Back to Fan FictionThe Nanny is a copyright of Sony pictures, Tri-Star Television, High School Sweethearts, and Sternin and Frasier’s Ink, Inc. and CBS Television. I do not own any of the characters used in this fictional story.
by
Mary Smith
(nilesandccfan@hotmail.com)
It was a typical day at the Sheffield mansion. Maxwell and CC were working in the office, Fran was complaining about being pregnant with the twins, even if she was only four months along, and Niles was working on getting dinner together, while he listened to Fran’s many complaints.
When the doorbell rang Niles was in the middle of taking a boiling pot off of the stove, so Fran went to answer the door.
As she opened the door Fran saw a middle aged, fairly good-looking gentleman standing on the other side. "Hello, can I help you?"
"Yes, is this the Maxwell Sheffield residence?"
"Yes it is." Fran answered a she let the gentleman in. "Is there anyone in particular you are looking for?"
"Yes, I am Maxwell Sheffield’s cousin, Phillip Powell and you are?"
"Oh, I’m sorry. I am Fran Sheffield, Maxwell’s wife. If you’ll follow me, I’ll let Maxwell know you are here." Fran said as she lead the gentleman to Maxwell’s office.
When they arrived at the office, Maxwell and CC were busy working and did not pay much attention to Fran as she entered the office. "Maxwell."
"Yes darling." Maxwell answered not looking up from the work he was concentrating at that moment.
"You have a visitor." Fran answered.
Both Maxwell and CC looked toward the doorway, where Phillip was waiting.
"Phillip, is that you?" Maxwell asked as he stood and walked toward the door. "My god, it has been years."
Phillip had made his way into the office. "Maxwell, it is good to see you." he said as he and Maxwell hugged.
"It has been to long. I see you have met my wife, Fran."
"Yes, how did you end up with such a beautiful lady, Maxwell?"
"Luck I guess and you do remember CC Babcock, Sarah’s friend. CC is my business partner now." Maxwell said as CC stood and extended her hand to the gentleman.
"CC Babcock, not the young, chubby, brunette who was friends with Sarah in college?" Phillip asked as he admired CC, who was now shaking his hand.
"Yes, that was me." CC answered. "It is good to see you again, Mr. Powell."
"Oh, you remember my name."
"How could I ever forget. You, Maxwell, and Niles teased me unmercifully the summer Sarah started dating Maxwell."
"I guess we did give you a hard time but look at you now. Wow."
"Well, I guess I should take that as a compliment." CC laughed.
"By all means, Miss Babcock. Age has done you much justice in the beauty department." Phillip complimented CC.
"Thank you, Mr. Powell. Maxwell if you will excuse me, I’ll give you and Mr. Powell time to visit. Again, it is good to see you, Mr. Powell." CC said as she laid the papers she was holding in her hands down.
"Please, Miss Babcock, call me Phillip and you don’t have to leave."
"Then you must call me CC and I think I’ll go and see if Niles is doing his job instead of pretending. Good seeing you again, Phillip" and CC left the office.
"Niles still works for you, Maxwell?" Phillip asked after CC was gone.
"Yes, Niles is still my butler."
"Man, I never imagined Niles was still your butler. I’ll have to see him before I leave." Phillip said.
"Honey, I think I’ll go and check on Miss Babcock and Niles. You know how they are when they are left alone together. I better make sure one doesn’t try to kill or harm the other. Phillip, I’ll tell Niles to add you to the dinner list."
"Thank you Fran, I would like that." Phillip said.
"So Phillip, what can I do for you?" Maxwell asked as Fran made her way out of the office.
Phillip sat on the green leather couch. "Well Maxwell, I don’t know if your mother told you or not but my mother passed away two months ago."
"No, I had not heard. Please accept more most sincere sympathy."
"Thank you but she had been sick for a while now and it was a long difficult battle. Maxwell, the reason I came to see you, is because when I was going through my mother’s things, I came across several photos of my father."
"Oh, I don’t believe I have ever seen a picture of my uncle. Did you bring them with you?" Maxwell asked.
"Yes I did." Phillip stood and laid several pictures on Maxwell’s desk. Phillip’s father was Maxwell’s mother’s brother, Marcus Powell. He was six years younger then Elizabeth Sheffield and had been the black sheep of his family.
Maxwell examined the pictures as Phillip watched his reaction. "What do you think?"
"I…….I’m not sure what to think. If you are talking about the resemblance to ………."
Phillip did not let Maxwell finish his statement. "You know damn well that’s what I’m talking about."
"Maybe, maybe it is a coincidence he looks so much like……….."
"Maxwell, I hate to interrupt but James Baker is on the phone for you and I knew you have been waiting for his call." CC said as she came into the office to deliver the message.
"I’m sorry Phillip, will you excuse me for a second?" Maxwell asked as he reached for the phone.
Phillip and CC walked out of the office toward the kitchen, while Maxwell took his call.
"So my dear CC, how about you join me for dinner and drinks while I’m in town?" Phillip asked CC.
"Thank you for the invitation but I’ll have to decline."
"Oh, is there a special man in your life? I didn’t see a wedding ring on your finger, so I assumed you are not married."
"Married, Miss Babcock. Who in their right mind would marry her?" Niles said as he met Phillip with a handshake and hug. "Phillip Powell, it is good to see you. Mrs. Sheffield told me of your arrival."
"Niles Butler, you look wonderful. When Maxwell called to tell me you had had a heart attack, I thought I would never lay eyes on your ugly mug again but look at you. You look like a man in his thirties."
"Ha. Maybe a man from the 1830s but that is about as close to the number thirty Niles will ever come again." CC laughed.
"Oh you are just jealous because everyone thinks you were thirty in 1530." Niles teased CC back.
"I see the two of you are still teasing one another." Phillip said.
"You mean to tell me that they always treated each other this way?" Fran asked.
"Well, we all gave CC a hard time when we first met her but Niles always was harder on her then the rest of us."
"That’s only because she was so rude to me when she found out I was Mr. Sheffield’s butler and not your brother." Niles said.
"You tried to pass as Mr. Powell’s brother?" Fran said.
Phillip laughed "We would always pass Niles off as my brother when we went out. I really don’t know why because all the girls loved him no matter who he was."
"Nileess, you were a hotty when you were young?" Fran teased her friend.
"I’m not sure I would have been called a hotty but I did get my share of the girls when we were younger." Niles smugly answered Fran while he glanced toward CC.
"His share of the girls, that’s an understatement . Every time Maxwell, myself, and Niles went anywhere the girls flocked to Niles. They all wanted to date him. Maxwell and I would sit alone on the sidelines looking in at Romeo here and all his women." Phillip said as he placed an arm around Niles’ shoulder.
"Phillip, don’t you think you are stretching the truth just a little." Niles said as he blushed.
"Good lord Niles, he has to be. Look at you now. There is no way you were a babe when you were younger. You are way to unattractive now to have changed that much." CC said.
"Look who is talking. Miss America you are not." Niles answered CC hurt by what she had said. He hated to think CC Babcock found him that unattractive.
"Okay, you two, that’s enough. I’m sorry Mr. Powell. They are continuously insulting and arguing with each other."
"Oh, no need to apologize Fran and call me Phillip and Niles believe it or not, I asked CC to go out with me while I was in town and she refused, to which I still don’t have a reason."
CC blushed when Phillip put her on the spot. "I didn’t think I had to give you a reason."
"Miss Babcock, I can’t believe you are turning down an offer to go out with Phillip. He is rich and good-looking. What else do you need?" Fran asked CC.
"And he eats at the table, not out of a doggie dish like the rest of your dates." Niles said.
CC glared at Niles. "I am very honored by your invitation but……….."
"But what? You’re not married, do you have a boyfriend?"
"Ha, that is even funnier then her being married." Niles said.
"Shut-up dust buster. I don’t see a line of woman on your doorstep. Oh wait, Maxwell‘s doorstep." CC sarcastically said to Niles.
Maxwell walked into the kitchen before Niles could say anything back to CC. "Well CC, Mr. Baker has agreed to lease us his theater at a very reasonable price."
"Wonderful. When do you want to start auditions?" CC asked.
"I guess as soon as possible. So Niles, did you and Phillip get a chance to reminisce?"
"We spoke some of our past but Phillip is mostly interested in why Miss Babcock will not go out with him." Niles said, wondering himself why CC would not go out to dinner with a man of Phillip Powell’s status.
"Yes, I am very interested in why CC refuses to go out with me. Niles has made it very clear she has no boyfriend or husband."
"Niles knows nothing about me or my private life." CC said as she glared at the butler.
"That is not so. Niles knows more about you then he does anyone else." Fran said as everyone watched Niles blush. "He does research so he can torture you with all the information he gets his hands on."
"So why will she not go out with me Niles?" Phillip asked amused by the situation.
"I have no idea. We all know how desperate she is. She should have snatched you up immediately." Niles answered.
"I am not desperate. I’m just not interested in dating right now."
"Since when did this happen?" Fran asked.
CC was embarrassed by all the attention her nonexistent love life was getting. "Look, I just would rather not go out with you Phillip. It’s not that you are not perfect, it’s just that I’m……….."
"Your what? CC, do you have you eye on someone?" Phillip asked while everyone listened in. "And don’t lie because I can see by the look on your face I’m right."
"Maybe there is someone I’m interested in." CC said shyly as she blushed a deep shade of red.
"Some American chap, I’m sure. You American women all think us British are cold fish."
"For your information, he is just as British as you are." CC blurted out in her defense before she realized what she was saying.
"You do know that Mr. Sheffield is married and expecting twins, don’t you?" Niles asked.
CC turned a deeper shade of red and rolled her eyes. "Yes I do and it is not Maxwell."
"Well then would is it, Miss Babcock?" Fran asked as Niles and everyone else waited for an answer.
"None of any of your business." CC said as she exited the room with Maxwell following her close behind.
Maxwell turned before he was out of the kitchen. "Phillip, I’ll be in the office, when you are finishing gossiping with big and little yenta, about CC’s love life."
"Maxwell, that was not very nice." Fran said as her husband walked away laughing. "So, what other British men does Miss Babcock know?"
"Niles." Phillip answered.
"I have no idea." Niles answered.
"No, I mean you. CC knows you and you are British."
"Now that’s funny. Miss Babcock and Niles hate each other." Fran said.
"Well then I guess it can’t be you, old man. I better go and see Maxwell. I’ll see you later for dinner."
"Dinner will be at six and don’t give Miss Babcock to hard of a time. She is old, you know." Niles said.
"And beautiful, if you haven’t noticed." Phillip said as he exited the kitchen.
"He is a nice guy. How is he related to Maxwell?" Fran asked Niles.
"His father was Elizabeth Sheffield’s brother." Niles answered while he sat at the kitchen table with Fran.
"I’ve never heard Maxwell speak of an uncle. What was his uncle’s name?"
"Marcus Powell and I believe he died when Phillip was only a small baby. From what I remember hearing, he was in some sort of an accident."
"The three of you seem to have been close, when you were younger."
"Not really close but we did spend a couple of summers together. Being that both my mother and father worked for the senior Mr. Sheffield and I was always around, the three of us were like the three musketeers, for those few summers."
"Who is the oldest?" Fran asked.
"Phillip is older then me by about four months and of course you know, Mr. Sheffield is two years my junior." Niles answered.
"Why haven’t I ever heard Maxwell talk about Phillip or his uncle?"
"I’m not sure for what reason but Marcus Powell was outcast by his family in the last couple months of his life. Phillip’s mother never came around after her husband’s death and he was never spoke of by anyone. Not even Phillip spoke about his father." Niles said as he thought about the years spend as a child within the Sheffield household. "My mother told me once that Phillip’s father was a trouble maker and he was a great woman’s man also. Very handsome, was how I think she described him."
"What did he look like?" Fran asked intrigued by this mysterious Uncle of Maxwell’s.
"I do not ever remember seeing a picture of the chap but he must have been a looker from what I overheard as a child." Niles answered Fran as he rose to pour himself another cup of tea.
"You were even a snoop back then." Fran teased. "Does Phillip have brothers or sisters?"
"No, it’s just Phillip. I believe, Maxwell’s uncle died at the young age of twenty-two."
"Wow, I wonder what happened and why no one has seen pictures of this man. Maxwell better get ready for all the questions I have." Fran said as she stood and walked to the door. "I think I’m going to call ma and tell her about all of this. She always enjoys a good story."
"And I am the snoop, you say." Niles laughed at his friend as she exited the kitchen and headed up the stairs to her and Maxwell‘s bedroom.
"What are you laughing at, bell boy." CC asked as she entered the kitchen.
"You’re back again? Shouldn’t you be working?" Niles asked CC
"Maxwell and Phillip needed a minute to discuss something about Phillip’s dad. Something about some pictures Phillip brought with him."
Niles was standing at the stove cooking. "What pictures?"
"I don’t know." CC answered very uninterested in the subject at hand.
"You were in there, why didn’t you look to see what the pictures were?"
"Because Inspector Clouseau, it isn’t any of my business what the pictures were. If they would of wanted me to know they would of showed me, not asked me to leave them alone."
Niles was very curious what kind of pictures Phillip had brought for Maxwell to see but just like CC, he figured it was none of his business. Fran would find out and tell him later anyway.
"Phillip, I think we should just keep this quiet until I speak to my mother or someone else who can answer some of our questions. Like I said earlier, maybe it is coincidental there is such a remarkable resemblance."
"Whatever you think is best but I do want to find out the truth. If by any chance I have a brother, I think it is only fair both of us knows the truth."
"Yes, I agree but we do not only have you to think about. There are many lives this could affect, yours being only one of them."
"I have thought about all of that and I have tried to piece together a time line but until I have more information, I can’t. I figured you would be able to get more answers then me, so that is why I am here."
"Are you sure you want to open this Pandora’s box? If he is your brother, remember this could destroy his mother and we both know what a special lady she is."
Phillip stood and ran his hand through his hair. "I know Maxwell but don’t you think it is time for the truth to be told, if it is true. It has been almost forty-nine years since my father was killed and everyone has kept this a secret." Phillip walked to Maxwell’s desk and pointed to the pictures that were laying there. "Look at him, Maxwell. I don’t even look that much like this man and he is suppose to be my father."
"Now stop it, Phillip. You know he is your father. The one thing you inherited was the Powell birth mark but ……….."
"But what, Maxwell? Now you remember don’t you. He has the almost identical birthmark. How many times as small boys did we laugh about that?"
"It is not exactly the same. Close but not exactly." Maxwell did his best to be rational.
"You are grasping at straws. Are you willing to help me or not? I could always go to him and show him the pictures without making sure first."
"Okay, okay, I’ll make a few calls. Give me a day or two and then we will talk again about it but until then I’ll hang onto the pictures and neither one of us will speak of this again. Deal?"
Phillip did not answer immediately but then decided Maxwell was his best shot at finding out the whole truth. "Deal." Phillip said.
"Very well then. I will make a few calls and maybe even a trip to England and hopefully solve this mystery." Maxwell said as he continued to study the pictures.
"Sounds good to me. I’m glad I agreed to stay and have dinner. I want to work on CC going out with me. Do you know who this chap is that she is sweet on?"
Maxwell laughed. "I have no idea but one mystery at a time is all I can handle."
That night at dinner Phillip continued to try and get CC to go out with him and she continued to refuse. After asking about four times he finally gave up. Gracie and Brighton were very interested in the stories Phillip told about their father and Niles as young boys.
"So Mr. Powell, did you spend every summer with my dad?" Brighton asked.
"No, I did not go to your father’s home for the first time until I was about ten years old. My mother was very protective of me as a child and I did not even know my father’s side of my family until that summer. I was only allowed to spend a total of three summers with your father at his home."
"Was my dad well behaved when he was a boy?" Gracie asked.
"Gracie, I was very well behaved. Maybe a little mischief but definitely not bad." Maxwell defended himself.
"I bet Niles was bad." Brighton said.
"Niles is still bad and he is as far from a young boy as anyone can get." CC commented as Niles came into the room.
"CC, I’m actually a few months older then Niles so be careful about insulting Niles about his age. When is your birthday, Niles?"
"I’ll be forty-nine November 26."
"Then I’m four months older then you. My birthday is July 27th and I just turned forty-nine."
"How old are you dad?" Brighton asked.
"Brighton, you know my age, don’t you?"
"No."
"Your father just turned forty-seven last month, Master Brighton. Don’t you remember the party we had for him?" Niles asked as he refilled everyone’s glasses.
"Oh yeah. The candles set off the fire alarm." Brighton teased his dad.
"They did not." Maxwell said as everyone laughed.
"Niles, how is your mother and father?" Phillip asked.
"Oh, they are doing well. Getting old, just like everyone else." Niles answered.
"Come now Niles, your mother and father are not that old, are they?" Phillip asked.
"My mother will be sixty-six next month and still thinks she is in her forties and my father turned seventy-seven last month."
"Is your mother still as beautiful as she was when we were teenagers?" Phillip asked Niles.
"Of course she has aged but very gracefully, if I do say so myself." Niles answered.
"Niles, your mother must have been a very pretty lady." Fran said.
"She still is, Mrs. Sheffield. She was barely seventeen when I was born so she was often mistaken for my sister because she looked so young." Niles explained.
"Niles, your father is a good bit older then your mother, isn‘t he?" Phillip asked
"Let me see." Niles said as he mentally figured the difference. "My dad is eleven years older then my mother."
"Wow, she is a good bit younger then your dad. Almost as close to the difference between Maxwell and I." Fran said.
"Oh please. You are not that much younger then Maxwell because they just said how old Maxwell is and I know how old you are. Do I have to tell you the difference out loud?" CC asked Fran.
"No, Miss Babcock. I don’t believe that will be necessary." Fran said as she glared at CC.
"It is alright, Mrs. Sheffield, we all know CC is only jealous because she is closer to Mr. Sheffield’s age then you." Niles said.
"For your information Niles, I am ten years younger then you are and I believe Fran is……….."
"No need to say how much younger I am, Miss Babcock. I don’t wanted you to be embarrassed." Fran said as CC rolled her eyes. CC knew she was younger then Fran by a year but did not feel like arguing the point.
"Niles, your parents worked for Maxwell’s grand-father, isn’t that correct?" Fran asked.
"Well, my father’s family worked for the Sheffields since my great-great-grand-father was a butler but my mother only started working for Mr. Sheffield’s grand-father when she was sixteen. That is how she met my father." Niles explained.
"Oh, I thought your mother’s family was also employed by Maxwell’s family for years back." Phillip said.
"No, my mother’s family was not from London they were from Salisbury. My grand-mother died giving birth to my mother and her father died when she was sixteen, from influenza. She moved to London to stay with relatives and became employed by Mr. Sheffield’s grand-father as a cook at that time."
"Your father must have been a fast worker, they were married and had a child on the way within record time." Fran said.
"They have never confirmed or denied it but I believe my mother was expecting me prior to her marriage to my father. Neither of them likes to have the subject brought up. When my brother Michel found himself in a similar situation with his current wife, my parents were very understanding of the situation." Niles said.
"Okay, let’s watch what we discuss in front of the children." Maxwell said.
"Dad, I’m fourteen and Brighton is seventeen. What children are you talking about? I don’t think the twins can hear yet." Gracie said to everyone’s amusement.
"Gracie, for your information, you are still a child." Maxwell said.
"Maxwell, I think Gretel is right, she is no longer a child." CC said.
"Thank you Miss Babcock." Gracie said use to CC getting her name wrong.
"I guess we better find a different subject for dinner time discussion. I’m sorry Maxwell, I did not mean to offend you." Phillip said.
"That is perfectly fine, Phillip. How about we talk about the newest play CC and I are getting ready to produce." Maxwell said as groans could be heard around the table.
That night Maxwell laid in bed thinking about the pictures of his uncle in his desk draw down in his office. When he first saw the pictures, he was shocked at the resemblance. How was he going to approach his mother about her brother having an affair and getting another woman pregnant while his own wife was carrying his child. His mother did not like talking about her only brother and how he had died.
"Maxwell, is something wrong?" Fran asked her husband as he tossed and turned.
"I’m sorry darling. I’m I keeping you awake?"
"No, I wasn’t sleeping anyway. The twins are hungry. Want to go downstairs with me for ice cream?"
"Might as well, I’m not going to sleep any time soon anyways." Maxwell said as he and Fran got out of bed and put on their robes.
After dishing up two bowls of ice cream, Maxwell and Fran sat at the kitchen table eating their ice cream.
"What’s bothering you, Maxwell. I can tell something is on your mind."
"Oh, it’s nothing for you to be concerned about. We don’t want to upset the babies."
"Don’t try to change the subject. The babies are fine. Now what is wrong?"
"Fran I wish I could tell you but I just can’t." Maxwell tried to explain.
"It has something to do with your cousin showing up. Is there something wrong with someone in your family?"
"No, not exactly." Maxwell said as he finished his ice cream. "If I confide in you, you have to promise to keep it a secret. Okay?"
"Oooo, a secret. I love secrets."
"Frannnnnn, this is exactly why I am not telling you. You can’t keep anything to yourself. You’ll be on the phone with your mother in a matter of minutes, if I told you."
"Pleassse, I promise not to utter a word to anyone." Fran whined.
Maxwell looked at his wife unsure if he could trust her with any of the information he had learned today. He decided that maybe he could tell her some of the details without revealing any names.
"Okay but you must remember to never mention any of this to anyone and I mean anyone, including your mother."
"Okay all ready, I promise." Fran said as she filled her mouth with ice cream waiting for Maxwell to let her in on this deep dark secret.
"You were right when you guessed my uneasiness was due to my cousin’s visit. It seems that after Phillip’s mother passed away and he was able to go through her personal belongings, he discovered some information about my Uncle that is a little disturbing."
Fran was on the edge of her seat. This was the most exciting thing to happen in a long time. "What?"
"Well, when he was going through his mother’s items, he came across a box of pictures which contained photos of his father, my uncle. Even as a young lad, I never remember seeing many photos of my uncle. My mother did have a few from when they were young children but none from the time before his death. I never questioned it because he was never spoke of by anyone." Maxwell explained as he played with the spoon and empty bowl in front of him.
"Don’t stop now. What is in the pictures?" Fran asked intrigued more and more by the minute.
"It was only pictures of him, my uncle. Nothing else." Maxwell answered her.
"Then what’s the big deal?" Fran asked upset that it turned out to be something so simple.
"The big deal is who he resembles in the pictures." Maxwell said.
He had Fran’s attention again. "Who?"
Maxwell sighed deeply, wondering if he should continue and how much information he should disclose. "There was an uncanny resemblance to someone I know. Someone very dear and near to me."
"Ohhhh, juicy. Do I know this person?" Fran asked still eating her ice cream.
Maxwell pushed his chair back and stood. He began pacing in the kitchen area worried about the impact revealing this possible secret would cause to many people he loved dearly. He wished he could of talked Phillip into just letting sleeping dogs lie but he knew he would never be able to convince him to let this remain a buried secret. Phillip had no other brothers and sisters and both his parents were deceased now. In a way, he was all alone.
"Maxwell, what is wrong with you? It can’t be that bad. Your uncle had an affair and had an illegitimate child. So what. It happens every day." Fran said as she watched her husband pace back and forth. "Sit down and talk to me. Maybe it’s not as bad as it all seems."
Maxwell knew that once Fran saw the pictures she would understand why he was so concerned about the situation. "Come with me. I want to show you something."
Fran stood and followed her husband to his office. Once they were there, Maxwell flipped on the light switch and walked towards his desk with Fran following him close behind. Maxwell pulled open the desk drawer and took the photos that were laying in the back of the drawer out.
"Sit." Maxwell instructed Fran who followed his orders.
Maxwell waited until Fran was sitting on the couch in the office and then he walked over and sat next to her. "Fran, if I show you these photos, you will have to keep this a secret until I decide how to handle it. I don’t want anyone getting unnecessarily hurt."
Fran only shook her head in reply as Maxwell handed her the pictures to exam. When she realized she was looking at pictures of Maxwell’s dead uncle and not someone else she knew the magnitude of the problem hit her.
"But how is it possible? His mother and father……………….." Fran asked bewildered by what she was seeing.
"I don’t know. I have tried to make sense of the whole matter and do not have any one answer. I don’t know who to approach without someone getting hurt." Maxwell explained.
Fran looked up from the pictures and handed them back to Maxwell. "Do you think he has any idea?"
"No. I don’t see how. There was never any mention of anything of this nature that I remember and I know he would of said something to me. We are to close for him to keep such a secret." Maxwell answered.
"What does Phillip want to do?" Fran asked.
"He wants answers. He thinks we should just go over, show him the pictures, and start asking questions but how can we do that and not destroy someone’s life. Back in the day that this happened, it was a terrible shame. People did not reveal such things. They hide them from everyone, just as this was done but I don’t think anyone was suppose to discover the truth in this case."
"What are you going to do?" Fran asked concerned.
"Well, I have thought about Phillip and I traveling to England to speak with my mother. She should have some answers and I suspect she knows the whole truth but whether or not she is willing to give it to us is a different matter. My mother was never very open with hidden secrets." Maxwell answered Fran.
"I guess you can do nothing but try but why your mother? I know you and her were never very close."
"No we have never had a close relationship but she is the only one I can think of to ask that will not be hurt to very badly by us revealing we know about this." Maxwell said as he waved the pictures in the air.
"Have you told Phillip of your plan?" Fran asked as Maxwell locked the pictures back in the desk drawer and they exited the office to return to bed.
"No, I thought I would call him tomorrow and discuss it with him." Maxwell said as the climbed back into bed.
"Don’t worry, darling. Every thing will work out fine."
"I hope so, sweetheart." Maxwell answered as he turned out the bedside lamp.
The following morning Maxwell arose earlier then usual so he could make a few calls. The first being to his mother. As the phone was ringing and Maxwell was waiting for one of the servants to answer, he thought about the situation again and what it really meant.
"Hello, Sheffield residence." Maxwell heard one of the servants greeting when they answered the phone.
"Yes, this is Maxwell Sheffield, I need to speak with my mother, please."
"If you could hold for a minute, sir, I’ll get her for you."
Maxwell held the phone while the servant retrieve his mother for him to speak with. After several moments Elizabeth Sheffield came to the phone and asked worriedly. "Hello, Maxwell. Is everything all right?" .
"Yes mother. Everything is fine. I was just wondering if you would be home for the next couple of days or so. I have some urgent business I need to discuss with you and was going to travel to England possibly as early as tomorrow if I can arrange it." Maxwell explained to his mother without any sentiments exchanged between the two.
"Oh, this must be a pressing matter, if you are going to travel to England on the spur of the moment."
"Yes, it is a very important matter. Will you be home?"
"Yes, I have no plans at this time. What is all of this about?" Elizabeth Sheffield asked worried something was wrong. She knew her and Maxwell had never had a good relationship and wondered if she had done something to upset her oldest son.
"I’ll reveal my reasons for coming when I get there. There is one other person I need to speak with before departing. I’ll let you know of my exact date and time of arrival. Good speaking with you mother. Bye, bye."
"Bye, son. Let me know of your plans."
"I will." Maxwell added before hanging up the phone.
That morning for breakfast Maxwell and Fran were quieter then usual. Niles wondered if the two had had a fight. He had heard them get up in the middle of the night and he had found the bowls and spoons from their midnight snack but he had not heard any arguing.
As everyone ate their breakfast and the conversation stayed to a minimum, Niles heard the doorbell rang. He was ready for anything CC Babcock threw his way this morning. Niles loved the banter the two enjoyed so much. He had secretly been having a thing for the statuesque blonde for sometime now and suspected she was somewhat interested in him also. Their teasing had become a little more flirtatious in the pass couple of months. He wished he had the nerve to take their flirtatious behavior a step further but he was still unsure on whether he should or not.
"Hello, hello." Niles heard the socialite give her signature greeting as she entered the living room.
"Good morning Cruella." Niles answered her as she breezed by him, only to stop in her tracks at his remark.
"Can’t I come to work at least one morning and have you treat me decently?" CC asked the butler as he faced her.
"What are you talking about? I always treat you decent." Niles defended himself.
CC rolled her eyes at him. "Then why did you call me that name?"
"Oh, I thought that was what the first C of your name stood for but De Ville does start with a D, doesn’t it? Sorry." Niles teased as he walked by CC on his way to the dining room.
"You are so infuriating." CC said as she followed Niles.
"Good morning, CC." Maxwell greeted her as she entered the dining room behind Niles.
"Good morning Miss Babcock." Fran said.
"Hello, hello, everyone." CC said as she sat at her usual place at the table.
The children grunted their greetings to CC.
"CC, I will have to be going to England within the next day or so on a personal matter, so if we have any meetings or other engagements will you please reschedule them." Maxwell explained to his business partner.
Everyone but Fran was surprised to hear of Maxwell’s unexpected trip to England.
"I don’t think we have anything scheduled until late next week. I hope it is nothing serious?" CC asked.
"No, just something that came up unexpectedly that needs my immediate attention. I should only be gone a couple of days, three at the most, if everything works out as planned." Maxwell said.
The children were not to concerned about their father traveling abroad. He was always having to travel in his line of business and the mention of his reason for going to England being personal, was of no interest to them, so they did not have questions concerning the matter. Niles, on the other hand, wondered what could of possibly came up to make his boss drop everything on the spur of the moment and leave for England. Niles could see that Fran must know what Mr. Sheffield’s reason for going to England was because she did not have a zillion question for him. He planned on cornering her later to get any details.
"You know Maxwell, you should set up a meeting with that fellow you have been wanting to speak with about doing a play in London, while you are there. Unless you will be limited on time." CC said as she put syrup on her waffles Niles had brought for her.
"Maybe. I’m not sure how much time I will have while I am there but it may be a possibility." Maxwell answered.
"Well, it’s something to think about. You might not have another opportunity to speak with this man person to person, for a while." CC said.
"I’ll see if it can be arranged but if not, we will just have to wait for the next opportunity to come along." Maxwell replied.
"Sir, if you don’t mind, I have a few items I would like to have you bring to my mom and dad, if you could possibly spare the time?" Niles asked.
"Sure, old man. Just have them ready by tomorrow, in case I leave then." Maxwell answered Niles.
"I would not want you to go out of your way. It is only a few gifts and photos I have not had the chance to mail." Niles said feeling guilty for asking. "I could always just drop them in the mail."
"It’s fine, Niles. I would love to get the chance to visit with your mother and father. It has been a while since I have seen them."
"Very well, I will have them packed and ready by tomorrow."
Everyone finished their breakfast and Maxwell and CC retired to the office to work. Maxwell decided he needed to call Phillip and see if he was willing to travel to England with him so they could speak with Maxwell’s mother.
CC watched as Maxwell looked for a something then picked up the phone and dialed it. Maxwell usually had her make all of his phone calls, so she knew it must be a personal call.
"Phillip, it’s Maxwell." CC heard Maxwell greet his cousin.
"No, I didn’t but I have decided our best avenue would be to go to England and confront my mother." Maxwell explained watching what he said in front of CC.
CC listened to the conversation from her end, wondering what it all meant.
"I was thinking tomorrow. Do you think you could make it?" Maxwell asked then waited for a reply. "I understand. Well, I will call you when I return with any information I am able to retrieve." CC waited as Maxwell paused. "No, I do believe it is best I speak with my mother before we do that. Please be patient. We will find out the truth, I promise."
CC watched as Maxwell hung up the phone and sat back in his chair. The look on his face revealed that this personal matter had Maxwell very uneasy.
"Is everything alright, Maxwell?" CC asked, concerned by the look on Maxwell’s face.
Maxwell had been deep in thought and CC’s question brought him back to reality. "Yes, I was just thinking about my trip to England and what I will have to face once I am there."
"Is there anything I can do to help?" CC asked.
"No, but I do appreciate the offer." Maxwell said smiling at his friend and business partner.
"I consider you a dear friend, Maxwell and I can tell something has you worried. I just hope if there is something I can do you will feel free to come to me." CC explained.
"Thank you, CC."
"Your welcome."
As the morning went on Maxwell and CC worked without discussing Maxwell’s upcoming trip. Maxwell arranged his flight plans for departure from JFK at 7:00am the next morning and to arrive in London seven hours later, which would make it 7:00pm London time due to the time change.
Maxwell then decided to call the gentleman him and CC had spoke of at breakfast and see if it would be possible to set up a meeting while he was in England. The gentleman was able to meet with Maxwell the day after his arrival in England.
"You know, Maxwell, if you need I could go with you to England and meet with Mr. Hollingsworth and that way you would not be taking any time away from the matter you are going to deal with." CC offered.
Maxwell thought about CC’s offered and decided it sounded like a good idea. He was not worried about CC’s motive for suggesting she go along because CC had been after him for a while now to see about them producing a play abroad. He knew the idea was a good one but the time and opportunity for further investigating the deal had never presented itself until now. They may as well kill two birds with one stone by mixing business with a personal matter on this trip.
"I think I will take you up on your offer. Let me call the airline to see if there is another seat available for you to fly with me. I hope there is, changing all the plans now would be an extra stress added on."
Maxwell called the airline while CC set up lodging at a hotel in London for her to stay while there. She felt uncomfortable staying with Maxwell at his mothers. She knew he was going to England to take care of something personal that concerned his family and she did not feel she needed to be underfoot.
"Everything is set. Be here by six in the morning and I’ll have Niles drive us to the airport." Maxwell said as he hung up the phone.
"Six, do you know what time I’ll have to get up to get here for 6am?" CC whined.
"Why don’t you go home, get your things packed and come back here to spend the night. That way you will save at least an hour of time." Maxwell said as Fran entered the office.
"What’s up?" Fran asked, only catching the last part of the conversation.
"CC will be coming with me to England, so she can meet with the gentleman about the play we have been wanting to produce abroad." Maxwell explained.
"I thought Phillip was going to go with you?" Fran asked, wondering if this was a good idea and why she had not been asked to travel with her husband instead of CC.
"No, he did not feel it would be a good idea and decided to let me handle my mother alone." Maxwell said.
CC was still confused as to why Maxwell was making this trip to England and how it involved Phillip Powell but she was not one to pry in Maxwell’s personal business, so she sat back and listened, hoping to get enough information to piece together this puzzle.
"How come you didn’t ask me to go?" Fran whined, feeling very insecure.
"Oh, darling. Come here." Maxwell reached out to his wife who sat in his lap. "I did not think it would be wise for you to be traveling in your condition and CC is only coming for business reasons."
Fran had laid her head on Maxwell’s shoulder as he explained his reason for not asking her to go with him. "I hope you understand?" Maxwell asked her.
"Yeah, I guess." Fran whined.
They all looked up when they heard a knock at the door, seeing it was Niles.
"Sir, do you need me to pack your things for your trip?" Niles asked his boss.
"Yes, we will be leaving in the morning by six." Maxwell answered.
"We?" Niles asked curious who was going along with Maxwell.
"CC will be coming along with me, so get the guess room ready. She will stay the night here so we can leave tomorrow bright and early. I am expecting you to drive us to the airport." Maxwell explained.
"Very well, sir." Niles answered. Having CC stay the night could prove to be interesting for the both of them.
"Niles, don’t do anything to sabotage my room. I know where your room is if you do." CC said never looking up from her work.
Niles smiled as he watched CC sitting on the couch. "Do you now and why do you know which room is mine?"
CC looked up at the butler with a devious grin on her face. "What does it matter? Just know that I know where you sleep and will use that information if I need too."
"And how is this suppose to scare me?" Niles asked as he smiled back at CC.
"Mess with my room and you’ll find out." CC threatened.
Niles smiled at the debutante, wondering if he should do something to her room to see if she came to his searching for him. It was one way of getting her into his bedroom. He was going to have to think about what he could do to lure CC to come and seek her revenge on him.
Niles exited the office on his mission of preparing CC’s room for the night. Fran was feeling more secure about why Maxwell had not asked her to go to England and decided she was hungry, so she went in search of food. CC finished up the task she had been working on and then left to go home and pack. After Maxwell was alone he removed the pictures that had remained locked up in his desk drawer for safe keeping. He examined them again, still amazed at the resemblance he saw there. After several minutes of looking at the pictures he headed upstairs with them in his hand, so he could place them in his bags, so he would not forget them. They were the only evidence he had to confront his mother with. He knew she would be a tough nut to crack.
When he arrived in his room he saw his bags neatly packed laying on his bed. Niles was always efficient with every task he was assigned. In the twenty odd so years he had been Maxwell’s butler, Niles had never let his boss down. Maxwell though back to all the times him and Niles had spent together as children into adulthood. The two were always together and Maxwell loved Niles like a brother.
"Honey, are you okay?" Fran asked as she walked into the room to find her husband sitting on the bed deep in thought with the pictures in his hands.
"I’m fine, darling. I just have a great deal on my mind."
"It’ll all work out. You’ll see." Fran said as she sat next to her husband.
"Dear god, I hope so." Maxwell said as he held Fran in his arms.
CC had returned to the mansion in time for dinner. Niles had politely carried her bags upstairs to her room. CC was a little suspicious of his kind behavior but decided she would just have to wait and see what he had in store for her.
Niles had prepared a simple but delicious meal for all to enjoy. Once everyone had eaten, Niles went through his usual routine of clearing the table and cleaning the kitchen. CC decided she was not yet ready to retire and would rather stay downstairs and irritate Niles. As she walked into the kitchen carrying several plates and glasses, Niles was shocked.
"Babcock, what are you up too?" Niles asked CC.
"I just thought I would give you a hand but I’ll go if you don’t want me here." CC said as she set the dirty dishes on the countertop.
"No, I was just shocked by seeing you doing something domestic." Niles teased, hoping CC would stay and keep him company.
"Ha, ha. I’m capable of doing other things besides being Maxwell‘s assistant." CC said.
"Which is working the corner of 2nd and 3rd." Niles teased.
CC rolled her eyes at him as she pulled a chair out to sit at the kitchen table.
"I thought you were going to help me?" Niles asked.
"You shouldn’t have insulted me." CC answered.
Niles smiled at CC. "Oh, well it was nice while it lasted."
Niles finished loading the dishwasher while CC sat and watched him. After he was finished he sat at the table next to CC.
"So, you are going with Mr. Sheffield tomorrow on a business matter?" Niles asked trying to keep CC there with him.
"Yes, I am going to meet with a Mr. Hollingsworth about possibly producing a play in London. Maxwell and I have discussed it for a while now and this is the first opportunity for us to get an idea of the cost of a possible production."
"Do you have any idea why Mr. Sheffield is flying off to England on such short notice?" Niles asked CC.
"No, not really. All I know is it has something to do with Phillip Powell and Maxwell’s mother but nothing else. I am surprised you don’t know. You usually know everything that goes on around here."
Niles laughed. "Well, this time I am out of the loop. How about some coffee or tea?" Niles asked not wanting CC to leave just yet.
"No thank you. I have a long day tomorrow. I better get some sleep. I’ll see you in the morning, bell boy. Good night." CC said as she rose to head upstairs.
"Good night, Miss Babcock." Niles answered CC as he watched her head up the stairs and thought how beautiful she was.
CC showered and dressed for bed. The whole time she was doing these things her thoughts were of Niles. For a while now, the butler had become increasingly more attractive to her. She found herself seeking him out so she could spend time with him. She did not understand her attraction to this man but she enjoyed every minute she spent with him. After finishing her nightly ritual of applying lotion to her body and facial cream to her face, she pulled back the bed covers only to find a huge, fake spider laying in the middle of the bed.
As she picked it up, she laughed. "Niles is getting old. He has done way better then this." She then remembered her threat to take her revenge on Niles if he sabotaged her room. Throwing the spider up in the air and catching it in her hand, she turned and headed for the butler’s room dressed only in her skimpy night gown.
Niles wondered if CC had found the surprise he had left for her. He knew it would not scare her. They had advanced way beyond fake spiders a long time ago but he had to rise to the challenge to see if she would do as she said and come to his room for her revenge. The spider was nothing but bait in a trap.
As he laid in his bed in the dark, he prayed she would do as she said and come to his room. He did not know what would happen once she was there but he was willing to take the chance of CC being angry at him just to play a joke on her. After a while sleep began to over take him and he drifted into a slumber.
CC quietly opened the door to Niles’ room, not wanting to wake him if he was sleeping. If she was going to make an attack, it would be a surprise one. Once she was in the room and her eyes adjusted to the lack of light, she slowly shut the door. CC crept closer to Niles’ bed and she could see the even rise and fall of his unclothe chest, which indicated he was sleeping. After lingering for a minute or two to take in the sight of a partial clothe Niles, she got ready to make her attack. When she was a couple of steps from the foot of Niles’ bed, she took a flying leap into the unoccupied side of the bed, landing with a bounce.
The jar of CC landing on his bed scared the hell out of Niles. He sprung up and out of the bed as he turned on the lamp at his bedside. Niles watched as CC rolled onto her back, laughing out loud at him. His respirations were elevated and his heart was beating so hard he thought it would fly out of his chest. Niles could have rang the trollop’s scrawny neck.
"What the hell do you think you are doing? Are you trying to give me another heart attack?" Niles asked as he held the front of his chest and tried to catch his breath.
CC had never thought about Niles’ heart condition when she had decided on her method of revenge. When she saw Niles clutching the front of his chest it scared her. Not knowing if he was having chest pains or joking, CC hurriedly crawled to the opposite side of the bed on her knees. "Oh Niles, I’m sorry. Are you okay? Do you want me to get Maxwell or call an ambulance?" CC asked very worried and concerned about Niles.
Niles could see CC was afraid he was having a heart attack and she was genuinely concerned about him. He sat down on the bed next to where she was kneeling. "No, I’m fine but you scared the hell out of me. I guess this was your revenge?" Niles said after his heart finally slowed to a normal rhythm.
When CC realized Niles was okay she sat down in the middle of the bed. "I warned you not to sabotage my room, so what is this?" CC asked as she laid the fake spider in Niles’ lap.
Niles picked up the spider and laughed. "Woman, this is not worth you killing me over." Niles said as he picked up a pillow and hit her with it, causing her to fall over.
"Ohhhh, you are going to get it now." CC said as she recovered from the hit Niles had given her with the pillow and picked up her own pillow for a counter attack.
Niles was ready for the swing CC took with the pillow and was able to block it with his arm. While CC was off balance from swinging her pillow, Niles pounced on her, pinning her to the bed, as they both dissolved into laughter.
As Niles laid on top of CC and held both her arms over her head, they both became very aware of how scantily dressed they both were. Niles was only wearing pajama bottoms and CC only had on a skimpy night gown. Their laughter slowly died and they laid there with Niles still on top of CC with her arms pinned over her head. Niles didn‘t know what he was doing but he slowly moved closer to CC with all intentions of kissing her.
CC saw when Niles decided to kiss her, he began to move his face closer to hers and the color of his eyes became a deep, stormy blue. Deep down she knew she should stop him but she really wanted him to kiss her. As he got closer she anticipated the feel of his lips on hers. The kiss was gentle at first but then began very passionate.
CC’s hands explored the contour of Nile’s muscular back and chest, while Niles kissed down the side of CC’s neck. Niles’ hands were doing their own share of exploring as he continued his seduction of the woman laying in his bed.
CC could feel Niles’ arousal as is pressed into her abdomen. Niles was reluctant as to how far he should go due to him not knowing what CC wanted or expected from him. When he thought he was getting to a point of no return, he stopped to look at her. "Miss Babcock, are you sure you will be alright with this in the morning?"
CC was touched that Niles was being such a gentleman. She was not use to being with someone who considered her before themselves. Most of the men she had dated were very self centered people. "Niles don’t you think under the circumstances that you should start calling me CC."
Niles smiled at CC as he gently moved a lock of hair out of her face. "I guess it would be more appropriate."
"Yes it would be and yes I am sure I will have no regrets in the morning." CC answered as she moved to kiss Niles.
Niles and CC spent the next couple of hours making love, then they drifted off to sleep while Niles held CC in his arms. At 4:30am Niles alarm clock buzzed. Niles quickly turned it off, hoping it had not wakened CC. As she laid in his arms, Niles watched CC sleep. He thought about what had happened last night and how wonderful the whole event had been. He had intended to tell CC that he loved her but never built up enough courage. He was afraid she had come to his room last night to pull her prank and that what had happened was something she had never planned on happening. He on the other hand, had dreamed of last nights events for quiet a while now.
Slowly CC’s mind began to register that she was in an unfamiliar place. She could feel the arms of a man around her, holding her close, then she remembered it was Niles. A smile came to her face as the memories of their loving making came to mind. It had been the most wonderful experience to have Niles make sweet, passionate love to her. He proved to be as efficient at being a greater lover as he was in every other aspect of his life. CC opened her eyes to find Niles watching her in the dark.
"Good morning. I hope my alarm clock didn’t wake you?" Niles asked as she kissed CC’s ear.
CC stretched and rolled onto her back so she could see Niles. "No, it didn’t wake me. What time is it?"
"4:30 am." Niles answered, glad to see that CC seemed to have no regrets about waking up in his bed with both of them unclothe.
"Why is your alarm set to go off so early?" CC asked as she turned on her side to face Niles so she could cuddle even closer to him.
Niles was having a hard time concentrating on what CC was saying because of the way she was kissing and caressing his chest.
"I had to be up early enough to fix breakfast for you and Mr. Sheffield and then be ready to drive the two of you to the airport but if you keep up what you are doing we will all be late." Niles said as he kissed CC.
"I really didn’t want to go to England anyways. Staying here with you sounds like so much more fun."
"Are you saying you enjoyed last night?" Niles asked CC hoping he would get the answer he wanted.
"Yes I did and what about you, no regrets about sleeping with a man?" CC asked teasing Niles by using the way he always referred to her as being of the opposite sex.
"You my dearest CC have proved to me that you are more of a woman then I have ever known and I enjoyed what we shared last night immensely and hope we will be able to continue once you return from England."
"Nileesss, you naughty boy, are you asking me to be your secret playmate." CC said as she gave that throaty laugh she is famous for.
"No, I was hoping we could be more then just bed partners." Niles leaned on one elbow so he could see CC’s face. "I was hoping you would consider having a relationship with me. I have known for quiet a while now that I am very fond of you and last night was a dream come true for me."
CC was touched to hear Niles’ confession and it caused her to see him in a whole new light. "Niles, I…………"
"CC, please give me a chance to prove to you I am more then just Mr. Sheffield’s butler. I know I have nothing financial to offer you but I promise to give you 100% of myself. I know it’s not much but………."
"Ssssh, hush butler boy. You think and talk to much. I was going to say I would love to try a relationship with you. Maybe once I return from England we can go out together and talk about it more. Okay?"
Niles pulled CC to him into a hug and kissed the top of her head. "Yes, that would be wonderful."
They shared a very passionate kiss that was threatening to lead to other things, so Niles reluctantly ended the kiss. "If I don’t get out of this bed this minute you and Mr. Sheffield will be traveling to England on an empty stomach."
"I don’t mind." CC giggled. "This is much more filling." she added as she grasped the area below Niles’ waist.
Niles seized her hand in his. "And I would love to fill you but Mr. Sheffield would probably have a problem with me filling his business partner while he waited downstairs for his breakfast."
"Okay, I can take a hint but you owe me when I get back from England." CC said as she released her hold on Niles and watched as he climbed out of bed. The sight of his naked body still amazed her. She would of never believed he was in such good shape. He was always wearing bulky sweaters and vest that covered up his great physique. "Niles, when we go on our date once I return you have to promise not to wear a sweater or vest."
Niles turned to look at CC curiously. "Alright but why would you make such a request?"
"Because, you are such a handsome, well built man and when you wear those bulky sweaters and vest it covers it all up. I want you to wear something that will let me spend the whole evening being able to admire all your muscles and great body."
Niles laughed at the beautiful woman laying naked on his bed. He thought how ironic it was that she was telling him what a wonderful body he had when her body was beautiful enough to make grown men drool with want and desire. "I promise. You can even pick out the outfit."
CC sat up in the bed excited. "Ohhh, I can go shopping while I’m away. I’ll find the perfect outfit for you."
Niles shook his head laughing as he went to take a shower and dress. "CC Babcock, you are a very remarkable woman and I fear you will have me eating out the palm of your hand before long."
"You can plan on it butler boy, you can plan on it." CC said as she laid back down smiling.
Niles fixed Maxwell and CC breakfast and while they ate he loaded their luggage into the limo. While Maxwell headed upstairs to wake Fran and tell her bye, Niles and CC had a few minutes along for their own good-byes.
CC found Niles in the kitchen. She walked over to him and placed her arms around his neck while Niles wrapped his around her waist. "Are you going to miss me?" she asked Niles.
"Oh I seriously doubt it." Niles teased her.
"Well, I guess we don’t need to worry about that date we have planned once I return if you don‘t think you are going to miss me." CC said as she tried to let go of Niles and walk away.
Niles pulled CC to him. "If you think I am going to let you slip through my fingers after waiting for almost twenty years, you are crazy. I’ll count the minutes until your return." Niles said before kissing CC.
The two quickly pulled apart when they heard Maxwell’s approaching footsteps. Niles and CC had decided to keep their relationship a secret for a while until the newness wore off. Niles wiped off any lipstick that he may of had on his mouth as Maxwell walked into the kitchen.
"CC, Niles, are you ready to depart?" Maxwell asked the couple.
"Yes sir." Niles answered as he handed Maxwell a manila envelope and two boxes. "Here are the items I asked you to deliver to my mom and dad if you are able."
"Oh yes. I had forgotten. If I don’t have the time I’ll get CC to bring them to your parents, if that is alright with you."
"Yes, that is fine. Just warn my parents before you send the lioness to their home." Niles teased CC and winked at her.
Maxwell gave the two a weak smile. He could sense there was something different between the two but could not put his finger on what it was. "Very well, let’s head out."
Once they were on the plane and heading to England, Maxwell and CC both drifted into their own thoughts. Maxwell of his soon to be adventure and CC of Niles, the man she was quickly falling in love with.
Maxwell heard CC give a deep sigh. "CC, is something wrong? You seem preoccupied."
CC turned to look at Maxwell and smiled. "No, nothing is wrong. I’m just thinking about a friend."
"Oh, a friend. Could this friend be a new beau?"
"Possibly." CC answered not giving any other details.
"He must be a special man. I don’t believe I have ever seen you act so………content. Is he the same man you were referring to when you were speaking to Phillip about being interested in a certain British gentleman?" Maxwell asked.
"Yes he is." CC proudly answered.
"And are you planning on see this British chap while you are in England?" Maxwell asked intrigued by who CC would be seeing from England.
CC blushed. She decided that maybe it would do no harm to lead Maxwell into believing she was using this trip as a chance for a rendezvous with a man. "I…………." CC hesitated because she did not like lying about meeting some mysterious man. Maxwell may just go back and say something to Niles and that was definitely the wrong way to start a relationship.
"I understand CC. You don’t have to say anything." Maxwell said taking CC’s hesitance as a sign of her being embarrassed about her intentions for coming on this trip. Maxwell patted CC’s knee as he told her this.
"No, it’s not what you think. I never………"
Maxwell cut CC of before she could finish. "CC, you owe me no explanation. As long as you meet with Mr. Hollingsworth as we planned and deliver Niles’ packages to his parents if I am to busy, you can do and see whoever you want while we are away."
CC started to try and explain to Maxwell that he was all wrong but when Maxwell closed his eyes she decided to leave it be. She had never said she was meeting anyone and if Maxwell was jumping to conclusions, she could not stop him.
The plane landed as scheduled and after Maxwell had the limo driver drop CC off at her hotel he headed to his mother’s home.
The butler let him in and said he would go to get Maxwell’s mother while Maxwell waited.
"Maxwell, how good to see you." Elizabeth Sheffield said as she entered the room walking toward her oldest son to embrace him.
"Mother, how are you?" Maxwell asked as he and his mother touched cheeks in a way of greeting each other.
"Like an old woman. Come sit and tell me about all this urgent business you traveled over three thousand miles for." Elizabeth Sheffield said as she sat on a Queen Ann chair while Maxwell took a seat on the matching sofa.
Maxwell took a deep breath before beginning. "I received a visit from Phillip Powell a couple of days ago. Why didn’t you let me know Aunt Jean had passed away?"
Elizabeth Sheffield felt dread and fear as it filled her soul. "She was never a part of your life and you knew very little of her, so I did not think it would be of any significance to you." Maxwell’s mother explained.
Maxwell accepted his mother’s explanation for not informing him of his aunt’s death. All the things she had stated he knew as the truth. "Well, Phillip came across some photos he thought I should see, while going through his mother’s personal items." Maxwell said as he removed the pictures from the pocket on the inside of his suit jacket. "They are pictures of Phillip’s father, your brother, and it seems they bear a striking resemblance to someone we both know. I thought you could possibly explain why this is so."
Elizabeth’s hand shook as she reached for the photos Maxwell held out to her. Slowly she examined the pictures and knew the day she had been expecting to come for almost fifty years had finally arrived. After looking at the pictures she laid them down on the coffee table in front of her, stood and walk over to gaze out of the window into the darkness.
Maxwell watched as his mother struggled with how to begin her story. He could see it was a painful memory for her but he wanted and needed to know the truth by now.
"Marcus was six years younger then me. He was always so mischief and getting into all sorts of trouble. No matter how my father and mother disciplined him he would always seem to never heed their threats of punishment as a warning. Everyone loved him. He was handsome, smart, and witty. His eyes were the deepest, brightest blue I had ever seen until………………" Elizabeth Sheffield pause, turned and looked at Maxwell then turned to face the window again.
"My father worried about Marcus greatly. As he grew older his interest involved having a good time and chasing the woman. Because he was very handsome all the woman wanted to be with him and he used this to his advantage. Father feared he would ended up in some sort of trouble. He did his best to get Marcus interested in following in his footsteps and taking over his business but Marcus would only laugh at him when he would speak of it. The finally straw was when Marcus and some of his friends had gone out one night and ended up in a mess of trouble. My father was able to clean up the mess without any charges or arrest being made. Finally father said he would no longer deal with such behavior and told Marcus he had found a woman for him to marry. Of course Marcus rebuked father and said he was not marrying anyone. Father explained that if Marcus refused to marry the suitable woman he had picked for Marcus he would disinherit him. Marcus agreed to marry your Aunt Jean after he understood our father‘s threats as being real this time."
"Don’t you think that was a little harsh of Grand-father Powell to do. I mean Uncle Marcus was only a lad and he was doing what every other lad of his age does at that point in his life, sowing his oats." Maxwell interrupted his mother.
Elizabeth Sheffield returned to the chair she had been sitting in before. "Maxwell, at the time it was unacceptable for a young man of your Uncle Marcus’ status to carouse all over the city, chasing one woman after another and getting into trouble. He was headed on a very destructive path and my father was only trying to solve the problem the best way he knew how."
"Still it seems harsh."
Elizabeth Sheffield ignored her son’s opinion on the matter and continued with her story. "Where was I? Oh yes, Marcus and Jean were married. Within a year Jean was pregnant with Phillip. Marcus never stopped his undisciplined behavior but at least he was more discrete about it. Your father and Marcus had become good friends since we were married. I guess they had similar interest." Elizabeth Sheffield said referring to the many affairs Maxwell’s father had had during his marriage to Maxwell’s mother.
"Marcus spent more time here at our home then his own. One day your Grand-father Sheffield hired a new cook. She was a young pretty thing. Very petite and shy. Marcus spotted her immediately. No one was aware the two had became involved in an affair until it was to late. Maria was only sixteen and Marcus had never explained to her he was married and that his wife was five months pregnant with his child. By the time anyone knew of the affair Maria was three months pregnant with Marcus’ child. Marcus confided in your father about the matter, who told me and it was I who decided my father needed to know about what was going on." Elizabeth Sheffield rose again and took her place in front of the window. Maxwell watched and listened as his mother hugged herself like she was cold and continued her story.
"My father was furious. He explained to Marcus that he would bring Maria somewhere to terminate the pregnancy and he was to never see her again. Marcus refused to do any such thing. He said he loved Maria and wanted to divorce Jean and marry her. Father was never going to let such a scandalous things happen. My father took it upon himself to come here and speak with Maria. When father explained to her that Marcus was married and had a wife who was due to give birth any day, Maria was devastated. She promised never to reveal that Marcus was the father of her child and that she would never see him again but due to her religious believes she could not terminate the pregnancy. My father accepted these terms and let the matter be. Within the next month Joseph and Maria were married."
"But how did Joseph Butler come into the picture?" Maxwell asked his mother.
"I don’t know. That would be a question you would have to ask them. No one ever guessed Maria was not pregnant with Joseph’s child. Everyone just assumed he had gotten her pregnant before they married. The only people who knew the truth were Marcus, Maria, Joseph, myself, your father and grandfather. When Marcus found out about Maria marrying Joseph he was crushed. He began drinking and staying away for days on end. Phillip was born within three weeks of Maria and Joseph’s marriage. Maria was five months pregnant by then. By the time Phillip was four months old Marcus was a mess. One night he came to the house drunker then I had ever seen him. He was hollering about seeing Maria and how he needed to speak with her. Thank god the servants were all in bed at the time except Joseph who had answered the door when Marcus began banging on it. Finally Joseph agreed to get Maria for Marcus to speak too. When Maria came to the room Marcus did his best to try and explain why he had lied to her but she did not want to hear any of his stories. Maria explained she was married to Joseph and loved him very much. After she had convinced Marcus she had never loved him her and Joseph left the room. Your father tried to get Marcus to stay here that night but he did not listen." Maxwell watched as his mother wiped at a tear that had form in her eye. He did not ever remember seeing his mother cry, she was a very cold and hard person.
"Marcus was found the next morning, sitting behind the wheel of his car on a road not far from here. He had one single gunshot wound to the head, self inflicted. Niles was born the day of Marcus’ funeral." Elizabeth said as she completed her story.
"So Niles and I are first cousins." Maxwell said as he let all the details sink in.
"Yes, Niles is your first cousin." Elizabeth confirmed.
Maxwell was confused and frustrated all at the same time. He stood and began running his hand through his hair and pacing. "But why all the secrecy? It has been almost fifty years for Christ sakes."
"Well, back when it all happened, the secret was kept to stop all the gossip and to protect Maria and Joseph. Maxwell, you have to understand, a young lady did not go off and get herself pregnant, by a married man no less, without being labeled a tramp and no good. Maria did not come from the best family but still she was not trash and my family did have a status to up hold."
"Still it all seems so uselessly tragic. If ever one would of minded their own business, maybe Uncle Marcus would be alive now." Maxwell said.
"And what would of come of Joseph? Him and Maria went on the have a very happy marriage and two additional children. Joseph has raised Niles as his own son, never making any difference between him and his and Maria’s other children."
"I know but…………The whole matter is to much to even think about."
"Maybe Phillip and you should consider the consequences of revealing this secret before you do. Maria and Joseph have never explained to anyone that Niles was not Joseph’s child. As far as I know, Niles believes Joseph is his biological father and so do Michel and Sophie."
Michel and Sophie were Niles’ brother and sister. Maxwell had played with both as a child and knew how close Niles’ family were. He would hate to see any of them get hurt by all of this.
"Yes, I agree but Phillip is the one who wishes to have this secret revealed. I tried to get him to leave it be but he would not hear of it. I have a few things to bring to Maria and Joseph tomorrow, maybe I’ll speak with them about the matter then. I think they should be informed of what is happening."
Elizabeth Sheffield agreed with her son and both retired for the evening, exhausted from the days events.
The following day Maxwell had lunch with his brother Nigel and his sister Joycelyn and her family. It had been since the wedding that he had seen both of them. Their visit was thoroughly enjoyed by all, including Elizabeth Sheffield. It was only on the rare occasion she had all her children together under the same roof and even if she was not close to them, she enjoyed their company.
Once everyone had finished their lunch and visited, Maxwell made his apologies about running off and headed to CC’s hotel so he could accompany her to the meeting with Mr. Hollingsworth. He had originally planned on letting CC handle the meeting and then deliver the packages for Niles to his parents but Maxwell felt he needed to speak with Maria and Joseph. CC would just have to go along with him to Niles’ parents home.
The meeting with Mr. Hollingsworth was a success and Maxwell and CC decided they would possibly make their next production one that was based in London.
"CC I hope you don’t mind coming with me to Niles’ parents home to deliver these packages. There is just not enough time to get you back to the hotel and get to Maria and Joseph’s before my expected arrival time."
"No, I would love to meet Niles’ parents. I never thought about him having a family. I guess I always saw him as an extension of your family." CC said.
"I guess he is but he does have his own family and as you will see they are lovely, warm hearted people." Maxwell said he pulled up in front of a quaint cottage. It was a two story dwelling with a thatched roof. "And here we are." Maxwell said as he opened the door to exit the car.
"This is a lovely little home." CC said as she climbed out of the passenger side of the car and gazed up at the house.
"It’s not that small. If I remember correctly, there are three bedrooms upstairs and one downstairs." Maxwell explained as they made their way up the cobble stone walkway.
"How did Niles’ parents ever afford such a place?" CC asked Maxwell as she looked the cottage over, which she could tell was quiet old.
"They didn’t. My grand-father gave it to Niles’ grand-father as a retirement gift for many years of service." Maxwell said as he used the brass door knocker.
The door opened and there was a tall elderly man standing on the other side the door when it opened. "Maxwell, my boy. Come in. We are so happy you are here." the man greeted Maxwell with a firm handshake and one armed hug.
"Joseph, it is so good to see you." Maxwell answered as he returned the gentleman’s hug. "You look great."
"Thank you and who is this beautiful young lass with you?" Joseph asked as Maxwell followed by CC entered the cottage.
"Joseph this is my business partner and friend Miss CC Babcock. CC this is Joseph Butler Niles’ father." Maxwell introduced CC to Joseph.
"Maxwell, is that you?" a petite, older woman asked as she came into the living room.
"Maria, look at you. Still as beautiful as you ever were." Maxwell said as he gave the woman a warm hug and she returned the hug.
CC guessed this lovely woman was Niles’ mother but the woman only looked to be about sixty years old.
"Oh, hush. I know it is not so." Maria bashfully said as she slapped playfully at Maxwell who still had one arm around her shoulder. "And who is this?" Niles’ mother asked extending her hand to CC.
"Hello, I’m CC Babcock, Maxwell’s business partner." CC explained as she politely shook the elderly lady’s hand.
"And close family friend." Maxwell added.
"Well, nice to met you, Miss Babcock and do come in and sit." Maria said as her and Joseph escorted Maxwell and CC into the living room to sit.
CC had been carrying the manila envelope and packages when they arrived at Maria and Joseph’s home. Joseph had politely taken the two small packages from her as greetings were exchanged. After everyone sat, with Maxwell and Maria on the couch and Joseph and CC in each a chair, Maria asked the nature of their visit.
"So, you have come to deliver these packages?" which were now sitting on the coffee table.
"That amongst other things." Maxwell answered not ready to discuss his other reason for visiting Maria and Joseph.
"What has my boy sent to us now?" Joseph asked as he gently shook one of the packages.
"I believe those are gifts for you and Maria and CC is holding an envelope which contains some pictures and a letter." Maxwell explained as CC handed the envelope to Maria, curious as to what pictures Niles was sending his family.
"Ahhh, Niles sends us pictures of all of you from time to time, so that we can see what is going on in his life abroad. We don’t see him as much as we would like and the pictures mean a great deal to all of us, his brother and sister included." Maria said as she opened the envelope and removed the pictures.
As Maria and Maxwell looked at the pictures that were in the envelope and passed them to Joseph, CC sat and observed her surroundings. The living room had many different photos displaced throughout. Some must have been of Niles’ nieces and nephews and there were others that were of children but were obviously older. Several of this photos sat on a bookcase across the room and she made a point to remember to look at them more closely before leaving, thinking they might be of Niles as a child.
"Ha, look at him. He is such a card." Maria explained as she looked at one of the pictures from the stack Niles had sent.
Maxwell took the picture from Maria so he could see who was in the picture. "Yes, he can be. This is at Fran and my wedding reception and the person he is torturing is CC." Maxwell said as he handed CC the photo to look at.
CC laughed when she saw the photo. It was a pictures of Niles smearing cake icing on her nose. She remembered it well. He had even made an attempt to lick off the icing later but she had stopped him. "Yes, Niles does seem to enjoy torturing me." CC said as she handed the picture to Niles’ father.
"Then he must like you because he has always been the type to tease the people he likes the most." Maria explained to CC. "Here is another one of the two of you and I believe I guessed correctly from your pose." Maria said as she handed another photo to CC.
It was another picture from Maxwell and Fran’s wedding reception but in this picture Niles and CC had been dancing when the picture was taken. Niles preceded to dip CC and kiss her thinking it was funny and the photographer had snapped the picture. CC had been furious with him for kissing her in front of everyone. Now that she thought about it, she shouldn’t have gotten so angry at him. She had actually enjoyed the kiss. As she thought about Niles it surprised her how much she already missed him.
"Again, Niles playing another one of his jokes on me." CC said blushing because Niles’ parents and Maxwell were laughing.
"Niles does seem to particular enjoy teasing CC." Maxwell explained as Joseph viewed the photo.
Maria gave the manila envelope to Joseph who placed the photos back in it. "So, tell me about these babies I here you and your wife are expecting." Maria said.
CC could see the pride on Maxwell’s face when Maria mentioned Maxwell and Fran’s expecting twins. "Yes, it seems Fran and I are due to have twins in about five months."
"How exciting and the expectant mother is doing well, I hope?" Maria asked.
"Yes, Fran is doing just wonderful. She enjoys being pregnant and has had an easy pregnancy so far." Maxwell explained.
"Niles speaks very highly of your new wife, Maxwell. From what he tells us you are a lucky man." Joseph said.
"I am a very lucky man. Fran is a wonderful woman and I am thankful she came into our lives when she did." Maxwell said.
"And Miss Babcock, Niles tells us you have worked for Maxwell for many years now." Maria commented.
"Yes, I have been working for Maxwell for almost twenty years but please don’t believe everything Niles has said about me. I am afraid Niles and I tend to tease one another unmercifully." CC said worried about what Niles had told his parents about her.
Maria and Joseph both laughed. "We have understood this by all the things Niles has written us but let me reassure you, Niles has told us nothing but good things about you. From the things he has told us, you are a remarkable woman and he values you as a dear friend." Maria explained to the blushing CC.
CC decided right then and there that she was going to have to ask Niles what kind of things he had told his parents about her. Being that her and Niles were now an item, it could be very crucial his parents thought good of her.
Maxwell knew he needed to speak with Maria and Joseph alone but he did not want CC offend if he asked but he knew there was nothing else but for him to ask if he could have some privacy with Niles’ parents. He would just have to give CC some type of excuse later if she asked.
"Joseph, Maria, I need to speak to the two of you alone. Do you think we could go into the kitchen? CC, I hope you understand."
Everyone was a little shock and concerned by Maxwell’s request. All thought it was something that concerned Niles. CC was worried something was wrong with Niles and he was sick but she hoped she would of known if that was the case.
"I guess we could go into the kitchen." Maria said as they all stood to exited the room, leaving CC sitting alone. "Miss Babcock, if you would excuse us?"
"Yes, by all means. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine." CC said feeling uncomfortable with the situation.
"There is a bathroom straight down that hall if you need." Maria explained before the party of three walked toward another part of the house.
CC sat in her chair wondering why Maxwell had pulled Maria and Joseph to a more private location. It caused her to worry greatly about Niles.
After arriving in the kitchen the three sat at a small dining table and Maxwell began to explain his behavior. "Maria, Joseph, …………I don’t know where to begin." Maxwell paused as he compiled his thoughts and Joseph and Maria watched in curiosity. "A few days ago my cousin Phillip Powell came to my home to visit me." Maxwell watched as Joseph took Maria’s hand in his as a show of support. "His mother passed away two months ago and while going through her belongings he came across these photos." Maxwell said as he pulled the photos from his pocket and laid them on the table in front of Niles’ parents. "Of course his father’s remarkable resemblance to Niles was very shocking to him and me for that matter. He guessed at what I have learned from my mother is the truth, that Niles is his half brother."
Joseph was the one to pick up the photos that were laying on the table. Maria only sat and stared at them like they were horrible, harmful items. "I had forgotten how much he looks like his father." Joseph said so softly Maxwell barely understood him, as he looked at the pictures
Maria snatched the photos from Joseph’s hand and laid them forcefully back on the table. "You are Niles’ father not this vile man." Maria said as she pointed to the pictures of Marcus and began to cry.
"Maria, enough. We all knew this day may come and you and I have discussed how we should handle it if it ever did. We should of told the boy years ago but I promised you I would do what you felt was best." Joseph said as he held his wife and she cried.
"But why now, after so many years?" Maria asked no one in particular. "I never wanted him to know what I had done."
"It changes nothing. He is still my son. Marcus Powell did nothing but donate his genetics. Niles is a Butler and will always be. Now stop crying, it will all work out." Joseph said trying to comfort his wife.
"But how will we explain to him and the other children the horrible thing I did? What I did was a terrible sin." Maria said as she dried her eyes.
"You were only a child and did not know he was a married man. What sin did you commit? Being naïve and young." Joseph said.
"Maria, my mother told me the whole story. You have nothing to be ashamed of. My uncle was wrong in what he did to you." Maxwell said as he reached over to hold Maria’s hand.
"It still does not change that he is Niles’ biological father, which is something we have kept from him." Maria said. "Niles may hate me for this."
"Niles is a very forgiving and understanding man and I do believe he will understand the circumstances and why you felt the need to kept this secret." Maxwell said.
"And Marcus’ other son, he wants Niles to know he is his brother?" Joseph asked.
"Yes, I am afraid so. It seems Phillip has no other family besides his father’s family left living and when he found out about Niles possibly being his brother he wanted to find out the truth. I was able to get him to wait on approaching Niles with these pictures until I found out the truth but I don’t think he will be willing to keep this secret."
"I would rather be the one to tell Niles but I want to do it in person. Unfortunately it may be a while before Joseph and I are able to travel to America." Maria said. "Joseph had not been well and has doctor’s appointments to go to."
"Nothing serious, I hope?" Maxwell asked.
"It’s nothing. Maria worries to much about me. She is an old mother hen." Joseph said as he gave his wife a kiss on the cheek and wiped away her tears.
Maxwell could see the love between the couple and wondered how Maria could of ever thought she was in love wit his uncle. Joseph Butler was truly an amazing man just like his son, Niles. "When do you think it would be possible for you to come. I may be able to talk Phillip into being patient and waiting until you are able to explain all of this to Niles yourself."
Maria and Joseph discussed how soon they could possibly travel to New York to see Niles and both agreed it would not be until in November.
"How about Thanksgiving? We would all love to have you come for the holiday and while you are there you can speak with Niles. I’ll do my best to talk Phillip into waiting until then. It’s only three months. He has waited almost fifties years, three months won’t kill him." Maxwell said as he stood. "I guess we better go and check on CC. She will be worried about what is going on."
"You don’t plan on telling her any of this, do you?" Joseph asked concerned.
"No, I’ll find something to tell her about why I needed to speak to you alone." Maxwell explained as the three returned to the living room.
CC was worried about why Maxwell needed to speak with Niles’ parents alone. If it was something concerning Niles she wanted to know but did not know how she would ask Maxwell without him becoming suspicious.
When Maxwell, Maria, and Joseph returned to the living room they found CC looking at the pictures that were on the bookcase she had spotted earlier.
Maria walked over to where CC was standing. "That one is of Niles as a baby. Wasn’t he just adorable?" Maria said as she took a picture from CC’s hands.
CC could see that Maria had been crying and this alarmed her even more then she was already. She looked from Maria to Maxwell then back to Maria before answering. "Yes, he was."
"Niles has always been a good looking boy. Always had the prettiest blue eyes. He still a very handsome man. Don’t you think so Miss Babcock?" Maria asked CC as she set the picture back on the shelf.
"Yes, I do." CC answered worried about why Maria seemed so upset. "Is something wrong with Niles because if there is someone better tell me?" CC said looking at Maxwell with warning in her eyes.
Maxwell wondered why CC was getting so upset. Her and Niles had never seen eye to eye on anything. They continuously bickered back and forth over everything. "Nothing is wrong with Niles, CC."
"Maxwell if you are lying to me, I swear I’ll………….."
"Miss Babcock, Niles is fine. Maxwell is telling you the truth." Maria answered CC, seeing how upset she was becoming and wondering if this woman and her son were more then just friends.
"Nothing is wrong with his heart or something like that?" CC asked wanting to make sure they were telling her the truth.
"Niles is as healthy as a horse, I promise." Maxwell answered her surprised CC did say something like Niles looked like a horse.
"You’re sure?" CC asked no one in general.
"Yes, he is just fine. Don’t worry, we’re telling you the truth. I am upset about something that has nothing to do with Niles’ health." Maria explained to CC as she placed a arm around CC’s waist.
"Well Maria and Joseph, CC and I need to get going. It’s getting late and I am suppose to have dinner with my mother this evening." Maxwell explained.
"Oh, tell Elizabeth Joseph and I said hello." Maria said as everyone walked toward the door.
"I will do that. You take care and I will plan on seeing you for Thanksgiving." Maxwell said.
"Yes, hopefully so. When are you and Miss Babcock leaving to return home?" Joseph asked.
"I was able to book us a flight leaving for New York tomorrow at 10 pm. That should put us getting home around midnight with the time change." Maxwell explained
Maria and Joseph exchanged hugs with Maxwell while CC stood to the side. Maria walked over to CC and gave the woman a hug. "You give my boy a big hug for me and tell him his father and I love and miss him, okay." Maria said as she hugged CC.
CC felt a little uncomfortable with Maria’s request but Niles’ mother was such a warm and friendly person that CC could not deny her. "I will and I’ll see you and Mr. Butler for Thanksgiving if you come."
"We will do our best to make it." Maria said as she gave CC’s hand a squeeze. Maria then hugged Maxwell. "You will call and let me know how your discussion with Mr. Powell goes?" Maria asked low enough that CC could not hear.
"Yes, I will call you as soon as I speak with him but don’t you worry, it will all work out fine." Maxwell said as he held Maria’s hands in his.
"Dear god I pray it does." Maria said with tears in her eyes.
Maxwell and CC headed back to the hotel with Maxwell driving. "Maxwell, why was Niles’ mother so upset after you spoke with her and Niles’ father?" CC asked after they had rode in silence for a while.
Maxwell had known CC would ask this question and he was not sure as to what to tell her. "It’s a complicated matter and I cannot go into the details but I do have a favor to ask of you. I don’t want you to say anything to anyone about what happen on our visit to Maria and Joseph’s home, especially Niles."
"Are you talking about your talk with Maria and Joseph and how upset they both were following it?"
"Yes." Maxwell answered giving CC a quick look.
"Why?" CC asked not ready to let it go just yet. "Is it something about Niles?"
"Yes it does concern Niles but that is one of the reasons Joseph and Maria will be coming for Thanksgiving. I don’t think we should mention any of it to Niles just yet." Maxwell tried to explain.
CC knew that Maxwell did not understand what he was asking of her. No one knew her and Niles were romantically involved and now that they were, keeping this information from Niles felt wrong.
"Do you promise not to say anything to Niles?" Maxwell asked CC when she did not respond right away.
How could CC tell Maxwell no and him not be suspicious. She had already called enough attention to herself and Niles when she became upset earlier. "I guess so but only if your promise what ever it is has nothing to do with Niles being sick or something like that." CC finally answered.
Maxwell looked at CC and frowned. He could not understand why CC was so worried about Niles’ health. "CC, I told you earlier, Niles is not sick. What is going on has nothing to do with Niles’ health or the health of his parents. It’s something more complicated then that." Maxwell said returning his attention to the road ahead.
CC was really concerned about what was going on but Maxwell Sheffield was on of the few people she trusted and if she found out he was lying to her, she would kill him.
The following evening Maxwell and CC headed home.
CC was excited about seeing Niles. She could not believe how much she missed him. "Is Niles picking us up at the airport?" CC asked Maxwell after they were in the air a while and comfortable.
"No, I did not book our flight home until yesterday morning and when I received our arrival time, I figured we would just take a cab home. That way Niles will not have to be out so late to pick us up."
CC was upset she would not be seeing Niles until the next day but she did not want to make a big fuss about the whole situation and have Maxwell wondering why she cared whether Niles picked them up or not.
Their plane landed as scheduled. By the time they got a cab and all their luggage was load it was close to 12:30 am. "CC, why don’t you just spend the night at the mansion and go home tomorrow. The mansion is closer then your apartment anyways." Maxwell said.
CC liked this idea very much. This way she could see Niles tonight. "That’s fine." CC answered Maxwell trying not to seem to excited.
The two arrived at the mansion at 1 am. Everyone was asleep, so they let themselves in through the front door. "Do you need help with your luggage?" Maxwell asked CC.
"No, I’ll just bring my overnight and garment bag up. Niles can get the rest in the morning." CC answered.
"Very well. Good night." Maxwell said as he trudged up the stairs.
CC made her way to the guess room with her two bags. Once she was their she laid them on the bed and headed to Niles’ room. Quietly she opened the door. After she was inside Niles’ room she undressed and crawled into Niles’ bed nude. Slowly she moved next to the sleeping Niles and whispered in his ear.
"Hello, hello lover boy." CC said.
Niles had been dreaming about CC and was not sure if her whispering in his ear was in his dream or in reality. Opening his eyes and feeling CC kissing his shoulder, Niles realized this was no dream. "CC, when did you get back?" he asked as he gave her a sultry kiss.
"Mmmm, just a minute ago." CC answered once the kiss ended.
"How did you get here?"
"We took a cab so you wouldn’t have to come and get us." CC answered Niles.
"How nice but this is nicer." Niles said as he and CC kissed.
Niles and CC spent a majority of the night making love. CC could not believe how wonderful it felt coming home to Niles. Niles was holding CC in his arms after their second time of making love when he said "CC, I love you."
CC turned so she could face Niles. "Niles, did you just say you loved me?"
Niles was a little afraid by CC’s reaction. He thought she was angry at him for saying he loved her. "Yes, I did. I’m sorry……………"
Before Niles could finish CC was kissing him. Once the kiss ended CC said "Oh Niles, I love you too."
"You do?" Niles asked astonished.
"Yes I do, butler boy." CC answered as she laid back down and the two drifted off to sleep in each other‘s arms.
Maxwell called Phillip the following morning and was able to talk him into waiting for Joseph and Maria to come at Thanksgiving and tell Niles themselves about his birth father. He was not to happy with having to wait but he was willing.
After making his phone calls to Phillip then Maria, Maxwell headed to the kitchen so he could tell Niles he had delivered his packages to Maria and Joseph and of their possible visit. Maria and Joseph were still not sure they would be able to come for Thanksgiving. Maxwell had told them he was going to take care of all the cost of the trip. Both Joseph and Maria had refuse to take his offer but Maxwell was so insistent that they had finally agreed.
"Good morning old man." Maxwell greeted his butler.
"Good morning sir. How was you visit to England?" Niles asked as he poured his boss a cup of tea.
"It was successful. I just wanted to let you know I delivered you packages to your parents and they said to tell you they are going to try and come for a visit at Thanksgiving time." Maxwell explained as he sipped his tea.
"Oh, how wonderful. My parents have not been to New York since the first Mrs. Sheffield’s funeral. I wonder why they are coming now?" Niles said.
"Maybe they miss their baby boy." Maxwell teased his friend.
"Who’s baby boy?" CC asked as she walked into the kitchen.
"Maria and Joseph’s baby boy." Maxwell answered CC knowing she was going to enjoy teasing Niles about it.
CC gave Niles a look Maxwell could not define. He wasn’t sure if it was a look of mockery or flirtation.
"What, Miss Babcock, you don’t think my parents miss their baby boy?" Niles asked CC when he saw the flirtatious look she was giving him that indicated he was her baby and no one else’s.
"I don’t know. Your mother did have a few nice things to say about you." CC teased.
"Oh, so you met my mother and father?" Niles asked CC wondering why she had not said anything about it last night.
"Yes, CC came with me to deliver your packages. Your mother showed her all of your baby pictures." Maxwell said as he gave CC a look to remind her of her promise to not say anything else about their visit with Maria and Joseph to Niles.
Niles had not seen the look Maxwell had given CC because his eyes were on CC. "And wasn’t I an adorable baby?" Niles asked CC teasing her.
"I’m not sure. She only showed me one picture of you as a baby, unlike what Maxwell said, and it was of you and a dog. I just could not make out which was which." CC said as she gave Niles a wink and left the kitchen.
Maxwell laughed at what CC had said but was confused by the way Niles and CC were acting around each other. It was almost like they were flirting .
The rest of August passed along with all of September and October. Maxwell and Fran had discussed the strange changes in Niles and CC’s behavior towards each other more then once. The two still teased and insulted each other just like before but they were nicer about it. Niles and CC were still able to keep their relationship a secret by the hardest. There were several occasions where they had almost been caught but they were pretty good at finding secret places to meet and hide.
Joseph and Maria had confirmed their visit for Thanksgiving and Fran was barely able to walk in the last month of her pregnancy. By the end of the second week of November Niles began preparing the house for the holiday and his parents arrival. He had decided to ask CC to marry him while his parents were there and hopefully he could give them the good news of her acceptance in person. Still no one knew Niles and CC were romantically involved.
Thanksgiving fell on Niles’ birthday this year, so it would be a dual celebration for the family. It was now the 23rd and Maria and Joseph were due to arrive on the 25th. CC had not been feeling well the last couple of days and Niles was worried about her. For the last couple of nights CC had just wanted to go home and sleep, so her and Niles had not had much time together being he was busy with preparations during the day and CC was to tired at night for company.
On the day of Maria and Joseph’s arrival Niles was very excited. When he left to pick his parents up at the airport, he reminded everyone of a small boy on Christmas morning. He had wanted to see CC before leaving that morning to pick up his parents but she was late coming to work that day. He hoped she was there by the time he arrived home.
Niles waited in the lobby of the airport for his parents arrival. It had been two years since he had seen them. Finally their plane landed and Niles spotted them as they walked into the lobby from the plane.
"Niles." Maria cried as she hugged her son.
"Mother, father, it is so good to see the both of you after so long." Niles said as he gave both a hug.
"You look wonderful, son." Joseph said. There were no dry eyes to be seen in the small crowd of three.
Niles loaded his parents luggage into the town car’s trunk and they headed back toward the mansion.
"Tell me, my boy, how have you been?" Joseph asked his son.
"Father, I am doing better now then ever." Niles said as he thought about CC and his relationship and his impending marriage proposal.
"I believe you look better than you did the last time we saw you, happier." Joseph commented.
"Yes, I agree with your father. Is there a special lady who may be bring all this happiness out in you?" Maria asked hoping she was right. She had always wished her oldest child would find someone he loved to marry and be happy.
Niles blushed at his mother’s question. "Ahhh, I see from the color of your cheeks I may be right. Who is she?" Maria anxiously asked.
Niles did not want to reveal his and CC’s relationship just yet. First he wanted to ask her to marry him. "Be patient, mom. Let’s get home first and maybe before you leave I will tell you about my love life." Niles said as he look at his mother through the review mirror.
When Niles and his parents arrived home everyone, including CC, were waiting for them. Maxwell opened the door to greet them when they arrived.
"Maria, Joseph, welcome." Maxwell said giving Maria a hug and Joseph a handshake. Maxwell went to help Niles with all the luggage he was trying to carry alone.
"Mr. and Mrs. Butler it’s good to meet you. I am Fran Sheffield, Maxwell’s very pregnant wife." Fran introduced her self to the elderly couple.
"Nice to meet you Mrs. Sheffield." both Maria and Joseph said.
"Please call me Fran and come in."
Niles and Maxwell brought all the luggage in and set it down.
"Maria, Joseph, how good to see you again." CC said as she came from the office where she had been working when she heard Maria and Joseph arrive.
"Miss Babcock, you look wonderful. Something is different about you since we saw you last." Maria said as she gave CC a warm hug.
"Yes, I agree, Maria. I believe you are even more lovely then before." Joseph added as he gave CC a hug.
"Father please, her head is huge enough already. We wouldn’t want to make it swell even more." Niles teased as he and Maxwell carried the luggage inside.
"Niles, that is very poor behavior. I believe you weren’t raised to treat a lady as such." Maria scolded Niles.
"I wasn’t but Miss Babcock is no lady." Niles explained to his mother as he looked at CC and winked.
"Mrs. Butler, I don’t pay your son any attention to the things he says and does. I mostly ignore him. He is kind of like an annoying mosquito, always buzzing in your ear and pestering you." CC teased back.
"I see the two of you enjoy this type of behavior." Joseph laughed as he referred to the way Niles and CC were acting.
"Oh yeah, they are continuously acting like this. This is the G rated version of their teasing. Sometimes their teasing gets so bad we have to make sure the children are not around." Fran said.
"It does not." both Niles and CC defended theirselves at the same time.
"Yes it does." Maxwell said as he set down the luggage he had carried in.
"Well, I will not stand idly by while my son treats such a wonderful lady, such as Miss Babcock, with rude behavior. So while I am here, Niles this behavior will not be tolerated." Maria said as she placed an arm around CC and CC stuck her tongue out at Niles. Niles rolled his eyes in his head and carried his parents luggage upstairs.
After Niles had settled his parents into one of the guest rooms, he left them visiting with Maxwell and Fran in the office so he could see to starting dinner. As he was preparing dinner he felt a set of arms snake around his waist from the back.
"Hello, lover boy." CC seductively whispered into Niles’ ear.
"Don’t try to sweet talk me, I’m angry with you." Niles replied as he nudged CC with his elbow so she would loosen her hold on him.
CC watched as Niles walked away from where she was standing without every turning to look at her. She had not believed Niles was serious when he said he was mad at her but now she was not so sure.
"And may I ask why you are mad at me?"
Niles continued with his task at hand, never looking up at CC. "My mother is not even here two seconds and you already have her siding with you. A mosquito, indeed."
CC could now see Niles was only teasing her. "I thought you would be glad your mother and I seem to get along but if you would rather have her hate me I’m sure………….."
Niles grabbed CC around the waist and kissed her before she could finish. "Where were you this morning? I waited as long as I could before leaving for the airport but you never showed up." Niles asked. "I missed my good morning kiss." he pouted as he explained to CC why he missed her so.
CC smiled at the adorable butler. "I had some business to tend to. I am sorry if you felt neglected."
"You will just have to make it up to me." Niles teased as he softly kissed CC’s neck. "I hope you are feeling better."
"I am and how do you propose I make it up to you?" CC asked as she enjoyed what Niles was doing.
"Ummm, how about you stay here tonight and we can met later in my room. I have something I need to speak with you about anyways." Niles said as he looked at CC.
"I might be able to arrange that. What is it you need to talk to me about?" CC asked curious.
"You’ll just have to wait Miss impatient." Niles said as he let CC go and returned to what he was doing prior to her arrival.
"Well, I have something I need to talk to you about also, so I guess we will both have to be patient." CC said as she gave Niles a kiss on the cheek only to jump back quickly when they heard someone entering the kitchen.
Both Niles and CC pretended to be busy with something when Maria entered the kitchen but Maria could tell the two were up to something.
"What are the two of you doing?" Maria asked Niles and CC.
"I am preparing dinner. I have no idea what the trollop is doing." Niles explained to his mother.
"Niles Joseph Butler, what have I told you about treating CC in that manner while I am here." Maria scolded her son.
"It’s okay Maria. I never pay hopsing much mind anyways." CC said as she winked at Niles where Maria could not see her doing so.
"No, it is not okay. Niles was brought up with better manners than that and I intend to have him use the manners he was taught at least while I am here. Do you hear me, Niles?"
"Yes ma’am. I’ll behave." Niles said as he did his best not to laugh.
"Now, CC how about you and I go into the sitting room and visit? You look tired and like you’re not feeling well.." Maria said as she lead CC into the living room for a visit.
CC had not been feeling up to par but she knew it was nothing to worry about. "I’m a little tired but I’ll be fine."
"Maxwell works you to hard. I’ll speak with him about that." Maria said as her and CC sat down in the living room.
"No, that will not be necessary. I am very resilient and Maxwell is by no means a slave driver." CC said defending Maxwell.
"Very well, I will say nothing but I will be keeping my eye on you to make sure you are taking care of yourself while I am here." Maria said in a motherly fashion.
CC was touched. She had never had anyone show so much concern for except for Niles. Her own mother was not as kind and caring.
CC ended up staying for dinner that night and gave Maxwell the excuse that she had some work to finish up on later that evening so she would just stay in one of the guest rooms that night. Maria chastised her for working to hard but CC reassured her it would only be for a couple of hours.
Maxwell had been able to finally get a chance to speak with Joseph alone who had reassured Maxwell that he and Maria would speak to Niles about Marcus Powell being his biological father but that they would rather wait until after Thanksgiving and Niles’ birthday.
After everyone retired to bed that night CC made her way up the back stairway so she could met Niles in his room. When she arrived at Niles’ room and opened the door she was amazed by what she saw. The room was lit with candle light from several candles Niles had burning. She also heard soft music playing and there was a bottle of champagne chilling by the bedside.
"Are you planning on having company?" CC asked Niles who was laying on his bed while he waited for her.
"Only you, my love." Niles responded as he reached out to her. "Would you like a glass of champagne?"
"No, I don’t think so." CC answered.
CC watched as Niles arched an eyebrow at her. "CC Babcock is turning down alcohol. The world must be coming to an end." Niles teased her as he set the bottle back in the champagne bucket.
CC picked up a pillow and playfully hit Niles with it. "You make it sound like I am an alcoholic or something."
"Or something." Niles teased.
"Oh shut-up or I will call your mother in her and tell her you are misbehaving."
Niles laughed in response to CC’s threat. CC and Niles laid on the bed snuggled in each other’s arms.
"What was it that you had to speak with me about?" CC asked Niles.
Niles propped himself on one elbow so he could see CC’s face. "I really had something to ask you."
"Well, what is it?" CC asked more curious then before.
For the next couple of seconds Niles did not respond. He just looked at CC as he contemplated what he was fixing to ask her.
"Niles, what is it?" CC asked again more concerned.
"CC, you know how much I love you and you are more important to me then anything else in this world." Niles said as CC watched him reach into the nightstand drawer for something. Once he had retrieved the item he faced her again. "For the past four months you have made every dream I have ever had come true. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. CC Babcock, will you marry me?"
CC was shock and stunned all at the same time. "Niles……………..I would love to be your wife." CC finally answered. Niles slipped the engagement ring on her finger and kissed her. When their kiss ended Niles laid back down holding CC in his arms.
"So what was it that you had to speak with me about?" Niles asked CC.
CC stayed laying in Niles’ arms, so happy with their new engagement. "Remember when I was late this morning for work."
"Yes."
"Well, I had a doctors appointment." CC said.
Niles became concerned. "Nothing is wrong? You’re not sick are you?"
"No, no but I did have some test run and I found out that I’m pregnant." CC calmly explained like the news was something Niles would hear every day.
Niles did not say anything at first, he just laid there. "Niles, did you hear what I said?" CC asked worried that Niles was upset with her information.
"Your pregnant?" Niles finally asked.
CC propped up so she could see Niles’ face. "Yes, I am only about two months along but I am most definitely pregnant. I hope this is not bad news."
"Your pregnant. I’m going to be a father. We are going to have a baby." Niles said finally looking at CC. "CC, this is wonderful." Niles said as he gathered CC into his arms and kissed her. "I love you. Can we tell everyone tomorrow?"
CC laughed at how excited Niles was. "I don’t see why not. We can announce our engagement too, if you want." The couple kissed passionately. "Happy early Birthday, butler boy." CC said as she kissed the tip of Niles’ nose.
"Yes, I want everyone to know that CC Babcock has agreed to be my wife and she is going to have my baby." Niles said as he kissed CC again. "A baby. I’m going to be a father and you’re………going to be a mother." Niles said as CC watched the pride and love on his face.
CC felt warm all over. There was nothing in this world she wanted more then what she had right here and now.
The next morning CC woke and patted the bed next to her but Niles was not there. She opened her eyes to look at the clock on Niles’ nightstand, it read 7 am. "Does that man ever sleep late. Well, we are going to have to change that habit." CC said as she rolled out of bed so she could go back to her room and dress.
As CC came out of Niles’ room she ran into Maria. "CC, why were you in Niles’ room?" Maria asked hoping she was right on her assumption of why CC was coming out of her son’s room at this time of the morning.
CC was startled by Maria. "Oh, Maria. Good morning. I…………I was returning something to Niles that he had lent me." CC answered Niles’ mother hoping her lie was believable.
"Is my son in his room or has he made it down to the kitchen to begin the Thanksgiving meal already?" Maria asked not believing a word CC told her.
"He must be downstairs already because his room is empty." CC answered seeming awfully nervous to Maria.
"You are staying for Thanksgiving dinner?" Maria asked as she spotted what she thought was a new ring on CC’s finger.
CC realized Maria had seen the engagement ring Niles had given her last night so she shoved her hand into the pocket on her robe. "I better get going so I can get dress and help with preparations if need be." CC explained as she made her escape.
Maria watched as the beautiful blonde made her way across the hall and into another bedroom. She also noticed that the bed in the room CC had gone into was unmade. Maria walked to the kitchen with a huge smile on her face knowing good and well CC Babcock was lying. There was no way CC would know anything about preparing a Thanksgiving meal.
Niles and his mother prepared a feast for everyone to enjoy. Fran’s whole family along with Yetta and Sammy arrived later that morning to celebrate the holiday and Niles’ birthday with everyone. As all of the Sheffields, Fines, and Butlers enjoyed their meal Niles rose and tapped his spoon against his wine glass to get everyone’s attention.
"Everyone, everyone, I have an announcement to make." Niles said waiting for the conversation to die down to ensure he had everyone’s attention. CC was sitting next to Niles and reached up to grasp his hand as he spoke. "CC and I have recently become engaged and………….."
"Engaged?" "What’s going on?" "How did this happen?" several voices were heard all at once all in shock.
Niles held up his hand to silence everyone. "I know this is a shock to all of you but for four months now, CC and I have been involved in a relationship and last night I asked her to marry me and she accepted."
Maria stood so she could hug her son and his new finacee’. "I am so happy for you. CC, welcome to the Butler family." Maria said. "I couldn’t have picked a better woman myself."
Joseph followed suit with the hugs and welcoming to the family. Before anyone else could extend their congratulations, Niles made it knows he had another announcement to make. CC stood and put her arm around Niles and Niles place his around her shoulders.
"After her acceptance of my proposal, CC let me know that we are going to be parents in about seven months." Niles said as he and CC proudly gazed into each other’s eyes. No one could deny that they were genuinely in love.
"A baby. Joseph, Niles is going to have a baby." Maria said as the tears flowed down her cheeks. "Our son is going to be a father."
Maxwell thought about how ironic Maria’s statement was but was happy for the newly engaged couple and for Niles’ parents.
"You and CC are going to have a baby? That means you have been having…………….." Maxwell said to stunned to realize what he was saying.
Fran slapped Maxwell on the arm so he would stop before blurting out something inappropriate. "Maxwell, I think we all know what they have been doing. Let’s not talk about at Thanksgiving dinner. I am so happy for you too. How about we bring out that huge cake you have hiding in Maxwell’s office, Mrs. Butler."
"Yes, I almost forgot. Joseph go and get Niles’ birthday cake." Maria said.
"I’ll go, Joseph, sit." Maxwell said as he left and headed toward the office.
When Maxwell returned with Niles birthday cake everyone sang happy birthday.
"Now we may have to worry about setting off the fire alarms." Maxwell teased Niles as he sat the cake down.
The following morning Niles headed for the kitchen so he could begin breakfast. As he neared the kitchen he could smell food cooking and knew it was his mother who had cooked it. To Niles’ surprise both his mother and father were in the kitchen cooking.
"Good morning and thank you for starting breakfast but you shouldn’t have. This is your vacation." Niles said as he gave his mother a kiss on the cheek.
"We didn’t mind. Your mother and I needed to speak to you about something, so we figured this was the best time to catch you alone." Joseph Butler explained. "Come, let’s all sit at the kitchen table."
Niles could see the worry and uneasiness in both of his parent’s faces. He knew his father had not been feeling well, so he assumed they were going to tell him something was horribly wrong with Joseph.
"What is it? The two of you look like the weight of the world is on your shoulders." Niles said as he took his mug of coffee and sat at the table with his parents. Niles noticed his mother was yet to say anything to him since he came into the kitchen that morning.
Maria took Niles’ hands in hers before speaking. "Niles, I’m not sure where to begin."
"Mom, it can’t be that bad. Is something wrong with either you or dad?" Niles asked concerned.
Maria and Joseph both shook their heads no. "Your mother and I are fine. What we need to tell you is something we should have explained to you years ago but we never thought………….."
"No Joseph, it was me who wanted to keep this secret not you. Niles, when I went to work for Maxwell’s grand-father all those years ago, I was very young and naïve, only sixteen. I had just recently loss my father and was all alone in the world. I was scared and unsure of what my future would be." Maria said as she still held her son’s hands in hers. "Within the first week of working for the Sheffields I met a young gentleman and we began a relationship. I became pregnant not long after we started seeing one another." Maria paused and Niles saw she was having a hard time continuing.
"Mom, if you are trying to tell me you were pregnant with me before you and father married, I figured that out years ago. I believe I am in the same situation as we speak and it‘s okay if this is the big secret you spoke of." Niles said as he smiled at his mother and father.
"Yes, I was pregnant before your father and I married but I Joseph was not the man I was pregnant for." Maria explained as she watched as Niles realized what she had said.
"Are you trying to say you had another child before me? Did the child survive? What happen…………" Niles asked one question after the other not completely understanding what his mother was saying.
"No, you were my first born. What I am trying to say is that Joseph is not your biological father." Maria explained.
Niles looked from his mother to his father confused and hurt. Releasing his mother’s hands from his he shook his head without speaking at first. "But then who is…………………? I don’t understand. How can this be possible?" Niles said as he stood and looked down at both his parents like he did not know them.
"Son, sit. Let your mother explain. Don’t become angry and walk away." Joseph said hoping Niles would listen to them before fleeing.
"Son? You just told me he was not my father." Niles said with bitterness in his voice.
"No, I said Joseph was not your biological father. He is and has been your father in every other way since the day you were born." Maria said as tears formed in her eyes. "Joseph loves you like you are his own."
Joseph stood and went to Niles’ side. "Niles, you know I love you and I have thought of you as my own flesh and blood since the day I married your mother. I have never denied you are my son, not once."
Niles let Joseph place an arm around him but still felt empty and confused. "Who is my father?" was the only response Joseph and Maria heard from Niles as he stood glaring down at his mother.
"Marcus Powell." Maria reluctantly answered him.
"Marcus Powell? Maxwell’s uncle but how? He was a married man." Niles said as he continued to glare at his mother and shrugged off the arm Joseph had placed around him in an attempt to comfort him.
"I did not know this when we were dating and by the time I found out I was pregnant with you." Maria said as she watched Niles look of anger and resentment that was being directed toward her.
It was a few minutes before anyone said anything. "I’m sorry, son." Maria finally said so low that everyone had a hard time hearing her.
Niles did not respond, he turned and fled from the house.
Maria stood to follow him but Joseph stopped her. "Let him go. He needs time to think about everything we have told him."
Maria turned and let Joseph hold her while she cried. This is the way CC found the elderly couple when she came into the kitchen.
"Maria, Joseph, what is it? Where is Niles?" CC asked concerned about why Maria was so upset.
"We don’t know." Joseph answered as Maria dried her eyes. "Maria, we should tell her. She will be Niles’ wife and the mother of his child. She has a right to know and maybe she knows where to find him." Joseph said to Maria who shook her head yes.
"CC, please sit. Joseph and I will explain what is going on." Maria said as she wiped her eyes and nose.
After Maria explained to CC what had happened and that Niles had fled angry and upset at her, CC reassured Maria she would find Niles and speak with him. Maria was glad to have CC be so understanding of what she had done in her past.
"Thank you for not judging me. You don’t know how much that means to me." Maria said as the two women hugged each other.
"Don’t worry about Niles. He never stays angry long. I have a good idea where to find him. Just let me get my coat and I’ll go see if he is there, okay." CC said to Maria as she started to cry again.
CC located Niles exactly where she thought he was, sitting on a park bench in central park.
"Is this seat taken?" CC asked as she approached the bench.
Niles was so deep in thought that he had never seen CC approach. CC had startled him when she had spoken to him. "Oh, hey." was the his only response as he moved over to give CC room to sit.
CC sat next to Niles and took one of his hands in hers. "Your mother told me everything."
Niles turned and looked at CC not saying anything only giving her a weak smile.
"Talk to me. Tell me what you are thinking." CC said after Niles did not respond.
Niles shook his head. "I don’t know what I am thinking." he said then paused. CC gave Niles time to talk to her before saying anything else. "How could my mother do such a thing? I mean, he was married and then after she got pregnant for him and he probably dumped her, she married my father, I mean Joseph, just so she could have a man to be a father for her illegitimate child, me."
CC waited to see if Niles was going to say anything else before speaking. "Do you think that is how it happened?" CC asked after Niles said nothing else.
Niles shrugged his shoulders. "How else could it have happened?"
"Maybe you should of given your mother and father the chance to explain it to you before running out on them." CC said angry at Niles for being so childish.
"He is not my father."
This really angered CC. "Niles, what has gotten into you. Stop acting like someone did you such an injustice. You have told me yourself, you had a wonderful childhood and Joseph Butler my not be the man who got your mother pregnant but he is your father and always has been."
Niles got mad at CC for taking his parent’s side and not his. "They were wrong. I should have been told Joseph was not my biological father. I don’t care what the circumstances were." Niles said as he stood and began to walk away from CC.
CC knew Niles was hurting and she did not like seeing him this way. "Niles, don’t run from me. Come back and sit. I am sorry for yelling at you. I love you." CC pleaded with Niles.
When Niles heard CC say she loved him he stopped but did not turn around.
"I know you are hurt that your mother and father kept this secret from you and yes they were wrong for doing so but they both love you greatly. I know you feel alone but you aren’t. I am here for you and so are your parents." CC said as she stood and walked to where Niles was standing and put her arms around him from behind.
"Why didn’t they tell me? I had a right to know. I know Joseph did a wonderful job of being my father but I still had a right to know who my father was." Niles said as the tears began to fall.
"I know but we all make mistakes. I know I have made several in my life time I’m not to proud of." CC said as Niles finally turned and they sat back down on the bench.
Niles was silent for a while with CC holding him. "How do I go back and just act like nothing is different? I just found out that Joseph Butler, the man who I thought was my father, is not. What now?"
"Niles, I know nothing about Marcus Powell and what kind of person he was, even if I can come to some pretty good conclusions being he was married and still slept with a sixteen year old girl but I do know what kind of a person Joseph Butler seems to be. He is kind, caring, loving, and so many other wonderful qualities that I see in you. Joseph Butler may not be your biological father but he is your dad and he has been an exceptional role model as a wonderful man for you to follow, which you have." CC said as she pushed a lock of Niles’ blonde hair off his forehead. "Marcus Powell may have given you your genetics, your vivid blue eyes and wavy blonde hair but Joseph Butler gave you what’s in here." CC said as she pointed to Niles’ heart. "A heart of gold and Maria may have made a mistake but the love she has for you is undeniable each and every time she looks at you. You are a very lucky man, you have two parents who love and are proud of you, biological or not. I am not so lucky."
When CC said how lucky Niles was compared to her, he realized how right she was. Both his parents had always been supportive in every choice he had made and on the rare occasions that he had gotten into trouble as a young man, they had been there at his side to help him. Niles looked at CC and hugged her to him. "You are right. Thank you." Niles gave CC a kiss. "Let’s go home."
Maria and Joseph were waiting along with Fran and Maxwell for Niles and CC to return. Joseph had explained to Maxwell and Fran what had happen earlier that morning.
When Niles and CC entered the kitchen everyone turned to look at them. Niles and CC entered holding hands and then stopped. Maria rose from the table and took a timid step toward her son. Niles released CC’s hand and went to his mother who he hugged to him once reaching her.
"Niles, please forgive me. I am sorry for everything." Maria said as she cried and held her son in her arms.
"Ssshh, you did nothing wrong. There is nothing to forgive. I am the one who owes you an apology." Niles answered his mother.
"Oh child, I love you." Maria said relieved Niles was no longer angry with her.
"I love you also, mom." Niles said.
Joseph had stood from the table when Maria had and was standing to the side watching Maria and Niles with tears in his eyes. His heart broke for the two people he loved so dearly. Niles realized Joseph was standing there alone watching. Releasing his mother, Niles walked toward Joseph.
Once he reached Joseph, Niles opened his arms to his father. "I may not be your biological son but you are and will always be my father. I love you dad."
The joy and release of fear Joseph felt was so great, Niles had to help support his father as his legs became weak. "You don’t know how wonderful that sounds to me. For forty-nine years I have feared this day and now that it has come and gone and you still consider me your father I am the happiest man on this earth." Joseph said as he looked at his son. "I love you son, my son." Joseph said as he patted Niles on the back.
Niles hugged Joseph again smiling. Everyone was crying by this time. Maria and CC stood with their arms around each other watching the men they loved. Maxwell and Fran held hands as they watched the emotional event.
"I think this calls for another celebration. I am newly engaged to a beautiful wonderful woman who I love very much and who is also carrying my child and I just found out I have two of the most wonderful parents in the world. How about we all go out to an early lunch to celebrate."
"Sounds good to me." Fran said. "I’m always ready to eat."
Everyone was laughing at Fran when they heard the doorbell rang. "I’ll get it." Niles said as he headed to the front foyer.
As he opened the door, Niles saw Phillip Powell standing on the other side of the door. Niles had never thought about Phillip’s role in this whole equation. He knew had a new half brother but had never really thought about it. Niles was not to sure about how he felt about this. It was just to much to handle all at once. "Phillip, come in."
"Niles, how are you?" Phillip asked as he stepped into the foyer.
"Well, it has been a very emotional morning. I here you and I have a lots to discuss." Niles said.
"So they told you?"
"Yes, they have. Please come in and sit." Niles said as he closed the door.
"Phillip, I thought I heard your voice." Maxwell said as he, Fran, CC, Maria, and Joseph entered the living room.
"Mr. & Mrs. Butler, how are you? It has been ages since I last saw you." Phillip said as he walked toward the elderly couple and extended his hand.
"Mr. Powell, it’s good to see you." Joseph said shaking Phillip’s hand. Maria only acknowledged Phillip’s presence by nodding her head. In a way she blamed Phillip for exposing her secret.
"Come let’s all sit and talk." Niles said as CC place her arm through his and they sat side by side on the couch in the living room. Maria sat on the other side of Niles with Joseph sitting next to her.
"Fran and I will give you some privacy. Come on darling, let’s go upstairs." Maxwell said as he and Fran turned to go upstairs.
"No, Mr. Sheffield, I want you and Mrs. Sheffield to stay, please sir." Niles said.
"Very well old man but I think it would be more appropriate for you to start calling me Maxwell since you and I are first cousins. Don’t you think?" Maxwell said as Fran sat down on a chair and Maxwell stood behind her. Phillip sat at the only other empty chair in the room.
When Maxwell said this it dawned on Niles that now he and Maxwell were indeed first cousins. "Yes, yes, I guess we are. Sort of strange but I guess we are." Niles said smiling at Maxwell.
"So Niles, I guess I’m not sure why I am here. I do know that I am ready to sign over your share of our father’s inheritance to you. It is quiet a………………….."
"Mr. Powell, Phillip, I don’t mean to interrupt you but I have no intentions of taking any of this inheritance. I know you and I are now brothers but don’t be mistaken, Joseph Butler is still and has always been my father." Niles said hoping CC would not be angry at him for turning down money.
Phillip had observed the way Niles and CC were hanging on to each other and he had also noticed the engagement ring on CC’s finger. "I understand you may not be ready to accept the money but the money is there and it is yours. If you don’t accept it I will place it in a trust for any children you may have in the future and if you never have children, the money will go to any living relatives after your death. Mr. and Mrs. Butler I am sorry for any hurt or shame I have brought to your family. My father was the one who was wrong in this whole matter. Maxwell has told me the story of how he lied to you, Mrs. Butler and I am sorry for his poor judgment but Niles is all I have left in this world since my mother’s death. Please forgive me for intruding." Phillip said as he stood to leave feeling he was very unwelcomed.
Maria’s heart went out to the boy. She could no longer stay mad at a man who had no part in what happened to her and seemed to be hurting and alone himself. "Phillip, sit. Don’t leave. Your father did lie to me but I was very aware of what I was doing when I became pregnant with Niles. I was young and blinded by your father’s good looks. He was quiet a handsome man as you saw in the pictures Maxwell showed me." Maria spoke for the first time to Phillip.
"Yes he was. Niles is a carbon copy of him." Phillip said as he retook his seat.
"What pictures?" Niles asked.
"These pictures Maxwell said as he handed the three pictures of Marcus Powell to Niles. Niles and CC studied the pictures and were amazed at the resemblance of the man in the photos to Niles.
"I have many more if you would ever like to see them." Phillip said to Niles.
Niles looked up from the pictures at Phillip but then looked at his mother and father for their approval. Maria shook her head yes. How could she deny her son the right to see pictures of the man who gave him to her. "Yes, I would love to see them." Niles said as he studied the pictures in his hands again.
"If there was one feature I wished you to inherit from Marcus Powell it was his blues eyes and you came out looking exactly like him. When you reached the age of about nineteen you looked so much like him at the time I knew him that sometimes I caught myself thinking it was him I was seeing and not you. It was not easy." Maria said as she really looked at the pictures for the first time since Maxwell had gotten them.
"My mother said the same thing." Maxwell said.
"I knew Marcus Powell from the time he was a young boy and I always saw the remarkable resemblance." Joseph said. "There was no denying he was Niles’ father."
Niles looked up at Joseph. "No, he was not my father, you were. He is the man who impregnated my mother. Sorry mom." Niles said blushing.
Maria smiled at her son. "It’s alright. Well Phillip I personally want to welcome you to the Butler family. We are not wealthy but we are very rich with love and it would be an honor to have you in our family." Maria said as she rose and walked over to Phillip Powell and hugged him. "And I am not sure you know it or not but you will be an uncle for the first time in about seven months. Niles and CC are engaged to be married and are expecting their first child."
"CC, Niles, much has happen since my last visit. The two of you have been busy. Congradulations." Phillip said as he stood to walk over and shake Niles and CC’s hand.
Niles rose to met his new brother with a hug. "Thank you brother and welcome to my most wonderful family." Niles said as he and Phillip hugged and cried.
CC and Niles were married by February and on May 13th Joseph John Butler was born, nicknamed JJ by his mom. Niles evidently accepted his inheritance which turned out to be close to 15 million dollars. Even thou he was now a rich man, Niles continue to work for Maxwell as his butler. Him and CC lived at the mansion in a small, cozy two bedroom apartment Maxwell presented them with as a wedding gift.
Niles and Phillip developed a relationship but Niles was never as close to him as he was his other brother and sister.
The End
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