A/N: I am in the hospital. I will update the story when I can. PLEASE be patient with me. All the best, Lady Dragonsblood
Tuesday, July 29, 1902 dawned to a partly cloudy morning. The birds sang happily in the tree tops. It was five in the morning. Adam had already taken a bath and washed his long, blond hair. He now sat at the dining table in the servant's hall.
Mark, Judy, Beth, Paige, Becky, Randy, and Jason sat at the table with Adam. Judy looked very anxious.
"Ma, are you nervous about the wedding?" Jason asked with concern. He hoped she would be alright.
Judy shook her head, and leaned in to speak softly. "I am worried about my kitchen. However, it was so kind of their Graces." She could hear the catering cooks as they prepared breakfast for both upstairs and downstairs.
Mark gave his wife's hand a pat. "It will be alright, my dear. They even brought their own cooking things and food. They won't hurt your kitchen. Please, relax. After breakfast, you are going to take a long, hot soak in the bath. It will calm you." He leaned over and kissed Judy's cheek.
"It helped me. Oh… oh… I'm… getting married… today…" Adam went as pale as a ghost. His eyes started to flutter as if he were going to faint.
Jason grabbed his little brother. "Whoa, Addy. Don't you dare faint." He made Adam look him in he eye.
Adam shook himself. "I am alright. Thanks, Jay. It just… hit me. I love Christopher so much."
Jason caressed his little brother's cheek. "He loves you, just as much. Ah, breakfast." He smiled when the catering servers entered with their breakfast. It was scrambled eggs, sausages and potatoes with peppers, along with toast and coffee.
As the head of the family, Mark spoke. "Thank you. It looks most delicious." He paused as the servers left with a silent nod. Mark continued. "Join hands."
Everyone around the table held the hand of the person on either side of them, to make a circle. Mark said grace.
"...and Lord, we ask that you bless our Adam and Chris and they join their lives in marriage. Amen."
"Amen." The voices of the others filled the room. After the prayer, they began to eat. It was going to be a harried morning.
Up in Chris' room, Roman, Dean and Shane helped their brother. Chris wore his wedding clothes. Instead of a traditional tuxedo, he wore very formal riding togs.
Chris wore a crisp, white shirt with French cuffs. The gold McMahon cuff-links closed the cuffs. His black jacket fit like a glove with tails that fell to the top of the backs of his thighs. His pants were stark white, and shiny black boots stopped just below his knees. He would later wear white gloves and a short half-top hat. Christopher looked like the Lord he was.
Roman brushed Chris' shoulders as he helped his brother into the coat.. "You look handsome, brother. It was a good choice. Be happy, Chris." He gave Chris a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
Chris smiled at Roman. "Thank you, Roman. If we are as happy as you and Seth, we will be blessed." He returned Roman's hug and kiss.
Dean picked up Chris' hair brush and set to brushing Chris's shoulder length hair. He used a bit of pomade to make the shorter hairs in front, smooth.
Dean finished with a smile. "Guaranteed you won't have hat hair in church. Well, good luck, brother. You picked a winner in Adam. Thanks to you, I found the courage to ask Kenny to marry me. You're the best." He put down the hairdressing things and hugged Chris tightly.
Chris returned the hug. "Thanks, Dean. You and Kenny make a great couple. You're not so bad yourself." He gave Dean a wink.
"Boys, come down for breakfast. We need to hurry a bit." Eric spoke from the hallway.
Shane spoke up. "Coming poppa. Just have to get Chris into his robe." He held out Chris' long, black China silk robe.
"You don't want to spill anything on your clothes. I can't add much to what's been said. I love you, Chris. I wish nothing but happiness for you and Adam." Shane too hugged and kissed his brother.
Chris tied his robe tightly around his lithe body. He ruffled Shane's hair. "It's because of you and what you did for us that the wedding is happening. Thank you, Shane. You are a man in my eyes. I love you. Now, we'd better get down to breakfast before poppa has a breakdown."
The four brothers chuckled then left Chris' room. Together they went to the dining room where the rest of the family at breakfast.
Randy had run up the stairs, he came back down. "Adam, hurry, they are finally in the dining room." He waved Adam over.
Adam had to get up to his room to dress for the wedding, but he didn't want Chris to see him, it was bad luck. Adam grabbed his brother by the hand and dashed up the stairs, into the foyer, then up the stairs and down the hall to his bedroom.
When they got to Adam's room, Jason closed the door. The brothers looked at one another and burst out in a fit of laughter.
"Reminds me of running when ma was about to catch our hands in the cookie jar." Jason sputtered out as he spoke through his laughter.
Adam laughed. "I thought the same thing. Jay, I hate to say it, but that breakfast was good. It was so nice of poppa Eric to hire the caterers for the entire day." He went to his water closet. He had to brush his teeth.
Jason opened the door a crack when a knock echoed on it. "Oh, Your Grace, please do come in. Adam is in…" He was interrupted by his brother.
"I'm done. Oh come in, poppa Eric and father Vince." Adam smiled when he saw the visitors.
Jason started to leave, but Vince stopped him. "Stay, Jason. You brother needs you. We won't take too much time. We have a wedding to get to you know." He gave Jason a smile.
"Thank you, Your Grace." Jason returned the smile. He stepped out on the balcony to give Adam a bit of privacy with his future in-laws.
Eric held a wooden box. On top of the box was a gold McMahon family crest. It was just like the box that held the family christening gowns.
Vince spoke. "All McMahon brides and grooms have worn it. Patrick wore it, Eric wore it, and Seth wore it last. Of course others have also worn it over the last two hundred years. It is with not only great pride, but with great happiness, that you will be the next to wear it." He gave Eric a nod to open the box.
"One of the happiest days of my life was the day I wore this and became a McMahon. I hope you will feel the same. Christopher could not have made a better choice. We love you, and warmly welcome you to the family, Lord Adam." Eric spoke with the love he felt. He then opened the box.
The wooden box was lined with deep blue velvet. Inside was the McMahon family coronet. The band had a row of silver faceted beads between rope twist borders, applied to the front, with an old-cut diamond set initial Mc, surmounted by a coronet with rose cut diamonds. The band supported a circle of ten stylized cross pattée motifs. Centered in each cross was an octagonal faceted silver bead and decorated scroll motifs. It had a cream satin lining, edged with green velvet to make it comfortable and stay in place. It was old, but it looked like it had been made yesterday.
Adam reached out to touch the coronet, but hesitated. "It is beautiful…" He looked at both Vince and Eric. "I am honored to wear it. I want you both to know, I will do my best to never bring shame to the family. I love Christopher with all my heart and soul. I love all of you." Adam's eyes filled with moisture, but the tears didn't fall, at least not yet.
Vince put his hands on Adam's shoulders. "You are one of the most honorable men I have ever met. Christopher is the lucky one. Patrick would have loved you. Nothing you do will ever bring shame on the name McMahon. I love you, son."
Adam looked at Vince with respect and adoration. "Thank you, sir. I love you." He gave Vince a hug and it was returned.
"Alright, we have a young man to keep calm. We will see you at the church." Eric gave Adam a quick kiss on the cheek. He and Vince left the room.
Before anything could be said, another knock sounded on Adam's door. "Adam, it's Stephanie. I just need a minute." She spoke in earnest.
Adam opened the door with a smile. "Please, do come in." He motioned her into the room with a sweep of his arm.
Stephanie entered the room. "I see poppa and father were here. I love that coronet. I have something for you too, but you can only borrow it for luck." She held out a man's handkerchief. In one corner the McMahon family crest had been done in fine needlework. The name Patrick Patterson McMahon had been stitched under the crest, along with a date." My grandmother Patterson gave this to poppa Patrick on his wedding day. Shane and I want you to have this for your wedding. That way, poppa Patrick can be there." She held out the beautiful handkerchief for Adam.
"Oh Stephanie. I would be proud and honored to carry it. Thank you so very much. Thank Shane too. I love you, sister." Adam hugged Stephanie and kissed her warmly on the cheek.
Stephanie smiled. "I will, Adam. I am proud to welcome you to the family. Don't worry, Nattie and I will look after your children at the wedding. Now, I must rush. I have a wedding to dress for. I love you, brother." She gave Adam a quick kiss and quickly left.
Jason came in from the balcony. "I…" He couldn't put his thoughts into words.
Adam put his arm around his brother. "Yes, me too. I can't believe it. Jay… don't… leave me. I am going to need you more than ever. I love you, Jay. Now, let's get me dressed." He gave Jason a hug. Jason hugged his brother in return. Jason then began to help Adam get into his pure white wedding outfit.
Roman and Dean were back with Chris in his room. Chris had removed his robe, his riding togs looked perfect. Chris sat on his bed.
"I hate waiting." Chris let out a growl. Roman and Dean chuckled as Vince poked his head into the room.
"Boys, may I have a moment with Christopher?" Vince asked as he further entered the room.
Roman spoke. "Of course, father. We will go check on Shane." He nodded for Dean to follow him.
Chris moved a bit as Vince sat on the bed. "You look very handsome, son. Your poppa Patrick would be so proud of you. God, you have his eyes. I loved him so much. As much as I love Eric, I miss Patrick, just as Eric misses Sika. Anyway, this is not the day for that…" Vince paused to sniff a bit.
"It's alright, father. I miss poppa very much. I wish he could be here today. I think he would love and approve of Adam." Chris gave his father a smile.
Vince grinned. "Yes, he would love Adam. Son, I have something for you…" He paused. Vince pulled a small ivory box with intricate carvings on it, out of his suit coat pocket.
"This was your poppa's wedding signet ring. I know you have one for Adam, but I thought you'd like to wear this one. I had it specially made for him. It is a combination of our two family crests." Vince opened the box and showed Chris the ring.
The ring was solid gold, and made to fit a man's little finger. The design was unique. It was a combination of the McMahon crest and Patterson crest.
The McMahon family crest featured three red dragons, while the Patterson crest had three swans. The crest on the ring had a dragon and a swan, separated by a small sapphire. It was not only beautiful, but regal.
Chris' eyes filled with tears. "Thank you, father. I will be honored to wear it. It will be like poppa is there. I know too, this will bring Adam and I luck. This means so much to me." Chris leaned over and hugged his father.
Vince wrapped his arms around his son. It was a love filled moment between father and son.
"Your poppa loved you, Stephie and Shane so much. Christopher you and Stephanie always need to keep his memory for Shane. I thank God that Eric is insistent on that…" Vince paused again. He turned to look Chris in the eye.
"Son, I am very proud of you. The work you do for Prudence is… special. Never stop. You are my eldest, our first born. You have been a perfect example for Stephanie and Shane. You've been a good child, with a few mild moments of worry. I am luckier than most parents of our… status. So many sons and daughters feel entitled. You give back and that makes me even prouder. I love you, my dear boy." Vince let go of a few tears, and hugged his son close.
Chris also let out a few tears, and clung to his father like he did when he was little. "I love you, father. I am the man I am because of you, poppa Patrick and poppa Eric." There was nothing more he could say.
In Adam's room, Jason did a final brush to Adam's shoulders. "I… you l look like… an angel, Addy. Adam, I truly love you. You are the best brother I could have hoped for. You may be younger, but you taught me so much. You helped keep me calm when I got angry. You taught me to take pride in my work. You're… just the best." Jason hugged Adam tightly.
Adam hugged his brother, and openly wept. "No, you are the best brother. You kept me safe when I had bad dreams. You took care of me when I was sick. You taught me to stand up for myself. So many things, I can't count them all. I would be lost without you. Jay, don't forget, you are not losing me. You gaining a brother in Chris. I love you."
The door to Adam's room opened. "Son, Maxwell wants your final approval on things. I want to speak to your brother." Judy smiled at Jason as she walked into the room.
"Alright, ma." Jason hurried off to the mews.
"Oh my baby, you look so handsome. I won't stay long, the girly are waiting to do my hair, and help me dress. Paige has gone to meet her aunt and pick up the flowers. She will do your hair when she gets back. I sent Randal with her. He is a nice man, but I miss Cody." Judy tittered. She constantly brushed at Adam's wedding tuxedo.
Adam chuckled. "Ma, calm down. You don't have anything to be nervous about. What if I trip and fall walking down the aisle? I will humiliate Chris and the family in front of the Prime Minister's wife!"
It was Judy's turn to laugh a bit. "Son, you are not going to trip and fall. You've carried loaded trays up to the drawing room. Besides, Mark will hold you steady. Son, thank you for asking him to give you away. It means so much to him. I love him so much. I hope you and Chris have as much happiness as we have. All I can say is, I love you my dear child. Be happy." Judy kissed her son on the cheek.
"I love you, dear mother. I'm so glad you are happy. Mark is a good man…. I just wish…" Adam was halted by Judy.
"But, you love him as a father now. That's all that matters. Now, sit quietly, I need to go get dressed. I will see you at the church. I love you." Judy gave Adam another kiss.
"I love you." Adam returned his mother's kiss. When Judy left. Adam sat on his bed to wait for Paige to return with the flowers.
Down in the mews, Jason watched as Matthew and Maxwell braided ribbons in the manes of Highflyer and Locket. They were hitched to the landau carriage. Adam and Mark would ride in the carriage to the church. Then after the wedding, the carriage would bring the newlyweds home.
"It looks perfect. Thank you, both of you. It will be strange not to drive. Flyer will be calm with you on the lines. Just remember, you are driving my baby brother." Jason gave Maxwell a small kiss.
Maxwell smiled at Jason. "I will be careful, I promise. Because they hired carriages for the family it left me free. So their Graces said I could drive Adam to the church, then drive him and Lord Christopher back after the wedding. Matthew is staying with the mews." He gave Jason a soft kiss in return.
"Don't worry, Jason. I will have everything under control during the wedding." Matthew chimed in with a grin. One thing about Matthew Riddle, he was always happy.
Jason smiled. "I know you will, Matt. Thank you for helping to get the landau ready."
Matthew turned serious. "It was my pleasure, Jason. You, Adam and Max are like brothers to me. You've been patient while teaching me… you are the only family I have. I would do anything for the two of you." It was the most serious tone he'd ever used.
Max and Jason looked at one another. Jason spoke. "I… you're a good man, Matthew. I'm proud to call you a brother." He gave Matthew a hug.
"Me too." Maxwell too gave Matthew a hug.
In the house, Mark spoke to the man who represented J. Lyons and company, the caterers. The man Damien Sandow, would act as Butler for the day. Mark wanted to be sure the house would be left in good hands.
"You do know not to let anyone into the house?" Mark spoke firmly with a deadly glare.
Damien gave a nod. "Absolutely, Mister Calaway. You have no need to worry. I am a real butler. I too, worked in a Ducal household. When the Duke passed, I went to J. Lyons. I have trained all the staff. Duke McMahon's home is in good hands. Mister Orton is staying?" Damien spoke just as seriously.
Mark relaxed his stance a bit. "I am satisfied. I do trust you. Yes, young Randal will be here to show you anything you might need. I can also tell my dear wife to relax. I am sure you are well aware of how cooks feel about having strangers in their kitchen." He gave a slight chuckle.
Damien also chuckled. "Yes, I do. God help anyone that invaded Missus Jenkins' kitchen in my old place. Good. I am sure Mister Orton will be a big help. Now, I will go over things in the drawing room." He gave Mark a nod.
"Very well." Mark returned the nod. He then went down to speak to Judy. Then he would go up to Adam. He smiled with pride at the thought of walking Adam down the aisle.
Paige finished Adam's hair, as the nervous blond sat at his dressing table. She had brushed his hair till it shone like gold silk. She had pulled his bangs around to the back and pinned them.
"Now, I will pin the coronet." Paige looked at the beautiful object. She was afraid to even touch it.
Adam saw the hesitation in Paige's eyes as she was reflected in the mirror. "It's alright, dear Paige. You won't break it." He gave her reflection a smile of encouragement.
Paige let out a little laugh of relief. "It is beautiful, Adam. But please, don't ever forget us… or who you really are." She reached for the coronet.
Adam smiled again. "Never, Paige. I won't ever forget. I promise." He sat still as Paige carefully picked up the coronet.
Just as Paige finished pinning the flower crown over the coronet, Mark entered the room.
"Paige, they are ready and waiting for you, but Judy said don't rush. He baby needs to look his best." Mark spoke with light humor in his voice.
Paige laughed. "Nothing more I can do. He looks perfect. Can you see the coronet?"
Adam stood. Mark walked around the blond. "Not a sign of it. You did an excellent job, Paige. Your aunt's flowers are a wonder. Now, run along, dear girl. We will see you at the church." Mark gave Paige a smile and a gentle pat to the shoulder.
"Yes, sir. Auntie is so proud to have her flowers used today. Good luck, Adam. I love you." Paige kissed Adam on the cheek and left the room.
"Do I really look alright?" Adam cast a worried look at Mark.
Mark, looking handsome in a formal black suit, smiled at his step-son. "you look very handsome. Christopher is a very lucky man. But then again, look at your mother, you have her look. Well, there isn't much more I can say, son. Just always remember who you are. You can come to me any time, for any thing. Adam, you and Jason are my sons. You can always count on me. I love you, son." Mark hugged Adam tightly. A tear ran down his cheek.
Adam's head rested on Mark's shoulder. "I love you, father." No more needed to be said.
Chaos echoed from the hallway. Eric sounded like an army commander. He was directing his family downstairs to the waiting coaches.
Adam chuckled. "Maybe you better go make sure Christopher gets in his coach."
Mark too, chuckled. "Maybe I should. Sandow is very capable, but it is my house. Be right back." He gave Adam a wink. He left to make sure things were done correctly.
Adam took a moment to breathe. He smiled at the low, white top hat. He would wear it later when they left for their wedding trip. He still had no idea where Chris was going to take him. Chris had Jason help him pack Adam's trunk one day while Adam was at Parliament. He knew a few things were missing from his wardrobe, but Adam guess Chris must have bought some new things to take. Adam was both curious and nervous.
Adam hoped the advice from Mark and Seth would work. He prayed his lack of sexual experience wouldn't affect Chris. Adam was prepared for it to hurt, but Seth had assumed him, the pain would pass and an incredible pleasure would take over. He knew Seth wouldn't lie.
Before Adam could think any further, Mark returned. "Sandow has everything under control, with young Randal's help. Oh well, better to leave things in good hands. Maxwell will bring the carriage around in fifteen minutes." Mark was satisfied, the house would be secure.
"Mister Sandow might be good, but he will never be as good as you. It's only for one day." Adam spoke with a smile of assurance to Mark.
Mark chuckled. "Guess my… jealousy was showing. Not really, I am glad the man knows what he is doing. It was very kind of their Graces to hire the best."
"Um… do you know where Chris is taking me for our wedding trip?" Adam asked in a child-like tone of voice.
Mark shook his head with a laugh. "Yes, I do happen to know. However, do not bother to ask, because I will not tell you. You will have a wonderful time, that much I will say."
Adam ducked his head. "Well, I had to ask. If I know Chris, it will be somewhere special. Maybe Dover. I told him I always wanted to see the Chalk Cliffs…" Adam paused, he suddenly felt overwhelmed.
"Oh poppa Mark, I'm… about to… I… can't… I can't." Ada, went into a sudden panic.
Mark put his hands firmly on Adam's shoulders. He looked Adam directly in the eye. "Yes you can, son. You love Christopher with all your heart. You will be fine, I promise. I will be with you every step down the aisle, to the man you love. You are worthy, Adam Joseph. Christopher loves you. Now, it's time. Are you ready?" Mark gave Adam a final brush of his shoulders. The blond looked perfect.
Adam squared himself and stood tall. "Yes, I am. Sorry I had a bit of a last moment panic. I can't wait to be married to Lord Christopher, the love of my life."
Mark picked up his top hat and gloves off Adam's bed. "To be honest, the same thing happened to me. Your mother too, she told me. I think it is natural. Let's be off."
As Mark opened the door, Randy had been about to knock on the door. "Sorry, sir. I just came to say the carriage is out front." Randy spoke with a nod.
"Thank you, Randal. Just on our way. Randal… keep an eye on things." Mark spoke firmly.
Randy returned the nod. "I will, sir. Good luck, Adam. May your marriage be happy and blessed."
Adam smiled. "Thank you, Randy."
Randy led Mark and Adam downstairs. Sandow opened the front door as Mark put his hat on. Then both he and Adam pulled on their white gloves.
"Good luck, and many blessings." Sandow spoke as Mark and Adam went through the door and stood on the top step landing.
Maxwell stood by the door of the landau carriage. He was dressed in his most formal livery. Highflyer and Locket's coats gleamed in the late morning sun.
"Oh Max, they look so beautiful. Thank you." Adam exclaimed as Mark helped him step up into the shiny black carriage and sit. Max shut the small door.
Maxwell climbed up into the drivers seat. He took the trace lines in hand. At exactly ten fifty-five, the horses began to pull Adam towards Saint Peter's Church on Eaton Square.
A few people on the street waved as the carriage passed. Everyone in the Eaton Square area knew a wedding was taking place today. They wanted to wish the McMahon family well. It wasn't often a grand, near royal wedding took place in the area.
Adam waved to a little girl and boy as they walked toward the park with their governess. "I can't wait to adopt Melanie, and then have our own children." Adam spoke as he waved again.
"Little Melanie will be a welcome addition to the family. I can't wait to meet her." Mark remained stoic and proud as he tipped his hat to a lady who waved.
"Poppa Mark, what do I do with my hands? Now I know why brides carry flowers." Adam asked at the carriage turned on to Eaton Place.
"One hand will be holding my elbow and just be natural as you walk. You will be fine. Stop finding things to fret about." Mark gave Adam a wink.
Adam ducked his head with a light flush on his cheeks. "Sorry. I don't want to do anything that would embarrass Chris or the family." Adam waved again.
Mark gave a pat to Adam's leg. "You won't, son. Chris will be too stunned at how handsome you look. Like a white dove angel."
Adam's flush grew deeper. "Maybe. Oh… look at that!" Adam nodded to the green area next to the church. It was filled with carriages of all shapes and sizes. Horses were held by grooms and carriage drivers, all dressed in perfect liveries.
Even Mark was a bit taken back, but he kept his calm head. No need to make Adam even more anxious. It was his duty as Adam's father.
"After all, one hundred fifty invitations were sent. They have to park some where. It will be alright, once we get inside. Oh, there is Jason." Mark spotted his eldest as Jason indicated to where Maxwell should stop the carriage. No one else was on the church steps, they were inside, waiting for the wedding.
Maxwell stopped in the exact place for Adam and Mark to step out onto the red carpet that had been laid down for the wedding.
"I'll get it, love." Jason nodded for Maxwell to remain in the driver's seat. He opened the small door of the carriage for Mark and Adam to exit the landau.
Just as Adam stepped out of the landau, the bells in the church tower chimed eleven. Someone inside closed the inner door, so Adam wouldn't be seen.
"Addy, you should see the little girls and Tommy. They are adorable. Lady Stephanie and Lady Natalya are charming too. Ma looks so beautiful, and yes, Chris is here. Roman and Dean are keeping him calm." Jason spoke with excitement. His face shone with happiness.
Adam couldn't help but laugh. He'd never seen his brother look so happy. "I can't wait to see Tommy and the girls. Are they alright? Not scared?"
"Not at all. They are just as excited as you. But, they behave better than some adults. Alright, time to get you married. Everyone will line up behind you." Jason turned and went up the steps to wait to take his place behind Adam as his supporter.
Mark crooked his right arm. "Let's go, son."
Adam placed his left hand on Mark's arm. "Don't let me stumble and fall." He whispered as they slowly made their way up the stairs of Saint Peter's.
Once they were in the vestibule, Stephanie greeted Adam. "You look so handsome, Adam. Chris will faint… well no, Roman will hold him steady."
"Uncle Adam!" Melanie, Mary, Victoria, Eugenia and Tommy greeted Adam in excited whispers.
Adam looked at the children, a huge smile on his face. "You girls are little angels and Tommy, you are so handsome. Thank you for being part of our special day. Uncle Chris will be so very proud of you. Cody, good to see you again. We miss you." Adam's nerves had been replaced by excitement. It was a much better feeling.
The assistant Vicar of Saint Peter's suddenly appeared and took over. It was time, late was one thing, a delay another.
"Alright, groom and father here…" The man quickly had everyone arranged and in place, before he closed the door. He went to a gold silk cord that rand down from the celling and pulled it.
The organist, up in the organ loft began to play. After the first chord echoed, the doors opened.
It was time for the wedding of Adam and Chris.