More confusion!
Maxwell gets out of his car with a broad smile.
"Francine, there you are." He takes his beloved girlfriend in his arms. "I have missed you terribly. I was near to come to New York and personally hijack you to London."
He covers her face with lots of little kisses. But then he looks at her questioningly. He is confused by how quiet Fran reacts. He had expected her to jump into his arms and start screaming in her high pitch voice. Fran also looks deep into Maxwell's eyes. When he grins at her with his gentle, faithful gaze, her joy about seeing him again prevails. She also falls into his arms.
"Oh Max! I missed you so much. This one week without you seemed endless."
The two exchange passionate kisses over and over again. Max loves to ruffle in Fran's curls and he pulls her close to him. He strokes her back and tickles her with his nose, which makes her giggle.
Fran pulls his hair lovingly, nibbles on his ear and breathes in his scent. For a while they just enjoy being together again. Then they sit down on the bench. Maxwell gives Fran his wrapped up welcoming gift.
"Here, I prepared this for you."
Fran smiles enthusiastically as the box of chocolates appears.
"Thank you, that's so sweet of you!"
"One of our kitchen maids made the chocolates herself and I wrapped each one individually with all my love. Of course I would have preferred to make the chocolates by myself, but I don't want to poison you!"
Fran laughs, but Maxwell can't suppress a slight disappointment. He had hoped that Fran would be more enthusiastic. But he brushes off his concerns.
"And how was it in New York? I'm sure you were very busy all the time to keep the constant stream of suitors away from you!"
"No way, Max! You know very well that I'm not interested in any other boy anymore. And I kept my promise!"
She looks deep into his eyes to see his reaction. "Other than that, it was quite OK in New York. Maa got on my nerves again, as usual. But the wedding itself was nice. Just a classic Fine Family celebration."
"Oh and were you at the school to get the documents?"Now Fran shines truthful for the first time.
"Oh yes, I was. And guess what, the lady in the secretary told me. For several years now, this school has a support program for students from underprivileged areas of the city. They are offered a scholarship if they perform well and fulfill the requirements."
"That sounds great. You should definitely apply for a scholarship. I'm sure you'll be accepted." Fran nods enthusiastically.
But she has told enough about herself. She now finally wants to know the truth from Maxwell.
"And what have you done this one week without me?"
"Oh, it was terribly boring here without you. I worked a lot and caught up with some workload that had been left undone. Other than that, I didn't do anything great." Fran glares at him suspiciously.
"Didn't you go out on the evenings?" Fran asks.
"Yeah, I went on business events with Dad a few times and I went to the big benefit concert that was here in London." Fran pricks up her ears.
"Sounds exciting, tell me more. How was it?"
"Yes, that was splendid. Lots of great music. All the big stars performed there. Oh yes, I almost forgot I brought you something."
Maxwell gives Fran a pack of autograph cards, which she is genuinely happy about.
"Wow, so many!"
"Yes, I managed to get an autograph from everyone."
"How did you do that?"
Fran continues to probe further. She suspects that Mr. Babcock or his daughter had something to do with it. After all, he was the organizer of the concert. But Maxwell just plays it down.
"Oh, in our circles you have your relationships and contacts and you know how to get really close to the stars."
"And did you meet anyone else there? Or did you go with a date?"
Well, at events like this you always run into the same familiar faces. But nobody special."
Fran fights with her inner strength not to explode. How many bridges should she build for this idiot to finally get him to come clean? Fran feels an incredible disappointment spreading inside her and she struggles to hold back her tears. At the same time, she feels terribly tired. She doesn't even feel capable right now confronting Maxwell with what she knows. She breaks free from his embrace and stands up.
"Don't be mad, but I'm really tired. You know, the jet lag and the two girls haven't given me a single minute to rest. I just want to go to bed."
Maxwell eyes her skeptically. Is he mistaken or is this just an excuse? But he doesn't show his confusion.
"Of course Francine! I understand that. Get a good night's sleep. How about if we meet for breakfast in our café tomorrow morning?"
Fran hesitates at first, but then she finally agrees. Maxwell wants to accompany her to the house. But she just waves him off, gives him a goodbye kiss on the cheek and runs off. Maxwell stares after her, very confused. There's something wrong with his Fran.