Chapter 22: The Meeting
"Where are my shoes?" Addison demanded of Belinda, tossing dresses and undergarments across the bed. "Hurry up, girl, Her Grace will be summoning me soon, I am sure!"
Belinda looked at the mess on the bed, suitcases and bags open everywhere, and jewelry cases spilling across the dressing table – jewels and chains of every color and magnitude sparkling in the firelight. How was she supposed to find anything in this mess, she wondered briefly – let alone having to put the room to rights after Lady Addison went to talk to Her Grace. She sighed to herself and finally spotted a bag with shoes piled inside it haphazardly. "Here, my lady," she said. "Is this it?"
"Thank god – I can hardly go barefoot to see the Duchess!" Addison said, grabbing the bag from the girl's hands. "Here – polish these for me!" She pulled out a pair and dropped the bag to the floor. Then she turned back to the mirror and surveyed her outfit. The gown of emerald watered silk dipped low, her breasts nearly falling out of it, with small puffed sleeves and ribbons trailing down her back. She fastened the emerald necklace around her throat, nodding in satisfaction at the huge stone that rested on her bosom. That should draw Derek's eyes to where she wanted them. Her red hair was pulled back, swept up sleekly, combs of emeralds and pearls glittering in the tresses. Her dark green eyes narrowed, as her thoughts turned to the Duchess. Derek and that insipid girl of his seemed to think that Her Grace was going to put Addison out of favor. Her lips thinned evilly – it would take more than that to get rid of her.
She turned back to Belinda and snatched the shoes from her. "That is all – leave me," she said, turning back to the mirror. After the girl left the room, Addison pinched her cheeks to add more color, and ran her fingers across the swell of her breasts, moaning at the pleasurable sensation. How could Derek resist these charms – he always had enjoyed her body, and he would do so again.
There was a soft tap at the door, and she flung it open. Eleanor's maid stood there. "My lady, please follow me to Her Grace's chambers – she is prepared to see you now."
"Excellent." Addison sailed confidently through the door, slamming it behind her, and followed the maid along the corridors. As she walked, her eyes jumped everywhere, assessing the manor, finding it lacking in her regard. Well, Derek was welcome to stay here, she would not be spending time here once they were wed.
The maid pushed open the door to the suite, and ushered Addison inside, where Eleanor was waiting, standing in front of the fireplace. Her posture was ramrod straight, as she watched the other woman cross the room. Addison curtsied briefly. "Your Grace, thank you for seeing me," she murmured.
"Lady Addison," Eleanor nodded. "Sit, please."
Addison sank into the wing chair, arranging her skirts around her, and folding her hands in her lap. She smiled at the older woman, keeping any sign of discontent from her expression.
Eleanor's imperious gaze swept over Addison, displeasure clouding her eyes at the vulgar gown and the ostentatious emeralds. "My son tells me that you were the party at fault in the breakup of your betrothal," she stated, without any small talk. "You lied to me, Lady Addison – on several occasions, regarding this. What do you have to say about this?"
Addison's jaw dropped, and anger rushed through her again. "Your Grace, I cannot believe Derek would tell you such tales….he left me, without regard for my feelings. It was most humiliating…"
"What feelings, Lady Addison? Do not speak of your humiliation – my son was the one humiliated by your scandalous behavior. Tell me the truth now - that you were unfaithful? That you and your lover were most blatant, without morals?"
"Your Grace, many women take lovers…." Addison tried to defend herself.
"Quiet! I am not finished!" Eleanor crossed her arms, walking closer to Addison, and leaning over her. "What disgusts me even more is that I was fooled by your act of innocence. You have missed your calling – you should take up a career on the stage – you would be most successful there. I do not appreciate being used in this manner. You are a conniving, desperate woman, and my son is better off without the likes of you. By the time I get through with you, you will not be welcome anywhere socially. I have much influence still, do not doubt that."
"Oh, so I'm not good enough now for your precious son? That little bitch who has wormed her way into his bed is? My father…"
Eleanor slapped Addison across the cheek. "Enough! Meredith may not be of noble birth, but she will make Derek a good wife, and not bring disgrace on the Shepherd name."
Addison put her hand to her cheek in disbelief. "Oh!" She blinked rapidly at the sharp pain, her face reddening.
"Do not push me, Lady Addison. You will be sorrier than you are now." Eleanor's voice was cold. "Get out of my sight, miss. Pack your bags and prepare to leave in the morning." She turned and walked away, her black silk gown rustling as she moved away. Then she paused at the doorway, looking back briefly. "And do not show your face at dinner."
Addison sat in stunned silence for a minute, fury running like fire in her veins, her face contorted. How dare that old biddy talk to her like that? She would certainly notlisten to her. Addison got to her feet, and stalked across the room, flinging open the door and starting off down the corridor in search of the dining room. One of the young footmen was unfortunate enough to encounter her, and he stammered out the directions, as she dug her nails into his arm.
She walked a few paces, then stopped short, her skirts whipping around her legs. A sly grin crossed her face. She turned back to the footman, and this time, leaned intimately closer to him. Pulling one of the jeweled pins from her hair, she pressed it into his hand and whispered in his ear. He nodded and murmured a few words back to her, as her hands lifted her bosom higher. He bent over them and buried his face against her cleavage for a minute, before she backed away and tapped him lightly on the chest with a playful laugh. Then she turned and headed in the other direction.
"Amelia, I have to thank you so much for all the lovely gowns, and the suite…" Meredith said, springing up as Amelia entered the great room. "It's marvelous, I love it." She hugged Amelia impulsively. "I feel like I'm in a fairy tale!"
"You have the handsome duke wrapped around your finger…" Derek laughed warmly, sending ripples along her skin. She turned and smiled back at him over her shoulder happily.
"I thought you would like it, Meredith. And this gown looks wonderful on you." Amelia inspected the outfit, and the jewels approvingly. Then she looked at Derek's snifter of brandy. "Brandy before dinner, Derek? Are you expecting a difficult evening?"
"You might say that."
Amelia shuddered slightly at that thought, as Meredith sat down beside Derek again. Then Hodges threw open the doors, and they all looked up to see Eleanor standing there. Derek crossed the room to take her arm, and led her to the settee, where she sank down beside Meredith. Patting Meredith's hand, she smiled to see the amethyst necklace, a perfect match to the gown. "I had a feeling the jewels would suit you perfectly, my dear. You look exquisite," she said warmly.
"Thank you, Your Grace, you are most generous," Meredith replied softly. "Your gift surprised me."
"Every woman needs some pretty jewels, my dear. I trust my son will be showering you with gifts of his own soon."
Derek poured a glass of sherry for his mother, bringing it to her, and then leaned his hip against the arm of the settee, his arm around Meredith's shoulders. Eleanor accepted the glass with a smile. "I have spoken with Lady Addison, and I trust she will not bother us at dinner. I expect she will be gone at first light tomorrow."
His grip around Meredith tightened. "I hope you are right; however, she can be very determined to get her own way."
"You truly believe she will defy me?" Eleanor's brow arched in disbelief.
"Time will tell, I suppose," Derek replied dryly. "I wish to god I had never set eyes on her to begin with."
"Have you spoken with Marcus since the…er…incident?" Eleanor asked delicately. "I know you two were so close growing up at school. Perhaps you should speak with him the next time you are in London."
"No, I have not. And if he wishes to speak to me, he can make the first move." Derek scowled at the mention of his one-time friend.
"Now, Derek, do not judge him too harshly. After seeing the true nature of Lady Addison, I fear he had no real choice in the affair."
"That does not excuse his behavior."
"Speaking of London, I believe you really must bring Meredith there soon," Eleanor said, adroitly changing the topic, seeing how annoyed Derek was becoming. "Show her the sights – take her to court. You really should present her to the King. I will make arrangements when I return home."
"Of course, Mother. Perhaps after the wedding."
"Yes, of course. You need to decide on the date, and contact the rest of your sisters, Derek." Eleanor stood then, smoothing her skirts, and they followed suit. Hodges opened the doors for them to head to the dining room. Derek took Meredith's hand, tucking it under his arm, following Eleanor and Amelia into dinner.
"Never fear, my love, Mother won't arrange the entire wedding," he whispered, kissing her cheek.
"Are you quite sure about that?" Meredith laughed, looking up at him. Her heart beat faster, as she gazed into his eyes, warmed as always by the intense passion she saw there. She felt the hard muscle in his arm tense beneath her fingers, as the undercurrent of heat between them stirred to life again.
"Derek, do not keep us waiting, dear. I have had a long day and wish to eat." Eleanor's voice brought them back to the moment, and they hurried to catch up with a small laugh.
Derek winked at Meredith, murmuring, "I find I'm also ravenous, love, but just for your luscious body…"
"Derek! Do not tell me such things when we are about to dine with your mother!" she replied softly, her cheeks turning pink.
"I adore seeing you blush," he admitted, as they entered the dining room. Helping her to her chair, and as she was seated, he leaned over her, and whispered in her ear. "Especially when my tongue is on your sweet clit…"
Derek!" Meredith gasped softly, her body awash in heat then, her eyes darting over to Eleanor and Amelia, deep in conversation on the other side of the table.
"Sorry, love," he murmured, backing away to take his own seat, his voice indicating he was not sorry whatsoever. As their eyes met again, his sensuous gaze bespoke of everything he wanted to do to her later.