by Rosemary ( .uk)
"I'll get it " called Maxwell and almost danced up the small steps to the front door. These days he always seemed to have a smile and a spring in his step. However his smile froze when he opened the door. There standing stiffly and efficiently was a tall elegantly suited white haired gentleman.
"Mr. Maxwell," he paused. "I'd recognize you anywhere, even after all these years," his accent betrayed him as distinctly English, probably public school. Max looked at him, somewhere in the dim recesses of his memory this man was indeed familiar. Then it came to him. This was the younger Mr. Braithwaite, his father's old solicitor.
"Mr. Braithwaite," he said smiling. "What a pleasant surprise." Max remembered his youth when the elder Mr Braithwaite had been a frequent visitor, often bringing his son with him. He had been a tall skinny man who always had a kind word for the Sheffield children. "It must be twenty-five years since I last saw you. Do please come in." he smiled broadly and ushered his visitor into the house.
"Thank you. This is a most attractive house, if I may say so. Such an oasis in this," he hesitated significantly, "lovely city." Maxwell took his coat and hung it up.
"Thank you, we're very fond of it." replied Max.
"Max!" Fran yelled downstairs in her usual nasal screech. "Is that Ma?"
Max grinned, "That's my wife Fran. Do please sit down." He walked to the bottom of the stairs. "Fran darling, come on down we have a visitor."
Niles poked his head round the corner, and quickly sized up the situation. Here was a mystery. Urgently he retired to the kitchen to prepare afternoon tea for the guest. He was desperate to return in time for the story to unravel.
Fran made her usual dramatic entrance down the stairs, smiling and vibrant. Her red skirt was, as usual, exceedingly short and her black silk blouse very tight, she looked stunningly beautiful. Mr. Braithwaite stood up immediately. "This is my wife, Fran. Fran this is Mr Braithwaite an old associate from England."
"HI," whined Fran.
"Delighted to meet you madam. I gather you have only recently married, My congratulations." He said smiling politely.
"Good afternoon Mr Braithwaite. Tea?" asked Niles coming in - slightly out of breath- with the tea tray. They all sat and chatted politely for a while. Niles hovered inconspicuously by the piano. Eventually Mr. Braithwaite put down his cup and coughed.
"Well, I suspect you are wondering why I'm here." He hesitated and looked round at the eager faces. "I'm here representing your late Uncle Rupert's estate." He announced.
" But Rupert died at least five years ago?" interrupted Max.
"Yes, but I regret to inform you that his widow, your Aunt Fenella, has been killed in a car accident in the south of France just last week." He said quickly.
"Oh my god." Max stuttered. Fran reached across to comfort him.
"Were you close?" she asked sympathetically.
"Well no. Not to speak ill of the dead but actually she was not one of my favourite people. Rupert and I were more like brothers when we were younger, that is until he married Fenella. She reminded me of my mother. We never got on." He hesitated. "But she was only my age."
"The reason for my visit is that you are a beneficiary in Rupert Sheffield's will, which came into effect when his wife died," continued Mr. Braithwaite. He had everyone's attention now. They all started to interrupt. "No please, let me finish." He said holding up his hand.
"Mr. and Mrs Rupert Sheffield, as I am sure you know, had two children, Richard who is now nine and little Felicity who is seven," he paused dramatically. "Mr Rupert left them to you in his will!"
"Oh my god," gasped Max.
"Oh the poor little dears," Fran cried. "Fancy being left to an Uncle they don't know, in a will, like a piece of furniture."
"Oh my god," said Max again. "Bloody hell, I mean where are they?" he asked.
"The children are still in their boarding schools in England at the moment," he said sadly.
"I thought Fenella had a sister, surely she'll want to have them," asked Maxwell as he began to accept the news.
"Yes, she has made it plain that she does not want them, besides the will is very explicate. It anything ever happened to his wife he wanted you to bring up his children. He told me at the time that you were the only member of his useless family that had ever made anything of themselves. Besides he was very fond of you," he sighed. "Confidentially he and Mrs Sheffield had a few problems. I suspect if he hadn't died they would have divorced. She had very little feeling for the children. They have had a continual stream of nannies, all of whom had almost sole care of the children. Mrs. Sheffield was a very difficult lady to work for. As soon as the children were old enough they were sent away to school."
"Oh the poor little babies," repeated Fran.
"I've never met them. Do you mean that we are now responsible for these two children," asked Maxwell?
"That's the bottom line. I thought it would probably be easier if you came to England to collect them. There are a number of documents and other items to deal with. I'm afraid the late Mrs. Sheffield left the estate in a bit of a state. She had enormous debts. It will take ages to clear up, I suspect after all the debts are paid off they'll still have the house and a reasonable income. Plus of course Mr. Rupert provided significant trust funds for the children for when they reach 21," he replied.
"We've only recently returned from our honeymoon. I'm not sure if we can spare the time for a major family expedition to England," said Maxwell.
"Max!" screamed Fran. "How can you say that. Those poor little babies, how could you put work first."
"Because if I don't do the work, you can't spend the money." He replied hotly. Then he hesitated. Fran glared at him her hands on her hips, her eyes narrowed. Max sighed. " But I guess in this case you are right." He put his arm around her shoulders and gave her a gentle hug. "More of those commitments I need time to think about before I make any decisions. In this case I just don't have a choice."
"Good, when do we go. The kids will go mad," squealed Fran.
"I am returning to London in the morning. I will arrange for you all to stay in "Sheffield House." Then you will be able to organise the childrens effects more effectively. Incidentally you are the executor of the estate and have use of the house until the children become of age." Interposed Mr. Braithwaite.
"Well we'll see you in a about a week it will take that long to get every thing ready," sighed Max.
"I'll see you then. It's been a pleasure to see you again Mr Maxwell and once again congratulations on choosing such an utterly charming and beautiful wife," he sighed." She makes me wish I was thirty years younger."
It took a few moments for the gentleman to leave, and that was when the fun began. It was total chaos for the next few hours as Niles and Fran started to organise the trip. Max retired to his office to try and catch up with some work. C.C. arrived and was shown quickly into the office. She had noticed recently that Niles had been almost human to her but they usually managed a small slanging match when she arrived. This morning however he was polite but obviously distracted.
"What on earth is wrong with Niles?" asked C.C. and she glared perplexed at the door as he hurriedly made his escape.
"We've had a bit of a shock. It appears that my late Uncle Rupert's children are coming to live with us and we have to go over to England to collect them," said Maxwell. "I'm afraid I'm going to have to leave you to it again for a while. I think I'll leave Niles here too. I'll need him to organise the house for the children."
"Oh my god, not more children. Maxwell you poor dear. You must be horrified," exclaimed C.C.
Max looked up at her questioningly. "Oddly enough it doesn't worry me to have my cousins coming to live with us. I know Uncle Rupert would have done as much for me. I'm more worried about the children."
"Of course, that's what I meant, of course. " stammered C.C.
"Never mind, C.C. we must get on with all this work. We'll be leaving soon." And with that they turned to more mundane issues.
It was much later that night that Fran and Max eventually got a few minutes together to talk about the changes that were about to assail them. Fran lay relaxed and comfortable in the crook of Maxwell's arm, her head resting on his chest. Gently he stroked her hair and her naked arm. Fran was caressing his chest and playing with his nipples. They both loved this time. Yes, sex was great. Indeed neither of them had ever enjoyed that most natural of pass-times as much, but there was something special about just laying caressing each other, naked in bed, last thing at night. They spent ages talking about the day's events, quietly sharing thoughts and feelings. It was the kind of intimacy that went beyond physical love.
"How are you holding out?" he asked her.
"OK I guess. One things for sure life's never dull." She turned her head and gently kissed his chest. "I know we'd agreed to wait awhile before having more children. This isn't quite what we had in mind."
"I know. Thank you for supporting me. I could never cope with this without you. I am so lucky," he smiled and kissed her hair. He loved the sweet magical scent that went with her. It made him feel so secure and happy. He could never had imagined how content she would make him feel.
"The kids were great. They loved the idea of having a new brother and sister. I hope they all get on alright," sighed Fran recalling the scene when they had told the children the news.
"I hope so too," replied Max. "They've all had to come to terms with grief themselves. I remember Grace's therapist telling me years ago that one of Grace's biggest fears was losing me too. I think that they've all worried that they might have been in the same position as Richard and Felicity. I think they were all a little bit chuffed about finishing school a few weeks early. I hope it won't have a detrimental effect upon their education."
"They're adaptable. The mansion's gonna be less adaptable. At least my old room is free now. We won't be needing a nanny. These kid's are gonna have a proper ma now," she said vehemently. She looked up at his face and smiling he gently kissed her beautiful mouth.
"I love you so much. How could I have been such a blind fool for so long? You're raising my kids to be everything a father could hope for. These two little ones are going to love you," Max said passionately. They snuggled together for a while, kissing and caressing.
"This Uncle of yours, what was he like?" asked Fran
"Rupert was only three years older than me. We spent most of our school holidays together when I was little and then went to the same school when we were older. He was very protective of me at school and helped me to avoid the usual bullying. I hero worshiped him for many years," he sighed.
"Sounds like a great guy," she whispered.
"He was. 'Did very well for himself in the city, made a bundle. He even backed some of my early shows. Then he married Fenella."
"You didn't like her?" she asked.
"She was hard to like. Oh she was as nice as pie until the wedding, then her true character came out. She was sharp tongued, cynical and utterly selfish. I don't think I ever met anyone who was more amoral. She was from aristocratic stock but she was penniless. I was sure that she only married him for his money. He tried to divorce her twice. Both times she discovered that she was pregnant and they stayed together for the children. Gradually Rupert and I drifted apart and didn't see each other for years." He sounded so sad. Fran reached up and gently kissed him on the lips.
"How did he die?" she asked.
"Painfully, leukaemia. I visited him just before he died. He begged me to keep an eye on the children. He really loved them. Unfortunately I got tied up in my own grief over Sara but that's another story."
"You had enough problems raising your own kids. Besides we'll be good parents to them now. I wonder what they'll be like?"
"Well we'll soon find out. Right now we probably ought to go to sleep." He sighed.
"Probably. On the other hand, my mind is a bit active. I wonder if you could think of something that might relax me?" she asked suggestively letting her hand slide down to explore several erogenous zones on Max's lower body.
"Hummmm" said Max.
It was five weary but excited travellers that arrived on a sunny June morning at "Sheffield House". This house had been the family home for years. Rupert had bought the rest of the family out when it looked like it was going to be sold. He was desperate to keep it in the family. Max had decided to respect that wish and keep the old place on, perhaps rent it out or something. He had spent a large part of his childhood here and every brick felt familiar to him. Over there was the old oak tree they loved to climb and that Nigel had fallen from and broken his arm. Behind the stable block was the east barn, a majestic old construction that had always been piled high with corn bales. They'd loved to build camps and play for hours there. It was there he had discovered Niles snogging one of the maids. The recollection made him smile.
He sighed to himself. His children had missed out on all that, being bought up in the city. Sadly he could hardly have bought them here to visit Fenella after Rupert died. That was far too horrendous a proposal.
The bright sun shone down on the uneven red tiles of the roof. Max was sure there wasn't a straight wall or roof beam in the whole house. But this was no dark and sinister house. It sparkled with character and happy memories. It had been built in many different stages. The earliest central hall area dated back to Tudor times and every generation had left its mark somehow. He looked at Fran and the kids and tried to gauge their reaction. The drive from the airport had been enlivened by Fran's naïve and colourful comments about the scenery and people they passed but as they approached the village she became strangely silent. He had told her how much this house had meant to him and she kept looking at him and smiling coyly. She was clutched his hand, part he was sure to comfort him and chase away any ghosts from the past but also because this was all new to her and just a little bit scary.
"Oh Max, this is just so … she hesitated.. so English. It's beautiful. This must have been a great place to grow up in." she enthused.
"Yeah, I bet it's a great place to explore," said Brighton.
"Where are all the cars daddy? It's awfully quiet. Does this huge park really just belong to the house," asked Grace, her eyes like saucers.
"I vaguely remember being here before with you and mummy before Grace was born," said Maggie looking around.
"Nah," said Brighton. "We've never been here before, have we Dad?"
"Well as a matter of fact we did used to come here every year until I got into a row with Fenella one Christmas when you were about two. Never mind all that we're here now. Come on in and let's have a good look round," said Max as he climbed out of the limo.
The front door opened and a smartly dressed elderly man came out smiling. "Mr. Sheffield, how very pleasant to see you again." he said as he approached.
"Seymour, that's never you. Kids, Fran this is Seymour. He was a footman here when I was a boy," said Max smiling.
"His Father was the butler."
"I became Mr. Rupert's butler Sir, when Father retired. Mrs Sheffield had to keep me on because it was a stipulation of the will," he said smiling. "It really is very good to see you here," he looked at the children. "This must be Miss Margaret and Master Brighton. The last time I saw them they were little more than babies."
"Yes, they have grown a bit. This little lady is Grace my youngest," Max put his hand on her shoulders proudly. "And this is my wife Fran," he said grinning hugely.
"Hiya honey," said Fran "It's good to see a friendly face."
"It's a pleasure to meet you madam. Mrs. Sheffield - Mr Maxwell's mother- had told me all about you," he said grinning cheekily.
"Oh dear," whined Fran.
"Don't worry Madam. I've known Mrs Sheffield for many years. She is inclined to be a little, how can I put this, judgmental and not always justly," He shook her hand warmly. "I'm sure you've made Mr. Maxwell a very happy man."
"Oh she has and she's done a great job with the children," said Max putting his arm around her. "Come on let's go in shall we."
They all went inside and Seymour showed them to their rooms. The children were off almost instantly investigating and exploring. Later that afternoon Mr. Braithwaite arrived.
"Well then Mr and Mrs. Sheffield I've got the children with me. They're waiting in the car. I thought I'd come and warn you first." He hesitated and smiled apologetically. "I'm afraid you may be in for a difficult time. I spoke to both their headmasters. They have provided you with very conclusive reports about them. Briefly Richard is well, very outspoken. Perhaps a little insolent and little Felicity is so timid they thought she probably needed psychotherapy."
"Have they been at different schools then?" asked Fran.
"Oh yes, since they were five years old. Mrs. Sheffield sent them off as soon as the schools would take them," he sighed. "I'll go and get them then shall I."
"Yes please do," said Maxwell. They both waited in trepidation.
Within moments the door burst open. "How dare you keep us waiting in the car. I will remind you that this house belongs to us now," a small boy dressed immaculately in tails and bow tie walked defiantly into the room. "You must be cousin Maxwell. I'm Richard and this is Flic my sister." He stared at them aggressively. His sister moved nearer to him and looked down at the floor.
"Yes, I am indeed your cousin Maxwell," Max said formally. "This is my wife Fran."
"Hi Honey," whined Fran. She crouched down to look eye to eye with the children. "Aren't you a handsome young man and Little Flic what a little princess."
"What on earth are you saying. What is that truly atrocious accent? You must be an American," Richard sneered at her.
"Hang on there young man," said a defensive Max. "Let me make this straight to you from the very beginning. You will speak to Fran with respect. Your Father has requested that we take responsibility for you and I will not have bad manners now or ever. Do you understand?" Max said sternly. Richard stared at Max his eyes hard with anger and determination. Max had not anticipated this reaction and Fran could clearly see that little vein on his head throbbing.
"Now then Max, let's not jump to any conclusions. Richard would you and your little sister like to show me around this beautiful house? I've been longing for you to arrive and show me, " she smiled kindly at the boy. Flic looked up at her timidly. Fran put her hand out to the little girl who timidly took it. Fran turned and offered her other hand to Richard. He rejected it, stiffly turned and led them away. He was obviously very willing to escape this demonic man who had the audacity to argue with him.
"Come this way then, and do please be careful, some of the ceiling's are rather low in places," he commanded.
"That's all right honey so am I," laughed Fran. The boy looked at her and despite himself the corners of his mouth began to twitch.
Max looked on with pride. Somehow Fran worked a kind of magic on kids. He remembered what a little monster Brighton had been when she first arrived. Yes, somehow she'd win them over. He stayed downstairs chatting to Mr. Braithwaite but he was only able to half concentrate. His ears were straining to hear Fran and the children as they progressed around the house. At one stage they came back into view and Grace and Brighton had joined them. Fran was asking many questions. Not the sort of inquiries an adult might make, more like an older child.
"I bet you can play some great games in this place, you know hiding and things like that," he heard her ask.
"Probably," replied Richard. "Mother would never of let us run around and make a lot of noise. Some of our Nannies could be fun but then mother would dismiss them."
Max sighed. He had always thought that he had been neglected by his parents when he was a child but compared to these children his childhood had been ideal. His mother had always approved of Fenella, who was the granddaughter of an Earl but he had been repulsed by her snobbish arrogant attitude. Perhaps young Richard was just being difficult to hide fear. After all the boy did have every reason to be cautious. He must barely remember his father and he knew himself how dehumanising boarding school had been especially when he was very young.
Mr. Braithwaite left and Max sat downstairs in the drawing room slowly drinking a whiskey and reflecting on the two children. Fran made her usual subdued entrance. "Oy, this house is big," she collapsed onto the sofa next to Max and snuggled under his arm. "The kid's are all off together, well except Maggie who's chatting to the young gardener. Brighton is really trying to play the big brother and Grace is desperately trying to get Flic to say something."
"You're fantastic, did you know that. I am so proud of you," he said kissing her.
"And it took you how long to find that out?" she teased.
"Well actually it took me about two days to realise how great you were with children, if you remember. That's why I kept you on. My children were the most important thing in the world to me. Do you think I would have trusted them to just any door to door cosmetics sales girl." He kissed her on the lips.
"And do you think I'd have taken a job with any handsome millionaire I knocked on the door of?" she laughed then raised her eyebrow, "Well maybe."
Back in New York C.C. had just arrived at the mansion. She was surprised that Niles didn't answer when she rung the bell. She let herself in with her key and went through to the kitchen. "Niles " she called. There was no answer. "Niles are you upstairs?" she called again. There was still no reply. It was 8.30 am, far too early for Niles to have gone out. She felt the coffee machine, it was cold. Oh well, she thought. I'll have to make my own coffee. Half an hour later, sitting in the office she realised that there was still no sign of Niles.
"Niles," She called again. Lazy sod, she thought. Trust him to lay in bed all day just because Maxwell is away. The thought occurred to her that something was wrong but she suppressed it determinedly. "Niles, you lazy good for nothing, I'm coming upstairs. If you're still lazing around in bed Max will hear of it," she yelled. She had never been in Niles' room but she knew which one it was. Once outside the door she hesitated. "Niles, are you in there," she called more gently. This was strange. Gently she pushed the door open and peered inside. Niles lay semi-naked on the bed. His body glistened with sweat as he writhed feverishly. C.C. quickly took in the situation. Here was an ideal opportunity to take her revenge on her enemy but somehow she didn't want to.
"Niles," she called gently walking over to him. "Niles, can you hear me?" He was oblivious to everything. "Niles, Oh for god's sake," now she was getting scared. She felt his forehead. He moaned in his delirium. She caught her breath he looked so vulnerable lying there. She rushed back downstairs and frantically called the doctor. He advised her that there was a particularly virulent flu bug around. He assured her that unless he had a secondary infection he would be fine. He wanted her to keep Niles cool and he would call in later that morning.
She rushed upstairs again and began sponging him down. As the cool water began to reduce his fever he calmed down slightly. C.C. sat on the bed next to him and gently mopped his brow, then diligently went over his naked torso. She couldn't help noticing that what she had assumed was fat was in fact muscle. She found herself oddly turned on. She spent over an hour sponging him down and talking to him. He looked so vulnerable and pathetic she realised just how much he meant to her. Slowly and without really thinking about it she bent down and kissed him once on the forehead and then gently on the lips. Amazingly even in this condition he tried to return her kiss. Just then she heard the doorbell ring and dashed down stairs.
The doctor examined Niles while C.C. went downstairs to make some coffee. After a while the doctor came into the kitchen to find her. "Well Ms. Babcock, looks like you've got yourself a patient for a few days. I've given him something to calm his fever. Apart from that there's very little I can do. He will need a lot of nursing I'm afraid. Keep him cool as you've been doing and give him sips of water as often as he will take them. It's very important to keep his fluids up. I'll leave you some tablets. If there is no improvement by the morning we'll have to think about admitting him for a few days." Then he was gone.
C.C took the coffee-pot and some iced water up to Niles' room and made herself comfortable for the duration. He'd been saying a great many things in his delirium mostly about her. The one that stuck out in C.C. memory was "I'm so sorry , my love. Why do I have to abuse you when what I really want is to hold you," he kept repeating that he was sorry. It was past midnight when Niles eventually regained his senses. He looked up at her out of cloudy eyes and half smiled. She stopped sponging him and smiled down at him. Without really thinking about the consequences she bent down and kissed him gently on the lips. His limp hand came up and stroked her face. No words were said, none were needed. She gave him a sip of water and some pills, then lay next to him on the bed and stared across at his weary face. She was exhausted but elated. "It's OK Niles, everything's going to be fine now," she whispered. Her voice croaked with emotion. She stroked his hair and kissed him on the forehead tenderly.
"Don't leave me," he replied his voice so thin she could barely hear it. "Thank you so much. Don't ever leave me." She was sure that he meant forever. Nothing was going to be the same again. "Are you sure?" she asked half dreading the reply.
"I love you," he whispered.
"I know. I love you too," she replied. Wearily his arms enfolded her as they lay together in harmony. In a few moments they were both sound asleep.
Seymour came into the drawing room where Fran and Max were still chatting and cuddling. "Oh, I'm sorry to interrupt you sir, madam." He said turning to go.
"No hang on a moment old man. Do sit down," asked Max. Seymour smiled and seated himself stiffly on the opposite sofa.
"What can I do for you Sir," he asked.
"You've known the children all there lives, what are they really like?" asked Max.
"I certainly have known them sir. Their Father doted on them. Even when he was alive their mother was always off gallivanting. She had absolutely no interest in them. I swear she only got pregnant to keep Mr Rupert," he sighed and nodded his head sadly." After he died she would return every few months with a new boy-friend in tow and pretend to be a mother for a few weeks. Invariably she would end up dismissing yet another Nanny for some reason. Those two little ones were pushed from pillar to post. The wife and I did our best to give them some stability. My wife, madam has been engaged as the cook here for some thirty years." He shifted in his seat." I do hope that I'm not speaking out of turn, sir."
"No not at all old man. I appreciate your candour. Do please continue," said Max.
"Yeah, she sounds like a real schemzl. Those poor kids." said Fran. She looked near to tears just thinking about their situation. Seymour looked a little confused but soon carried on.
"Richard was such a sweet little boy. His father was besotted with him. Nothing was too good for his little boy He was always laughing. Little Felicity was just as sweet. She was only two when her father died. Many times they would both stand in the kitchen with my wife playing with pastry or helping her get dinner.
When Richard turned five he was sent off to boarding school He missed his sister terribly. He went off a sweet kind little boy and came back for the first holiday an arrogant little bully. We were just getting him back to his usual self when he had to return to school. Little Felicity went off to school just before her fifth birthday. She returned much as she is today, very timid. Their mother arranged for them to stay at school for most of the holidays. They would return here for the long summer break."
"Poor little babies," Fran sighed.
"Forgive me for saying, but I think the best thing that could have happened to them sir was that their mother died and they came to you. If I may say so your children are a real credit to both of you, utterly charming with superb manners," he ended.
"You're gonna be one of my favourite people I can see that," said Fran winking at him.
"I would be honoured Madam. My nephew has told me so much about you in his letters. I see he is still a keen and accurate observer of character," he smiled. "May I go now sir, I only came in to tell you that dinner would be in an hour. Will you all be eating together Sir?" he stood up ready to go.
"Hey do you mean Niles, are you Nile's Uncle?" gasped Fran.
"Most certainly Madam. His mother was my sister. May I go now?"
"Certainly old man. We always eat together, or at least we try to, at least once a day. Thank you for our chat. It's been most enlightening," said Max as Seymour hurried from the room.
They sat mulling over the information they had just been given when four children barged into the room. Well actually Brighton charged in with the others chasing him. "Tag," bellowed Richard. Gone was the well-dressed little boy in a suit. This was a proper child. His tie was off as was his jacket and his shirt tails were flapping out. His face was red with exertion and laughter. Fran and Max grinned at each other
Felicity was still clutching Grace's hand but she too looked hot and happy.
"Dad, Fran this place is great. There's even a lake with rowing boats," exploded Grace. The kids settled themselves around the room on sofas. Fran moved away from Max and Grace sat next to him pulling Felicity in next to Fran. Fran slipped her arm around the little girl's shoulders. Flic peered up at her with saucer like eyes and smiled tentatively. Fran gave her an affectionate hug and grinned back.
Richard watched the exchange with a blank look on his face. He looked very thoughtful. Brighton and Gracie were bubbling over with all the new and exciting things they had found. Fran noticed how they were both careful to bring Richard into the conversation. He was reticent at first but soon was keen to contribute to the conversation. After a while Fran called a halt.
"I hate to call an end to this but Dinner will be ready soon. We had all better go and get washed up. I'm sure Seymour will be just as rigid as Niles about things like that. Hey did you kids know he's Niles' Uncle?"
"No!" they both chorused.
"Excuse me," came a little vice from beside Fran. She hesitated as everyone waited with baited breath for her to finish. "But what should we call you?" she asked.
"Well honey, the kids all call me Fran, although I really am their Mom now. You know I used to be the nanny," she said.
"What you were a servant?" said Richard incredulously.
"No Honey, I worked for Mr Sheffield. I ain't never been anybody's servant," laughed Fran. Then she looked down at Felicity. "What would you like to call me sweetheart?" she asked. Felicity thought for a moment.
"I know you are really our cousins but I think I'd like to call you Auntie and Uncle. If that's ok," she whispered.
"That sounds fine," said Max. "Now off you all go. I want you all ready when to dinner gong goes."
"Please Uncle Max," asked Richard incredulously, "are we all going to eat together? At the same table."
Max smiled kindly at the boy and walked over to him. he squatted down and looked him straight in the eye. "Now then young man, listen carefully and try to believe that I really mean this. As far as Fran and I are concerned we are now your parents. We are a family. We eat together, we play together and we argue together. In time I hope we can all get to love each other. I'm sure we'll have a few problems, families often do." He put his hands on the boy's shoulders. "I think that after dinner we must all sit down and have a long chat about the future. Ok?"
Richard looked up at him, stunned. Slowly a smile crept across his face and his eyes looked a little moist. "Yes thank you Uncle Maxwell, I'd like that," he said.
"Right then kid's, off you go. I want to see you looking clean and tidy when that gong sounds. Got it?" Max laughed. "We got it," said Brighton and Gracie as they pulled the others out of the room.
"Oh that was so beautiful, you big mensch. Come on, you can come upstairs and help me get ready for dinner?" she said suggestive.
"We've only got a few minutes?" he complained.
"So what're you waiting for, get up those stairs, now," said Fran with her hands on her hips, her face full of expectation. "Got it?"
"I got it," he said and raced upstairs laughing.
Seymour's wife was certainly a brilliant cook. The meal was delicious. The children chatted amicably teasing Maggie a little about the young gardener she had been talking to all afternoon. Richard and Felicity watched and listened in awe. Fran was overjoyed to see how much Gracie in particular tried to bring them into the conversation. Richard however was reticent to join in. He seemed distracted.
They had been sitting talking waiting for the desert to arrive when suddenly something seemed to burst in Richards's head. "Why are you all being so nice to us. You can't even speak the queens English. We all know you'll dump us just like our mother did before she died, or will just die like Daddy," he shouted defiantly. They all stared at him open mouthed. Then he put his head down on his arms and started sobbing.
"It's OK honey" said Fran, coming over and putting her arm around him.
"Leave me alone," he sobbed trying unsuccessfully to shake her off." I don't need anyone. Just leave me alone."
"It's Ok Fran, don't worry. He's just fighting against the re-emergence of deep-seated insecurities and feelings of inadequacy caused by parental neglect and lack of consistency in his care. He is reluctant to believe that we are offering stability and security. He is fighting to re-assert those protective barriers that buffer him from rejection. Give him time. I'm quite sure he will adjust," spouted Gracie.
"Grace darling, I think I've told you before that Daddy has spent less time in therapy than you. I have trouble understanding you sometimes. Could you tell us in plain English," asked Max.
"Ok, I forgot. This all very new to him and he's scared silly in case we too desert him." she said smiling, as she leaned over and squeezed Richard's hand. Richard turned into Fran's body and threw his arms around her. He was sobbing uncontrollably. Fran squatted down beside him and let him cry while she tried to comfort and reassure him. After a while Seymour entered with the desert trolley.
"Ice Cream, just what we all needed, " squealed Fran. Richard looked up and smiled weakly. He wiped his eyes and nose on his sleeve and smiled bravely up at Fran.
"Yeah, get on with it," said Brighton. "That looks great."
They finished the meal without any further mishap. Richard was quiet but the others kept up happy conversation. "Now then, let's all go into the drawing room and have that little chat," said Maxwell, folding his napkin and letting in drop on the table. They all trouped into the drawing room and made themselves comfortable. This time Fran sat between Richard and Flic an arm around each of them. Max looked across at the two children and watched their faces. Richard was a handsome boy. With his dark curly hair and smouldering eyes he could easily have passed for Max's son. Indeed he looked more like Max than Brighton did. Oddly there was also a similarity between Fran and he. Felicity had much lighter features. Her hair was darker than Grace's and Maggie's, and had a natural curl to it that softened her face. She too looked like Max. That was hardly surprising. In the photos that Max had shown the family Max and Rupert had looked like brothers and these two definitely resembled their father.
The children all looked at Max expectantly. He smiled at them. "Now we are all going to have to make some changes in our lives but if we all keep talking to each other we should be all right. Richard, Felicity we would very much like you two to come and live in New York with us." The two children stared at him open mouthed. "I will enroll you in the same school as Grace and you will live with us as the two youngest but equal members of our family. There will be no more boarding schools for either of you. I suffered hell in boarding schools and we have never sent any of our children away to school."
"Do you really mean that. We are going to live at home together?" asked Felicity.
"Absolutely. We may well have arguments and drive each other mad but we will all be together. I hope that we will be able to come back to England for a nice long holiday every summer. This place will remain yours until you are old enough to decide for yourselves," Max added.
"Can we go to Disneyland?" asked Richard.
"I don't know kids!" exclaimed Fran. "Tell em you're gonna turn their lives upside down and what do they care about- Mickey mouse. Yeah, why not. We'll take you there for our first vacation after we get home," she laughed.
All the children shouted their approval, even Maggie who was trying to peer out of the window to look for that gardener. "Can we go and play now for a while before bed please Uncle Max?" asked Richard.
"Sure off you go. But back at 8 please," said Max to their backs as they made a rapid escape.
The next few weeks were a learning time for all of them. They had good days and bad. Fran took the children out shopping although she despaired of the limited shops in Guildford which was the nearest city to "Sheffield House" was. She still managed to completely restyle Richard and Felicity's wardrobe. They finished off the stay with a week in London doing the tourist bit. They all knew it was time to go home. They had been away for seven wonderful, happy weeks but now it was time to return to America and work.
Maxwell had offered Seymour and his wife retirement and the gatehouse to live in. He wanted them to be around to help the new caretaker and house keeper he had engaged. They had agreed enthusiastically especially because the new caretaker was their son and an old playmate of Maxwell's. He, his wife and children were moving back down from Scotland. He had been made redundant as a printer eighteen months earlier and was keen to move back down south for years.
They were on the plane flying home. Max sat with Fran but Felicity was determined to sit between them It seemed impossible that a child could change so much in just seven weeks. She was really beginning to blossom with each new day bringing a new challenge conquered. Just before they landed she grabbed both their hands. "Uncle Max, Auntie Fran, Richard and I have talked this over. Have you sort of adopted us?"
"Well the papers aren't quite all signed but yes we will be your legal parents very soon," Max told her squeezing her hand.
"Would you mind if we called you Mummy and Daddy. I've always wanted somebody to call mummy." Felicity said tears of hope in her eyes.
"Oh Honey, would we mind. We'd be delighted. Oy we'll be one big mishpacha. Maggie, Brighton, Grace, Richard and our little Felicity. Then of course they'll also be another little Sheffield around in seven months," announced Fran.
"What?" yelled Max. "You can't mean you're pregnant?"
"Sure do," she said grinning.
Felicity started grinning then undid her belt and knelt backward in her seat. "Hey Mummy and Daddy are going to have a baby," she yelled.
Pandemonium broke out. The children all shouted with joy and even the other passengers called congratulation. Max sat stunned, his mouth hanging open. "When did you discover this," he managed to whisper.
"It was confirmed about a week ago. I've been waiting for the right time to tell you. Are you pleased?" she asked looking expectantly at him.
"Delighted, but stunned. We'll discuss this later, alone in bed?" he said suggestively. "I Love you." He bent over to kiss her but was prevented by Flick who was cuddling and kissing both of them.
"You realise what this means?" he asked.
"What?" she replied.
"We'll need a nanny," he said grinning.
Conclusion
The Taxi dropped them at the door of the mansion in a giant heap. The children were tired but far too excited to feel it. Richard and Flick had heard so much about Niles and C.C. they were longing to meet them.
The door opened and a beaming Niles came out to see them.
"C.C ," he called. "They're back."
C.C came to the door. She looked stunning, happiness shone from her eyes and she looked healthier than Fran had ever seen her. She was also relaxed and far more welcoming than Fran and Max could have imagined. She helped them carry bags into the house and made a point of saying hello to the new children, even calling them by name. She was obviously trying very hard but sugary sweet didn't sit easily on her padded shoulders.
Niles too seemed well. He hugged Fran warmly and whispered something in her ear. "What!" screamed Fran. "What! Did I really just hear you say. You got MARRIED?" Every one turned to look. "Who?" she asked. C.C held up her hand to show them the beautifully engraved ring sitting proudly for all to see.
"Mr. Sheffield, I regret to tell you that I will no longer be residing with your family in this house. My wife and I have taken a lease on a small mansion adjacent to yours. I will continue in your employ but will commute," he said with the broadest of grins covering his face.
"Congratulations old man. That is the best of news. We also have a surprise for you. Fran is pregnant. We'll be needing your old room anyway," announced Max.
"What a coincidence," said C.C.
"Wahh," wailed Fran. "You too," and threw her arms around C.C. hugging her enthusiastically.
Later that night as Fran and Max lay together alone sharing their thoughts on the day they had time to reflect on the changes that threatened to submerge them.
"You don't really mind, about the baby do you?" she asked.
"No, not at all. I would have prefered to wait awhile, but I do have a tendency to take a long time to come to decisions." He replied.
"You're telling me?" she paused " The biggest surprise was Niles and C.C. We had both had our suspicions, but to get married and pregnant without even telling us was ongepatsht."
"Quite, I can't imagine how you managed to keep your own pregnancy to yourself. I've never known you able to keep a secret before?" he joked.
"Huh, we were all so busy and I was a little worried about how Richard and Flic might take it." Her hands were exploring his naked body.
"Now you know what condition that activity has caused ?" he said as he started to respond to her advances.
"Hmmmmm!" said Fran.
The End