Captive Fox
Chapter 11

by Bluebonnet





Disclaimer: Yeah right, like I could create characters like these?

Rating: NC-17, baby!

Keywords: Sex and discipline--need I say more?

Summary: In a world where women rule and men are chattel, Fox Mulder Scully is his wife's most prized possession...

Notes: Most awesome thanks to my wonderful beta reader, Carolyn, who asks the hard questions, catches the little discrepancies, and makes me be better than I am. She's the one with all the good ideas.



"Aja--I was afraid you had forgotten your way," Fox smiled when the boy returned. "Come, I will show you to your new chamber."

"Lord Fox, wait, a man--" Aja began, out of breath, and Fox paused, his brow furrowed in puzzlement.

"A man?" he asked, his hand on the chamber door.

"Hiding outside, my lord, in the trees behind the servants quarters. He asked for you."

Fox swallowed hard and stared at Aja for a moment before asking, "Did he give a name?"

"He said his name was Isaac Tremont, my lord."

Fox felt the room begin to go black, and reached for the wall for support. Aja, seeing his master about to faint, wrapped his arms around Lord Scully's waist and eased him to a chair.

"My lord, are you all right?" he asked anxiously, patting the older man's face gently until Fox opened his eyes. "Place your head between your knees."

"I am all right, Aja," he whispered after regaining his bearings. "I was just suddenly quite dizzy."

Aja smiled knowingly. "Lady Dana is to have a babe," he said confidently.

Fox grinned affectionately at him. "What do you know of such things, my boy?"

The servant shrugged and replied with a smile, "I have seen it happen before."

Fox shook his head a bit, rising to a standing position with Aja's assistance, and allowed the boy to help him to his bed. "You are entirely too knowledgeable about certain matters for a child, Aja."

"Well, I cannot unlearn what I have learned," Aja pointed out, removing his master's boots and pulling a sheet over him.

Fox smiled. "That is quite true, I'm afraid. Well, since I am unable to show it to you, your chamber is the small one at the end of the corridor. Put your things there, then go and tell this man to wait for me. I will see him later, when I am recovered a bit."

"Yes, my lord."

"And Aja?"

"Yes, Lord Fox?" The boy turned back to his new master.

"Tell no one of this man."

Aja nodded and disappeared from the room, while Fox stared at the ceiling in fear. What did Isaac want, and why was he back in Azure? Surely he must know the danger to both of them, should he be discovered. Gnawing on his lip thoughtfully, Fox began to hatch a plan.



"Aja, I require your assistance," Fox said when the young man had answered his ring.

"Of course, my lord," Aja smiled, quite happy with his new position. His first day of duties had been relatively light, he had never had so fine a room as he now called his own, and Lord Fox was very kind.

"I must meet with Mr. Tremont, and I do not wish anyone to be bothered about it, so my lady does not need to discover that I have left this chamber. Can you distract her, should she come upstairs before I have returned?" He gazed at the boy, who returned his look with a confident smile.

"Of course I can do that, Lord Fox. How much time will you require?" Aja had the look of a scamp about him, which Fox found quite endearing.

"Not long. I will return as swiftly as I am able." Fox picked up the piece of parchment upon which he had written a letter, rolled it carefully and stuck it in his pocket. Then he left the chamber, creeping carefully down the stairs and out the back entrance, breathing a sigh of relief when he did not encounter either servants or family members.

He had gone upstairs directly after supper, Dana insisting he rest, as she said he appeared quite peaked. She, Maggie and Walter had remained in the salon, the ladies no doubt playing one of their eternal games of chess while Walter read to himself, and it seemed the perfect time for Fox to talk with Isaac.

Making his way across the yard in the twilight, he approached the clump of trees where Aja had said the man would be waiting.

"Isaac?" he called in a loud whisper, and immediately received his answer.

"Here, my lord."

Glancing over his shoulder one last time, Fox slipped behind the shrub and saw Isaac. The poor man was dressed in rags, and his face was thin and drawn. Fox made a mental note to have Aja bring him some food.

"Isaac, what are you doing here?" Fox asked urgently. "Do you not realize the danger? You are a dead man if Lady Fowley discovers you!"

"I know, my lord, but I felt I had no choice," Isaac replied. "I believe that a man I know as Alex Krycek is employed here at Scully Manor, and I had to warn you of him. Then I learned in the village that you are now Lord Scully the Younger, and that makes the danger greater still."

"But--"

"My lord, I promised you I would never reveal what you had done for me, but I did. I thought Alex was my trustworthy friend, and our Lady had provided the servants with a barrel of ale as a Christmas gift. I am unused to spirits, but Alex kept filling my mug--he may have even added something to it, I cannot be sure, and I...I am afraid I told him the entire story. When his contract was up, he told me he was coming to Azure to seek employment. He offered to carry a letter to you thanking you for what you had done, and swore to deliver it safely. I did not know until later he could not be trusted--the other servants had tales to tell of him that filled me with terror. He is a traitor and a thief. I had to warn you."

"He has been using the letter to blackmail me," Fox said grimly.

Isaac stared at him in appalled horror. "My most humble apologies, my lord--I will do what I must in order to rectify the situation. I will go to Lady Fowley at once and--"

"You will do nothing of the sort!" Fox retorted. "I did not save you only to have you throw your life away for me now. Here." He thrust the parchment into Isaac's hands. "You must travel to the next village to the north, called Webster. There you will inquire as to the estate of Lord Jake Winters. Give this letter to Lord Winters and tell him I sent you. He will take care of you."

Isaac looked at the parchment in his hands, then at Fox, his eyes shining with gratitude. "I do not deserve such kindness," he choked.

"Nonsense," Fox said briskly. "You did not deserve Lady Fowley's cruelty, or Alex Krycek's deception. Now, wait here a bit. I shall have my maid return with some food for you--you look half-starved. Then you must make haste. You must be far gone from this region by morning."

Isaac nodded and sank back into the trees, while Fox carefully made his way into the house. He was relieved to hear the sound of his wife's voice drift from the salon, and climbed the stairs as silently as a ghost. When he entered his chamber, Aja was waiting for him.

"All clear, my lord," he said brightly, and Fox nodded, feeling weariness and nausea begin to overtake him again, now that his mission was completed.

"Aja, help me undress and get into bed," he instructed. "Then you must go to the kitchen and tell Natalie I said to give you the leftover meat pies and scones from tea. You may eat one, if you are hungry, but take the rest to Isaac. Do not allow yourself to be seen. Can you do that?"

He grasped the boy's arm and looked into his eyes urgently, and Aja knew this was very important to Lord Fox.

"All us boys know how to get on the good side of Cook," he replied staunchly, and once his master was settled abed, made his way downstairs to obey his orders. He simply smiled and thanked Natalie when she commented on how much a growing boy could eat, then slipped outside and gave the leftovers to Isaac, bidding him haste and the company of the Goddess.

To Lord Scully's great relief, his wife did not discover that he had left their chamber that evening, and he prayed that Isaac had managed to reach safety. The note he had written to his cousin was vague, but Jake would understand, Fox told himself. They had been as close as brothers while children, and were still dear friends although they did not often visit.



Several days later, the family was at supper, where Dana was doing her best to tempt Fox with tasty morsels of chicken and pastry, when the great knocker at the front door resounded through the lower floor of the manor. They all looked at each other, somewhat surprised, for the hour for callers was past.

Roberta, who had answered the knock, threw open the dining room door with a flourish and stood aside to admit their visitor.

Dana gave a small shriek of delight as she rose from the table. "Melissa!" She stood back to look at her sister after embracing her in a fierce hug. "What are you doing here? We did not think to see you again so soon!"

Lady Maggie, upon hearing their voices, joined them quickly. She flashed a fond smile at the sight of her two daughters' loving greeting of one another.

"Mother!" Melissa greeted, receiving the same warm welcome from Lady Maggie. "I am happy to see you looking so well."

Maggie gave a short laugh. "Of course I am well, my dear. Walter keeps me young. What a pleasant surprise your visit is--you are just in time for supper. Roberta, bring some champagne."

"I have exciting news," Melissa confided, slipping her arms through theirs and walking toward the table. "I have been given a promotion."

"A promotion!" Dana exclaimed. "You were already a General of the Queen's Guard."

"Yes, well now I am Commanding General of the Guard," Melissa told her modestly. "I was given a week leave before I am to assume my new duties."

"You will be in charge of the entire Queen's Guard?" Dana asked, impressed, for it was truly one of the highest and most prestigious positions in the land.

"I am afraid so, Sister," she replied, her eyes dancing. "If any harm should befall our country or our Queen, you will know who is at fault!"

"Nonsense," Maggie chided as she resumed her place beside Walter. "Set another place for Lady Melissa," she instructed a servant, who bowed and left the room immediately.

"Walter, Fox," Melissa greeted the men, who smiled at her shyly. "How lovely to see you both."

"Welcome, and congratulations, Lady Melissa," Fox ventured, sipping at his water. "We always enjoy your company."

"Dana, I had occasion to visit France last month, and I brought you a decanter of brandy to replace what these naughty boys imbibed," she teased, for Melissa had found great amusement in reading her mother's account of the husbands' folly.

"Thank you, Sister," Dana replied, her face glowing. "I am afraid it will be some months before I am able to enjoy it. You see, I have a bit of news of my own." Melissa raised an eyebrow and Dana continued, "Fox and I are to have a child."

Melissa jumped from her chair to embrace her sister, then came around to take her brother-in-law's hand and kiss it lightly. "My congratulations to you both," she told them, highly pleased at the announcement.

"I, for one, fail to see why you must deny yourself brandy simply because you are with child," Maggie observed, sipping at the wine in her goblet. "I never did so, and all of my children were strong and healthy, even the boys."

"I know, Mother, but I truly believe that if one would not give brandy to a small child, one should not give it to a babe that is only beginning to form. Perhaps it would not harm the child, but neither shall my abstinence. Besides," she dimpled, "mayhap it is a male babe I carry, in which case he should not have spirits at all."

"I absolutely forbid it," Maggie announced sternly, but with a twinkle in her eye. "Scully women always bear a daughter first."

The conversation and laughter continued while the family enjoyed their happy reunion, and once they had retired to the salon, Maggie and Melissa enjoyed a tiny bit of the precious brandy at Dana's insistence.

"Well, Sister," Melissa teased, sipping slowly at the dark liquid. "Have you managed to locate a husband for me?"

Dana smiled as if she held a very great secret and replied blandly, "Perhaps I have. I will know on the morrow."

"Whatever do you mean, Dana?" asked Fox curiously, but she refused to clarify, only shaking her head at him, and challenged her sister to a game of chess.



After breakfast the next morning, Dana and Maggie departed for the village, for they both had patients to see that day. Walter was working at his accounts, and Fox had taken to his bed again. Melissa decided a walk in the beautiful Scully gardens would be just the thing after the hustle and bustle of London.

She was admiring some particularly fine rosebushes when she heard the sound of a horse approaching. Turning to see who was visiting them, she discovered to her great surprise, that the rider was a man, accompanied by only one female, a huge, brawny woman with a face that would have frightened most men. A small valise was strapped to his saddle, and he was not followed by a carriage bearing luggage. His clothing was dusty, as if he had traveled a good distance, but his face was the most entrancing she had seen in her life.

He saw her, reigned in his horse, and looked her up and down with an expression of appreciation that was quite improper for a man. "Well," he said at length. "You are not Lady Dana."

"Nor are you Lord Fox, although you look enough like him to be his twin," she retorted, wondering at the cheeky behavior of this rascal, and where his wife or chaperone might be.

He gave her a dazzling smile, dismounted, and extended a hand, which she accepted with amusement, kissing the fingers lightly before letting go.

"I am Lord Jake Winters, his cousin, my lady," he replied.

Her face lit up with recognition. "Jake, you impudent scamp! I have not seen you since you were a very small child! You did not have such a look of Fox, back then. Now, I must confess, your beauty surpasses even his, and I had thought him the handsomest man in the land."

Fox would have blushed prettily at such a compliment, but Jake merely smiled, as if accepting her words as his due. "And you, my lady, have eyes like the bluest ocean, in spite of that dull military uniform," he answered, looking deeply into them. "We must become better acquainted whilst I am here."

"Indeed. And do you always speak so to Ladies not of your acquaintance?" she said, challenged but fascinated by his forward behavior, for she had never seen a gentleman behave thusly.

"Only those as lovely as you," he replied with a smile. "And yet, we are acquainted--you remember I used to play with Fox and Dana both when we were children."

They stared at one another silently for a few moments before the large woman cleared her throat pointedly and Jake seemed to return to reality.

"This is Brunhilda, my watchdog," he announced testily. "If you will excuse me, I must take my horse to the stable. Am I too late for luncheon?"

"It is an hour away."

"Excellent. I am famished from my travels."

"I will make certain a place is set for you. But Lord Winters, did you not bring other servants to accompany you?" she called.

"I never travel with them," he shouted back. "Annoying creatures, servants."

She watched him disappear toward the stables, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth, before turning to the large woman.

"Brunhilda?" she questioned with one eyebrow raised. The woman threw back her head and laughed heartily, and Melissa thought she saw a bit of kindness in spite of the hard face.

"My name is Dorothy, my lady. Lord Winters detests having a female escort, but Her Royal Highness insists. I am the only concession he makes; he refuses to travel with servants."

"He is unmarried?" Melissa asked curiously, her eyes drawn to the man who was now leading his horse into the stables. He made a fine figure, one she could scarcely look away from, and Melissa wondered briefly if this was a joke Dana had planned in advance, or if the coincidence of Jake's arrival was real. "Has he truly no servants?"

"His lordship does fer himself," Dorothy answered. "Oh, he has servants and the like at home, but he's a wandering soul, is Lord Jake. Hates living in the country. His lady wife died a few years ago, and she left him a Free Agent. Now, as a ward of Her Majesty, he travels as much as he is able."

"Really," murmured Melissa speculatively. "Thus the Queen's direction. I wonder how he'd take to London."

Without waiting for an answer, she turned and strode inside, thoughts of the delectable Lord Winters intruding on her former peace of mind in a most alarming way. A more forward, impudent creature she could not imagine. He might make this visit even more interesting than anticipated.



"Jake!" Dana greeted him happily when she arrived home shortly after luncheon. Lord Winters grabbed her 'round the waist and swung her in a circle before setting her back on her feet.

"My lady!" he smiled, kissing her cheek. "I am delighted to see you. You are looking radiant."

"Brash rascal!" she replied as she brushed her hair back from her face. "We are to have a child, Jake." His face took on a knowing expression.

"Ah, that is why my cousin is not feeling his best?"

"He is having a rather bad day," she confided. "He is resting in our chamber at present. I did not tell him of your visit, for I wished to surprise him. You may go up and see him, if you like. Surely he is awake by now."

"Thank you, Lady Dana," he replied, caressing her cheek lightly. "I am very happy to hear your news. In which chamber shall I find Fox?"

"Roberta will take you there," she said, gesturing toward the butler, who nodded slightly, a befitting courtesy for a man, and led Jake away.

"So, that is your Fox cub's cousin," observed Melissa, who had entered the hall to greet her sister. She watched Jake thoughtfully as he climbed the stairs, enjoying the way his tan breeches stretched across his firm buttocks. "A very attractive man, but certainly out of the ordinary. And did you plan this, Little Sister, or did he simply drop into your hands like a ripe plum?"

Dana smiled broadly. "It was all the doing of the Goddess," she insisted. "I received a communication from Jake yesterday telling me he planned to come immediately for a visit, for he had a sudden urge to see his cousin. When you asked me about a husband after supper last night, it was all I could do to keep the secret."

"He is very odd," Melissa said, still staring at the spot Jake had vacated. "Quite forward and cheeky, and seemingly not possessed of the usual male behaviors and apprehensions. We had an interesting discussion over luncheon. He has no women in his family at all? I am truly surprised that a ward of the Crown is allowed to travel unaccompanied except for one groom."

Dana nodded. "Dorothy. He pretends to hate her, but she's kind enough, and he must have some protection. He is a widow. His wife died quite tragically four years ago. In truth, Melissa, she killed herself."

Melissa frowned. "That must have been devastating for him. What made her do such a thing?"

"Indeed it was, for he adored her. Her healer had discovered a canker of the womanly parts. She had not much time left, and would have gone in pain. Instead, she took matters into her own hands."

Dana was almost certain she heard Melissa mutter an expletive under her breath, but let the matter slide.

"However," she continued, "Lady Iris did do him the favor of leaving him a Free Agent in her Last Requests. Because he has no children, the Queen has not seen fit to allow any Lady to claim him in marriage."

"His holdings?"

"Quite vast."

"Perhaps Her Highness would make an exception for her new Commanding General. Especially if I assured her that Lord Winters' lands mean nothing to me."

"My thoughts exactly," Dana agreed, slipping her arm through her sister's and leading her into the library. "And now, Melissa, tell me all the news of London. We have scarcely had an opportunity to converse since you arrived."



"Fox? May I come in?" Jake asked softly after rapping on the chamber door. The young boy who had admitted him was just finishing the chore of straightening the room. He stared at Jake as if he'd seen a ghost, and Jake smiled. It was not the first time he had encountered such a reaction.

"Jake!" Fox cried in disbelief, holding out his hand toward his cousin. "Is it really you?"

"Indeed, Cousin," he replied, coming forward and clasping the hand that was offered. "I am pleased to hear your news, although I wish you did not have to feel so ill."

Fox smiled weakly. "I am growing used to it," he allowed. "This is Aja, my maid. He is of much assistance to me."

"Greetings, Aja," Jake nodded. "I am Lord Jake Winters, your master's wayward cousin. You are not seeing double, I assure you."

"Aja, if you are quite finished, I shall not be needing you again until after supper," Fox said. "Please tell Lady Dana that I do not wish anything save some clear broth."

"Yes, my lord," Aja replied, bowing to the two men and backing out of the room.

Once the chamber door was safely closed, Jake quickly turned to Fox.

"Fox, what scheme have you afoot here?" he demanded gently. "I received a man three days ago who bore a rather troubling letter from you. Although your note was written in general terms, I received the distinct impression that you were in a great deal of trouble."

"Did you take Isaac in?" Fox asked anxiously, and Jake nodded.

"I did, because you requested it. The man is an excellent worker, but has yet to regain his full strength."

"I believe he traveled here from London with no food at all," Fox observed.

Jake smiled warmly. "But you sent him to me well-laden, I am guessing."

"Leftover scones and meat pies were all I could manage without arousing suspicion," Fox said regretfully. "I do hope it was enough for the poor man."

"I suspect he considered it manna from the Goddess!" Jake retorted, seating himself gently on the bed so as not to disturb his cousin. "Now, Fox, no more dodging about. An explanation, if you please."

Fox hastily told Jake the entire story, beginning with him finding Isaac chained in the rain, left to die, and ending with the man's unexpected appearance a few days earlier at Scully Manor.

Jake's face darkened when Fox told him of Alex's blackmail, and inwardly he vowed to protect his cousin from this traitor, for truly, Fox was more like a brother to him than a mere cousin, and Jake had no other siblings.

"I know what you are thinking, Cousin, but we simply cannot kill him," Fox warned. "He claims there is someone else who possesses a copy of the letter, and I have no choice but to believe him."

"We shall see," Jake replied thoughtfully.

The cousins were interrupted by a knock at the door, and a moment later it swung open to reveal Melissa, carrying a mug of warm broth for Fox. Jake scrambled quickly to his feet while both men raised their eyebrows in tandem at the sight of a Lady doing a servant's job. Melissa merely smiled and ignored their confusion.

"Fox, I am happy to see you looking better than this morning," she told him, handing him the mug. "Dana insists you drink all of this, naturally."

"Of course," he said wryly, raising the mug to his lips and taking a tentative sip.

"I am also to inform Lord Winters that tea awaits us," she continued as she reached firmly for Jake's hand. "Shall I summon Aja to sit with you, Fox?"

Fox looked from Jake to Melissa, noted the way they seemed transfixed upon each other, and gave a little snort which went unnoticed. "No thank you, my lady, I am quite content," he replied.

"May I?" Melissa asked, offering Jake her arm, and nodding goodbye to his cousin, Jake accepted it immediately.

He stared at their retreating backs in wonder. It was obvious even to one as inexperienced as he that Jake and Melissa found one another captivating. "Indeed, I should not be surprised if Lady Melissa petitions Her Highness for Jake within the month!" he muttered to himself. With a light sigh, he wondered if Melissa would ever tell Jake she loved him.



"Will you walk with me in the garden, Lady Melissa?" Jake offered after supper, extending his arm with a saucy smile, and he did not flinch when Melissa raked her eyes up and down his enticing body suggestively.

"Unchaperoned?" she questioned, and he threw back his head and laughed in delight.

"Do you plan to take advantage of me, my lady?" he asked, his white teeth flashing as he grinned at her.

"I do not make it a practice to take advantage of helpless men, but then, you strike me as far from helpless."

He gave a light snort of amusement. "Well then, perhaps I can protect the Queen's Commanding General, and we shall both be quite safe."

Melissa was outraged and enchanted by him, but she was also intrigued. She had never known a man such as Lord Jake--part gentleman and part coquette--and she found the difference scandalously pleasing. She ignored the arm he had quite improperly offered her, instead firmly taking his hand and placing it through her own arm. As they strolled through the french doors to the terrace, she thought there was a quite interesting challenge in his eyes.

"Tell me of your wife," she said bluntly as they made their way among the shrubs and flowers.

Jake was silent for a moment. "You attack issues quite directly," he observed at last.

"Indeed, I received the impression you preferred plain speaking," she retorted. "No other gentleman of my acquaintance has ever been so forward."

"Does my behavior displease you, my lady?" Jake asked softly.

"I find it quite...challenging." She grinned. "Dana becomes perturbed with me because I often have no time for the niceties of life. Tell me of Lady Iris."

"She was lovely. I worshiped her. She got sick. She killed herself." They walked on a few more steps before he continued, "At least she did me the courtesy of leaving me a Free Agent in her Last Requests. I discovered after her death that she had also been keeping a lover for many months."

"That must have hurt you deeply."

"It did," he said shortly.

They had reached the end of the gardens, completely shielded from any inquisitive eyes, and she seated herself upon a convenient bench, pulling him down beside her.

"Is that why you behave like an undisciplined brat?" she asked curiously. "Do you think to scare off a Lady with your improper behavior, so that you do not run the risk of being caught up in a marriage again?"

He looked at her with a somewhat worried expression for a moment, then glanced away. "It is not marriage I fear, my lady," he replied soberly, his eyes fixed on a distant point. "I will not be hurt like that again."

She took his chin gently in her hand and forced him to look at her.

"I do not hurt innocents," she whispered softly just before her lips claimed his.



Fox watched uneasily while Dana dug through her jewelry chest--he was not certain she was searching for the neck band Alex had stolen, but every time she had approached the chest his heart had pounded heavily and his breathing had become labored. Until tonight, however, she had not seemed to miss the trinket. His luck had run out, he found in the next moment when she turned irritated eyes to him.

"I am unable to locate the golden neck band Mother gave me for my last Name Day," she replied. "Do you think Aja could have misplaced it?"

Fox swallowed hard, remembering Alex arrogantly tucking the neck band into his pocket and daring him to speak of it. "I do not believe he has been near your jewelry chest, my lady."

She frowned and turned back to the chest, searching some more, and Fox came up behind her. She had chosen to wear a gown this evening rather than her usual trousers, and it left her shoulders bare and gave an excellent view of her lovely breasts. Glancing down into the chest, he picked up another neck band and placed it against her skin.

"Gold is lovely on you," he whispered as his lips nuzzled her shoulders, "but my lady would be stunning in rubies tonight."

She met his eyes in the mirror and smiled. She allowed him to fasten the ruby neck band about her throat, and her smile grew broader when his hands lingered over her breasts before sliding down to encircle her waist.

"There is something on your mind, Fox?" she asked, her voice teasing.

"I was wondering," he replied between soft kisses to the back of her neck, "if my lady was wearing an undergarment beneath her skirt."

She laughed, both delighted and surprised at his unusually forward behavior, and playfully slapped his hands away.

"I fear your cousin Jake is a bad influence upon you. You will contain yourself, Husband," she instructed with a teasing smile. "There will be plenty of time for other activities after our guests have departed. Indeed, I intend to take you quite thoroughly tonight, my love."

He stood back, his heart jumping at her use of that term of endearment again, and waited while she straightened his tunic.

"Come now, Fox Cub," she said, striding purposefully toward the door. "Our guests will be arriving at any moment."

Fox allowed his eyes to drop to the jewelry chest once again, and he gently closed the lid, giving a small sigh before he turned to follow her. Steadfastly, he clamped down on the wave of guilt that threatened to consume him. Perhaps, he thought, if he contrived to sneak into the village he could visit the jeweler. If the woman was willing, he would trade his diamond earring for a gold neck band identical to the one Alex had taken. Of course, he would then have to tell Dana he had lost the earring, but that was preferable to admitting that he had stood by while Alex stole it.

Shaking his head quickly as if to banish the unpleasant thoughts, he descended the stairs behind his wife, determined to at least give the appearance of enjoying the party.



"We shall be late to the party," Melissa panted, dizzy from the kisses Jake had bestowed upon her. They had made their way to the secluded gazebo at the back of the gardens, and had barely entered when he had pulled her roughly to him in a most welcome, although inappropriately forward, manner.

"What care we for parties?" he whispered, nibbling at her earlobe, and Melissa had to agree. He was pressed firmly against her, and she could feel his manhood straining at his breeches.

"You are most improper, Lord Winters," she gasped as his hands found her breasts, slipping beneath her military tunic to fondle her bare skin.

"Indeed, I am."

"I should punish you for such impertinent behavior," she warned.

He grinned down at her. "Perhaps you could do that later, my lady. In the privacy of your chamber."

His wanton behavior was suddenly too much for her, and Melissa grasped his head firmly, raking her fingers roughly through his hair while her mouth ravaged his.

"I have no wish to dishonor a gentleman," she murmured, raising her lips a fraction of an inch, staring into his deep hazel eyes.

"But the gentleman wishes to be dishonored, my lady," he insisted huskily. He slipped his hands inside her trousers, cupping her bottom while his mouth found hers again, and Melissa knew there was no turning back.

Carefully, slowly, not releasing his lips, she lowered him to the floor of the gazebo. It would be fast, she knew, and rough, and with a little luck, immensely satisfying for them both. Her fingers found the laces of his breeches and she unfastened them with trembling fingers, shoving the offending fabric out of the way and feasting her eyes upon his erect rod. It was splendid, smooth and hard and ready for her.

Melissa took one more glance into his eyes, seeking his permission to continue, and saw only welcome desire and raging need there. Hastily she unfastened her trousers and kicked them aside, and he moaned as she lowered herself onto his shaft.

"Oh, Goddess!" he groaned when she began to move. Any further exclamations he might have made were silenced when her lips descended upon his once again.

He reached for her breasts and she slammed his wrists against the floor, pinning him there in a practiced army move. Jake grinned against her mouth--at last, he told himself, a woman who would take charge. Not like Lady Iris, who had been soft and sweet and gentle at all times. Jake found his baser nature craved the roughness Melissa was showing him, and he met her movements with his own enthusiastic thrusts upward. His head grew quite dizzy from her kisses, and he knew his release was not far off.

"Ready..please..." he moaned into her mouth, "can't...wait..."

Melissa kissed a trail of fire down his cheek and collarbone before fastening her teeth firmly in his shoulder.

"You will wait until I tell you, boy, or I shall take a strap to you," came the gruff reply. Moments later, her body tensed, her grip on his wrists tightened, and she quivered around his manhood as she found her own fulfillment.

He gasped in response, reaching his release with a sudden intensity that shocked him, for he had never felt such pleasure before. She continued her movements until they were both sated and exhausted, and only then did she raise her head to look at him.

"I suppose I shall be forced to marry you now," she commented lazily, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.

"You needn't feel that's necessary," he objected, suddenly concerned as he saw his freedom slipping away. He had to regain control of the situation, and commented quickly, "You are not my first lover. Indeed, it is only because of my wealth that I am still held in regard at all."

She stole another kiss from him. "Hush now. Rest assured, Jake, I hold you in great regard, and do nothing under compulsion" she informed him. "I care not about your lovers. They are in the past. You are a delightful change from the men I have had paraded before me as suitable husbands. Her Highness seems determined that her Guard be comprised of family woman."

"You are a rather delightful change yourself," he admitted. "You are the first woman who has not treated me as if I were a delicate flower."

She grinned, standing and hauling him to his feet. They both dressed quickly, straightening each others' clothing and hair as best they could. "I see nothing delicate in a man who insists upon traveling the countryside with only one guard," she replied, giving his bottom a swat, but her eyes glowed as she took his chin in her hand and kissed him once again. "Indeed, I think you quite brave, if reckless."

He stared into her face, stunned and a little frightened at what he saw there--could this woman truly be considering petitioning the Queen for him?

"Melissa, I--"

"Let us not speak further," she interrupted. "We shall be scandalously late, and I shall be forced to wed you immediately if we do not make an appearance very shortly."

She led him away by the hand, and he followed slowly, wondering if marriage to her would be tolerable. Most certainly she was the most exciting lover he had known, but ladies, he had found, tended to change when a man became their husband. Lady Iris had certainly become more protective of him, almost suffocatingly so, after they were wed. He didn't think he could bear it if Melissa were to do so.

Sighing to himself, he decided to speak to her quite frankly about it after the party--she had said she found his candor delightful; he would put that statement to the test.



It was a small gathering this time, unlike the huge ball they had thrown to celebrate their marriage, and Dana and Maggie had arranged it for the dual purpose of announcing Melissa's promotion and Dana's pregnancy. Melissa had insisted that Jake remain until she could escort him home, declaring that it was unsafe for any man to travel alone, especially one as beautiful as he. Fox noted his independent cousin's acquiescence with some amusement. His eyes sought out the couple, who were already beginning to dance to the music provided by the quartet Dana had hired.

There was no doubt in his mind that they had strong feelings for one another, for they were enjoying a spirited argument as they danced. Fox gnawed his lip as he wondered if they had consummated their passion. Surely not, he thought. Jake might pretend to be a tart, but he had been raised a gentleman. He would not compromise his virtue. Would he?

His eyes left Jake and Melissa, then narrowed in disgust when they rested upon Alex. The former maid had been called upon to serve this evening, tonight he was dressed like the trollop he was. A thin white shirt, its short sleeves revealing the maid's strong biceps, and open to provide a glimpse of his bare chest, disappeared into the almost indecently tight breeches. The breeches themselves were extremely short, barely covering his bottom, and showed off his lovely legs to perfection. A pair of boots with frivolously high heels completed the ensemble.

Fox, who was fervently thankful that his nausea seemed to have passed at last, surveyed his own clothing with satisfaction. Dana was much less inclined to dress him like a man of the evening now that she was expecting their child. He wondered if she viewed him differently now that he was to be a father, but at least her appetite for him was still insatiable.

Lady Fowley was not a guest tonight, as the gathering was intimate and she certainly did not qualify as a family friend, so Fox felt certain he would be able to complete this party without disgracing himself. He still blushed with shame and anger when he remembered the trouble he and Walter had found at the last Scully ball.

Lady Maggie's attitude toward Walter seemed to have undergone a subtle change as well, he observed as he watched the two of them stroll across the dance floor holding hands. Obviously, nearly losing her husband to another woman had reaffirmed the value of him in her eyes.

They greeted their guests warmly, and once all had arrived, the party got underway. The quartet provided excellent music, and Dana whirled Fox onto the dance floor immediately.

"This is the first opportunity we have had to dance since our marriage," she smiled up at him, and he gave her an embarrassed grin.

"I did not give you a chance at our last party," he admitted, and she laughed aloud, resting her head on his chest.

"No trouble tonight, please, Fox. I find myself extremely satisfied with my life," she told him.

He gazed down at the top of her head, astounded at such a confession from his proud wife, and pulled her closer while the music continued to play.

He managed to avoid Alex for most of the evening, although he did occasionally catch a glimpse of the hapless maid as he made his way through the crowd with a large tray, serving the guests drink and refreshments. He knew Alex must be enduring a good deal of groping tonight, as blatantly sexual as was his appearance, but Fox found he did not care--it was no more than Alex deserved, and thus far the maid had not approached Dana at all.

Although his sickness seemed past, his weakness was not completely gone, and after an hour of dancing Fox begged Dana to allow him to sit and rest.

"I will have someone bring you a cup of punch," she said tenderly, caressing his face. "I simply must mix with our guests, I'm afraid--I have been neglecting them in favor of your delightful company. Will you be quite all right here?"

He nodded, relishing the comfort of the small sofa where she had deposited him, and worked at catching his breath while he watched her disappear into the crowd. No sooner was Dana out of sight than he was greeted with the unwelcome vision of Alex standing before him.

"Enjoying yourself, Lord Scully?" Alex sneered, and Fox simply glared at him in disgust.

"Go away, Alex," he ordered. "I have no wish to talk to you tonight."

Instead, Alex leaned closer in order to speak without being overheard.

"I am not going to remain here," he countered. "Your lady's assignment with the livestock has sealed that decision. I am going to the Colonies--I hear men and women are equally esteemed over there."

Fox gave a snort of amusement. "How are you to reach the Colonies?" he asked. "Besides, you signed a lifetime contract with my lady--you cannot dissolve it, only she has that power."

"I know I cannot dissolve my contract, you fool," Alex hissed. "Why do you think I must leave England? I'm running away. Now. Tonight. And you, my fine Lord Scully, are going to give me the means."

Fox stared into the cold blue eyes uncertainly. "What nonsense are you talking?" he asked at last.

Alex took another quick glance around and leaned even closer. "Lady Dana keeps a purse filled with gold coins in the bottom drawer of her chest," he explained quickly. "You will go upstairs and fetch it for me. By the time she discovers it missing, I shall be on a ship bound for the Colonies, and she will be none the wiser."

Fox felt the blood drain from his face at the suggestion. "Do you mean--you wish me to *steal* from my lady?" he demanded in a whisper.

Alex gave a mirthless smile. "Is that any worse than watching me steal from her, and doing nothing?" he asked carelessly. "I would remind you of a certainly letter that old biddy over there, or better yet, Lady Fowley, would be most interested to receive."

Fox glanced over at Lady Sparlane, Chief Judge in the village of Azure, who was a guest at their party. Alex could present his letter to Dana before Her Ladyship and Fox would be arrested immediately. Feeling his heart sink at the words, Fox realized he had no choice. If he did this ghastly deed, perhaps he would be rid of Alex forever, but if he refused...

"Very well, Alex," he said at length. "But you must realize--I am only doing this out of the fervent desire to never see you again."

Alex smiled again, leaning back with a satisfied expression, knowing he'd won. "I care nothing for your motivation, Lord Fox," he answered. "Only bring me that gold."

Fox glanced around quickly, hoping to find his wife occupied, for if he was discovered leaving the party for his chamber, she would assume he was ill again and would not allow him to be alone. Finding her involved in a quite animated discussion with her mother and Lady Krewes, he slipped out of the ballroom quietly and raced up the stairs.

Once in his chamber, Fox glanced around again hurriedly before kneeling in front of Dana's chest. He knew she kept the purse of gold there, for she had shown it to him before she and Maggie left for London, telling him he was free to use it should any emergency arise.

Sliding his hand beneath the various garments she kept in the drawer, he felt around until his fingers met the velvet pouch. The amount of coins inside had been increased since Dana had told him of it, for it was fatter than it had been before. Fox knew it would buy a passage to the Colonies easily, and probably set Alex up as a merchant or businessman in the new world if he so desired.

Fox withdrew the pouch, hefting its weight, and stared at it for a moment. His lady trusted him, and he was about to betray her. He had kept the neck band a secret from her, although it had cost him some of his self respect and a good deal of sleep, but this--this was a much greater crime. Suspicion might fall upon Alex once he disappeared, but until then, Fox knew she would blame Aja. She had been half-suspicious the boy had taken her neck-band. If she found her purse of gold missing...

With a heavy sigh, Fox returned the pouch to its place and shut the drawer carefully. He stood, brushing out his breeches and smoothing his tunic, and then--oddly, he thought later--examined his reflection in the mirror. He brushed aside a strand of hair that would not remain in place and twisted his earring so the Scully family symbol was upright.

It would be a difficult thing, he knew, but Fox had at last reached the end of his endurance. He remembered telling Isaac how he valued the ability to view himself in a looking glass, but he had never realized how costly maintaining that ability could be.

With head held high, Fox left the chamber for the last time, shutting the door firmly behind him, and made his way toward Dana with single-minded determination.

Alex watched as Fox descended the stairs, observing his firmly clenched jaw, and knew at once that his plan had failed. He had known Lord Scully was honest to a fault, but had hoped his threats would be enough to persuade that man to commit the act. It was apparent now that he had pushed Fox too hard. Muttering quite un-gentlemanly curses, Alex disappeared as quickly as he was able.



As Fox approached, the music suddenly went quiet, and he looked around in confusion. Had they already discovered his crime, he wondered helplessly? Before he could open his mouth and blurt out his confession he saw Lady Melissa lead his cousin to the center of the dance floor and address the assembly.

"As some of you already know, the Queen has bestowed upon me the honor of making me Commanding General of her Guard," she announced. The hall immediately broke into cheers and applause. Melissa acknowledged it with a smile, then raised her hand. "Her Gracious Majesty desires that those women who serve her at this level also have loving families, to remind them daily of the importance of a strong and peaceful Queendom." She then fell gracefully to one knee before a stunned Jake.

"Therefore, Lord Winters," she said clearly, her voice ringing throughout the hall, "It would give me great honor if you would allow me to petition Her Highness the Queen for your hand in marriage."

A general gasp of delight went up through the crowd, and Jake beamed down at Melissa as she slowly kissed his hand, her eyes twinkling. He seemed overcome with emotion, unable to speak, but his suddenly shy smile spoke volumes. When he nodded, Melissa rose to her feet and swept him into a fierce, possessive embrace.

"Fox, I...I am betrothed!" Jake called, a little dazed by the sudden turn of events, when he caught sight of his cousin standing at the edge of the crowd.

Fox nodded, trying to smile encouragingly, while Dana held up her own hand for silence. The crowd quieted again, wondering what further news the Scully clan had to share.

She smiled warmly at Fox, holding out her hand, and he had no choice but to go to her. She slipped her arm about his waist before announcing joyfully to the assembled guests, "Lord Scully and I are to have a child. She...or *he*," she continued with a grin of concession at her husband, "will be born in early spring."

Another wave of joy ran through the crowd, and Fox turned to Dana, no longer attempting to mask his misery.

"Fox, whatever is wrong?" she demanded, seeing the agony on his face. "Are you ill again?"

"No, my lady," he said, shaking his head and taking a deep breath. "You see, I also have an announcement to make--not a very happy one, I fear."

Dana's eyes narrowed as she waited for him to continue.

He looked around, his eyes falling upon Her Ladyship. "Lady Sparlane, I regret that I must make a confession of serious wrong-doing to you. When I am done..." He closed his eyes briefly, forcing himself to continue breathing. "When I am done, I fear you will have no choice but to arrest me."

He ignored Dana's outraged exclamation, focusing on Lady Sparlane as she approached him slowly.

"Young man, whatever you have to say to me shall be said in private. Come with me into the library, away from these people," she ordered firmly. "Everyone else shall remain here."

Fox followed obediently, his eyes fixed firmly on the floor so he did not have to see the expressions of shock and disappointment on the faces of his neighbors and family members.

"Now," she suggested once they had seated themselves in front of the fireplace, "tell me what you have done, Lord Fox." Her voice and face were gentle, and Fox found himself pouring out the story to her.

"I know what I did was against the law of the land," he said in conclusion, his head bowed in shame, "but I could not allow the servant to die. It would have been a great sin against the Goddess, and that, I would not do."

In the large ballroom, the guests began babbling furiously, while Dana stared at the closed library door in disbelief. Whatever trouble Fox had found, she was his wife and it was her right to know about it and try to protect him from it. Lady Maggie looked on with a stern expression. Melissa watched sympathetically, her arm safely around Jake's shoulders, but there was nothing to be done.

"I commend your honesty, Lord Scully," Her Ladyship said formally, rising when he had finished his tale, "but in light of your confession, I am afraid I have no choice but to arrest you immediately, pending an investigation into the matter."

She opened the door to the anxious Scully family, holding up a hand to ward off any protest they might make. "This is a matter for the Crown. Lord Scully will be safe in my care while the matter is investigated," she assured them. "Since this issue also concerns Lady Diana Fowley, I will have a message sent to her at once telling her of this development. We will convene in my courtroom at half-past nine tomorrow morning."

With that, she took Fox by the arm and led him from the room. He walked beside her without a backward glance, for he knew if he saw his wife's beautiful face, he would throw himself at her feet and beg her forgiveness before the entire congregation, and that he simply could not bear.

When they reached Her Ladyship's carriage, her servants assisting him inside, Lady Sparlane looked him over carefully. "By rights, I should have your hands bound, Lord Scully, in order to prevent you attempting to escape. Will you give me your word that will not be necessary?"

He shook his head, his eyes fixed firmly on the hands clenched tightly in his lap. "My promise before the Goddess, Your Ladyship," he whispered. "I shall not run away from you."

"Depart," she instructed her driver, and Fox felt the carriage begin to move down the drive, taking him away from all he loved.

He buried his face in his hands and fought to hold back the tears.



"Where is Alex?" demanded Walter after a few moments of stunned silence had filled the room.

"Alex?" asked Maggie furiously. "What has he to do with this?"

"He was serving," Dana replied, still staring at the door through which her husband had disappeared. "He must be in the kitchen."

"We must find him quickly, my daughter, for he holds the key to this matter," Walter announced. Quickly he related the barest details of what Fox had told him of Alex's blackmail.

Maggie glared at him with barely held fury, but immediately commanded the servants to find the missing maid. A thorough search of the house soon revealed Alex's absence, and Melissa, in her element, took charge at once.

"Roberta, summon the most proficient riders among the servants, and saddle as many horses as possible," she ordered. Then, addressing the assembled guests, "Ladies, I require your assistance. This treacherous servant, who has dared to plot against Lord Scully, has obviously fled. He is probably on foot, and must be found at once. All who would join me in the search, step forward."

Immediately there was a surge toward Melissa, and she gave their friends a grateful smile.

"Excellent. We will split into four groups, each taking one of the roads out of town. Although my guess is that slut has headed back toward London."

Jake stepped close to Melissa as the women quickly made for their horses.

"I would join you, my lady," he told her, his eyes sparkling at the thrill of the chase. "Indeed, 'tis my cousin Alex has wronged," he concluded in grim determination.

She shook her head firmly. "No, Jake, it is too dangerous. I will not hear of it. You will remain safely here with Walter."

"But--"

She held up her hand, silencing his protest. "I said NO. We are affianced now, and as a ward of the Queen, you are doubly my responsibility. You will do as I say."

With that, Melissa strode out of the room, followed by Dana and Maggie, preparing to assemble the Ladies and the servants to begin the search for Alex. She did not see the angry glare he fixed on her back as she departed.

"Come, Jake," Walter suggested. "Let us go into the salon, and Sarah will serve us some coffee. I shall tell you the entire tale as Fox related it to me."

"No, Walter," Jake replied with determination. "I shall not be cast aside while my cousin is in need."

Walter's eyes widened. "You will disobey Lady Melissa?"

Jake smiled grimly. "She is not my wife as yet, Walter, and I have never had great success with obedience. Fox and Dana can both attest to that."

Jake left Walter, making his way silently toward the courtyard near the stables, and once all the Ladies had departed he saddled his horse and rode off--in quite a different direction.



Long before Fox was ready, the carriage drew to a halt in front of the village jailhouse. Lady Sparlane exited the carriage, holding out her hand gallantly to assist him, and he alighted beside her, gazing about the darkened street and shivering. The village was frightening in the dark, the only light emanating from the tavern down the road, where cries of laughter, anger and outrage echoed from the open doorway. He remembered the night he had come here alone as if it had been a dream. He had been unafraid then, his mind concerned only with Walter's predicament, but now he realized how foolish he had been.

"Lord Scully?" His reverie was interrupted by Her Ladyship's voice, and she indicated that he should precede her into the building. Fox waited while she unlocked the door, shivering again at the creak the hinges made when it swung open, and allowed her to usher him inside.

Her Ladyship lit a lantern, and the flame illuminated the room eerily, leaving the corners couched in shadow. Fox wrapped his arms about himself and watched while Lady Sparlane took a large ring of keys off the wall and unlocked the small cell nearest them.

"My lord, I apologize for the inadequate accommodations," she said softly. "However, the law does not allow me--"

He shook his head gently. "It is of no matter, Your Ladyship. I knew the potential consequences when I released the servant. Please, do what you must."

She stood back to allow him to enter the cell, which he did after only a second of hesitation. He had thought he would be terrified in this situation, but now that it was upon him, Fox felt only numbness. He took a seat upon the wooden bench that hung from the wall by stout chains and examined his surroundings. There was a chipped chamber pot, a porcelain basin meant to hold water, and the bench, which was apparently intended to serve as a bed, although it held no pillow or blanket.

Lady Sparlane closed the door gently, seeing Lord Scully flinched slightly at the clank of the bars, and locked it securely. Only then did he raise his eyes to her.

"Please," he asked hoarsely. "If you would be so kind as to leave me the lamp..."

Normally, given a common criminal, she would have taken it without qualm, but Lady Sparlane was a kind woman as well as a wise one. She knew Lord Scully was a man of some honor, and doubted he would cause her any trouble as a prisoner. Besides, she told herself firmly, although there was no doubt that his actions had been against the law, how could she feel hostility toward a man who had acted in order to save a life?

"I shall leave the lantern burning," she told him gently. "I do not know how long the oil will hold out."

He nodded absently, his eyes taking in the rough stone walls of the cell. "Thank you, Your Ladyship."

Lady Sparlane quickly completed the records that were required of her, and when she left the jailhouse, Lord Scully had curled into a small ball on the bench, his eyes clenched tightly shut.

She did not believe he was sleeping.



"What shall we do?" Dana asked helplessly as they threw themselves into various chairs in the larger downstairs salon. Sarah was serving strong coffee and Natalie's tasty fruitcakes, and the women had returned from a long night of luckless searching. "That trollop cannot have simply vanished!"

"We will find him, Sister," Melissa comforted as she bit into a slice of cake. "We will take a bit to refresh ourselves, then those of us who are able will begin the search anew. You and Mother must ready yourselves to appear before Her Ladyship this morning."

Dana nodded, still in a bit of shock at the recent turn of events.

Maggie sighed. "Take heart, dear friends. We are not yet defeated." She examined her husband closely, noting the dark circles beneath his eyes and the lines of weariness around his mouth. "You will eat, Walter, and then you will go to bed. It is obvious you have not slept."

"Nor has my lady," he pointed out shyly, accepting the plate with several slices of fruitcake she handed him.

"True, but I do not have as delicate a constitution as a man. Do not disobey me, Walter. We have yet to discuss the matter of you keeping this information from me, and I find I have little patience remaining."

"Yes, Maggie," he said meekly, quickly beginning to eat.

"Where is Jake?" Melissa asked curiously, looking around. She patted Walter on the back when he began to choke on his scone. "Why, whatever is the matter?" she asked him. "Are you quite well, Walter?"

He put down the plate he held in trembling fingers and turned to Melissa, afraid to meet her eyes.

"I thought you knew, my lady," he said faintly. "Lord Winters went out."

Melissa smiled fondly. "A sunrise ride alone, no doubt? He will be the death of me, with his lack of propriety."

"N-no, my lady, he...left last night," Walter corrected.

Melissa rose to her full height, staring at Walter in a most intimidating manner. "Where did he go?" she asked carefully.

"He--ah--I believe he went to hunt for Alex."

All conversation in the room ceased when Melissa began to swear angrily, in language learned from years in the army barracks. The ladies watched for a moment, gathered from her furious expletives what had occurred, and turned back to their breakfast. Lord Winters was a wild, foolish boy, they told one another knowingly, but Lady Melissa would tame him. He would soon be chastened, and sporting one very sore backside, that was clear.

"I will find him," Melissa told her family with a deadly look in her eye. "And then I will kill him." She left the room purposefully, and Walter turned back to Maggie in fear.

"I--did not know how to stop him, my lady," he babbled. "I tried to talk him out of it, but he would go, and nothing I said--"

"Enough, Walter," Maggie said gently, holding up a hand. "Melissa will see to Jake. She is quite capable of handling a headstrong boy. You, my Bear, are exhausted. Go upstairs to our chamber. I will come up shortly to bathe and dress for the Court."

"Yes, Maggie."

With a small sigh, Walter did as he was told, climbing gratefully between the sheets. His head was pounding with worry for both Fox and Jake, and now he wondered if he was about to be punished for allowing Jake to slip away, as well as keeping Fox's dreadful secret. Covering his eyes against the morning sunlight that crept in through the windows, he began to pray to the Goddess for their safety.



Lady Diana Fowley swept regally into the courtroom, followed by two of her most loyal servants. She had been notified late the night before of the unusual developments that had occurred, and her smile had grown wide and calculating as she read the communication. Now, as she took her place before the bench, she flashed a smile of pure malicious evil at Dana.

Dana, who had not slept, or indeed even gone to bed the night before, glowered at her from across the room, barely feeling the restraining hand Lady Maggie lay upon her arm.

"I swear to you, Mother, one day I will kill that woman," she growled under her breath.

"Perhaps, but I don't believe a courtroom is the place to make such threats," Maggie reminded her quietly. "Maintain your temper, Dana. If you do not, I fear Fox will suffer for it."

At the mention of her poor husband's name, Dana closed her eyes and swallowed hard. He had been so desolate when Her Ladyship had led him away last night, and she had fought valiantly to hold back her tears when she thought of him sitting in a cold, barren jail cell. She hoped he had at least been made comfortable.

Her thoughts were interrupted when Lady Sparlane entered the room, and after taking her place behind her desk, Her Ladyship addressed them all.

"We are gathered here to examine the allegation that Lord Fox William Scully, who at the time of the deed was known as Lord Fox William Mulder, did release Isaac Tremont, a servant contracted to Lady Diana Fowley for the space of five years, from a legally administered punishment. Lord Mulder did assist him in escaping from his contract, the result of which was to steal from Lady Fowley her servant's services for the space of four years and six months. All evidence will be examined and all available parties questioned before a decision as to his guilt or innocence is made. Do any present have any objection to these proceedings?"

She looked around the room, her gaze resting on Dana for a split second longer than the others, before she continued, "Very well. I will begin with Lady Diana Fowley. Lady Fowley, will you step forward and address the Court."

Diana moved to the front of the room immediately, standing before Her Ladyship and waiting for the questioning to begin. She felt no fear, indeed she did not even feel apprehension. She had been within her legal rights; she need only tell the truth of the matter. She knew she had already won. While she answered Her Ladyship's questions, Diana was already planning what she would do with Fox.

"Did you have a servant contracted to you by the name of Isaac Tremont, Lady Fowley?"

"Yes, Your Ladyship."

"And what happened to him?"

"He disappeared from my employ two years ago. I have not seen or heard from him since."

"Where was Mr. Tremont when he disappeared?"

"He was chained to a stake in the ground on my property," Diana answered clearly. "He had behaved quite badly, and I was administering discipline, as is my right."

"Quite so. Have you anything else to add? I must insist that you stick to the facts."

"No, Your Ladyship."

"Very well. You may resume your seat. Lady Dana Scully, please step forward and address the Court."

Dana waited until Diana had moved aside, giving her a threatening glare as they passed one another, and took her place before Lady Sparlane.

"Lady Scully, what do you know about this situation?"

"Nothing, Your Ladyship," Dana answered honestly. "I was unaware that any situation existed until last night, when Fox made his confession to you. I know no more about the matter."

"There is nothing you would add that might prove his innocence?"

Dana's jaw tightened, and she steeled herself to give an answer. "No, Your Ladyship, there is nothing."

"You may resume your seat."

Lady Sparlane turned to her assistant, who stood quietly at her side. "Bring in the prisoner."

All eyes turned to the doorway behind Her Ladyship's desk when the assistant returned with Fox. His hands were bound at his waist and his eyes were fixed firmly on the floor. His appearance was disheveled, and Dana longed to smooth the rumpled hair and kiss the lines of worry from his brow.

"Lord Scully, you have been accused of a serious crime," Her Ladyship began, when Dana rose to her feet.

"Your Ladyship, I beg your forgiveness, but if it please the Court, I should like a word in private with my husband. I have had no chance to discuss the situation with him since his arrest."

Lady Sparlane looked from Dana to Fox to Diana, and then nodded toward the door.

"You may see him in my office, for the length of ten minutes only," she replied, and Dana wasted no time in grabbing Fox by the arm and hauling him through the door.

"Fox, what have you done?" she demanded in a fierce tone once they were safely alone.

He hung his head, his eyes studying the chains that bound his wrists, and waited for her wrath to fall upon him, but after her initial question she was silent, awaiting his answer. At last he raised his head, his expression unyielding.

"I did as I am accused, my lady, and I would do it again," he replied softly. "Lady Diana had chained the servant outside, naked in the rain, and left him to die for the heinous crime of spilling her supper tray. I came upon him by accident, and although I knew the law of the land was against me, the law of human decency dictated that I help him."

She blinked, taken somewhat aback at his words. "So you knew the potential consequences of your actions when you freed the man," she clarified, and he nodded. "And you never chose to share this important fact with me?"

Her tone was dangerous, and he drew in his breath quickly. "It--it was well before we were married, Dana, and in truth, I had all but forgotten the incident until Alex began blackmailing me. I saw no reason to speak of it."

She crossed her arms, leaning against the doorway, her face deeply thoughtful, and Fox began to feel the familiar desperation return. When she had brought him back here, he had hoped she could somehow save him, but now he was afraid there was to be no escape. She remained silent, and finally he could stand the suspense no longer.

"My lady, can you help me?" he asked hoarsely, almost afraid to face her. "I know this is a situation of my own making, but I beg of you, if you can, keep me out of Lady Fowley's hands. I will do anything you require, I will act as your loyal servant for the rest of my days if you can save me from her. I have no expectation of remaining as Lord Scully."

His words faded out at the end, and the last sentence was almost too soft to be heard, but she did hear, and raised his face to look into hers.

"Fox, you are Lord Scully," she said firmly, "and Lord Scully you shall remain. However," she added with a sigh, "I do not see any way to save you from this unless..."

"Yes?" he prompted eagerly. "I shall do whatever you require, I give you my word."

"It isn't what I require, Fox. It is a matter of what the law requires," she told him soberly. "If you tell the judge what you just told me, your fate is sealed. Diana has every right to claim you as her servant for the duration of Isaac's contract, and I have no doubt she will do so. The only hope you have, I'm afraid, is to lie."

His eyes widened, but he said nothing.

"If you maintain your innocence to Her Ladyship, Diana has no proof of your guilt. I might be able to obtain your freedom based solely upon my reputation in the village as an honest woman."

"But if Alex turns up--"

"I will deal with that bastard, do not worry yourself about him," she said firmly. "He will never trifle with you again, I assure you."

"So my only chance for freedom is to lie?"

"Yes."

"I understand," he said softly, his eyes fixed once again on his bonds.

"Shall we return to them?"

He nodded, and followed as she led the way back to the courtroom.

"Are you prepared to be questioned in this matter, Lord Scully?" asked Lady Sparlane.

"I am."

"Then step forward and address the Court."

Fox took two steps forward, standing directly before Her Ladyship.

"Did you assist Isaac Tremont in escaping from Lady Fowley's contract?"

Fox held his breath for a moment, wondering if he could bring himself to lie in court, and then sighed lightly. It was no use. He may be a magnet for trouble, and he may not be the perfect husband, but Fox knew that one thing he was simply unable to do was lie. He could not live with himself if he did so.

"I did, Your Ladyship," he replied, raising his head to stare proudly straight ahead. He could feel the anger and shock coming off Dana in waves, and could feel Lady Fowley's triumph as well, but this had nothing to do with either of them. It was between himself and his Goddess.

Her Ladyship was quiet for several moments, and at last he met her eyes. They were sad, and sympathetic, and it struck Fox all at once that Lady Sparlane did not want to give him over to Diana.

"I am afraid that, in light of your confession, I have no choice but to award you to Lady Fowley, to serve out the remainder of the contract you stole from her. Unless..."

He looked up eagerly at her words--could it be there was a way out for him after all?

"If you know the location of the servant in question, and will reveal his whereabouts, I will release you from jail back into the custody of Lady Scully as soon as he is returned to Lady Fowley."

Betray Isaac and save himself. Fox moistened his lips with his tongue, tempted for a moment, but only for a moment. Diana would torture him, and rape him, to be sure, but he felt certain she would allow him to live. There was no doubt that returning Isaac to her would be to condemn the man to death. Surely he could endure a few years of Lady Fowley's unwelcome attentions in order to save the life of an innocent man.

He squared his shoulders. "I understand, Your Ladyship," he said proudly. "Unfortunately, I--cannot."

Lady Sparlane was silent for a long moment before standing solemnly before them all.

"Then I fear I have no choice but to sentence you, Fox Mulder Scully, to serve Lady Diana Fowley in any capacity she chooses, for the length of four years and six months. Let the law be done."

End chapter 11