(WARNING- Canon death)

May 30 '89

CC,

Have you noticed something different about Mrs Sheffield? These headaches she has been having these last couple of weeks. I'm worried. She actually snapped and yelled at master Brighton this afternoon. She never shouts Chas! And especially not at the children. I know the boy can be rather mischievous (I sometimes wonder if he has been watching us too much. Has he learnt his pranking ways from you and I?) but he wasn't actually doing anything at the time. He was simply telling her about one of his classes. It was all so out of character of her. I tried to talk to her, but she shut me down. Loudly.

Maxwell doesn't seem to have noticed.

CC, please talk to her. Is something bothering her?

I'm worried.

X N X

May 31 1989

You've noticed it too? I was going to mention it this past weekend, but SOMEONE distracted me! Not that it wasn't a wonderful distraction.

I'll talk to her today. If she says anything I think needs to be shared I'll let you know.

X

May 31 1989

Quick note.

She's fine, just some stress related headaches. She's seen the doctor, they said that they'll pass in time with rest and some much needed relaxation. I've, once again, suggested a nanny to help her with her load. It went down as well as you'd expect.

Apparently we just worry to much.

Love you Minuet Maid

Xx C.C

June 23 '89

Why are you so...you?! Pranks and banter are one thing, but damn it Babcock!I shouldn't have to ever say this but you can't go making a fool of me in public. Is this how it is now? No holds barred?! What the hell got into you? You had to bruise my arse AND my ego!For crying out loud Chastity! Well, Maxwell will definitely believe that you hate me after that bloody show.

I'll see you Monday, I need the weekend alone to cool off.

N

June 26 1989

O.K, I get it. Maybe I went to far with that last one. Did you really need to dodge my calls?

I'm sorry for the prank. Your bruised ass will heal, and lets be fair, your ego could take the hit. But I am sorry. Truly. It appears we have a line and I crossed it. I'm sorry

Love you, C.C.

July 20 '89

Are you alright?

N

July 20 1989

Are you?

C.C

July 20 1989

Maggie and Brighton haven't stopped crying. Mr Sheffield hasn't even started yet. Little Gracie keeps tottering around looking for her mama.

The family is sinking Chas. I'm treading water but I'm not strong enough to keep them afloat.

She was your best friend darling. Your best friend! Tell me what you need. Tell me hoe to help.

x N x

July 21 1989

You keep the house running, I'll keep the business going. The bills still need to be paid and Maxwell isn't in anything close to the right place to be in charge of all that. Us taking care of them, Its what Sara would have wanted. Us keeping the family going. The two of us together.

That's what I need Niles. I need purpose, a job to focus on. And you there to hold me when I need it. I know I'm living here for the time, but keep writing ok? I need the normality. Its us

I love you

XxC.C

August 9th '89

Brighton crept in with Miss Margaret last night. And Gracie slept in my bed again. CC, I heard her sobbing her little heart out around 2am. I tried waking Mr Sheffield but he was completely out. I'm worried about him. I thought the funeral would help, but its made him worse. The children are devastated. They lost their mother so suddenly and now they are watching their father slowly disappear too.

I miss her so much, the house feels so empty without her. I miss her light teasing and sideways glances. I can't believe we're never going to hear her laugh again.

How do we do this CC?

x N x

August 10 1989

Maxwell wants to bring in a nanny to help with the children. I came in on him on the phone to an agency. I know you've wanted help like this for a while now, but this doesn't feel right. Maggie and Brighton are always hovering by the study. They just want to be near their father.

I tried to talk to him, but he just shuts me down. He's insisting on focusing on work, but he's making more mistakes than ever. He's refusing to deal with this on any real level.

Talk to him, he's your boss but also toy oldest and dearest friend. Maybe you can get through to him. He can't just act like Sara never existed! He just can't.

Xx C.C

August 10 '89

A nanny? That's the last thing the children need. They need their father. I'll talk to him.

Are you still planning to go back home next week? Could I ask you to put it off a while longer? The children need the stability, especially if I can't talk him out of this nanny nonsense. I can't believe I'm actually saying that. I've wanted a nanny for so long. But not like this, the children need their father right now. Not some paid stranger. We all need to heal as a family before taking this big step.

I know asking you to stay is a lot, but as selfish as its sounds, I just like having you here. You are my rock and I just don't feel strong enough to do this alone.

x N

August 10 1989

You're not selfish and you are never alone! Of course I'll stay.

Xx C.C