Daphne could hardly believe that Dr. Crane thought highly enough of her to ask her out to another social function. She always felt out of place at those sorts of things. She was just a blue-collar service worker at heart; she had no business being around the Seattle elite. She pushed those thoughts aside as she pulled a black dress out of the closet and took her pearls out of the jewelry box. She suddenly worried that someone would realize that her pearls were cheap knockoffs. Would she be a cheap knockoff at this event and embarrass Dr. Crane? The thought made her wince, but she had already promised him she would go, and he was so looking forward to the Opera House affair. It was time to toughen up and get ready. She quickly showered so she could spend extra time meticulously styling her hair and putting on her makeup. She was determined to make Dr. Crane proud and to be good company.

Daphne had transformed into her own elegant version of Audrey Hepburn, and she emerged from her bedroom to find Frasier and Martin talking in the living room.

"Wow, Daph!" said Martin. "You're look great!"

Daphne blushed. "Thank you, Mr. Crane."

"Daphne, you're stunning!" said Frasier. "Now, I want you to be careful around Maris' friends. They're bound to be there tonight, and they are vicious, just like that shrew of a woman."

Don't worry, Dr. Crane. Dr. Crane will take good care of me. Oh, I forgot me purse! I'd forget me head if it wasn't attached. I'll just go back and fetch it before Dr. Crane gets here," Daphne giggled as she walked to her room.

Knock, knock.

Frasier answered the door with a suspicious, "Hello, Niles."

"Frasier. Hi, Dad. Where's Daphne?"

"She went to get her purse. She'll be out in a minute."

"Niles, do you know what you're doing? Taking Daphne out to show off at one of your soirees is a dangerous game, sir."

"I know what I'm doing. I'm taking a friend out for a nice time. It's more than you will do for her, and look at the hard work she does around here."

"No one is saying that Daphne doesn't deserve to go out and have a nice time. You know damn well what I'm talking about. I hope you don't plan to gawk over her all night and play some ridiculous charade where you think she wants any kind of romantic interlude with you. Be reasonable. You're in the process of your divorce, and she doesn't share your feelings. Think, Niles! You're only fooling yourself."

Niles was ready to come back at Frasier until Daphne appeared from the hallway, "Wow," Niles whispered as he felt his face flush. "D-Daphne, you look gorgeous."

Daphne blushed, "Thank you, Dr. Crane. It's old and a little worn, but I thought it would be passable."

"Nonsense," Niles said a little too loudly. "You look magnificent and the dress was a perfect choice. Now, shall we?"

Daphne linked her arm with Niles as he stealthily took a sniff of her hair. This night was going to be perfect.

As the pair drove to the dance, Daphne couldn't help but feel butterflies in her stomach. These events always excited her, and she did enjoy Dr. Crane's company. She knew he was having a difficult time with living in that drab apartment, dealing with Maris' antics, and an increased patient load. She was determined to do everything in her power to make sure he forgot about his troubles, even if it was only for a few hours.

Niles drove his Mercedes carefully through Seattle's Saturday night traffic. He wondered what it would be like to be with Daphne honestly and openly. What must it be like to hold her hand in private, to whisper into her ear how much he loved her and how the thought of her kept him going in his darkest times. He wanted to tell her that he dreamed of her and that she made his life worth living. He was aware that it sounded a little corny, but it was true. Why was he such a coward? What was his end game? Could he keep this up until Maris decided that the divorce could be finalized?

Niles pulled up to the valet, handed him the keys to his car, and then helped Daphne out of the passenger side. They walked into the ballroom and Daphne gazed at the setting with childlike wonder. It was a beautiful party and everyone there was dressed in exquisite gowns and handsome tuxedos. Niles squeezed her hand. "Can you call me Niles again tonight, Daphne?" "Of course...Niles." He would never get tired of the way his name rolled off her tongue.

Niles and Daphne made their way through the crowd with Niles stopping to introduce her to colleagues and friends he saw along the way. He beamed with pride at how Daphne seemed to adapt to her surroundings and getting to know his acquaintances and friends. She was getting along perfectly and making acquaintances of her own socializing with some of his colleagues' wives. She looked so happy it made his heart almost break with happiness.

Niles tapped Daphne's arm. He hated to interrupt her conversation, but she looked so beautiful that he could not wait any longer to hold her in his arms and dance with her. "Pardon me, Daphne, but the band is playing Gershwin, and I know how much you love his music. I thought you might want to dance."

"I'd love to! Excuse me girls."

Niles and Daphne moved to the dance floor, he took her hand and wrapped his free hand around her waist. They swayed in rhythm. "Once again, Daphne, you are the most beautiful woman in the room."

Daphne blushed. "Thank you! I was worried I wouldn't fit it, but I think I'm doing alright. I even made a few new friends!"

"That's wonderful, but I am not surprised. You're so good at making people feel at ease. That's one of the reasons I enjoy spending time with you." Their bodies were closer together now and he stared into her eyes. She smiled, and he could not help but wonder if she knew his secret. It felt as though she was staring into his soul.

Niles was lost in thought until the music ended. Daphne went back to her talk with her new friends and Niles went to the bar to order drinks. A slender woman in a Chiara Boni La Petite dress caught his eye. He felt as though a ton of bricks hit his stomach. "Maris! What are you doing here?"

"Hello, Niles," she hissed. "I'm on the board, or have you already forgotten during your ridiculous exploits with the hired help?"

"Don't you bring Daphne into this."

"You brought her into this when you decided to bring her to the Snow Ball and now here. How dare you! You know how much my social standing means to me, and you know what it takes to maintain appearances in this city. My family practically built Seattle, and now my husband is seen in public chasing after a common housekeeper. You have made a fool out of me, Niles! How could I have not noticed this before? You never spoke to Frasier and you father regularly before, but when the new help moved in, you practically moved in, too."

Niles felt the anger brewing within him. He would not stand by while this woman insulted his angel. "Maris, I didn't mean to embarrass you, but I don't care if you approve with whom I choose to spend my time. I wanted to attend the fundraiser, but I didn't want to go alone. Daphne is a close friend and she was available this evening. She's not just the hired help. You know she's family to us, so she deserves respect. And, she did nothing to you, by the way. What do you expect me to do? Should I sit at home and pine you to come back? I tried, you know. We're done."

"I expect you to act like a respectable man, Niles!" Maris shouted. Niles, jumped back, startled by her outburst. The commotion caught Daphne's attention and she rushed to Niles' side. "Are you ok, Niles?"

"Oh, she calls you NILES, now? You have the hired help addressing you by your first name!? You have gone lower than I thought. I cannot believe that you would ever want to be seen with someone who cleans up after your father and brother. Niles Crane, you are a loser. I cannot believe I ever lowered myself enough to marry you."

"Mrs. Crane, I know it's not my place to say anything, but Ni-Dr. Crane is a dear and wonderful man. He asked me to go because he didn't anyone else to come with him. I can't believe you would accuse him of lowering his standards because of me. I am quite proud of my work. I may not be a fancy, rich business owner, but I am a healthcare provider. There is nothing shameful about that."

"You don't get to talk to me like that. You're the servant, and you are the one on a date, dancing the night away with a MARRIED man."

"Mrs. Crane, a marriage is more than crazy excuses about why you can't attend family functions or getting your elbows done in Zurich. It's about supporting your husband, going through life together, enjoying each other's company, and sharing your ups and downs. It's not leaving your husband to raise a flower sack or leaving for three days and worrying everyone while you decide to go shopping on a whim! Now, if you will excuse us, Niles and I would like to get back to our evening." With that, Daphne grabbed Niles' hand and headed for the dance floor. Niles followed, still in shock that Daphne stood up for him.