Sorry such a long wait… I've been working on this since chapter 2 was posted but have been very self-conscious! Here it is--Enjoy!!!!!

Story by Miko1725--I do not claim to own any of the characters or original storylines from the show. Thank you, and happy reading!

Matchmaker, Matchmaker:

Tangles in the Web

"Good morning every one!"

"Ah, Ms. Fine." Maxwell put his fork down and glanced quickly at her. "You're dressed this morning: what's the occasion?" She returned his mocking smile as she took her usual spot at the table beside him.

"If you must know, Mr. Sheffield, I have a very busy day ahead of me."

"That's right Daddy: Fran has a date tonight!"

Niles smirked as he observed Maxwell reaction to Gracie's statement: he choked slightly on his tea, averted his eyes, and gingerly placed the cup back in it's spot. Ever since that date Fran had gone on with Brock Storm, Maxwell had changed his attitude towards her, subconsciously at least. Something had triggered a sense of possession in him, a fear of loosing her without him ever realizing he wanted her. He had a similar reaction to this breakfast scenario every time Fran was going to go out--and they were both still oblivious to it…

"I see," he dabbed the napkin over his lips, "well, I'm sure you'll have a lovely time Ms. Fine. Please excuse me everyone, I've got a fairly long day ahead of me myself!"

"Huh, I wonder what his rush was all of a sudden," Fran muttered with a quick shrug.

"NILES." The butler cringed as he approached Mr. Sheffield's office--per tradition, he was going to be in a delightful mood due to the morning's news: right now, the damned fool would be at his desk musing about Ms. Fran Fine and how, in a short time, she would be descending the staircase in one of those stunning outfits with her hair done up; he was, no doubt, fuming right now that it wasn't for him.

"You bellowed Sir?" Maxwell shot him a warning look before returning his attention to the mountain of paper on his desk.

"Yes, I need to you to let me know as soon as Ms. Babcock arrives this evening."

"Why Sir: need a chance to escape out the back?"

Niles turned to leave the room when a sickening realization hit him: "Sir… did you say this evening? As in tonight?"

"Yes Niles, as in today; August 19; at approximately 7:00 p.m.. " Maxwell sank heavily into his chair and rubbed his forehead. "She is, after all, my business partner--naturally I expect her there at tonight's meeting. SO, if it's not too much trouble, could you just do as I asked!"

"Ah of course Sir I don't know what I was thinking now if you'll excuse me I'd better get going bye."

"Now what?" Maggie stood up and began pacing the floor in a panic.

"Calm down Mags--we've gotten this far, we just hit a bump in the road."

"A bump," Gracie cried out, "this is not a bump--this is Vesuvius! C.C. hates Fran…"

"yeah I know, and hates that Dad likes her even more… come on guys: we can't leave Dad alone with C.C. all night!"

"Absolutely right Master Brighton. No man deserves that kind of torture!"

"Can you imagine when Fran shows up at their table?" All the color drained from Maggie's face as she brought the severity of the situation to their attention: "Oh man, we've gotta fix this… Niles, what would you do to get rid of C.C.?" The butler paused and looked upwards, feigning being lost in thought… Don't tease Miss Margaret, he replied.

"Seriously Niles!"

"Master Brighton, I'm sure the three of you are more than capable of taking care of Ms. Babcock without my help. She's easy--just ask any of her past dates: I believe the most recent is on display in the Smithsonian…"

Gracie sat on the couch: "we could always cancel the date…"

"Fran would be crushed--besides, we'd have to re-cancel Dad's appointment… they might get suspicious."

"You're giving Dad way too much credit Maggie." Brighton plopped onto the couch next to Gracie. "besides, we'll miss the Saturday deadline if our plans fall through now…"

"Which means we have about 4 hours until all this blows up in our faces… how can we ditch C.C.?"

"Ooh!" Gracie shot up straight in her seat, "I think I've got it!"