A/N: The end of this chapter marks the halfway point. Updates may be a little sporadic, but I aim to do my best to get 1 up every week at least, even with NaNoWriMo in progress. Drop me a review/dm if you're enjoying the fic or have questions/complaints/critiques. I appreciate all my readers.

As per usual: The Nanny and all affiliated characters are not mine.

The train ride north was uneventful, though the weather was mostly rainy and overcast. Niles spent the majority of the time reading the stack of newspapers he bought at the train station. CC took the time to go over the notes she had been taking when Niles was explaining everything he knew about the people they were on their way to see. On occasion she watched the countryside pass by, wondering about the lives of the people in the small villages and larger cities they passed by and through. She began to wonder about Niles' upbringing. Over time she had picked up hints and snippets, but not nearly enough to create a full picture of the early life of the man sitting next to her. But then, she knew only a little about Maxwell's early life, too. CC put away her notes and attempted to ignore the nerves that were settling in her stomach.

'Everything all right?' Niles asked as he folded the last paper in his stack. He took off his glasses and put them in the pocket of the tweed blazer he wore for travel that day. The cooler weather had come in that morning. He was glad to have packed something warmer, especially since they were heading north. The weather report was spotty at best, typical English weather.

Pulled from her thoughts that were straying outside, CC turned from the window toward Niles. He looked a bit concerned. 'Yes. Fine,' CC said. 'This isn't how I expected to be spending my week.'

'Tell me, Babcock, and be honest. Did you expect Mr. Sheffield to accompany you?' He asked without malice, just curiosity.

'Don't be ridiculous, Niles. If anything, I thought Maxwell might send me on my own and then I could slip away early and turn this into a proper vacation. I never imagined I would be saddled with you for a week.'

Niles let out a hearty laugh at her expression of disgust. 'You did get your vacation, just not the one you expected.'

'Oh, please,' CC said. 'Like you wanted to come in the first place. Maxwell bribed you and laid on the guilt about the money we'd paid for the benefit.'

'I think I've gotten the better end of the deal. Besides, another couple of days and you'll be rid of me. Everything can go back to how it's always been,' Niles said. CC could see the cheerful look on his face, but there was an underlying sadness in his tone. Or was it regret?

Through some miracle they had managed to be civil toward each other for the last few days, a stark contrast to their normal mode of bickering and trying to out-do the other with pranks. Neither was willing to admit they enjoyed the vacation, even when keeping up the pretense. CC was entertaining the thought and was almost certain Niles was too. All they were missing, really, was the physical intimacy of a married couple. Before her thoughts shifted that direction, though, she dug through the stack of papers, glancing through the headlines to catch up with the news she missed while playing tourist. Now Niles was the one lost in his own world while CC caught up with the real world as the train moved ever closer to its destination.

:p:P:p:P:p:P

No longer needing to maintain the appearance of being a happily married couple, Niles had booked them separate rooms at a bed and breakfast in Windermere. After getting himself settled, Niles checked on Miss Babcock's progress. She had unpacked a few different outfits and was pondering what to wear the next day. While she had felt the need to impress at the benefit, CC now felt the crushing weight of expectation for her meeting with Lord and Lady Henley the next day. She was glad for a distraction when Niles knocked at her door.

'I thought you might like to go out for dinner,' Niles said. She noted that he looked very relaxed in his tweed. It suited him, somehow, and not just because of the setting.

'I might,' CC said. 'When we get back you can help me decide how to dress tomorrow.' Even she was taken by surprise by the teasing tone of her response. Niles dropped his gaze to sweep up her body appraisingly. She blushed at the gesture, more aware of the man in front of her than she ever had been. 'Stop. We're not going there, Niles,' she said, absently tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

'Best not,' he said almost too quickly. He turned his back to her and offered his arm. 'Care to join me for a drink at least,' he asked over his shoulder. Her hand slipped easily into the crook of his arm, like it belonged there.

'I'm a little concerned we're too used to this now,' she said. 'It's only been a few days.'

'The moment we're back in New York we'll be at each other's throats like always,' he promised.

'Just as well. I'm not sure Maxwell and Nanny Fine could handle us getting along like this.'

'Why did you have to ruin the moment and bring them into the conversation,' Niles said. 'Ridiculous woman.'

'Ah ha!'

'I was talking about Miss Fine.'

'Oh.'

Niles smiled. Too easy. He whispered in her ear, 'Gotcha, Babs.' He felt and saw the shiver his nearness caused which gave him a chill as well. Silently, Niles scolded himself for entering dangerous territory with Miss Babcock. CC internally chided herself for having such an obvious reaction to Maxwell's butler. Properly chastised by themselves, they managed to pass the evening amicably but cautiously. They were glad to have separate rooms for the night. If they kept waking up in each other's arms, something was bound to happen.

:P:p:P:p:P:p

In the morning they passed each other at breakfast, Niles having taken his breakfast early while CC was a bit late as usual. Niles made sure they were both packed and the bags ready to go when Lord Henley's chauffer picked them up from the bed and breakfast to take them to Dunburn Manor. They were expected for a late lunch and would be taken on to the station at some point after to catch a train to Liverpool where Niles had booked them separate rooms again. The next day they would catch a flight down to London then home to New York.

'I see you took my advice,' Niles said when CC joined him at the car. She was wearing a black pants suit with sensible shoes. Niles wore a gray suit with a blue shirt and the gray and purple tie. Not that she could have known beforehand, but the purple and blue scarf she had picked up at a shop in Bath matched Niles' wardrobe enough to give them the appearance of a couple. Mostly Niles was pleased she had gone with the sensible shoes. CC had protested when he made the suggestion, but apparently she respected his opinion and expertise enough to listen. Also, she was now almost precisely his height and could not tower over him as she liked to do when wearing heels.

'I know you wear that suit for work, Niles, but somehow it doesn't look as frumpy today,' CC said.

'The scarf is a nice touch,' he replied, not desiring to talk of work.

'Because it hides my neck?' she spit at him without thinking.

'No. You look very professional, Miss Babcock.'

'CC, Niles. You can still call me CC. None of this business talk.' She was growing fond of the way her preferred form of address rolled off his tongue.

'Oh. I thought you wanted me to be the groveling butler.'

They were both on edge due to the upcoming meeting. Niles in particular was having trouble determining his place. He had never been a guest at these sorts of things. He was always the visiting help. Now he was meant to be a guest and he did not know how, exactly, to act.

'I'm sorry, CC. I'm nervous,' he admitted when she did not respond.

'Same,' she said with a shrug that was unlike her. 'Is this really all right?' she asked in reference to her wardrobe.

Niles swept over her form as well he could from his seat next to her in the back of the car. He managed to end at her eyes with her looking at him expectantly. 'Perfect,' he said, almost breathless. He tore his eyes away to focus on the outside world. He had been checking her out a lot lately, whether purposely or accidentally. Niles knew he needed to stop that for it led down a very dangerous path indeed.

Neither spoke for the rest of the trip, which was only about a half hour. CC was intrigued as the landscape changed from village to countryside to estate. The main building was charming but ramshackle in a way, not at all what she expected. Sprawling, yes, but almost incomplete or in need of serious renovation. She did not know whether to be disappointed or in awe that the building was still standing.

The car pulled up to the front entrance. Niles let himself out while the chauffer opened CC's door. A familiar face came out to greet them. Niles thanked the chauffer then shook Gareth's hand.

'Miss Babcock, you look lovely,' Gareth said. He took her hand, bent down to her level, and placed a kiss on her knuckles before releasing his grip. 'I'm to see you in, but there is something I need to confess.' He led them into the house. Niles still felt odd about using the main entrance as a guest and not having to go around to the servant's entrance. Gareth called out, 'Marie, they've arrive.' The woman in question appeared.

Niles smiled widely. 'I knew there was something familiar about you. You've grown since I last saw you, Marie.'

CC looked between the men and the woman who had appeared. 'Isabella?' she said.

Marie curtsied. 'She's out riding as she does most days at this time. I promise, I never meant to deceive you, but his Lordship likes to take certain precautions.'

CC turned to Niles, confused. 'You know her? And she's not Isabella.'

Niles accepted a hug from Marie. 'I do, CC. Marie's parents worked for the Sheffield's neighbor. But, Marie, you couldn't have been more than six the last time I saw you. You look just like your mother.'

'You've hardly changed yourself, Niles,' Marie said.

CC let out a laugh. 'Hardly?' They all turned to look at her. She was surrounded by servants and had never felt further out of her comfort zone. CC was saved reprisal by the arrival of a lithe blonde in riding gear bounding through the front door.

'Ah, Marie, Gary, our guests have arrived?' Her measured tone spoke of a privileged upbringing. Extending her now ungloved right hand, she introduced herself first to CC then Niles. 'Isabella Cruikshank, otherwise known as Lady Henley. How do you do?'

Niles shook her hand, not used to being on such even ground. CC, however, felt a bit more in her element and made her own introductions. 'CC Babcock and the gentleman is Niles, Maxwell Sheffield's butler."

Isabella looked to Marie. 'You knew someone by the name Sheffield, did you not?'

'Yes. I remember Niles. He's quick witted and knows rather more than he lets on sometimes, if I recall correctly. Maxwell Sheffield was always requiring his assistance with something according to mum and da. He used to tell me the best stories.'

Isabella sized up the pair of visitors. 'You trust them?' she said more to Marie than Gareth.

'I trust Niles,' Gareth said.

Marie agreed. 'He's the best sort, my lady. Miss Babcock and I didn't spend much time together, but I believe we can trust her. She doesn't seem the sort sell us out.' This got a chuckle from Niles. CC elbowed him in the gut. He mouthed at her to behave. She looked at him innocently. None of this was missed by Isabella.

'And Miss Babcock is an excellent dance partner,' Gareth added. CC blushed at the compliment. 'My wife believes she can be trusted or his lordship would likely never have invited them.'

Niles looked between Gareth and Marie picking up on what was said. 'You're very well suited,' he said. 'I'm very happy for the both of you. Marie, I have only fond memories of your parents and was quite saddened to hear they had passed on. I see you have found someone who is your perfect match and would no doubt have made them quite happy.' Gareth had a mischievous quality that Niles admired. CC was finally catching up as Niles finished speaking to the household staff.

'Okay, so who wants to explain to me how no one is suspicious of you pretending to be Lady Henley,' CC asked Marie.

Isabella laughed. 'Subterfuge and money, Miss Babcock. Surely you understand that?'

'I… yes, I suppose,' CC said. She knew all too well, having resorted to both when called for.

Niles glanced between Marie and Isabella. 'Lady Henley, you keep a very tight circle, don't you?'

'That I do indeed, Niles. Now if you'll excuse me, I should like to change into something that doesn't smell of horse before we eat.' With that, Isabella dismissed herself to dress for lunch. Gareth was tasked with checking on his lordship while Marie gave the guests the grand tour of Dunburn Manor.

'We're currently renovating the east wing,' Marie said. 'His lordship intends the space to be a haunted museum experience. He's rather fond of new schemes, particularly ones that defy the audience's expectations.'

'There's a shocker,' CC said. 'If he's wants something new, Sheffield-Babcock Productions is looking into providing avant garde theatrical experiences.'

Marie giggled. 'Miss Babcock, save the pitch for the people with the money. Gary and I have a lot of leeway, but our influence only goes so far.'

'Tell me about it,' Niles said. He felt Miss Babcock's gaze, but refused to look, instead checking out the architecture of the house as they continued the tour.

After the tour they were installed on the terrace under an awning to block the sun which finally made an appearance. The weather could not have been better for an outdoor luncheon and, thus, defying everyone's expectations.

End Part 5