Not quite the enchanted wedding nite yet, but a bit of a surprise, and some Lord Derek hotness to end up with...
They turned to face the crowd, his arm tightly around her waist, as everyone broke into cheers and applause. Meredith could see Rose and a few of the other maids standing in the background, wiping their eyes, and waving their hankies in the air. It was an overwhelming response, and she felt her head spinning a little as she clung to Derek for support. "Are you all right?"he whispered, feeling her clutch him a little tighter.
"Yes, just a moment of dizziness," she confessed.
"You need to sit down, let's go, shall we?" he asked, starting to walk back down between the rows of well wishers. Izzie and Marcus fell in behind them, as he tucked her hand into his, giving her a sensual smile. Kate took Alexander's arm as he smiled at her, and she felt a sudden unaccustomed tremor, as he escorted her along behind the other couples. Something about his eyes reminded her sharply of William, and she had to concentrate on her steps, his muscular arm firm beneath her fingertips.
Derek made sure he found Meredith a shaded spot to sit, and called Rose over to fetch some water for her. "Really, I'm fine, Derek."
"This is your day, you can sit for awhile," he assured her softly, tracing her cheek with his fingertips. "There will be time enough during the dinner to greet everyone."
Then a sudden hush fell over the crowd, and Meredith looked up, puzzled. Hodges had appeared, escorting a distinguished looking man, carrying an envelope, leading him over to where Derek stood beside Meredith. "Your Grace, I am sorry to intrude on your wedding day, uninvited, however, I bring a note for your new wife."
Meredith looked up at Derek, then at the stranger. "What do you mean?" Derek asked, putting his hand on Meredith's shoulder.
"It's from her father…"
"My father's dead…" Meredith said unsteadily.
"I assure you, m'lady, he is very much alive."
"But…"
"You had better not be pulling some joke," Derek said tersely.
The stranger handed over the envelope. "Nay, sir, no joke. The Duke of Roxburghe is quite alive and well."
"The Duke of Roxburghe is Meredith's father?" Derek asked in amazement.
"The letter explains everything, my lord," the other man said, handing it over with a small bow. "I am to wait for a reply to take back with me."
Derek nodded, turning the envelope over to Meredith, who fingered the rich vellum in shock. "Hodges, see that he is fed, and his horse watered."
"Very good," Hodges bowed and escorted him away, leaving the crowd buzzing. The few people that had been close enough to overhear, all stared at each other in surprise.
"My dear, Meredith," Eleanor said, taking Meredith's hand. "Is this possible?"
"I don't know…my mother always said he was dead…" Meredith felt overwhelmed from the emotion and the surprise. "Why would she lie?"
"To protect you, no doubt," Eleanor said soothingly. "Read the note, dear. I'm sure it will explain everything."
Meredith broke the heavy seal on the envelope carefully, pulling out a single sheet of paper.
My dear Meredith,
I realize you do not know me, but was unable to come forth and say anything to you until now. In truth, I did not know how to contact you, until I heard of the wedding of the Duke of Gracewood to an unknown girl, namely Meredith Grey. What a shock to me, to realize you were to be wed, and to a Duke, no less. Shocked, and happy, though I realize how some members of our society do not accept such things willingly.
To this end, I wanted to tell you, and everyone else, that you are my legitimate daughter, born of Ella Grey, my truest love. I fell in love with her when I was in London those many years ago. I wanted to marry her, especially when she became pregnant, but she refused, knowing that I was promised to another by our families, and that our situation was impossible. She was very proud, and determined to make it on her own, despite my protests. I regretted many times that I was unable to choose her, instead of pleasing my father. I did my best to provide for both of you.
And now, on your wedding day, I wish you true happiness and long lasting love – that is all that matters in this world. And hold your head high, my dear, you are the daughter of a Duke.
I hope to meet you one day, if you will allow it, but I understand if you don't. I await your response by return messenger.
Sincerely,
Lord John Ramsay
Wordlessly, Meredith handed the note over to Derek, who in turn passed it to Eleanor. "This is most amazing," she murmured. "The Duke of Roxburghe is a very powerful man. I had no idea…"
"Will you meet him?" Derek asked Meredith gently, crouching down beside her, and squeezing her hand. Her face was pale, her eyes wide. "You don't have to, my love."
"I need to think on this, it's so sudden…along with everything else today," she murmured. "I just want to enjoy our wedding day…without thinking of this."
"Of course, sweet. The messenger can wait as long as you need." Derek stood and signaled for the muscians to begin playing, as the chairs were cleared away, and tables were set up. Footmen began to move through the crowd, offering wine and ale. "Come with me, Meredith. You need some quiet for a few moments – I'm sure our guests will understand." He helped her to her feet, and whisked her away before anyone could say anything.
He led her quickly away, into the manor, and the cool respite of the great room. "Much better," he said, closing the doors behind them, and pulling her into his embrace. "Isn't it?"
"Indeed," she agreed, moistening her lip, sudden desire flooding her, wanting to stay there with him, shutting out everything else. Regrettably, that would have to wait until the dinner was over.
His sensual mouth quirked into that little smile that never failed to send waves of sweet desire along her veins. "I think we deserve a few moments of intimacy…" His voice rumbled with yearning and teasing affection, as he lifted one eyebrow.
"We do…" she agreed, leaning in, anticipating his mouth on hers. For a moment, he paused, breathing deeply, his lips hovering over hers.
"You smell delicious…"
Meredith closed her eyes, trembling at the rich texture of his voice.
"…delicious enough to taste…" He teased her, brushing his lips across hers, softly. "My lovely temptress wife…"
Meredith trembled, as he pressed her closer, his hard length as close as possible to her. He cupped her face in his hands, drawing out the moment, keeping his gaze on hers. "How I love you…" And he kissed her, taking her mouth with such passion and heat, that her knees almost buckled. As if he had never kissed her before, he held her tightly, his mouth playing against hers, seeking her tongue, claiming her completely. She clung to his shoulders, feeling every sinuous muscle in his arms, as the kiss deepened.
When he pulled back, she could barely keep back a low moan of need. His breathing was coming harshly, his eyes glazed with passion so fiery, she thought it would cause her to burst into flames from the intense gaze. "Ah, sweet wife, we should go, this is torment…"
Meredith nodded, unable to trust herself to speak at the moment. She wet her lips – so swollen and tender from his kisses – feeling his hot gaze on her mouth as she did so. Felt his erection twitch in response even through their clothing. His hips flexed forward slightly, along with a low growl, so that she was even more achingly aware of the thick, full length of him pressed against her. "I suppose we must go…" she agreed reluctantly. "It would be most rude of us not to return to our guests…"
Derek stepped away, raking a hand through his hair, giving her another deep, piercing look that took her breath away all over again. He took her arm, and led her to the door. "At this moment, being rude is not my greatest concern, however, we will return to our guests. But I promise you one thing…"
"What?"
"Tonight, when the time is right for us to leave our guests, I promise to make long, sweet, love to you like never before…"
