Perspective

by noemie dubois

Cette fois j'ai choisi de prendre une histoire qui parle de max, Fran et la mère de max mais aussi la force de leurs amour pour ne pas laisser paraitre les méchantes remarques de sa mére ! Bonne lecture

Perspectives

L'author this story is Sharon Johnson

Maxwell Sheffield sat back in his desk chair. It had been a hectic morning. All of the last minute details associated with the opening of a new show had been taken care of for the moment or at least until the next crisis popped up. There were no more phone calls to return, no more paperwork to straighten out. His new show would be opening in three weeks, hopefully, without a hitch. He had been busy all morning and now had time to pause and catch his breath. He knew his show was good. He had the satisfaction of knowing everything that could be done had been done to assure the show was a success. Now all he could do was wait. He just hoped the critics and the audience agreed.

He decided to indulge himself in a little refection. What had lead him to this moment in his life. He thought back to his privileged life in England. Born the eldest of three children to extremely wealthy parents, he had grown up wanting for nothing. Nothing material that is. He, Jocelyn and Nigel had everything that money could buy. Yet, he had had a very lonely childhood. His parents never had time for Jocelyn, Nigel or himself as they were growing up. Nannies, housekeepers and servants had raised the three of them, not their parents and when they were all old enough they were sent off to boarding school. He had never known his parents except at a distance and then only as disapproving authority figures. He was the one that Joce and Nigel came to in place of their parents for help, approval or comfort. As a matter of fact, that was as true today as it was then.

Max had grown up raised in the caste system of 1950's England. The Sheffield's were of the wealthy titled aristocracy. Jocelyn and Nigel never questioned the system or their place in it, but it had always bothered Max that he had to be conscious of his class and discouraged to ever associate with anyone below his station. As the eldest, Maxwell's' future had been mapped out for him at an early age. He was to attend Cambridge as his father did before him and study law. Very quickly, it became evident to Max that law was not his calling. He discovered theatre quite by accident. The school bulletin advertised for people to help mount the fall review. He had decided to go investigate on a whim. He was never interested in acting but he was fascinated at what went on behind the scenes. The activity and the excitement invigorated him. He jumped in with both feet and discovered that he had a real talent for organization. The theatre quickly captured his attention and his imagination. Taking a written play and transforming it into a living performance was nothing short of miraculous. He left Cambridge and escaped to London as soon as he was able. His mother had all but disowned him. In her view, the theatre was not worthy of a Sheffield.

His first real job in London was as an assistant to Alan Beck. What a miserable job that was. Alan Beck was a talented actor but a lousy human being. Being treated like dirt opened Maxwell's eyes as to how sheltered he had been from the realities of life. It also taught him valuable lessons about how to work with people and how not to.
Slowly he worked his way up as he leaned his craft. He earned a reputation as a man who paid attention to people and detail and who could get the job done right the first time. He also made valuable contacts along the way. By the time he left London for New York at 21, he had formed Sheffield Productions with his trust fund and had produced seven very successful shows. He hated leaving Jocelyn and Nigel to the mercies of the system but he had to save himself. Didn't he?

He transplanted both himself and his production company to where the action was: Broadway in New York. He hired C.C. Babcock as his secretary soon after his arrival. Her acumen and know-how proved an invaluable asset to him immediately. He quickly became the golden boy of Broadway.

He met Sarah at a party that same year. Beautiful sophisticated Sarah. Although from different countries, they came from the same kind of background and upbringing. She also came from wealth and privilege. They had hit it off immediately. For the first time in his life, he had someone. They married when they were both 27.

For the next 10 years his life was eventful and fulfilling. He had innumerable successful productions, his reputation grew rivaling only Andrew Lloyd Weber, his wealth increased dramatically, and his company thrived. As his company grew so did his family, producing three beautiful children.

Then tragedy struck. Making their way home from a party, their car was struck by a drunk driver. Sarah survived only long enough to make it to the hospital. Sarah's death almost destroyed him. Overnight his entire world collapsed. The old saying, "You never appreciated anything until it's gone" was proven. The next few years were a nightmare of sadness, guilt, remorse and loneliness. His pain over the loss of his wife overshadowed everything else. His memories of Sarah consumed him as he built a pedestal to her in his mind. He buried himself in his business and ignored his family so he would not have to be reminded and have to deal with the pain. His children became strangers as he shut himself off from them.

Maggie, Brighten and Grace were doubly hurt by the loss of their mother. They had lost their father too as he pulled away from them. Left to deal with the loss of their mother on their own, their lives changed too. Margaret became painfully shy, withdrawn and colorless, her personality disappearing almost totally. Brighton became unruly and unmanageable in a bid for this father's attention. His torment of a long string a nannies and his teasing of his two sisters became his major source of entertainment as well as an outlet for his brilliant mind. Little Grace retreated into a world of her own of multiple personalities and imaginary friends. Max had no idea what would have happened to any of them if fate had not sent them Fran Fine.

His thoughts strayed to Fran, his beautiful, passionate, loving wife. Just when had she become the most important person in his life? He thought back to the first time that he met her. He was in his office, busy and harried as he always was, planning a backers party with C.C. assisting as she always did. Niles had come in to announce another applicant for the nanny's position. Brighton's faked suicide had sent the previous one running for the hills. What met his eyes was wholly unexpected. Standing in his living room was one of the most beautiful and outrageous women he had ever seen. He had never met anyone quite like Fran Fine. Unrefined, forward, outspoken yet strangely compelling, he had turned her down for the job and had shown her to the door when the nanny agency called to tell him they had no one to send until Monday. He had ignored his better instincts and hired her for a trial as his children's nanny. All he was interested in at that time was to get his three kids out of his hair and into the hands of a caregiver. Little did he know then that she was to become the most important person in his life when he called her back to give her the job.

He recognized at once that she had a wonderful affinity toward children. His kids responded to her immediately. He also recognized that, when she had descended the stairs in that red sequined dress, she was very beautiful. He remembered staring as she walked toward him. He also remembered that it was the first time he had responded to a woman as a man in a very long time. Since she and the kids had not been invited to attend his party, her appearance was totally unexpected. So were the kids; Gracie, smiling and adorable in pink, Brighton in a suit and Maggie in black and blue the very image of her mother. He had no choice as they all looked at him with pleading eyes but to permit them to attend his party. It even turned out to be a good thing as they were wonderfully behaved and impressed several backers into giving him a great deal of money. But when he had discovered Maggie kissing a boy, he had fired Fran in a fit of temper after she had the nerve to defend Maggie to him. He was livid that she had talked back to him and took his children's side against him. When his kids found out he had fired her, they had ganged up on him and insisted that they wanted her back. Their attachment to Fran after such a short time had surprised him. It was the first time since their mother's death that they had formed a connection to anyone. He truly wanted his children happy so he had no choice but to rehire Fran as the nanny. His life had never been the same.

Fran moved in and immediately made herself to home. She never behaved like a nanny, more like one of the family. Niles took to her immediately. C.C hated her. The kids loved her. Fran was lively and unpredictable. He watched as she transformed his kids. Shy, naive Maggie became a beautiful self-assured young woman. In retrospect he realized that all Maggie had needed was a woman to take her under her wing and Fran did just that. Brighton found someone he couldn't buffalo. She understood him and could anticipate his actions "nipping them in the bud" before he got into trouble. She showed him a way to funnel his energy into more productive activities such as school. Last but not least was his Gracie, his baby. Truth be told, Grace scared him. He felt so helpless. He did not know what to do for her except send her to therapy 2 times a week and hope that someday she would be "normal". Fran had by far the most influence on her. He remembered when this really came to his attention by Grace telling her therapist that she no longer needed her imaginary friend because now she had Fran. It was a breakthrough of monumental proportions!

His own response to Fran was more restrained. He felt strangely drawn to her but she was an employee and that was that. Or so he thought at the time. Little by little they became friends, although he tried his best to keep some distance between them. He found that he could talk to her about things he never would have spoken to anyone about before. She understood him far better than he understood himself. When they really talked, heart to heart, she was so wise and understanding about life that he came to rely on her to keep him grounded in reality. She was the most generous, loving, and giving woman that he had ever met. She had taught him how to live again, how to laugh, how to care without being afraid, how to love again. She had opened his eyes to the love of his children and taught him how to return that love. She had given him back a life filled with happiness something he had thought would be lost to him forever. He would be forever grateful to her for all of this. Her unconditional support and friendship was a wonderful gift that he came to truly cherish and depend on. Yet he couldn't bring himself to tell her this for a very long time. He was just lucky that she hadn't given up on him.

He felt bad that he had put her though so much waiting for him. Fran wanted to be loved so badly. It didn't help that her mother was nagging at her constantly to get a man. That only served to make her more desperate and make so many bad choices. Each time she went out with a man he was consumed by jealousy. Of course, at the time he didn't call it jealousy. Oh no. He told himself many times that he was only concerned for her happiness and well being. Yet each time she was hurt and came to him for support and comfort, he cried inside with her. There were so many times when he had wanted to take her in his arms and kiss all the hurt away. She felt so good in his arms. And each time he fell a little more in love with her.

It was truly earth shattering the depth of the love he felt for her now. It overshadowed everything else. A line from a poem ran though his mind. "I love her to the length and breadth and depth my soul can reach." Even that couldn't begin to describe it. . It made him feel so privileged that this desirable woman loved him. On a purely self-serving level, he delighted in showing off his beautiful wife to the world and proudly saying she was his. Her smile could light a room. As a matter of fact, Fran lit him up too. He had been told on several occasions that anyone could tell when Fran came into a room by Max's demeanor. Their sex life was amazing: inventive, passionate and frequent. It had never been like this for him before. She had unleashed a passion in him that even he had been unaware of possessing. He craved making love to her as much as he craved food or water. She was so soft, so warm, so responsive. He was flattered by how her body responded to his touch. His body responded to her in the same way.

She also kept him on his toes. She was so unpredictable. She had this uncanny knack of doing or saying the wrong thing and getting into trouble, yet somehow it always worked out okay in the end.

For the first time Max's life was complete. He was content. He couldn't think of one thing he would change in his life. His business was thriving, his family was healthy and happy and he had Fran. He thanked his lucky stars that Fran was his. He also derived perverse delight knowing that his mother disapproved of Fran. It went against her grain that he associated with a women so " beneath his station." When in reality his mother was so far beneath Fran in every way that counted that she was not even worthy of Fran's notice. Max knew that no amount of explaining would ever get this idea through to his mother in a way that she could understand.

Now that Fran was 4 months pregnant and carrying twins, she never looked more beautiful to him. He didn't know who was happier about the twins, Fran, the kids or himself. He remembered how overjoyed he had felt in the doctor's office when he saw his unborn son and daughter on the ultrasound screen for the first time. He also recalled with a chuckle how Doctor Reynolds had given Fran all sorts of instructions and then turned to him and told him that his job was to take care of Fran. At that point he had to point out that he had given himself that job a long time ago and he wasn't about to stop now. He laughed quietly to himself.
"Honey are you busy?"

The sound of Fran's voice woke him out of his reverie. "Hello Darling. No. I was just daydreaming" he said with a smile that lit his face as Fran entered the room, "What can I do for you?"

Fran came in and walked around to the side of his desk. Max rolled out his chair, turned toward her and indicated that she should sit on his lap. Since they had been married, his lap more that the edge of his desk had become her perch of preference.

"I was just thinking." As she sat down sideways across his legs and put her arms around his neck.

"About what?" Placing his arms around her waist and holding her as he looked up into her face and smiled.

"Your mother."

"My mother! What the devil would you want to think about my mother for?"

" Honey, I feel sort of sorry for her. Not seeing her grandchildren or you. I also feel bad that the kids don't see her. They are kinda missing part of their heritage by not having her in their lives."

"Darling. She made that choice when she chose not to come to our wedding."

"I know. But we have such a wonderful happy family life here. Even Jocelyn and Nigel have become a part of it. The only one missing is your mother. I was thinking that this is the only sore spot that I can think of. And I sorta feel that I was the cause of it all. You know if you wouldn't have married me she …"

"Now hold it right there. Darling, I don't want you ever to think that it's your fault she isn't a part of our lives. My mother was a sore spot, as you put it, for a long time before you came. Our marriage was just a convenient excuse. She chose this path, and she can bloody well live with it!" Max suddenly realized he was speaking with more vehemence than was necessary. Softening his voice he looked up at his wife. "Now what brought all this on?"

"Well, I thought that it would be nice if you called her up and told her about the babies." Max started to protest but Fran placed her hands on each side of his face and continued looking into his eyes. "I really want the twins to know both of their grandmothers. I also want you to be happy. I know that this situation will always be somewhere in the back of your mind making you sad until it is resolved." Fran could feel his resistance to the idea. "Please call her? Do it for me."

Max really didn't want to call her. His mother was the one that caused this rift and he really felt that it was up to her to make the first move. Yet he found it very hard to refuse Fran anything. Max sighed. "I really don't want to do this. But okay. I'll do it for you.
But only because you asked me to."

"Thank you Honey." Fran kissed him tenderly. As she prepared to get off his lap, Max tightened his hold on her.

"Where do you think you are going? If I am going to do this I want you here too beside me."

Fran laughed. "Tell ya what. I'll sit right here on the desk." Indicating her old spot next to the phone. "That way I can hold your hand while you talk to you mother."

Max laughed too. He put one arm under her legs and the other behind her back, stood up still holding Fran and gently set her down on the desk. Then placing a soft kiss on her lips sat back down and lifted the receiver. "You know I really don't want to do this." He grumbled.

Fran nodded. "I know. Dial." She said pointing to the phone.

Max sighed and did what she asked.

As the connection was being made, he sat back and looked at his wife. God he loved her. She meant everything to him. He couldn't imagine living without her. How could he deny her request?

The connection made, he spoke into the phone. "Hello Miles. This is Maxwell…. Thank you. It's nice to hear your voice too. Is my mother there?…Yes. I'll wait."

"Why do I have this overwhelming urge to hang up? " he whined to Fran. "I do not want to talk to her!"

"Be strong!" she replied.

"Hello Mother?" At the sound of her voice years of training automatically kicked as he suddenly sat up straight. "This is Maxwell…Fine thank you. How are you?…Yes. I expect you are surprised that I am calling…I'm surprised you heard…Yes it was a beautiful wedding…"

He covered the mouthpiece and said to Fran with a snicker, "Everyone from England that was at the wedding has called and asked her why she wasn't there. I think she is feeling embarrassed. Serves her right."

Taking his hand away from the mouthpiece…"Fran did a wonderful job. It couldn't have been more perfect."… He was enjoying rubbing it in a little. He smiled at Fran taking her hand in his…"Yes we are very happy….The reason I called was to tell you that Fran and I are expecting twins….We just found out….Mid summer…" Max frowned. "Just one moment, let me speak with Fran."

Speaking to Fran as he placed the receiver against his chest to muffle what they were saying, "She wants to come for a visit."

"Tell her yes." She whispered.

"Really? You really want her to come here? For God's sake why?"

"Honey." Fran said, "Until she sees how happy you and the kids are with her own eyes she will never accept me or our marriage. Tell her she is welcome here anytime."

"When did you get to be so smart?" he said as he kissed her hand that he still held in his own.

"I always was. It just took you a while to realize it." she replied with a laugh.

Raising the receiver to his ear he spoke once again to his mother. "When would you like to come?…Of course mother…When your plans are finalized, please let us know…Yes mother….Yes it was nice talking to you too…Yes mother….Goodbye." Hanging up the phone he looked at Fran.

"She will be arriving sometime near the end of the month. She needed to check her schedule before she could tell me exactly when. At least we have a few weeks to prepare ourselves." The look on Maxwell's face was one of impending doom.

Fran slid off the desk and once again sat on her husband's lap. Taking his face in her hands she looked into his eyes, "Sweetie. Don't look so glum. It won't be so bad. We won Sarah's parents over we can win your mother over too. Look at the bright side. It can't get any worse than it already is. We have nowhere to go but up."

"Don't be so sure. You don't know my mother." He smiled at her. "You know something? I really love you." Placing his hands on her face he guided her lips to his. Then wrapping his arms around her kissed her passionately. A storm of emotions and passions quickly overtook them. Several minutes of ardent kissing ensued. Finally breaking apart, both breathless, they rested their foreheads against each other still wrapped in each other's arms.

"What do you say we continue this upstairs." Max murmured after finally catching his breath.

"I thought you'd never ask." Fran eagerly responded. Both stood and holding hands headed for their bedroom.

The two weeks between Maxwell's conversation with his mother and her imminent arrival whizzed by much to quickly. Niles had cleaned the house from top to bottom looking upon Elizabeth as the inspector general coming to revue his work. Everything that could be done was done. The house never looked more immaculate.

As the appointed day approached Fran and Max both became bundles of nerves. They both wanted everything to go well or at least better than her last stay. The last time Elizabeth had visited was three years ago. She had developed an instant dislike for Fran and had demanded that Maxwell fire her. All his life he had gone to great lengths to go against his mother's wishes and, holding true to form, Maxwell had taken a path guaranteed to irritate his mother the most. He had asked Fran to marry him right there in front of her. He had done it for shock value, not because he wanted to marry Fran. He had felt badly at the time using Fran like that to defy his mother but he couldn't resist. Now he was really married to Fran, once again, against the expressed wishes of his mother. But for once it was important to him that his mother supported him in this and for her to accept Fran as his wife. He loved Fran and he really wanted things to go smoothly for her sake.

All three kids were not far behind their parents in agitation. They all looked forward to her arrival with anticipation and dread at the same time. They wanted to see their grandmother again but knew that no matter how well behaved they were it would not be good enough to satisfy her. No one knew what to expect but they were all going to try their level best to win her over.

The one interesting phenomenon was that everyone had closed ranks to protect Fran.
Since she had become pregnant she tended to be highly emotional and therefore very vulnerable. The potential for her to be hurt was great and everyone knew it and was willing to do anything to watch over her. Max had told Fran that he intended to lay down the law to his mother as soon as she arrived. He would not tolerate any hurtful comments directed at Fran. If his mother could not abide by that he would ask her to leave and never come back. Fran was truly touched that Max would stand up against his mother for her but truly hoped it would not come to that. The kids had much the same attitude as their father. They loved Fran and would do anything to defend her. If it meant never seeing their grandmother again so be it. It wasn't like she was a part of their lives anyway.

The day of Elizabeth's arrival dawned bright and clear. After much discussion it was decided that Maxwell was going to the airport to meet his mother alone. He was going to tell her the rules of the house and if she could not abide by his rules she could turn around and go back to England.

Elizabeth Sheffield, relaxing in her first class seat on the Concorde, smiled smugly to herself. She had known that if she waited long enough Maxwell would call her. After all, she was his mother. She sighed. All three of her children had been such disappointments to her. Nigel, who should have been a stockbroker like his father and be running the family estates for his brother, had run off and bought a nightclub in Paris associating himself with the lowest class of people imaginable. Jocelyn, who should have married someone of noble birth (of Elizabeth's choosing of course) and should have had several children by now had instead run off and married her chauffeur of all people! Well, at least she had been able to fix that situation. She had had very little trouble driving a wedge between them and finally breaking them apart. It had been almost fun. Now she had to do it again with Maxwell.

Maxwell had always been her problem child. He had never been very biddable. Even as a child he was head strong. She had had such high hopes for him. Yet all her plans for him had been thwarted. He was to have been a barrister like his grandfather and to have taken his grandfather's place in the House of Lords. Instead he had thrown his life away in the theatre. She had still not entirely forgiven him for turning his back on the Sheffield heritage and moving to New York. All his life he had defied her and gone his own way. Well this time he had gone too far. Marrying that no class golddigger. Just like his father! She would fix that! It was the same situation as Jocelyn and that chauffeur. Honestly, didn't her children have any sense of class or duty at all!

The airplane landed in New York right on time. Elizabeth was among the first passengers to deplane. She spotted Maxwell immediately standing to one side looking as handsome as ever in a well-cut dark suit. As she walked toward him she noticed his stance was one of strength and resolve not of repentance as she had hoped. She would just have to make it clear at the onset that she was not going to accept anything less that an apology for his behavior.

Maxwell watched his mother come off the plane. The look on her face as she walked toward him was as if she was ready to do battle. He decided to take the initiative immediately.

"Hello mother" he said kissing both cheeks.

"Hello dear. You are looking well."

"Thank you mother. So do you." Then before she could say anything else he continued. "Before we go home we need to talk."

"Yes, dear. I quite agree." Taking her baggage claim tickets and handing them to the chauffeur who had been standing behind Maxwell, he took her elbow and proceeded to guide her to a fairly quiet corner of the waiting room. Sitting side by side Maxwell turned to his mother and both began to speak at the same time.

"Maxwell, this situation with this woman…"she began

"Mother, this situation had gone on long enough…" Maxwell began. "Excuse me mother but I need to have my say first." He was not about to let her get the upper hand by letting anything she wanted to say get out first. Taking her hands in his he continued, "I know you came here to break up my marriage the same way you broke up Jocelyn's." Elizabeth started to protest but Maxwell was not about to permit it and continued to speak interrupting her. "It will not work. I love Fran and you can't do or say anything that will change that. I know you do not approve of Fran and I really don't care. She is my wife, the mother of my children and, I realized some time ago, the love of my life. I will not allow you to hurt Fran or make her feel bad in any way. She doesn't deserve it. She has done nothing to merit ill treatment from you. I also am going to insist that you do not try to undermine Fran to my children. I doubt if you could anyway. They all love Fran almost as much as I do. You are welcome in our home but only if you abide by my wishes. Otherwise you can turn around and return to England."

During this outburst Elizabeth had sat in stunned silence. Then anger set in. "Well! I never…!" she sputtered. She wanted to scream at her son and knock some sense into him. But she reminded herself she was a Sheffield. Holding her head high she looked Maxwell in the eye and spoke. "Maxwell! How dare you speak to me in this manner! I am your mother and I demand some respect!" Taking a breath she continued. "You have the nerve to demand I treat this trollop you married like one of us or you will deny me my grandchildren? How dare you! I've never been so outraged and insulted in my entire life!"

"You will not refer to my wife in that manner." Maxwell was starting to get angry. "And, yes mother. That is exactly what I demand. She is every bit as much a Sheffield as you are! I am absolutely adamant that you accept this! You can be as insulted and outraged as you wish, but those are the conditions upon which your visit depends. There will be no discussion! Do you accept my conditions or not?"

Elizabeth had to think fast. She had never expected Maxwell to issue an ultimatum to her. He had always been hard to deal with but this was impossible! What had this woman done to her son that he could be so ill mannered and disrespectful? The only way she would be able to assess the damage to her son and grandchildren was to go home with him. But she could not do that if she did not humor him now. Besides, being practical, she did not have hotel reservations and consequently had no place to stay if not with her son.

"I want to see my grandchildren and if the only way to do so is to agree to your ridiculous conditions so be it. I will accede to your demands. But mark my words, I believe you have been made a fool of. Taken in by a golddigger just like your father and you will live to regret it"

"That quite enough mother. I will hear no more. You will not speak of this again to me or to anyone in my family!"

"All right, Maxwell. I have given my word. I know how to behave."

"I will hold you to your word. Now, let's go home." Maxwell was relieved that he had been victorious in the first skirmish. But he would not delude himself into thinking the battle had been won. He knew there was a long uphill fight ahead.

The ride home in the limousine was quiet each lost in their own thoughts. Neither of them knew what more to say to each other. Maxwell hoped that the near fight at the airport would not sour his mother's visit totally. In his heart of hearts he truly would love it if his mother and Fran could get along with each other. Fran was right. He did feel like a part of his life was missing. But he trusted that if anyone could win his mother over it was Fran if given even half a chance to do so. He would never really like his mother but he still would like to have her in their lives. Elizabeth, on the other hand, was mad as hell. She had never gotten to adequately voice her disapproval to Maxwell. Now it seemed inappropriate given the discussion at the airport. All right, she decided, he did not want me to criticize or point out how inappropriate his whole marriage was. Fine, she would not say anything directly. She had to be subtle. She vowed she would watch and wait. It was a relief when they arrived at the townhouse.

In the meantime, Fran had worked herself into a raging headache and had gone up to her bedroom to lie down for awhile. She felt so sorry for Maxwell going to the airport alone to confront his mother. This whole situation was her doing and she should be with Max to lend him strength and moral support.

Maxwell and Elizabeth walked through the front door to be greeted by Niles.
"Hello madam, sir, may I take your coats?"

"Hello Niles. Every time I see you, you look more and more like your father."

"Thank you Niles. Where's Fran?" questioned Maxwell surprised that she was not anywhere to be seen.

"She is upstairs lying down Sir." responded Niles

Elizabeth just could not pass up this opportunity to point out a failure in spite of giving her word she would not. "Of all the rude things. She is the hostess! She should be down here to meet us! See Maxwell! I told you she is unsuitable!" Maxwell just frowned at her. "Mother! I'm warning you!"

"Excuse me Madam, but it is my fault that Mrs. Sheffield is not down here to greet you, not hers."

"Niles?" said Maxwell. "What's going on?"

"After you left for the airport, Sir, she developed a very bad headache. I was very worried about her. She looked very pale and I know she has not been sleeping well. So I prevailed upon her to go lay down for a while promising I would come to get her before you were expected to arrive."

"Well, why didn't you man!"

"I went up to your room a little while ago. She was sleeping so peacefully. I just couldn't find it in my heart to wake her. She needs the sleep so badly. You didn't see her after you left. She looked so weak and shaky. So I decided to let her sleep a little longer. I was just now on my way up to wake her when you arrived. I hope she will forgive me. She so wanted to be down here to meet you."

"Thank you, Niles." responded Maxwell. "I'm sure she will understand. Niles, will you show my mother into the living room and get her anything she wants? Mother, excuse me. I'll go up and get my wife." With that Maxwell went up the stairs.

Elizabeth was taken aback by what had just taken place. A well-trained butler so concerned about this woman health that he would go against her wishes? He was really worried about her! What would inspire such feelings of concern and loyalty from a servant? No one would dare go against her own orders regardless what her health was! It was not their place to do so. This may bare further investigation.

Maxwell entered the darkened room and walked quietly over to the bed. Fran had taken off her suit jacket and was covered with a light blanket. He stood lovingly gazing at her for a few minutes. She looked like an angel so peaceful and radiant. Niles was right. She hadn't been sleeping well and she did need it. Sitting down beside her, he couldn't resist the temptation to reach out and stroke her cheek. "Darling." He said quietly. She stirred slightly. He leaned over and lightly kissed her lips. No response. He kissed her again. This time a slight response. He continued in a series of light kisses. Each time she responded a little more until she began to move her lips against him. He stopped kissing her but remained hovering a few inches over her face as she opened her eyes and smiled up into his. Still a little sleepy she reached up to him and pulled him down into a deep loving kiss. Ending the kiss she stretched slightly and then froze, her eyes becoming wide.

"Maxwell! What are you doing home already! Niles was supposed to wake me before you got home! What is your mother going to think?" Almost panicking, she struggled to get up.

Maxwell held her shoulders down. "Darling. Calm down. It's okay."

She stopped struggling and looked into Max's eyes as tears welled up in hers. "I wanted everything to be so right when you mother arrived. I should have been down there like a proper hostess. I'm going to kill Niles! Now my plans are all messed it up. I'm sorry Maxwell." She started to cry in earnest.

"Shhhhhh. Darling." He said taking her into his arms and rocking her. He was used to her emotional ups and downs. When her tears subsided he laid her down again. "Niles was on his way up when we arrived. He told me you weren't feeling well. He's very concerned about you. How is your headache?" he said softly once again stroking her cheek.

"It's better but I still have it." Fran sighed. " I gotta get up."

Helping her sit up, she swung her legs to the floor and stood up. All the color drained out of her face as a wave of dizziness washed over her. "Oy!" She immediately sat down again and put a hand on her forehead.

"Darling? What's wrong?" His concern was immediate. "Darling are you alright?" Maxwell put his arms around her and held her to him.

"I suddenly felt very dizzy!" She rested against her husband's chest feeling very safe and protected in the embrace of the man she loved, breathing irregularly. Shutting her eyes she tried to focus all of her energy on making everything stop spinning. Maxwell was overwhelmed with feelings of anxiety and worry. Fran was the most precious person in the world to him and he felt so powerless at the moment to help her.

Several minutes passed as he simply held her in his arms. Gradually Fran's breathing slowed to normal and she began to relax. "I'm starting to feel a little better now. At least the room has stopped spinning." Fran said looking up at her husband as she drew away from him slightly.

"Are you sure?" Still very concerned about his wife and not wholly convinced that she was well enough yet to go downstairs, he continued to hold her. He wasn't about to let anything happen to her if he could help it.

"Yea. I guess I'm okay now."

With his arms still around her, they both stood up. He put one of his hands under her chin and raised her face so that he could look into her eyes. Concern was written on his face as he looked at his wife. "You don't look very well to me. I think you should stay here and lie down for awhile longer."

"No really. I'm fine. It's just this darn headache."

"Did you take something for it?"

"No. Remember? Doctor Reynolds told us I had to be careful about taking any drugs because some things can cause harmful side effects on the babies. I was hoping that if I just laid down for awhile it would go away."

Taking Fran by her shoulders he sat her down on the edge of the bed again. "I'm going to call Doctor Reynolds right now."

"No. I…" Fran began.

"Just sit there and rest quietly." Max's commanding tone allowed no argument. He made the call, talked for a few minutes, hung up the phone and then went into the bathroom. Returning he handed her two Tylanol and a glass of water. "She said you can take these." She nodded as she silently took the pills and drank the water. "Thank you honey." Fran said as she handed the empty glass back to him.

Taking a deep cleansing breath, Fran slowly stood up again as Max set the glass down on the nightstand. "I think I'm ready." Against his better judgement he nodded his agreement. Maxwell held her jacket for her as she slipped it on. Turning toward him she asked, "Do I look alright?"

"You look beautiful." Maxwell said looking proudly at her. She was dressed in a skillfully tailored blue silk suit that subtly hid evidence of her pregnancy. He once again took her in his arms and kissed her tenderly. "I love you so very much, my darling."

"I love you too." She responded with a smile. "I'm so grateful I have you in my life."
"Not as much as I am to have you in mine." Said Max as his kissed her again. "Ready to go face the dragon?"

"Let's go." Putting an arm around each other's back, they slowly walked together out of the room, down the stairs and into the living room.

Elizabeth watched Maxwell and Fran as they descended the stairs arm in arm. She was immediately struck at how right they looked together. She did not want to acknowledge that woman as Maxwell's wife but she grudgingly had to admit to herself, that they made an attractive couple, the epitome of success, wealth and elegance. She was pleased to see that five years living here with her son's family had taught this girl something. She could see, even from this distance, the loving devotion that radiated from them as they walked together. Maybe she could be wrong. Maybe Maxwell was not the fool she innitially thought. Well, time will tell.

Max and Fran came to a stop in the middle of the living room. "Mother. You remember my wife Fran?"

Fran walked forward with her right hand outstretched. "Welcome to our home Mrs. Sheffield. I'm sorry I wasn't here to meet you when you arrived."

Elizabeth was surprised at the poise and grace of this woman as she shook her hand in greeting. Quite a change from the cheap trollop she had met 3 years ago. She had been prepared to dislike this girl but she was finding it hard to find fault. "Yes. Hello Dear. I hear you were not feeling well."

"I had a headache but I am feeling better now." Replied Fran quietly. She noticed Niles standing sheepishly by the piano having just brought in fresh ice for the bar cart.
"Excuse me for a minute I need to speak with Niles."

Fran walked over to Niles and, as she placed her left hand on his right sleeve,
whispered. "Why didn't you come wake me?"

"I'm deeply sorry Fran," Niles whispered back "I was on my way up when they came in the door. I miscalculated the time. Please forgive me."

Fran nodded. "I forgive you. I just hope nothing else goes wrong. Would you bring me some iced tea?"

"I'd be glad to. By the way, it looks like a rest did you good. You look like you are feeling better.

"I do. Between you and Max I'm feeling much better."

Elizabeth observed the whispered conversation going on over by the piano and commented to her son. "Maxwell? Are you not concerned by how familiar your wife is with your butler?"

Maxwell, who had just finished mixing himself a drink and had gone over to stand by his mother, glanced over at them, smiled, and shook his head no. "Niles and Fran have been good friends ever since I hired her as the children's nanny. They understand and trust each other and I trust them both." His answer effectively cutting off all further questioning along this line.

Niles left to get Fran her iced tea. Fran turned and walked toward Max and his mother.

"Well, I'm glad that's all settled." Said Fran under her breath to Max.

"Darling." said Max. "Why don't we sit down," indicating the couch across from his mother. He was still somewhat concerned over Fran's health and wanted her to rest. Taking her hand in his they walked over to the couch and both sat down. An uncomfortable silence followed. No one know quite what to say.
Niles entered the room with Fran's iced tea on a tray and brought it to her. "Will there be anything else Mrs. Sheffield." He said to Fran making a point of the title.

"Mrs. Sheffield would you like something to eat before dinner?" asked Fran.

"Thank you. No. I had something on the plane." Replied Elizabeth.

"No. I think that will be all for now. Thank you Niles." Fran said with a gracious smile.

"Very good, madam." He said and, with a small bow he left the room.

"Did you have a nice trip over Mrs. Sheffield?" Fran said speaking to Elizabeth.

"Yes. Fine. The Concorde is always comfortable."

Maxwell couldn't stand it any more. His mother wasn't giving an inch. He decided to bring up a subject that was bothering him already.

"Mother, don't you think it would be best if Fran addressed you by your first name? After all", Max said with a laugh trying to make light of a difficult situation, "you are both Mrs. Sheffield's and it could get confusing."

Fran and Elizabeth both looked at Max surprised that he would bring up this touchy subject so soon.

Regaining her composure and not wanting to sound to unfriendly, Elizabeth responded. "Of course dear. You may call me Elizabeth."

"Thank you." Fran said. "And I would be honored if you would call me Fran."

"Of course you would." Then changing the subject, "Maxwell tells me you are expecting twins. You have only been married a short time. I would have expected that you would have wanted to wait a while before rushing into having more children. But of course you would want your own offspring given you were hired to take care of Maxwell's. And then to have twins! Our family has never had the propensity to have twins. Such as bourgeois tendency must have come from your family."

Ignoring the more insulting comments and only concentrating on the positive Fran replied, "My sister had twins so it does indeed run in my family. We found out in November that I was pregnant but we only found out a short time ago that we were having twins. It was a wonderful surprise." Fran smiled at Max. Max knew she was trying her level best to be positive but he could see the hurt over his mother's words in her eyes.

Max felt stress and anger mounting. He knew that his mother was alluding to class status or lack thereof with her remarks and she was trying, not so subtly, to be hurtful.
He had warned her about this sort of thing and was angry that she had already gone back on her word. "Just to set the record straight, Fran may have been hired as the children's nanny but she is now their mother. The adoption was finalized several months ago. Also, we will have been married a year in May so we aren't rushing into anything!" replied an indignant Maxwell. "And you would have remembered that if you had attended the wedding." The undercurrents of discord and derision were starting to wear on Maxwell's nerves.

"I must say you do not look like you are having twins." Elizabeth said looking at Fran and ignoring Maxwell's outburst. She derived a small bit of satisfaction seeing that Maxwell was getting a bit angry and defensive although Fran seemed to be keeping her cool.

"I'm only four months along so I don't show much but it is a credit to Donna Karen that even that is hidden. Her maternity clothes are beautifully designed. I'm just grateful to Max for affording me the luxury of wearing them."

"Nothing is to good for you darling." Said Max as he raised her hand in his and kissed the back of it. He knew his mother was uncomfortable with displays of affection.
Just then Brighton and Grace arrived home from school. Coming through the front door they immediately spied their Grandmother sitting in the living room. Fran got up from the couch; relieved she could escape for a minute, and went to meet them. "Hi kids. Welcome home." As was her custom she gave Gracie and Brighton each a welcome home hug. "Hi Fran." They both said at the same time. Brighten whispered "How are things going?" She shrugged. "So far no bloodshed." The two kids set their books down on the hall table and, with Fran walking between them one arm around each one; they walked together into the living room.

"Hi Daddy." Called Grace. "Hi Dad." Said Brighton.

"Hello, Sweetheart. Brighton." Said Max. Fran rejoined Maxwell on the couch with a smile. He put his right arm around her and took her right hand in his left. This closeness felt reassuring to them both. It was a relief that the kids had come home and had broken some of the tension that had been growing in the room.

Both kids walked over to Elizabeth. Grace made a small curtsy. "Hello Grandmother. I'm glad to see you." Brighton extended his right hand. "Welcome Grandmother, we've missed you."

Elizabeth was surprised at how polite and well mannered these children were. She was also surprised at the genuine warmth and affection she saw displayed by Fran and the kids to each other when they had first arrived. She shook Brighton's hand and nodded to
Grace. "Hello children. My how much you have both grown."

"It has been a long time since you have visited us. We missed you at the wedding. It was beautiful. Everyone was so happy." Enthused Grace. "Do you want to see the pictures later? My dress was gorgeous!"

"Yea. You missed a great party." Added Brighton

Elizabeth was amazed at how Grace had changed. She had been such a shy little thing. Now she was poised, self-assured and outgoing, and Brighton, such a handsome young man. He reminded her of pictures of her own father she had seen when he was a young man.

"Kids." Interrupted Maxwell changing the subject. "Why don't you take your grandmother upstairs and show her to her room. I'm sure she is tired after her long trip and would like to rest a while before dinner." He didn't want to hit her with everything all at once.

"Yes. That is an excellent idea, Maxwell. I am somewhat tired. Come children."
With Brighton in the lead and Elizabeth and Grace following together, they left the room and went up the stairs.

Fran slumped against Max in relief as soon as Elizabeth and the kids were safely upstairs. "I'm sure glad that's over for the moment. Is it just me or is she try to be as insulting as possible?"

"I'm sorry Fran. I think she is just trying to get to me. By the way, Darling, you were wonderful." Said Max kissing her forehead.

"You weren't so bad yourself."

"How's your headache?"

"Much better. It's almost gone."

"You know, we have several hours until supper and I have the afternoon cleared. It's such a beautiful day today. What do you say we take a walk in the park and get some fresh air?"

"Oh! Max! That's a wonderful idea." Responded Fran.

Getting their coats from the closet, they went to the kitchen to inform Niles where they were going and then left.

The children showed Elizabeth upstairs to her room. They left her in the hall saying they needed to do their homework before supper and that they would see her later. She sat down in a chair by the window and reviewed what had taken place downstairs. She felt a little satisfaction that she had put Maxwell on the defensive but was astonished how poised and gracious Fran had been. She also had not expected to see how devoted everyone seemed to be to each other. It was going to be harder than she had originally thought to break up this marriage. So far Elizabeth had not seen anything she could use against them. Jocelyn's had been easy. The commitment to each other had not been present like it was here. She definitely had her work cut out for her.

Returning and hour and a half later, Fran and Max were refreshed and relaxed. They truly enjoyed each other's company and a slow walk in the park had renewed their spirits.
They had discussed how best to deal with the antagonistic mother situation. They had agreed that no matter what Elizabeth threw at them they were going to be polite and positive and ignore the negative. They were not going to play her game.

Dinner was traditionally family time at the Sheffield household. This was when everyone shared what was happening in their lives with the rest of the family. Even though Elizabeth was in attendance, it was decided that things should be as normal as possible. Good spirited small talk among the family filled the room. Elizabeth said very little although the rest of the family tried to include her whenever they could. It was just that, she did not know what was going on in any of their lives, in fact, they were strangers to her. She blamed Maxwell's stubbornness for this. It was his fault she had not been a part of this family. So she listened and waited for a chink in the armor that she could use later.

But instead Elizabeth realized something unexpected as she listened. Much of what went on with each member of this family seemed to involve Fran in one way or another. Yet it did not seem to be a show being put on for her benefit. Fran really was an integral part of the family. She had something to say about everything. Margaret needed advise on what to wear to a party, Brighton wanted her permission to attend a concert, Grace reminded her of a school project Fran was helping her with. Even Maxwell wanted Fran to come to a dress rehearsal the next day. Through it all Fran was patient and considerate, taking great care to administer to her families needs. She could not help but marvel how close this family was and how happy they all were.

"Mother," Maxwell said about midway through the meal, "I'm not sure if I mentioned it before, but my new production will be opening on Friday. The premiere will be a formal affair followed by a dinner party. We would be honored if you would attend with us."

She had never attended any of her son's productions before and she saw no reason why she should start now. She had avoided doing so when he had first started out as a young man in England as her way of showing her disapproval of his chosen field of endeavor. Ever since, she just had never paid any attention to his career. But she was a guest here. Perhaps, on second thought, she could go this once. "Thank you, Maxwell. That is very kind of you. But I did not bring anything formal with me."

"That shouldn't be a problem," said Fran. "We have some of the best shopping in the world here in New York. If you would like, we could go shopping for a dress for you on Wednesday. We could make a day of it and get aquatinted. Max could even meet us for lunch if he has time to break away. Max?"

"I can't promise anything right now but I could try." Max put his hand over his wife's which had been resting on the table and gave it a little squeeze of approval. He was very grateful to her for her generosity toward his mother. He never loved Fran more that he did at this moment and the loved shinned through in his eyes as he looked upon his wife.

Elizabeth didn't quite know what to make of all this. The look on Maxwell's face as he looked upon Fran was something that Elizabeth had never had directed at her in her entire life: a look of deep abiding love. She felt a little embarrassed and perhaps a bit jealous. She also decided she might as well show that she could be generous too and go along with the plan. "Thank you, dear. That would be very nice." Perhaps she could get to the bottom of how Fran had wormed her way into the lives of her son's family when they were alone.

The following day was a trying day for the entire Sheffield clan. Elizabeth found fault with everything and everyone. Always little picky things guaranteed to wear on the nerves. The atmosphere of happiness and harmony was gone replaced by tension and anxiety. By that evening everyone was finding excuses not to be in the house or else hiding in their rooms. In the midst of it all sat Elizabeth happy as a clam and totally oblivious to the heartache she was causing to everyone around her.

Late that night, Maxwell and Fran found solace and comfort in each other's arms after a very difficult day. Maxwell, deep in last minute details for the opening in three days, had been at the theatre all day. Fran had gone with Max to a dress rehearsal in the morning. She had returned home in the afternoon to endure negative comments, criticism and insults until she could not stand it any more and was finally driven to her room.

"Honey, It was horrible. I know I can take it, but it bothers me that the kids feel they have to hide in their own house. Maggie doesn't even come home any more. And poor Niles! Max you should hear the awful things she says to Niles. And he just stands there and takes it. I could just cry! You are so lucky you didn't have to be here today.

"I'm sorry, sweetheart. I know that mother can be very difficult. I had hoped my talk with her at the airport would have stopped all this. Obviously it did not. Do you want me to talk to her again?"

"Would it do any good?"

"I doubt it."

"Maybe our shopping trip tomorrow will do her some good. At least it will get her out of the house and give Niles a break."

Max smiled. Fran had been lying on her right side with her head on his shoulder, her body resting against his and her left arm on his chest. His left arm was around her holding her to him and his right arm stroking her left. "Always looking for the silver lining aren't you." He folded her to him and kissed her.

She smiled up at him. "I love you, Max."

"I love you too my darling." And proceeded to show her how much.

The next morning Max was up very early. If he was going to meet Fran and his mother for lunch he needed an early start. Fran slept in. She was in no hurry to go downstairs to begin round 3.

The doorbell rang at 8:00. Niles answered it and C.C. breezed in. "Hello. Hello. Niles where's Maxwell?"

"He left for the theatre about an hour ago. Shouldn't you be there too?"

"I'm on my way downtown now. Elizabeth! How are you? I heard you were here but I've been so busy at the theatre I haven't had time to come by and see you. You are coming to the opening aren't you?"

Elizabeth had been making her way down the stairs as C.C. had come in. "C.C. how nice to see you. Yes Maxwell has asked me to attend. I did not bring anything formal so I am going shopping today for a dress."

"I'm going downtown now. Would you like to come with me? I know a wonderful shop that has just the kind of thing you would be looking for."

"Yes. That would be very nice. You always have such good taste unlike other people I could name."

Niles could stand it no longer. "Don't you have an appointment to go shopping with Mrs. Sheffield?"

"I'd much rather go with C.C. Niles get my coat." Demanded Elizabeth. She had brought her purse down with her so she had no need to return to her room. He took her coat from the closet and held it for her as she got into it. Then without a backward glance,
Elizabeth and C.C. left.

Niles was outraged. "That witch!" He thought. "To go out of her way to snub Fran!" This once he couldn't blame Miss Babcock. She didn't know what had been going on here for the last two days. He felt so bad for Fran. She was trying so hard to be nice to Elizabeth and all she got for her efforts was a slap in the face.

A short time later Fran came down to breakfast dressed and ready to go. "Good morning Niles." She said with a smile.

"Good morning Fran."

"Sorry if I held you up. It just felt so good to sleep in this morning. Has She come down yet?"

He hated to do it but he had to tell her what had transpired earlier. As he told her his story the light in her eyes went out. "So she left without me." Restating the obvious. Fran was dumbfounded that a person could be so self-centered and hurtful without even trying.

Niles nodded. "I'm sorry Fran." Not being a violent man, he would have gladly thrashed that woman within an inch of her life for hurting Fran so badly.

Fran was stunned. She ate her breakfast without tasting anything and not even realizing what she was doing. "I'm going for a walk." She said after she had finished.
Niles nodded. He went silently with her to the front door. He wanted to make sure she put on a coat. In her dazed state he wasn't sure if she would even think of it.

"Would you like me to come with you?"

"No. I need to be alone for a while. Thanks Niles." He opened the door for her and Fran left.

Niles was so angry he wanted to break something.

Several hours later the telephone rang.

"Sheffield residence."

It was Maxwell. "Hello Niles. Is Fran there? I've been trying to get her on her cell phone but she doesn't answer."

"I don't believe she took it with her when she left." Niles then proceeded to tell his employer what had happened that morning.

"Bloody Hell!" Maxwell exploded over the phone. "Do you know where Fran would have gone."

"All she said was that she was going for a walk." Niles was really starting to worry about her.

"That usually means Central Park." Max said almost to himself. "I'm leaving right now to go look for her. Thanks Niles."

Hanging up the phone Niles felt relief for the first time that morning.

Maxwell knew where he would find Fran. For years now any time she wanted to be alone to think she had gone to the same bench. But he still felt a rush of relief as he approached the bench to see her sitting there. She looked the very picture of rejection and misery. "Fran?" he said quietly not wanting to startle her.

She looked up. When she saw it was Max, her eyes immediately filled with tears. Sitting down beside her, he took her in his arms and let her cry. All the pain, frustration, anxiety and pent up anger she had bottled up from the last few days were released with her tears. She cried for a long time as Max held her. Max wanted to cry too as his wife wept. He would never forgive his mother for causing so much pain.

He continued to silently hold her as her tears subsided. Finally he spoke. "Darling are you alright?" Fran only shook her head no to wrapped up in her misery to say anything. "I'm so sorry for all of this." Max said with real regret in his voice.

"It's not your fault." Fran croaked, her voice hoarse from sobbing, her head resting against his chest.

"I feel responsible. She's my mother." Maxwell had come to a decision. "I'm going to ask her to leave."

Fran lifted her head and looked at him. "I hoped it wouldn't come to that." She said, her eyes glassy from the tears. She felt so badly for Max.

He looked down at her. "I've let this go on long enough. I don't see that we have any choice." He said quietly stroking her cheek. She nodded and, once again, rested her head on his chest. They sat in sad silence holding each other for a long time. "Let's go home." Max said some time later. They stood and walked slowly home leaning against each other.

Niles was extremely relieved when they walked in the door. The air of sadness and regret came in with them. Max helped Fran off with her coat and handed it to Niles. He kissed her tenderly. "Darling, I want you to go upstairs and rest for awhile." Fran nodded and slowly walked up the stairs her head down in sorrow. He watched her ascend the staircase and then turned to his butler and friend. "Niles, when my mother comes in show her to my office."

"Yes Sir." Handing his own coat to Niles, Max went to his office to prepare himself for the impending confrontation with his mother.

Elizabeth came in about 2:00, totally oblivious to the pain she had inflicted that morning, carrying her new dress.
"Mr. Sheffield wished me to show you to his office as soon as you arrived." Niles informed Elizabeth.

"No. I don't think so. I need to freshen up and rest a while. I am going to my room."

"I'm sorry Madam, I am required to show you to the office now." So saying, Niles took her by the elbow and almost dragged her to the office. Niles knocked on the closed door, opened it, pushed her through and closed it again. His work done, he went into the kitchen to brew some fresh tea.

An indignant Elizabeth almost screamed at Maxwell. "WELL! I NEVER! MAXWELL I INSIST THAT YOU FIRE THAT BUTLER IMMEDIATELY!"

Maxwell had observed the performance with detached distane. "You have given your last order here! Sit down mother." She remained standing almost shaking with anger and not hearing a word he said. "Sit down! Mother." He said a little louder. She continued to rage on pacing. "SIT DOWN MOTHER!" Maxwell shouted. This got her attention. Looking at her son she could see anger directed at her! What had she done? She was the one that had been dragged to this room and all but thrown in. She opened her mouth to say so but stopped in shock when she saw how he was looking at her, with loathing and disgust. She sat down.

"I instructed Niles to escort you here when you came in. I gave him no options. I give you none either."

"Maxwell, I…"

"Mother. You will sit there and hear what I say!"

"Maxwell…."

"Be quiet Mother and listen!" Maxwell was angry and was going to say what he had to say. "Just who the bloody hell do you think you are ordering everyone in my house around? I want you to leave."

"Maxwell, you can't be serious."

"I am very serious, mother. You are no longer welcome here."

"But, Maxwell…"

"Do you even know why you were invited here in the first place? No of course you don't. In your self-centered little world you wouldn't even think of questioning motivations. Fran wanted you here. No one else! Fran! It was her idea that I called you in the first place. She thought that I missed you and wanted you to be a part of our lives. She also wanted our children to know their grandmother. Well you certainly killed that didn't you? The only one who wanted you here was the one you spent your entire time here trying your level best to hurt! You have done a great disservice to her. I warned you about trying to hurt Fran. But even after giving me your word you did it anyway. But you didn't stop with just persecuting Fran. Oh! No! You had to pick on Niles and the children too. Your continual faultfinding and back stabbing comments have driven everyone to great lengths to escape your company. Niles, who is too good at his job to talk back, was totally defenseless and at your mercy. He had no choice but to just stand there and take it. But my children! Even they were driven into making any excuse to avoid coming home and when they were home they hid in their rooms."

"Maxwell I…"

"Shut up mother and listen! Today was the last straw! Do you ever even consider anyone else's feelings but your own? Do you have any idea how badly Fran felt when you left this morning without even a word? Do you have any idea what it feels like to be thought so little of that you didn't even merit common courtesy? No, of course you don't. Do you even know what courtesy is? Are you so wrapped up in your own little world that you are oblivious to everything that is going on around you and how your comments affect other people?"

"I've just stood by and watched as you belittled the woman I love. I've listened, dumbfounded as you lashed out with your acid tongue trying your level best to hurt her and make her feel bad. Do you have any idea why she just stood there and took everything you dished out? Out of love and loyalty to me that's why. Do you have any idea what it is like to care for someone so much that they are willing to take abuse, sacrifice themselves, to insure the other person's happiness? Don't get me wrong. She is very capable of giving it back to you and reducing you to a quivering mass but she is too polite, generous and kind hearted to give you back what you so richly deserve. Well I have had enough! I want you to pack your things and leave my house."

"Maxwell! You can't do this!"

"I didn't do this! You did! Goodbye Mother. I expect that we will not be seeing each other again." With that Maxwell left the room.

Elizabeth sat for a moment stunned then got up to follow him. "Maxwell…Wait!"

Niles had been waiting in the living room. Maxwell purposely strode up to him, looked back at his mother who was just now entering the room and said loudly. "Niles see to it that my mother packs up all her belongings and leaves this house immediately. I will be upstairs."

"Yes Sir."

"Maxwell…"

Ignoring his mother, Maxwell then purposely went up the stairs without a backward glance.

He entered his bedroom and closed the door. Fran was sitting on the bed waiting for him, her head bowed. She got up; walked to where he was standing and silent took him into her arms. Each stood holding the other, giving comfort. There was no need for words.

Niles had escorted a stunned Elizabeth to her room where he stood aside stone faced watching her as she had packed. Ordinarily the roles would have been reversed as she stood by as he packed for her. No such courtesy this time. Neither spoke. Niles was glad she was leaving but felt bad for his employer. The shrew got what she deserved but he knew this would haunt Mr. Sheffield for years to come. From Elizabeth's perspective, Maxwell was being totally unreasonable. She was angry. His attack had been out of line and unwarranted. How dare he speak to her like that and then have the nerve to tell her to leave! She had never been so insulted in her entire life. She threw her clothes in her bags without folding them wanting to get out of this house as soon as she could. She knew where she wasn't wanted! Niles carried her bags down for her still not uttering a word.

"Would you be so kind as to call me a cab?" she said to Niles her tone dripping with sarcasm.

"Of course. Madam," was Niles curt reply. He did as he was asked and waited at the door with her until the cab pulled up outside the door. Niles helped the driver load her luggage as Elizabeth climbing into the back. Then she was gone.

Two figures stood together at an upstairs window watching silently as she left. Maxwell watched his mother leave not sure what he was feeling. Anger at the callousness of this mother, satisfaction that she was no longer here to make his family miserable, regret that she had not heeded the warnings that her had given her, sadness that he had to ask her to leave. Mixed with all this was also emptiness in the pit of his stomach knowing that her would never see her again. The door had been closed on a part of his life with a finality that had left him shaken and lethargic. He couldn't seem to move from the window even though there was no longer anything to see. He just remained motionless, staring.

Fran felt so sorry for her husband. Max had told Fran in gory detail what had taken place in the office between him and his mother. She even felt sorry for Elizabeth. Yes she got what she deserved but the note of finality with which it had all ended left her worried about Maxwell. He looked so sad and lost. "Honey." Fran said trying to break through to him. No response. "Max," she tried again. Still no response. Taking his face gently between her two hands and turning him to look at her she tried once more. "Maxwell are you alright?"

Finally focusing on the face of his beloved Fran, he broke out of his reverie. "Yes darling, I'm fine." Taking Fran into his arms, he held her to him. "I just wish none of this had happened. This whole thing was so…" searching for a word, "… avoidable."

"I'm so sorry honey. If I hadn't made you ask her here none of this would have happened."

"Darling, It's not your fault. The responsibility rests squarely on my mother and on nobody else! She's so bloody stubborn and inflexible about everything it was bound to come to a head sooner or later. It's extraordinary that this hadn't happened years ago."
Looking at his watch, he was surprised at what time it was. "Jikes! I have to get back to the theatre! I've already wasted half the day!" They walked together down the stairs; Max retrieved his coat from the closet, kissed Fran goodbye and was out the door.

Fran then headed for the kitchen to rehash the day's happenings with Niles over a cup of tea.

Elizabeth told the cab driver to take her to the airport. She sat in her seat fuming. Her hurt pride driving her anger. But as she started to calm down she decided she wasn't ready to leave New York yet.

"Driver take me to the New York Palace Hotel."

"Yes ma'am."

She didn't have reservations but any time she needed to stay at a hotel in New York she stayed there. The doorman helped her out of the car and helped the driver with her luggage as she made her way to the front desk. As luck would have it, they did have a room available and she was soon installed in a lovely suite overlooking the heart of Manhattan.

Never one to dwell on the past, Elizabeth sat down for the first time since leaving her son's house, and really thought about all that had happened over the last three days. Being asked to leave her son's house never to return had served as both an awakening and a revelation to her. It was like being hit over the head wit 4. She had come here with the expressed purpose of breaking up her son's marriage. She now had to admit that the prospect of doing so was doubtful if not impossible. In all of her years she had not encountered two people with such strong feelings for each other. She had never really experienced such strong feelings herself about anything much less had someone else express them to her. When they were in the same place their love for each other filled the room. She realized now that not only was she envious but she was also jealous of what Maxwell had found with Fran.

Perhaps she had pushed Maxwell too far. He had warned her not to hurt Fran with her comments and criticism. She had been careful about not saying too much in front of Maxwell. He hadn't been around much anyway. Elizabeth had thought she was being subtle but now she realized it had come off as her being devious and underhanded instead. Given the closeness of his family, she should have realized that everything she had said would get back to him. For the first time on a very long time she felt regret about her actions.

Niles was entirely too independent and impertinent for her taste but maybe it wasn't any of her business and she should have left well enough alone. He had been with her son for a long time and a trusting friendship had evolved over that time. But what floored her the most was the friendship between Fran and Niles. She still did not know what to make of that. It was so improper. And it existed with the full knowledge and blessing of Maxwell! What had Maxwell said? It all came down to trust. He trusted them both! Imagine that!

She wanted her grandchildren to be perfect but maybe she had been too hard on them. They were, in fact, polite, well-mannered young adults. She was actually proud of them. But she had neglected to tell them of her approval opting instead to be critical. In considering past events, obviously too critical. She had to confess that Fran had done a good job raising her grandchildren and from what she had seen, the children and Maxwell had appeared happy. Maybe she should have given Fran the benefit of the doubt. After all, it was obvious that she loved her son and grandchildren and she was pregnant with Sheffield twins. Just think; the first set of twins in the history of the Sheffield's. Amazing!

Perhaps, in retrospect, she shouldn't have gone with C.C this morning. She now realized that this action is what had been the last straw that spurred Maxwell to ask her to leave. What had he said? That it was, to say the least, discourteous if not out and out rude and thoughtless. She had to admit now that he had been right. Why had she done it? She had been so sure of herself that it had not even crossed her mind at the time that she was doing something mean and contemptible. Even after Niles reminded her that she was supposed to go with Fran, she still went ahead and left. She did owe Fran an apology for that.

Now that she thought about it, she owed her son and his entire family an apology. Was it too late? Maxwell had asked her to leave his house and never come back. He had not used those exact words but his meaning was clear. She also knew that he meant it. How could she make it up to him? She knew now, when it was a little too late, that she did not want to lose her son and his family. She did not want to be cut off from the only grandchildren she would probably ever have. To never even see the twins after they were born! Unthinkable and unacceptable! She had to do something! But what? Coming to a conclusion, she reached for the phone.

Niles was preparing supper while Fran and he talked about the goings on of the last three days and the possible repercussions of it all when the telephone rang.

"Hello. Sheffield residence," responded Niles.

"Fran Sheffield, please," said the voice.

"I'll see if she is available. Hold on please." Niles covered the mouthpiece and whispered to Fran. "It's Mrs. Sheffield! She wants to speak to you!"

"Me?" Fran said incredulously. "Why would she want to talk to me?" Fran took the phone from Niles with a very puzzled look on her face. "Hello?"

"Hello dear. This is Elizabeth." The voice actually sounded friendly!

"Yes?" Fran was totally at a loss.

"I would like to see you. Could you come to meet me at my hotel?"

"You want to see me?" Fran couldn't believe her ears.

"Yes dear. I was hoping that we could get together and straighten out this unpleasantness between us."

"Shouldn't you be talking to Maxwell?"

"Yes, I will but first I wanted to make amends to you. Will you come?"

How could Fran refuse an olive branch when it was offered? "Yes. I'll come. When and where?"

"Thank you dear. The New York Palace Hotel, suite 922 in about an hour?"

"Fine. I'll be there. Goodbye."

"Goodbye dear."

Fran hung up. With a bewildered look on her face she turned a spoke to Niles. "She wants me to meet her at her hotel and make up! At least I think that what she wants to do. What do you think of that?"

"I'd say watch your back." Niles responded. He had known Elizabeth a long time and he would not trust her any farther than he could throw her. "I think you should call Mr. Sheffield and inform him of this latest twist."

"I guess your right." Fran said. She dialed Max's cell phone.

Max answered his phone on the second ring. "Hello."

"Hi honey. It's me."

"Hello darling. What's up?" Max knew Fran would not call unless she had something important to talk to him about.

"You're not going to believe this! You mother just called and wants me to go see her at her hotel! She said she wants to make amends! What do you think of that?"

Max was truly surprised that his mother had called Fran. Most unexpected and totally out of character. "I'm not sure what to think. She actually said she wanted to make amends? I wonder what she meant by that. Tell me exactly, word for word, what she said." Max could not believe his mother could actually mean what the words implied.

Fran proceeded to repeat the entire conversation she had had with Elizabeth to her husband. Maxwell thought for a moment. If she meant it there could still be a chance that his family could still include his mother. He had given up on that idea when he had asked her to leave. A tiny ray of hope broke through the gloom. "I wonder why she wants to see you before she talks to me. I don't like it! Are you going to go?"

"I thought I would unless you think I shouldn't."

"You definitely should go. I'm just not too happy about you going by yourself. Unfortunately, I just can't get away right now to go with you."

" I know you are really busy. I just wanted you to know what's going on."

"Darling. You mean the world to me and I just don't want her to hurt you any more than she already has."

"I'll be okay."

"I know. I just worry about you. Call me later and tell me what happened?"

"Of course."

"Bye darling. I love you."

"Bye. I love you too." Fran hung up the phone with a smile and went upstairs to get ready.

Maxwell absently cleared his cell phone and put it into his breast pocket. Just what was his mother up too? He could not help but question her motives. She never did anything without an ulterior motive. He worried about Fran. She was too trusting and generous to doubt his mother's sincerity. But he knew his mother better than Fran did. He was torn about what he should do. He had a lot of work to do here but he could not bare the thought of his mother hurting Fran again. He realized he had just made his choice and went to find C.C. to tell her he had to leave for a while. That done he once again pulled out his cell phone to call home and tell Fran he was indeed going to go with her.

"Sheffield residence." Niles said answering the phone.

"Hello Niles. Has Fran left yet?"

"No Sir. She was just about to."

"Let me speak with her."

Fran was just coming down the stairs when the phone rang. "It's Mr. Sheffield."
Said Niles turning toward her and handing her the phone.

"Hi Sweety!" Surprised that he was calling her so soon after just talking to him.

"Hello Darling. I decided I just could not let you go by yourself to meet with my mother. I will meet you there and we will see her together."

"I thought you were too busy!"

"I am but protecting you is more important than anything I have to do here."

"That's so sweet but you don't have to protect me. I'll be okay. I can take care of myself. Besides she is going to apologize. I just know it."

"Don't argue with me! I know her better than you do. I'm coming and that's that."

"Okay Honey. Don't get mad. I just don't think it's necessary but if you say so, okay."

"She's at the Palace. Right?"

"Yes."

"I'll meet you in the lobby."

"Okay Honey. See you there. Bye."

"Goodbye Sweetheart." Max then ran out to catch a cab.

"Honestly!" Fran mussed hanging up the phone. "The way he talks you'd think his mother was going to attack me! She seemed so nice on the phone. I'm sure she means what she says, that she wants to 'kiss and make up'" Niles smiled as he held Fran's coat for her and then opened the door. The limo was out front waiting for her. "See ya later Niles." She said and sped off to her appointment. Niles watched the limo as it drove off. He couldn't wait for the next installment of this latest incident to unfold.

Maxwell arrived at the hotel first. Fran arrived soon afterwards.

"Hello Darling." Max said as he took her in his arms and kissed her.

"Hi Honey." Responded Fran smiling. It was so wonderful that Max was no longer embarrassed about kissing her in public. She knew she was a lucky girl. "Ready?"

"Let's go." Max placed her arm through his and together they went to see his mother.

Elizabeth was nervous. She was going to swallow her pride and apologize to Fran.
Rarely had she ever admitted to anyone that she was wrong and rarer yet had she ever apologized for her actions. She had the sense to know that the key to getting back into Maxwell's good graces was through his wife. She just had to swallow her pride, do it and get it over with. She was totally unprepared to see Maxwell standing beside Fran when she opened the door.

"Maxwell! What are you doing here?"

"Hello Mother." Max said with a smile. "Fran told me you wanted to see her this afternoon and I felt it was important that I be here too. There is nothing that you can say to Fran that you can't say to me. So here I am."

"Oh, of course dear." Then remembering her manners, "Please come in."

Fran and Maxwell entered the beautifully appointed room. "Please sit down." Elizabeth said indicating the couch. "Can I offer you any refreshments?" She had had ice tea, coffee and a bar cart brought up to the room earlier.

"Not right now. Thank you." Said Fran. "Nothing for me thanks," responded Max.

Elizabeth looked at her son and his wife sitting there expectantly. Taking a deep breath she began. "I wish to apologize to you Fran and to you Maxwell for my behavior these last three days."

Maxwell was shocked. He had never heard his mother apologize for anything in his entire life! Fran's gaze softened as she smiled at Elizabeth. She knew intuitively that this was very hard for Elizabeth and that something monumental was happening here. She placed her hand in Maxwell's and squeezed it as if to say, "See I told you so."

Elizabeth continued, "You were right, Maxwell, I had forgotten what it was like to love and be loved. I came into your house expecting to find, forgive me my dear," looking at Fran, "a golddigger only out to get your money, Maxwell. Instead, I found a gracious loving caring woman. The love and warmth you lavish upon your family, Fran, only served to point out to me how much I have failed my own children. I have always been critical of all my children and I have just come to realize that perhaps I have driven you all away because of it. I was also jealous. The love and devotion the two of you have for each other made me feel resentful and envious and I took it out on you, Fran. If you can find it in your heart to forgive me, I would like for us to start over."

Not one to hold a grudge, Fran stood up and walked over to Elizabeth and gave her a hug. "Thank you, Elizabeth, I accept your apology. You don't know how much this means to me. I love Maxwell with all of my heart and your acceptance means a great deal to me. To us," looking back at Max who was stilled seated on the couch.

Elizabeth was relieved. Not used to demonstrations of affection, she none-the-less, hugged Fran back. "Thank you dear." Sensing that Elizabeth had more to say, Fran returned to the couch noting the surprised look on Max's face as she sat down.

Maxwell was thunderstruck by what had just transpired. He loved Fran for her willingness to forgive and forget but he was not as easily swayed. He was not as trusting as Fran. Besides, based upon past experience, he could not help but doubt his mother's sincerity. Finally he spoke up, "Why now mother."

Knowing that this may be the only chance she will ever get to convince her son that she was sincere in her regret and wanted his understanding and forgiveness, she answered, "Because I have never been faced with loosing so much before. When I left your house today I had no doubts that you meant what you said about never seeing me again. It made me realize how much you and the children really mean to me. Maxwell, I know we have never been close. When you were young I did everything I could to steer you in the direction I wanted you to go. But you always had a mind of your own and resisted me ever step of the way. You were always so intractable, so determined to make your own way in the world regardless of the obstacles in your path and you have not changed one bit in all this time. You knew I disapproved of your career choice yet that never stopped you. I know now that you were right to pursue your dreams. You are a success and I am proud of you."

"You have never said that to me before!" Maxwell knew how difficult all this was to his mother.

"I know, and I am sorry that it took me so long to tell you this. I am also proud of your family and I realize now that I want to be a part of it. I have wasted so much time away from you and your family. I know we are almost strangers and I know that is my fault but I could not live with the prospect of never seeing all of you again. I have no wish to be alone for the rest of my life. Your children are most likely the only grandchildren I will ever have." Then looking pleadingly at Fran, "I want to be here for the birth of the twins and I want to be a part of their lives…and yours."

Tears suddenly threatened as Fran felt empathy for the older woman pleading her case to her son. She looked at her husband beside her. Max wanted to believe what his mother was saying. He had waited all his life for her approval and now, finally, it appeared she was offering it to him. Nodding to Fran, he stood up and approached his mother. Elizabeth felt a moment of fear that he had not believed her as Maxwell approached.

"Mother," Maxwell began standing in front of his mother. " I have gone through my entire life with a void where you should have been. I had given up a long time ago of ever filling this void and simply went on with my life without you. Yet I still hoped that some day we would find each other. It would give me the greatest of pleasures to welcome you into my family." Saying this, Maxwell kissed his mother's cheek and gave her a hug.

Relief flooded Elizabeth as she returned Maxwell's embrace. A new life had just begun for her. Fran now let the tears fall as she looked on her husband and his mother together at last. Everything was going to be all right.

They had dinner together at the hotel before Maxwell had to return to the theatre. It was determined that, since Elizabeth was all ready here, she would remain at the hotel but tomorrow she was going to go to the house and get to know her grandchildren. She was also going to join the family at Maxwell's premiere on Friday. It was a whole new beginning for everyone.

Very late that night, Maxwell held Fran in his arms, exhausted both physically and emotionally from an extremely demanding day. He had not come home from the theatre until almost 2:00 in the morning. Fran, as usual, waited up for him. Now, lying in bed just before falling asleep, they had time to reflect upon the day.

"This had to be one of most emotionally draining days of my life. It ran the gamut from anger and despair to happiness and contentment," said Maxwell as he kissed his wife. "When I got up this morning I had no idea I would loose my mother only to find her. Amazing!"

"All of a sudden our family is growing in leaps and bounds. With Jocelyn and Nigel dropping by whenever they are in town and now your mother probably will be here more often and then the twins coming. We are going to have a houseful!" Fran said starting to laugh. It felt good to laugh.

"Oh, Darling," Max said, "I'm so glad you were there with me through all this."

"Where else would I be? This is where I belong," responded Fran smiling.

"Yes. This is where we both belong." Then with a sigh and a goodnight kiss the two lovers fell into a deep and blissful sleep.

The End