The Marriage
Chapter 10: He will plead The Fifth
The First
Niles was in the kitchen table with Fran, having tea, cake and one of those conversations that could lead anywhere.
They had started talking about Fran's plan of getting Maxwell Sheffield to take her out in a date, and then they were talking about how the man was so predictable, and she said things were so slow because she had to do all of the hard work, and he questioned her way of looking at their boss (it was sarcasm with a hint of jealousy) and then she threw him the evil glare.
It meant that that day, anywhere was his need of explaining to her why he had the face of what she described as 'a fahklumpt man'.
(He gave up understanding exactly what that meant, once the sound of the word and her wary expression told him she had noticed how disturbed he really was, and didn't like it at all).
'I didn't mean that you are doing things wrong or that he is The Flash, Miss Fine', Niles and Fran exchanged a look at that, 'I just think that sometimes we have misconceptions about the people we see everyday', he rested his mug on the table, 'When you know someone for a long time, you must make an effort to not be blinded by the routine'.
'Blinded? You mean… taking the person for granted?'
'Yes!', he gave her an excited smile, 'The person is still beautiful and worthy all the surprises and little gestures you can think of, even if she is in your life every single day!'
Fran licked her spoon, 'But isn't it natural that relationships change with time?', she answered, shrugging her shoulders, 'Ma always says after thirty years of marriage, the mystery is over – and that she thanks God everyday for that'.
Niles looked at her wary, How in Earth did she guess I was somehow thinking about marriage? Well, it is not like I am the King of Subtlety, 'But what if you want to change the mind of the people around you? What if you want to do something surprising just to show you have something new to offer?'
'Believe me, Niles: surprises are not always a positive thing. For example, can you imagine what kind of new thing my mother could make up to surprise my father?'
He sighed at the example – it was not exactly the kind of comparison he wanted to hear, 'I understand, Miss Fine, but I still think that an outstanding action may be necessary to shake things up'.
'I still don't get it, Sweetie', Fran was munching, 'What do you mean by an outstanding action?'
It seemed that her perception of his feelings was based more in what she could see on his face that in her comprehension of his words, as himself felt about her.
Niles was amazed by their friendship, sometimes: now, for example, just looking at him and hearing a vague version of what he really wanted to say, she was able to hit the nail in the head.
Because his problem was exactly that: he thought CC was worthy an outstanding action, but he did not know what course of action to adopt to really impress her and get what he wanted.
What he wanted was something that would make her happier, if everything went according to his plan.
But maybe she didn't want to be happier… If he really knew her, she would want to maintain things the way they were…
He was the one that wanted things to change, because he was so happy he knew anything they did couldn't change it.
Niles realized his dilemma may sound a bit strange to Fran's ears (once it didn't make any sense even to him, sometimes), but the Nanny seemed to always know what to do. Her relationship with Mister Sheffield was improving greatly in the last weeks, and he admired her for it.
(He knew that, if CC hadn't asked him to marry her out of a business-related take on life, he would wait until his boss was re-married and out of the blonde's reach to act on his feelings for her.
In fact, he would probably take some years to even admit his feelings to himself, once the idea of loving Miss Babcock scared him to no end, even now that they were together and he was relatively sure she reciprocated those feelings.)
Niles observed that Fran was sipping her tea and looking at him as if she could read his soul, and he decided to answer her, 'I mean that sometimes, in life, people must do things in such a way they will make a difference. Maybe you just can change the way others look at you through a gesture that… shocks'.
'Why would you want to change the way people look at you? People like you'.
'Don't take me wrong, Miss Fine, but liking sometimes is not enough…'
Fran threw him an incredulous look, 'Why are you doubting yourself?'
'I am not doubting myself!', Niles answered, pouting, and then muttered in his mug, 'It is not about me, anyway'.
Now Fran's look was of indignation, 'Then it is about me?'
The butler needed just one second to know the truth would save him a headache, 'Oh, all right, it is about me', he sighed at her pacified expression, 'I just think I should do something… impressive'.
Fran resumed eating, 'Like what?'
'I don't know', he shrugged, then looked away and started mentioning possibilities, 'Maybe I should invent an amazing recipe. Or publish a book. Or save a dog from an accident. Or turn water into wine', Niles pointed a finger in the air, 'Or walk on water…'
At this, Fran turned to him and slapped his arm, 'Who are you?!'
'What? No good?'
'You have been doing amazing things for the people of this house since forever! Why do you think you should do anything out of normal?'
'Oh, forget it. I just wanted her to look at me as more than a good domestic – and now I see it is like everybody else sees me'.
'Hey!', she turned to him fully, 'You're trying to think of something to impress Miss Babcock?'
Niles made a puppy face, 'Maybe. Kinda. Sorta…'
'Why is it? Do you want her to do something and you must impress her enough that she will agree with it?'
'Maybe. Kinda. Sorta…'
Fran was ready to dig in the news – it is not everyday that Niles look at her for help in his love life, and the story must be precious! –, but the previously mentioned woman entered the kitchen and looked at the table, 'Oh! Cake! Can I have some?'
Niles got up to receive the kiss his wife always gave him when she went to the kitchen and to retrieve a mug and plate for her, 'Of course! I didn't call you because I knew your breed is very good with smells', he smiled at her, 'Once you detected it you would bark until they released you to follow the trail'.
'I wish I could really smell it from the office', CC answered while taking his seat, and enjoying the view of him preparing things for her, 'It would prevent me from the danger of finding none left'.
Fran saw her good mood while eating what was left of her husband's piece of cake, and shook her head at the easiness of their relationship, 'Oy, Miss Babcock, you know very well that Niles would never let you without your treat'.
He gave the Nanny the thumbs up and CC rolled her eyes fondly before focusing her attention on the brunette, 'You mean with the Fines around I should not worry about the World Record for fast eating being broken?', CC smirked at the Nanny and took the mug Niles put in front of her. At his retreating back she threw a sweet, 'Thank you, Love'.
Niles stopped midway to the intercom, where he was headed to call Maxwell and ask if he wanted to come over.
He turned to the table and noticed CC's endearment was naturally tossed, and that she was already back to the cake and tea and probably for whatever the zinger she wanted to send the Nanny's way, once he could see Fran was again saying something.
Noticing his wife all relaxed, visiting his kitchen, eating his food, drinking his beverage, chatting with his friend, calling him 'Love' as if it was the most natural thing in the world, made Niles freeze in place.
For some moments he could not say anything, overwhelmed by the feelings that took him when she was happy and spontaneous like this. He knew that he was responsible for her well-being, and the he was succeeding in keeping her in good spirits, comfortable, healthy and feeling loved.
Again, wouldn't it be the ideal situation to ask her what he wanted to ask? After all, it was in small moments like this that she could notice how wonderful they had been together…
Taking decisions while under strong emotions was never his forte, so he shook himself out of it, and walked to the kitchen door. He needed to get out of there, clear his mind and think of the perfectly planned situation to make his move.
He walked to the door.
If he said to the ladies that he was going to the office to call Maxwell, everything would be all right, and he would have time enough to calm himself down. Of course, there was always the possibility of a friendly gathering in the kitchen to make the feeling of belonging and perfection come along again, but he would risk it.
However, he made the ultimate mistake when he opened his mouth to announce his intentions: he looked at her again.
There she was, a soft look on her face while she pretended to be listening to Miss Fine (or was really listening, because she had gotten a bit closer to the woman, lately), while her eyes were following him around.
There was fondness in her stare, and he turned to the table and gave a step forward, as if pulled to her.
She smiled, noticing his hooked expression, and looked at the Nanny again.
Niles gulped. She knew the power she had over him, and once again she had acted on it, capturing him with the warmth of her eyes, and then releasing him when she decided it was enough.
He opened his mouth to speak, again, and the only thing he was able to say was, 'I wish you would marry me'.
CC looked at him again, and it was clear she thought she had not heard him right, 'What?'
'Nothing!', he answered quickly, then turned away and yelled, already pushing the door, 'I'll be right back!'
Fran and CC looked at each other, and the Nanny was the first to talk, 'What was that about?'
Even if the socialite had noticed the deer in the headlights look that had taken Niles before he disappeared through the door, she decided to dismiss the fact and shrugged – she had no interest in discussing her husband's shenanigans with other people. If something of importance was happening, he would tell her, sooner or later.
The Second
They were in the kitchen again, this time just by themselves, and she was telling him a story about their latest production.
He always listened to what she had to tell, but that afternoon she was so enchanting, talking and smiling and being sweet and devilish at the same time that he couldn't concentrate.
It was happening more and more. He felt like a love-struck teenager, spellbound and completely out of control when she made his feelings for her stir simply by being herself, like right now.
She gave the throaty laugh and he just looked into her eyes and blurted it out.
'Marry me?'
CC stopped mid-chuckle and looked at him, noticing his very serious face, 'Are you insane?'
Niles was surprised by his own words, but her reaction was what rendered him speechless and made his heart feel really small.
He already had a lot of questions to ask, but couldn't decide where to begin – Am I not worth of you? What are you afraid of? Don't you love me?
The only one that made it through his lips was, 'Why?'
CC made an impatient face, 'We are already married!'
'Oh', Niles murmured, relieved for a moment but then blinking in confusion at her words, 'I didn't mean that'.
'Of course not, once it would make no sense', she shook her head, went to the fridge calmly, took a bottle of water and turned to him, smiling.
It was clear he was not all right. CC knew that serious Niles meant something huge was happening in his head.
But right now she didn't want to dig on it. Specially because it seemed to involve their marriage, and things were so perfect she didn't want to discuss it at any level.
She went to him, 'You are really senile, aren't you?'
She had her arms around his shoulders and a smirk on her lips that put him in a haze, 'You are the one that makes me crazy'.
She pecked him, 'I better be, Butler Boy'.
Niles was trying to decide what to say next, but CC put her head on the crook of his neck and nestled against him.
He could hear her smile in the delighted 'Uhmmm' she let out, and he closed his eyes and hugged her back.
All thoughts of changing anything, even for the better, were not important, right now, when he had a purring wife in his arms.
The third
Third time he did it, they were at a party in the theater, after the opening night of the latest production.
Niles had decided to control himself and stop thinking of a religious ceremony until the newest Sheffield/Babcock play was on the road.
He knew he had not been clear about his intentions in the two times he asked her the question, but he was really out of his mind by tenderness, and she probably had her head full of work-related information to worry about him and his strange blurted questions.
Thus, the first two times were ill-planned and, in his head, that was why they hadn't worked out.
Niles also knew that Fran had managed to be asked out in what was officially a bunch of dates with Mister Sheffield, for the last month, what had made their complicated relationship give important steps – this calmed down the producer (no more jealousy fits or distressed feelings of indecision), and reflected positively in CC's behavior, once they were working together a lot.
Now it was the perfect time to get back and attack.
He had already anticipated that the night would be frantic – the play had potential, and even if it didn't, there were always a lot of critics, guests and journalists to entertain in an event like this.
Things were running exactly as he had predicted, when the four of them reached their cabin in the theater: Maxwell and Fran had seated together, in the front row, and CC insisted she and Niles seated behind them, so they could share impressions freely.
They watched the play together and held hands during the first act. Her little comments about what they were watching were made from very close to his ear, what made it tickle, and he knew she was doing it on purpose.
During the second act, she started caressing his thigh. His reaction to her touch put a smirk on her face. It was quite dark, but Niles was paying enough attention to know she was enjoying making him uncomfortable.
'What are you trying to do?', he murmured into her ear, resting his hand over hers.
'I'm nervous and need a little distraction'.
'I see', he answered back, 'but I think it is a bit unfair that I can't even kiss you'.
'I can redo my make-up in the break before next act', she licked her lips and inclined her head as if to tell him a secret, and he mirrored her position, 'And the exclusive producers' bathroom is right out of our door'.
Her smile shone and he grinned back, 'You could have told me earlier'.
Fran turned to them at this, 'What is all the whispering about?'
'We need to do something', CC answered, 'We'll be right back'.
She took his hand and they were out of the room before Fran could do more than rise her eyebrow.
'Where did they go?', Maxwell asked, confused.
'Believe me, we don't want to know'.
ncncncncnc
As Niles had predicted, their break in the bathroom was amazing, and made wonders for CC's humor. She was incredibly calm and relaxed through act 3, holding his hand again, and Niles could still feel the warmth on his body where her lipstick had left its marks.
Once the play was over, they could feel they had a hit by the reaction of the assistance, and they happily exited their cabin and went to the room in the back of the building, where they would have the party.
Again, as Niles was prepared for, he and Fran stepped aside once they entered the room, so the shots of the two producers were taken and some of the interviews were done.
What Niles didn't expect was Maxwell taking him to a corner once he managed to get rid of the photographers who had flew over the producers, 'Old Man, I need your help'.
Niles looked at CC, who was now standing alone and making her best to have the attention of people and make them not notice Maxwell's absence, 'What is it, Sir?'
'It seems we have a problem with the party's staff. I didn't get exactly what it is, but the waiter that came to talk to me said it is really serious. Would you…?'
Niles had a second of hesitation – of course, he would do anything to guarantee that the opening night was perfect; he just feared it involved something like acting himself as a waiter.
He didn't mind the position – he had done it a lot in his life – but he was the husband of one of the most important people in the room, and there were a lot of journalists ready to take a picture of Miss Babcock's husband carrying a tray. He had her feelings over his actions to consider, now.
However, he didn't even know what was happening, and there was no reason to panic, yet. 'Of course, Sir. I'll see what I can do'.
'Thank you very much, Niles!'
He waited some moments, until Maxwell reached CC, and it was clear the relieved look she had on her face when he nodded at her, probably meaning everything was under control.
Gulping down the disappointment once he was not able to lock stares with his wife (damn photographers!) and pretending he was strolling around, Niles reached the area where the hired waiters were.
He found pure chaos – it seemed someone had brought waiters and boxes of food and drinks and trays and glasses and everything, deposited them in a room and went away.
(And Salvador Dalí had decided to use the abandoned things to compose a Surrealist painting, frozen characters and misplaced objects all around.)
'People, listen to me for a minute', he called and was relieved that the majority of the waiters knew him, once it was not the first time they were hired by Sheffield/Babcock. Soon he had all of them looking at him. 'Mister Sheffield asked me to come here and find some solutions with you'.
It was a matter of minutes for two of the guys to explain what exactly the problem was (the head man had not arrived, and the boys didn't know if they could start serving), and Niles chose the two of them to guide the others while he tried to contact the missing man.
Almost an hour later, Niles left the guys to do their work by themselves. The two best talking ones remained as headmen, once the original one had a personal emergence and couldn't make it, and he made sure they could call him if they had any doubts, but things were running smoothly.
Back to the party with his casual strolling, Niles adjusted his tuxedo and approached a table to take a glass of champagne. Now that he had solved the problem, he could bask in the feeling of satisfaction he had, knowing his leadership and resourceful personality traits had saved the day.
He would certainly use this situation for some zingers, in the near future. Maxwell would roll his eyes at his pretended arrogance, and CC would look at him with pride – in part, because she loved it when he was arrogant.
Searching for her in the crowd, Niles mused that maybe he should rethink his idea of talking about marriage to CC tonight. He had been absent a relatively great deal of time, she probably was really busy, and he wanted to ask her to marry him in a more adequate situation, so he would have at least a chance to hear her say…
'Mister Brightmore?'
He turned to the voice, surprised that someone would use his surname, and found a woman with a tape recorder in her hand and a man with a camera hanging from his neck.
'Would you mind saying some words for the Spotlight Magazine?'
Niles knew exactly the type of magazine that was this Spotlight one: they had material about theater, TV and cinema, but their focus was almost always in the personal lives of famous people.
Even knowing the danger of such a situation (and already worried that a reporter had gone into the trouble to discover his name), Niles had adrenaline from the previous activity still coursing through his veins, and he never backed away from a challenge. 'No, of course not', he answered politely.
The woman pushed the recorder ON, 'Mister Brightmore, did you like the play?'
Niles relaxed a bit. Maybe it would not be that difficult. 'Yes, very much. It is a beautiful tale about the ones you love and the decisions you must take based on their needs, and not on you own. Sheffield/Babcock has found a gem'.
'Are you a theater fan?'
'I follow Broadway theater rather closely, and I am a fan of the, let's say, traditional theater, too'.
'Like Shakespeare', the woman smiled, acknowledging his accent.
'Shakespeare, obviously, but Tennessee Williams, Bernard Shaw, and other amazing play writers have made important things for theater in this century, too. Not mentioning the musicals'.
The woman nodded, encouraging him to proceed, and he mentioned some of the links he had noticed between the musical they had just watched and some universal themes as love, dependence, fear of solitude and the binds of family. He finished stressing again how musical theater could be deep in its own way of unveiling the human soul.
For a moment he feared she would ask him about Andrew Lloyd Webber and his successful plays, but she surprised him, 'You are British, as Maxwell Sheffield. Are you related?'
'No. We know each other since we were both very young, as my family had served his for decades, and I was trained to be his butler'.
'You are a trained butler, as we see in movies?'
'Yes', he had to smile at that, 'exactly like that. No murders on my account, though', he winked.
The woman smiled at him, 'Would you say it is a good moment in the Sheffield household?'
Niles made sure to not show how he noticed the slight change in the direction of the conversation, 'I would say the Sheffield household is a very harmonic one. It helps the people involved to keep focused in the quality of the work they do, as we have seen proved tonight'.
'What do you think has contributed more to this harmony: Fran Fine's arrival or your relationship with Miss Babcock?'
He almost said Both things, but he was not sure where this was leading, so he decided to be a bit more careful, 'I don't think I understood your question'.
He could see the twinkle in the reporter's eyes, 'Fran Fine has been hired to be a nanny, but we have seen her in any benefit and party in the arm of Maxwell Sheffield. Lately, they were seen together dining in famous restaurants, and they seem really involved. The same way, we have a lot of people in the theater world commenting about the changed behavior, for the better, of CC Babcock, since your relationship was brought to the open'.
'Oh, this', he nodded calmly, even if his heart was beating quicker, 'Miss Fine has been doing an amazing job with the Sheffield children, and this obviously has made wonders for the household. About Mister Sheffield and his interaction with her, I'm afraid I am not in the place to talk for him', he paused to make sure the woman got the message, and she nodded, 'About… my wife, I must say she was always a very cunning and sensitive woman. She wouldn't be so successful in an Art-oriented career if she was not like that'.
'However, her fame was of a very difficult person…'
'I wouldn't say she is difficult, just really invested in the perfection of everything she does'.
'So, you don't think your relationship has changed her?'
'I think people tend to imagine that a marriage can bring something that wasn't there before, what I find an amusing notion'.
'You said wife and marriage – it means you are legally married?'
'Yes, we are'.
'Did you have a hidden ceremony?'
Niles licked his lips. It was too close to what he had been worrying about, lately, what made him a bit nervous. Luckily, he had the right to say the question was not pertinent – once it really wasn't. 'It is a very personal question. I thought this interview was about the play'.
'It is about the play, too, Mister Brightmore, but the woman who still introduces herself as Miss Babcock and was known as a cold hearted businesswoman has appeared some months ago with a ring on her finger and has been seen hand in hand with the Sheffield's butler in public places. People are curious about the lack of a big announcement', the woman smiled sweetly at him, 'Don't you think you should take the opportunity to clarify things?'
Niles stayed silent for some moments, thinking of what he would say. He couldn't go wrong with this, and he chose his words carefully, 'First of all, we don't believe we need a big announcement to have what makes us happy. It would be reason enough to not make one. And when we decided to be together, Sheffield/Babcock productions was so focused in this play that any diversionist news would be bad. This play required a lot of hard work, and this should be what people were to talk about. The same goes for tonight: even if I'm glad people are interested enough in the work of my wife they want to know details of her personal life, I think the main subject here should be her work'.
'I understand, Mister Brightmore, and I promise you we will have a lot of good things to say about the play', he seemed pacified, and she insisted, 'Just one more question: now that the play is on the road and it looks promising, do you intend to have the big ceremony society has been waiting for, so we can have officially Mrs Brightmore?'
Again, too close to the mark, but Niles knew better than letting it get to him, 'We haven't discussed it, yet, and it is the kind of decision a couple must take together', he made a pause and then added, 'However, I think it would be of good sense that society still called my wife Miss Babcock, once it has been her business name for so many years'.
'Don't you mind?'
Niles smirked, 'Of course not! I think it has a very nice ring to it!'. The man with the camera chose that moment to take shots of him, and he tried to maintain a polite smile. 'I must go, now', he said to the pair, making sure the interview was over at this highlight moment.
'Yes, thank you for the interview, Mister Brightmore, and congratulations'.
They exchanged some more niceties and the journalists were gone.
Niles sincerely hoped he had made things right. He would know for sure just when he could read what the journalist decided to publish, but he was in peace with his conscience, at least.
He spent some moments searching discreetly for the waiters and making sure everything was all right, all the while observing how some reporters were now interviewing Miss Fine.
He took another glass of champagne, stopped at a corner and observed his wife while she faked some smiles to the same reporter who had talked to him.
Should he go to her? Was she expecting his presence? The last week had been so frantic it never occurred to him he should ask her how to behave in their first opening night together.
And more: wouldn't it be the perfect occasion for his asking? The woman with the recorder was probably bringing the subject and making CC think about it, and maybe all he should do was wait for her to be alone and go there and...
'Gosh! People really loved the thing!', Fran's voice startled him.
'What? Oh, the play. Yes, how great for all of us'.
She noticed his distracted tone and the way he gulped the champagne down. 'You know, I got a kiss from Mister Sheffield. He was so happy he even called me Fran, and I'm clinging on it as much as I can'.
She waited for his answer, but he just nodded distractedly at her while looking away.
Fran followed his glance and saw CC talking to some journalists. What a surprise, he is looking at her! Fran decided to play with his mind and stretched the truth. 'I told him I love him and he said it back'.
Niles nodded again, eyes glued to his wife and an anxious expression on his face.
Fran realized something was going on. She decided to go for broke, remembering she had heard Niles mentioning his desire that Miss Babcock would look at him in a different way and guessing it was what probably occupied his mind. 'And I think he will marry me'.
At the word marry he turned to her, 'What did you say?!'
'Now you are paying attention!', she took his arms, 'Sweetie, listen to me: if there is something you want to tell her, just go for it. Carpe Diem'.
He made that little shoulder shake that indicated his nerves, 'I'm not sure'.
'You will never be if you don't try! You have such a frank relationship! Why don't you just tell her?!'
He looked at her, looked at CC again, and then looked at Fran, 'You're right. I can't keep this inside me anymore'.
He put the glass on a nearby table, adjusted his suit and nodded at Fran while she patted his back reassuringly.
He went to CC and the reporter made sure to close the interview, 'Can we take a shot of the two of you?'
CC smiled, 'Of course. Come on, Dear, they want to scare their readers', she linked arms with Niles and he grinned at her, feeling absurdly proud of their way to relate to each other.
They posed and all Niles could think was that he felt like things were at his side.
The reporters thanked them and were gone again.
She smiled at him, 'Hi, finally, Bell Boy'.
He smiled back, infected by her happiness, 'Success becomes you'.
'Thank you', she pecked him on the lips, and kept her hand in his.
'You deserve the compliment'.
'I am not thanking you for the compliment, but for being yourself tonight – I know you took care of the staff's problem and I know you gave an interview'.
'Thank you for praising my multitask features'.
She smiled, 'The journalist said my husband had made very interesting considerations'.
'About what?', he almost panicked.
'The play, obviously'.
'Oh. And I meant what I said'.
'The woman mentioned something about you citing great writers and universal truths and a lot of impressive things…', she looked at his eyes with interest.
'Oh, I may have said something like that…', he tried to sound nonchalant.
'Just to impress a young journalist?'
'If I wanted to impress someone, it would be you', he said, seriously, looking at their united hands and then into her eyes again, 'In fact, if letting the world know how cultured your husband is makes you happy, that is what I will do, no matter what it takes'.
CC was a bit surprised by the deepness of his tone when he said that, and tried to lighten the mood, 'I will make sure not to ask for anything illegal, then, once you may do anything for me'.
Ops. It seemed she ended up teasing even if her initial intention was just take him out of his seriousness.
His eyes showed how serious he was, 'I would do anything'.
It was obvious that he wanted to make sure how he really cared about her, and she didn't know what the correct answer to that was.
If they were alone, or even in the mansion with just the Sheffields and Fines around, she would kiss him passionately and distract him from whatever he wanted to say.
Here, the adequate approach was not very clear to her.
Maybe more teasing could work.
'You know, I'm really surprised at you. It seems you finally pulled something bigger than your shorts'.
'Oh', he was shocked by her words. Of course, it was expected that she tried to dismiss his sincerity as something she could laugh off, but he still needed some seconds to find what to say, and just managed a challenged 'Really?'
She raised an eyebrow. It seemed that this time he didn't find a good zinger, and this was worrying in itself.
He decided to answer teasingly, too, and sincerely tried, 'Well, you… You are a… You walk like a…'
She frowned at him, surprised by his difficulty in deciding which joke he would use on her.
'Marry me?'
'CC, darling, what a wonderful play we have in our hands!'
The couple turned to a backer that was very happy at the success of his investment.
CC excused herself hurriedly and Niles sighed for one more lost moment.
The fourth time
CC finished her work at the theater, looked at her pager and read Niles' message.
Special night. I'll be waiting at the penthouse. Love you.
Her first reaction was to smile. She adored when he repeated he loved her. In fact, she got used to it fairly quickly, and sometimes she would even say it back.
(There was no way she would feel uneasy about it after she had already made the same confession in all kinds of… sexual environments.
The things they do when in the throes of passion…)
Her second reaction was to frown. The message made her think she was missing something.
Of course, she knew he had been strange and proposing to her in the most surprising of situations, but she didn't want to think every gesture he made was related to that. She was not that paranoid.
And he was not that clueless.
CC called the mansion.
'Sheffield Residence!'
'Nanny Fine, did Niles tell you why he was going home earlier than usual?'
'Good afternoon to you too, Miss Babcock. No, he didn't, and it was obvious he was up to something. I am really offended he didn't trust me. We are best friends!'
'Well, I'm his wife and I don't know anything, either. I think I win'.
'Maybe it is a surprise for you'.
'In this case, it is a good thing he didn't tell you. I think you wouldn't like to know the kind of surprise Niles usually prepares for me'.
'Thank you for the mental image'.
'Live with that', CC smirked, 'Thank you for nothing, by the way, Yenta Queen'.
CC shut off the phone, grinning, and waved for a taxi. She had got closer to the Nanny, but it was always good to mess with her head.
Ncncncncncnc
She entered the penthouse and smelled Chicken Picatta, one of her favorites.
'Hi, Sweetheart', he came to greet her at the door.
'Hi…?', she answered, accepting his tender kiss, 'What are you up to, Niles?'
He grinned at her, 'Just wait and see'.
'Should I change into something fancier?', she asked, eyeing the classy white shirt he was wearing under the blue apron and the well tailored pants. 'Or nothing at all?'
'No need to be naked: I don't intend taking photos', he winked at her and then smiled softly, 'Just wear something that makes you comfortable'.
'So, this is not just sex…'
'No, it is not'.
She stayed there looking at him, he looking at her back for some moments, things were getting heated as they always get when they locked stares and then he sent her off, 'Don't you dare distract me, woman! Just go and get ready!'
Ncncncncncn
She was back not too much time later, wearing a blouse with a gracious V-neck, classy and comfortable at the same time. The pencil skirt complemented the visual very well.
'You look amazing', he complimented her, pulling the chair, so she could sit at the table.
'Wow, Niles, what do we have here? Dinner served with some good wine… a gentleman as company…', she looked at him sternly, 'Ok, what is happening? Am I dying?'
She said and then smiled, breaking the tension with her perfect comical timing, he chuckled and then started serving her, 'I hope I won't be, at the end of the night'.
She made a face at him, 'Wait, wait, wait – this is all some set up because you've made something wrong?'
He finished serving her and started serving himself, 'I have not made anything yet'.
'But you will, won't you? Niles, just tell me what is all of it about!'
He sat down in front of her, 'Can't we just eat, before? I have made one of your favorites…'
'I can't eat knowing you are planning something so bizarre and or nasty and or dangerous and or…'
'I just want to ask you something, and I won't do anything you don't agree', he interrupted her, gulping nervously. 'I thought it would be great if I created a special atmosphere, but it seems I'm making it worse…'
CC regretted her nerves, and made calculated dismissive gestures, 'No, that's OK, I'm sorry. I'm just too curious. But I can wait. Let's just eat'.
He nodded but stayed observing her while she pretended she had forgotten he was there.
She took her fork.
She put the fork in the meal.
She moved it from side to side, a little.
She bit her lower lip.
She put the fork down.
She took the glass of wine and sipped.
She took the fork again.
Niles couldn't hide his grin anymore, 'You are not doing it right, Babs…'
She threw the fork on the table and finally looked at him, 'No, I'm not! I give up!'
Niles started eating.
'You are really not telling me?', she asked, indignant.
'Relax, baby. Enjoy your favorite and we can talk later'.
'I can't eat!', she said stubbornly, but took the fork again and touched the food with it, angry.
And then she had an idea.
She made her best pouting face, reclined into his direction and called him softly, 'Niles?'
He looked at her wary, 'What?'
She licked her lips and touched the food with the fork delicately, 'You have to do something… My breast is dry…'
He was wide eyed at that. The look on her face was utterly innocent and yet incredibly malicious.
One of the things he really loved about her was the way she managed to mobilize the best and the worst in herself, and the fact he felt enchanted by both of them.
Now, for example, she was trying to manipulate him into telling her what she wanted to know, and her effort would be enough to make his heart soar with affection, even if it was not that charming.
And it was damn charming.
He had been feeling like this for years, now: every time she would create a prank or threw him a good zinger he felt strangely cared for, because he knew it was her way of letting him know she was paying attention.
After they got married, he had the same sensation –some things she did were done just for him, and they made him feel special and want to smile.
She could be a bad girl for anyone, but when she was nasty to him, she had a trace of something that was exclusive for him, and he dared to think it was love.
And love, in his head, was necessarily connected to marriage.
'Marry me?'
CC frowned.
Niles let go of the fork and looked at her pleadingly, 'Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't want to blurt it out again, I just wanted to make it perfect, but then you were there, being beautiful and amazing me, and even when you are acting crazy I think you are the most wonderful woman in the world, and all I could think was asking you to marry me…', he noticed her hands making a calm down gesture and he stopped to breath, 'Too much time with Miss Fine, I'm sorry'.
CC nodded her understanding and talked as if he had difficult comprehending, 'Aren't we already married?'
'Yes, but you said we could talk about a religious ceremony when I thought the time was right'.
'Oh', now she finally got it, 'And you think it is?'
'I do', he grimaced, 'No pun intended. I swear'.
She smiled at his pained face, 'Niles… I agree we are really happy, but I don't know what to say… I mean… We have been married for such a little time…'
'Ten months, three weeks and two days'.
She looked at him and frowned again, 'It sounded really creepy, you know?'
'Yes, but I have been thinking a lot about it, and one year anniversary would be such a beautiful date for a wedding!'
'Creepier and creepier…'
'You don't have to answer me now, I just wanted to tell you how much honored I would be if you agreed to make a ceremony to our families and closest friends'.
'Have you thought about it carefully? We have been living without our families trying to meddle with us… Why change it now?'
'My parents are crazy to meet you, for one thing. And yours have been very reasonable…', he noticed she was pensive and added, 'And where is that woman that seduced me with propositions of rubbing our inter-class relationship in the face of upper-class people?'
She smiled and rested her back on the chair, a bit more relaxed, 'I'm still not sure we need it'.
'We don't', he inclined into her direction, 'I just want to have it with you'.
She came closer enough to extend her arm on the table, showing him she wanted to take his hand. 'How do you imagine it?'
He took her offered hand, 'When I think about it, all I can picture is you, all in white, walking down the aisle to meet me', he had a dreaming look all over him, 'It doesn't have to be a huge or fancy place. I wish the people we care for will be there, but all I really want is to see you as my bride'.
CC sighed and rubbed her thumb on his hand, 'I should have known having a relationship with such an older guy would oblige me to this kind of ancient tradition'.
He shook his shoulders, 'I warned you I was old-fashioned'.
'Yes, you did', she looked at their joined hands, 'Niles, I am not prepared to say yes, yet. But I don't think our life together authorizes me to say no', he nodded at her, showing he understood her words, 'Maybe we should do things slowly, but steadily'.
It was his time to frown.
'Don't worry, I don't mean slowly as in Maxwell's kind of slowly. We establish some things we must do before we get married, do them, and then we decide if we really want it'.
'What kind of things?'
'I must meet your parents, we have to offer a dinner to my family…'
'Yes, of course'.
'We have to decide what kind of ceremony we would like…'
'Yes, I understand'.
'And if we will have all the things a traditional wedding has, as a honeymoon'.
'Yes, I see'.
'Are you going to agree with anything I say, tonight?'
'I want you to marry me. It is not wise to contradict you in such a situation'.
'Niles, Niles', CC got up from the table and went to sit on his lap, 'If this is how you plan to win my heart', she started opening the buttons of his white shirt, 'You are absolutely right', she stopped and looked him in the eye, 'I love it when you agree with me'.
'It was agreeing with you that put me in the position I am now', he said, seriously.
'I don't regret it', she stated.
'Neither do I!', he hurried to agree, making her giggle and kiss him tenderly.
When they parted, she turned serious and caressed his hair, 'You know I was joking, don't you?'
'About what?', his hand rested on her arm, and he was enjoying the feeling of her skin.
'About winning my heart'.
He looked at her, a bit frightened, 'What do you mean? That I don't stand a chance?'
'Oh, you stupid butler!', she took his cheeks in her hands, 'That you have already made it!'
They kept looking into each others' eyes: her serious expression turned into a superior smirk, and his surprised look became a heated glare.
How many times had they faced each other like this after a good zinger, and had to suppress the urge to make out and force the other to swallow their pride?
Well, no more suppressing, 'round here.