Many mysteries to solve!
Maxwell awakes the next morning with a pleasant warm feeling. He looked down and saw Fran still sleeping peacefully in his arms. He dreamed of waking up with her every morning. He gently started kissing her eyes, nose and mouth.
"Fran, darling! Wake up!"
"Mhhhh" She blinks at him in love. This was the most beautiful start to the day! She nuzzles his chest and returns his kisses passionately.
"Fran, stop it!" chuckles Maxwell. "Otherwise, we'll never get out of this suite."
"Oh yeah, that would be great! We'll call the room service and spend the whole day in this comfortable bed!" Maxwell rises and taps her forehead, laughing.
"You have some pretty crazy ideas in that pretty smart head of yours! And as tempting as that sounds, we have a family who eagerly waits for our return, more precisely three kids who are looking forward to spend the day with their beloved nanny." Fran breaths out a fake sigh.
"Maxwell Sheffield! Do you know what I don't like about you at all?" He looks at her curiously. "When you're so terribly reasonable and also right!" She gives him one last kiss, gathers her clothes and heads into the bathroom.
Maxwell collects his things as well, grabs his small bag and retreats into the suite's second smaller bathroom. He was freshly showered and dressed. He is just about to comb his hair when...
"Aaaaaaaaa!" A loud scream comes from the other bathroom. Maxwell immediately rushes over to check.
"Fran, are you alright? Did something happen?"
"MAXWELL SHEFFIELD! I WILL KILL YOU!"
She pushes her hair aside and points to her neck. There is a huge hickey. Maxwell can't help; he starts to laugh but immediately stops as Fran glares angrily at him. He tries to smooth her.
"Now come on, it's not that bad. You just hide that thing under your hair. (He takes her hair and puts it over her shoulders so that the neck is covered) and at home you surely have clothes that cover this stain. Besides, even I know that you can mask such things with the right makeup." Fran concedes.
"Just promise not to eat me up in the future!"
"This gonna be hard." When they are both ready, they leave the Plaza and get into a cab.
"What are we going to say at home now?" asks Fran. "I'm sure everyone's awake by now. What if someone sees me sneak in?"
"Then you just say you were at Mark's house, you guys were watching a movie and you both fell asleep." Fran frowns. She has serious doubts if Niles and the kids would buy this story. But she can't think of a better idea either.
When they arrive in front of the mansion, Maxwell takes Fran in his arms.
"I'm going to call Niles and say I will have brunch with my investor. We see each other later." The two say goodbye to each other with a long, intense kiss. Maxwell strokes her face.
"The night with you was magical! I love you!"
"I love you too!"
Fran gets out of the cab and waves after him. Then she walks towards the house. At the front door, she takes off her shoes. Barefooted she sneaks into the house and upstairs. Without being discovered, she gets into her room. She's just about to undress when there is a knock at the door.
"Fran? Are you awake already?" Fran startles and doesn't dare to make a sound. Thank God she had locked the door.
"Miss Margaret, I suppose Miss Fine got home very late last night. I'm sure she is still fast asleep. By the way, breakfast is ready."
Fran holds her breath and waits until they are gone. Then she hurries into the bathroom to take a shower. Meanwhile, her thoughts keep slipping back to last night. It had been one of the best nights in her life. Elated, she gets ready for breakfast. To be on the safe side, she puts on a turtleneck sweater.
"Good morning, everyone!"
Cheerful in high spirits, Fran enters the dining room. She is ravenously hungry and makes a beeline to the buffet. Niles stares at her, puzzled. He had been awake for a long time but had not heard when she came home last night. Could it be she only came home this morning? But she seems too well rested for that. And where does this exaggerated good mood come from? Against the radiance on Fran's face, even the brightest sunlight looks dark. This story with this Mark fellow seems probably to become quite serious. Or is there something else behind it? Niles curiosity awakens. His best friend may keep a secret and he would uncover it.
Fran, meanwhile, discuss with Brighton and Maggie what they should do today. Brighton suggests to go to Central Park. There would be a traveling circus there today. Maggie and Fran like the idea.
"Okay, then get ready. When Gracie gets home, we'll going."
"What about Daddy? Is he coming with us?"
"I'm afraid that's not possible Miss Margaret! Your father called earlier. He has a brunch date with his investor." Niles responds. His gaze falls on Fran. Is he mistaken, or is her grin getting even wider.
Fran and the kids have left the house for a while when Maxwell arrives at home.
"Nice to see you, Sir! Were you successful?"
"Oh that man is a pain in the ass. His ideas and expectations. But I think the effort will be worth it. Everyone says if he bounces a check, it will be a big one. Where are Miss Fine and the children?"
"They're at the Central Park Sir. A traveling circus is performing there today."
"Oh for sure it will be a great day for the kids. You know what, Niles?! I'm going to the park as well, see if I can find them. Besides, I desperate need some fresh air and cheerful people."
Niles stares after his boss, more than puzzled. Since when does he feel like to go to a circus and has a crack for cheerful peeple? And since when does he storm off to be with the kids? Granted, he has to admit thanks to Miss Fine's intervention, he was spending a lot more time with the kids recently than he used to in the past. But normally with the prospect of knowing the kids are on an outing the entire day, he would retreat to his office and take advantage of the silence. He would devote himself entirely to his work. Besides another fact irritates Niles. Therefore that his boss still hadn't received any money, he was in a surprisingly good mood. Another mystery for him to solve.