Chapter 2

Gentle beams of sunlight lit the small drawing room with a warm, comforting glow. Meredith glided in, with Christina following close behind, carrying an overflowing tray filled with all of the elements of afternoon tea. She placed it on the coffee table in front of the over-stuffed arm chairs and quickly prepared tea for Thatcher, Meredith's withdrawn and silent father. She set it in front of him and withdrew hastily, not wanting to incur his fury. He did not even glance up over his paper at Christina or his own daughter, to whom he had not spoken to since two days before. Meredith sunk into one of the armchairs and gracefully tucked her legs up under herself, cracking open her new book of poetry. The sunlight warmed her back, as she sunk into her comfort zone. As she read, she silently prayed that they would receive no visitors during these Sunday calling hours. She wished that she could just remain in that cozy room for the rest of the afternoon, in the silence that now was her relationship with her father. He had become so introverted ever since the death of her mother and sister and when he did finally speak, it was usually to yell at one of the maids, or the chef, or the coachman, or Meredith herself on rare occasions. He would read his paper and handle his business during the day and drink himself into oblivion at night. Many a night, Meredith, with the help of a few maids and the coachman, had to pull him off of the leather couch in his study and up to his room. Meredith stole a quick glance over to him and instantly regretted it. He looked so tired and worn. He was not the lively father that used to take his daughters on picnics and fishing on their boat. A pang shot through her heart, as she remembered these special moments. They had always been full of smiles and laughter. Now all she had were tears and silence. She retreated back to her book, hoping it's sonnets that spoke of love and lust and happiness would warm her desolate heart.

"Miss, Derek Sheperd is calling," Christina came in a few moments later. Her head quickly shot up, her heart pounding so hard, she could hear the thudding of her pulse in her ears. She had gotten hardly any sleep the night before, her mind racing all night with thoughts of that man. Every time she thought of him, her skin crawled with desire. She had never felt this way before and the horrible thing was he had a fiancé. She didn't want to be seen as the tramp that ruined a marriage, but if he kept pushing her like he did last night, that would soon be her title. She stood, straightened her deep red, high-waisted skirt and adjusted her ruffled blouse.

"I will meet him out in the foyer, if you don't mind, Christina."

"Yes, Mi… Meredith." Meredith walked out of the room and down the long hallway, stopping to fix her hair in the mirror she passed.

"What are you doing? He is no reason to be panicking," she silently reprimanded herself. She set off down the hallway once again and entered into the foyer, her stance oozing independence and power. Derek was instantly snapped out of his daydreams and he had to consciously remind himself to not let his jaw hang open. She was even more beautiful this morning then she had been the night before. Here, she looked natural and relaxed, with sparse makeup on and her hair pulled back in a sleek bun.

"Mr. Sheperd, to what do I owe this delightful visit?" Meredith inquired, as she stepped up to him. She stared into his eyes and squared her shoulders, making it clear that she would not stand for any questionable comments or actions from him.

"I just wanted to make sure there were no hard feelings between us after the incredibly rude slip of my tongue last night," he said, his eyes searching hers, making her feel even more uncomfortable. But she refused to show it. She would not look weak.

"Well, your note was well received and, while I loathe what you said, I have forgiven you."

"Thank you, Miss Grey. I was also wondering if you would join me in a carriage ride through Central Park," Derek asked, his signature smile lighting his face. Meredith just barely resisted the urge to go weak at the knees and fall into his arms. Her armor was rapidly deteriorating.

"I would love to," Meredith said as she returned his smile. She was going to make this just as hard for him as he was making it for her. "Christina, will you please get me my light cloak and my hat. It appears that it will be a fairly sunny day." Christina scurried off to the coat room and returned moments later.

"Here you are, Meredith," Christina said as she handed Meredith the items.

"You let your help call you by your first name?" Derek inquired.

"Yes, I do. They are no less of a human being than me, so I have no right to treat them horribly. And Christina has been the closest thing I've had to a friend since Ann died," Meredith responded, as she placed her cloak over her shoulders and tied her hat on. She offered him her arm and they walked out the front door. They walked down the walkway to the carriage and Derek helped her up into the open carriage, his hand resting on the small of her back. She startled slightly at his touch and he withdrew, momentarily, but then rested his hand back on her waist. She settled into the plush seat, as he took his place next to her. He called up to the driver and the carriage lurched forward. Meredith felt herself sliding dangerously close to the edge of the seat and had to clutch onto Derek's arm to keep herself from falling. Fear lit her eyes and her skin grew ghostly pale.

"Easy, driver. Meredith, are you alright?" he questioned, his face drawn with concern.

"Stop the carriage," she breathed, her voice quavering. Derek swiftly complied.

"What's the matter?" he asked, alarmed by her reaction.

"I… I can't ride in this carriage. I can't ride in an open carriage."

"What's the problem?"

"That is how my mother and sister died. The driver took a sharp turn and they fell, into oncoming traffic," she whispered, as tears threatened to spill from her eyes. Derek, unsure of how exactly he should comfort her without seeming too forward, cautiously placed his arm around her quivering shoulders. She leaned into his chest, as the tears started to fall. He held her in this awkward embrace for a few moments, until the tears subsided. She straightened up, wiped away the remaining tears, and looked over at him, obviously embarrassed. "I'm so sorry. That was incredibly improper of me. I should not have brought that upon you."

"Meredith, it's perfectly alright. If you were uncomfortable, why didn't you tell me?" Derek asked, as he gently stroked her hand.

"I don't know. I thought I would be alright, but I guess I'm still not over my fear."

"Well, if you don't mind, could we possibly continue this outing on foot?"

"That would be fine with me," Meredith said. Derek got down from the carriage first and then offered his assistance to Meredith. Her heels clattered onto the cobblestones, as she grasped his hand and stepped lightly down. Derek then ordered the driver to return to Meredith's house and they set out into the park. The sun's rays shone through the trees and birds chirped happily, telling everyone that spring was certainly on its way. Meredith pulled her cloak tighter to her, as the remaining winter winds danced their last waltz. They walked in silence for several minutes, until Meredith spoke up.

"So, I've revealed more to you about myself then I did to some of my closest friends in Boston. Now, it's your turn."

"I," Derek started, "have three older sisters who have all married and either have children or are expecting. My mother is the perfect, little housewife, but I couldn't ask for a better mother. And my father is a controlling tyrant who wants to run every aspect of my life and makes sure he can by continuously threatening to disinherit me."

"And your fiancé?"

"I don't love her in the slightest. The marriage is only ensuring a partnership between my father and hers."

"You don't think you could grow to love her?" Meredith asked, as she turned her head to look at Derek.

"Never."

"And why not?"

"She's just so… fake. She is one of those people that wants every stupid thing she's done put in the paper, just so she can get some attention. I want to be married to someone with a little more substance, who cares about more than the latest fashion trends and gossip. What of you? Have you ever loved?"

"I can't say I have. I've had the childhood sweethearts that everyone has, but nothing was more than two children sneaking around the kitchen to get sweets and romping about in the mud, holding hands."

"I am sure you will find the right man that will sweep you off of your feet someday," Derek reassured her, attempting to place a smile on his face, which appeared to be more of a grimace.

"I've already found him," Meredith thought to herself, as she walked next to Derek, trying to match his long stride. His glistening blue eyes had kept her heart fluttering the whole walk and all she could think of was his arm around her shoulders and her face pressed against his strong, muscular chest. She felt so safe in his arms, safer than she had ever felt before. She was falling for him and, unfortunately, she was falling hard.

"Would you like to go down near the pond?" Derek asked, gesturing towards the inviting water.

"That would be fine," Meredith answered. They turned off of the path, their shoes sinking into the soft soil. They reached the water's edge and gazed across the glass-like water. It was only disturbed by a landing swan.

"Oh, it's so beautiful," Meredith exclaimed, as she watched the majestic bird.

"Yes, you are," Derek thought to himself, as he looked at the majestic woman next to him. He was falling for her just as hard.

After standing there in silence for several minutes, Meredith said, "I think it's time we should be heading back. My father will be expecting me back soon."

"Alright, let's be on our way," Derek replied, as he offered her his arm once again. They walked out of the park and down the sidewalk, until they reached Meredith's mansion once again. They walked up to the door and entered back into the foyer.

"I thank you, Mr. Sheperd, for this delightful outing. It has been very… enlightening," Meredith said, as she removed her hat and cloak and handed them to Christina.

"I assure you again, Miss Grey, that the pleasure was all mine." His voice dropped, as he leaned in closer to her. "I hope you have a cushion under you, because you are currently being swept off of your feet," he whispered, as he felt her breath grow shallow against his neck. "If you let me, we can be swept away together."

Before either knew what was happening, his lips crashed onto hers. As quick as it happened, it was over, but both felt the aftershocks that raced through their bodies. He nodded towards her, saying, "Good day, Miss Grey," and dismissed himself soon after. But Meredith didn't hear him or notice his exit. The room, the whole world had melted away the second their lips met, as the most wondrous sensation descended over her body. His sweet and musky smell filled her nostrils and fueled the fire that was her love for him. In her head, she replayed the events of the afternoon, as she touched her delicate fingers to her lips. This was it, this was him. She was being swept off of her feet and she wanted nothing more in the world than to be swept any with him. She wanted to love recklessly and live without fear and she was going to, with him.