Hi, people.
This chapter has a little Niles/Fran scene, because I think they would have precious moments if we got to see them both married to their respective others, in a 7th season of the show.
And, of course, it has some Niles/CC goodness referencing my favorite scenes of the series.
Sorry for the waiting (;D) and review, if you please!
The marriage
Chapter 11: Judging merits
Niles was trying not to be too excited about what he called, in his head, CC's almost there answer.
(And he always snickered to himself when he thought of the sexual undertone of the way he had chosen to call it. He didn't know if it was a good thing that his wife made him think of sex such an amount of time, but he loved the feeling of intimacy everything about her raised in him.
In fact, he knew it must be a good thing, but he still felt very insecure about their relationship: it had all started as a business deal, and it still seemed unreal to imagine it had turned into something so… smooth.
He had already given up having something like this in his life for a while, and even if adjusting to happiness was surprisingly easy, it made him suspicious).
Well, he was doing his part for not ruining things after he proposed and she told him she needed some time: they dined and made love and he spent the next day with CC in the mansion, watching while she charmingly worked, tending to her demanding needs, exchanging barbs, kisses, zingers and heated stares (just an ordinary day, after all), and never brought the subject of a wedding again, even if he could recognize a lot of adequate occasions for it.
He couldn't help but notice how specially happy she was that day, how she had the most amazing nasty answers to give him, how her eyes twinkled at him and how she reacted when he simply got close to her in the kitchen and put his hand on her back.
It was not like he didn't do it often, but that day his wife seemed very… sensitive?
She was talking to Mister Sheffield about Miss Fine's obsession on marrying (in fact, she was pretending she was interested in what he had to say while munching on a piece of cake).
The producer was seated at the kitchen table and CC was standing besides him; Niles listened for a while and then entered by the back stairs.
His wife threw him relieved look.
Listening to the last words Maxwell was saying was enough for Niles to recognize the dangerous topic (if he was making an effort to not bring the subject of a wedding, why Max had to have such a horrible timing and – oh, well, it was Max).
The butler didn't know exactly what to do, but he worried about CC's reaction to the subject. So, he went to her and brushed his hand between her shoulder blades, lowering it delicately until it paused on the small of her back.
He meant it to be a reassuringly gesture, even a consoling one, in the case of her being disturbed by the conversation, but the woman shuddered, turned her head to him and giggled, 'Stop it!'
Quickly hiding his surprise, Niles smiled at her and waited.
Maxwell resumed talking and CC gave him some not really interested answer.
Then, Fran herself announced her arriving in the kitchen, and Niles touched CC's shoulder.
His gesture for her to follow him out of the kitchen, so they could have some time just for themselves, was eagerly received.
Moments like these, when they were so in sync, had his mind wondering about the almost there answer and what could be really making her hesitate.
She was so confident about everything, specially since they got together, that he couldn't understand what could be preventing her from accepting his proposals.
He liked to see her glowing with sureness – it just made her more and more beautiful at his eyes – and the fact she was not sure about having a wedding made him sad, because it seemed related more to him than specifically to her.
That day she had that glowing all over her, and he didn't know what to feel: he was happy for her, of course, but sorry for himself, once he couldn't stop worrying – her lack of commitment and joy over being with him seemed incoherent.
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CC and Maxwell announced they were going into a dinner with potential backers when it was very late in the afternoon of that same day.
Niles and Fran were initially happy for the invitation to Sheffield/Babcock Productions (related to the success of their play), then desolated at the prospect of being left behind, and then annoyed when they realized Maxwell and CC were really glad to be the object of their pouts.
'Can you believe those two?', Fran asked Niles while eating ice cream at the kitchen table, later, 'They really think it is cute that we are moping about them!'
'As if we were moping', he groaned forlornly while putting another spoon of ice cream in his mouth.
'You know, Niles, we should make them suffer', Fran clenched her fists in what seemed a fit of rage, but soon was whining to the heavens, 'Why can't we go with them?!'
'Oh, calm down, there is nothing we can do', he put his hands over his face and then messed with his own hair. The groan he emitted while doing this was the closest to a whine that he would permit himself.
'We need some guilty, here, Niles, or things won't work out!'
He made a decisive gesture with his hand, 'Miss Fine, there is no one to blame, specially not our other halves', he was trying to be reasonable, even if he was not happy at all, 'The invitation came just some hours ago, and the party will happen in a very exclusive club. They think it will be better for business if just the two of them show up…'
She huffed at that.
He glared at her, 'Besides, we wouldn't want you to have so few hours to get ready'.
She noticed the look he was giving her and glared back, 'Are you suggesting it is all my fault?'
Niles sighed and softened, 'No, I'm sorry. I'm just so used to escorting CC that I feel horrible about it all. And you are the one who suggested guilt helps'.
'Not on us!', Fran reproached him and shook her head, 'If it was not enough that I am dating Maxwell for some weeks and now am going to be left out of a party, that I have to live with you calling her CC when you are upset, now you misplace guilt without thinking of the consequences! The world is not a piece of cake for me, nowadays', she brightened a bit, 'Speaking of that…'
'Don't even think of it', he cut her off, 'It is too late to stuff ourselves with cheesecake'.
'We are already in our pajamas while they are getting ready for a fancy party in an exclusive club. Do you think an innocent cheesecake could make us more pathetic than we already are?'
'Yes, I do'.
'You really know nothing about being pathetic, Niles'.
'Oh, you can bet I know. For example, you suggested we wore our night clothes and came to the kitchen to wait for them and show how we don't care about their decision, and I was so out of my mind I thought it would be a good idea and here we are, ready to show them how not sophisticated we can get!', he finished talking emphatically, as he did when he was annoyed.
Fran smiled at him, 'You really learned how to speak so much without breathing…'
'Don't let it go to your head. I already did it before we knew each other', he looked at her sideways, and his mouth curved into a charming smirk, 'Of course, I have improved my skills since I'm living with an expert'.
Fran put a hand on his arm, grinning, 'Aw, Sweetie…'
They heard voices, froze for a second, got up and bolted to the living room.
Arriving there, they slowed down and pretended to be just strolling around.
CC was alone, dressed in a beautiful cream gown and conferring the contents of her purse.
'Where is Max?', Fran asked.
'The man is so vain he is probably still combing his gray…', she was answering coldly, but then looked up.
Her disgusted face at Maxwell's tardiness turned into fondness when she noticed Niles' choice of clothes, 'Feeling homey, Butler Boy?'
'It is not like I have any other choice', he said, touching the back of the armchair with his fingers, while standing behind it.
For some reason, she found his dignified posture, even in his big nightshirt, very captivating, and her grin widened, 'Nanny Fine, why don't you go fetch Maxwell? He will make us late'.
Taking the hint and knowing she didn't want to see where this was going, Fran exclaimed, 'Let it to me, Babsy!', and run upstairs.
The blonde walked to the armchair, letting it be between her and her husband, 'It's been a while since I last saw you in this thing', she said and reached out, letting her hand slide by the front of his nightshirt.
'I decided to revert to my bachelor's nightwear, once you are leaving me alone tonight'.
'This is a very cruel thing to do', she put the purse aside, knelt in the armchair and put her hands on his shoulders. 'Now I really wish I could stay until I convinced you to open each one of these endless buttons'.
'That was kind of the idea', he murmured.
'And I thank you for it', she smiled sweetly at him.
'Thank me?'
'Of course. You know how important work is for me. You decided to show me how yummy you are while all homey like this, but you knew I would still be able to resist, even if it is hard', she let her hands roam to prove her point, 'However, it would be a very different matter if you came to face me with your Risky Business outfit'.
'R-Really?', he stuttered when she made a contortion with her arm and was able to touch the part of him that was already answering to her proximity.
'Really', she got closer enough to put him in a daze and yet not smear her make-up, 'Can you imagine how terrible would it be if I had to give up a business night for a fantasy we have already fulfilled?', she murmured very close to his ear, 'And we both know I couldn't go if I saw the rock of your hips clad in those white boxers'.
Niles put a hand delicately on her cheek and made her look at his serious face, 'You're lucky I didn't think of it'.
'I'm lucky you support my decisions and would never put me in such a difficult situation', she said and smirked when he rolled his eyes at her words.
At this point Maxwell and Fran descended the front stairs, and by the look on their faces, Fran had made something more than fetch the producer. 'CC…', Maxwell started and then frowned at the image of his business partner knelt on an armchair, an arm suspiciously not to be seen and her husband behind it, seemingly not comfortable, 'I'm ready. May we go?'
'In a moment, Maxwell', she turned to him to answer and then turned back to Niles, just to notice he was not in her reach anymore.
He had circled the armchair to take her hand and pull her quickly in the direction of the kitchen, 'Yes, sir, in a moment!'
Noticing it would take some minutes more than they had thought, Fran clang to Maxwell and they resumed a lighter version of what they have been doing in his room.
In the kitchen, Niles had pressed CC against the subzero door and was rubbing his body viciously against hers.
'Want me to come before I go out, Butler Boy?', she seized the opportunity to speak, once he knew he could not kiss her without messing with her perfect make up. 'Maybe you will feel better if I just exit the house after being somewhat satisfied?'
He stopped his rubbing and looked into her eyes, 'I'll take that as an advice'.
He knelt before her and his left hand sneaked inside the dress, from below it. The fabric was a bit stretched, but she bended her own knees a bit, so he managed to reach her core and started fingering her.
CC loved it when he did this kind of thing – the improvisation, the hurry, the need to satisfy her, everything made her love him more and more.
And turned her on incredibly.
'I want you to come, too', she pleaded.
'I will', he assured her, putting his free hand on himself through the fabric of his nightshirt.
Her hands went to his hair, and she kept looking down at him, following each movement she could see and feeling each one she couldn't.
When she came, hard, she felt his hot breath through the cloth over her thigh and heard his muffled whimpering sound, and was sure he had followed her suit.
Niles rearranged her panties, stood up, cleaned his hands on himself, smoothed her dress and looked into her eyes.
Before, both were resisting the urge to kiss, but now it was risky even to touch each other – CC could feel the smell of sex that came from him, because now he was marked with both of their scents, and knew it wouldn't be wise to enter a limo with her very proper business partner if she was carrying such marks on herself.
The notion he had signs of their lovemaking was getting her aroused again, so she decided to throw a barb and not dwell in the matter, 'You are really pathetic, you know?', CC said, caressing Niles' hair and unable to hide the soft smile she had on her face.
Niles sighed, 'Me? You are the one being far all night trying to flatter a bunch of snobs'.
'My point stands. I am cruel for going out without you, and you are pathetic for being so desperate for me to stay'.
'Oh, right, I'll let you win this one. I still can't think straight'.
Both chuckled at that.
'Promise me you won't wait for me'.
'I can't promise you that'.
'Please, Niles, at least try to relax. I'll feel better knowing you'll be well rested when I come back'.
'Oh… Well, in that case, I'll make my best'.
'Thank you', she murmured and winked at him.
Putting a hand on his cheek, CC approached and pecked his lips.
'It will help me', he said, very low, 'But I still hate you'.
She grinned, 'Hate you more'.
They locked stares and she had to turn and leave before they were unable to separate.
He stayed behind and could hear her yelling in the living room, 'Enough with the ridiculous farewells! Let's go, Maxwell!'
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Niles was dreaming.
He had grown used to hate the nights, the last years, because: 1)Miss Fine could call him to make something for her or for someone of her family; 2)Mister Sheffield could want something to eat, and the man didn't know a thing about the kitchen – to Niles, it was better to do whatever he wanted, even at unholy hours, than clean all the room afterwards; 3)Miss Fine and Mister Sheffield could need a buddy to chat.
Even when nothing of that happened, sleep could delude him, and he would stay up thinking of the highlights of his day (most of them related to his favorite witch).
And yet, if nothing happened and sleep claimed him properly, he would probably have steamy dreams with that same witch.
That was why his nights could be a real torment.
Miss Fine had arrived in the mansion for more or less three years when his relationship with Miss Babcock began improving, and at the same time Maxwell realized Fran could be the woman for him.
CC's marriage proposal made Niles sure he was not crazy, and she really was looking at him in a different way, but he had admitted his attraction for her for some time.
And then his nights started to get better and better.
He had even let go of his mouth piece (the one Fran considered not very attractive) since he let the fantasies with CC freely flow – the acknowledgement of how much smitten by that wildcat he was had proved enough to make him not cringe his teeth anymore.
It was like she was the thing that was lacking in his life – the reason why he could enjoy his nights at some level and not be the frustrated wreck he used to be.
It made him wonder if that woman was a good or a bad witch, because his nights had turned into something he cherished, being them about sex with her or about just lying down close to her.
Now that they were married, the dreams were less frequent, once he had the real thing.
That was why he was really surprised by the vivid sensations around his cock in the night when his wife was out in a business party.
Being soon half awake, he moaned and his hands went to the head that was between his legs.
Niles smiled: he was dreaming of it exactly the way CC seemed to like it – with his fingers on her soft locks, as she often demanded (oh, the rough side…); with the deliberate strokes of her hands and the French-kissing she knew how to do on his tip; and with her lips finding the perfect spots all over his sensitive low region.
A surprising strong scratch of nails on his thigh brought him to reality.
Niles opened his eyes and looked down – it was clearly not a dream.
His sharp intake of air called her attention, 'Hi', she smiled, looking up at him.
'Hi', he smiled back, founding his voice already very hoarse at the sight of her in the beautiful cream gown, lying on his legs and hiding from his view his white boxers, that she had pulled to his knees.
Yes, he was wearing his Risky Business outfit. He couldn't resist the idea.
'You seemed surprised', she started crawling over his body, her smile gaining a nasty touch.
'You could say so', he agreed, 'I thought I was dreaming'.
She was now face to face with him, 'Maybe you are still dreaming'.
'No way any dream could be this wonderful'.
She chuckled and kissed him.
Niles frowned, 'What is it I smell? Champagne?'
'Yes, but don't worry – I am barely tipsy'.
He made his best reproachful look, 'Why did you drink, Babs? You know it is bad for you…'
'Because you were not there, baby'.
Oh. 'I don't know what to say…', he caressed her hair, 'You make me feel special while saying I drive you to drink…It's confusing'.
'And the news are?'
'Please, don't say it. You know I still feel bad about being responsible for you drowning your sorrows in liquor, in the past'.
'It's over, now', she kissed him again, and wriggled her lower body on his, 'Tonight I just missed you, and things got a bit more bearable with each passing tray of drinks'.
Niles thought about answering, but she put a finger on his lips and threw him a heated stare.
He kept silent while she went back again to her previous task, crawling down his body a bit, stopping to open the white shirt and pull the undershirt up, so she could plant wet kisses on his stomach.
'Do you want me to do anything?', he softly whispered.
'No', she murmured back, singing the word. Then she resumed her crawling and put him in her mouth slowly.
'Are you sure? I… uh… I…'
'Relax, baby. I don't need any help now'.
'You… are really good… at it…'
'Uhum'.
'I just wish I could… Oh, God…'
'Give up, Niles'.
'All right'.
He sighed, and CC had to chuckle. She loved the sound of his surrender, because it made her think he trusted her deeply, and put himself on her hands.
Well, all he felt for her was incredibly deep. It was like he wished for such a complete relationship she felt, sometimes, like she was not able to reciprocate adequately.
That was a good reason for not trying this wedding thing.
She was not a good person, not at all. In the party, while seeing all of that normal people talking and having fun, she felt really annoyed. And then Maxwell asked her why she was jumpy, and just then she realized how she grew used to Niles by her side.
She needed him to feel complete, as much as he needed her to feel happy.
And that was a good reason for trying this wedding thing.
Obviously, she would not simply run to him and tell him she would marry him, but she would make an effort to accomplish the tasks she had told Niles they had, before having the proper wedding.
She had decided to mess with his head tonight: she had the right to have as much fun as possible while doing what he wanted, didn't she?
When she arrived at their room, she was feeling lightheaded and aroused by the perspective of closing a successful business night having sex with her favorite servant, opening each one of those buttons torturously slow, until he begged her for release…
Then she saw him sleeping in that outfit that brought her such wonderful memories.
The first one was, obviously, his dancing through the house.
Then, there was the one of them preparing for Nanny Fine's birthday party and his comment on how it was Fate that made her see him making his number that night – she loved when he suggested they were in any way meant to be together.
And there was that night, when she asked for a replay: CC started sitting comfortably on their bed and he entered the room making his dance moves, but he outdid himself so greatly she soon was at the edge of the mattress, eagerly waiting for his authorization to pull those boxers away and touch him.
And the authorization had not come quickly.
She thought she would go crazy, seeing him moving his hips in front of her face with such a skill and not allowed to do anything.
Well, so much for teasing. Tonight she would be the one taking the boxers away at her own volition.
Things were going exactly as planned, and she could feel he was close to coming.
CC let go of Niles, got out of her dress, brought her face to his and made him enter her, quickly.
Niles's body tensed and he closed his eyes, trying to get at least some control, once she seemed to have decided the game would not be over that soon.
'Niles', she murmured in his ear, and started nibbling at it, 'I have something to tell you. Are you listening?'
She was not surprised to discover he was not able to talk.
Giving him some time to calm down, she pecked his cheek, caressed his hair and asked again, 'Are you listening, Butler Boy?'
He gulped, 'Yes', and managed in a hoarse voice.
'Good', she started slowly moving her hips, 'Let's test your attention span'. She smirked at his moaning, and increased the pace of the thrusts, 'What would you say if I told you we will be in England in three days?'
'What?', he opened his eyes in shock and looked into hers.
CC had her own problems to think, now, but she had a goal. So, she moved faster and kept their stares locked, 'First step to the aisle, Lover', she said and kissed him forcefully.
The surprising news, her tongue entering his mouth without warning and her body rubbing his roughly took the little bit of control he had summoned, and he came, hard.
Delighted by her own triumph, she rocked her hips slower, savoring the moment. She kept observing him while he opened his eyes and had to close again when she pressed her chest against his, 'Was it good?'
'God… Yes…'
'Then, now it is my turn', and she increased the pace again, glad he had rested his hands on her thighs, so he was able to feel her movements.
CC straightened up to have him even deeper inside her, and rode him until she came.
When she finally rested her spent body over his, he breathed deeply to calm himself, circled her waist with his arms and asked, 'Did you mention something about England?'
'Uhum. I talked to Maxwell earlier, and he said it is OK if we visit your parents now. He can take care of things after these first more hectic days, and then he said the family can join us there'.
'We'll have a family trip, then?'
'Maybe, kinda, sorta…', she answered and, by her tone, he knew she was almost asleep, the activities of the day catching up with her. 'Can we talk about it tomorrow?'
'Of course, wife', he kissed her forehead, smiling. Patience is a virtue, and brought recompenses.
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CC was surprised at Niles' ability of not talking about his happiness over her decision of going to England and, at the same time, being so incredibly happy that he didn't need to say a word.
Not quite understanding it, she just enjoyed his attentions towards her and the way she felt hypersensitive by them.
The only time he decided to show his feelings openly to her was when he stopped the car they had rented at the airport and grabbed CC's hand, already in the British countryside.
The Sheffield's main gates were already behind. The Brightmore's were some miles ahead (it was a piece of the main land that had been given to them when they retired).
He just looked into her eyes for some moments, and then reached for her to kiss her passionately.
When they parted, he remained silent, looking at her adoringly.
CC understood that to him it was a moment for feelings, not words, and smiled, 'You're welcome, Love'.
He grinned at her, kissed her hand and turned to drive again.
When they finally arrived, she was impressed by the coziness of the place – she could see a beautiful two-story house, a greenhouse, some big dogs joyfully strolling around and a gazebo and, even being a cosmopolitan person, had an urge to spend time in a place like this.
It made her think of how a wedding could open the doors of his family to her, and give her the opportunity to see new aspects of life.
In fact, Niles had already showed her a lot of great new aspects, but she felt ready for more.
'I hope you like it here', he told her when he parked the car in the garage his parents had left open for them.
'I am sure we will have a lot of fun while being here', she smirked while he opened the door of the car for her.
Niles took her hand and just smiled.
He was feeling blessed.
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CC had no idea of what was waiting for her.
The first thing her mother-in-law did when she saw them at their patio was open the door of the house, get through it, turn around and yell (making sure her slight French accent made the scene seem very staged), 'Pete! Come here already! Niles has finally brought CC Babcock to meet us and you said you didn't want to miss the historic moment!'
Obviously, they were warned of their arrival, but Marie found it would be good to break the ice if she embarrassed her son as soon as possible.
'Mama, please, behave…', Niles said, not very hopeful.
The vibrant petit woman looked at him with too innocent blue eyes, 'Why, son, I am just doing what your father asked me to!', she turned to CC, 'We were so excited when Niles called to say you were coming! Of course, not as excited as he was!', she added, hugging her son.
'Oh, yes, he is very happy', CC agreed and grinned, extending her hand, 'It is a pleasure to meet you'.
Marie took her hand in both of hers, smiling adoringly, and CC knew from where Niles had taken those sweet smile and, at the same time, speculative eyes.
Peter, Niles' father, appeared at the door and stopped with a hand over his heart, 'God! She is exactly as she looks in the pictures!'
'Pictures?', CC asked.
Niles just facepalmed.
'He has been sending us shots of the family for years, and you are always in them', Marie explained.
'We know all the stories, too', Peter added, coming to them, 'It is almost as if we already know you'.
'What part of She doesn't need to know that was not clear from my phone calls?', Niles said between gritted teeth, blushing.
'Oh', Marie feigned surprise, 'You were serious?', she turned to her husband, 'He was serious!'
At that, Peter started laughing, and she shook her head at their son.
CC smirked and took Niles' hand, 'Oh, Butler Boy, no need to be shy. I think it is pretty cute of you to be so centered in me for years'.
To Niles and CC amusement, the older couple giggled at the nickname, murmuring something to each other that sounded surprisingly similar to We're finally seeing it live!
He grimaced. 'I'm still not sure how I feel about it'.
'Oh, son, don't be like this', Peter shook CC's hand, while Marie moved to let him hug their son, 'We are ecstatic to have you two here!'
CC noticed the malicious look the man was sporting and, again, she knew from where Niles had taken his own.
'Come in, people. You must be tired from the trip…', Marie said, pointing the door where her husband was already standing again.
'Maybe they are hungry', Peter suggested, directing the people in.
'Oh, really, really! What do you prefer, children? Want to take a shower and sleep, or take a shower and eat?'
'Maybe they don't want to take a shower'.
'Oh, I'm just saying they can, not suggesting we make sure they will. Have you forgotten how to let people at ease?'
'You're intruding, Marie'.
'They are my only son and my only son's wife. I have all the right in the world to take care of them', she smiled sweetly at them, 'So?'
'We ate in the airplane', Niles explained.
'But I would love to have something to munch on after showering and changing clothes', CC contradicted, in part because she was curious to taste Marie's cooking, in part because to contradict Niles seemed the right thing to do to show his parents how their relationship worked.
'Oh, what a surprise', Niles dryly commented, following her lead, 'You want to eat'.
Marie nodded happily, 'I'll prepare something'.
'You know the house, my boy', Peter said, 'We prepared your old room for you'.
'Thank you, Dad', he turned to CC, 'Follow me, Witch'.
Again, the giggling at the nickname.
Niles just raised his eyebrow.
CC smiled, 'Don't make a face, Niles. We have fans!'
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The initial plan was showering quickly and going down to eat, but CC was so enchanted by Niles' old room he had to warn his parents they would be late for the food.
She wanted to see the drawings he had left there, the old LPs and books, the clothes he liked most, the photos on the walls. It was like meeting him again, and being able to see the past he almost never talked about.
They didn't manage to shower separately, because she refused to stop 'ransacking his doors', so Niles had to convince her they would have a lot of time for that, pull her by the hand to the shower and then go down to eat, all the while answering to the zillion questions she had.
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While flying over the Atlantic, CC was making the balance of their visit.
The first thing to notice as positive was how much Niles' parents knew about her and New York and the lives of the Sheffields. It was true that Niles had told them everything – or almost everything – about them, and she liked to think that she had been that important for him through the years.
More than that, she liked the fact his parents not only knew how they treated each other, but even approved it totally.
Second positive thing was the feelings she developed for the house, his parents, the animals and all the propriety: CC felt like she had found a new home.
(And she had to, obviously, christen this home as soon as possible, what gave Niles a lot of trouble at the first night to not wake the older couple.)
However, the most impressive thing, the one that made CC smile as a fool, was Marie's opinion of Nanny Fine.
The Sheffield family made their own trip to the Sheffield's lands, and then they spent an entire day with them at the Brightmore's lands.
(CC had a feeling that it was Nanny Fine's doing, once the yenta would want to be near her when she met his parents – for some reason, the woman had smelled a possible wedding, and was throwing questions CC's way.
The producer could barely wait to see Nanny Fine, colorful outfits and all, strolling in the British countryside and attracting the playful dogs, in fact. That was the compensation she needed to calm down about all of it.)
They had a fun day, but the highlight came when the Sheffields were going away.
Niles and Peter were still out of the house, saying goodbye to everybody, and Marie had invited CC to enter with her and make some sandwiches for a late snack.
Initially confused by the idea of not waiting for the visitors to go away, CC followed the woman and waited until she was sure no one could hear them to ask, 'I thought you would like to stay with them until they were gone'.
Marie made a dismissive gesture, 'Oh, cherry, I never really disliked the Sheffields, and Maxwell is a very sweet boy, but we served them for decades. I can survive not being around them for a while'.
CC's face must have showed some of her surprise, because Marie smiled naughtly, 'Niles is too patient with him, I think, as Peter was, at his time in the service. My son told me a lot of stories of the late Mrs Sheffield, for example, and it was easy to see she was not exactly the perfect housewife. My son had a lot of work, with her'.
The woman was quickly assembling the sandwiches, 'And this one he carries with him now – Miss Fran Fine – seems very funny and trustable, if Niles tells the stories right, but I wouldn't say she is… classy'.
'Niles thinks she is the one for Maxwell', CC commented.
'Then, she probably is', Marie said, 'Niles was always very good at reading people. It is a pity he was so slow to realize how much you meant to him', she pointed a knife to CC, 'Same goes for you. Peter and I have seen it centuries ago, since the first stories about what you said and what he said started pouring from his phone calls and letters'.
'Knowing Niles, he would have something to say about this centuries tirade…'
'Yes, he would', both smiled fondly, and Marie looked at CC, 'You understand him very well… Even if he is best friends with her, you are the one who sees him as he really is'.
'I'm lucky Niles seems to agree with you'.
'Niles is lucky he has a refined taste', she said, firmly, 'I would never approve anyone that was not like you'.
'Like me?'
'Yes. Sophisticated, intelligent, able to gain his respect… He does not need a housewife – it is enough he spends his life following our steps and being a servant. He is so good-natured he became a housewife himself… He needs someone to put his standards higher'.
CC still had her eyes wide when Niles entered the house with Peter, and the men noticed something had happened.
'Don't ask', Marie warned, 'I was just sharing some confidences with the girl. Nothing any of you would like to know'.
Now, already in the plane and going back to America, just thinking of the way father and son quickly changed the subject and the wink Marie threw at her, made CC smile at herself and hold Niles' hand.
She really had found home.
ncncncncnc
They were back to New York, back to work and to the day to day routine of Maxwell and CC taking turns going out of the office to see the people they loved, or Niles and Fran coming to see them in the office.
Nanny Fine was winning Maxwell over really quickly, by the way. If CC didn't know better, she would think the woman had decided to have a wedding before her, just to beat her at something.
It was Maxwell's turn to be out when CC received the first personal call after their return, and it was from her mother.
Her first thought was that Fate was telling her she had to invite the woman to their house soon. If things had gone well with Marie, why would they not go with BB?
'Hello, mother'.
'Oh, CC, darling. Have you already read the Spotlight Magazine?'
Well, if that was not a strange question, 'I arrived from England yesterday. And I usually don't read this kind of thing'.
'England? I hope you have already taken care of the subject, then'.
'Which subject?'
'The magazine I mentioned has a very interesting interview with your husband'.
'I think I am not following'.
'He confirms you have not made an official announcement of your relationship status. I thought maybe you have gone to England to take care of it'.
CC kept silent at that.
'It would be about time. You are a Babcock and have a very famous name in the business world. Society is waiting for the proper etiquette'.
Now she was getting mad, 'I couldn't care less for the etiquette, Mother'.
'I'm sure he doesn't agree with this notion. Neither do I'.
'Listen, I have a lot to do…'
'Of course, darling. Buy the magazine and see for yourself. Bye'.
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CC got out of the mansion, bought the magazine, came back to the office and scanned the page quickly for what she was looking for.
Furious, she went to the kitchen, searching her husband.
She only found Maxwell and Fran there, being all lovey-dovey.
'Where is Niles?', she demanded.
'Miss Babcock? What happened?', Fran immediately knew something was wrong.
'He is upstairs', Maxwell answered. 'CC, is there any problem?'
CC started going to the backstairs, but Fran was quicker and blocked her path, 'Maybe you should calm down before meeting him'.
'What do you know about it?', CC showed Fran the magazine.
'Let me see it', she took it, 'I have not read this one'.
CC grabbed it back, 'Then how do you know there is something wrong?'
'You were all happy since we arrived from the trip. Something must have changed'.
The blonde turned and went to the living room, hoping to reach the main stairs, find the butler and demand explanations.
Unfortunately, Fran and Maxwell followed her.
Niles was descending the stairs when he saw CC, and she didn't waste any time, 'Ah, look who is here!', she showed the magazine to him, 'Care to explain this?!'
He caught a glimpse of the colorful cover and turned back, 'Oh, God'.
'Niles, come here', CC yelled.
He obeyed, defeated, and came to sit on the sofa.
She stopped in front of him, 'What the hell were you thinking?!'
He tried to pacify her, 'Let me say, in my defense, that I haven't read it yet. I planned to do it once I finished with the bags. Is it that bad?'
'What do you think?!'
'Oh… I'm really sorry, but what could I have done? She asked me for an interview and I didn't find it could be all right if I simply said no'.
'One thing is giving an interview, other is talking about our personal life!'
'I didn't say anything improper…'
'What?! How do you dare?!', she had the magazine clenched in her hands.
He extended a hand, 'Let me see it… Uff', he was hit by the offending thing in the chest.
'Page 54', she said, between gritted teeth, and crossed her arms on her chest.
Niles found the page and the paragraph circled in furious red ink, and read out loud, 'At the party, this reporter talked to Niles Brightmore, CC Babcock's husband. Yes, people, the man himself confirmed they are married. And why didn't we have a Hollywood-style wedding? He mentioned the full schedules and the nice ring of Miss Babcock's business name, but he seemed very interested in convincing her to discuss the subject. We are all waiting anxiously, Mister Brightmore, and good luck with our favorite blonde bombshell!', Niles looked at CC, relieved, 'It is not that bad. Of course, it is not exactly what I said, but it could have been really worse than this', his eyes went back to the page and he got suddenly excited, 'Oh! They published my opinion that the play had universal truths!'
'Oh, really?', Maxwell seemed interested, 'Let me see it'.
Niles handed him the magazine and the producer read it, 'This is very nice, Old man!', he praised, 'Have you seen it, CC?'
The woman seemed to have smoke coming out of her ears, 'No, Maxwell, I didn't. What I saw was that part where your butler reveals he intends to convince me to have a wedding!'
Niles frowned, confused, 'What is so bad about it?'
'You mean you don't understand what is bad in trying to press me using a cheap magazine as this?'
'Press you?', he asked, starting to get what was happening and not liking it.
'Yes, pressing me! You knew how hard the subject was to me, you had already proposed three times…'
'Three times?!', Maxwell and Fran chorused.
'In fact, they were two at that point. The third was there in the party, after this interview', Niles made a face and got up, 'Oh, forget I asked you to marry me', and he started walking to the back of the house. He was upset by her reaction, and wanted to be alone to digest it.
She walked after him, 'I can't forget something like that!'
He stopped and turned to her, 'Oh, yes, you can't, once an elephant never forgets!'
'This was really lame, Niles. You have used this same line on me at least a dozen times!'
'See?', he noticed how she stomped her feet on the ground and came walking back to the main room, 'I'm serious about it. You don't need to answer to me, anymore'.
'Hey, hey, hey! Since then do you decide what I will answer or not?'
'Since I was the one asking the question!'
'It doesn't work like this! You can't take back a question!'
'Of course I can! You could take back your word of marrying me if things were all right!', he walked to the main stairs. He felt like he was trying to run from her and she kept chasing him, walking after him.
Maxwell and Fran stayed aside, exchanging impressions over the need of interfering or not.
'If things are all right, why change them?', CC asked.
'If things are all right, why not make them perfect?', Niles answered.
'And you think using an interview that should be about my play…'
'I didn't use the interview!', he interrupted her, huffed and started going up the stairs. That conversation would lead nowhere, in his opinion. 'Maybe first you should read it…'
'I have read enough already!'
'Then I must think you are not prepared to such a deep reading!'
'Oh, please, you are a pathetic old man trying to impress me, and it is obvious you thought saying those things would make me think of accepting this ridiculous wedding idea!', she said, stopping at the end of the stairs and looking up at him 'I barely could believe when my mother called me earlier to say she agrees with you and to demand I provide the ceremony everybody expects from me'.
That made him turn to her and come down.
He stopped two steps from her, and inclined into her direction, 'So, this is the problem?! Your mother wants you to have a proper wedding and you refuse to agree with her?!'
She didn't answer.
'Babcock, I understand you like to be rebellious, and I think it is one of your most delighting features, but a person must know when she is doing something because it is what she wants and when she is just being stubborn'.
CC crossed her arms on her chest.
Niles pointed the dark haired couple, 'Look at them, for example: Maxwell resisted to dating Miss Fine because he wanted to preserve himself and his children from another heartbreak. Now he managed to come over his fears and he is a lot better. Soon they will be married, starting a family, as they always wanted and everybody knew was the perfect end for their story…'
'Thank you, Niles!', Fran yelled in adoration.
'And look at us, now. We have been married for almost a year, and even your mother want us to announce it to the world. However, you can't accept that. You are pushing the idea aside because you think obeying conventions will do only bad for you'.
He noticed she had put her back against the wall and was looking straight ahead, making an effort to not face him.
His tone softened a bit, 'You know how we feel for each other, and you know I would do nothing to make you sad… I want a wedding because I think it would be the most beautiful way of making the announcement…', he sighed, 'Sometimes a person must get out of the comfort zone to discover new and wonderful things… You have already done it when you asked me to marry you. It was wonderful, and I've been doing my best to keep pace with you. Why not follow the path you have already opened?'
She didn't move.
He talked lower, 'You said to warn you if you hurt me. Well, when you accuse me of something I would never do, like using an interview to convince you to do something, you hurt me', his eyes scanned her face, searching for any reaction, 'And when you can't trust me enough to overcome your fears, even after all we've been through together… you hurt me again'.
She still didn't move nor looked at him.
He straightened his back, exasperated, 'So, this is your decision? You will crawl into your shell and refuse to discuss things as the clever woman I know you are?'
More silence.
Niles shook his head, 'This is not the woman I married. And this is not, surely, the one I wanted to wed. She would never let such a thing as blind fear stand in her way', he turned to his boss, 'I'll be in my room. I need some time off'.
Maxwell nodded, and Niles disappeared from view without looking at CC again.
When he was not visible anymore, she seemed to get out of her daze and blinked, looking at the place where he was before, 'He is right. I am hiding in my shell, again… Maybe all of this was just a farce… Maybe I married him because I wanted to defy society, and now things got out of control… I always do everything wrong… Why did I use him like that…?'
Fran went to her, 'Miss Babcock, calm down. You are not thinking right…'
'No!', CC gave a step behind, looked at Fran, then at Maxwell, 'I must go. I need time to think. I don't know when I'll be back', and with that she flew through the front door.