Saturday rose over the Hopps estate the way it always had in late summer. A light fog that quickly vanished as the sun kissed it goodbye. Birds leaving their snug nests to search for breakfast, which the gardeners hoped would consist of any insects trying to sabotage their efforts. And the most of the mammals on the estate would enjoying knowing they had no work or lessons today.
The Wildes had been residence within the walls of the estate for almost a whole week. The lord kept his word and sent help with packing up the cabin. Fortunately, they had few belongings. Nick really only had his toy soldiers and some clothing, while John and Francine only had kitchen equipment, clothing, and a few nicknacks from their time in Zootopia.
Both mother and son had been over the moon about their move, though Francine made an effort not to cry upon hearing about their eviction. But seeing the spacious cabin they would be living in helped greatly. They had John's cousins, who were seed traders, visiting Bunnyburrow and they were now able to host them. Plus, Nick had never had his own bedroom. Their new home had three! All furnished!
Both parents cherished the sight of him and Judy jumping on the bed with glee. Until Nick jumped to close to the edge and missed it entirely. His ever suffering tail was really the only victim. Had it been able to, it would have revolted and demanded a new host. But it healed and life became sweeter for the happy fox family.
Though their celebration supper was ruined when Francine served her son his favorite: Roasted crickets. The small todd had taken one look before he bursted into tears and ran from the room, crying "You killed Henry!". John was quite puzzled. His wife merely sighed.
"Don't ask," was her response.
The garden had been uprooted and replanted, though the tomatoes had to be quarantined. The new head gardener, an aging goat name Joseph Oats, had given them a thorough examination.
"It's root mold," he declared. John had been very exasperated. His almanac did not mention that. "These are newer plants, yes? You only had them a few weeks?"
John nodded in confirmation.
"I've seen the character who was peddling them. Nasty little weasel, that Duke. They were most likely already sick and if you're not experienced with them it's a difficult fix. No matter. I'll have them in their rights in about a week or so."
"Thank you, Mr. Oats," John had smiled at the goat who waved him away.
That was on Tuesday. This morning, Saturday, with the sun barely up, the Wildes were still sleeping soundly in their new room. Nick was up, struggling into his best clothing and trying to tame his fur. Their house guests for the week slept snug in the guest room.
The Hopps household was always up at this time. Even earlier than usual today. Today there was going to be a tea and breakfast party and most were very excited. Judy's litter sisters, Brook, Sarah, and Silene, were twirling in their new day dresses.
They admired the way their skirts flared out and how silky the sashes around their waists were. They had already had their fur brushed and ribbons matching their dresses tried around their ears, curtesy of Martha the impala maid. That left Judy sitting slumped on the vanity bench, while the maid gently brushed her fur into place.
Earlier, Judy had crept into her brother's adjoining room and snuck out a pair of breeches and a white linen shirt. Martha and Bonnie had caught her and it was the threat of Nick being sent away that had her agreeing to the pretty white day dress and purple sash. Martha finished the look with two purple bows tied to each ear. Judy was miserable.
Martha smiled at the bunny's reflection and ran a gentle hoof down one of her drooping ears. It twitched slightly as Judy looked up at Martha through the mirror.
"Just lovely, Miss Judith. Are you ready for the party?" The little bunny gave a long suffering sigh.
The party would be mostly the Hopps kits, with some neighbors thrown in. The Bellwethers had been invited, even though Carol Bellwether and her mother did not get along. The Bellwether lambs were mostly insufferable, with the youngest, Sharla, at least making an effort in manners. The eldest, Dawn, seemed to have a mission to be as rude as she could.
Delicate porcelain tea cups would find themselves broken on the floor or a maid would stumble with full paws or hooves. Requests were demands and never followed with "please" or "thank you". Really, only her sister Maple got on well with her. But, unfortunately, social etiquette demanded their presence. And the presence of the matriarch of the Maxillary family.
Judy had heard that Abigail Maxillary would be arriving with her grandson, George. Abigail wrote a very snooty society column for the Bunnyburrow Gazette and every Saturday took great pleasure in delivering it to the Hopps estate herself. Her snide gossip over their neighbors comings and going in a shrill, grating voice gave those around her terrible headaches. Bonnie hated these visits. So who knew how George would be.
Francine and John had been invited with their visiting cousins, but John had elected to tend the herb garden. His plants were taking the transition well and were ready to harvest. Francine and her guests had declined as the visiting wife had been ill since they arrived the previous afternoon. Their daughter had been too quiet and distant to even approach.
But Nick would be there! The clock was closing in on seven thirty in the morning and the fox kit had promised to be there at eight. This thought caused the bunny to practically vibrate with excitement.
"Do you think Nick is going to dress up, Martha? I have never worn a dress this fancy around him! What if he doesn't recognize me? I should draw a name tag so he knows it's me! Oh, but my paw writing is horrid! What if he doesn't understand what it says?" Judy felt worry bubble up in her.
"Then you shall have the opportunity to be a mystery. Males love mystery, my dear." The impala had murmured the words and watched Judy's face contort in confusion.
What in the name of carrots is she talking about? Judy asked herself.
Martha gave playful wink to her and allowed Judy to bounce off the seat and race to the door. Caught up in their sister's excitement, the other does raced after her, down the hall and stairwell, towards the front parlor to the left of the entry hall. The weekend staff had completed setting up and many of her older brothers and sisters were already present.
The ewe who had delivered tea service for the Wildes approached Judy and her litter mates with a tray of freshly buttered scones with raspberry jam. Jezzie smiled as Judy took three with a happy grin. She had always loved that little doe.
Judy took her breakfast and wandered the parlor, admiring the flower arrangements and her siblings more polished appearances. Her mother and father stood off to the side, directing the staff and smiling as their kits danced and played with each other in the fancier setting.
"Carrots!"
At the familiar voice, Judy twirled around with one scone left in her sticky paws and a lot of jam on her muzzle. The group of bunnies parted and the Lord and Lady Hopps jumped in surprise as Nick rushed into the room. He, too, had a scone in his paw and jam on his face. Bonnie smiled and shook her head fondly at the fox before glancing at her daughter.
She beat Nick in getting to the smaller bunny, a clean white napkin in her hand. The young doe cried out in embarrassment and displeasure when her mother started scrubbing her face clean. Nick bounced forth and giggled at the sight. Only to be grabbed and scrubbed at as soon as Judy was sufficiently clean.
"Now I have a young lady and a gentlemale to present today! Mind yourselves and please keep your clothing clean!" She stood up and watched both kits wander the room as they chatted excitedly about their week.
That dress will be in tatters within the hour, Bonnie thought ruefully.
She groaned internally and walked over towards Martha entering with the Bellwethers. Lady Carol flounced into the room with her nose practically leading the way, with Dawn following in similar fashion. Sharla peaked around her mother's dress, which seemed to loaded with frills and lace. Her eyes lit up on Brooke as both females squealed and made beeline for each other. Maple came up to link arms with Dawn and pull her away as Lady Hopps approached Lady Carol.
"My, my Bonnie how….well….. you are looking today," she commented snidely. Her eyes took in Bonnie's more simple day dress: pale lavender with a white floral tie around her waist. "Certainly the model of country fashions I see. My husband commissioned my dress from a designer in Furance. It's made with the finest lace. And costs as much as our china!"
Carol accepted a cup of tea from Jezzie, and scanned the room. Lady Hopps held a tight smile. She now would have preferred the gossip instead of the ewe's presence.
"Yes, well, I hardly need to encourage my husbands appetites any more than I already do. Had I indulged in a dress such as yours, then you would not have the pleasure of our company." Bonnie batted her eyes as she sipped her from her own cup.
Lady Carol choked on her tea and gave Bonnie a scandalized look. Jezzie, suppressing laughter, barely kept the tray steady as she exited the room. With a sniff, the ewe's eyes scanned the room and alighted on the small fox that stood next to Judy. The pair were in a spin contest, giggling as they twirled about and bumped into each other.
"Ugh! What a horrid, scruffy little creature. Why would you let such a thing near your precious children?"
Stewart had joined his wife and watched her gaze harden. Bonnie Hopps rarely lost her temper and it was never in public. She could not lose it on her guest. Even if said guest was unforgivably rude. He placed a paw on his wife's arm and beat her to a response.
"That would be Nicholas, our governess and new gardener's son. Every one on staff and in the family have grown quite fond of him." Eyes popped to the door and widened with relief. "Oh, look there's Mr. and Mrs. Bogo! And they've brought little Camellia, too, how lovely! Come dear, let us greet them."
The lord felt a chill run down his spine when he realized his wife was growling quietly at Carol as she was lead away.
The Bogos entered the room with Essi in the lead. In her arms was a beautiful little calf only a couple months old. She had her father's coloring but was certainly more gazelle like than buffalo. Judy, hearing her father announce their presence, had grabbed Nick's paw and dragged him over. Nick had become acquainted with Mrs. Bogo as his neighbor and baby Camellia was ever in awe over the fox family's bright red fur.
"Mrs. Bogo!" Judy released Nick and gave the gazelle a hug around her calves. Essi smiled down at her friend's daughter as she pulled away. "Are you going to be playing piano for us today?"
"If my husband can manage without me, I would be honored, Miss Judy!" She bent her knees to be eye level with the kits, Camellia balanced in her lap. The calf's brown eyes lit up on Nick and she reached out for him. Nick smiled and stood close enough for the her to pet his head. The baby was his size so there was no way he could hold her.
"Please, Essi! There is no need to burden yourself for our entertainment, dear," Bonnie had approached with Stewart, thankful to be away from Bellwether. "Please just enjoy the party!"
Adrian Bogo gave a low chuckle, "Nothing pleases my wife more then indulging adoring fans!"
Essi stood with a smile and handed Camellia to her husband. Giving both a quick kiss, she bent to embrace Bonnie and Stewart before heading to the piano in the corner. Judy and Nick happily followed her, the bunny trembling with excitement as the gazelle sat and started up a lively tune.
"I messed up tonight,
I lost another fight
I still messed up but I'll start again"
Judy clapped and bounced as she played, glancing at Nick who was merely smiling as he bobbed his head. A quick hip bump from the bunny earned her a smile and an eyeroll as he swayed and shook his paws to the music.
Bonnie found herself next to Bellwether again, ignoring her as she scoffed in disgust at the kits dancing together. Bogo held his daughter and gently rocked her in his arms as she cooed in contentment.
"Such a pleasant sight," Came a soft, friendly voice over Bonnie's shoulder.
"Why Natalie Otterton! I had feared you did not get my invitation!" Bonnie embraced the new arrival.
"Oh dear, I was sure I had sent out my RSVP! I am not inconveniencing you by showing up am I?"
"My dear Mrs. Otterton, you and your husband are never an inconvenience," Stewart shook hands with Gregory Otterton and the two males stepped away to talk business. They were visiting from Zootopia and wished the Hopps to supply them with a new flower they had acquired earlier in the summer.
Their arrival distracted the lord from another who appeared. Mrs. Amelia Maxillary and her grandson, George. She was dressed as gaudy as Carol Bellwether, with a tight day dress of shocking pink and an actual cape with white feathers adorning the collar. George was dressed in a mauve suit, with a black waistcoat. Had he been different color, it would have been a flattering look. But he was the spitting image of his father, so the colors just gave his fur a more muddy appearance.
"Lord Stewart! How charming, my dear buck, what a lovely party!" Amelia waltzed in and took the buck by his elbow, pulling him from his conversation with Gregory. He was dragged over to where his wife stood conversing with Natalie and Bellwether. The rabbit kit marched behind her. "I believe you have not met my grandson George. George, meet your future father in law!"
The younger buck rushed up in front to shake paws with the lord and gave a small bow. His grandmother's words caused Bonnie's head to jerk in surprise as her eyes narrowed on her husband. Stewart gave her the slightest of winces and a head shake. One of Judy's older sisters was halted by the elderly doe as she passed.
"Be a dear and take my George to Miss Judith, will you?" Amelia didn't glance at the little Hopps doe, who looked astonished at her father. Stewart forced a smile on his face as he nodded at his daughter, who looked warily at the brown bunny kit before shrugging. The two left as Amelia continued, her eyes widening at the pair by the piano, "My, my a fox I see! Didn't know you Hopps' bothered with such riff raff!"
"Oh, I know! Isn't it appalling! I would not be surprised if the little demon sneaks into your home and eats up all your children!" Carol produced a fan and began to rapidly try to cool herself from such terrible thoughts.
Natalie's eyes followed to the small pair of kits. Nick was trying to twirl Judy, but her exuberance meant her ears would lightly hit his face on each turn. Their laughter almost drowned out the lovely voice and music. She smiled and felt suddenly charmed watching them.
"And I see it's friends with Miss Judith! Tsk, tsk. My George will have to put a stop to this," Bonnie and Natalie both glared between Stewart and Amelia. Stewart's eyes were impassive as he turned them towards the daughter in question and Nick.
He had to admit, they were quite adorable as they danced and laughed while Essi played and sang for them.
I'm going to enjoy this far too much, he thought.
….
"I won't give up,
No I won't give in
Until I reach the end and I start again!" Essi sang and felt joy as the pair listening relished her song.
"Well, well, well! If it isn't the little, red pelt," came a sardonic voice behind them. Nick and Judy whirled around to see the newly arrived buck. "I see you have been keeping my betrothed company. Don't worry Miss Judith, you don't need to entertain this creature any longer."
Judy's ears shot up in anger and she stole a glance at Nick, who cowered away with his tail in his hands and ears flat against his head. The buck merely stuck his nose in the air and gave a haughty smile and bow towards Judy.
"Mr. George Maxillary at your service. Father says we are to be engaged."
The doe, now shaking with fury, looked a him before looking up at the surprised gazelle who had stopped playing to observe with a frown on her muzzle.
"What's engaged?" Judy asked. Essi looked between the two rabbit kits then looked at the little fox, who waited with wide eyes for the answer.
"It means to be married," she said softly, giving the buck a look of distaste. He merely looked at Judy with a proud, smug look on his little face while Nick's ears shot up and his fur bristled in surprise. The rabbit doe, however, did not look away from the gazelle.
"I shall never marry him," she said firmly. Her paw reached out as she turned her back on the intruder, taking Nick firmly by his own and forcing his attention back on the piano. Essi smiled and continued to play.
"Oh yes you will! Our fathers are arranging it. We shall be married and as your husband, I demand you come away from that horrid thing!"
Judy whipped around with fire in her eyes. Her brothers and sisters who had been enjoying the music all fell silent. Her brother Quentin could be heard muttering, "You poor dumb bunny". The amount of siblings that nodded in agreement was rather comical.
Her sister Silene was closest, holding a small fruit tart with cream. Judy took it from her and smashed it into George's face hard enough to push the buck onto the floor.
"I shall never marry such an awful excuse of a bunny as you! Nick is a better bunny then you shall ever be and more mammals find pleasure in HIS company than yours. Come, Nick, there is evil afoot!"
And with that, Judy took Nick's paw again as she licked her other one clean of the residual cream. Nick looked at the stunned buck on the floor as they passed before snapping his attention to the doe leading him away from the parlor. Essi's choke of laughter had paused her performance and met eyes with her husband across the room. Both grinned at the events that unfolded. The lovely gazelle continued to play, the music all the more sweeter to her ears.
Amelia marched angrily to her grandson and yanked him up right. She turned to where the pair of kits were exiting. Tugging George towards the Lord and Lady Hopps, she bristled with indignation, her ears flushed deep red and quivering in the air. George was sputtering fruit tart from his nose and used his free paw to send the larger pieces to the floor.
"Well, I never!" Cried Amelia. She was not met with sympathy or remorse from the Hopps. In fact, the only mammal sharing her anger was Lady Carol Bellwether, who called her daughters forward to leave the estate. "I expect swift punishment for such rude treatment towards my George! If you want this match, Lord Hopps, that horrible daughter of yours and the little devil fox are to be taught a lesson."
"Then I suppose now would be a great opportunity to tell you that the arrangement is off." Stewart was determined not to meet his wife's gaze. He knew he would be scolded later for withholding the arrangement from her.
"Oh, is that so! And who, may I ask, do you think will accept her hand now? I will make sure the other families know of this. They will not be so ready to tie their own sons to such an unruly doe! At this rate she shall never marry!"
"If you mean to threaten a mother by informing her that her baby will never leave her care, you are sadly mistaken," Bonnie stepped forward with a steely look in her eye. Natalie, who had accepted the now snoozing Camellia, stood behind her friend supportingly. "I have other daughters who shall marry and marry well. Knowing that my Judith will not have her spirit crushed by such a pompous bore of a family as yours is a reward of itself."
Amelia gasped in anger then stormed out of the parlor, followed by the Bellwethers. Sharla looked over her shoulder sadly at Brooke, who waved goodbye with equal remorse. The room now containing only the Hopps family, the Ottertons, and the Bogos, everyone was rather quiet. But sensitive ears picked up the distinct mutters from the bovines on either side of the room, as the piano played a more calm tune.
"Good riddance."
….
"I hear trouble of in the distance, Nick!" Judy had pulled Nick into the entrance hall and down the corridor towards the study. They were making their way to the patio as Judy turned their gait into a more cautious prowl. "Can you not hear it?"
Nick had been silent the whole walk. He pulled her to a stop just before they reached the doors to the patio and tugged his paw free. Judy furrowed her brow as she looked at him. He seemed very preoccupied by something.
"Carrots, I…Judy….." He took his tail into his hands and stroked it nervously, his eyes not meeting hers. "I…guess…I would like to say thank you…..for doing that. I've met George at my old house before and he was always a bully. Thank you for squishing a tart in his face."
"No one treats my friends like that, Nick." Judy faced him fully and gave him a smile. He finally looked at her and smiled back. But then looked away again nervously.
"So, does that mean you shall never…..ummm…..marry?" The last word was so quiet, had she not been a bunny she would have missed it. All the same, the question surprised her. She was only seven after all, and had never thought about it. She, at this moment, looked at the little fox kit and blushed.
But he gave her no chance to answer.
"My word!" He cried throwing himself to the floor. Judy looked at him in shock. "Feel the ground shake, Carrots? There must be a giant outside!"
Judy threw out her paws to keep her balance as the ground rumbled. The heavy footsteps could be heard just outside the doors.
"We must hurry before it destroys the estate!"
And with that, the two warriors rushed outside. They had just passed the threshold when a large foot came down, the aftershocks bringing them to their knees. Almost impossibly tall, the giant glared down at them and roared, it's ugly head misshapen and dripping drool.
Nick once again rushed to the dead tree and grabbed their swords. The giant's foot separated the warriors, but the fox kit used both weapons to slash at the offending ankle! The evil creature roared again in pain before trying to bring it's other foot down upon him. But Judy met him half way, claiming her own sword, only to cast it up into the falling appendage.
That damaged it some, but the weapon fell back to the earth, where it was caught by the bunny.
"Lead it away from the house!" Cried Nick as he darted toward the archway leading further into the grounds. Judy followed, with the giant trying to step upon them, it's grayish blood dripping from the wounds in its foot and ankle.
"We need bows and arrows, Nick! We can not fight this with swords!" Judy put hers into the sash around her waist as she spotted a bow and quiver of arrows next to her. They were both acquired and the little doe began firing arrows into the hide of the giant.
Nick let his own fall as he spotted a bundle of spears. They were perfect fox size. Together with their new weapons, the warrior kits lured the evil creature away from the Hopps home.
The giant was infuriated.
"FE FI FO FUM, RABBIT STEW MAKES ME SAY 'YUM'!"
One of Nick's spears aimed true and struck the giant in it's cheek. The creature gave another foul roar.
"ME MY MO MEEP, I EAT UP LITTLE FOXES WHO MAKE A PEEP!"
Judy shot off another arrow, this one hitting it's eye. The giant shook it's head in agony, ripping the arrow out and throwing it away. It suddenly spotted another creature not far from them. He was bent over a new basil bush, plucking the blossoms that were growing upon it. His red fur was quite distinguishable among the green of the herb garden.
John Wilde looked up at the sound of his son and Judy running towards him, Nick throwing his imaginary spears, the bunny shooting her imaginary arrows.
"HE HY HOW HEY, A FOX, IT SEEMS, I SHALL EAT TODAY!"
Both kits cried out in alarm and doubled their efforts.
"PAPA WATCH OUT! THE GIANT WISHES TO EAT YOU!"
The older todd silenced the chuckle he felt emerging, and put on a look of fear.
"What shall I do?" He cried letting his hands fly up to demonstrate his fright.
"Never fear, Mr. Wilde! We shall protect you!" John cover his head and hid his grin as the two warriors bravely fought the giant.
"Destroy his ankles! The ankles!" He called and watched them attack the empty air. What giant could stand chance?
All too soon, the battle was over. Nick and Judy threw themselves on the floor as the giant's collapsing body made the ground tremble. Now they stood, hands on their hips and warrior grins on their faces. Another day saved.
"My, my, how do two warriors stand such excitement?" John stepped clear of the herb plot and came up to the kits, bending down to look them in the eye.
"All in a days work, Papa," Nick gave a smug grin to his father, which he returned.
"You know, the basil talks to me," the older todd began. Both kits looked at each other in surprise, then turned back towards John, "and it says there are three foxes and little vixen in need of assistance. Their cabin is being sieged upon by imps."
Both warriors looked outraged at this.
"They smelled the blueberry turnovers being prepared and have threatened to dismantle the cabin if they are not surrendered! There might be a handsome and tasty reward if they were to be stopped."
Nick and Judy had turned and ran towards the dwellings, crying out to strike fear in the hearts of their foes. John chuckled and shook his head as he watched them for a while. He made his way back to the basil and continued his task. His mind reflected upon his son and Judy's friendship.
Not for the first time, he reflected upon his son's name and the weight it carried for he and his wife. Time really does heal all wounds, even if it scared. Their last few months in Zootopia had indeed scared them.
Bunnyburrow life was easier in many ways. Most notably, the foxes could avoid the crowds and successfully seek solitude. And now that they lived on the estate, they found themselves more at peace than they would have hoped.
Nicholas was living up to his namesake, his blossoming personality matching what his mother and father had hoped for and more. And his friendship with the bunny brought a calming thought to John's mind.
Nicholas was being given a second chance.