mayfield smiled. "It's alright, dear. It was good to hear the older ones laugh. You are forgiven. Now…" She got up and picked up some papers from her desk, then returned to the sofa and sat.
"I have talked to Michael. He spoke to Randal Orton. They think the idea of Randal trading places with Cody for a while is good. They also think it best to do it a couple of weeks before the wedding. The confusion of the wedding will be greater than a small change in staff. Orton also assured Michael that he knows the duties of a footman. Randy has had training on being on staff. He also said, Randy will defer to Mister Calaway. So, there should be no issues. There is one thing, Randy would like to meet with you and Mark to discuss things. The question is, where? Do you think you could bring Calaway here, without raising any questions?" Prudence arched her brow at Chris. She wanted this to work.
Chris rubbed his chin. "I'm sure I can. Oh yes, Adam is going to Parliament with father and Roman on Tuesday. Can you arrange it that quickly? I agree, the chaos of the wedding would be a good time to trade Cody for Orton." He spoke with a thought filled tone of voice.
"Shouldn't be a problem. The telephone will be in soon. I ought to have done it long ago. Well, no matter. Come Tuesday with Mister Calaway." Prudence spoke with confidence. She would make it happen.
Chris nodded. "We will be here. It worries me that an enemy is under our roof. However, at least we know who he is. Have you and anymore encounters with the charming Lady Banks?" His tone changed to one of sarcasm as he spoke of Sasha Banks.
Prudence scoffed. "Not really. She has stopped screaming at the children. I had my friends at the local constabulary speak to her. Her father is still out of the country. I have a feeling, however, that this is the calm before the storm. Enough of unpleasant things. Here are the financial reports for you…" Prudence took a stack of papers from her desk and handed them to Chris.
Chris took the papers with a smile. Soon he and Pru were lost in plans for the orphanage. They both wanted as much as possible for the children.
"...so, the Prince and Snow White rode off to the palace to be married, and live happily ever after. The end." Adam finished the story.
The children clapped, Victoria spoke. "Uncle Adam, that was wonderful, thank you." The others chimed in as well, except for Melanie.
"No more apples for me." Melanie crossed her arms over her chest with a frown.
Mary rolled her eyes. "Aunt Pru won't give us bad apples." Sometimes she thought Melanie was silly about things.
"Oh, I don't know. I might, to bad little girls and boys." Prudence spoke with a wink to Melanie as she and Chris entered the playroom.
Chris went to stand in front of Melanie. "No, you won't! I won't let you!" He sounded like a knight in shining armor. It made everyone laugh, even Melanie.
"My hero." Melanie exclaimed as she wrapped her arms around Chris' legs.
Chris scooped the little raven haired girl into his arms. "Always, my darling. Uncle Adam and I will never let anything happen to you, or any of the others. Now girls, I could use a cup of tea and biscuits."
Chris and Prudence sat in the doll corner and had a tea party with Eugenia, Mary, Victoria, Melanie and two other smaller girls. They had a perfectly wonderful time.
Adam and Tommy put the finishing touches on the last cards. "I will take these to Shane to add the words. It will give him something to do, being stuck in bed." Adam explained as he put the last line on the dog he'd drawn. The dog chased a stick and seemed to laugh.
"I hope Shane feels better soon. He is good at maths. Adam, do you think I really have a chance at getting the scholarship?" Tommy cast Adam a worry filled look. He would try for the School of Art in September.
Adam placed his hand on Tommy's shoulder. "I don't know, Tom. I could lie and promise, but that wouldn't be fair to you. You certainly have the talent to win, but you need more than that. You have to go to that art school and make them want you, above all the others. You go in there, head held high. Don't show any desperation. Have utter confidence in yourself. You deserve the scholarship. I don't mean for you to act like a snob though. Understand?" Adam looked at Tommy, a firm look on his face.
Tommy looked at Adam as the words sunk in. The young artist sat up, squared his shoulders and nodded. "Yes, Adam. I understand. Thank you. You are a wonderful teacher."
Adam ducked his head. "Only because you are such a wonderful student. Now, the best thing is practice, practice, practice. However, don't forget to take time to laugh and play, otherwise your artwork will become dull and lifeless." He gave a ruffle to Tommy's hair.
Chris had heard the conversation between Adam and Tommy. He was proud of his Kitten. He had given Tommy the best possible answer and advice. He could add nothing to what Adam had said.
"Listen to him, Tommy. It is the best advice. If you show confidence, then others will have confidence in you. Adam love, we will be going soon, so finish up." Chris gave Adam a smile and a pat to Tommy's back.
Adam nodded as he placed the cards in his satchel. "Just going to give Tommy a few exercises. Give me fifteen minutes, please?"
Chris gave his fiance a nod. "Alright, take your time. Tommy, just go play after we leave. Adam was correct, it clears your mind." Chris went back to help the girls clean up after the tea party.
Prudence stood in the doorway of the playroom and smiled. Having Lord Christopher enter her life had been a blessing, but now, with Adam, it was beyond a blessing. She knew if anything ever happened, her children would be in the most perfect hands.
Adam and Chris bid a farewell to the children and left the playroom. Prudence was downstairs and spoke with Morrison.
Lady and Butler smiled as the couple came down the stairs. Morrison spoke. "Your carriage is waiting, your Lordship."
"Thank you, Morrison." Chris smiled at the young Butler.
Prudence hugged Chris and Adam warmly. The couple returned the affection. Pru waved as the couple drove off toward London. She went back to her children.
Adam and Chris waved to the two maids who now lived in Martha's house. They waved back as they hung laundry up to dry.
"I am so glad Martha and Elizabeth are doing so well at the main house. Elizabeth has bloomed being around the other children." Adam spoke as they turned onto the main road.
Chris held the lines steady as he drove Highflyer and Locket. "She sure has. It is a good thing that Shane is helping Jimmy. You and Tom making those wonderful cards will help too."
"All Shane's idea. I almost hate to ask, but has Prudence had any more trouble from that Banks woman?" Adam asked, a bit of disdain in his tone.
Chris chuckled a bit at his fiance's tone. "No, not lately. She did say the dear Lady has stopped screaming at the children, after a visit from the constabulary. Pru said her father is still out of the country. Maybe things will settle down now. You sure you will be alright going to work with father and Roman without me?"
Adam grinned. "Good about… that woman. Yes, my Lion, I will be just fine. We have a lot of work to do. I will have to do some work when we get back home. Two more letters and your father will be caught up. Didn't the girls look like angels? And Tommy looked so handsome." He smiled at the memory.
Chris too, smiled as he made the turn towards London. "Yes, they did, especially our Melanie. You and Stephanie did a wonderful job. I can't wait to see you walking down the aisle to me."
Adam ducked his head with a flush. "I can't wait to walk down the aisle to you. Chris, again, I am sorry about all the upset I caused. Once I realized, it was alright to make myself happy… well, I am happy. I love you, my Lord." He leaned over and gave Chris a brief kiss on the cheek.
"I love you, my heart. Mark, poppa and your mother told me to hold steady. I will always hold steady for you. Oh my darling, there is no more to forgive." Chris lifted Adam's left hand and kissed it.
The couple continued to chat as they drove toward Eaton Square. When Chris pulled the landau carriage into the mews, both Jason and Maxwell came out of the stables.
Jason held Highflyer's headstall. "Your Lordship, would you mind if I left Highflyer and Locket hitched? Your sister and Lady Natalya are going to tea at Gunter's." He gave Adam a smile as his brother gave Locket a rub on the back.
"I don't mind at all. Locket is good at keeping Flyer quiet." Chris gave Jason a nod with a smile.
"Thank you, sir. They are ready and it will be faster. I am driving them. Oh, go in through the servant's hall, ma has something for you, brother." Jason gave Adam a huge smile.
Adam grinned at Jason. "Alright. You drive carefully with my Locket." He took Chris by the hand and led him to the door that led to the servant's hall.
When Adam and Chris entered the hall, Mark and Judy sat at the table and had tea. By the empty cups and plates left, the younger servants had gone back to work.
Mark stood and Judy spoke. "Come sit, my dear boys. Have some tea." She indicated for Adam and Chris to sit.
Adam sat in the chair next to his mother as Chris held it for him. After Adam was settled, Chris sat across from his fiance. Mark sat after Chris. He was still a bit formal around the young Lord.
"Ma? Is something wrong?" Adam asked as Judy poured two cups of tea for Adam and Chris.
Judy smiled. "No, my dear child. I have something for you. I thought I would never find it, but Mark looked in the last box in the attic. Judy then laid a small, square wooden box on the table.
Adam looked at the box. He immediately knew what it was without looking inside the box. "Oh ma, you found it? After all these years of looking? But, it should go to Jason, as the oldest."
Judy smiled and laid her hand on Adam's arm. "Yes, Mark found it. No darling, it was to go to the first who married. Jason knows, understands and agrees it should to to you. So, it is yours."
Chris was very curious. "I can't stand it. What is it?" He took a bite of cucumber sandwich.
"Grandfather Copeland's pocket watch. It was given to him by the old Lord, when grandfather left service…" Adam suddenly laughed. Mark, Judy and Chris looked at Adam, brows arched. When he could, Adam spoke again.
"I just realized. Your grandfather gave it to my grandfather. Let me show you. I haven't seen it since I was a little boy. Grandfather died about a month after he was given this…" Adam opened the tiny clasp on the wooden box.
The watch in the box was gold. Etched on the cover was a scene from the forest. Two tiny deer were on a path. A rabbit sniffed at a flower and birds flew overhead. A "V" of ducks on the horizon. It was a beautiful work of art.
"That's the trail to the lake on the old Estate. It is beautiful, Adam." Chris admired the watch when Adam moved the box so he could see.
Mark nodded. "You're right. I can remember, as a young lad, Mister Copeland kept that trail spotless, I guess you could say. He had deer he could feed by hand. He was the best Gillie ever." He too admired the watch.
"I am going to wait till the wedding to wear it. It will bring good luck." Adam kissed his mother's cheek. "Mark, thank you for finding it." Adam got up and kissed his step-father's cheek. Mark was visibly touched.
It was a good omen… but was it good enough.