Chapter 30: Departure

The next morning dawned too soon, and Meredith woke to find Derek already out of bed and getting dressed. She sat up sleepily, looking towards the windows, seeing the morning sun just peeking up over the horizon, mist still rising from the fields. Stretching, feeling her body ache deliciously from the previous night's passion, she smiled softly at Derek. His eyes were drawn to her breasts, where the sheet fell away, and he caught his breath.

"Good morning, sweetheart," he said, coming to sit beside her. "You look entirely adorable in the morning – you make it difficult for me to leave, you know that." He brushed the hair away from her neck, burying his lips against her, inhaling the unique scent that was Meredith. She looped her arms around his neck, drawing him closer.

"I miss you already," she said, her voice unsteady, tears threatening to spill down her cheeks. Despite having woken up during the night, making slow, sweet love again in the dark, sharing their hunger for each other, kissing and touching endlessly, she felt bereft already.

"I know, sweet, I feel the same," he whispered, feeling her small body tremble in his arms.

"Let me come down and see you off," she implored, "I will dress quickly. I wish to say farewell to Her Grace too."

"All right. " He kissed her forehead. "I must go and change my clothes now. I shall meet you outside then."

With a soft sigh, she let him go, watching him as he strode across the room. "Shall I send Rose to assist you?" he asked, opening the door.

She shook her head. "No, I'm fine, Derek. I will see you shortly."

He nodded, giving her another smile, and disappeared out the door. Meredith gathered her resolve, straightening her shoulders, as she headed for the closet. Surely, she could handle a few days without him, somehow…

The coach and horses waited outside; the footmen busy arranging the baggage. The horses shifted, their heads tossing, eager to be off. Eleanor waited patiently, adjusting her gloves, her eyes warming to see Meredith slip outside. "Good morning, Meredith. How are you, my dear?"

"Good morning, Your Grace," Meredith said, shivering a little in the cool morning air. She had dressed quickly in a light day dress, and thrown a soft shawl over her shoulders, her hair pinned up softly. "I am well. I wanted to say good bye, and Godspeed on your journey. And to thank you again, for everything you are doing."

Eleanor took Meredith's hand, and pulled her in for a small hug. "As I said, it is my pleasure – you are everything to Derek, and I want you both to be happy. But you look pale this morning, are you sure you are all right?"

"Just a little tired," Meredith admitted.

Eleanor smiled at her knowingly. "Ah, yes, of course. You will be able to rest while Derek is away, my dear. I am not so old and proper not to understand. Derek is very much like his father, rest his soul. Michael was a very loving and strong man."

Meredith blushed warmly – obviously Eleanor knew she and Derek had not been apart at night, and a small giggle bubbled up in her. So, when Derek came up behind her, putting his hands on her shoulders, she was able to look up at him with a smile on her face.

"Are you ready to go, Mother?" he asked, keeping Meredith tight against him, the solid strength of his body warming her.

"Yes, my dear. I will wait for you in the coach, so you may have a private goodbye with Meredith." Eleanor took Meredith's hand. "Goodbye for now. I will return with the rest of the family next month. Take care of yourself."

"Thank you," Meredith replied, leaning over to kiss Eleanor's cheek impulsively. "Take care."

Eleanor bustled away, letting Hodges help her into the coach. Derek turned Meredith in his embrace and lifted her face. His mouth covered hers, kissing her softly, as she molded herself against him. She inhaled deeply, wanting to keep this moment, this feel of him, in her memory. His arms held her close, and he lifted her off her feet slightly, as she kissed him back. "I love you, sweet girl," he murmured. "I will be home soon."

"I love you Derek," she murmured, reluctant to let him go, finally easing away from him, letting her hand find his. He kissed her fingertips, as he backed away from her slowly. Their hands slipped apart, and she bit her lip to keep from crying. He gave her a brief wave, and turned to join his mother in the coach, his overcoat whipping around his legs. Hodges closed the door behind him, and the coachman cracked the whip over the horses. The coach lurched into movement, and Meredith smiled as Derek pushed aside the curtains. He winked at her with a grin, and then the coach turned and headed down the long drive. The horses picked up speed, and soon the coach was out of sight. Meredith hugged her arms around herself tightly, keeping her eyes fixed on the road, until she could no longer see it.

"Meredith, you'll catch a death cold out here," Amelia scolded her suddenly from the open door. "Come, let us have some breakfast, and we can spend time together. I have so much to show you, I will do my best to keep you from missing Derek."

Meredith smiled weakly at Amelia, coming inside. Amelia put her arm around Meredith, as they walked towards the solarium. "I am being silly, I know. It's only a short time. You would think he was going away for an eternity." She sighed, then gasped, "Oh, I'm so sorry, Amelia, that was insensitive of me," suddenly thinking of Amelia's husband.

"I understand, Meredith," Amelia replied, with a small smile. "Though the passage of time does make it a little easier to bear. I have to admit, I am a little envious of you and Derek. You're just starting your time together, and you have so much to discover."

They walked quietly the rest of the way, each wrapped up in their own thoughts. The solarium was warm and inviting, and a small table had been set with pots of tea and hot chocolate, and plates of scones and biscuits were waiting invitingly.

"Tell me about the rest of your family," Meredith urged, as they settled into the chairs, hoping to take Amelia's mind away from sad thoughts of William. "I would like to be prepared to meet them."

Of course," Amelia replied, as Meredith poured the hot chocolate for them. "Let me see…" As the sun started to warm the cozy room, the two women laughed and chatted happily, until the twins bounded into the room, demanding their attention