A/N: My dear readers. I always want to be open and honest with you. My writing motivation slipped me for a couple of weeks. I think it was adjusting to being back home after so many months in the hospital. Also, the end of November is hard for me. It marks the anniversary of losing my spouse, and that depression, on top of all the post hospital emotions, just took away any desire I had to do anything creative. It is returning, but there will only be more more chapter to add after this one. I promise to write fast and furious to get more chapters out to you as soon as possible. I may end this story with the next chapter, and continue after the new year with part two. I had not planned on this story being more than 50 chapters, but, when the characters take hold of my hand and write their story... it can become longer than expected. I think a part 2 would be best. As I have said, it make take me a while, but I will NEVER leave you hanging with an unfished story. Thank all of you for being so loyal and faithful as I go through a difficult time. I am better, and with that, my creativity returned. Thank you, all of you so much. I hope you enjoy the story. All the best, LadyDragonsblood.
Duke Bret Hart listened as Vince spoke on the telephone. He knew it was Christopher, and something had happened. All Bret could do was wait for the call to end.
"It's alright, son. None of us made a connection. There may not even be one, people do have the same name. We aren't the only McMahon's in England, nor in London for that matter. Now calm down, son. Bret is here and we will put two and two together. Yes, Adam is fine, Roman is with him as we speak. Now, go back to your business with Prudence, leave the other to me. Son, I do thank you, it is important we find out if there is a connection. Yes, I will, goodbye, son." Vince ended the call. The expression on his face was unreadable.
"What is it, Vince? Are Chris and Shane alright?" Bret asked in a worry filled voice, the expression on his face matched his tone.
Vince looked at Bret. "They are fine. Christopher realized something… something we missed. Bret, what is the name of the Esquire our boys work for? The lawyer that knows all our legal and financial information." He arched his brow at Bret, and waited for it to sink in.
"William Regal, why?" Bret spoke without hesitation. He looked at Vince, who looked at him.
"Say it again, my friend." Vince would have laughed if it wasn't so serious. He still couldn't believe everyone had missed it. Of course, it wasn't the same man, but were they related?
Bret slapped his forehead. "Regal… how did we miss it? I will get one of my men on to an investigation. You do know, Lawyer Regal had his eyes on Dean. Maybe there was more to it. If our Lawyer is one of Banks' men… all our most personal and private information… oh Vincent, I hate to even think it, let alone say it."
"I know what you mean. I have always considered him a close family friend. I trusted him. Oh know he wanted Dean, but I would have never sold out my son like that. I knew how much Dean loves Kenny. Get on it Bret, before panic erupts. Chris was wise to call. We could be jumping at shadows. Many people have the same name, but don't share any family what so ever." Vince spoke with more confidence than he actually had. He had a bad feeling.
Bret let out a wry chuckle. "Don't put on false airs, my friend. I am just as worried as you are. If Banks got a hold of our private information… the one good thing, we have no skeletons that Banks could use against us. If you could step out, please? I will get an investigation underway." Bret looked at Vince. Some things had to be done in secret, even from Vince.
Vince stood. "I will go check on Adam. Take your time." He gave Bret a pat on the shoulder.
"Thanks, Vinny. Nothing personal, but you know how it is." Bret gave his friend a nod of appreciation. When Vince left, Bret picked up the telephone. "Calaway, please connect me to seven-six-three, then hang up. Thank you."
Vince closed the door to his office. Roman had just come down the stairs. "Father, are you finished work?" Roman asked as he stepped toward the door of the morning room.
"No, son. Your Uncle Bret needed to make a confidential call to his office. I was going to check on Adam. Is he up to another visitor?" Vince asked his step-son. He hope he'd managed to remove the worry from his face.
Roman smiled. "I am sure Adam would love to see you. He is almost finished with the translation. If you won't need me for a while, I could go for a walk with Seth and the twins." He gave Vince a look of hope. He loved being able to spend more time with Beatrice. Reginald and Seth during the summer break.
"Of course, son. Go, enjoy your children. Before you can blink they will be grown and independent. Trust me. Even you and Dean grew up too fast. Roman, I hope I have been there for you and Dean when you needed me." Vince looked at Roman. All the recent events had made him realize just how truly valuable family was.
Roman looked at Vince. "Yes, father. You were always there for us, even if you were busy with work. Dean and I couldn't have asked for a better step-father. We see how much you love poppa and that means everything to us. I loved my father, Sika, and I love you just as much. Are you alright, father?"
Vince smiled. "Thank you, son. I needed to hear that. Yes, I am alright. All the… mess and nearly losing Shane twice, has made me realize, nothing means more than family. Now, go be with Seth and the twins. I am going to up to Adam." He gave Roman a firm pat on the shoulder.
Roman followed Vince back up the stairs. Seth was in the nursery with Nanny Renee and the twins. Vince paused and lightly knocked on the door of Chris and Adam's rooms.
"Please come in." Adam called out. He figured Mark had sent someone up to fetch the tea tray.
Vince opened the door and stepped into the room. "Hello, son. Do you mind a visit? Please, be honest. We want you safe and healthy." He spoke in a softer than usual tone of voice, and a smile to match.
Adam grinned. "Hello, father. How are you? If I may be so bold and honest, you look… stressed. Can I do anything to help?" He was worried about Vince, the man did look stressed.
Vince smiled at his son-in-law. "I am alright, son. You are helping, by doing these translations. You have no idea how much better and faster you are than the translators at Westminster. I also know I can trust you, how is this one going?" He sat in the chair next to the bed with a bit of a sigh.
Adam looked at Vince. "I am almost finished. Probably another hour, if that long. May I ask a question?" Adam arched his brow at his father-in-law.
Vince let out his distinct chuckle. "Of course you can. But, let me guess first. Is the man in Berlin on our side, a possible traitor to his country? Or is he playing us for fiddles? Hoping to learn some of our national secrets? It's alright, son. You are going to put two and two together sometimes. It is only natural that you would be curious." It was Vince's turn to arch his brow at Adam.
Adam shook his head. "That is exactly what I was going to ask. Do you trust him?" He gave Vince a hard look, after all, it was a hard subject.
"The truth? My instincts say yes, we can. But, if I am honest, a part of me says no. All we can do is vet him as much as possible. When we can talk, face to face, I will know for sure, as well as Bret. Right now, the best way you can help is to keep translating and helping me with what to say in return, speak to him like he is a best friend." Vince gave Adam a wink.
Adam grinned. "I will. I will send this down to you as soon as I am finished. Do you want me to add reply suggestions, like usual?" He picked up his pen again, ready to dip it into the bottle of ink, to continue writing the translation.
"If you would, son. You make excellent suggestions. I will write the reply as soon as you are finished. The quicker we can get him here to England, the better. We must be careful on how that comes about. Bret should be finished with his telephone call by now. I will leave you to it. Please, don't over do. A day or two will not matter. Nothing is more important than your health...especially now." Vince leaned over and kissed Adam on the cheek, with a grin.
Adam smiled. "I am fine, grandfather. I will be finished soon. Good luck with work." He gave a little wave as Vince left. Adam looked at the letter, he began to translate the last paragraph. At least it wasn't long.
Vince quietly opened the door to his office. He was surprised to find Calaway serve luncheon on trays. "No dining room luncheon?" Vince asked as he sat in one of the leather reading chairs in his study.
"No, Your Grace. As it is only the four of you, Duke Eric thought this best. He and Duke Hart are dining in the morning room. Lord Roman took his family to luncheon then for a walk." Mark gave a nod as he spoke. He waited to see if he was needed further.
"I see. Thank you, Calaway. That will be all. Oh wait, make sure our Adam eats." Vince gave Mark a wink. While they may have been gentry and servant, the were both grandfathers to Chris and Adam's children.
"Yes, Your Grace." Mark returned the wink, and left the room quietly.
"I've got Orton on it." Bret spoke as soon as Mark closed the door.
Vince held up a hand. "Wait, let us eat first. Talking about… those things will give me indigestion. Missus Calaway's food is too good." He dug into his roast beef, roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes with gusto.
Bret only nodded in agreement and also ate like a starving wolf. Working at a desk could sometimes make you as hungry as a swift gallop or long, brisk walk in Hyde Park.
In the morning room, Eric and Shawn enjoyed the same luncheon as their husbands. "Eric, you could have gone with Roman and Seth. You didn't need to stay for me." Shawn spoke before he took another bite of the wonderful roasted beef.
Eric shook his head. "No, they need their family time. Roman doesn't often have time off like this. I want him to enjoy the twins as much as possible. Oh Shawn, is it wrong for me to say Sika would have loved them and been a wonderful grandfather?" He sighed a bit, as he thought of his first husband, the father of Roman and Dean.
"No, Eric. It is only natural. You know Vince doesn't mind either. You let him keep Patrick in his heart. I wish I'd met Sika, he sounds like a wonderful man." Shawn spoke in a tone of comfort. He knew how lost he would be if something ever happened to Bret.
Eric smiled. "Thank you, my friend. Yes, we are both lucky. Vince isn't jealous of my memories of Sika and I am not jealous of Patrick. We both know how important it is to keep their memories alive. Little Reggie has a strong look of Sika in his eyes. That boy will be a water-man one day. I can only pray, it will never be in a war." Eric let out another sigh.
"Eric, my friend, if you have a fault it is how you worry about things, before there is anything to worry about. Eric, Reggie could grow up to be anything, from a water-man to an equestrian, perhaps a physician. Worry about it later. You have enough on your plate." Shawn cast a worried glance at his friend. Eric really did worry too much, and he did too much.
Eric chuckled. "You are right, Shawn. I do worry too much… about the wrong things. And, I will probably be wrong anyway. Bea will turn out to be the sailor." He laughed, and began to eat. Shawn could always make him feel better.
At the Mayfield Orphanage, luncheon was nearly finished. Melanie asked Chris more than once about Adam. She was very worried about him.
"Yes, darling girl. I promise, Uncle Adam is fine. Eugenia's new father is Uncle Adam's Doctor." Chris hoped maybe that bit of knowledge would help. Melanie had always looked up to Eugenia.
Melanie wiped her mouth with her napkin. Chris could see she was in deep thought. "You are right, Uncle Chris. Eugenia wouldn't let anything happen to Uncle Adam. She is a good nursing sister. She helped me when I hurted my ankle. Remember?" She looked at Chris with total adoration.
Chris smiled. "No, she would not. Now, finish your luncheon. Your old Uncle Chris might have a story to tell you." He winked at their future daughter.
Prudence smiled at the interaction. She knew Melanie would be in the best possible hands.
In Vince's study, the two men had finished their luncheon. They were back to work at Vince's desk. Bret spoke. "...so I put Orton onto the investigation of Esquire Regal. As Barrett is staying put, Orton has the time to do it. Don't worry, we still have eyes on the Banks Estate. You know the more I think about it, the more sure I am there is no relationship. Why would brothers both be named William?" Bret shuffled through some papers. When he found the one he looked for, he slid the paper across the desk to Vince.
Vince picked up the paper. "I suppose you're right. Bit I just can't shake the feeling I have. Well, if anyone can find out, it will be Orton." Bret gave a nod of agreement. Soon they were deep into their work.
Upstairs, Adam finished in the WC and returned to bed. He felt fine, but he knew he needed the rest. He'd also finished the translation. He had a few suggestions on replies Vince could make, they would only take a few minutes to jot down.
As Adam put the lap writing desk back over his legs, Mark entered the room. Adam smiled at his step-father. "Be sure to tell ma it was delicious." Adam spoke as Mark picked up his empty luncheon tray.
Mark also smiled at his step-son. "I will. Jason would have come, but he was sent to pick up Lady Stephanie and Lady Natalya from Harrods. Do you need anything son?" Hid brow arched. Was Adam a bit pale, or was it from the sun coming in the southern facing windows?
"No. Thank you, poppa Mark. I have a few more minutes of work, then I am done. I will rest then. I see the worry on your face. I promise, I feel fine." Adam again smiled at Mark.
"Alright. When you are finished, ring. I will take the letter down to his Grace. Call if you need anything else." Mark gave Adam a gentle pat on the head, then left the room. He made a mental note to check on Adam later.
In the office, Bret leaned back in his chair with a very deep sigh. "Nothing, absolutely nothing. Neither Barrett or Lady Banks have left the Estate. Nor has anyone come to visit. There has been no post from any country outside of England. A supply wagon arrives twice a week, with fresh food. It makes no sense. Lady Sasha must be ready to climb the walls. She used to go out every day, for hours. Like you, this gives me a bad feeling. Those two need to be behind bars." Bret gave another sigh of frustration. He lit a cigarette, inhaled deeply, the exhaled the cloud of smoke. He felt a bit calmer.
"Letters from her father are probably sent through couriers here. Maybe Chris can tell us something when he and Shane return. I agree, they do need to be behind bars. You will get them there, Bret. Remember that Aesop's Fable, about the tortoise and the hare? Slow and steady wins the race. You will win, my friend. Just be slow and steady." Vince spoke with encouragement. He could see how frustrated and upset Bret was.
If Duke Bret Hart had a second fault, it was impatience. He wanted things done… now. The longer something took, Bret felt more and more like a failure. Bret simply wanted to see justice done.
Bret gave a nod, with a bit of guffaw. "Yes, you are right. Shawn always tells me to be more patient. Thank you for reminding me, my friend. I am a bit worried. How could we have missed the Regal name connection?" Bret let out another long, deep sigh.
"Sometimes the most obvious things are the least noticed. The more I think about it, the more I think there is no connection. Let's just wait for Orton's report. I have no pending business with our Sir Regal. Do you?" Vince lit a cigar and tried to relax. It had to be a coincidence.
Bret looked at the small calendar he used to keep not only his work, but his life organized. "No, nothing. Alright, I will drop it till we hear from Orton. Now, we need to see how to get our German counterpart here, without raising suspicion."
Later in the afternoon, Chris and Shane rode back to London. Shane let out a sigh. "It hurts my heart to leave Jimmy behind. How can you leave Melanie?"
Chris let out a grunt. "Breaks my heart, but, she will be ours soon enough. I know it's hard, Shane. Just remember all the things we talked about concerning Jimmy. Keep in mind, his needs matter more than your wants." He too let out a sigh.
Shane looked at his brother. He could tell something else was on Chris' mind...and it looked heavy. "Chris? Is something wrong? Maybe I could help?"
Chris glanced over at Shane. He could see worry on his younger brother's face. He decided to treat his little brother like an adult. "I am worried, Shane. When Pru and I were working on some legal papers for the orphanage, something hit me, and hit me hard. The name of our family lawyer, who also employs our brother Dean and his fiance Kenny, is William Regal. Strike anything in your head, Shane?" He arched his brow at Shane as Highflyer and Merlin walked side by side with their riders.
Shane's mouth fell open as Chris' words penetrated his brain. "William Regal. It… no, Chris, it can't mean anything. It is just a coincidence, nothing more. Many people have the same name. It doesn't mean they are related." He spoke with the confidence of a teenager...who knew nothing of the world.
"I suppose so. I hope Adam is feeling better. I promised him tea on the balcony." Chris changed the subject. No need to upset Shane with reminders of Paris.
Shane smiled. "May I join you? That is if Adam is up to it? Or did you want to be alone?"
The two riders turned their horses into the mews. "You may join us, if Adam is up to it. And if Professor Priest has nothing planned for you. Don't forget to write that history summary for him." Chris replied honestly as he gently pulled Highflyer to a halt.
Jason took the reigns of both Highflyer and Merlin in hand, as Chris and Shane dismounted. "Have a good time, your Lordship, Master Shane?"
"Yes, we did Reso. Thank you. How is your brother?" Chris asked with a wink. It was hard to stay formal, but they did try.
Jason returned the wink. "He is alright, according to Mister Calaway. Duke Vincent spent some time with him as did Roman. He will be happy to see you." Jason gave Chris another wink, the led the two horses into the stables.
"Come on, Shane. We will go through the servant's hall. I need to see momma Judy." Chris led his little brother to the door that led to the cozy servant's hall.
Chris grinned when they got to the kitchen. Judy watched as Beth, Becky and Paige prepared two trays for afternoon tea. They worked together like a well oiled machine.
"Hello, momma Judy." Chris greeted his mother-in-law with a kiss to her cheek.
"Hello Miss Judy." Shane greeted the cook like he had since he was little, with a kiss to her cheek as well.
Judy smiled brightly. "Hello my dear ones. I hope you had a good time with the dear orphans. My son will be happy to see you. He said something about tea on the balcony. It will be good for him, he needs plenty of fresh air. Especially now."
Chris gave his mother-in-law another kiss. "Yes, we will go out on the balcony. Shane will join us. I'd better get upstairs before a certain blond puts a bounty on my head."
Judy laughed. "And he will too. Tea will be up shortly. Love you my dear boy…" She gave Chris a kiss on the cheek. Judy then turned to Shane. "I love you too, you scalawag." She gave Shane's forehead a kiss. As the cook, she could be a bit informal, no one cared.
"Love you, momma Judy. Come Shane, Adam is waiting." He hurried up the stairs, his blond was waiting.
Shane smiled. "Love you too, Miss Judy." He kissed Judy's cheek and hurried after his brother.
Chris and Shane first went to the morning room to let Eric know they were home safe. Vince and Bret were now in the morning room with their husbands. Work would wait and to be honest, their brains needed a good rest and some tea.
"I'll freshen up. Be there in a few minutes, Chris." Shane spoke as they walked up the stairs.
"Be sure to ask Professor Priest. He may have plans for tea. If so, you can have supper with us. I know Adam misses you." Chris explained as they stood in front of the school room door.
Shane rolled his eyes. "I will, Chris. I miss Adam too. If I'm not here in fifteen minutes, you know I am in here with Professor Priest." He opened the door and went into the school room.
Chris chuckled and opened the door to his and Adam's room. Adam sat on the edge of the bed and tied his shoe laces. He was more than ready to finally go out on the balcony and get some fresh air into his lungs. The baby needed it as well.
Adam grinned when he heard his husband enter the room. "How was our Melanie? Did you remember to bring Tommy's exercise book?"
Chris chuckled at how fast Adam spoke. He sat on the bed, next to his husband and kissed him. "She is fine, but worried about you. She sends her love. Yes, I brought Tommy's book. Professor Ross said he was leaving all the art tutoring to you. That gives him and Miss Trish time to work with him on his academics. Professor Ross said you were a far better teacher than he when it comes to art." He laid Tommy's sketchbook on the chair next to the bed. Adam could work on it later.
Adam flushed at the praise. "I'm glad that Professor Ross has the confidence in me. The academics are important, but it is an art school scholarship. Artistic talent will count the most. Oh Chris, I hope he gets the scholarship. He has worked so hard, in a difficult situation." Adam sighed deeply. He felt if Tommy failed, it was his fault for not teaching him art correctly.
"He will do just fine. He will get it… I hope. But remember, if he doesn't, we will send him to another art school. Come now, let's go out on the balcony. Shane will join us if Professor Priest allows it. You don't mind, do you?" Chris stood and held a hand out to help his husband stand.
Adam placed his hand in Chris' and stood. "You know I don't mind. Do me a favor, take that down to Roman to give to Father. It's the letter and reply suggestions I finished." Adam picked up the letter that lay on the writing table, he'd placed on the trunk at the foot of their bed.
Chris took the letter, just as a knock echoed on the door. "Come in." Chris and Adam called out at the same time.
Shane opened the door and entered the room. "Hi. Professor Priest said I could join you. You look really good, Adam." Shane complimented. Adam did look much better.
"Thank you, Shane. I do feel much better. Come, we will go sit while Chris does something for me. So, how was Jimmy…" Adam continued to chat as he and Shane went out the door and onto the balcony.
Chris shook his head with a near silent laugh and took the letter downstairs. He went to the morning room and was warmly again greeted by Eric, Shawn, Roman, Seth, Natalya and Stephanie.
"I thought Father would still be in here." Chris held the envelope as he smiled at his family.
Eric sighed. "He was, but Calaway came to the door, came in and whispered something in your father's ear. Your father and Bret went back to your father's study. It looked serious." He gave his step-son a smile, but worry colored his eyes.
"Well, maybe you can advise me, Roman. This the translation Adam did. Should I wait to give it to him?" Chris looked at Roman. He saw the same worry in his step-brother's eyes.
Roman rubbed his chin. "He probably needs it. Do you want me to give it to him?"
Chris shook his head. "No, I will take it. Rather he yells at me than you. Poppa, Shane is having tea with Adam and I. Doctor will be here later, maybe he will tell Adam he can come down for dinner. I will go and give this to father." He smiled at Eric and a wave to the others and left, letter in hand.
Chris stood in front of the door to his father's office. He could hear muffled voices. One of them sounded like Randal Orton. Perhaps it would be best to not disturb them. He then thought, what if the translated letter could help.
With a shrug, Chris slid the envelope under the door. He used to do that as a child. Chris would write a note to his father and slip it under the door. Sometimes it was an apology for being naughty other times the notes were saying he loved his father. Chris sent a lot of "love" notes under the door just after poppa Patrick had died. Chris wanted Vince to know he was loved and needed. Chris never knew each note was read, then lovingly tucked into a cigar box. The box still sat in the family safe, hidden in the morning room.
Just as Chris got to the steps, the door to Vince's study opened. "Son, come here please. You need to be part of this." Vince spoke firmly and waved Chris over.
Before Vince could close the door, the door to the servant's hall opened. Cody, Beth and Mark entered. Jason followed and balanced three trays of sandwiches and cakes. Chris was impressed with Jason's skill.
Vince spoke. "Lord Christopher will join us, Calaway. Please send his apologies to Lord Adam and Master Shane. It is important… very important."
"I will tell him, Your Grace." Jason spoke up. He took the tray of tea from Beth as she took two of the plates he carried. It was a very graceful dance of skill. Mark just shook his head and took one tray from Beth. He also knew, when Duke Vincent spoke like that, it was terribly serious.
"Cody, serve the morning room, please. Beth please fetch an extra cup from the dining room." Mark entered the office as the two younger servants hurried away.
Upstairs on the balcony, Jason spoke. "...it sounded very serious, Addy. So don't be upset with Chris."
Adam rolled his eyes. It made Shane snicker under his breath. "Jason, I am not upset. I know if his father asked him to stay, it is important. "How is ma? I am missing our Sunday's in the servant's hall. I hope the Doctor will let me out of the room, maybe even tonight for dinner." He gave his brother a smile.
Jason returned his little brother's smile. "She is fine. She is roasting chicken, just for you. We miss you too. Cody is alright at playing chess, but I'd rather play against Chris… he loses so well."
Shane laughed. "That's my brother. Chess is one of the few things he doesn't play very well. He mixes up the movements of the Knights and Bishops. Chris also forgets the Queen can move any direction she wants, as many squares as she wants. Adam, can we have tea now? I am hungry." His eyes landed on the plate of sandwiches and cakes Jason held in his hand.
It was Adam's turn to laugh. "Yes, we can. If my brother would put the tray down and serve." Again both Adam and Shane snickered as Jay put the plate down with a flushed face.
"So sorry, Your Lordship, Master Shane." Jason smiled with a wink to Adam. Jason poured their tea. After a brief goodbye he left. After all, Mark didn't like to be kept waiting. Shawn and Adam had a wonderful chat.
In Vince's office, after tea had been poured, and sandwiches served, Randal Orton spoke. "It appears, Lord Christopher, that you had a right to be concerned. William Regal, your family solicitor is related to our imprisoned William Regal. We do not know the depth of the relationship, or where the connection is. We will find out, but, as your Graces know, tracing family takes time. I have already spoken to our man in Rome. He and his men will get started in the Vatican archives. I have two of our best researchers in English Heraldry at work. They will also check Scotland, Wales and all of Ireland. We now have a team watching every move your Sir William Regal makes. Wish I could have given you a better report." Randy sighed and took a sip of tea and a bite of sandwich.
Chris cocked his head like a curious puppy. "The Vatican? We aren't Catholic, and why would Regal be at the Vatican?" He looked from Randy, to his father, and lastly Bret.
Bret chuckled a bit. "Not many people know this, nor are many allowed in, but the Vatican has vast records on many families. You are listed there, as is my family. We have a person in Rome with an inside connection. We have found things that even the family in question didn't know. We always check those archives whenever possible. By the way, that bit of information remains in this room. Understood?" Bret gave Chris a very pointed look.
Chris gave a nod. "Won't say a word. I don't know why I didn't put the two names together. Oh good Lord, father… he knows everything about us. All our legal papers and all our financial matters. He doesn't have access to our actual bank accounts does he?" Chris went from worried to frantically worried as he looked at his father.
Vince quickly spoke up. "No, he does not. It's bad enough he knows what he does…" Vince stopped when a knock sounded on the door. "Come in." Vince spoke firmly.
Dean opened the door. "Poppa said for me to see you as soon as I got home." He looked a bit like he did when he got a bad report from the Headmaster. The look on Dean's face almost made Chris laugh...almost.
Vice let out his chuckle. "Sit down, son. You are not in trouble. Here, have some tea. Is Kenny here?" Vince asked as he poured Dean a cup of tea. He also passed Dean the plate of sandwiches.
"Yes, he went to the morning room. Thank you, father." Dean wolfed down two sandwiches, he was hungry.
Bret stood. "I will go get him. We need them both. Might as well do it now." He quickly left to fetch his son from the morning room.
Chris spoke up. "Don't worry, brother. No one is in trouble, and no one is harmed. You will understand soon." He too took a bite of sandwich and sipped his tea with a smile to Dean.
Dean smiled when Kenny came into the room. He sat on a footstool next to Dean. When Bret and Kenny were settled Vince spoke.
"Dean, Kenny, I want to know everything you know about your employer, Sir William Regal…"
Upstairs, out on the balcony, Adam poured a second cup of tea for himself and for Shane. "Well, that drains the pot. Should I ring for more?" Adam asked with a laugh. Shane crammed his last sandwich into his mouth.
Shane gave Adam a sheepish look. "Sorry, but I was hungry. No, thank you, I have had enough now. Jimmy said to tell you to come back soon and read a story. Melanie misses you as do Mary, Victoria and Tommy. I heard Tommy talking to Chris, he is nervous. The sitting for the scholarship is soon. I helped him a bit with some maths." This time Shane took a less aggressive sip of tea.
Adam smiled softly. "I hope I can go next week. I miss them all, especially Melanie. It won't be too long now, Christmas isn't all that far away. I'm glad you can help Tommy. I am going to set some complex drawing challenges for him. Oh Shane, he just has to get that scholarship." Adam was nearly in tears when he spoke.
Shane leaned over and put a hand on Adam's shoulder. "Don't cry, Adam. I am sure Tommy will win the scholarship. Chris will be mad at me for making you cry."
Adam managed a laugh. "No, it's not your fault. It's the baby. My emotions run from one end to the other. Chris understands. I cried over a dull shaving blade this morning. Seth told me it will eventually get better. I hope it's nothing too serious." Adam finished his cup of tea.
Shane cocked his head. "Hope what isn't too serious?" He put his empty tea cup and saucer on the tray.
"Whatever is going on in Father's office. My curiosity is strong. Ma tells me it will get me in trouble one day." Adam gave a shrug and put their empty sandwich plates on the tray.
"Poppa says curiosity can lead to great things, but to also remember it killed the cat." he was halted when Mark appeared on the balcony. It would have been scary if they weren't used to it.
As Mark picked up the tray, he spoke. "Master Shane you are to stay here with Lord Adam till Lord Christopher returns. It is nothing to worry about. Do you need anything, son or you Master Shane?" The Butler asked tray in hand.
"No thank you, we are fine. Tell ma I can't wait for supper, I can smell the chicken roasting. I hope the Doctor comes soon. Maybe he will finally let me out of this room." Adam gave a sigh, he was ready to get out of the bedroom.
"I will tell her. Don't worry, I am sure the Doctor will do what is best for you." Mark gave a wink, then a bow. He left as quickly and quietly as he appeared.
Down in Vince's office, Kenny spoke. "Dean said, we have never heard Sir Regal speak badly of anyone's background, not like what Shane heard at Eaton. I know he is a bit… oily, but truthfully aren't all solicitors to a degree?"
Bret nodded. "Yes, they are. I have a question to ask the two of you. How would you like to work for me?"