Derek hurried through the corridors of the manor, straightening his cuffs, and adjusting his cravat. He ran a hand through his dampened hair, trying to control the curls. Finally, he paused, opening the door leading outside to the back gardens. Hodges had stopped by Derek's suite shortly after Meredith left, and informed him that Eleanor was holding luncheon outside, on the enclosed portico, and that he should hurry. The ladies were waiting on him.

For a moment, he watched the trio of women gathered around the table, set with the delicate china and dominated by a huge bouquet of roses. His mother, looking serene and regal as always; his sister, laughing happily and pouring tea; and Meredith, his sweet Meredith, looking innocently demure, listening to something Eleanor was saying. His pulse quickened, and a smile tugged at his lips, as the memory of how erotic she had looked just before this, kneeling before him, taking his cock in her mouth, giving him intensely hot pleasure. Her hair was now caught up in soft curls that trailed down her back, and a velvet ribbon circled her throat, reminding him forcefully of their first night together.

Then she looked up and saw him, and the slow smile that curved her lips went straight to his heart. Time seemed suspended as they stared at each other, and he almost forgot where he was. He started to walk towards them, drawn to her without thinking.

"Ah, Derek, thank you for gracing us with your presence," Eleanor said, chiding her son affectionately, as she spotted him heading towards them, breaking the spell.

"I'm sorry, Mother," he said, stopping beside her chair, and dropping a kiss on her cheek. "I was unavoidably detained," he commented, letting his eyes slide across Meredith. She blushed, but hid her smile behind the tea cup.

"Yes, Derek, we were wondering where you were," Meredith said sweetly, as he came around to sit beside her. His fingers brushed the nape of her neck as he passed behind her, sending a quiver down her spine.

"My apologies, sweetheart," he smirked, giving her a look that only increased the color in her cheeks. "I know you did not wish me to arrive smelling of the stables."

"No, of course not, Derek," Kate said, smiling at the blush on Meredith's cheeks. "And you're not that late." She poured him some tea as well. "We were just talking about the date of your wedding. Mother thought late in August, how does that sound to you? I know we discussed this last evening at dinner, Meredith, after Derek left, but…"

"I did not have an opportunity to mention it to him," Meredith murmured.

"Yes, what was the urgent matter that took you away last night?" Eleanor asked, her bright eyes curious.

Derek frowned. "It was Lady Addison, she was… well, she tried to surprise me, shall we say? But her plan was foiled. She has left now, thank god," he finished, drinking his tea thoughtfully.

"Yes, thank god," Kate murmured. "She drove poor Belinda to distraction with her demands."

"And to answer your question, yes, August will be fine," Derek said, taking Meredith's hand. "Does that give the rest of the family enough time to get here?"

"We will send the announcements right away by messenger, and arrange for the banns to be posted. Then of course, we must decide who else to invite. This will be a grand event – and to introduce Meredith to society, we must do it properly," Eleanor commented. "Perhaps I will return to London briefly myself, and invite some of them personally."

Meredith felt a small flutter of apprehension. This was turning out to be much larger than she anticipated. Derek felt her small hand tighten in his, and he gave her a warm smile. "And whom would you wish to invite, my dear?" he asked, squeezing her hand in reassurance.

"Yes, Meredith – is there anyone you wish to have as one of your bridesmaids?" Kate asked eagerly. "Or maid of honor?"

"Oh, well, yes, actually there is someone. My dear friend, Isobel, who is presently looking after my house, in London. I would like her to be here to stand up for me," Meredith replied, smiling softly. "And you, of course, Kate. I would love to have you included, as well, if that is acceptable."

"Thank you, Meredith, I would love to," Kate replied. "And write to Isobel, and the note will go out with the messengers in the morning to London."

"Excellent," Eleanor said. "Now, Derek, don't you think it is time to have your ring on this girl's hand?"

"You are right, as always, Mother," Derek replied. "I will accompany you back to London, and see to the jeweler when I am there. But I will return right away," he assured Meredith, who looked at him in surprise. He leaned closer to her, and put his arm around her shoulders. "You know I cannot bear to be away from you for long."

"Good, that's settled then," Eleanor smiled. "We can leave tomorrow as well."

"Your Grace, I am so grateful for everything you are doing," Meredith said, turning to Eleanor. "This is all so overwhelming."

"You will become accustomed to it all soon enough," Eleanor replied. "I just wish to make sure everyone welcomes you, as I have. Truly, I cannot think of anyone better for Derek."


Later that evening, Meredith sat at the desk in her suite, composing her note to Isobel. She knew this was going to come as huge surprise to her friend. How to even begin to put into words what had happened to turn her life upside down? She scribbled a few lines, looked it over, and wrinkled her nose. Then she took another piece of paper, and started over. Finally satisfied, she sealed the message and set it aside to send in the morning. The note was a little short on details, but she would explain it all when Isobel arrived.

She got up and went to curl up in the bed, waiting for Derek. He was leaving some last minute instruction with Hodges, preparing for the journey. She sighed softly - she would miss him while he was away. Her eyes drifted shut, and her head fell onto the pillow, thoughts of his sensual mouth, and his strong body swirling through her mind.

The door opened quietly, and Derek stepped inside. He closed it behind him, and spotted Meredith fast asleep on the bed. For a minute, he stood and watched her, the torrent of desire flooding him at the sight of her. Her hair was spread out across the pillow, and the thin material of her nightgown gave him enticing glimpses of her perfect breasts, and the curve of her calf.

He dropped down beside her, kissing her temple. She made a small sound of contentment, and he leaned down to kiss her mouth, coaxing her into wakefulness. The surge of longing rushed through him even more, and he burned to explore her mouth deeply and thoroughly. Meredith stirred in his embrace and her eyes opened slowly to meet his.

"Mm, I thought I was dreaming…" she murmured, "…my passionate, handsome Duke ravishing me…."

"I can assure you, I am no dream…" he muttered, his voice thick with desire, as his hands roamed her warm curves. He buried his face against her neck, sucking at the sweet, soft spot at the base of her throat, then nipped at her earlobe. Scorching tremors rippled through her as she surrendered willingly to him. Longing consumed her, as he pinned her down against the pillows, pleasuring her with his mouth, kissing her tender nipples through the nightgown.

"We have to make tonight last us until I return, temptress…" he said, with long trailing kisses back up her throat and along her jaw.