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Niles had grudgingly admitted his feelings for Ms. Babcock to Fran and told her that he wanted to do something different because he wanted to impress CC; he wanted her to see him in a different light. Shocked by his admission but being the true friend and Yenta that she was, Fran promised to help Niles. Not having the right connections, they did not make any progress until they impersonated Mr. Sheffield and Ms. Babcock. Their deed was found out by a furious Maxwell when he was notified of some violations committed by Sheffield-Babcock Productions Inc. Maxwell took take care of their violations after Fran explained to him the reason why she and Niles went behind his back to launch a production. It also wounded his ego that Fran had asked him to stay away during the production period and rehearsals. They would only show up for opening night. She understood that Niles wanted to have free rein without the 'expert' by his side muzzling his creative ideas. Niles was so grateful for that freedom that he told Fran he would cater a Fine family gathering in the coming holidays; that promise made Sylvia ecstatic. The results were far better than Maxwell expected it to be: The production was a great success. After the curtain closed to the audiences' wild applause, the theatre critics were falling all over themselves to speak with Niles. Fran had given all production credit to him.
Deep inside, Mr. Sheffield was amazed at how Niles was able to glean success out of such amateur material. The man had vision! He had to recognize that they both -Fran and Niles- had their own innate talents. On the other hand, because they had conspired behind his back and spurned his expertise, he was too upset to publicly admit that their production was successful. But then again, Niles had been his valet and personal tutor when they were at Eton and Oxford together, so it's not really stretching anyone's imagination to believe that Niles is a man of many superb talents. It's also interesting to note that Maxwell had to work really hard to maintain his spot on the Dean's List during his last semesters at Oxford because Niles had already finished his course and had moved on to undergo his formal training as a butler and then afterwards, worked for his parents as payback for their sending him to exclusive schools alongside their eldest son, Maxwell.
As he listened to the applause, Maxwell started thinking about what Niles had done with his life. Should he acknowledge Niles' success in this latest venture that was achieved by first impersonating him and then embroiling his production company in violations that almost cost them a quarter of a million dollars? 'But I do owe Niles so much for keeping my family together when Sarah died and I had buried myself in my work. He nobly sacrificed his own dreams so he could take care us. He's more like a brother to me, amend that to more than a brother; at times, he has been like a father to me too. There has never been a time when I don't remember Niles not being right beside me. He was instrumental in bringing Fran and me together. He was the best man at our wedding and I'm planning to ask him and CC to be the twin's godparents. I do, bloody owe you, old man!' Maxwell sighed.
'Maybe I held you back by not supporting your playwriting efforts before because I selfishly didn't want you to leave me if you became successful at it. I was always counting on you to be there for me, like the way it always was when we were growing up together. You were the one I ran to whenever I needed a shoulder to cry on. You were there to answer my questions about life even if you are only two years older than I am; you were wise beyond your years. You learned how to cook my favorite things and catered to the needs of a lifestyle I am accustomed to. You were there for me during my darkest hours and I felt that I would be lost if you left me, but having Fran as part of my life now has changed all that. It's hard to believe that even if we come from two different worlds, it feels as if she was made for me and I for her. I feel so whole, so complete and so blessed to have her as my wife. I am so lucky to have found that kind of love twice in a lifetime. I would never have had that chance if you weren't there to push me, to open my eyes and open up my heart and let her in. I'm hoping, wishing and praying that you and CC would work things out between the two of you, and find happiness in love like I have. I'm even hoping that you experience what the joys of fatherhood feels like. I know my children, especially Gracie, thought of you more as their father when I shut out all emotional involvements after Sarah died; but it's not the same. You are the best friend that I'm very lucky to have and I have to start acting as one to you now. I am sorry for having taken you for granted in the past. It's about time you live your life for yourself and not for others, old man!' With those thoughts in mind, Maxwell made a resolution to be more supportive of Niles' future endeavors as he walked towards him. Niles saw him and reached out to shake his hand in the British manner of extending congratulations but Maxwell grabbed his hand and without a word, gave him a hearty embrace. Niles returned his embrace but raised an inquiring eyebrow at this P.D.A. but Maxwell only smiled back at him.
The End
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