He glanced in the mirror, smiling at his appearance. It wasn't a date or even a special occasion per say, but Niles wanted to look his best when he met this Daphne Moon person. He wondered what she looked like. He pictured someone broad shouldered, wide hips and a stern expression who wore frumpy dresses. He'd never actually met an Englishwoman but he'd seen plenty of them on television and they all summed to fit the same stereotype. He assumed that this Daphne Moon would be no different.

She would most likely be quite a bit older than he or Frasier but that suited Niles just fine. Someone closer to their father's age could very well be an asset. He just hoped that this Daphne Moon was competent in her work and wouldn't let his father walk all over her. Niles knew all too well that Dad didn't take kindly to many people. Even his mother at times-

"Mr. Crane?"

He looked up to see his housekeeper, Marta peeping into the bedroom.

"Yes, Marta?"

"I sorry to disturb you, but Missy Crane-."

Niles glanced in the mirror and straightened his tie once more. "Yes, Marta, tell Mrs. Crane that I'm ready to go. I'll meet her downstairs in face minutes."

"Well, okay, but-."

At Marta's hesitation he looked over. "But what?"

"Well, she's…."

His chest grew heavy with worry. "Marta what is it?"

"You come see for yourself."

Forgetting all about his appearance (For the moment anyway), he followed Marta to Maris' room and opened the door without being asked. He was sure to be reprimanded by his wife for not knocking first, but her health was his main concern.

"Maris, what is this? What's wrong? I-." He froze when he saw her sitting on the bed wearing her half-slip. "What's going on?"

But all she could do was sigh.

Niles swallowed hard, trying his best to hide his disappointment. He knew then that dinner was not meant to be.

"All right. I'll tell Frasier and Dad you can't make it. I'll see you later."

She nodded but said nothing.

Feeling dejected by his own wife, Niles sighed and returned to his bedroom for his keys and wallet. And then he headed down the stairs to his car. So much for this being the greatest night of his life. How could he be expected to enjoy it without the company of his wife? And rarely did Frasier ever willingly ask Niles to bring Maris anywhere. He thought that maybe for one second, Frasier had started to accept Maris as part of the family. But he cringed when he remembered Frasier's off-handed and cruel remark about his wife.

"I thought you liked my Maris!" Niles had said.

"I do like her, Niles. From a distance. The way people like the sun. Maris is like the sun, without the warmth."

"This was my night to make things different. To show you that Maris isn't the person you think she is!" Niles shouted to his empty BMW. "She's wonderful, don't you understand that?"

And then he sighed and started the engine. "No… I guess you never will."