Sneaking around is tricky!
Fran comes to the kitchen for a cup of coffee. She is still elated and beams.
"Oh Niles, that was such a beautiful day with Ma... Mr. Sheffield and the kids and what did you do all the time?"
"A butler always has plenty to do! And are you planning to go out tonight?"
"Me, go out? Why? I mean..aehm no. Tonight I'm staying at home!" Niles notices Fran avoided his gaze and her behaviour was rather odd. Just then Maxwell steps into the kitchen.
"Here Niles, I made you a shopping list with everything we need. A light dinner would be best for tonight. You should leave right away. Miss Fine please follow me into my office for a moment."
Niles scowls as he gets ready, while Fran hurries to the office. She immediately hops on her spot. Before she can say anything, Maxwell puts a finger on her lips.
"Miss Fine, I want to talk to you about next Wednesday. We have some organisation issues to discuss." Fran stares at him in confusion. That's when he slides her a note over.
*Attention. Enemy is listening!*
Fran understands immediately. Niles must be on the intercom again.
"Yeah what about next Wednesday?"
"CC and I are planning a little reception for the actors of our musical. So it would be good if you could do something outside the house with the kids. I'm sure Niles would appreciate this idea as well. He has a lot of work to do that day. I mean all the cleaning and cooking." They both chuckles at the idea of what face Niles is now just pulling.
"Of course Mr. Sheffield. I'll come up with something great for the kids."
They talk about the kids for a while until Maxwell suddenly takes her in his arms and pulls her on his lap. He starts to kiss her and whispers.
"He's gone!"
"How do you know that?"
"Easy! I replaced the intercom here in the office. A little light shines now when someone from another room is listening."
"You're really smart!" Fran falls into Maxwell's arms. Maxwell pushes the button on the intercom to open the line with the kitchen. That way, they can hear when Niles comes home. Snuggle close they sit in his chair and exchange soft kisses and tender carresses.
"Today was wonderful!" purrs Fran. "Just..." Fran lowers her head.
"What is it Fran?" Fran fuss and hesitates.
"It's nothing really. It's just sometimes hard to hide my feelings. Don't get me wrong. I enjoy our relationship as it is, even the sneaking around. But..." Maxwell strokes her cheek.
"I understand what you mean. Sometimes I have to pull myself together not to hug and kiss you." As if on cue, they kiss each other deep and intense.
"You know we can always make our love official."
"No Max. I don't want to. You know what would happen if we do this. Niles and Maa would start planning our wedding right away. Everyone would keep butting in. I want you for myself just for a little while longer. Please!"
"You're right, you're right!" He agrees with her.
They hug tightly, exchanging wild kisses until they hear Niles in the kitchen. Fran quickly scurries out of the office and upstairs via the living room. Niles first puts away all the groceries in the kitchen. Then he goes into the office with a tray of tea. Fran is no longer there and his boss is engrossed in some paperwork.
Later at dinner, Fran and Maxwell present their most neutral expressions. Fran occasionally runs her foot up his leg. Maxwell has trouble concentrating on the children's chatter. After the meal, Maggie and Brighton leave the house. They both have dates. Gracie wants to watch a movie with Fran. As soon as Gracie falls asleep, Fran returns downstairs. She grabs a bottle of water from the refrigerator and wishes Niles a good night. In the living room, she runs into Maxwell. Hastily, he slips her a letter, which she lets disappear in a flash.
When Niles joins them, he can only see Fran going up to her room and his boss disappearing into the office. Still he can't shake of the feeling that they are hiding something from him.
Later before he retreats for the night he knocks first on the master suite. Maxwell is sitting up in his bed, reading. Nothing suspicious to be seen. Niles puts his warm milk down for him.
Then he sneaks to Fran's room. Quietly, he opens the door. Fran is lying in her bed, showing no reaction. Niles cautiously steps closer. He see she was obviously listening to music with her Discman. Quietly he leaves the room. Fran breaths a sigh of relief. She had noticed him very well. But he had not seen through her show. After waiting a few more minutes, she turns the lights back on and beg to read Maxwell's letter.