The Nanny is copyrighted. No infringements are meant. I am just borrowing the wonderful characters for a while and then put them back where they belong. Also Adrian Plass's books are copyrighted, no infringements are meant in that matter. I am just a great admirer of his work. To all who don't know him: you give it a try and read one of his books. You don't know what you are missing!
To Gabi, Sara and Eva: thank you for willing to beta-read this story, making comments and sharing my passion for both of my favourites.
To Barb, thanks (again) for your great web site and allowing me to post it.

Adrian's Visit

by

Mara
(jonaheve@hotmail.com)

The bell is ringing. "I will get it!" the nasal screech comes from Fran Fine Sheffield who is walking downstairs. She opens it. "Hi".

"Special delivery for Niles The Butler and Maxwell Sheffield".

Fran signs the papers and accepts the parcel. "Thank you".

"Niles, there is a package for you and Max and it’s from England. Any idea from whom it could be?" She looks questionably at Niles.

"Well, we have got several friends and relatives there, but there are only a few who know my last name. Since it is addressed to Max and me I suggest I will take it to the office and open it together with him. They need a break and especially my moody and pregnant witch" He chuckles.

He takes the package from her and walks to the office. In the office Max and CC are working very hard on their latest theater project. He knocks, and then opens it.

"Sir, can I disturb you for a second?"

"Niles, I told you before, call me Max, that ‘Sir", makes me feel strange after all those years"

"Hi honey" Fran has followed Niles through the hall.

"Darling, we are working, so I don’t know what you and Niles are up to, but we have we a deadline within a couple of weeks"

"Yes, sir, we know, I mean Max. Love, Valet, Compassion is written by a great writer. Me."

"We know Niles. You are really talented, but we want to put it on stage so.. If you don’t mind…"

"Max, are you moody, do you have PMS? Are you sure you are not the one who is pregnant?" Fran looks at her husband and then she looks at CC.

"Is he like this all day? Because then I can understand your mood swings"

"To be honest Nanny Fine (since CC is used to call Fran that, they decided not to change, Fran finds it cute in a certain way), I can only agree. We have a deadline coming up. So come to the point and then we can continue and that is also meant for you, butler boy" CC puts her hand on Niles’ shoulder.

"We can’t always mix business with private"

Maxwell chimes in. "CC, be aware of what you are saying. Do you remember Brock Storm?"

He shudders. It was the first time he realized he had fallen in love with that beautiful creature. Which is sitting on his desk at the moment.

"Now, Niles, what do you want?"

"Well Sir, I mean, Max, we received a parcel addressed to both of us"

"We just wanted to open it together, sweetie."

"Let’s do it, then back to work" Max looks intensely at his wife.

"Fran, I am sorry about being such an ogre. I will make it up to later, I promise."

"You bet, baby. Now open it" She points to the package. Men, always so slow.

Max opens the package, while Niles opens the letter, which is in the parcel.

Niles starts reading:

"Wow, Adrian is inviting us. Boy do we have memories together!" Max looks at Niles and memorizes. Adrian is one of Niles’ and Max’ best friends.

"I used to call him in the middle of the night. He knew from the beginning that I was in love with Fran; and he had that feeling; he calling it faith. I e-mailed him everyday about my worries, sent him pictures of Fran and the children. He knew about ‘The Thing’. He pushed me make to commitment, just like you. He convinced me that nine years of mourning were enough. I know it is strange, but in a kind of way I needed his confirmation. He was very patient. On the other hand I listened to his anxieties about his talents and we both know he is gifted. He was the first one after you to know that Fran were pregnant with twins. He was the one who sent us the homemade cribs for them. Adrian, is really one of our best friends…."

Niles shakes his head in surprise. Adrian, inviting them. Inside he is thrilled that he will see him again.

"Yes, he is a great fellow, he has got humor! Strange how we similar to each other, Max. He already told me years ago that I should marry CC. But I thought he was out of his mind. When I finally realized I was in love with her he listened to stories about CC in the middle of the night due to time differences; after we had our discussions in the kitchen. The poor man. When she dated that Colon he convinced me that she would break up with him. Sorry, make it ‘Colin’. Just like you I sent him e-mails about your relationship with Fran; asked him also to push you to make a commitment. I also listened to his anxieties and just told him that when I could be a butler with my Oxford graduation, he could be a writer without any literary education"

Both ladies are stunned.

"Max, you were in love with me from the beginning? I knew British men were cold, but how could you???"

"Darling, I was in love with you from the beginning. Niles already knew it and Adrian as well. I don’t know how but he just knew it. Just like Jocelyn. How I survived? Lots of cold showers and the rest….well we already discussed that several times. We made up and according to the frequencies we make love, I think we have made up for the lost time" He chuckles and kisses her nose. Then he blushes realizing what he just said in front of CC and Niles.

"We / you certainly did and still do" Fran kisses Max back slowly. She still can’t get enough of it, touching him, kissing him and loving him. She still finds it strange, but being madly in love with a person for years is possible.

"Niles The Butler, I suppose we have to call it bashert. Like Nanny Fine did. But still I am wondering…"

"I don’t think so, brunette, we also made up, haven’t we?"

Then it hits Fran. "Honey, was that the man it our wedding whose British humor I could understand? The man who wrote also ’The Sacred Diary of Adrian Plass (Age 37 ¾)? The man whom your are calling when you are extremely stressed? Is he that man with the strange son and with a friend who wants to borrow his cat the entire time? What’s he called again?"

Max chuckles. "Leonard. And yes, that is him. Adrian, Niles and I were best friends from the beginning at Eton. Adrian finished it, started working with kids. Married Anne, and got burnt out and then started writing. Now, several years later, he is telling people around the world about his books"

"Is that the book you are always reading when you are a little bit depressed?" CC looks at Niles.

Niles nods. "Yes, dear. His books are better than herbal Prozac. It makes me laugh all the time"

"Niles, CC and Fran, I think we all should go. Fran, we could book a romantic weekend over there. It is our 3rd anniversary. We only have to ask Silvia and Morty to take care of Jonah, Eve and Emily. Probably, Brighton, Grace, Maggie and Michael would like to join us. What do you all think?" Max looks at his wife, business partner and butler.

"Ow, Honey, it sounds great and so romantic! I think we should go! Fran is now sitting on Max lap kisses him passionately. Dazzled he shakes his head.

"CC, Niles, what do you think?"

Niles and CC looks at each other. "We think it will be great"

"Probably it will be the last time for a romantic time together before the newest additions to our families will be born"

"Additions? I thought you are only expecting one child?" Max looks at the couple.

"Well, we are also counting on your newest production"

Max almost faints. Then he looks at his wife.

"Francine, didn’t you forget to tell me something?"

"Oy, honey, I just found out this morning. After visiting Dr. Reynolds’s sister. We are expecting too. She takes his face in her hands. "You don’t mind do you?"

He can’t resist this special look of his wife. After almost three years of marriage he loves her more everyday. "Of course not, my darling. I am only concerned, about you and the baby. Your aren’t as young as when Eve and Jonah were born"

"Well, you don’t have to, I am perfectly fine. Besides, the doctor think it’s twins again"

Max shakes again his head.

"This day is great. Adrian’s visit; a nice romantic weekend within short and I am going to be a father again of seven. Can live be any better? Buy something nice at Victoria’s, Francine Joy Fine Sheffield." He kisses her shortly. Then he looks at his papers on his desk.

"Yes it can. CC, we have tons of work to do the coming weeks. This play has to be on stage before Adrian’s visit. Niles, can you make the arrangements? Make sure that Adrian knows that we will be there.

Fran, could you ask your mother to take care of the kids? I suppose / hope that Brighton, Grace, Maggie and Michael will join us. Niles, some drinks would be nice! So let’s continue working will we?"

Max and CC start working immediately. Niles and Fran start to make the arrangements.

* * *

In the midst of May the limo stops at the Raddison. Two very handsome couples, one teenager and four young adults are getting out of it. The billboard it is announces: Adrian Plass, Christian speaker and writer will introduce his second Sacred Dairy Aged 45 ¾.

"Oy, honey, your friend writes great books. Finally I find out why that Leonard fellow wanted to borrow his cat. Do you think he will be there also?"

"Yes it is amazing, dear, we finally found something that we really have in common together. We both love his books and we both are looking forward to meet all the people from and in the book"

"Besides, love and kids you mean?" Fran put one of his hands on her belly.

"Why do you always want to make me blush" Max whispers with a red face at his wife.

"Because, honey, you think we have nothing in common, but in certain ways, we do. You like to yell. I make you yell. You like to pretend being a British cold fish. I love the British cold fish concept, especially when we are making love. You like to run. I will make you run. You are predictable. I am not and that’s the way we fill in our respective together. That is the reason why I love you so much"

"Well, darling, your are always so much wiser and smarter than me. I have to agree with you about filling in the blanks. I am just so deeply in love with my gorgeous wife; that I keep forgetting our differences all the time" They kiss.

Meanwhile Niles and CC have overheard the couple.

"It seems to be dear, that they are filling their blanks, with us it is something similar."

"Yes butler boy, I think it is"

"We pretend we hate each other, but… in reality we are deeply in love"

"You like frightening men and I am at you service" Niles chuckles.

"Yes, I think it’s a kind of similarity…"

"Man, it this great or what? Fran, Dad, did you see the buffet, there is lobster, big shrimp and there is Gerald. Okay, guys, see you later. Let’s go Grace" Brighton is off to see Gerald.

"Michael, weren’t we here before?"

"Yes, Mags I think we are.. Let’s have a look around shall we?" Michael and Maggie are also gone.

* * *

"Adrian, nice to see you again! May I introduce you to my wife Chastity Claire Babcock the Butler" Niles shakes Adrian’s hand and hugs him.

"Hello, Adrian, I really love your books, that are written so cleverly"

"It is a pleasure to meet you CC. We have heard and read so much about you and Emily. You know, you look a lot like the brunette. You know the one who Max hired in the beginning of his career as a secretary" Adrian looks at CC.

"Well, I started as his secretary. Some years later I became his business partner, and now several years later I made one the most stupid decision in my life. I married Mr. Handy Wipe over here, got pregnant with his child and now it happened to me again!" She looks with a devilish grin at Niles.

"Could there be a bigger fool in this world?" Niles grins. "Well I am, because I married her".

"Strangely enough, they haven’t been happier ever since then." Max looks at Adrian. "Adrian, it is great to see you again. Man, we missed you!"

Adrian smiles. "It is strange, but I am really missing the desperate calls in the middle of the night. First for four years it was Max when a certain Ms. Fine dated several guys. I remember your calling once just before your wedding; when she almost married Nigel. You sounded so sad. Thank God, you two made up. I have never been on a wedding like yours. Those Jews know how to celebrate a wedding"

He turns to Niles. "Your wedding wasn’t, how should I say it… normal either. I remember it so clearly. When Maggie called me that Fran was in labor, Anne and I took the Concorde, flew to New York and heard that Jonah and Eve were just born. Then I heard that you were married during birth of the twins. Amazing. I am glad you did. Your weren’t as desperate as Max, but your e-mails.. I laughed about the zingers but somewhere I knew that it was an expression of love" He shakes his head in disbelief.

"I am glad that now all have a ‘normal’ life. Although…. normal?"

"Max, there you are. I was looking for you all the time. You are Adrian aren’t you? Can you sign your book for me? I would also love to have one signed for Yetta, Ma, Val, and Roger Clinton and…"

"Adrian, meet my lovely wife again: Fran"

"Max, how could I forget your lovely bride. How could I forget you e-mails and calls about her, the twins and your other children? It is still a pleasure to read about your household"

"Well Adrian it’s similar, with me, your insecurities are the silver lines in my days somehow. Strange isn’t it? Max smiles.

" I guess we learn from each other. That’s are friends are for. Fran, it is still a pleasure to know that all the efforts were worth it. I am really, really glad that he finally made you ‘Mrs. Sheffield’ ". Adrian looks at Fran.

"Me too" Niles chimes in.

Fran answers. "Yeah, me too. Has Max already informed you that we are having twins again? It seems that you and Niles know everything. But how are you? Where is Anne, your wife?" she looks around.

"I am fine, thank you. Well, Anne seems to be at the buffet, just like CC"

"Sounds great, see ya later honey" Fran walks to the buffet.

"How could it be different? Women and food.." Adrian, Max and Niles look at each other.

"CC has now a legal excuse, she has to feed our child" Niles chuckles and looks at his wife at the other part of lobby.

"With Fran it is similar, now she is eating for three again. Always finding an excuses to eat" Max grins.

"Let’s have a beer, shall we?" Adrian looks at Max and Niles.

The men are sitting on a table and start talking about their lives, their moody wives (in case of Max and Niles) and Adrian is talking about Gerald, who decided to make a huge change in his live.

"Leonard, we are sitting here!" Adrian is waiving to one of the persons from his book.

Leonard joins the table. "So you are the one, who always borrowed his cat?" Niles looks at Leonard, who just ordered a glass of non-alcoholic beer.

"I still do, who can’t resist an evening with Adrian an a couple of bottles of wine? That is something you should give a try" Leonard smiles.

"Hey all" Gerald, Adrian’s son and Brighton are joining the table. "Dad, you aren’t telling them about the last time that you wanted to move a paperclip and before going to Church your checked the length of your legs?"

Adrian replies "No, I didn’t. I wrote it down, Gerald. I let everybody enjoy my foolishness, probably you should do the same when you are a priest one day"

"Nice to meet you Mr. Plass" Brighton is joins the men.

"Nice to see you again Brighton. It is great that you visited us when traveled through Europe. I loved your stories about your Dad and Fran. Especially the Elton John story. By the way please do me a favor and call me Adrian, like you used to do" Adrian smiles at Brighton.

Fran interrupts the conversations. "Honey, did you know that the band from his first book will sing within a few minutes; what is called again?" Fran, puts her hand on her husbands back. He puts is hand over hers.

"No, I didn’t. Hi Anne, nice to see you! Fran wasn’t too difficult I hope?" Max chuckles.

"Max!" Fran slaps her husband.

"No, Max your wife is charming. I heard so much about you and Niles" Anne looks around the table. "I am really amazed that three fools -including my own husband- have such a charming and intelligent wives"

"Sorry, guys. But I have to be on stage" Gerald excuses himself "Brighton, since you are playing guitar, please join us"

"Great, see you guys" and both boys are gone.

Gerald’s band: ‘Bad News For The Devil’ is already on stage. Elsie, William (the other group members), Gerald and Brighton are ready for the song: Peace will come.

That evening everybody is dancing.

"His band his becoming better and better. Yes would have expected, a young man soon-to-be-priest, would be singing about peace?" Adrian looks at his wife and turns her wife around.

"Gerald, this is great, I never believed it, but that Christian Music. Rocks man!" Brighton shouts Gerald.

"Yes, didn’t I tell you?" Gerald replies.

Fran is dancing with the love of her life. "Max, I like you friends. They are great people. Did you ever suggest to Adrian to put one of his books in a theatre play?"

Max kisses her nose. "No, dear, but it could be an option, this second dairy, the music… it has something special. I will discuss it with CC…"

Niles and CC are dancing also. "This is a wonderful day Niles. What do you think, could one of his books be put on stage, when you’re re-writing it?"

"You are telling me to make it a play for a theatre?" Niles looks at his wife

"Yes, you are very talented in several ways.. dip me"

Niles smiles. "Well at least we could give it a try."

Later that evening Max and CC are discussing the option with Adrian. They all agree and decide to turn it into a theatre play.

A couple of months later..

At the front page of the New York Times: Sheffield / Babcock productions did it again! The Sacred Diary of Adrian Plass Aged 37 ¾ is the hit of the theatre season.

In the hospital Fran is reading all the headlines together with her husband. She just gave birth to two little boys: Max Morton junior and James Adrian.

In the same room CC is cuddling with Niles. "Niles, this is so great, we have a great play in our hands and also a little Niles Stuart…"

"Can life get any better?"

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