Meredith stared out the classroom window, idly watching the birds flitting around the rose garden on a sunny summer afternoon, wondering when Lord Derek was due to return. A small smile played on her lips, a slight quiver of desire in her veins at the thought of him.

"Miss Grey?"

Meredith started, pulled out of her reverie at the sound of Lady Kate's voice calling her.

"Yes, m'lady?"

"The boys need to get outside and play, don't you think? It's far too nice to be cooped up inside today." Kate smiled as the twins jumped up and down in agreement. "I think the studies can be put aside for awhile."

"Of course, ma'am," Meredith said. "I'll take them down to the duck pond for awhile."

"Excellent. You probably need a break yourself. Here, take my fan with you," Kate urged, handing over the small lacquered fan. "I will be resting for awhile. You boys behave for Miss Grey." She gave them each a hug and kiss, and Meredith took their hands to lead them outside.

--

Meredith wiped the sweat from her forehead, and fanned herself gently with the small fan. Days like this were not meant for ladies with layers of petticoats and skirts, she thought ruefully. A bead of sweat trickled down her throat, and rolled down into her cleavage. The tight corset beneath the gown was digging into her skin, pushing her breasts up high, swelling above the low cut bodice. She envied the boys, splashing around the edge of the pond, chasing each other happily.

A small breeze lifted the tendrils of hair from her face, cooling her slightly, but she fanned herself more vigorously. Thoughts of Lord Derek invaded her mind again, making her hot in a way that had nothing to do with the weather. Damn the man, anyway, she thought. She had done naught but think of him since he'd left a fortnight ago. As he well knew she would, she was sure. Had he thought of her as well, she wondered, or had he indulged in pleasure in some other woman's bed?

From behind the yew hedges, Derek paused, watching Meredith fan herself, seeing the sheen of dampness on her creamy skin. He had just returned from London, and he was anxious to see her. She had dominated his thoughts while he had been away. Even the sight of Lady Addison flaunting herself in front of him had no effect. She had tried to speak to him, get him to her bed, but he refused. If she thought he was going to come running back to her, she was sadly mistaken. Realizing that her lover was not as good a catch as Derek had been, she tried her best to get Derek back, but it was too late.

"Please, Derek, forgive me, it was foolish of me," Addison begged him, catching him alone one evening after dinner at court. Her emerald eyes shimmered with tears, and her voice quavered, but Derek knew she was just acting. Addison never cried, she was far too cold-hearted for tears.

He looked down at her, his eyes dark with anger. "True, it was very foolish, but you should have thought of that before fucking Sloan in my bed, in MY house. I never want to see you again, is that clear enough for you?"

She narrowed her eyes, and dug her fingernails into his arm. "You'll never find anyone to pleasure you as well I as did, m'lord," she hissed at him. "Your cock was hot and eager for me always, how can you deny that?" Her glance flicked across his groin, and she tried to stroke him there, but he caught her hand.

"Don't touch me," he hissed back at her, his eyes glittering dangerously. "I must have been insane to think I was in love with you."

Addison sucked in her breath angrily, and glared at him. "Who is she?"

"She?"

"You've found someone else, I can tell. Who is the little bitch warming your bed now?"

Derek laughed, turning to walk away from her. "She is no bitch, she's more a lady than you can ever hope to be. Good-bye, Addison."

"You haven't seen the last of me, m'lord," Addison screamed at his retreating back. "Do not forget that!"

"Go back to your lover, Addison. He deserves you," Derek replied, not bothering to look back at her.

Derek shook off the memory of the encounter – Addison no longer had any hold on his emotions. He adjusted the cuffs on his shirt, and ran a hand through his unruly hair, before stepping onto the garden path. Had Meredith come to a decision, he wondered, as he headed towards her. Meredith looked up in surprise as he approached. She jumped to her feet, and curtsied deeply, her gown displaying even more of her cleavage to him as she did so. "M'lord," she said quietly, as he took her hand. "I did not realize you were coming home today."

"Miss Grey," he said. "Kate said I would find you out here." His deep blue eyes lingered on her flushed skin, and his pulse pounded in his veins. He lifted her fingers to his lips, but turning her palm up to kiss her there instead. His mouth was sensuously hot against her skin, sending a flash of desire through her. Their eyes met as he lifted his head, and Meredith was mesmerized, unable to tear her eyes away from his. The very air between them sizzled with sexual attraction, and she bit her bottom lip unconsciously.

Derek had a sudden vision of her in his bed, her soft curves naked, and skin flushed, her body pinned beneath his. His cock throbbed, and he moved closer to her. Meredith tugged her hand away and turned to look at the twins, to be sure they weren't getting into trouble. Suddenly, his lips were at the nape of her neck, and she gasped at the touch of his mouth on her there. His hands spanned her tiny waist, pulling her back against him. Meredith shivered, despite the heat, as he pressed little kisses on her skin. She moaned softly, and closed her eyes in pleasure. "M'lord……."

"You look far too luscious to resist any longer, my dear," he murmured, his lips at her ear then. A rush of desire flooded her, feeling his breath intimately on her skin. "I trust you have made a decision regarding our mutual pleasure. Will you come to me tonight, my dear? I'll be waiting."

Meredith nodded slowly. "Yes, m'lord, of course." What else could she do, she thought. She could no more resist him than stop the sun from rising. "What time do you wish to see me?"

"At midnight," he replied, his voice silky and sensual. "Wear only the corset, and your dressing gown. And leave your hair up."

"Yes, sir." Meredith shivered again as he kissed her neck fleetingly, his fingers squeezing her waist. And then he was gone, leaving her breathless, her knees weak with desire. She sank down onto the bench again, fanning herself even faster. Sweet lord, what had she done, agreeing to this?