Chapter 21: Shall We Play?

"Lady Meredith, a letter has arrived for you."

The announcement made Meredith look up from the notes she was making about the menu for the upcoming Christmas dinner. She had James on her knee, and he made a grab for her ink pen when she stopped writing. "Oh no, my boy...you do not need to have ink all over your hands..." she murmured, laying the pen out of reach before looking back at Winston.

"Thank you. It must be a response to one of the invitations." She looked at the creamy vellum envelope with a smile. "Will you please bring some tea, and some cookies for James?" The rest of the children were in lessons with Meggie, leaving James to enjoy his mother's undivided attention.

"Very good, my lady." He bowed shortly but gave them a quick smile before backing away to the door once more. She was ensconced in the library, enjoying the peace and quiet. Derek was out in the stables, working with Midnight and Storm, taking them through some paces in preparation for racing them in the spring.

She picked up the envelope, looking curiously at the handwriting that looked somewhat unfamiliar. Using the silver letter opener, she carefully worked open the seal holding it shut and then withdrew the single sheet of paper. "Now, this does not look like an RSVP, does it James Richard?" she observed, settling him a little more comfortably on her lap. A lap that was a littler smaller due to her growing belly. It was early in December, and it was evident that she was expecting. "Oh, it's from Jane!"

James made a sound of interest, gazing up at her. "Janie...!"

She kissed the top of his head, laughing softly at his attempts to put words together. "Soon you won't be the baby in the family any longer," she commented, before scanning the dainty script.

Dear Lady Meredith,

You were so kind to me in London, at my time of distress, and I want you to know that I have thought of you often since then. It was sad to see you leave, and the other ladies were distraught at the unexpected turn of events. I also feel distress that it was my reckless behavior that led to your dismissal. Truly, you did nothing wrong, it was my own fault but who can argue with Her Majesty?

Lord Rhys was summoned back to London, and the Queen spoke with him regarding my situation. Of course, he chose to do the honorable thing and take my hand in marriage, after all, what else could he do? Due to Her Majesty's influence, a special marriage license was obtained, and we were wed within the fortnight. My parents were shocked, of course, but they came around in the end, and are satisfied with the outcome. So, I am now Duchess Jane Huntington!

After the wedding, we left London for his family home, Whitely Manor. As you know, he has gambled away a good portion of the family fortunes, but he has vowed to reform and be a good husband and rebuild the coffers. I had reservations in that regard, and still do, but I have been welcomed into the family by his mother, Dowager Duchess Margaret. Along with Rowena, they have both done their best to make me feel at home. Rowena is still rather impetuous and prone to irresponsibility, however, we spend time together, working on embroidery, or knitting, if you can imagine that after your attempts to get us to sit still for that!

I have other news as well, it appears that I am quite fertile, and am expecting a baby once again. I pray that this time all will go well. Rhys seems to be happy, and his mama is thrilled there will be an heir. Perhaps you were right, and rakes can reform.

I trust all is good with you and your lovely family, my lady. Thank you once again for all that you did for me.

Sincerely,

Jane

"Oh, that is so sweet of her to let me know she is doing well," Meredith smiled, folding the letter and tucking it back into the envelope. "I must send her a note back, wishing her well with the baby and for Christmas..." Then Winston knocked at the library door before entering with the tea tray and followed closely by Rose who had lists of paper in her fingers as well.

"There you are, my lady. Cook sent along extra biscuits; on the chance you were hungry."

"Ah, thank you. She knows my sweet tooth." Just as Lexie had devoured the sugar cookies, Meredith found her own cravings increasing. "Rose, do sit down and have tea. I can see you have more lists to go over."

Taking in Meredith's hands full with James and the letter, Rose poured the tea expertly and handed over the plate of cookies, before taking a seat opposite the desk. "It will be such a grand party. The village is all agog over the prospect, if I may say so!"

"Then, we must do our best to make sure they are entertained. I am sure that when Amelia arrives, she will be thrilled about the party, and will be able to help with anything that I cannot do in my present condition," Meredith smiled.

"Indeed, my lady. His Grace has already warned me that I am in no way to permit you to climb any ladders or stand on chairs to hang wreaths."

"If Derek had his way, I would be wrapped in cotton batting and be confined to my bedchamber with a box of bon-bons!" Meredith laughed. "What would happen to the running of the household if that were the case?"

Rose laughed as well, and they settled in to review the rest of the work that needed to be done in preparation. Amelia and Link and their family would be arriving within a day or so, and Meredith was anxious to make sure everything was going to be ready for them.

"I received a letter today from Jane," Meredith told Derek later that evening. It was after dinner, and they were sitting together in front of the fireplace in their bedchamber. A cool wind rattled the windows, and she was happy to be inside where it was warm and cozy. She had propped her feet up on Derek's lap, and he was massaging them gently. He had finished his brandy and she had tea with honey.

"How is she?"

"Mmm...that feels lovely..." Meredith sighed as his thumbs rubbed into her arches. After talking with Rose, she had been busy in the kitchen with the cook, and then overseeing the footmen as they brought in some garlands for the main stairwell. Along with playing a game of hide and seek with the children before their meal, it had been a full day. "Oh...Jane...she is well. Rhys did the honorable thing and married her, and obviously consummated the union, since she is expecting a child again."

Derek raised one eyebrow. "So soon...he is obviously taking marriage seriously."

"She hopes so, and his mother has been very welcoming, so that will help."

"Perhaps he was sincere in what he told us...that he envied what we had. This is his opportunity to change his life for the better." He continued to massage her feet, now moving his hands up over her ankles, pushing the silky folds of her gown a little higher.

"Well, I hope so, for her sake. She is a sweet girl. I believe I will send her a gift for the baby's christening."

"I'm sure she will appreciate that..." Derek murmured, but his attention was not on the thought of Jane's impending baby, but rather his own wife's condition. Letting go of her feet slowly, he met her eyes as he took her hands instead. He pulled her into his lap, so that she nestled against him comfortably. "Now, as far as our baby...I trust you aren't over doing in your efforts to prepare for the upcoming festivities."

Meredith rested her hand on his chest, toying with buttons on his shirt, while he cupped the slight swell of her belly. Her gown was a dark, rich green, that made her creamy skin seem even more luminous. He had to admit, she always seemed to glow when she was pregnant, as if her inner happiness manifested into the outer beauty.

"I was very careful, Derek...I am just a little tired. However, since you massaged my feet, I do seem to have recovered..." she teased him, her eyes warm as she looked up at him from beneath her lashes.

"Have I told you today just how much I love you?" he asked, his voice husky as he inclined his head so that his mouth hovered over hers.

"I do not believe so, my lord..."

"Then, I must do my best to remedy that..." he whispered, pressing soft kisses along her cheek, and then over her temple. "Since I do love you so much, and adore you..."

"…I love you just as much…" she sighed happily.

"We should take advantage of this opportunity before the family descends on us for the holidays…" he murmured suggestively.

"Oh I agree…" Meredith replied, slowly unbuttoning his shirt, and pushing it aside completely. Her mouth descended along his chest, licking across his nipples, and tugging at one and then the other, until he groaned softly, his body suddenly hot and hard. His arms snaked around her tiny frame, pulling her up against him. The silky material of her gown caressed him, as she shifted over his hips. "What did you have in mind?"

"It's been awhile since we had some sensual games," he commented, raising one eyebrow suggestively. "Do you remember?"

"I have fond memories of games…" she whispered, as he managed to get to his feet, with her in his arms. He headed towards the bed, and she kissed his temple, darting her tongue along his earlobe.

"Good…"

"Even though I'm a mother and a respectable lady…I love how we can still have these moments…"

Derek let her down next to the bed, kissing her softly for a moment. "We will always have these moments between us, Meredith…never doubt that, my love." His knowing hands moved over her, expertly undoing buttons and laces, freeing her from the constricting garments one by one. "This is our own time, whatever we do together is always pleasurable and perfect…"

Meredith shivered in anticipation, helping to divest him of his own clothing, as they continued to exchange kisses in the flickering firelight. "You have complete control of me right now…whatever you wish of me…" he told her, sinking onto the bed to look up at her as she stood between his legs.

"Lay back, then…" she urged him, with a wicked little smile on her lips as she contemplated the decadence of his body on the bedding. Every inch of his delineated muscle, taut and tempting was displayed for her. "Let me see…what do I wish of you?" Her hand drifted over his cock, that was already hard, demanding attention. He jerked a little, and bit back a groan.

She reached up and pulled away the green velvet ribbon in her hair, and let it flutter over his chest. "I do remember how you enjoyed to tie my hands, perhaps you could be restrained in the same manner?"

"Yes…" Even though the ribbon was delicate, and it was merely a symbolic gesture, he still felt a shudder of desire at the idea. He offered his hands to her, and she wrapped the ribbon around his wrists, and backed away slowly.

"Ah, darling…I have an idea…do not move…" she told him, trailing her hands along his firm thighs before she disappeared from his line of sight. He could hear her humming softly, and he closed his eyes, waiting for her, all of his senses alert.

The bed shifted and he opened his eyes, to see her straddling him. She held a small pot in one hand, and he could detect an aroma of honey. Then she dipped her fingers into it and spread some of the sticky substance over his chest. "Where did you find that?" he asked, but she merely smiled at him, and he could feel the trails of honey along his abdomen, and around his navel. Tickling, teasing…until he writhed almost without thought.

"You like?" she asked, dipping one finger along the honey, and placing it against her mouth. Her tongue darted out and licked it clean, and he groaned again.

"You know I do."

"…mmm…" She bent over and sensuously licked a path clean over his ribcage, moving lower to his cock. Her tongue swept over him, along the velvet skin, tasting the sweetness, along with his own masculine essence. But before he could think about thrusting up against her lips, she let him go with a little laugh. "Ah…not yet, honey. I'm not finished torturing you…"

"Vixen…" Derek growled, tugging slightly at the ribbon. "You have become quite adept at this..."

"You have always been a good teacher," she smiled. Her fingers moved up, over his nipples, coaxing them into hard tips. "You look good enough to eat, my love..."

"Do not hold back..." he taunted her, his eyes hazy with passion now, willing her to do something to take the edge off his sudden lust.

Meredith touched her tongue to his cock then, sliding her hands along his balls at the same time. Squeezing lightly, as she took him into her mouth, so that he almost yelled out loud in relief. Again and again, her tongue swirled over him, teasing him to the brink of release, and then letting him go.

It was the advantage he needed and before she realized his intention, he had pulled the ribbon away from his hands and had her pinned down against the mattress. "My turn, vixen..." he muttered, spreading some of the honey over her breasts, and lower, over her navel and between her legs. Then his tongue followed the path, licking and cleaning her skin, until he reached the folds of her sex. Dipping his tongue into her, he could taste the feminine arousal and the sweet honey mingled together, and he stroked her as deeply as he could.

Meredith sighed, lost in a world of pulsing desire and hot tangled nerves. "Derek…I really, really…need you inside of me, please my darling…" Her fingers played along his arms. "I think we have played enough…time to get serious…"

"Yes, love...this is quite serious..." he growled, spreading her legs wider, admiring her glistening folds, damp and honey scented. Slowly and deliberately, holding his cock against her, he rubbed himself along her length, teasing both of them. "You do seem ready for this…"

"Yes…hurry Derek…" Meredith tried to shove up against him, needing his heat, his fullness. "Make love to me…"

Derek gave her a slow, sensual smile, obeying her breathless entreaty. "All right, you can have me. I give in too easy with you…" His cock dipped against her clit, as she rolled against him, and a low hoarse moan caught in his throat. His whole body shuddered, as he gave her what she wanted, what they both wanted at that point.

"Then we're well matched," Meredith smiled up at him, watching his cock slide into her, before he fell across her, and buried his face against her throat. "You feel so good…" He was pulsing inside of her, every throb intensifying the tingle she felt building in her clit.

"Oh, you are so right, honey…" Derek groaned, withdrawing almost completely, leaving just the throbbing head inside of her, holding her hips. His body shook from deliberately waiting. "NOW!" And he thrust deep and hard into her, so that she cried out, her back arching and her breasts bouncing from the force of his movements. Her legs tightened around him, urging him to give her more. Derek pulled back, and drove deeper again, catching her mouth this time, and driving his tongue against hers. Moving in the same wild rhythm of his cock, as her tongue met his, tasting honey and her own essence all mingled against each other. The pressure built at the base of his spine, as they moved faster, and her nails dug into his back. One more long slow thrust, and her body clenched around him, and she whimpered against his mouth. His own control shattered, and he lost himself in her as they clung together.

It took a minute or more before Derek was able to lift himself up, and he kissed her nose before rolling away slowly, his breathing returning to normal by degrees. "Sweet girl...you will always amaze me..." His hand caressed her curves, encountering a slight stickiness here and there, finally resting on the small round of her abdomen. He leaned in to kiss her there, eliciting a little laugh from her.

"We need a bath now..." she sighed, feeling too content to really move a muscle.

"We do...and I will help you clean the honey from all of those places you can't reach..." he grinned, pulling her against him for a deep kiss that sent her senses spinning all over again...