Thanks again to all of you for your great reviews!
This chapter finds our couple settling in at court and will introduce a couple of new characters. As always, the drama level is low and the sensuality level is high! Read, enjoy...be sure to let me know your thoughts...
Chapter Three
Settling In
Meredith hurried into their suite in Windsor Castle, where they had been for over a week now. It was a sumptuous accommodation, with separate rooms for the children, along with their bedchamber and a large drawing room and their own private garden terrace. Her mind was still processing all of the luxurious surroundings, still not quite sure what to make of it all. Since their arrival, it had been a whirlwind of meetings with Queen Adelaide and the young ladies in waiting she was supposed to keep in line, along with getting accustomed to dining in the great hall, with the other aristocracy attending the court before the autumn ball.
At the present moment, the Queen was resting in preparation for dinner, so Meredith had taken the opportunity to slip away to her own bedchamber to gather her thoughts. Somehow she had not anticipated just how trying this situation could be. While the Queen was quite charming when she wanted to be, Meredith was well aware of the royal haughtiness beneath the surface. In no way did Meredith wish to discover the extent of that hauteur directed at herself.
Pausing at the terrace doors, she admired the view of the walled garden area. At this time of year, the asters and chrysanthemums were colourful and brightened the walkways. There were stone benches and a small fountain graced one corner, reminding her of the waterfall at home. It was a peaceful place, and she was grateful for it.
She smoothed the sleeves of one of her new gowns, made by her favorite seamstress in London. They had barely enough time to order new gowns for her once they arrived, but it hadn't taken long for them to be delivered to court. Miss Hanover had been thrilled with the opportunity to make the gowns for Meredith, even on short notice. Of course, the generous amount of money Derek had bestowed on her had helped a great deal as well, Meredith mused.
"Meredith..."
Derek's voice behind her took her by surprise, and she turned to see him striding across the oak floors.
"I've missed you..." she murmured, as he swept her up against him. He had been spending the majority of his time at the royal stables, looking over the King's horses, making notes on what could be improved and what kind of stock could be brought in to add to the bloodlines. "You smell like horses...and hay..."
"I'm sorry, love..."
"No, don't apologize...I rather like that about you..." she smiled, smoothing his linen shirt over his chest, appreciating every ripple of well defined muscle beneath the thin material.
"I'm glad you do, since it seems I will be spending much of my time in the stables. How is your day going?"
"Oh...it is quite trying to keep these young ladies mindful of what they are to be doing. I'm quite sure that I was never that flighty at their age." There were five young women that Meredith had been charged with keeping in line, with one more to make an appearance yet. They were all prone to fits of giggles and flights of fancy, and it was trying her patience. Still, they were all from good families, and she was sure that once the novelty wore off, they would settle down.
"Darling, at that age you were likely having to work for a living, so you were mature for your age," he reminded her, thinking of her hard start in life, before they met. He kissed her forehead. "Just be patient, think of them as children – you were a governess, so use that as your guide."
Meredith laughed softly. "I believe that our children are better behaved, as were Kate's boys when I was a governess." She wrapped her arms around his waist, happy that he had been able to join her for a few moments of conversation. Since their arrival, they had been so busy, they had not been able to spend as much time together as they were used to. And falling into bed at night, most times they fell asleep quickly, after sharing a few kisses. At the moment, Meggie and one of the other young maids were keeping the children occupied so they had the suite to themselves.
"I'm quite sure you will be able to work magic with them, but my main concern right now is making use of these few moments together..." Derek told her, tugging her hand to lead her to their bedchamber. "Before long, it will be dinner, and then the evening's entertainment will be underway..."
"Yes, and then attending to the Queen's bed ritual..." Meredith sighed, as he closed the door behind them, keeping her against him. All of those thoughts scattered, as Derek kissed her, his arms braced on either side of her. Anytime he kissed her, all intelligent thought seemed to desert her, and she gave up to the feeling that swelled in her. He felt hot and strong under her touch, and his scent was masculine and arousing, sending her senses spinning. "Hurry, we do not have much time," she urged breathlessly.
In response, he picked her up and carried her over the bed, then dropped to his knees. He pushed her skirts up around her waist, and spread her legs wider before settling his mouth on her pink, wet folds. Kissing with light flicks of his tongue, soft presses of his lips and teasing grazes of his teeth, then slipping one finger inside her, and then another. Her body gripped him tightly, and he growled against her clit, his cock throbbing in anticipation.
The sensation of his mouth and his fingers sent Meredith into climax within moments, and her throaty moan was pure female satisfaction. Her back arched, and her fingers tangled in his hair, her legs falling apart further. But he didn't leave her there, he continued to stroke and tease her until the climax surged through her again. "Derek, please, I need you..." Her hips rocked as he ignored her pleas, touching all the perfect spots deep inside of her, so that her legs, still in silk stockings, wrapped around his back. "Please...now...need you inside of me so much..."
He couldn't wait another moment either, and he stood to shove his trousers away impatiently. Meredith backed up on the thick feather bed, and he fell onto her, grasping her hips. Her breaths hitched in anticipation as his cock nudged the entrance to her body. As soon as the head parted the slick folds, she pushed upwards, eager for more. Eager for his thrusts and to come with his cock buried deep inside of her. Then her hips arched, welcoming him into her, and she writhed against him seductively. He could feel his imminent climax, just as she squeezed around him tighter.
"Come for me, Meredith, now..." he told her, thrusting deeply, and she moaned in response. He kissed her hard, as his own orgasm raced along his cock. Fierce and hot, they rocked together, groaning in pure pleasure of the moment. Her skirts tangled around them, their skin damp with sweat, they held each other tightly as their pulses slowed again. "Was that urgent enough for you, my love?" he murmured, kissing the damp skin of her throat.
"Mmm...it was just what I needed, and you know it," she laughed softly.
At dinner that evening, as they enjoyed the succulent roast chicken and the other delights that the kitchen had prepared, Meredith glanced along the length of the table. The other aristocracy attending court for the season included several couples and some young single noblemen who seemed to be determined to do their best to debauch the young ladies under her supervision. Just one more thing to worry about, she mused.
She took a sip of wine from the goblet, and looked at Derek beside her. He had cleaned up nicely from the stables, wearing his new fitted jacket and white shirt with the waistcoat of patterned blue silk. Considering how disheveled his hair had looked when he was ravishing her in bed earlier, she bit back a smile to see him so proper at the moment. "Wonderful meal..." she murmured, shifting slightly in her chair as her body suddenly hummed with the desire for him.
"As always, the best for the royal court," he agreed. He resisted an urge to caress her cheek, admiring the watered lavender silk gown with the round décolletage that showed the creamy silk of her breasts. Her hair was up and adorned with combs studded with amethysts, and the silver filigree amethyst necklace that his mother gave her was around her throat. She looked as delectable as always to him, much more ladylike now than earlier in their bed, however. It was always that way, the difference between the two images, and he loved that about her. Looking into her eyes, he knew she was remembering their earlier tryst as well; they were so in tune with each other that way.
There was a stir at the doorway then, and everyone looked up from their plates. One of the pages cleared his throat importantly, and the King nodded his approval to speak.
"Announcing Lord Rhys Huntington, Duke of Whitely, and his sister, Lady Rowena Huntington!" The page bowed, as the man and woman swept past him.
Meredith exchanged a look with Derek, and he leaned closer to whisper in her ear. "I know him, but I did not expect him here. Strange that he is arriving late, with his sister no less."
The pair of them were dark haired, with vivid green eyes, and expressions of entitlement. Meredith remembered the name, Rowena Huntington, as the young lady in waiting that hadn't arrived yet, and she looked like she would be a handful. "She is to be a lady in waiting..." she whispered back to Derek, who raised his eyebrows.
"Of course, I should have known."
There were other whispered conversations around them, as the pair advanced towards the King and Queen at the head of the table. Lord Huntington held his head high, not deigning to look at anyone as he passed by, while his sister managed to make eye contact with every man at the tables. Meredith watched in amusement as the young woman looked at Derek intently as she went by, her velvet skirts brushing the leg of his chair.
"Do you know the Lady Rowena as well?" she whispered, as the pair was greeting the King, giving their regrets for arriving late, and disturbing everyone at dinner.
"No, she was not here the last time I attended court, only her brother. She reminds me of Alex's younger sister, Lucy, based on her actions, however, " he noted, placing his hand on her knee. "As you recall, she was looking forward to seeing men in kilts at her brother's wedding."
"And you in particular, darling," Meredith reminded him sweetly.
Derek frowned - the memory of the kilt was not a favorable one. "At any rate, I believe you will have your hands full with that one." Conversation around them had resumed, along with the clatter of cutlery, as everyone went back to their previous activity. Soon the tables were cleared, and the musicians began to play softly in the background.
Meredith was drawn into a conversion with a few of the other noblewomen, while Derek strolled over to greet Lord Huntington. "So, Huntington, you made quite an entrance," he observed.
"Hmph...bad roads and a horse that lost a shoe," Rhys replied, taking a snifter of brandy from the footman. "Didn't expect to find you here, Shepherd. Thought you were happily ensconced in the country."
Derek shrugged. "Not exactly by choice. His Majesty wants me to evaluate his horses, see if there is anything to be improved on."
"Ah, yes, I've heard you have become quite the horse breeder, but it's quite a coup to be asked here." Rhys grinned in appreciation of the fact. His eyes roamed over the collection of women chatting along the edge of the dance floor. The King and Queen had retired to the dais, presiding over the group. "Now that is a lovely addition to the usual bevy of beauties..." he commented, before sipping his drink.
Derek looked towards the object of Rhys' interest, and realized with a start that it was Meredith. Her head was tipped back, as she laughed at something one of the other women said to her. The musical sound made him smile, and she caught his eye on her, giving him a happy smile.
"You know the lady, you devil..."
"Obviously you have been out of touch, Huntington," Derek grinned, enjoying the moment. "The lovely lady is my wife, Meredith."
Rhys raised his eyebrow. "I heard you had married, and there was some talk that she wasn't of our set, but by god I had no idea how beautiful she was. Lucky man."
"Yes, I'm fortunate." Derek managed to inject a note of dangerous possession in his voice, so that Rhys couldn't miss it. "And obviously you haven't heard that her father is the Duke of Roxburghe, and he has declared that our eldest son will also inherit that title. Not that any of that matters, but she's just as entitled as any of us."
"Indeed she is," Rhys agreed quickly.
The musicians began to strike up the opening chords of the first dance, and Derek caught Meredith's eye again. The group began to move into the lines required for the formal dance, and he moved forward to lead her into position. Behind him, Rhys escorted his sister into the formation as well. The men bowed and the women curtsied, before taking the intricate steps for the dance. Hands met and retreated, flirtatious glances were given before moving on to the next in line.
Meredith met the vivid green eyes of Lord Rhys, and she felt unsettled at the admiration in his gaze. It seemed to go beyond the usual courtly flirtation, something she had become accustomed to since their arrival, but she managed a polite smile in return before they parted. She realized that Lady Rowena was partnered with Derek then, and the pretty young lady was making the most of the situation, giving Derek a coquettish smile. For one so young, she was already practiced at the art of flirtation, Meredith mused. When the music came to an end, she found herself next to Lord Rhys.
"Forgive me, Lady Meredith, if I was too bold during the dance, but I have to say, I find you exceedingly lovely," he told her.
"You have not even been properly introduced and already you're asking for forgiveness, Huntington," Derek observed dryly from behind Meredith, with Rowena in close pursuit. He slipped his arm around Meredith's waist, claiming her, and resisting the urge to wipe the smug look off of Rhys's face.
"I am not getting off on a good start, am I?" A wry smile twisted Rhy's lips. "Lord Rhys Huntington, Duke of Whitely, at your service, my lady..." He bowed low over her hand, his mouth a mere breath away from her knuckles.
"My lord," Meredith murmured, equally resisting the urge to pull her hand away as she dipped a brief curtsy.
"And this is my sister, Rowena," Rhys introduced his sister, who smiled coolly at Meredith.
"Lady Rowena, you are here to be in the Queen's service," Meredith commented. "You must be very pleased about that."
"Oh of course I am, my lady."
"And I am the one to keep you young ladies in line..."
Rowena arched one delicate eyebrow. "Indeed? How interesting." Her calculating eyes switched to Derek. "And can we ladies count on your presence to keep us company, Lord Shepherd?"
"Sadly, no..." Derek replied. "I will be mainly in the stables, working with the horses."
"Ah, a shame," Rowena pouted.
The music started again, a waltz this time, and Derek took the opportunity to break away from the pair. "Excuse us, I promised my wife a waltz." He whisked her away onto the dance floor, holding her close.
"Thank you, Derek," Meredith said as they whirled around the floor. "I was feeling rather uncomfortable with Lord Huntington, and his sister was flirting with you quite shamelessly."
"She's rather young, my dear."
"She sees you a dashing older man, Derek. I can tell."
He dipped her over his arm, and took the opportunity to press a quick kiss to her mouth before bringing her back up. "And you have nothing to worry about...there is no one else that could tempt me."
Meredith smiled, a little flushed with desire. "I know, darling, but she and her brother don't seem to understand that concept."
"Then we need to make sure we do not give them any opportunity to think otherwise," he grinned at her, as the music began to fade away. They stopped alongside a shadowed corner, and he held her tightly. "Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?" he asked softly.
"Yes, I believe you have. Twice in fact, if I recall correctly." Meredith let her gaze linger on his face. "Thank you, and you look rather handsome yourself this evening."
He raised one eyebrow. "Rather?"
She moved closer to him, so close her breasts brushed his indigo blue waistcoat. Placing a hand on his shoulder, she lifted up on her toes. "Very handsome," she whispered and risked placing a light kiss on his lips.
Her fingers drifted down his chest to brush the front of his trousers before taking hold of his hand. The light touch made his cock twitch with impatience, and Derek resisted the urge to pull her against him and kiss her soundly. The corner was secluded, but it wouldn't be in their best interest to engage in a tryst where anyone could catch them.
"You're being naughty, my lady," he warned her, his voice low with want.
"And you seem to be enjoying it, my lord..." she replied sweetly. "Shall we join the others again?"
Stifling a groan, Derek tucked her hand in the crook of his arm. "For a short time, and then we need to check on the children before retiring."
"Of course. I will need to attend to the Queen at her bedchamber soon, I believe, and then I fully expect to find you waiting for me in our bed," she told him, so that the desire flared in his blood even more. Then he led her into the swirl of dancers again, to pass some time before he could have her to himself again.
