Although Clifford is preoccupied with his interests in coal and industry, he is still very emotionally dependent on Connie. This leaves Connie frustrated and exhausted. She asks Clifford if he still supports the idea of her having a child with another man, and he confirms that he is, as long as the child does not affect her love for him.

Connie continues to regularly visit the pheasant hut. Mellors provides her with her own key, and never seems to be there when she visits the hut. As time passes, Connie is moved by seeing the pheasant hens brooding their eggs, and then caring for their chicks. She reflects on how she does not have her own child. One day, Mellors comes to the hut while she is looking at the chicks and notices that she is crying. He is moved and aroused by the sight of her emotion, and reaches out to caress her. Then Mellors leads Connie back to his hut, where they have sex for the first time. She is very passive during this encounter.

Afterwards, Mellors leaves the cottage and goes outside. Connie follows him. They talk about whether they regret their encounter, and both agree that they do not.