A/N:

Ladies and gentlemammals, I return! Sorry for the delays, but life happened. I am so grateful to all of you who have reviewed, or been in touch regarding this piece. It is always welcome. Now, on we go!

Judith was surprised at the toll her new situation took on her, even from the first day. It was far more exhausting than she had anticipated. Her previous travels for social obligations were one thing, but this was an entirely different experience. An hour or two by carriage was to be expected and, compared to her current circumstances, a relative pleasure, no matter the company.

The first day was quite a bit busier than she had anticipated. In spite of her history of traveling on family business, she was not prepared. Garden parties, formal dinners and the occasional ball, all within a day's slow carriage ride were tiring in their own ways. However, they paled in comparison to the demands of her first day touring with Mr. Wilde. Several hours by carriage saw them to their first stop, a small farmstead that didn't even warrant a name. There, she observed Mr. Wilde's conversation with the steader and reviewed their books. All in all, it was a very full morning.

Over lunch, she and her escort discussed his meeting and the books. He was very different an instructor than her tutors she had growing up. Rather than posit facts and expected memorization, he asked questions and guided her to conclusions. She had to make the steps herself. It was a very challenging experience for her. It was also mentally demanding and, therefore, draining. Following their meal, they returned to the road and made their way to another farmstead of similar character to the first. Their visit there was shorter and the lesson afterwards was held in the carriage.

Their supper and lodgings for the night were in a respectable inn outside Podunk. Judith was asleep moments after her head hit the pillow. She barely bothered to undress. The second day was very similar to the first.

Mr. Wilde did his best to accommodate his companion as they made a circuit of the nearer lands held by her family. It was two to three weeks of early nights after days of hard work and travel. He was used to the schedule. For him, it was relatively easy. In fact, it was far lighter than his typical workload. For Judith, it was obviously grueling. Much to his delight, she adapted.

As the days passed, he watched her grow more comprehending of her lessons. Before long, rather than simply observing, she was the one sitting at the books as he guided her through them. She began to ask questions while they were with the steaders and other mammals involved with the family's investments. Their stops got shorter. She was less drained at the end of each day and, eventually, they had time free after lessons. As she learned more, the speed with which she was able to comprehend the next lesson increased. It was most gratifying for the gentleman fox to see her progress.

It was at nearly the end of their first month of travel that they found themselves in a small inn, well north of anywhere Judith had ever been. It was quiet. There were few other travelers. It was likely to be their last meal in anything close to a town for several weeks. The following morning they were due to make for the outer rim of properties beholden to the Hopps'. The estates were larger and much farther apart. In some cases, they would have to travel for multiple days between destinations. Judith was looking forward to it.

In the weeks they had been together, they had spent little time together doing anything other than work. Judith was highly displeased at the lost time. She knew her future depended on learning to manage lands and mammals, but she hated to see such opportune time alone with Mr. Wilde go to waste simply because she was too tired. All too often she had been escorted to her room at whatever inn they stopped at, only to miss the chance to even flirt with him in favor of staggering to her bed.

Nicolas, for his part, was rather relieved. The overt display of interest his companion had shown upon their departure had unsettled him slightly. It was a welcome respite that she had been more focused on resting and her studies than pursuing him. He was not against her interest, merely her zeal. If he was honest with himself, he was also more than a little anxious of the long-term prospects for her interest. It was with that in mind that Nicolas joined Judith at table.

His anxiety was only fed as he took his seat, after settling her into her own. Their rooms were a suite with a joint common room, typical of what would be called the Noble's Rooms at the inn; a master bedroom, a parlor and a room for the valet, or ladies maid. Very private. Too private for Nicolas' comfort, considering Judith's increased stamina.

Judith waited until the meal was served and the server departed before she engaged her partner. Rather, she would have if he hadn't preempted her as they began to eat.

"I see you're looking forward to the morrow, Miss Hopps."

"I am. Now that I am not so fatigued by the work, I find I am enjoying it more and more."

"I am glad to hear that. You have a respectable grasp of the basics of the work, but the upcoming weeks will require much more of you."

Judith was not expecting that response and replied as much. "I was under the presumption that we would be refining my skills, but I had learned enough to handle myself decently."

"You certainly have! I am quite pleased at your progress and you do in fact understand the essentials of the work. However, tomorrow, we are moving outside the direct sphere of influence of your parents and into more autonomous Hopps' lands. That is a slightly different situation."

"In what way, may I ask?"

"Do not sound so guarded, Miss Hopps. Your skills will continue to develop as far as the basics are concerned. Now, we will have to start developing your next set of skills."

Judith suspected he was playing games, but he could also have been serious. "What set of skills, if I may inquire?"

"Subterfuge," the fox replied with a wry grin.

Judith's shock only lasted a moment. "I beg your pardon?"

"Miss Hopps, what is the reason all the books we have seen so far are in order?"

"Must we have another lesson, tonight? I had rather hoped for more pleasant conversation."

Nicolas chuckled before replying. "You may yet get it, if you answer well."

Judith couldn't stop her smile. He was playing. "Very well. I would suspect because it's lawful."

"Oh, how very noble and very naive."

"Mr. Wilde, I have worked very hard these past weeks and I am disinclined to endure your condescension. Why are all the books in order?"

"Very well, Miss Hopps. I suppose you've earned an easy answer. The reason they have all been in order is that the Hopps family has been less than a day's travel from each of the steadings. If they wanted to an auditor could appear at any time. As such, it behooves the steaders and other mammals in charge to keep the books well. Irregularities will be discovered easily. As we move beyond this limitation, we will have to be on our guard."

"Are we really so likely to find a thief among those employed by my family?"

"There are mammals who would take the opportunity presented by lower presence of supervision to benefit themselves surreptitiously. I doubt we will find many, but a touch of graft isn't unheard of. We may yet find a bit."

"What will we do when we find it?"

"If we find any, we will report any irregularities to your parents. They will send constables, or family guards to address the issue. We will not confront anyone engaged in questionable activities, as that could endanger us."

"I'm quite sure of your capacity to protect us. I feel quite safe in your paws."

"I have no doubt of that. Brigands, or an angry farmer, I can handle. However, I cannot defend us against all means of harm. Poison, for a start."

"Is that likely?"

"No, but I will not take that risk when it comes to your safety."

The blush that suffused her cheeks surprised her not at all, nor did her shortness of breath. Before she could reply, Nicolas commented over his wine glass, "Eat up, Miss Hopps. We are unlikely to enjoy such a fine repast for some time, after this evening."

Judith composed herself and continued her meal. "So, why is it important that I learn subterfuge?"

"So that you may learn to spot it. So far, we have studied the farms and requirements for their functioning. If you are to manage lands, you must know every mammal's tasks and if they are being done well. That's the easy part. The more subtle arts are just as important, if not more."

"Subtle arts? Are you going to instruct me in painting, as well?"

"Sadly, I have no talent for high artistic endeavors. Instead, you will be learning communication, negotiation techniques, mammal management, the questions to ask depending on circumstance, how to maintain control and position in dealing with partners, how to properly apply pressure and more. Among the most important will be seeing flaws of logic and spotting lies, as well as proper steps in response. You'll have to learn investigative techniques, methods of enforcing discipline. All kinds of things."

"I must say, I am a touch overwhelmed at the prospect."

"I am quite sure of your capacity to learn it all, Miss Hopps."

"You flatter me."

"Justifiably." He countered with a grin.

With that, the conversation turned to lighter matters, including a point of curiosity for Judith. It was a conversation he barely took note of, but to her it was another surprising insight into the still-mysterious fox. She found it ironic that the more insight she gained, the more enigmatic he seemed, for all his increasing openness.

"Mr. Wilde, I've been meaning to ask you something."

"By all means, Miss Hopps. I shall endeavor to answer."

"I am aware that that this excursion is not without expense and that my parents arranged it."

"That's a statement, not a question."

"Very witty, I'm sure, Monsieur Obvious. My question is, how are we financing our travels? My parents could not possibly have arranged for everything, especially at such relatively short notice. Also, there is the matter of incidental expenses and the fact that no matter how fast the courier, they could not have arranged for payment in advance at every establishment we have favored with our custom. Finally, few of the places we have stayed or favored would send to my father for repayment, after the fact. Therefore, you must have coin on you, but I have yet to see it. Explain, if you please?"

Nicolas sat back in his seat and regarded her for a moment before responding. Her statement was well considered and reasonable, intelligent and displayed as astute sense of observation. This was a development unforeseen in his estimations for at least some time. He simply had to prod her.

"I will answer, but I would like to hear the explanation you feel is most reasonable, based on your line of reasoning, first. If you please?"

Judith smiled before she answered. "Two options come to mind. Either, my parents gave you coin to take with us and you've been accessing it from wherever it's hidden while I have been otherwise occupied, or the farmsteads are acting as banking stations for us as we travel and they are providing replenishment for our purse."

Nicolas could not contain his laughter. It was perfect. Simply perfect reasoning. "By gods, Miss Hopps, that is excellent!" Judith beamed at the praise. "We did indeed receive a base endowment prior to leaving the Manor. We have also been supplemented by the farms we have visited. I have letters of introduction and instructions from your parents for each of the steaders."

"That was part of what was in those correspondences," Judith surmised.

"Quite so." The fox was all but dripping pleasure at her success. He was surprised and intrigued at how well she had worked out the puzzle, both the asking and the answer. "The funds we receive from each locale we visit should be sufficient to fund out movements throughout the tour. However, your ever-cautious mother also had issued to us some several letters of credit, if we find ourselves in need of an emergency purse."

Judith was exultant at the praise and confirmation of her suspicions. She could not resist pushing just a touch further. "Much like that purse she gave you after you protected us in the city, if I am not mistaken."

"Miss Hopps, you excel yourself. Yes. Exactly."

Red eared, red cheeked and feeling bold, the young lady pressed, "I simply must ask, Mr. Wilde. How did you return to the manor ahead of us? The laundering of your uniform must have taken at the least until morning. How did you manage it?"

The fox regarded his wine glass with a smirk. "I returned before you because I did not go to a guesting house, as ordered, Miss Hopps."

That got her attention. She'd never heard of the fox disobeying an order from anyone, especially her mother. "What do you mean?"

"I left the constable's station and went to the home of an acquaintance. He helped me clean myself up enough to return to the manor before dawn. I laundered my soiled garments myself, before I resumed my duties that day."

"Then… What happened to the purse my mother gave you?"

"It ended up in her desk, less the cost of my fare to return to the manor."

Now, Judith was well and truly confused. "Forgive me, Mr. Wilde. I assumed you had made use of it. Or at least…"

"…kept the balance?" He finished, for her. His sharp glance made her blush, but his chortle lessened the sting of being caught in such an unflattering assumption. "I can't honestly blame you. I have no doubt that was the intent behind providing me with such an excessive sum."

"My mother was overly generous?"

"She frequently is, in my experience. For what she gave me that night, I could have bought two weeks lodgings at a fine establishment and wanted for nothing in all that time."

"Then, if it was a gift, why did you return it? Isn't that a bit… discourteous of you?"

"Oh, yes. I am quite sure it is, but it is a game she and I have played since she first employed me. She was always too giving, so I would sneak what I didn't need back to her. I swear, we have exchanged the same coin at least ten score times, over the years."

That night, Judith went to her bed, with her mind whirling, yet again, because of the good Mr. Wilde. His fond smile as he spoke of her mother was jarring, but did not make her jealousy flare. She wondered, not for the first time, what history the two shared and how it had shaped the mammal she was so smitten with. It was a mystery she would unravel one day at a time, but this day was one she would consider a success. Not only for her discoveries and his game of frugality with Lady Hopps, but also for the conclusion of their evening.

The food and wine had been rich and satisfying. They had both indulged themselves slightly more than they ought, by proper manners. However, they were not with any company other than themselves ad it had been far too long since they had spent any leisure time together. As the candles burned down and the firelight danced on the walls, Judith's boldness grew. While she had lost time to her lack of conditioning, it was no longer an impediment. She had some weeks ahead of her yet, but those would end all too quickly.

With the fortification of her meal and its accompanying libation, she felt she was able to finally press forward, closing the distance to the fox. She hoped to feel his lips on her paw again and renew what she had once fervently hoped would soon become a tradition between them. After the first taste, it had become practically an addiction.

As they concluded their evening together and Nicolas escorted her the short distance to her bedchamber, the prospect thrilled her. Judith knew it was likely he could be pressed into kissing her paw, but she was left breathless when he grasped her paw with no goading at all and pressed his lips to it. When she moved to kiss his cheek, he did not resist and surprised her again by retaining her paw.

He met her eyes with his own and the firelight danced in them as he softly said, "Miss Hopps, in light of our conversation this evening, I feel the need to ask a question of you."

"Another, Mr. Wilde?

"Another, Miss Hopps," the fox replied with a grin. "One that has weighed on my mind for some time. A kiss on the paw being returned by a kiss on the cheek. It is an unbalanced exchange, is it not?"

"It is not," she firmly replied.

"How so?" Nicolas queried.

Judith smiled as she answered. "As you taught me, an exchange is unbalanced if the value of the exchange is not even, as seen by both parties."

"I do not see the exchange as even."

"I do."

"You value a kiss to your paw as the same as a kiss to the cheek?" Nicolas inquired with a raised eyebrow.

"I value a kiss to the paw from you as equal to a kiss to the cheek from me."

"You undervalue the worth of what you offer."

"No. I simply hold your offerings in such high regard."

Nicolas steeled himself. The wine was making it too easy for him to ask the questions he dared not, otherwise. To his every attempt at levity, her responses were sincere and solid as bedrock. It frightened him, both for her earnest display of emotion and the reaction it sparked in his own. Almost as though his voice had a will of its own, he asked, "Miss Hopps, were I to kiss your cheek, what then would you offer in exchange?"

Judith smiled softly as she reached up and caressed his cheek; her amaranthine eyes blazing in the firelight. "Mr. Wilde, when you find the initiative to do so, you'll find out," and she was gone.

Nicolas Wilde, stood stock still for a moment, regarding the door before him. Conflict roiled within him. He was sure and certain if he pressed, she would welcome him. Such a turn of events was the stuff of fantasy. At least, it had been. Now, he could no longer claim the desire was not mutual.

As he made himself ready for his bed, he made himself face two simple facts. The first being their desires were mutual. The second being that soon, very soon, they would not have to concern themselves with eavesdroppers. Come morning, they would be finding their beds not in well-traveled inns, but on the very farms they visited. There would be fewer wagging tongues and greater privacy. Very soon, he would have no excuses left and the last thing he would ever do was disappoint her. With that thought ringing in his mind Nicolas slipped into dreams, eager for the morrow.