Mark Calaway stood over Cody Rhodes and spoke as the Butler he was. "You are in charge while Jason and I are away. You are responsible for everything. I have every confidence in you. We should be back in time for tea. Remember, let no strangers into the house…" He paused when he heard Lord Christopher come down the stairs that led to the servant's hall.
"You can do this, Cody." Mark finished with a pat to the young man's shoulder. Chris could be heard as he spoke to Adam's mother.
Cody gave Mark a nod with a confident look in his eyes. "Don't worry, sir. I won't let you or their Graces down." He gave another nod.
Mark gave Cody a wink as Chris came into the servants dining/sitting room. "Sorry, I am a bit late. Shane wanted to finish the last card for Jimmy. Rhodes, I am sure you have everything under control." He smiled at the young man.
"I do, Your Lordship. Have a good journey. Tell everyone I said hello." Cody gave Chris a deep nod.
"I will. Come, Calaway. I promised your lovely wife I would have you home in time for tea." Chris pulled on his riding gloves as he spoke.
"Goodbye, my dear." Mark kissed his wife, who'd come out of the kitchen to say goodbye.
Judy smiled. "Goodbye, my love. Don't worry, Cody has things in hand. Enjoy a day out."
With more goodbyes, Chris and Mark headed out to the mews. Jason had driven the carriage to take Vince, Roman and Adam to Parliament. Eric had ridden along, to do some errands and shopping. Jason would be gone, so that left Cody to take Mark's place.
"Adam said to let you ride Locket." Maxwell stated as he held both Highflyer and Locket. Jason had asked him to get them ready.
"That was nice of him. Thank you, Maxwell." Mark smiled and gracefully swung up on Locket's back. Chris mounted Highflyer with equal grace.
Before Chris and Mark could leave, Judy came trotting out to the mews. "Mark! Wait!" Judy called out.
Mark turned Locket to meet his wife. Judy held a bundle up to her husband.
"I'm sorry, I nearly forgot to give you this. It is the material scraps Adam got from Lady Stephanie's dressmaker. Adam would be upset if I forgot." Judy explained quickly.
Chris chuckled. "I'm the one that forgot. Thank you, momma Judy. Adam would have been mad; at me." He gave Judy a wink.
Judy waved goodbye to her husband and future son-in-law as the two Buckskin horses carried their riders out of the mews at a swift trot. She went back inside, after all she had a family to feed.
As Lord and Butler rode toward the orphanage, Wade Barrett rolled off of Sasha Banks.
They both panted to catch their breath. Wade had to keep his true feelings hidden. He hated having sex with women. They were always too wet and too needy.
Sasha stretched her naked body with a sigh of contentment. "I needed that."
Wade got up and started to dress. "So did I, my dear. I wish I had more time, but I have to get back soon. You said you had something to tell me. So, what is it?" He fastened his trousers, then sat on the side of the bed and caressed Sasha's cheek.
Sasha laughed as she sat up, not caring her naked body was on full display. She laid back against the headboard, her smile changed to a frown.
"Someone had the constabulary come talk to me. Told me to stop interfering with the stupid little orphans. They wouldn't tell me who complained, but it is not too hard to figure out. So, I have to put up with those filthy, screaming brats… for now. Ugh, they are just awful. And she has taken that thieving retarded girl into her protection. Well, Prudence Mayfield will soon be out of that house and the vermin with her." Sasha huffed and folded her arms over her ample breasts.
Wade chuckled. "Don't fret, my dear. Soon you will be living in the Mayfield Estate. Maybe Lady Prudence will stay on as the washer woman. I hate to rush, but I have to get back to Shane. I can't raise suspicion. Plus the poor lad is still stuck in bed. When everything falls into place, Master Shane will belong to us and our cause." He avoided rolling his eyes as Sasha gave him a final, searing kiss. After all, he had to keep her happy and content.
At the Houses of Parliament, Adam worked on translating a letter Vince had written to his equal in the German Bundestag. It was easier to do the work where Vince or Roman were available to answer questions. Adam also found he enjoyed working in the building of the most powerful government in the world.
Adam was so deeply concentrated, he didn't hear Roman call his name. Roman chuckled and went over to the blond. He cleared his throat, rather loudly.
"Adam?" Roman called out for the third time. When Adam dipped his pen into the ink well, Roman finally put a hand on Adam's shoulder. "Adam" Roman again spoke, a bit loud.
Adam looked up at Roman. "Yes? Do you need something, Roman?" He asked, unaware how lost he'd been in his translation.
Roman laughed. "I have tried for the last five minutes to get your attention. Put on your coat and come with me. There is someone father wants you to meet. Come on." He removed Adam's coat from where it hung on the back of Adam's chair.
Adam flushed as Roman helped him into his coat. "I am so sorry, Roman. I honestly didn't hear you. I was concentrating on getting everything perfectly correct." He shrugged his shoulders to settle the coat onto his lanky frame.
Roman brushed Adam's shoulders. "Don't fret about it. Father would rather have you be careful. Now, come. Can't keep the man waiting." Roman led Adam from his office to Vince's.
Duke Vincent McMahon stood by the fireplace with another man. They both smoked cigars and sipped from small glasses of brandy.
"Ah, here he is. Adam son, come here." Vince waved Adam over as the former footman entered the room.
With a pat of encouragement from Roman, Adam went to where Vince stood. Vince smiled and took Adam by the elbow to draw him closer.
"Adam, please to meet our illustrious Prime Minister, Arthur Balfour. Arthur, my future son-in-law, Adam Copeland." Vince spoke with a parental pride.
Adam's eyes went wide, and he swallowed deeply as he shook hands with the most powerful man in the British Empire. "It is an honor and privilege to meet you, Prime Minister." Adam managed to speak in a calm voice. He reverted to Mark's training of staying calm, no matter the situation.
Arthur Balfour was a rather nondescript man with a very full set of mustaches. His smile was warm and his eyes sparkled. He firmly shook Adam's hand, after setting his brandy glass on the mantel.
"A pleasure to meet you, dear boy. I am so glad you are able to help with translating Vince's correspondence. You are a service to our country. I also understand you are self taught. That is a difficult thing to do. Lord Christopher is a lucky young man. I am most sorry I won't be able to be at your nuptials. I must return to Scotland. My wife will be there however." The Prime Minister was very warm and friendly. It put Adam at an instant ease.
Adam ducked his head a bit. "Learning languages comes easy to me. I am glad I am able to be of service, Sir. I hope to meet your lovely wife at the wedding." He didn't know what else to say. Mark always said, if you nothing more to add, stop talking.
Vince spoke. "Roman, you and Adam go have your tea. The Prime Minister and I have a meeting with Bret and the Lord Admiral." He gave both Roman and Adam a nod of dismissal.
With nods and smiles to the Prime Minister and Duke, Roman and Adam left Vince's office. Roman took Adam to the House tea room as Dolph was too busy to serve their usual tea.
At the orphanage, Prudence, Chris and Mark sat in Pru's morning room with Randal Orton. They enjoyed tea as they talked.
"As you know, this goes much further and deeper than I can tell you. Having access to Barrett is more than we could have hoped for." Randy Orton spoke in a deep, but soft voice. He took a sip of tea.
Chris' brow arched. "Then I take it, you don't really work for Esquire Cole?" He was now extremely curious.
Randal chuckled. "You are very astute your Lordship. Truly, I can not discuss it. All you need to know is, Stuart Wade Alexander Bennett-Barrett is a man of extreme interest. I can also assure you, your family will be in no danger." Again, his voice was soft, but his tone was deadly serious.
Mark looked at the young man. "Can you guarantee that? We are talking about a Ducal household. Nothing matters more to me, than not only the safety of the McMahon family, but my family as well." His tone was as serious as Orton's.
Randal looked Mark directly in the eye. "I fully understand, Mister Calaway. I know there is never a real guarantee in anything, but, in this case, I can assure you there is no danger. Barrett is totally unaware that we are watching him. As far as he will know, I am a substitute from this very orphanage. I won't be staying long, two months at most, in keeping with the healing time of a broken leg. Also, your Lordship, Mister Calaway, I will be armed at all times. I am also an expert in open hand from Asia. If anything should happen, I will place myself in harms way to protect everyone in the house. I can't be any more honest." His gaze moved from Mark to Chris, but never wavered in it's intensity. Orton spoke the truth.
Chris looked at Mark. "I believe and trust Mister Orton. However, it is up to you, Mark. Let's face it, father maybe the Duke, but you run the house. I just don't want Shane to fall victim to Barrett's ideology."
Mark took a deep sip of his tea. His mind churned. He took another sip. "Only myself and Lord Christopher will know who you truly are? Of course, aside from Lady Mayfield." He gave Randal a pointed look.
Randal gave a nod as he spoke. "Yes, only the three of you will know. The people I work for have given me the liberty to do what I need to do, as long as I give them regular reports. Let's put it this way, if my people don't know what I am doing, they can't be forced to tell anyone else. Understand?" Again he looked from Lord to Butler with a firm glare.
Chris gave Mark a nod. He trusted the man completely. Mark spoke. "Yes, I do understand. One thing, what about Morrison and Rhodes? How will that work? People will know Morrison didn't break his leg." Mark arched his brow at Orton.
It was Prudence who answered. "I am sending John to my home in Scotland. I will tell everyone he broke his leg on a walk in the Highlands. Cody knows it is not unusual for me to send staff to Scotland to rest. Don't worry, Christopher, Cody will still be at the wedding. It will work out just fine." She too spoke in a serious but quite voice.
Randy Orton smiled. "Cole was right when he said I could depend on you. And before you ask, no, Cole does not know any details about anything. So, are you willing to go through with the plan? I need to know, so I have a few days to prepare."
Again the Lord and Butler looked at one another. Prudence spoke. "Mister Orton, perhaps we should give them some time to talk in private. Come, I will show you my prize rose garden."
"Thank you, Pru. We won't be long." Chris smiled as he and Mark stood, as Prudence took Randy outside. Chris and Mark sat back down to talk.
At the tea room in the Houses of Parliament, Roman chuckled. He and Adam sat at a table that over looked Tower Bridge. They enjoyed a delicious tea.
"Why did you laugh?" Adam asked as he took a bite of cucumber sandwich.
Roman chuckled again. "Because you still have a very starstruck look in your eyes. So what did you think of Prime Minister Balfour?" He took a sip of tea.
Adam ducked his head with a slight blush on his cheeks. "Amazing. I just shook the hand of the most powerful man in the United Kingdom, perhaps the world. And he complimented me. What an honor."
Roman smiled. "It is impressive to meet him. Father said he wanted to meet you, when he learned you had taught yourself so many languages. I hope the meeting with Bret goes well. Father needs to be on the Admiralty. Poppa can help him too, after all, my father loved the sea, poppa with him." Roman sighed a bit. He wished he could remember more of his father.
"Roman, can I be nosy? How old were you and Dean when your father passed?" Adam asked softly. He wanted to know more about his future family.
Roman smiled. "You're not nosy. I was almost six and Dean had just turned four. I can remember a large, dark haired man in a uniform, but that is my only memory of him. Vince has been my father in all ways, but never once tried to take away the memories I do have. Dean feels the same. He can remember our father singing a sea lullaby, he cherishes it. Bea and Reggie will know their grandfather Sika."
"Thank you for sharing that, Roman. I am glad you have your memories of your father. My father… was not a nice man. I am so happy my mother has Mark." Adam kept it short, they had to get back to work.
Back at the orphanage, Chris, Mark, Prudence and Randy were back in Pru's morning room. They had finished their luncheon with the children. Mark had been amazed at how well the children had behaved during the meal.
"So, I will come on Monday. I feel the chaos of the wedding preparations will make it easier. That way I can be settled in the week before. I just hope the young lad, Cody will be alright. Mister Calaway, you assure him he will be back." Randy wrote in a small notebook as he spoke.
Mark spoke up. "Yes, I will. Mister Orton, you are aware you will actually have to be a footman?" He was worried. With the wedding so near, he could not afford to be down one staff member.
Orton smiled, almost cheekily. "I was trained by… well… I can't say, but he works for a very… royal household. I know every job from stable boy to butler. So don't fret, I will do my share of the work. After all, it has to be real, Barrett is no fool." Randy spoke with confidence, not arrogance.
Mark chuckled. "Understood, Orton. Your Lordship, I need to fill him in on somethings about the house." He too spoke with confidence.
Chris and Prudence stood. "Christopher and I will go up to the children. Have Morrison inform us when you are finished. Ring for more tea any time. My house is your house."
Mark and Randy also stood in respect to Lady Prudence. Thank you, Milady." Mark gave a nod.
Chris and Pru went upstairs. Chris was anxious to see the children, especially Melanie. He couldn't wait for Adam to be her poppa.
At the McMahon mansion, Eric and Judy were in a deep conversation about the wedding reception that would take place in the large, formal drawing room.
Judy looked over the menu choices the catering companies had provided. "Your Grace, my choice would be J. Lyons Catering. Not only are they the best, I know several of their cooks. They will care about Adam and Christopher." She spoke as Adam's mother, but also as the cook she was. Judy wanted the best for her baby.
Eric leaned over to look at he menu Judy held. "I completely agree, Judy. Only the best for our boys. Are you sure you only want to invite the Schultz's? We can increase to thirty instead of twenty five people. Vince and I do not mind at all." He wanted Judy to know their friends were just as welcome.
Judy smiled at Eric. "No, just the Schultz's are fine. Adam knows most of the others through Christopher. What about the dear children from the orphanage?" Judy laid the menu down on Eric's desk.
Eric looked at his notes. "Lady Prudence said the children's nursery maids will take them back to the orphanage after the wedding. Chris said the children are going to give them a party when he and Adam return from their wedding trip. I think that is better. The poor little dears would be bored to tears at a grownup party…" Eric paused and took off his glasses and looked at Judy.
"Judy, you do know about Adam and Chris' plan with Melanie?" Eric wasn't sure what Judy knew or didn't know.
Judy smiled softly at Eric. "Yes, I do. I think it is wonderful. From everything they have told me, Melanie will make a delightful addition to the family. Are you and Duke Vincent accepting of it?" She too wasn't sure what Eric did or did not know.
"Very much so. The more grandchildren, the better. Although from what Chris had told me, Adam would adopt them all, as would Chris. This house is big, but not that big. Judy, I hope you truly know how much we all love Adam. It is a testament to you and how you brought him up." Eric gave Judy a very warm, one armed hug around her shoulders.
Tears glittered in Judy's eyes. "I feel the same about Christopher. When Duke Patrick died, we never thought Duke Vincent would laugh again. Then he brought you, Lords Roman and Dean to the old estate. We all knew then, everything would be alright. Chris, Master Shane and Lady Stephanie are who they are today because of your love and guidance. Lords Roman and Dean are two of the finest young men I have ever met."
Both parents hugged and shed a few tears. They weren't a Duke and a cook, they were birth parents… a very strong bond for two people to share.
At the Houses of Parliament, Adam sat next to Vince at Vince's desk. Adam waited while Vince read Adam's translation of the last letter. Adam wished he could read the older man's face, but Vince was too stoic.
Vince finished the letter and put it down on the table. "Excellent work, my dear boy. I will start working on the reply right away. This letter is most important as you well know. Adam, I know I don't have to remind you, say nothing, not even to Christopher. No one must ever know, this man is totally on our side. He is risking his very life." He spoke sternly but there was no animosity. Vince wanted to reinforce his words.
"Not a word, sir. I don't understand a lot of the politics, but yes, I agree, he is a very brave man. May I make a suggestion?" Adam arched his brow at his future father-in-law.
Vince gave one of his deep chuckles. "Please do."
"Well, it might be better to do his letters at home, in your office. I'd also use a private courier. I don't mean to over step." Adam had started with confidence but it quickly dwindled. Had he been too presumptuous?
Vince gave Adam a firm pat on the shoulder. "I will have no fear depending on you if Roman ever needs to be away. You are absolutely correct. I will put Roman to looking for a discrete courier service. We can work on the letter tonight. It won't take more than a couple nights work. Don't fret, I have not forgotten the wedding. Go tell Roman we will be leaving in an hour. I have to speak to Bret." Vince gathered up some papers and headed out of his office, to Bret's.
Adam went back to Roman's office and repeated Vince's message. Roman gave a nod with a smile and hurried to finish his work. Adam went to his desk and gathered his things. Now he had some quiet time to think on wedding things.
Judy smiled when her husband and Lord Christopher entered the kitchen. Mark spoke. "Sorry we missed tea. Those little rascals trapped us into a game of cricket. I am sorry, but it was a wonderful time." He gave Judy a kiss. She indicated for Mark and Chris to sit at the table.
Chris laughed as Judy sat and poured three cups of tea. "I had no idea you played cricket, and very well I might add. Thank you, momma Judy, I needed this." Chris took a sip of tea.
Judy grinned. "I am glad you had fun, but how did your talk go?"
Mark had explained, the reason he was going to the orphanage, was to talk about a life in service. He also spoke on the duties of a Butler. Mark felt bad about telling a bit of a lie, but it was the only way he could go and not raise suspicions.
"It went very well. I must say, Morrison is a fine young man, and a very good Butler. I was able to help him a bit in the wine cellar." Mark spoke honestly. He did spend a bit of time with John Morrison, and that was the real reason they were late back.
Before more could be said, Cody and Beth came down the stairs with the empty tea things. Upstairs tea had been served and finished. Becky and Paige took the dirty dishes and began to wash up
"Ah, Mister Calaway, Lord Christopher you are back. Just cleared upstairs tea. How was the orphanage?" Cody asked as he changed from his formal coat to his "work" coat and sat down.
Mark smiled at Cody. "It was fine. All your friends say hello. Young Morrison said to come visit soon, on your day off."
"Samuel said they miss your batting skills on the cricket pitch. They play the village down the road in two weeks." Chris spoke, then stuffed a small sandwich into his mouth.
Cody grinned. "I am sure they will win. Mister Calaway, everything here went well. It was quiet. No visitors came, well except for Lady Natalya." He filled Mark in on the day.
"I was sure you could handle it. Maxwell told us Jason had gone to pick up his Grace, Lord Roman and our Adam. They should be here within the hour. I will take over now, Cody. Thank you for your hard work today." Mark spoke more like a proud father. Cody was a fine man and a hard worker.
Cody gave a nod. "Um… Mister Calaway, could I have permission to take Paige on an outing to the park on Sunday afternoon? There is a good concert at the bandstand."
Mark looked at Judy. "What do you think, my dear? After all, Paige is one of your girls." He gave his wife a sly "I told you so" look.
Judy looked at Cody like a protective momma bear. "I have no objections. However, you treat her like a lady or I will tell Jason to have you muck out the horse stables with your teeth."
Cody swallowed hard. "Don't worry, ma'am. I will treat her like a princess. Thank you. I will go ask her now." He got up and hurried to the pantry.
Chris chuckled. "Momma Judy, remind me to never make you angry. Now, thank you for the tea. I'd better go make myself presentable for your son." He stood and give Judy a kiss on the cheek.
"Don't worry, Christopher. You ever hurt Adam, and you won't have any teeth left to pick up the horse muck." Judy gave Chris a wink. Chris laughed again and hurried upstairs.
Chris first stopped in to see Shane. His little brother was propped up in bed and read a book. "How are you feeling, Shane?" Chris asked as he sat at the foot of Shane's bed.
"I feel fine, but poppa said to stay in bed. He might let me get some fresh air tomorrow. I was bored to death today. Mister Barrett was busy, went out a couple of times. No one to play cards with." Shane spoke with a sigh. He wasn't overly fond of Barrett, the man was company.
"Tell you what, after supper, Adam and I will play rummy with you. We decided to wait for you to give Jimmy the cards. Tommy is adding a bit to some of the pictures. I am sure Mister Barrett had things to do. I am going to wash up, Adam will be home soon." Chris reached up and ruffled Shane's hair playfully.
Shane smiled, then lightly coughed. "Sorry, laughing still makes me cough a bit. I will look forward to playing later, thank you. Go make yourself even more handsome for your fiance."
Chris kissed his little brother on the cheek, then hurried to clean up. As he washed up and groomed his hair, Chris thought. He wondered where Barrett had gone. He knew the man was back, he could hear him in the bath.
Chris changed into a fresh shirt, as he thought more. He was glad Orton was coming to the house. Wade Barrett was up to something, but what? Chris was positive Barrett was tied to Sasha Banks, but how and why? Chris finished tying his tie, he heard the front doorbell ring. His Adam was home.
Chris hurried to Adam's room to wait. He wanted some private kisses with his fiance. Chris smiled as he heard Adam and Roman talk.
"Kiss the babies for me. I will stop in to see them after I wash up." Adam's voice came from the hallway.
"I will." Roman's voice answered from the nursery door.
When Adam entered his room, he found himself being kissed into oblivion by his handsome Lion.
When the kiss broke, Adam spoke. "Oh how I love you, Christopher." His voice was filled with love.
Chris held Adam close. "I love you, my sweet Adam. Com, go freshen up. I will wait out on the balcony." He took Adam's satchel and laid it on the small desk.
Adam grinned. "Alright. I will hurry. How was our Melanie?" He asked as he removed his coat.
Chris spoke from the balcony door. "As sweet and pretty as ever." He went out onto the small balcony as Adam went into the Water Closet.
Thirty minutes later, Adam and Chris sat on the balcony and filled each other in on how their days went. Chris kept to his story and Orton was not mentioned.
Adam too kept his promise and gave no details. "...so, we are going to work on the reply tonight and maybe tomorrow night. Then, everything is caught up." Adam finished with a smile.
Chris nodded. "I promised Shane, you and I would play rummy with him. No matter, I will play while you and father work. Shane will understand." He leaned over and kissed Adam on the cheek.
"I hate to disappoint Shane. I will go spend some time with him. I'll meet you in the morning room. Love you, Lion." Adam kissed Chris. The couple stood and embraced once again.
"Shane will love spending time with you. See you in the morning room, love." Chris again kissed Adam. Chris headed down to the morning room as Adam went up the hall to Shane's room.
Adam tapped on the door as he opened it a crack. "Shane?" He pushed the door open all the way.
"Oh, good afternoon, Mister Copeland. Shane is in the water closet. Come sit." Wade stood and vacated the chair next to the bed. He had a bit of lust in his eyes.
Adam didn't like the way Shane's tutor looked at him. Instead of sitting in the chair, he sat on the edge of the bed. The bed kept Adam separated from Barrett. If Wade was offended he didn't let it show. He sat back down in the chair.
"Did you have a good day at Parliament, Mister Copeland?" Wade asked in a friendly tone. At least the lust filled look was gone.
Adam relaxed, but only a bit. "Yes, I did, Professor Barrett. What did you and Shane to do today? I hope he is feeling better." He was not about to talk about his day, especially to Wade.
"I had some things to tend to outside today. Master Shane he insisted he was fine. I hope we will be able to go for a short walk tomorrow." Wade halted when a freshened up Shane came out of the water closet.
Shane grinned when he saw Adam. In a teenage fashion, he jumped into his bed. He gave Adam a hug.
"You aren't to leave me again! I missed you reading to me. Professor Barrett was gone too. Chris said you two would play cards with me tonight." Shane settled into the bed. Wade made sure the lad was warmly tucked in, with a smile.
Adam gave a bit of a sigh. "Chris will come play. I have to help your father tonight and tomorrow night. I am really sorry, Shane. But, the letter we need to write is extremely important. You understand?" He looked at Shane, brow arched.
Shane gave a nod. "Of course I understand, Adam. Father's work comes first, as it should. Chris and I can play two handed. Maybe Dean or Stephie will play too. Please don't feel bad, Adam. You must help father." He wanted to make sure Adam wasn't upset.
Adam smiled at Shane. "Thank you for understanding. I promise, I will read to you again soon. Now, you rest and get well. The wedding needs you. I love you, Shane." He leaned up and gave Shane a kiss on the cheek.
"Don't worry, I will be fine in time for the wedding. I do miss Jimmy and the others." Shane sighed a bit and closed his eyes. He was tired.
Adam caressed Shane's brow with loving tenderness. "You will see Jimmy soon." He turned and left the room.
Before Adam could take five steps down the hall, Wade Barrett called out.
"Mister Copeland?" Wade called out softly.
Adam rolled his eyes, stopped and turned to look at Wade. "Yes, Mister Barrett?" His tone was friendly but he was annoyed.
"I just want to offer my services if needed. I am fluent in seven languages. I taught languages before I became Head Master." Wade hoped maybe this could be a way to find out what Duke McMahon was saying to the Germans.
Adam smiled. "That is kind of you, Mister Barrett. I will tell His Grace, it would be up to him. Have a good evening." He gave Wade a nod, then headed downstairs, to his waiting Lion.
Wade Barrett snarled as Adam left. He had to find out what McMahon was doing. Sasha was patient, but for how long?