Chapter 26: Is Addison Gone Yet?

The next morning dawned bright and clear, and Meredith woke to find the sun streaming through the windows. She yawned and stretched, realizing that Derek's hard body was not beside her. Turning over, she touched the rumpled sheets, still warm from his body, but he was nowhere to be seen. Then she spotted a white rose on the pillow, with a small note.

Sweet Meredith,

You looked too peaceful to disturb. I have gone out to take Stone for a run, and to be sure that Addison's coach and driver are prepared to leave.

I shall see you soon.

Love,

Derek

Meredith smiled, and held the rose up to smell it's delicate scent. Stretching again, feeling her body deliciously sore from the previous night, she got out of bed and found the dressing gown at the foot of the bed. She went to look out of the window, searching for a glimpse of Derek. She could see the gardens, and Eleanor already outside, snipping flowers. Then her eyes caught sight of Stone, his mane flowing in the wind as Derek rode him hard. The stallion moved with easy strength, tail flying, obviously enjoying the early morning exercise. Derek moved as one with the animal, and her pulse quickened, just watching him from this distance, the memory of his strong, muscular thighs around her. Smiling to herself, she watched him disappear out of sight, heading out into the fields. Her body tingled, thinking of him. He made her feel so treasured, and so loved, she could scarcely believe the turn her life had taken.

Then there was a soft tap on the door, and she jumped at the unexpected noise. Opening the door, she found Rose, who curtsied, balancing a small tray in her hand. "Good morning, my lady," she said. "His lordship directed me to bring you some hot chocolate, and some breakfast."

"Oh, how sweet of him. Come in," Meredith smiled, letting the maid into the room.

"Yes, he is very thoughtful, isn't he?" Rose giggled, setting the tray on the small table by the fireplace. Meredith sat down and picked up the cup, smelling the sweet aroma appreciatively. "Will you be needing anything else, my lady? Some water to freshen up?"

Rose bustled around the room, picking up the dress from the previous night, and straightening the bedding as she talked. "That would be lovely. Thank you, Rose." Meredith nibbled on the sweet biscuits and honey. "Do you know if Lady Addison has left yet?"

"Oooh, that one is still here yet. Poor Belinda – she's been running steady to pack the bags, fetch breakfast, and water for bathing. The coach has been sitting outside since first light, waiting."

Meredith shook her head in disbelief. Would the woman ever leave? She hoped to avoid any further confrontation if possible. Rose left, with a quick bob of her head, to fetch some water. Meredith scarcely took another sip of chocolate, when a tap sounded at the door again. Frowning, she got up to open it. "That was very quick, Rose…" she started to say, then realizing it wasn't Rose at the door.

"Lady Addison!" she gasped, staring into the haughty face of the other woman. Meredith was acutely aware of her disheveled appearance, and she tightened the robe around her body. "Is there something I can help you with?"

Addison pushed past her. Her eyes took in Meredith's tangled hair, the love bruises on the delicate throat, the soft lips still swollen from kisses, and she felt the green devil of jealousy twist inside of her. "I just came to say good-bye. I know we did not speak much yesterday, but it seems I have to leave already."

Meredith nodded. "Well, good-bye then. Godspeed your journey."

Addison stepped closer. "You think Derek loves you? He likes his playthings, but he will come back to me. Even if you marry him, he will visit my bed in London when he's bored with you. I know many tricks to keep a man satisfied. Once you are fat and with child, he will take a lover. Men always do."

"Derek is not like other men. He would not do that to me." Meredith tried to keep her voice steady.

Addison laughed, and patted Meredith's arm. "Poor child, you have much to learn about men! He is a stallion in bed, though, isn't he? Ah, the things he did for me…" She let her voice trail off, watching Meredith's reaction.

"I think you should leave now, Lady Addison," Meredith said coldly, just as Rose appeared at the open door with the water, and fresh towels.

"Yes, of course." Addison swept out of the room, nearly knocking Rose over.

"Bitch," Rose said quietly. "Are you alright, my lady? You look pale, maybe you should sit down."

"Yes, maybe I should," Meredith replied, sinking into the chair, her appetite suddenly vanished. She trusted Derek, she did, but Addison's words rattled her.

"Don't you listen to a word she said," Rose said comfortingly. "The Duke adores you, it's plain to everyone. He would never betray you with the likes of her. " Then she bit her lip. "Oh, there I go again, my lady, speaking out of turn. Forgive me."

"That is fine, Rose," Meredith had to smile. "Now, let's forget about her, and you can help me get dressed." She put the disturbing thoughts out of her mind, but she knew she was going to tell Derek as soon as she saw him.

Derek pushed harder against Stone's flanks, demanding more of the horse. Stone surged ahead, responding eagerly to the challenge. Wind tore through Derek's hair, and tugged at his shirt. He knew the big animal needed this, just as much as he did, to get out and clear his head. Damnation, but he would be happy to see Addison's coach leave, with her in it. As of yet, it was still here. It vexed him no end that she wasn't gone, and his eyes darkened in frustration. Remembering her silly game of the previous night, her attempt to seduce him, only fueled his anger.

At one time, he had to admit to himself, she had been able to arouse him. She had even seemed to love him, but it had not been loving, he realized now. His thoughts shifted to Meredith, knowing that her affection for him was real, that she would never betray him. He eased Stone into an easy canter, letting the horse catch his breath. They were at the clearing now where he and Meredith had made love, and the memory made him smile, erasing away the anger. The little pond, with its splashing waterfall, had been created by his father, for Eleanor. Derek knew his parents had shared a deep and strong love, and he hoped for the same thing with Meredith. Then he grinned, wondering if his parents had shared afternoon trysts in the same manner.

With that thought in mind, he turned Stone to head back to the manor. His eyes swept across the fields, and towards the roadway, hoping to see the coach leaving. But there was no sign of anything, and he swore under his breath, kicking Stone into a gallop again. What the devil was taking her so long?

As he reached the main gates, he could see Addison descending the broad steps leading down to the coach. Hodges stood impassively at the main door, watching her leave. The driver jumped down to open the door for her, as the footmen piled the luggage onto the back, strapping it down. Derek slowly rode up the curved drive, raking his hand through his hair. He stopped beside the coach, and Addison pushed the curtain aside. "Come to gloat, Derek?" she snapped. "I am leaving, as ordered."

He crossed his hands over the saddle, holding Stone's reins loosely in his elegant fingers, as he leaned forward slightly. Addison could see the fine sheen of sweat dampening his broad chest, the scent of him and sweat and horses filling her nostrils. He was so perfectly masculine, so sure of himself, that she just could not let it go. She wanted him in her bed again, no matter what. Then Stone tossed his head, the bridle jingling in the cool morning silence. "Not to gloat, just to bid farewell," Derek said finally.

"We may meet again, Derek. Do not count me out yet," Addison said flirtatiously, her fingers toying with the emerald necklace. Then her eyes were drawn to the small figure standing at the top of the stairs, and she sucked in a hot breath. Damn Meredith, having to show up and ruin her moment with Derek. "Well, your little bride-to-be is waiting for you, Derek. Best you run along to her."

Derek laughed, as he dismounted, landing lightly on the cobblestones. "I intend to. Goodbye, Addison," he said, turning his back, and leading Stone away to the waiting groom. Then he ran easily up the steps, to Meredith's side, catching her around the waist and pulling her close. She looked up into his searching gaze, and her heart caught. He only had eyes for her then, as she melted against him. The driver of the coach flicked the reins over the horses and urged them to move. As the coach rumbled down the drive, Addison tried to resist the urge to look back, only to find herself unable to. Peering out the window, she saw Derek kissing Meredith then, sweeping the girl off her feet. She flopped back against the seat cushion, silently fuming, as the green devil twisted her heart once more.

Do you think Addison will find dirt on Meredith?