Back to Fan FictionNot my characters, no harm no foul, meant just for the fans' enjoyment. Pure fantasy!
by
Dee Dee
(ddn2cc@yahoo.com)
It was a secret Maxwell Sheffield and Niles had shared for decades, and one they would have continued to share, had it not been for the change of events in their lives that started with the arrival of Fran Fine.
Everyone knew within a short time of her arrival that Nanny Fine and Maxwell Sheffield were destined to be together.
Niles made it his personal mission to see this accomplished, although it took five years. He never stopped to think how the secret he and Maxwell shared would impact all their lives someday.
No one stopped to think how complicated life would become if Niles and CC Babcock fell in love…or moved to another level on the relationship carousel and decided to marry.
The secret had been maintained for so long that both Niles and Maxwell had ceased to think about it.
The secret was part of their everyday life and it just didn’t mean anything to them…but it would to the women in their lives…. if they ever found out…and given the personalities of both women, such a secret would eventually be discovered by the two.
How had it started all those years ago?
Both Maxwell and Niles were at Oxford, equals in the world of education.
Maxwell was from relatively new money. They had the trappings of established money in England, but not the titles or landholdings that accompany the truly old money that could be found in the families who had sent their children to Oxford for generations, and who held titles, land and money.
Niles came from a family known for its eccentricities…and the apple did not fall far from the tree.
Niles was by far the most eccentric member of the family. He did not want to follow in the family tradition, but as the eldest son he knew he must.
Still, he would take to the task in his own way and with his own flair for the dramatic.
As Maxwell and Niles were talking one day, and he listened to Maxwell’s dream of going to America to become a Broadway producer, Niles knew he was the person to help Maxwell make this happen…. that is when Niles knew he would become butler to Maxwell Sheffield and he began the task while at Oxford.
Since it was their first year no one would know any differently that Niles came from a long line of butlers…and Maxwell would insist that everyone treat his butler as an equal. They enjoyed a variety of sports including football (soccer)…although Maxwell was not the most graceful of players. Meanwhile Niles was a born athlete.
Still Maxwell’s father wanted his son involved in athletics so Niles made sure it happened.
Wasn’t that what a good butler would do for his young charge?
Although Niles looked somewhat older, truth be told he and Maxwell were only a year apart in age. Niles had delayed his entry into Oxford for a year to sort through his life.
His parents were insisting that he take on the leadership role in maintaining the family status and that ever-important family tradition.
Still, Niles had his own plans, plans he was sure his family would not approve of, so he kept them at a distance. He also stayed away from others who might recognize him and report his activities back to the family.
That is what he liked about Maxwell; the young Master Sheffield was not going to let the family dictate his future.
It wasn’t too hard keeping his family at a distance given their eccentric nature, with a British father and French mother Niles’ home had never been dull but there was that live and let live attitude, except when it came to a few certain family traditions.
So the matter was resolved between Maxwell and Niles, and the two became more like brothers than master and servant.
Many wondered at how the master could allow the servant to be so bold…they had no idea about the secret.
When they first arrived in America the two men set out to find a place to live and determine how they would go about conquering Broadway.
It didn’t hurt that Maxwell’s father had some major contacts that he suggested might want to help back his son’s first Broadway play.
Niles continued to play the part of Maxwell’s faithful, if not very hardworking servant. It was easier in American, less of a chance of anyone knowing either man and divulging the secret. Niles stayed in the background. Having a butler also seemed to boost Maxwell’s standing in the social community.
It wasn’t long after arriving in America and producing a couple of hit plays that Maxwell Sheffield made the acquaintance of Sarah.
She was everything Maxwell could want in a wife.
Sarah was beautiful, smart, stylish, and a personality that provided strength to the man she loved.
Unfortunately for Niles, with Sarah came CC Babcock, her best friend, and soon to be Maxwell Sheffield’s business partner and then the apparent sworn enemy of Niles.
CC Babcock was everything Niles detested in the rich social climbers of the world. She thought she was better than everyone else, and always judged a book by its cover, never opening the pages to see what was bound inside.
But like any good English comedy, things were not as they seemed at any point in the story of their lives.
Maxwell did share the secret with Sarah after confiding in Niles his intentions of marrying the woman.
However it was agreed they would not bring CC Babcock into the loop.
Niles was vehement about that issue. "CC Babcock may be your business partner, but she’s not be brought into our personal lives."
Maxwell argued, "If Sarah knows, she may need her friend to confide in for support. What if Sarah starts to have doubts about me? What difference will it make if we tell one more person?"
Niles remained adamant. "No one but Sarah is to know. If you eventually have children even they are not to be told!"
On this point Niles stood firm. Maxwell reluctantly agreed.
When the tragedy unfolded of Sarah’s death, Niles took the lead with the family.
CC took the lead with the business.
Maxwell had fallen apart emotionally.
The love of his life had died in a tragic automobile accident. He was unable to relate to anyone even his three children and he kept everyone at a distance.
That’s when Niles took matters into his own hands.
After an appropriate period of time he began to solicit a nanny to care for the children. It wasn’t that he couldn’t care for the children. Niles believed they needed a feminine influence and CC Babcock was not the woman for the job.
He had other plans for her.
That’s when Fran Fine arrived on the doorstep selling cosmetics and Niles knew instantly she was just what the household needed to shake it up. After all, he may be eccentric but that didn’t mean he didn’t have a firm grasp on reality…in his own way.
As time passed Fran and Niles became great friends, but even she was not allowed to know the secret.
All she knew was that the servants in the Sheffield household seemed to get by with everything…and that every once and awhile Niles would disappear for a couple of weeks claiming there was some family matter in England he had to take care of.
The secret had been maintain for so long, both men actually forgot about it most of the time and continued on as boss and servant without giving it a second thought. There were times over the years that Niles had been tempted to show his hand, but the arrogance of CC Babcock made him remain adamant in keeping the secret.
It was a secret both Maxwell and Niles swore to maintain until the time was appropriate in some distant future that would necessitate a change in both their lives.
After 20 years it seemed the time was almost at hand.
Still neither man knew the events that would unfold that would force the revelation of the secret…nor the fact that those events would center on the fact that Niles was in love. It seemed even more far-fetched from reality when considering who he was in love with.
It was made worse because the woman Niles loved was none other than CC Babcock. How could he tell her the secret until he knew she loved him?
With the marriage of Fran Fine to Maxwell Sheffield, both men again discussed the topic of the secret.
It was agreed that Fran was not to know…at least not just yet…she had always been voted least likely to keep a secret.
Still after 20-plus years even the eccentric Niles was beginning to grow tired of the long-running play within the Sheffield mansion.
He had only one other mission to accomplish before he and Maxwell would abandon their two-decade long charade. That mission: Make CC Babcock fall in love with Niles the Butler.
It is so true that the line is thin between love and hate and Babcock and Niles had carried their love-hate relationship to new highs each time they were together.
Finally following a battle royal the two had ended up making love and professing their love to each other.
As the two made love through the night, Niles wasn’t thinking about the secret.
He was only thinking of ways to please this woman who nearly drove him mad with hate and desire for almost 20 years.
In the light of day, he began to wonder what her reaction would be when she learned the truth.
Niles knew he would soon have to talk with Maxwell and decide what their next course of action would be.
Was it finally time to end the charade that had started so many years ago when Niles only wanted to get away from the stuffy traditions of England?
As Niles thought about the future he decided it would be best to wait to share the secret perhaps best to wait until just before he and CC married.
What Niles hadn’t counted on was how fast things would move once Babcock agreed to marry him.
It was while they were at the hospital awaiting the birth of the Sheffield twins that Maxwell decided to broach the topic with Niles.
After assuring his long-time friend that CC was probably only throwing up due to nerves, he decided there would never be a better time.
"Old Man don’t you think it’s time to share with everyone our secret. We are no longer young men at Oxford. We have conquered the world. You’ve had the relatively normal existence you always wanted and I’ve been able to succeed with you providing the kind of guidance I couldn’t have found anywhere else." That’s how Maxwell saw the situation but he expected a battle from Niles.
What neither expected was just how fast the pace would change when CC decided she wanted to get married.
Niles did not dare try to postpone the event for fear the love of his live would bolt for the door having changed her mind about marriage.
Once the I dos were said another turn of events slowed the sharing of the secret. Tests results showed Niles and CC were going to be parents.
After recovering from the initial shock that caused both to faint, they could not be happier, although becoming parents late in life would be a challenge for the two.
In the mix Niles shoved the marriage license with all pertinent information into a pocket and CC never had a chance to see the legal document making them husband and wife.
Maxwell continued to corner Niles. Both Maxwell’s wife Fran and Nile’s wife CC were becoming concerned about what seemed to be putting a strain between the two long-time friends.
The men were constantly huddling in some corner of the house having very animated conversations.
Often they would hear the two men with their voices raised. The words were always the same. "Niles it’s time for an explanation."
Niles response, "It cannot happen yet. The time is not right."
"Old Man just when will the time be right? You are making a huge mistake by putting this off," warned Maxwell.
"It’s my mistake to make," yelled Niles.
That was their most recent fight.
By this time both women were listening at the office door and when it opened they were caught. Both men just looked at each other.
Fran broke the silence saying, "Just when are we moving to California?"
Maxwell responded, "That move is going to be put off for a couple of months while I work out a few details of the production. Then there’s the need to find suitable living quarters."
The women could tell that both men were anxious and didn’t push the topic.
Still that night CC asked Niles, "Just what is going on between you and Maxwell? I’ve never heard you two raise your voices under real stress until today."
"Perhaps you should not be listening at doors," Niles suggested with that wicked smile and devilish glint in his eyes.
"It’s a habit I learned from my information-starved husband," said CC without losing a beat…and returning his look with her own and adding that evil deep-throated laugh which was her trademark.
Then the couple began another round of lovemaking and CC forgot to continue her probe of the Niles-Maxwell dispute.
She was too busy dealing with other physical probes from Niles and she responded with her own.
The next morning she met Fran for coffee at a small shop not too far from the Sheffield home to discuss what had transpired the previous day.
"Oy I tried to find out from Maxwell what is going on. All he would tell me was that I would know soon and that most of it depends on CC. What do you think of that Ms Babcock…Mrs. Niles…uh….CC?"
"Just call me CC. In all the hurry with the marriage, I didn’t change my name, and Niles whisked the marriage license away so fast I did not have a chance to see his last name. When I asked him about it later, he said it was not that important and that we would discuss this at another time."
"Of course I can get a copy of the document, but I just have not had the time and now there seems to be so many other mysteries to solve. I am beginning to think maybe I did rush into the marriage and I do not really know enough about my husband. He could be a murderer for all I know."
"Now CC do not go there. Remember when I thought he was a murderer and it turned out he was just writing a play. I know Niles and he is no killa."
"What can this secret be? What should our next moves be Nanny Fine?"
During times when CC needed her own guidance from the intuitive Fran Fine Sheffield, she couldn’t help but revert to calling her Nanny Fine. It seemed Fran had been nanny to everyone in the Sheffield household, not just the children.
Fran thought about the matter for a few minutes. CC could tell she was giving it serious thought because Fran hadn’t touched a bite of the food on her plate.
After a few more minutes CC, growing impatient, said, "Well?"
"I’m thinking. I’m thinking."
"If we were going to write a play about this what is the first thing we should do?"
"That is easy," said CC, "We would need to do research. But we know these two men."
"Do we? How much do we really know about them before they came to America?"
This time CC thought for a few minutes. "Well, we know they are life-long friends who attended Oxford together and Maxwell’s parents paid for Niles education so he could attend Oxford with Maxwell."
"Do we really know that," asked Fran.
"Well I heard that somewhere," said CC
"Did we actually hear that from them or is that just a story that has circulated so long we think it is the truth," questioned Fran.
CC was quiet for a minute and responded, "You know I’m not sure where I heard that story. The more I think about it the more I am sure it didn’t come from either Maxwell or Niles. Nor did I ever hear Sarah mention it."
"Maybe I should just hire a private investigator and find out the truth," said CC.
"Oy! You want to end your marriage before it even begins? That is the absolute worse move you could make. If Niles finds out along with being hurt, he will be humiliated and knowing his pride he will leave…child or no child on the way," said Fran.
CC knew that Nanny Fine was right and that this was a matter she would have to undertake on her own, but hopefully assisted by the inquisitive Nanny Fine. "What do we do now," asked CC.
The two women put their heads together to develop their own war plans. That very day they would begin the investigation that would finally be the undoing of "the secret."
They had no way of knowing this at the same time. Maxwell and Niles were still feuding about what they should do.
Both women agreed they were going to have to try and find any documentation that would explain the behavior of their men.
Fran started with the wall safe in the house.
She’d sharpened her safe-cracking skills while still serving as the Nanny, but she’d never actually snooped in the safe, even though she knew she could open it.
With CC looking on with admiration, Fran began the task of turning the dial.
Just then Maxwell entered the room.
Both CC and Fran jumped and slammed the picture back in front of the safe.
Maxwell, had been so lost in his own thoughts he hadn’t noticed what the two women were doing. "What brings you two in here," asked Maxwell.
In unison they replied, "nothing."
Then Fran, ever quick on her feet said, "It’s just girl talk, you know CC wants to know how I’m handling two babies while she’s got to learn to take care of one"
Hearing that the women were talking of babies, Maxwell quickly picked up the document he had forgotten and made a hasty exit.
"That was closer than I want to think about," said Fran.
CC urged her new found friend on with her task at hand, "Come on lets crack this safe and see what’s in it,"
It opened a few seconds later. There was Maxwell’s will, a few other legal documents and then a small antique box that was locked.
"What now," asked CC.
Fran wasn’t sure. She wanted to know what was in that locked box but how to do that without getting caught. Where would Maxwell hide the key? Prying it open was not an option.
"CC can you think of anywhere Max keeps a small key. Have you ever seen this box before?"
CC thought about the questions and was drawing a blank. Then she remembered a time she was searching though Max’s desk and found the master set of keys for the house. "It might be on the set in his desk," CC suggested.
The only problem was the desk was locked.
It seemed their quest was foiled before it began.
Then Nanny Fine came to the rescue remembering her uncle the locksmith…come on CC. We’re taking this box to Uncle Isaac. He’ll be able to help us.
"What if Max comes back and finds the box missing?"
"CC, how many times does he look in the safe and why would he be looking for this box…come on let’s put everything back like it was except for the box and then we’ll go for a drive through Queens. We should have this little item cracked before the day ends and maybe the secrets they’re keeping will be revealed," said Fran.
CC roller her eyes and wondered how she became a part of this scheme.
…………………………………………………..
It wasn’t long after the two women left the Sheffield home that Maxwell returned carrying a contract he wanted to lock away in the wall safe.
As he dialed the combination he thought about the two women standing so near the safe when he had returned earlier and as he opened the door, he looked to the back and saw that the small box was gone.
"Niiiiiiiiilllless," yelled Maxwell.
"Yes?" came the response via the intercom system.
"Get in here. We just may be in really big trouble!"
As Niles dashed into the office, he looked puzzled. "What’s wrong now?"
"You bloody well should know what’s wrong. You are the one who is always nosing into everyone else’s business. What do you think is wrong? I’ll tell you this is so bad that neither of us may be the same and neither of us may be able to keep the woman we love. They have the box!"
"Sir I think you are over-reacting. It is a more complicated container than they may realize and it is possible that they might trigger the protection mechanisms. We’re not talking about the most mechanically inclined women in the world," said Niles. "Besides if they do succeed in opening it, once all is explained, there will be no problems to resolve. We are still the same men they married," said Niles in reassuring Maxwell, but only about half-heartedly believing what he was saying.
Maxwell rubbed his hand through his hair and said "I wish I had your confidence. We’ve been living this lie for so long. What if they don’t forgive us?" That question was left hanging between the two men as they thought about their next move.
Meanwhile the two women had made the trip to Fran’s uncle’s place of business.
As Fran handed over the box Uncle Isaac gave a long whistle…"I haven’t seen a box like this in years. I get excited just touching it. It’s the kind of box once made for the royal families of England."
With this comment both women just looked at each other wide-eyed. Both had questions and they hoped those questions would be answered with the opening of the box.
Isaac explained why the box is more complicated than it looked. "From the outside it appears to have a simple clasp lack, but there are triggers that could destroy the contents if you don’t know what to look for."
Both women again looked at each other.
Fran took the lead, "What do you mean. What do you have to look for?"
"Well, this little box pre-dates all the techno-gadgets of today, but it is just as ingenious. The box has internal panels and if it isn’t opened in the right way the internal panels usually contain a small explosive device that once triggered carries enough power to destroy the contents but won’t usually cause much harm to the person opening it…maybe a finger or two might be in danger.
At this point Isaac began working on the box.
"Wait! Be sure that you don’t damage it. We just have to know what is in there," said Fran in her most nasal whine. Isaac assured her he would be as careful as possible.
"But if you want to know what’s in here then you have to take a risk."
…………………………………………………………………..
Several hours later the two women had all but worn a hole in the carpet of the business as they paced anxiously back and forth wondering if they were doing the right thing.
"Nanny Fine…uh Fran….do you really think this is the right thing to do. What if it’s nothing and our guys find out. We might just lose them."
"What would you prefer…not knowing? Oy! You’ve got a lot to learn. Not knowing is the worse," said Fran trying to reassure her partner in crime.
"Eureka!" It was Isaac as he entered the front area of the shop with the box and its lid slightly ajar. "Ladies I have managed to open the box without any explosive events, but I didn’t look inside. I feel that should be your honor."
Both women again looked at each other with that look children have on Christmas morning when they’re about to check out the big package under the tree.
Both grabbed for the box. In the ensuing struggle the two women dropped the precious container and its contents spilled out onto the floor. There were several official looking documents.
CC grabbed for one of the papers while Fran grabbed for another. Both were just glancing down at the papers when suddenly the door to Isaac’s shop burst open.
In came Maxwell and Niles.
Both men took in the scene quickly and grabbed the documents from the hands of their wives. The women were too stunned to maintain their grasp on the papers.
In unison both women said, "What are you doing here. How did you find us."
Maxwell and Niles both looked at each other and then quickly looked through the documents to make sure everything was there.
"How long have you had these document?" It was the most important question asked by Maxwell.
Both women looked at each other again and decided to tell the truth.
CC spoke up, "We had just started to look at them when you two keystone cops came bursting through the door."
Niles surveyed his wife closely and decided she was telling the truth. "Did you actually read any of the material."
Both admitted they hadn’t that their glance had been so fast they had not been able to digest what was in both papers. All they knew was that they were something of a legal nature.
By this point CC was getting angrier, especially since it seemed that both Niles and Maxwell were keeping a secret.
Fran was not so much angry as she was frustrated at having her attempt to unravel the mystery foiled.
For a moment the two men huddled in a corner of the shop talking privately.
When they approached the women again Maxwell told them. "It’s time you know everything, but not here. This calls for some special scenery and a special explanation. It will take a few days for us to work out the details, but we promise you within two weeks you both will know what this is all about.
Now it was time for the women to huddle in a corner and discuss the proposal presented by Maxwell.
Finally it was agreed. The women accepted the terms but stressed they would wait no longer than two weeks for the secret to be explained.
They also promised not to snoop any more, but just to be on the safe side Maxwell decided to have the combination changed on his safe…little did he know what an expert safe-cracker his wife Fran was, but a promise is a promise and she didn’t break it although she wasn’t sure she’d survive two weeks.
On the ride back home with CC at Niles side and Fran seated with Maxwell and both couples seated in the limousine, Fran remembered to ask, "How did you know where to find us."
"Oh that was simple," said Niles. "I just called your mother and asked her what member of the Fine Family could help me with a small problem. You see I told her that I had this locked box that i wanted to open, but didn’t have a key and didn’t want to break the look. That’s when Sylvia told me I needed to see Uncle Isaac. Although not your real uncle, he’s still a distant relative with a locksmith business. I knew that’s where our two hell-bent for snooping wives would be found."
CC looked at Fran and said, "I told you we should not have used a relative of yours. They’d have never found us otherwise and maybe this business would all be resolved."
Fran hated to agree with CC, but decided in this case she just might be right.
Since their interruption the two women really had not had a chance to talk. Both were eager to know what the other had seen in their brief glance at the documents.
As they arrived back at the Sheffield home, both couples went their separate ways, but the two women were determined to meet with each other the next morning.
………………………………………………….
As morning arrived, everyone gathered for breakfast and there was no mention of the document caper. But both women knew they’d get together just as soon as possible without attracting the attention of their doting husbands. Yet it seemed the two men were determined not to let their loved ones out of their sight.
Finally Niles had to go out to the market. Maxwell had to take a business call. That is when CC and Fran made their way to the living room to talk.
"Spill it. What did you see Nanny Fine?"
"You first CC. What was in the document you were looking at it seemed thicker than mine."
Knowing time was limited, CC decided arguing was futile and told Fran what she wanted to know. "If was a deed. But I could not tell what it was all about but it had something to do with this house."
"A DEED! Am I about to become homeless and lose this lifestyle I love so much," worried Fran. "Nah…it must be something else."
"Okay Fraannnn what did you see?"
"Well, I think I saw Niles’ name and now I understand why he goes just by Niles."
"Spill it Fran…. I’ve got to know this information."
"Well if I were named Earl I’d change my name too. I think that is what this thing is all about. Who wants to be named Earl. Remember that song….and look what happened to Earl? Yuck. I am about 100 percent sure that this is about keeping Niles name secret," Fran explained to CC.
"Earl? That just seems too strange a name even for Niles. But I really don’t see a reason for hiding the name. It’s not that bad. Earl. Earl. Earl," repeated CC as she tried to get accustomed to the sound. Then she decided it was a pretty horrible name and she smiled thinking how she would torture him with that name. Wait was Earl his first name or last?"
"I think the way it was on the document read like it was his first name. I just didn’t get a chance to see everything. We only had a moment of time and even I’m not that good," said Fran.
Finally about two days before the two-week deadline was approaching one morning Niles and Maxwell came downstairs and told the women to pack for a trip to England. "We’re leaving in about three hours so hurry."
"England" they exclaimed in unison.
"Yes," said Maxwell, "to complete this play we must finish the story in England."
"Why England," asked CC looking at Niles.
Niles reminded her, "No questions or snooping. Remember our deal."
…………………………………………………………..
The two women were getting more and more excited and curious…. curious to the point that they tried all their charms on their men to get the information out of them on why they had to fly to England to have the mystery resolved.
Although Fran was depressed about leaving the twins at home, and CC was a little concerned about flying while pregnant, they were also impressed that instead of flying on a commercial airline they were flying in a private jet.
"Niles where did this come from," CC asked.
"Remember no questions," was Niles only response.
"Well we could become members of the mile-high club, but only if you want to impart a piece of information as well as have a piece of me," said CC in her most seductive voice as she started kissing him and probing his mouth with her tongue while exploring the rest of him with her hands. . Niles was returning her desire and matching her move by move. It was like playing body-chess and drawing to a stalemate.
At this point Niles almost capitulated, but at the last minute he regained his sense of mission and told CC their mile-high membership would have to wait.
Fran, and Maxwell seated in another section of the luxurious private jet were having their own love fest and exploring the possibilities of flying their own friendly skies.
………………………………………………….
Several hours later the plane landed in London. Neither woman had accomplished their mission of weaseling out more information regarding that secret. They were also more sexually frustrated than they had been since before their weddings.
At the airport there seemed to be an army of servants to take care of their every need. One steward was picking up their baggage while a limousine stood by ready to take them to wherever it was the men had made arrangements before revealing the secret.
CC marveled at the military like maneuverings that had them from the jet to the limo in record time.
Fran kept asking Maxwell, "Can we afford all this. I know you are rich, but this style seems a bit much even for you."
Maxwell assured her that everything was being handled in a proper manner and that money was not the issue…at least not where they were concerned.
…………………………………………………………..
The drive to the countryside was pleasant but strangely quiet. The two women wondered just when they would know the answer to their questions. And now with all that was taking place they wondered even more about the secret.
CC was particularly disturbed because she thought she knew everything there was to know about Maxwell and Niles….well except for his name. Now it seemed that she knew that she’d just as soon for get it. Earl seems like such a dreary name. Smiling she thought she would still have some fun with it at the right time.
A couple of hours later they arrived at their destination
. It was a grand old home. Part castle, part Tudor style mansion.
They were greeted at the door by a butler who CC mistook for a relative of Niles. "So are you part of Niles’ family?"
The butler seemed shocked by the question, but after watching Niles motion from behind nodding his head in the affirmative, "I like to think so."
This led CC to believe she was finally going to meet Niles family and she looked forward to the event and hearing them most likely call him Earl instead of Niles.
Fran asked if any of Maxwell’s family would be present. Maxwell responded that there would be a few members of his family in attendance, but that his mother most likely would not be at the event. "Why," asked Fran?
Maxwell responded, "Because she bloody well wasn’t invited. If she wouldn’t come to our wedding do you think I’m going to invite her to the social event of the season in England short of a royal party."
At this comment both women looked at each other. Both were thinking the same thing, "Did we bring the right gowns for the affair?"
It was decided by both women that they needed to review their wardrobe and quickly because their wouldn’t be much time if they needed to buy new gowns.
As if reading their minds the butler, name George, stepped up and told both women they would find suitable clothes in the closets of their respective rooms. Both women again looked at each other and then couldn’t wait to dash to their rooms….if only they knew where their rooms were.
Before that could happen, they were asked to move into the sitting room for a brief while until the master of the house could properly greet them.
CC casually inquired as to whom that might be.
George gave her a strange look, not unlike the look she got from those who knew she had once been to "the place" and still wondered if she were a little unhinged.
They walked into the grand sitting room and both women were in awe of the setting. The furniture, the paintings, the style of the room wreaked of wealth.
CC asked as Niles followed her in, "Just what are we doing here?"
"Remember no questions. All will be made clear tomorrow night."
All four had a drink, but CC was only allowed water. Then George returned to show each couple to their suites explaining that the master of the house was delayed in greeting them.
While CC had been raised in privileged settings, nothing matched the grandeur of this home. Yet it seemed strangely quiet as if devoid of life. It was as if no one had really lived there for a long time.
…………………………………………………
On the following morning both CC and Fran awoke to find that certain appointments had been made and experts would be arriving at the house to help make them ready for the night’s events.
The women found the mansion contained spa-like facilities and they were treated to everything from a mud bath to a facial, to a massage, and makeup, as well as hairstyling. For this event the stylist convinced Fran to wear her hair down as in a flat style that was very elegant…but it reminded Fran of her helmet hair from the time she rode to her camp reunion on the back of a motorcycle.
CC assured her it was very becoming.
CC usually wore a French twist for special occasions, but she too was convinced to wear her hear in more appealing style that clung to her neck.
As both women were dressing there were knocks on both doors. Two men stood there with guards. They were holding jewelry cases.
It was explained that the jewelry had been selected for them by the master of the house.
Fran wore a stunning diamond necklace with matching earrings.
CC gasp as she saw the beautiful tiara, necklace and earrings that were embossed with diamonds, sapphires and rubies. It was elegant, eye-catching and yet somehow not gaudy. CC loved it.
A short time later Fran left with her husband and as they descended the staircase, which matched the elegance of Tara, they were announced as Mr. And Mrs. Sheffield.
Niles arrived to take CC by the arm and escort her to the reception awaiting downstairs. CC was so anxious because she knew that the secret was about to revealed and that by tonight she would be kidding Niles about his name. But she still wondered why he had to go to such lengths just to tell her his name and just what was she doing wearing all this jewelry? She kept the questions to herself.
CC in her stunning gown and jewels looked like a princess to Niles.
As they reached the landing on the staircase, the announcement was made.
"Presenting the Earl and Countess of Niles."
CC stood in her tracks unable to move.
What had the man just said….Earl and Countess of Niles? She looked around to see if there was anyone coming behind them.
Had there been a mistake…wait….Niles’ name was not Earl….he was an Earl!
Then CC’s eyes grew wide as she looked over to her smiling husband. All he could say was ,"Surprised?" All she could do was nod weakly.
Fran was standing at the bottom of the stairway looking up saying "Oy….. Oy ….Oy… Oy Vey."
Maxwell looked at his wife and told her there was more to the story but that it would have to wait until after a little mixing and mingling.
CC was still in shock.
Niles was having the time of his life watching all the emotions run across her face.
In the English royalty the list ran king, queen, prince, princess, duke, earl….and then the lesser titles follow. The wife of an earl is a countess…although CC thought she secretly preferred the more French and eastern European title of countessa. Yet who was she to complain?
An hour ago she thought she was going to be Mrs. Earl Niles.
Now she learns she is the Countess of Niles married to the Earl of Niles. So just what is Niles name?
As this questions cross her mind Niles sweeps her into his arms for the first dance.
He is master of the house, head of the family and as such it is up to him to begin the festivities for the reception to introduce his wife into his world. Only a higher royal could have taken precedence and there were only a few titles higher than his.
"So Niles just who have I married and what is your name?"
Niles chuckled in that mischievous way CC has come to love only. "Time will reveal everything and as for who you married, I am still the same humble…well maybe not humble…but still the man who lives to serve others baby…"
There was no time for private discussions as CC found she was expected to act as hostess of this very formal affair…she found out just how formal it was a short time later when it was announced: The Prince of Wales.
CC was about to find out that her private school upbringing would come in handy since she already knew the proper way to greet royalty. Unfortunately she hadn’t yet closed her mouth from its wide gape when she heard the announcement and as Niles propelled her toward his royal highness.
CC found herself speechless. Then said, "you should have warned me."
Fran and Maxwell were also moving toward the prince for an introduction. Fran couldn’t believe it she was finally meeting someone who knew Barbara!
"Oy vey! How do you do your royal highness," said Fran in her most nasal way. Maxwell quickly cut in with his own formal greeting only to hear the prince reply, "What a charming voice." Maxwell knew he was talking about Fran as did everyone else in the room as Fran cackled…… "Ooooooooooooooh your high-ness."
Then the prince proceeded to inquire how Maxwell’s next production was proceeding and even expressed an interest in backing one of his ventures…with Maxwell being such a close friend of the Earl’s.
They moved on to let others mingle with the prince and the foursome from New York gathered in the center of the Victorian style ballroom.
Both CC and Fran were beginning to be a bit overwhelmed and the men knew it was time to give them a breather.
"Can you believe we actually met royalty? I’m beginning to feel like I’m at the center of one of those romance novels I love to read" said Fran.
"Yeah. It’s amazing that these two fellows have been keeping some major secrets from us all these years," CC said with a bit of a bite in her voice.
At this point Fran was becoming a bit aggravated. To Maxwell she turned and hit him with the back of her hand on the chest. "Why didn’t you tell me about all this?"
"Darling we’ve explained all that. There just never seemed to be the right time…and I couldn’t tell you until Niles was sure that CC could love him for the man she thought he was."
"I get it Maxwell, but I’m still hurt and this is gonna cost you big and I do mean big…maybe even another child when the time is right," said Fran already thinking how this could play to her favor.
Meanwhile CC turned to Niles. "You have been lying to me all these year. Do I even know the man I married? How could this happen? Why?"
As Niles started to explain CC dashed from the room. Not knowing where she was going she made her way down the longest corridor of the old castle and then toward a door at the end of it.
She didn’t realize that Niles was in pursuit right behind her. She was so confused. She wanted to think; yet she wanted to know more about this man who she thought she knew.
As she entered the unexplored room, she searched for a light switch. "How could they make these places so dark. After a few seconds her hand found the switch and when the light flooded the room she found she was standing in another great room lined with portraits of men…all who looked like a version of Niles at another time in history.
Beside each man’s portrait was another portrait, that of a woman and each woman bore a striking resemblance to CC….tall, blonde, blue-eyed with narrow waist and sumptuous hips and white chocolate-like skin. As she stared at the walls she became more confused. But there was one woman’s painting and she had raven black hair and black eyes to match with olive skin.
Then she heard Niles clearing his throat and she turned to him with a look of half question and half horror. "What does this all mean? Have I stumbled into the life of Dorian Gray?"
Niles stepped through the doorway and quickly closed the door behind him. "I can assure you that I’m not Dorian Gray. This is going to take a little explaining and I’m not sure I believe it myself."
"In my family for centuries the story has been told in each generation how the head of the family was cursed. It is not the usual curse. It is a curse of love, bestowed on my lot by a woman’s family with ties to Romania. She was a dark-haired beauty who loved one of my Norman ancestors," explained Niles as he pointed to the Raven-haired beauty.
My Norman ancestor loved her, but the family was against the match from the start. It seems they didn’t think she was good enough to be the wife of the next Earl of Niles."
By now CC was caught in this tale wondering how it affected her life. "Go on I must know more. What happened? Did they marry? Did they get to live happily ever after?"
"There is a lot to this story, but I will try to give you the condensed version. Just stop interrupting with questions. We have a lifetime to explore your questions."
"As I was saying, the family didn’t think she was good enough and they pulled every stunt to keep them apart. Still the couple knew they were destined to be together and finally the Earl-in-waiting told the family he would renounce his land and title for the woman he loved."
"OOOOOOOOOOh that is so romantic," said CC as Niles looked at her with raised eyebrows irritated by the interruption.
"The family would lose everything if he renounced his title because he was the only son. At that time only sons could inherit the title and lands it England. It was a very backward time. With that threat hanging over the family, they acquiesced to the marriage. On their wedding night, so the story goes, the family of the raven-haired beauty decided that the snobbish family needed to learn a lesson about life and that’s how the curse…or blessing…depending on your perspective began.
"Under this spell, it was decreed that all male heirs to the estate would forever fall in love with tall beautiful blonde-haired women but that the course of that true love would not run smooth. In fact every Earl of Niles would have to fight for his true love and would fight with the woman he loved until he won her over. The woman would battle against this love for as long as possible and both would be miserable until they could battle their way beyond the animosity and admit the love they feel for one another. It has been that way in the family for generations. I really didn’t put much faith in the story except for two facts. First as a young man I had never met a woman who brought out that feeling the story told of. How barbs and banter would substitute for foreplay while the curse held. I had seen that with my family with my grandparents and my own parents. I told myself that I would never allow such a thing to happen to me even if it meant staying single and producing no heir. And I was well on my way to keeping that promise until that day you walked through the door of the Sheffield mansion…or should I say my mansion…. but I’ll explain that later."
With the stunned look on CC’s face, Niles wasn’t sure if he should hold her or continue on with the story or do both. He decided to do both as he moved nearer.
"You see you never had a chance. We were destined to be together from centuries ago, even before we were born. You may not believe in fate, but I do. The moment I saw you I felt all those emotions that were described in the family history. I loved you and loathed you. I wanted you and was repelled by you. I needed you, yet wanted to escape. I also saw you experiencing the same emotions, fighting how you felt. I knew within seconds I would just have to let the family curse play out and that we would both be helpless pawns in the play…. The play that I had set in motion years ago by deciding to hide my identity via the New York guise of Niles the Butler to the up and coming Maxwell Sheffield. I even provided the house in New York. It’s one of many holdings but it had always been a favorite of mine. I thought it needed a young family and knowing Max I knew it wouldn’t belong before he married and brought that family into being. I would just live through his eyes. Then that all changed when you were hired as his assistant and later became his partner. I knew I would never be able to leave you and yet I also knew that I could have you simply by revealing my true status in life, but that wasn’t what I wanted. I wanted you to love Niles the man, not The Earl of Niles. Was it the curse at work or simply my stubborn nature?" Niles paused briefly and gave CC enough time to ask one question.
"Just what is your name Niles?
"That’s a little complicated. Like most people born to the royal line….."
"The royal line…what are you talking about Niles," said CC this time even more in a state of shock.
"Oh don’t worry, I’m so far down in the pecking order it is of little importance, but I am close enough to be invited to certain events. That’s why sometimes I disappeared from the Sheffield home. I do have my own businesses to take care of, although I have very capable people running them on a day-to-day basis. As for my name you can have your pick. There are about six I think…I haven run through and counted lately"
"I think I’ll just stick with Niles," said CC.
"Niles?"
"Yes."
Just how much are you worth?"
"Let us just say that your $20 million is just a drop in the bucket to my holdings. It’s a good thing you didn’t have time to think of a pre-nuptial agreement for I fear you would have gotten the worse deal. As it is, you stand to gain a lot if you leave me. Did I forget to mention that the curse also prevents divorce? Since the couples begin life fighting, It makes for a much easier transition into marriage. Even after King Henry VIII allowed for divorce, there has never been one within the family of the Earl of Niles and there won’t be one now," said Niles through clinched teeth, just in case CC was having any second thoughts.
For the first time that night CC thought of the child she was carrying. "How will this affect our child?"
"Since it’s believed to be a girl, it will be interesting. Since the laws have changed and she can inherit the title, I suspect the curse will end," said Niles.
At this CC looked a little sad. "I am afraid she will never know the love generations of her family have known if indeed we are the last of the cursed."
Niles smiled and reassured her that by growing up in such a loving family their daughter will always know love and will recognize true love when it comes her way.
Then CC thought of something else, "So the house the Sheffields live in is really yours?"
"Yes, but I’m thinking of giving it to them as a present. That was one of the documents you found in the box, which deeded the house to the Sheffields if I should die. It’s something I had drawn up after my heart attack."
"What was the other document?"
"That was a letter explaining to you who I am, in the event something happened before I had the chance to introduce you to my world."
"I am not sure a letter could do that justice," said CC with a smile. She added, "I can’t wait to return to New York and show you off to all my friends and especially my snobby family."
At this remark Niles hesitated. "Do you think we could hold off on that for the sake of our child, at least until she is born and maybe a little older. You know how people can be. I prefer her…us…all to have as normal a life as possible. Being related to the Babcocks will be hard enough on her.
"When the time is right we will bring your family here and give them a surprise that just might put your mother in her grave," said Niles with a grin.
CC agreed only because she thought how terrific it would be keeping such a secret from her family.
Meanwhile the couple decided it was time to return to the party.
As they entered the room they heard a whine…. "Maxwell I have so many questions."
"Later darling. We will talk and I will tell you everything this evening," Maxwell responded giving his wife a kiss.
CC and Niles looked at each other. They’d both forgotten about Nanny Fine. With her knowing everything it wouldn’t be long before everyone in New York knew.
Niles sighed…."I guess we’d better get ready for a gala in New York." With that comment CC hugged Niles. He knew CC really didn’t want to keep the secret. Better he let his wife tell all before Fran got the chance.
With a nod that told her she was free to reveal all, CC whipped out her cell phone from her designer bag and quickly dialed her mother. She didn’t care about the time difference. All she regretted was she couldn’t see the look on her mother’s face when she revealed the truth about Niles.
"Hello Hello."
The End
Back to Fan FictionBack to The Really Unofficial Nanny Home Page