SCENE 2: Car Ride
Daphne is with Niles in his E class Mercedes. They pull up to the airport, members of staff are milling around outside.
Daphne: Thanks again for the ride Dr. Crane.
Niles: That's quite alright Daphne. Wait here a moment, I'll get your suitcase out of the trunk.
Just as Niles is about to exit the car, one of the staff members approaches the window.
Staff Member: I'm so sorry, but due to the weather conditions all of our flights have been grounded until further notice.
Daphne: What? Oh, bloody hell. I knew this would happen!
Niles: Murphy's law?
Daphne: No, I had one of my visions, but I'm sometimes wrong so I couldn't very well cancel my flight over a premonition. (To the staff member:) Are you sure there's no way you can get me on a flight?
Staff Member: I'm very sorry but no, we won't be able to get any planes off the ground until tomorrow. But as a courtesy we can offer you a night's stay at the Copper Hills Motel, it's just a few minutes down the road.
Daphne: The Copper Hills Motel? (To Niles:) Well, I remember your dad singing its praises once so it can't be all that bad.
Niles cringes at that comment, thinks for a moment, then...
Niles: I have a better idea.
Daphne: You do?
Niles: Yes, I own a lodge not far from here. It's full of rustic charm: An open fireplace, air conditioning, a heated swimming pool, a wine cellar, a grand piano, and an en-suite bathroom with a step-down tub. Maris and I used to retreat there whenever we felt like giving up life's luxuries and surrendering ourselves to the wilderness…
Daphne: It sounds lovely, but are you sure it's not too much trouble? I mean, you probably have better things to do than spend a whole day alone with me in some remote cabin in the woods.
Niles: (Secretly excited by the prospect:) I'm positive.
Daphne: Then I'd be delighted, [patting his hand] you're a good friend Dr. Crane.
FADE TO…
SCENE 3: The Lodge
Niles unlocks the door to the lodge and ushers Daphne inside in a gentlemanly fashion.
Daphne: Oh, Dr. Crane, it's beautiful! Reminds me of something from one of my romance novels.
Niles ponders this for a moment, then...
Niles: I'm glad you like it, make yourself at home. I'll put on some music.
Daphne sits down on the sofa, and a few moments later Niles returns with a radio. Turning it on we hear a passionate tango. Daphne laughs to herself.
Niles: What is it?
Daphne: I was just thinking about the Snow Ball.
Niles: [ Recalling the painful end: ] Oh, right…
Daphne: Is something wrong? It's Mrs. Crane and her gossipy friends isn't it, I'm sorry for bringing back painful memories.
Niles: No Daphne nothing's wrong, it was a wonderful evening. I never told you how much I appreciated what you did for me that night.
Daphne: I should be the one thanking you Dr. Crane! Back in Manchester all the men I dated thought an elegant evening out meant a few pints at the local pub followed by a drunken roll in the hay.
They share a chuckle…
Niles: You really did look breathtaking in that dress, you were the envy of the ballroom.
Daphne: Oh thanks! You looked dashing in that tuxedo of yours. I especially liked the little bow tie, put me in mind of James Bond.
Niles: Shame it got ruined.
Daphne: It did?
Niles: I was wearing it at a wine tasting with Frasier when I had the misfortune of spilling Merlot over myself. Not even the most esteemed of dry cleaners could remove the stain, so it's remained secluded at the back of my tie closet ever since.
Daphne: Why have you kept it?
Niles: Oh… You know… I doubt I'll ever have use for a red bow tie unless I run off to join the circus - I just keep it as a memento of a perfect evening.
Daphne: Oh you! I'm just glad it was as memorable for you as it was for me. I still think back on it sometimes.
Niles: You do?
Daphne: Of course. It was my first ball, and nobody's ever called me a goddess before, even if you didn't mean it.
Niles: Well actually Daphne…
They meet eyes briefly, then Daphne's cell phone rings.
Daphne: Sorry, do you mind if I take this?
Niles: Go right ahead, I'll pour us some champagne.
Daphne exits to one of the bedrooms.
Daphne: Hello?
Roz: Hi Daphne, I was just wondering if you're with Frasier, because I have to go over some promos for the show tomorrow and I can't get through to him.
Daphne: No, actually I haven't seen Dr. Crane since this morning, and I'm staying with his brother tonight.
Roz: [ Suspiciously: ] You are?
Daphne: No it's nothing like that. My flight was grounded and Dr. Crane offered to let me spend the night at his lodge.
Roz: Oh that's right, Frasier told me you were flying back to Manchester for a week. But alone in a lodge during a snowstorm? Are you sure there isn't something going on?
Daphne: Of course I'm sure! I'm not exactly Dr. Crane's type. You know how sophisticated he is.
Roz: Really? But you said during that heat wave you went over to Niles's place and you two almost f-
Daphne: Roz!
Roz: Well okay then, but if Frasier calls just let him know I need to speak to him.
Daphne: Will do. I really should be going now, Dr. Crane's just pouring the champagne.
Roz: [ As though her suspicions were confirmed: ] …Right…
Daphne clicks the phone off as we…
FADE TO BLACK