A/N: I am finally home from the hospital. The first thing I did was type in this chapter. I hope you will enjoy and with luck, there will be no further interruptions. I appreciate your patience so much. I am doing well, and will recover fully. Thank you once again for staying my loyal and faithful readers. All the best, Lady Dragonsblood.
At seven in the morning, a carriage drove down the road that led to Paris. Adam and Chris were dressed in their navy blue suits, with their black Bowler style hats. The Groom, Matt Cardona was in his semi-formal livery.
The carriage was a smaller landau style and was pulled by a matched pair of dark gray mares. They traveled at a swift, yet steady pace.
"It is about a thirty minute drive, Milords. A bit longer if we hit traffic. I don't mind staying with you. It would be easier than a cab. It is up to you." Matt spoke as he kept an even hand on the trace-lines.
Chris looked over at Adam. Adam gave his husband a shrug. "Whatever you think is best. It might be easier." The blond spoke his thoughts.
"We have two good stable boys. Mister Mizanin said it would be alright for me to stay with you. I do know my way around the city and I am used to waiting for Lady Mayfield." Matt spoke honestly as he turned to look at Chris.
"Well, if you are sure, Cardona. I would be easier and better. I just didn't want to take you away from your usual work." Chris smiled with a nod to the groom. He was actually relieved, it would be much easier and safer. French Cabbies weren't the nicest and probably would have over charged him. It was just the way it was.
"Good. To be honest, I would feel better. You will be safe with me, your Lordships. I will call Mister Mizanin and let him know. He will be happy as well." Matt spoke, then turned back to give his full attention to the horses. He sped up to a swift trot. Cardona felt responsible for the newlyweds safety.
"Excellent. We will, of course, take care of your meals and any carriage fees." Chris stated with a firm nod. He felt much better, and Adam would be safe.
"Thank you, Cardona. My brother is also a groom. He will appreciate you looking after us." Adam spoke with a smile. He wasn't about to hide his background.
"We will go to the Café De Flore first. I recall it is less crowded in the mornings. Unless you know of a better place, Cardona." Chris' tone was thoughtful as he tried to remember his last trip to Paris.
"Good choice, Milord. Oh, if you look ahead to the right, you will see the Eiffel Tower." Matt pointed with the seldom used carriage whip.
Adam looked, his eyes grew wide. "It's really real." He spoke with a tone of awe in his voice. Adam reached into his pocket and pulled out his small sketchbook.
Chris chuckled. Even though the carriage rocked, Adam still managed to draw the Eiffel Tower peeking over over the skyline.
Adam finished. "I can refine it later. Chris, can we go to the top?" His eyes were lit with utter joy as he took in the nearing city.
Chris took hold of Adam's left hand and kissed it. "Yes love, we can go to the top. We can also see Notre Dame, The Louver, the Arc de Triomphe and the Sacré Cocur. All the places you have read or heard about. But, not all in one day. Will spend an entire day at the Louver alone."
"Your Lordship, just so you know, you are allowed to sketch inside the Louver. Oh and be prepared, Mona Lisa is a small painting." Cardona informed as they waited at a busy intersection.
Chris grinned. "He is right, love. I was so stunned when I saw the Mona Lisa. Very small painting in comparison to others."
"I'm glad you both told me. All I've read lead me to believe she was huge, grand painting. Oh, I can't believe we are really here, in Paris. Thank you, my Lion...just thank you." Adam gave a smile that blinded Chris. Adam was so very happy.
Chris smiled at his handsome husband. "I have to confess, it was Pru's idea. I had asked to use her Scotland Estate. It was she who said Paris would be better. I am so glad she did. This is so much better, and you got to see Dover."
Adam laughed. "Then I must find a wonderful gift for Prudence. I would like to see Scotland sometime. All that really matters is, we are together. I love you." He laid his head on Chris' shoulder.
"Don't fret, you will see Scotland, along with many other places." Chris gave Adam's leg a pat.
After another fifteen or twenty minutes, Cardona pulled the small carriage to a s top in front of Café de Flore. He disembarked and opened the carriage door.
The café was octagonal in shape and was open air. You could sit inside if it was rainy or out on the sidewalk under umbrella covered tables. The building was a green space with flowers, shrubs and decorative trees. It was a beautiful place. The scent of flowers mixed with the smell of fresh baked breads, pastries and strong French coffee.
Chris helped Adam out of the carriage. He then took his pocketbook out of his inner suit coat pocket, and counted out a very generous amount of coins.
"Here, get yourself some breakfast. We'll be here an hour and half or so." Chris handed the coins to Cardona.
Cardona took the coins with a smile. "Thank you, your Lordship. It will park around the back." He gave a nod.
"Perfect. Enjoy yourself." Adam spoke as he stood next to the small but elegant carriage.
With another nod, Cardona got back into the driver's seat and headed for the carriage parking at the back of the café. There were also tables there for Coachmen and Grooms to eat while they waited for their passengers.
A host led Chris and Adam to a lovely outdoor table, nestled in a corner. The newlyweds were partially hidden by shrubs and flowers in full, fragrant bloom.
Chris spoke in fluent French as he ordered a selection of Croissants and pastries. He also ordered a pot of rich, French pressed coffee. The waiter gave a nod and a smile as he hurried off to fill their order.
Adam laughed. "You sound… different when you speak French. I think I like it… very much." He tried not to blush, but a light pink dusted his cheeks.
Chris' lips curled into a sly smirk. He leaned in and whispered in Adam's ear. "I will remember that, tonight… in bed." He gave his husband a kiss on the cheek. It only made the flush on Adam's face darken.
Adam didn't have time to react or speak. Their waiter and his helper brought out their breakfast. The breads and pastries were fresh and hot, as was the coffee. There were also different things to go with the bread such as butter, jams, marmalade, cheeses and meats like beef and pork sliced paper thin.
Adam could only stare at the plethora of food. He didn't know what to start with, it all looked so delicious. Even his mother couldn't bake this well.
Chris buttered a piece of croissant, then added some orange marmalade. He popped the bite into his mouth and smiled. "I forgot just how good this is." Chris spoke after he swallowed his bite.
Adam chuckled. "I can't decide where to start. Chris, let's not tell ma about all this wonderful food. I feel a bit guilty. Oh well, I am hungry." He too picked a croissant and chose a red plum jam and butter. He couldn't stop the smile that formed on his lips as his taste buds kicked in.
Chris too chuckled as he watched his husband. "I think you're right. We'd better not tell momma Judy. Try the coffee. Instead of boiling on the stove, they pour the hot water through the ground beans, then press it. Nothing like it. Just be prepared, it is much stronger than you are used to." He poured Adam a cup the said hot coffee.
Adam tasted the coffee. Chris watched bemusedly as Adam added a drop of cream and a cube of sugar. After he stirred, the blond took another sip. "Much better. It is delicious, but a tad too strong for me. However, you can taste the coffee better. Oh, I can't explain it very well." He took another bite of bread and sip of coffee.
Chris happily laughed. "I do understand. I am glad you are enjoying breakfast." He too continued to eat. The couple laughed and talked as they devoured their breakfast.
When the meal was finished, Matt Cardona drove the newlyweds to the Eiffel Tower. Adam's eyes grew wider and wider as he and Chris walked across the plaza that led to the base of "The Iron Lady" as the Parisians called the structure.
Chris opted to pay five cents for the more professionally published guide, with accurate facts and history about the grand structure. They were going to the top, but Adam wanted to walk up the six hundred steps to the second level.
As they began the climb, Chris read from the booklet. "She is one thousand eighty three feet tall, making her the tallest building in the world. Her base is square, measuring four hundred ten feet on each side. She was built for the eighteen eighty nine Exposition Universal, or World's Fair." Chris had to stop reading. He needed to take some air into his lungs. It was hard to talk and climb three hundred steps to the first level.
Adam stopped, they were a little over halfway to the first level. "Oh my. This is harder than I thought. Could you imagine if I had to carry a loaded tray as well! He was a little breathless as they paused their climb.
Chris managed a light chuckle. "I am quite sure, you could do it, if you had to. I thought I was in top condition, but yes, this is daunting. Probably because it was much steeper than a normal staircase. We can take the lift from the first level."
Adam nodded. "I will agree to that… but is it safe? I've never been in a lift before." He looked worried. They stood in a corner, not to be in the way of others climbing up or coming down.
"Yes love, it is safe. We can rest on the first level and have a cup of tea. You can sketch if you want." Chris took Adam by the hand and started up the stairs again.
The couple had finally made it up to the third level, after taking the lift. Adam could barely breathe as the view was so spectacular. He wasn't sure where to look first.
"Look, there is Notre Dame." Chris pointed out the famous church as they stood at the rail.
Adam pulled out his sketchbook and began to fly his pencil across the paper. He wasn't the only one. May artists drew from the sights below them. Chris quietly left his husband to draw. He wanted a peek at the talent of the other artists on the Eiffel Tower.
Chris had to admit, there a few very talented artists. He also felt his husband was among them in talent. When Chris got back to where Adam stood, he noticed an older man watched his husband draw.
Chris moved to stand close to Adam. "That's so wonderful, darling. You are among the best artists up here." He spoke when Adam closed his book and it put it and the pencil back into his pocket.
"You are prejudiced, my Lion. But thank you. I'm sorry my drawing took my attention away from you." Adam spoke with a smile and kissed his husband's cheek. Chris had told him Paris was more open to showing public affection.
Chris chuckled. "It's alright, love. I want you to enjoy yourself. I love watching you draw. Shall we go to the Arc de Triomphe now?"
"Oh yes. I can't wait to see it up close." Adam smiled with excitement.
An hour later, Chris watched as Adam drew the massive arch structure. He also noticed the same older man from before, also watched. Chris wasn't scared, but he was wary of the older man.
Just as Adam finished, the older man walked up to the newlyweds. He spoke in French. "Hello, my name is Edgar. I would like to compliment your artwork. I have seen many artists on our streets. Not many have the talent like you. May I look at your book?" He was more frail than Chris had first thought.
Adam replied in French. "Thank you, very much. My name is Adam, this is my husband, Christopher. Yes, you may look. I don't think you will be so enamored by looking at them up close." He held his book out to the older man.
Chris watched as the man looked at his husband's drawings. There was something about the man, now that he had a close look. No… I couldn't be… could it?
Edgar smiled as he handed the sketchbook back to Adam. "Where can I buy one of your sketches?" Again, he spoke in French.
"I don't have any to sell. I draw for the love of it. I am flattered that you think my work is good enough to sell." Adam too replied in French.
Edgar frowned. "Shame. I would like to have a piece of your work. I understand though. Art is private for many people. Commercialism can kill the creative spirit in some. I dare say, perhaps one day, someone will find you work and put it in the Louver. You are that good. Nice meeting you both. Enjoy your time in Paris." Edgar tipped his hat and started to walk away.
Before the man could leave, Chris spoke in French. "Sir, are you Edgar Degas?" He looked at the man, brow arched.
Edgar simply winked, turned on his heel and walked away. He was soon lost in the small crowd of people.
"Adam, that was Edgar Degas. He is one the most famous artists in Paris. He is the one that painted those dancers you liked in Lawler's Gallery. " Chris spoke in English again, but his tone was full of awe.
Adam's mouth fell open in shock. "What? He painted those lovely dancers? He wanted one of my drawings? I need… to sit down."
Cardona pointed out a café across the street. He'd been nearby with the carriage. He went on alert when Lord Adam looked ready to faint. He returned to the driver's seat as Lord Chris led his husband to the café.
After some tea, the couple spent the rest of the afternoon at Notre Dame. Adam drew several pictures of the famous gargoyles. Chris watched with utter pride and joy. At each place they visited, they bought little souvenirs, like postal cards with pictures. Adam also remembered to pick up matches for Cody.
The couple ended their day at the Moulin Rouge. A red windmill on the building made it stand out as well as a giant elephant that adorned the garden.
During dinner, the newlyweds enjoyed the Folies Bergére, a rather risque show, that ended with a Can Can dance. It was a bit naughty, but both the young Lords enjoyed it.
As Matt Cardona drove the Lords back to Chateaux Mayfield, Adam fell asleep. His head rested on his husband's shoulder. Chris held Adam safely in his arms.
Chris spoke softly to Cardona. We will ride the Chateaux property tomorrow and have a picnic. If you are able, we will go back to Paris the next day. We will spend the day at the Louver." He wanted Adam to have a day of rest before going to the huge museum.
"Not to worry, your Lordship. I will look after your needs. The meadow is beautiful this time of year and completely private." Cardona replied with a smile.
Chris returned the smile. "Thank you. It is nice to know you will be there. I will make sure Lady Mayfield knows of your excellent work." He still held Adam close as they rode along.
The next day found the newlyweds riding across the Chateaux property. Cardona had given them two bay horses for the day. Chris rode a tall stallion named Timber and Adam rode a mare named Bella.
Tamina, the cook, had made a delicious picnic for them. Mizanin would set it up the stream later, then pick it up after the couple left. He also assured the two Lords that they would be in complete privacy.
The riders stopped at the boulder Adam had drawn on their first day at the Chateaux. Chris dismounted, then held Bella so Adam could dismount. The horses stood and grazed as the couple climbed the boulder.
Adam laughed as he sat on top of the giant rock. "It didn't look this big from the balcony."
Chris sat next to his husband. "Me either. It is beautiful here though. So peaceful."
Adam leaned over and laid his head on Chris' shoulder. "Yes, it is. I still can't get over an artist, like Edgar Degas, thought my work was good. I wish I could have shown him Tommy's work. With an endorsement from someone like Degas, it would ensure his scholarship." He sighed.
Chris kissed the top of Adam's head and wrapped an arm around his waist. "Yes, it would. Well, I am sure Tommy will do well without it. You've helped him so much. I've seen the vast improvement. Now, as much as I love and miss our darling children, let's just enjoy being together… oh look, two momma sheep with twins." Chris pointed to the valley slope to the left of the boulder.
"So sweet… but darn it, lamb tastes so good. Why do they have to be so adorable?" Adam chuckled a bit.
Chris too laughed. "I don't know. These won't end up on plates, at least not ours. These are more valuable wool sheep. Very few are… well, never mind." He gently untied the leather thong that held Adam's hair in a pony tail.
Adam smiled and shook his hair free. A light breeze blew some of the wispy strands of blond hair. He looked at Chris with love and adoration in his eyes. Chris captured Adam's lips in a deep kiss.
Adam wrapped his arms around Chris and totally submitted to his husband's kiss, love and comfort. It was a glorious feeling for the former Footman.
When the kiss broke, Chris embraced Adam. "How I do love you, my sweet kitten. I can't imagine not having you in my life. You complete me. Give me reason to live." Chris spoke softly, then took Adam in another love filled kiss.
The kiss broke and Adam looked at Chris. Tears dripped out of the blond's hazel eyes. "I love you, so much. You too complete me. I thank God for the night the twins were born. It made us… no, it brought us together." He initiated the next kiss.
Chris reluctantly pulled back from the kiss. "Better stop or those lambs will get a view children don't need to see. Let's ride a bit more, so much to see." He stood and helped Adam up.
Adam laughed as he stood. "Yes, some things children do not need to see. Mike said to listen for a hunter's horn. It was nice of him to offer to set up our picnic." He gracefully mounted Bell as Chris held her headstall.
Chris deftly mounted Timber. The newlyweds enjoyed a brisk lope across the fields as they headed toward the meadow.
They pulled up to a stop and again dismounted. The couple walked hand in hand, through the lush green grasses and fragrant meadow flowers. Chris picked a wild red rose and tucked it behind Adam's left ear.
Adam ducked his head. "Not a girl you know, but thank you. I love you." He gave his husband a kiss on the cheek.
"You are all man, but, I couldn't resist. I love you, my Kitten." Chris spoke then gave Adam a soft kiss.
The couple continued their walk as they led their horses with one hand and held hand with the others. Ever so often the couple kissed.
While they walked, they talked softly. Most about adopting Melanie, but many other topics as well. Chris wished he could confide in Adam about Randal Orton, but he didn't dare. It was just better that way. Adam wished he could discuss his letter translations, but he couldn't It was just better that way.
After an hour and half of walking, talking and kissing, a sharp blast from a hunting horn echoed across the meadow.
The two Lords mounted their horses. Chris took a look at the small map Mizanin had drawn. It would lead them to their picnic by the stream.
When they arrived at the picnic spot, both men gasped. It was a beautiful area of lush green grass, next to a narrow stream. A large blanket had been laid out under the shade of a weeping willow. The frail branches would curtain the couple in privacy.
Mike had also left to long ropes for the horses. They would be able to graze and drink. While Chris tended the horses, Adam sat down on the blanket.
Adam opened the basket. He was a bit confused. "Lion, why would Mike have put bath towels in here?" He held up the towels, his brow crinkled.
Chris put their saddles on a fallen log, then joined Adam on the blanket. "I think he thought we might enjoy a dip in the stream." He gave Adam sly wink.
"But we didn't bring any bathing togs. Too bad, it is a lovely day for a swim. Sometimes Jay and I go the swim pond at Hyde Park." Adam gave a bit of a sigh.
Chris laughed. "We are in France, we can do what the French do. Swim naked. It is just us and a few birds, and who are they going to tell? Dean and I used to do it on the old Estate in the summers we spent there." He gave Adam a very wicked smirk.
Adam looked at his husband with wild eyes. "You are a very, very naughty man. Alright, I will admit, Jay and I did the same on the Estate, but we were little boys."
Chris gave a shrug. "So? Now we are big boys, what is the difference? After all we are married." He gave another shrug.
Adam's face contorted in thought. "Are you sure this is totally private? No one will suddenly appear?" He arched his brow at his husband.
Chris laughed again. "Very private. This is the center of the Chateaux property. Mizanin wouldn't have put those in if he thought there was any risk. We don't have to, love. Not if it truly makes you uncomfortable."
"Yes, that is true. A servant would never set out to bring deliberate harm. I do love a swim and the stream looks inviting…" Adam let his words fade as his mind drifted.
Adam lips turned into a smirk. Before Chris could blink, or so it seemed, Adam stripped naked. The next thing Chris saw was Adam's glorious bottom as the blond dashed to the stream. It took Chris less than a minute to join his husband. The couple laughed as they dove into a deep pool in the stream.
When they rose up out of the water, the couple laughed again. Adam spoke. "I expected it to be colder, this is perfect." He stood belly deep in the stream.
Chris chuckled. "Me too. It is perfect. You look like a water nymph." He pulled a naked Adam into his arms.
Adam melted into the kiss. Any shyness he'd felt washed down the stream. He just wanted to be in his husband's arms. Fully clothed or stark naked, it was the best place in the world to be.
The couple splashed, played and same in the stream like carefree children. Even Timber and Belle seemed to enjoy the play as they drank from the edge of the stream.
The couple went back to the blanket under the wispy weeping willow tree. They unashamedly made love on the warm blanket. They lay in each others arms, and nibbled on fresh grapes, strawberries and cheese… still in their naked glory.
After a while, they toweled their hair and redressed. They left their shirts unbuttoned, the sun felt good on their skin.
Chris pulled out a wooden box that been heavily lined to keep the food warm. "Ah, roast pheasant." He pulled out the delicious, perfectly cooked bird. It was still piping hot.
"Oh, and roast potatoes, and a broccoli salad." Adam opened two more boxes.
The couple dished up their plates and sat cross-legged across from each other. They ate and talked. Sometimes they fed bits to one another and gazed into each others eyes.
"Oh Christopher, I never knew how deeply I could love someone. I love you." Adam leaned forward and kissed Chris tenderly.
Chris held Adam's face gently. "I love you, with all that I am. I love you." He pulled Adam in for a deep kiss.
Later that evening, they enjoyed a lovely steak dinner in the dining room. Adam had told Chris it would be easier for the staff to eat there rather than on their balcony. Chris easily agreed.
"Mizanin, please thank the cook for the picnic and this supper. Also thank her for making the picnic so special." Adam praised as Mike and Maryse cleared their now empty plates.
Mike paused his work. "I will, your Lordship. It was our pleasure. Your Lordship, Cardona will be ready to take you back to Paris tomorrow. He will do as last time. Will your Lordships require meals here tomorrow?" He went back to clearing.
"No meals. We won't be out as late though. We will be back after supper. The Louver will be tiring. I add my thanks for today. It was a very special day for us. Oh and you were right, the swim was lovely." Chris spoke with a sly wink to the young Butler.
Mike returned the sly wink. "Very well, your Lordship. You will enjoy the Louver. You are most welcome." He gave a bow. Little did Adam know, Chris had asked Mike to put in the towels. He had known all along about the swimming hole.
"Ah, here comes the pudding." Chris smiled as the two servants returned with dessert and coffee.
Mizanin served a French apple pie with French vanilla ice cream as Maryse poured their coffee. "Enjoy, your Lordships. I lit a small fire in the parlor if you wish to sit. There is a wireless as well." Mike gave a nod. He and Maryse left as quickly and quietly as they had entered.
Adam laughed. "I thought we were quick in leaving, but they are really quick. Just one thing, Mizanin has a slight squeak in his left shoe. Mark would have a fit."
"He did? I honestly didn't notice." Chris smiled and sipped his coffee.
Adam chuckled. "Guess my ears are better trained. However, you not noticing means we were doing our work correctly. Servants are not supposed to be noticed.. He gave a nod of satisfaction.
Chris smirked. "Oh trust me, you were noticed. I loved it when Mark finally let you serve at table and parties. You moved so gracefully. May times Dean or Roman had to pull me back from staring at you."
Adam ducked his head with a flush. "You did? I have to admit, Mark caught me staring at you. Let's just say, I never did it again. All Mark has to do is say don't do that...with a look of a dead man." He shook at the memory.
Chris nodded. "I saw that look once. When Dean and Roman joined the family, Dean instantly became my partner in crime. We were going to play a joke on Stephanie and Natalya during one of their sleepovers. Mark caught us, but said nothing, but he had that look. You are right, it works."
The couple finished their meal and went to the parlor. It was a small cozy room. The furniture was over stuffed and so comfortable. Books lined the shelves, but Adam ignored them. He and Chris sat close together on the small sofa. They enjoyed an after dinner cigar and small sip of brandy. It was a lovely way to end the day.
At one o'clock the next afternoon, Adam sighed as he and Chris sat down in the café in the Louver. They ordered a full tea, they were very hungry.
"I… just… it is almost too much. The Mona Lisa was beautiful, but, I am glad to have been warned she was so small. The Winged Victory… I hope my sketch does her justice." Adam spoke in weary but awe filled tone.
Chris nodded. "We will buy a book in the shop of the items on display. You can use that for reference when we get back to London. We will buy one for Tommy, to use to study for the scholarship. We will see if there something for all the children to enjoy as well."
They paused as their tea arrived. There were elegant sandwiches, petite cakes and decorated biscuits. The tea was fragrant, imported from India. When their server left, Adam spoke.
"I would like that. I want to do some shopping tomorrow after our morning at the Sacré Coeur. It will be even more beautiful when they finish building it." Adam looked forward to drawing the nearly built church.
"Fine with me, love. We can spend the day after tomorrow resting. My goodness that tea was good." Chris relaxed and patted his belly after the waiter left from clearing the table.
Adam groaned a bit and also rubbed his tummy. "Yes, it was. Chris… I want to get something for the girls, but…" He ducked his head. Endless access to money was still very new to him.
Chris immediately understood. "Love, what's mine is yours. You can buy whatever you want for whoever you want. As a matter of fact…" He paused and pulled out his pocketbook. He took out a large amount of French Francs and handed them across the table to his husband. "I meant to do that sooner. That way you don't have to ask." Chris gave Adam a wink.
Adam hesitated, but when he saw the sincerity on his husband's face, he took the money. "Thank you, my Lion. This part of married life is still new to me. You know I don't have much of my own, but what I do have is yours as well. I thought about getting the girls some lovely French lace and trimmings for their dressmaking. Make them feel special in their cotton and broadcloth." Adam smiled at the thought of Beth, Becky and Paige.
Chris nodded. "That would be nice. I am going to by momma Judy and Stephanie the latest in French hats and gloves."
Adam grinned brightly. "Ma would love that. You are so thoughtful. It means so much to me that you love ma. She sure loves you."
"How could I not love her. She created you." Chris spoke with a laugh.
The next day, the couple walked down the avenue des Champs-Élysées, the main street for shopping. They had just purchased a few yards of French lace and several different buttons, ribbons and other small notions for Judy and the girls. Hats were next on the list.
Earlier, Adam had purchased the perfume for his mother that Mark had given him the money for. He'd been stunned at the amount of money Mark had sent to spend. It touched Adam that the man loved his mother so much, to spend so much on a luxury. His mother would adore it. Adam had picked a fragrance that smelled like mixed florals.
Chris had bought fine tobacco and something new, rolling papers with flavors. Dean would love them.
As they headed to the millinery shop, the couple spoke. "I'm sorry you weren't able to sketch the church. We couldn't know it would be closed off due to construction." Chris spoke with a tone of comfort. Adam had been disappointed.
"A bit disappointing, but I can understand. Construction can be dangerous. Imagine a slab of that marble breaking loose and hitting people." Adam spoke firmly.
They arrived at the hat shop. Chris opened the door for his husband. As soon as he stepped into the shop, Adam let out a gasp.
"Oh Chris, look. It is perfect for…" Adam was interrupted by Chris.
"Our Melanie." Chris stated firmly as he looked at the baby blue straw hat with pink silk rosebuds that looked real. A baby blue and baby pink ribbons fell down the back.
A young saleswoman came up to the couple. She greeted them in English, but heavily laced with a French accent. She just knew they were Englishmen, probably titled.
"Greetings gentlemen. Welcome to Madame La Fontaine's. How may I be of service?" She spoke warmly and smiled with happiness.
Adam caught her smile and returned it. "We want that beautiful hat for our daughter." He walked over to the hat. It would be so pretty on Melanie with her raven hair.
"How sweet. How old is she?" The young girl asked as she removed the hat from the display.
Chris spoke. "She is six. We are adopting her for Christmas. The hat will make a lovely gift."
The young woman grinned. "That is wonderful. I was raised in an orphanage in England. Then momma and poppa La Fontaine adopted me. I too was six."
Adam and Chris looked at one another. Chris' brow arched. "Lady Prudence Mayfield?"
"Yes! Oh, she is a wonderful lady." Miss La Fontaine spoke with excitement.
Both Adam and Chris launched into their work with Prudence and the orphanage.
"… so we are staying at the Chateaux. It was her wedding gift to us." Adam finished their story.
"Ah, then you know Maryse. She sews for mother and I during the racing season. Congratulations on your marriage. Now, may I help you find something else?" Miss La Fontaine asked with an even brighter smile.
When they left the shop, Chris carried thee hat boxes. He'd bought Judy a black hat with feathers and for his sister, a cream colored hat with pale blue feathers and netting for a short veil, and of course, the hat for Melanie. They found Cardona waiting with the carriage and left their purchases with him.
The couple went to a clothing store, but didn't buy anything. The French clothes were high quality, but they both preferred good old English attire.
The next shop was the equal to a stationary store. They decided to purchase a new pen for Wade Barrett. After all, the man did keep Shane company. It would also be rude to have him be the only one who didn't get a gift from their trip.
Next they went to a store that specialized in clothes and things for babies and children. They wanted something special for Beatrice and Reginald. Adam wanted something for Nanny Renee as well.
Adam looked at girls dresses while Chris looked at blankets. "Chris!" Adam called out to his husband.
Chris hurried over to Adam. His husband held up a beautiful blue cotton dress with a white pinafore. The colors perfectly matched the hat they had bought.
"Yes, we must." Chris spoke with a salesgirl in French about getting the correct size.
When they left the shop, an hour later with several packages. The dress, shoes and stockings for Melanie. Adam had picked a nice bag for Nanny Renee. She could carry things for the twins when they left the house. For Bea they found a lovely yellow dress with a matching bonnet and booties. For baby Reggie, they bought a blue suit, also perfect for outings. The pants were short, but there were stockings and booties along with a knit cap.
When they got back to the carriage, Adam let out a groan. "My feet are killing me. I know we planned on going to dinner, but it would be an issue to just go to the Chateaux?" Adam didn't whine, but he tread on the border.
Cardona spoke up as he packed the shopping neatly into a pannier at the rear of the carriage. "No, your Lordship. It will be no issue at all. Tamina will whip up a meal with no effort."
"Then we will go to the Chateaux. I am exhausted as well." Chris spoke firmly as he sat next to Adam.
The sun was low in the sky when the carriage pulled up to Chateaux Mayfield. The door opened. Mike Mizanin stood, a yellow paper in his hand. He wore a very grim expression on his face.
Adam was the first to notice. "Mike, what is it?" He spoke as a former Footman, not a Lord.
Mike handed Adam the yellow paper. Adam took it and read it. Chris had joined his husband on the steps.
Adam looked from the paper to Chris. "It's….Shane."
