Chapter 31: Plans and Meetings

As the coach bounced along the road, Derek closed his eyes, and conjured up the image of Meredith as she had looked in bed that morning. Hair tumbling around her face, soft green eyes peeking at him from beneath her lashes, and her luminous skin warm and inviting. He smiled to himself, realizing he was totally under her spell, and he missed her already.

He thought for a moment, that Marcus would surely have laughed at him, if he knew how hard Derek had fallen for Meredith. Then he frowned, thinking that he no longer had Marcus to talk to. The rift between them bothered him, and he thought maybe his mother was right. He should talk to him while he was in London. At least give the man a chance to explain his actions, after all. After seeing Addison's deplorable behavior while she had been at Gracewood, he realized that Marcus had likely just been a pawn in her games. Having settled that in his mind, his thoughts returned to Meredith, and he settled back against the cushions, letting sleep overtake him.

Meanwhile, in London, Addison was busy plotting, trying to find out something in Meredith's past that would make Derek change his mind about her. She paced back and forth in her bedroom, finally glaring at Marcus, who lounged lazily in the chair by the fireplace. His long legs were stretched out, crossed at the ankles, as he watched her. His strongly muscled body was dressed in the latest fashion - the brocade waistcoat was one of his favorites, the cut emphasizing his trim waist. The sleek tan breeches were tucked into riding boots and hugged his legs. His neat beard and moustache were closely trimmed, his hair cropped shorter than most men.

"Addison, just let it go," he finally said, puzzled at her obvious jealousy of Derek's new love. "It's not as if you loved the man, after all." He poured another shot of brandy into the cut crystal snifter and inhaled the rich aroma before tasting it.

"That's not the point," she replied, stopping in front of him. "I should be the next Duchess of Gracewood, not some pasty, skinny girl from the country!" She threw her arms up in the air, starting to pace again.

Marcus sighed, and contemplated the amber liquid in the glass. He felt bad about what happened to his friendship with Derek, despite having enjoyed the sexual dalliances with Addison. He was weak; he knew that – when it came to women and their charms, he was weak. Sexual pleasure won every time. When Addison cried to him that Derek was being distant, and avoiding her, he fell for the story she fed him. They were in her bed before he knew it, comforting her, or so he thought at the time. Soon he realized he had been used, but he kept coming back for more. She had him wrapped around her finger when it came to sexual favors. She did know more tricks than any other woman he had known, including several courtesans. Lust stirred in his veins again now, just watching the sway of her hips, and the heave of her bosom as she paced.

"You know people around London, Marcus, some not very nice people," Addison said. "Find out something about this girl – there must be something dirty and nasty in her past. Do it for me, Marcus..." Her sly voice cut into his reverie.

"Addie…"

"Please…just for me…" Then she was in front of him again, her hands on his thighs, staring into his eyes. The low gown displayed her ample charms, and he groaned. She kissed him seductively, her hands stroking the large bulge of his cock beneath the tight breeches. His hand shot out and freed one breast from her dress. She squeezed him harder as he fondled her, both of them breathing faster. Then without warning, she backed away and he fell forward, pitching out of the chair.

She walked away from him, fully knowing that he was going to follow her. "I missed you, Addie," he said, as she dropped down onto the bed, looking up at him.

"Good, now promise me you'll do as I ask?" she purred, holding him off when he would have fallen onto her.

"Yes, fine…whatever…" he muttered, intent on her body. He would promise anything at the moment, his cock was so hard and throbbing.

"Excellent, come here and fuck me then, Marcus…" She pulled him closer. He did have his uses, she thought lazily, as his mouth descended on her breast.

Derek made sure his mother was safely in her own townhouse after the journey. Despite her pleas for him to stay for dinner, he was anxious to get to his own house, and to start attending to his business. He saddled one of the horses from her stables and rode quickly home. The journey had seemed longer than usual, or maybe it was just due to the fact he was eager to get here and get things done so that he could return sooner to Meredith, he thought to himself with a wry smile. He only planned to be here a week at the most, purchasing gifts for Meredith, and wrapping up some business for the estate.

After he arrived at the townhouse, he met with the accountant and settled some of the business issues quickly. Once that was done, he headed out to his club for a drink, and to see if perhaps Marcus was there. Time to get that straightened out as well, he thought.

"Ah, Your Lordship, so nice to have you back for a visit," the waiter greeted him, with a bow, as Derek took a chair by the fire. Within moments, a stout glass of whiskey was placed beside him, and the man bowed and disappeared. Derek nodded at several acquaintances, as he sipped his drink. He wasn't in a mood to play cards and declined a few invitations to join in the games going on. His thoughts drifted to Meredith, wondering what she was doing. He raked a hand through his hair, wishing he were there with her, feeling her warm fragrant skin next to his, hearing the soft tone of her voice. Closing his eyes and rubbing his temples, Derek didn't realize that someone had stopped next to him.

"So, I hear congratulations are in order once again."

Derek looked up, to see Marcus standing there, drink in hand, an oddly nervous expression on his face. It was the first time they had seen each other since Derek had caught Addison with him, and for a moment, neither man spoke. "Yes, that is correct," Derek finally said, nodding towards the chair opposite him. "How did you hear that already?"

Marcus dropped into the chair, stretching his legs out. "Gossip travels quickly in this city, Derek, you know that."

"I do indeed."

"You're happy?"

"More than I believed possible. Meredith is just lovely, like a breath of fresh air."

Derek couldn't help but smile at the mention of her name.

"Ah, you seem bewitched, then. She must be special."

"She is, believe me."

In the few days since Addison had asked him to look into Meredith's past, Marcus had done little about it. Now, seeing Derek look so happy, and obviously in love, he felt even less like digging into it. He rubbed his hand over his beard, not sure what to say. "Derek…I can explain…"

"What is there to explain, Marcus?" Derek asked, a hint of anger in his voice. "Addison wanted to fuck you, and you were willing to bed her, despite the fact that you were my best friend. I have to admit, having seen her true character recently; I can hardly think you were aware of what happened until it was too late. Am I correct?" Derek took a drink of whiskey, arching an eyebrow at Marcus over the glass. "She seduced you, knowing your weakness for sexual pleasures, and you fell right into it."

"Derek, I felt like a bloody fool, after you caught us, but you are right, I was weak. I still am weak," he said softly, swirling the alcohol in his glass.

Derek glanced at him sharply. "Still? She's still lifting her skirts for you then, I take it."

Marcus nodded silently. "I cannot blame you if you never forgive me, Derek," he said morosely.

"But if not for you, old friend, I would likely have married Addison, and not met Meredith until it was too late. So, I guess I have to thank you for that." Derek raised his glass in salute.

Marcus grinned weakly, returning the salute, before tossing back the rest of his drink. He signaled the waiter for another, before looking back at Derek. "There is something else I need to tell you…"

Meredith sighed in frustration, tossing aside the needlework she had been trying to finish. She got up and paced, looking out the windows into the darkening garden. Amelia had been doing her best to keep Meredith occupied - showing her what needed to be done to keep the household running efficiently, going for long walks, and playing with the twins. There had been several fittings already with the seamstresses, working on the wedding dress, as well. this afternoon, Meredith had gone for a long ride on Mistral, but it only made her ache for Derek to be riding with her.

She sat down at her vanity, and picked up the hairbrush, staring at her reflection. Goodness, she had been alone most of her life, and managed quite well, and now she was a wreck after only a few days without Derek. Running the brush over her hair, she closed her eyes, remembering how gentle he had been with her, brushing her wet hair that night. He was so good and strong, yet so masculine and virile – she could hardly believe he loved her. She never thought she was going to be in love with anyone, especially someone like Derek.

Putting the brush down, she pushed herself to her feet, and headed for bed. She crawled beneath the crisp sheets and hugged the pillow. Her body tingled as she remembered the feel of his hands on her, his tongue like velvet on her nipples, and the hard strength of his thighs between hers. She tossed and turned, finally slipping into a fitful sleep, consumed with dreams of his body possessing hers.