Chris took the paper from Adam. "Please come home. Shane is missing. Father…" Chris paused and looked at Mizanin. "Pack our things, now. We must get a train to Calais."

"Already done, Milord. I sent your baggage to the station. I also told the stable boy to reserve a private compartment for you. You have a room at the Coastal Inn in Calais." Mike spoke firmly. He knew he'd done the right thing.

"I'll get a small trunk for your shopping. There is time. Train goes at seven, it's just after five." Cardona dashed off to get a spare trunk from the attic.

Maryse appeared with Chris and Adam's carpet bags and a medium sized box. "Tamina made sandwiches for you." She put the carpet bags and supper box on the carriage seat.

Adam spoke as he held Chris' hand. "We can not thank you enough. Lady Prudence will get the highest praise. You have all been so wonderful to us…" He turned from Mike to Chris.

"Come, love. We need our coats." Adam spoke softly. He could see that Chris was in a state. He led his husband up the steps. Once inside, he helped Chris into his light traveling coat.

Cardona dashed by, went out to the carriage and carefully and neatly put the shopping in the trunk. The lid arched just enough to hold the three hat boxes. He took a thick wax pencil and wrote who the trunk belonged to. He put the trunk, carpet bags and supper box in the pannier.

Chris looked at Adam as the blond put on his own coat. He shook himself. "Mizanin, thank you so very much. You are a good man. Your staff is also excellent. Prudence will hear of your excellence. We can't thank you enough. Please pray they find my baby brother." Chris spoke with a kind smile, but deep worry clouded his blue eyes.

Mike gave a nod. "We will pray for your brother. I am sure he will be found, safe and sound. We are also pleased we could be of service to you. I hope your journey home is swift and safe." He spoke from his heart.

Chris shook the Butler's hand. "Thank you, Mike…" He turned to Adam. "Come, love." He took Adam's hand in his.

The couple were soon on their way to the train station. Adam held Chris in his arms. It was his time to be the comfort and safety Chris needed.

When they arrived at the station, Matt Cardona took over care of their baggage. He added the small trunk to their others, but kept their carpet bags and supper box in hand. He would not relax until their Lordships were safely on the train. He wished he could look after them on the journey back to London.

Adam did the talking at the ticket booth. The ticket agent assured him they would have a private compartment. Their tickets would see them all the way to London. When the business was concluded, the couple went outside to wait. The waiting area inside was just too confining with people and their chatter.

Cardona stood behind the couple as Chris and Adam sat on a bench. He kept a wary eye on their baggage waiting for the train, as well as the carpet bags and supper box at his feet.

"Matt, you don't have to stay. You're just as exhausted and hungry as we are from shopping." Adam spoke with sincerity.

"Sorry, your Lordship. I will not leave until you and his Lordship are safely on the train. If I could, I would serve your entire journey to London." Matt Cardona spoke just as sincerely.

Chris turned and looked at the Coachman. "Thank you, Cardona. We appreciate it very much. I actually wish you could as well. However, we will be alright once we are underway. Please, pray for my brother."

Cardona's brow crinkled in thought. "You know, I could. I can call the Chateaux. The stable boys can handle things for a day or two." He knew Mike would approve.

Adam looked at Chris. He gave a nod. Chris spoke. "If you are sure. I will pay you, of course. If you are serious, call. There is still time." Chris spoke with a nod.

"Be right back, your Lordships." Cardona hurried off. Something about the couple made him want to care for and protect them.

Adam held Chris close. "I will feel better. He will protect us. I have a feeling… we are not safe."

"I felt it too. I want to know what happened. What about Barrett? He is supposed to protect Shane. Something isn't right. Prudence will be pleased with the response of her orphans here." Chris spoke softly. His mind was all over. What about Barrett? Where was Orton? What happened to Shane, his sweet baby brother. Whom without, he and Adam wouldn't be married now.

Cardona returned. "Mike is relieved. The stable boy will bring me a bag and pick up the carriage. Thank you, your Lordships. I feel much better keeping you safe. Many titled folk are threatened. It isn't right." He spoke firmly.

Chris nodded. "I fear dark times are coming with the politics of the world on the brew. Just keep Adam safe. Matt, are you armed?"

"I will be, if you understand. I am glad there is time. Why don't you two have some food. Tamina makes good sandwiches." Cardona held up the supper box.

Adam took the box. "He's right, darling. I do not want one of my headaches now." He took a sandwich and bit into it. "Oh beef, very tasty." Adam held out the box to his husband, brow arched in hope.

Chris gave a small smile. "You're right. Got to stay strong for Shane. Have some too, Cardona." Chris bit into his sandwich and held the box up to the Coachman turned bodyguard. Cardona took a sandwich with a nod.

As a second round of sandwiches were eaten, one of the stable boys from the Chateaux ran up to Matt. He was breathless. He handed Matt a small carpet bag and caught his breath.

"Mike put it in. He said to keep them safe. I will drive the carriage back. Call when you return and I will come fetch you." The stable boy gave a nod and scurried off. He had work to do back at the stables.

Adam smiled. "Reminds me of Jay. Here one second, gone the next. Oh, here comes the train." He turned his head as heard a distant train whistle.

As people became distracted by the arriving train, Cardona slipped a small, but deadly revolver into his pocket. He vowed to keep their Lordships safe.

Cardona tucked the three carpet bags under his arm. Adam threw away the empty supper box. The Coachman didn't care, he stood behind Chris and Adam and held them by their elbows. He guided them towards the platform where the private compartment cars would stop.

As they waited for the train to stop, Chris spoke softly to Cardona. "You've done this before?" He thought for a Coachman, the man was well trained.

"When I first left Auntie Pru's I went to the army. I got hurt, so she sent me to the Chateaux as a groom. I was going to be military police. I know what I am doing, your Lordship." Cardona spoke firmly. The happy Coachman had been replaced by a stone cold military man.

"I am sorry you got hurt. You would have been a fine military man." Ada spoke loudly, the train had arrived at the station with a blast of steam from her brakes.

"Thank you, your Lordship. I will get you in your car, then make sure your baggage is loaded. You'll tell the conductor, I will be joining you?" Matt asked as passengers arriving disembarked.

Chris nodded. "Yes, I will. Your fare will be taken care of. Ah." He remarked when the Conductor motioned for them to come aboard.

Chris spoke low to the train official. The man gave an obvious nod of approval. He led the two Lords and their companion to the last private compartment on the left. It was opposite the one they had arrived on.

Cardona left the couple to settle as he went to make sure their trunks weren't tampered with. Again, he didn't know what had happened, but danger was in the air.

The Conductor came into the private compartment. "Will your Lordships require evening tea?"

"Yes please, for three. Oh, here is the extra fare." Chris handed the man some money from his pocketbook.

The Conductor wrote out a paper ticket, to London, for Cardona. "Fare paid to London, your Lordship. Tea half an hour after pull out. Pleasant journey." The Conductor turned and left, just as Matt returned.

"Matt, please, make yourself comfortable. It is the least we can do for you. Tea soon after we pull out." Adam warmly indicated to the two sitting chairs as he and Chris sat on the small sofa.

"Thank you, your Lordship. I do appreciate it. I thought Auntie Pru could shop, but you…" Matt closed his mouth. He'd accidentally over stepped his place.

"Matt, it's perfectly fine. I was a Footman in the house, and proud of it. Chris, myself and his family as well as mine are progressive. Servant or not, you are part of the family, as long as you are with us. My husband and I can't thank you enough for doing this. So please, relax." Adam spoke honestly, from his soul.

Chris too spoke up. "I double what Adam just said. Nothing matters more to me than Adam's safety and comfort. You are family to us anyway, through Prudence." He gave the young man a smile.

Later, the young Porter brought their tea. As he sat the tray down, Chris spoke to him.

"When does the last ferry go?" Chris really didn't want to stop in Calais, he wanted to get to London.

"It is Saturday. There is a special ferry at midnight, your Lordship." The Porter had looked at a little book he'd pulled out of his pocket.

"Is there a train to London from Dover?" Adam asked. He too just wanted to get home.

The Porter flipped a page in his book. "Yes, on Saturdays. It's connected to the special ferry. You would arrive in London between five and six Sunday morning. Would you like for me to arrange it, your Lordship?"

"Yes please. For three. Find out the cost and I will pay when you return. We need to cancel our reservation at the Coastal Inn as well, please." Chris spoke firmly.

"Absolutely, your Lordship. Enjoy your tea. Ring if you require more." The Porter gave a nod, then left.

At two o'clock in the morning, Matt Cardona watched as Chris slept, his head on Adam's lap. Adam also slept, his hand gently on the top of Chris's head. Matt let his own eyes close. They were safe, for now, as the special train steamed toward London. The speed was a bit slower, making the car gently sway. It was too dangerous to run at full steam at night.

The three passengers were woken by a short blast of the train's whistle as they pulled into Victoria Station. It was Sunday, August third. Chris and Adam had only been gone five days.

Matt stood and took a good stretch. "Your Lordships, I would like to stay for awhile. I could help with the search for your brother. I am sure Auntie Pru will give me a place to stay.

Adam too stretched as he remained seated. Chris stood and also stretched. "That is kind of you. I'm sure you could be of help. There is a spare room over the mews. Don't worry, I will take care of everything." Chris spoke with a nod.

"Thank you, your Lordship. When we disembark, stake close till I get a cab." Cardona patted his pocket. His revolver was still in place.

Adam chuckled. "I have a feeling my brother, Jason will be here. So don't be surprised if someone with short, sandy blond hair runs up to us."

"I'm sure if he is, it's because of Mark. That man has an uncanny instinct about things." Chris added his thoughts as the train crawled into the station.

Adam quickly spoke. "I also wouldn't put it past Mark to be with Jason. So be on the lookout for a nearly seven foot tall man."

"Yes, your Lordship." Matt gave Adam a nod.

Cardona gathered their carpet bags. "Please, stay very close to me. I need to keep my right hand free."

"Understood. Where?" Chris knew exactly what Cardona meant.

Cardona looked at Chris. His eyes lowered to his right hand coat pocket. The two locked eyes, they understood one another. Adam joined them.

"I am ready now." Adam smiled. He'd quickly retied his pony tail and had not noticed the exchange between his husband and Coachman.

"All out for Victoria Station!" The Conductor called out as he walked through the cars.

"Let's go, your Lordships." Matt urged as he stood less than a foot behind the newlyweds.

Chris took Adam's hand in his. Together they walked to the exit door. Adam couldn't help but chuckle.

"Addy!" Jason called out when he saw his baby brother. A very grim faced Mark Calaway stood next to Jason.

Greetings and hugs were exchanged. Chris rapidly explained who Cardona was and why he was there. "...so, what happened? Has he been found?" Chris looked at Mark as they walked to the waiting landau carriage. It was pulled by Highflyer and Locket.

Mark spoke. "No, he is still missing. You will learn the details when we get home. Cardona, welcome. I'm Mister Calaway, Adam's step-father. Thank you for keeping my family safe." He spoke warmly to the young man.

"You can ride up here with me. Ha! Our Stable boy's name is Matthew too. Thank you for keeping my brother safe. Stay with them. Maxwell is here too, with the baggage cart. I will help him load. Then we will be on our way." Jason smiled at Cardona as he spoke. There was an instant friendship between the two.

"I'll help you, to be faster. I'm the head Groom and Coachman at the Chateaux." Cardona too smiled and went to assist Jason with the baggage.

Mark helped Chris and Adam into the carriage. He sat on the opposite seat and faced the couple.

"Master Shane rode out to the orphanage on Wednesday. He never came back. Lady Prudence said he left at three. Master Shane wanted to be home in time for tea." He explained a bit. It was better than making them wait.

Chris frowned. "He went alone? Why didn't Barrett go with him? Or Orton?"

"Your father said he was old enough. Barrett has been down the cold Shane had since the day after the wedding. I should have gone…" Mark sighed, he felt so responsible.

"Poppa, don't. You couldn't have known what would happen. Shane isn't a child. If father Vince thought it was alright…" Adam didn't know what to do or say. He'd never seen Mark look so upset. He laid, what he hoped would be a comforting hand on Mark's knee.

Chris saw the distressed look on Mark's face. "Mark, you know father. If he decided Shane was fine alone…" He wanted to ask other questions, but didn't dare in front of Adam.

Mark sighed. "Yes, you are right. No one feels more guilty right now than his Grace. I can't say any more just now. Thank you for coming home so quickly. Your father needs you."

Jason and Cardona climbed up into the driver's seat. "Let's trot on my beauties." Jason gave a slight slap of the trace lines. Highflyer and Locket took off at a brisk trot.

Chris couldn't help but chuckle through his worry. "How did you know we would be here this morning?"

"I know you, your Lordship. I also know my step-son. I knew you wouldn't stop till you got here. Maxwell remembered there was a special late train on Saturdays. I knew then, you two would be on it. I am very glad you have young Cardona with you. No one goes out alone. Nanny hasn't taken the twins out since. Seth and Roman refuse to leet them out of their sight. Professor Barrett is most distressed." As Mark spoke, his look to Chris said more than words. Chris gave Mark a look that said he understood.

As they rode a long, Jason spoke to Matt. "...so Max and I will marry one day. That man has been a tower of strength to me the last few days. So has our Matthew. You can have the room across from him. It may be over the mews, but the rooms are nice, thanks to their Graces McMahon and Hart. Duke Shawn Hart is Duke Vincent's cousin. They are close and both famlies are progressive." Jason pulled the lines to make the turn onto Eaton Road, that lead home.

Cardona smiled at Jason. "You and Mister Freedman make a nice couple. Thank you for the room. If I ever get in your way, please just say so. I am sure Auntie Pru will give me a room." He went on to tell Jason his story, including the orphanage, military and Chateaux- "… so, that's why I felt so strongly about making sure their Lordships got home safely. I offered to stay and help in any way that I can. It is a way to repay their Lordships for all the help they give Auntie Pru. Sounds like Master Shane helps her as well. I am more than willing to do what you need so you can be free to help the family." Matt spoke with deep conviction.

Jason held the trace lines in one hand and gave Cardona a pat on the shoulder with the other. "Thank you, friend. If my brother and his husband trust you, so do I. The one on the left is Highflyer, Lord Christopher's horse. He is a bit high strung and tends to want to bite. The other, Locket, is my brother's horse. She is a sweet as Flyer is sour. She keeps Flyer in line."

The talking stopped as the carriage turned in the shared mews of the McMahon and Hart houses. Chris and Adam noticed two policemen patrolled the area. It unnerved them, it made the situation real… and serious.

"There are two more out front. His Grace insisted." Mark explained as he gave a wave to the two policemen. He let them know all was well.

"Is the family up?" Chris askes as he helped Adam out of the landau.

Mark frowned. "I doubt it, but I don't know how much, if any sleep has occurred. Go see your mother, she has been a bit… anxious. I will see to your baggage."

Adam hugged Mark. "Thank you, poppa Mark. I love you. They will find Shane." He hurried after Chris who was halfway to the house.

Chris opened the door and waited for his husband to enter. They were both hit with the sound of activity in the kitchen and smell of Judy's delicious cooking.

Paige came out of the kitchen to lay the table for breakfast. She grinned when she saw Adam. She ran to hug him. "You came back. We didn't believe it when Mister Calaway said you would be here." She was happy, the like the others, a sadness darkened her eyes.

"We couldn't come back fast enough. How is ma?" Adam asked as he returned Paige's hug.

Paige smiled. "She's been terrified something might have happened to you and Lord Christopher. I am so glad you are safe, both of you."

Chris gave Paige's face a caress with the back of his hand. "Thank you, dear girl."

"Addy! My baby." Judy called out from the doorway as she wiped her hands on the towel she kept tucked into the band of her apron.

Adam hurried to his mother and swept her into his arms. "It's alright ma, Chris and I are safe. We were well protected on the way home. See, look." He turned so Judy could see Christopher next to him.

"Oh my dear boy." Judy kept one arm around her son, and pulled Chris into a hug with the other.

"We are safe, momma Judy. It will be alright." Chris kissed his mother-in-laws cheek and spoke softly. He hugged her just as tight.

Mark came down the stairs and greeted his wife. "Told you they would be there, my love. How about some breakfast. I am sure these two are most hungry."

"We are a bit famished. Can't wait to have your delicious food again." Chris stated as he and Adam took their usual places at the servants dining table.

"Randal will unpack your trunks. He has been keeping watch over the little Master, Mistress and Nanny. He's even moved into the day nursery to sleep." Mark explained as he took his seat.

Adam greeted Becky and Beth as they came out of the kitchen with platters of scrambled eggs, bacon and toast. Paige brought in the morning coffee. Everyone took their seats and bowed their heads.

Mark gave the blessing. "...and we ask that you keep Master Shane safe and bring him home to his family. Amen." A firm chorus of Amens followed.

Chris looked at Mark. "Thank you." No more needed to be said.

The girls asked Adam a few questions about Paris, but on ones heart was really into talking happily. "When things are… I will tell you all about it. We have gifts for all of you. We had just returned to the Chateaux when Mike gave us the message from Vince." Adam finished speaking and took a big bite. Despite the worry, he was terribly hungry.

"It was kind of you both to think of us. Gifts can wait until…" Beth let her words fade. She didn't want to further upset Chris. She could see the man was on the edge.

Chris looked at Beth. "You can say it. When Shane gets back. He will be back." He spoke with a firm smile.

"Of course he will, my dear boy. Your family will be glad to see you. Your parents have been extremely worried about you two." Judy spoke with confidence.

Everone turned as Randal came down the stairs. "Good to see you, your Lordships. Your trunks are unpacked. The family are up and will be in the morning room soon. They do not know you are back. I only heard them getting ready." Orton spoke, the worry in his voice was clear.

"Thank you, Orton. Good to see you as well. Thank you for unpacking for us." Adam smiled at the temporary Footman. He knew unpacking was a big job.

"You are most welcome, your Lordship. That young Cardona was a big help." Randy gave Adam a nod.

Chris looked at Orton. "Yes, thank you…" He turned to his husband. "Come, love. We need to go up to the morning room." He stood and offered Adam his hand.

Adam stood and kissed his mother. The servants bid the couple with goodbyes and see you later. The girls immediately began clearing. It was time for the upstairs breakfast, although much wasn't eaten.

Orton followed the couple to the morning room. He opened the door for the newlyweds. Adam entered the empty room first. "We must speak in private." Orton whispered in Chris' ear. Chris gave the Footman a nod of agreement.

Chris joined his husband. Adam had taken a seat at the table he used for a desk. There was some post for him to go through, but it would wait. Chris drew up a chair and sat next to his love.

Chris looked at the small pile of mail. "Guess this makes it official. Daily correspondence. Just do me a favor, don't get involved in every charity that asks, like poor poppa did. The orphanage is our number one priority."

Adam smiled. "Don't worry, Lion. I have enough on my plate with translating for father. Nothing matters more to me than our orphans." He kissed Chris on the cheek.

Nothing more could be said. Vince and Eric entered the morning room. Eric cried out. "My babies." He hurried over to Chris and Adam, who had stood. Eric hugged and kissed them at the same time. He let the tears fall. Eric was happy they were safe.

Vince took his turn at hugging and kissing the returned couple. "Oh son, we are so relieved you and Adam are safe. This is all my fault, I never should have allowed Shane to go alone." He sat on the sofa with a sigh.

"Darling, he is old enough. We let all the boys go out alone at fifteen, almost sixteen. We know from Prudence he got there and had a wonderful day." Eric held Vince's hand in his. Vince was full of guilt.

Chris nodded. "Poppa is right. We went all over London at Shane's age. It was your way of showing we were old enough to be trusted."

"I've been running errands on the streets since I was twelve. We can just never know when something is going to happen." Adam added his thoughts.

Eric nodded. "The boys are right, darling. This is not your fault. Not one member of the family blame you. Stop blaming yourself." He stopped talking when Dean, Stephanie, Roman and Seth entered the morning room. Nanny Renee followed, the twins in her arms.

Chris and Adam were hugged and kissed, then kissed and hugged. Adam held Beatrice as he sat on the sofa next to Eric. Chris held Reginald, and sat next to Adam.

"So all we know is, Shane went to the orphanage, got there, left in time to come home for tea, and hasn't been seen since. Who was the last to see him?" Chris finally asked the question he'd been holding back.

It was Roman who spoke. "The two girls that do the washing. They live in the house at the entrance to Mayfield Manor. They said Shane stopped and told them Martha and Elizabeth said hello. Shane then rode off toward London." He ended with a shrug.

Chris briefly explained about the girls, Martha and Elizabeth. "...so Elizabeth is blooming at being with the other children. Did the girls say anything else? Perhaps Merlin was acting up? Perhaps Shane was thrown? Have the hospitals been checked? Has Merlin turned up?"

Dean took over. "I thought of all that as well. Yes, hospitals have been checked and are checked daily. The route from Pru's to here has been checked. No, there has been no sign of Merlin."

"Has my brother gone out to call for Merlin? Maybe he bolted with Shane, off the usual route?" Adam asked in a thought filled voice.

Vince perked. "No, we didn't think of that. How could I not have thought of it. Especially because of when Chris' leg was broken. You were lucky, those other riders found you. Adam, get your brother. He will go immediately."

Chris stood. "No. Adam and I will go. Don't worry, we brought a fierce bodyguard with us from Paris." Chris quickly explained about Cardona. "...he will ride with us. Poppa can he ride Misty. Merlin likes her." He took Adam by the hand as he stood.

"Of course. Make sure we meet this Cardona. He sounds like an excellent man. Son, Adam, be careful. The police aren't sure this wasn't a political attack." Eric spoke firmly.

Dean, Roman, Seth and Stephanie stood. Roman spoke, as the eldest. "We're going too. I'm tired of sitting here, doing nothing. Our baby brother needs us."

"Fine. Take Orton with you as well. He can ride Diamond." Vince knew better than to say no. He wished he could go as well, but he and Eric had been ordered to stay in by the police.

The siblings went up to change into riding togs. Adam was so distracted, he didn't notice his bedroom was now their sitting room. There would be time for that later.

Eric told Orton the plan and sent him to the stables to get the horses ready. Randy assured the Dukes their children would be safe. He also thought Lord Christopher had been smart to think about it.

As the McMahon children met in the hall, the door to Wade Barrett's bedroom opened. "Has something happened? Has Master Shane been found?" He wore his night shirt, but Chris thought the man looked and sounded perfectly healthy.

Dean explained their commotion. "...so we are going now to search." He pulled on his brown leather riding gloves.

"Please, let me come with you. I can dress quickly." He looked at the McMahon's in earnest.

Chris was curious and this was a perfect opportunity. "Come to the mews in ten minutes or we leave without you. You can ride Peppermint." He turned, with Adam by his side, and led his husband and siblings downstairs.

"Orton, Professor Barrett is joining us. Inform their Graces, then come to the mews. Barrett has ten minutes." Chris spoke to the spy in the house.

"Yes, your Lordship. Jason and the others are getting the horses ready." Randy gave Chris a look that said he understood and approved.

They went to the mews through the servant's hall. "Go ahead. I want to explain to Calaway." He spoke to his siblings and husband.

Chris led Mark to the pantry. "Barrett is going with us. I want to see if he tries to control the search. While we are out, tear his room apart, as well as Shane's room and the schoolroom. Understand?" He gave Mark a very pointed look.

Mark gave a nod. "Yes, I do. Am I glad you and Adam came back. We needed your thinking. Don't worry, Barrett won't notice a thing." He gave a wink.

When Chris got to the mews, he saw Randy and Cardona talking quietly, using Misty and Lochnivar to block them. Chris was sure Dean knew Kenny wouldn't mind using his horse.

Roman was astride Brimmer, Seth on Matchem. Stephanie rode Lighting sidesaddle. Dean on Sweepstakes and lastly Adam on Locket. Riddle finished saddling Peppermint for Barrett.

Chris took Highflyer's reigns in hand. "Why Locknivar? Father said he could ride Diamond." He swung gracefully into his saddle.

"Diamond threw a shoe. With all the upset, I haven't had time to put it back on. Lord Dean said Lord Kenny wouldn't mind. I can do Diamond's shoe now." Jason explained with a shrug. It was what it was.

Chris smiled. "Good. Jason, hold down the fort. Thank you, brother."

Jason beamed. "You're welcome, brother. Hey, you take care of our Adam, your Lordship."

Barrett came running into the mews. He quickly mounted reliable Peppermint. He had the good sense to cough a bit from moving so fast. Chris again looked at Wade, he knew the man was not at all ill.

Chris spoke to the group of riders. "We will ride to the washer girls house, then work our way back. Look for a thrown shoe or pieces of tack that could have been missed." Chris gave Highflyer a gentle kick. The riders took off at a quick trot.

In the McMahon house morning room, Vince and Eric relished in playing with the twins. It wasn't often Vince had this much time with them. He only hated the reason why. He tickled Bea's feet.

"Do you think they will find anything? Chris, not even home an hour, thought of something the police didn't. Thank God they came back." Vince spoke as Beatrice cooed and smiled at her grandfather.

Eric held Reginald in his arms. "I hope so, dearest. I hope so. I too am glad Chris and Adam are back, safe and sound. I do feel bad we interrupted their wedding trip." He let out a sigh and hugged his grandson.

"They had a right to know, love. I'm just surprised they got here so quickly. That Cardona boy needs a good reward for helping them. Pru certianly has the loyalty and devotion of her orphansm former and current." Vince scooped Bea into his arms as she yawned.

Eric nodded. "Yes, she does. I would trust any of them. I am glad Professor Barrett felt well enough to ride along. He has been so upset." While always wary of Barrett, he had taken the news about Shane to heart.

"Yes, he took it quite badly. It wasn't his fault he caught the clod. A good, brisk ride will get fresh air into his lungs. It certainly can't hurt. Better ring for Nanny. These two are falling asleep. I should try to do some work. Bret explained to the Lord Admiral. He understood and put off the next meeting for two weeks. I will decide then what to do. Nothing is more important than Shane." Vince let out a sigh.

Eric sat back down after he'd rung for Renee. "Bret is a good man. He will get you into the Admiralty, they need you. The bad thing is, politics don't care about a personal crisis. They will find our baby, Vince. They have to…" Eric stopped when Nanny Renee came into the morning room.

While Orton was out, Mark would make sure the twins were safe. He kept an ear out as he quietly searched Barrett's room.

Mark and Orton both thought Shane going missing was not random. They were both sure of it. The tutors sudden cold was just too coincidental. Thing was, the man was slick, very slick. He had an indisputable alibi.

Meanwhile, eight riders headed toward the Mayfield Estate to start their search. What would they find… if anything?