So, I think this is my favorite chapter. It's a little bit of fluff before the angst later. The ballroom scene is inspired by "Don't Stop the Music."
Disclaimer: I wish I owned these characters and this show, but I don't.
Warning: Chapter does include sexual content.
Please, read and review.
Chapter 7
Meredith dismounted from Alexander and handed the reins to Spencer, who was standing at the door of the stable with a puzzled look on his face.
"Take impeccable care of him and please clean the saddle and bridle," Meredith ordered. Spencer nodded and started to take the horse.
"Did my father notice I was gone?" Meredith asked, worry crossing her face.
"I believe he is still sleeping. He was quite drunk when I brought him home early this morning. I doubt he even noticed," Spencer assured her.
"Thank goodness. Good day, Spencer."
"Madame," Spencer nodded to her.
Meredith walked down the path and quietly opened the kitchen door. She quickly snuck up to her room and removed Derek's clothes. She then pulled out her clothes for the day, put them on, and ran a brush through her snarled hair. She then wrapped it up in a tight bun and slipped on her shoes. She walked out into the hallway, the stress finally lifted off of her shoulders. She was home. She strode down the hallway and looked into her father's study. He was sitting at his desk, the paper spread out in front of him.
"Ah, Meredith, please come in, come in," he called out.
"Good morning, Father. You are in a good mood this morning," Meredith said, as she walked in and sat down.
"Yes, I am indeed."
"May I ask what this happiness comes from?"
"I have just decided to fully embrace New York City."
"What happened last night?"
"Just some very enlightening conversation. And because of it, I have decided to throw a ball and I am putting you in charge."
"Me? Father, I' m honored, but I can't plan a whole ball on my own."
"Well, you'll have all of the maids at your disposal. I'm sure Christina will help you."
"Alright, I guess I'm up to the challenge."
"I'm sure you'll do fantastic, my darling."
"Thank you, Father," Meredith said, as she stood and started to leave the room. "I'll try not to let you down."
"I'm sure you won't," he said, as he flashed a smile at her and returned to his paper. Meredith returned to the hallway, to find Christina waiting for her, a sly smile on her face.
"You knew about this, didn't you?"
"Come along, Meredith. With a ball to plan, we don't have time to waste with pleasant conversation," Christina said as she started to head to the parlor. Meredith followed closely behind her, shaking her head at Christina's eagerness. She would be a better member of higher society than me, Meredith thought to herself. They walked into the parlor, where Christina had already spread out some papers.
"What is all this?" Meredith asked, an amused smile on her face.
"Well, your father mentioned the ball yesterday, so I took the liberty of pulling out the lists of things that your mother usually did for a ball."
"Well, that's very kind of you, Christina," Meredith said, as a slight amount of sadness revealed itself in her eyes. "Should we set to work?"
"I believe we should," Christina said, her excitement barely contained.
A few hours later, Meredith and Christina had tied down all of the plans for the ball. A masquerade ball would officially ring the Grey family into the New York City social scene. After they finished, Christina immediately set out to clean and prepare the house. No matter what Meredith said, she thought to be ready for a ball eight days from then, she needed to start right then. Meredith then set off for Lord & Taylor to choose the fabric and design for her new dress.
Meredith walked amongst the rows of fabric, reaching out to finger some of them. The many-colored silks and satins glistened in the soft sunlight and the lace and tulles sat in their beauty. Meredith wanted something dramatic and elegant, yet extreme to commemorate her arrival into this new society. All of her other dresses had been subdued; this time she wanted something special, something that would make people know that she was going to take the city by storm. Everything she saw just didn't work. She started to walk down another row, when she looked up and saw Addison. She tried to back away without being noticed, but she had no such luck.
"Meredith!" Addison called to her. Meredith turned back to her, a fake smile plastered on her face.
"Addison! How are you?" Meredith said, as she walked back to her.
"Fine, fine. Just looking for the fabric for my wedding dress. The wedding isn't for another six months, but Mother insists upon it have such intricate detailing that we have to start now," Addison said in a sickly sweet voice, noticing Meredith squirm. The future Mrs. Sheperd had dug her claws in.
"Are you having any luck?" Meredith asked, trying to sound interested and resisting the urge to run away from her.
"Not so far. Nothing is up to my standards, I guess. So, what are you doing here?"
"Getting a new dress for the ball my family is putting on next week."
"Oh, you're putting on a ball. I'll have to be sure to attend. But I don't think I'll be able to get a new dress. Daddy won't want to spend anymore, especially since this dress is going to be so expensive."
"Well, good luck with finding your fabric, Addison," Meredith said, trying to back away.
"You as well, Meredith." Meredith turned away and started to walk away, when Addison spoke up again.
"Oh, Meredith, one more thing." Meredith reluctantly turned back around. "Come here."
Meredith walked back to her and Addison leaned in next to her, whispering coldly in her ear, "Stay away from my fiancé. I have more power over this city than you know and if I ever see you with him again, you can kiss your days in this city goodbye." She started to turn, but Meredith caught her arm.
"You are no more innocent than I, Addison. If you ruin my reputation, I can just as easily ruin yours," she said in just as cold of a whisper. A cold smirk passed over her face, as she turned on her heel and walked away.
The teal fabric rustled around her legs, as the layers fell and settled. She slipped her shoes on and sat at the vanity. The maid set to work on her hair, twisting strands up and pinning them in an elaborate design. Two small peacock feathers were then wound in amongst the hair. She picked up the intricately decorated mask lying on the table next to her and held it up to her face. She then stood and walked to the mirror, admiring her reflection. Meredith smiled, pleased with her selection. The teal satin glistened in the light, with the sage inlays playing off of the teal perfectly and the gold detailing setting everything off. The teal mask was outlined with feathers and the feathers in her hair were the special touch she had been looking for. It was spectacular and the perfect outfit to introduce her officially into society. She straightened some wrinkles in her dress and fixed a piece of her hair. She had left her father to show the guests in, as she was planning to make a big entrance. She didn't want to seem like one of those vain people that hungered for attention, but this was a special night. She wanted all eyes on her for once. She wanted to show Addison that she held just as much power as she did. She walked out of her room and to the stairway. She rested her hand on the banister and began to gracefully descend the stairs. The crowd became silent, as they watched her come down and she could hear some of them gasp. She smiled at them regally, a huge grin playing at her lips when she saw her father beaming up at her. He obviously approved. And it was evident why. The ballroom looked immaculate, almost like something out of a fairytale. Candles flickered in their holders and the orchestra sat at the head of the room, starting up their music. Meredith walked into the crowd, basking in the congratulations and praise that were being showered on her. She walked to her father, who wrapped his arm around her.
"I am so proud of you, darling. This is wonderful," he whispered in her ear.
"I guess I inherited Mother's party-planning genes," Meredith joked.
"I guess you did," he joked along with her. "She would be so proud of you."
"Yes, she would," Meredith said, a pained smile on her face.
"Well, now is not the time for sadness. This is your night. Let us start it."
"Yes, lets," Meredith said as they walked to the head of the room. Thatcher tapped his glass and clearing his throat, drawing all eyes to him.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I welcome you to my home for this spectacular ball put on by my beautiful daughter, Meredith." The crowd erupted in applause, causing Meredith to blush. "Please, everyone, eat, drink, dance, be merry and know that the Grey family will take Manhattan by storm." With that, he and Meredith departed from each other to the sound of thunderous applause. Meredith walked off to the edge of the crowd as the music began and dancers took to the floor. She said fleeting hellos and goodbyes to people as they passed her, but for the most part, she was alone. Until someone tapped her on the shoulder. She turned to find herself face to face with a masked Mark Sloan.
"Why is the host of the party not out on the dance floor?" he asked her, his eyes twinkling.
"I just haven't found anyone to dance with," she replied with a smile.
"Will you dance with me? Or am I not good enough?"
"I guess you'll do," Meredith said playfully, as he started to escort her out onto the dance floor. They spun gently around the dance floor, as everyone else parted the way for them.
"I guess we're the sight to see tonight," Mark said, smiling down at her.
"Well, it is the host of the party dancing with one of the most eligible bachelors in all of Manhattan."
"I'm one of the most eligible bachelors?"
"Well, you have a new woman hanging on your arm every week."
"And are you the new woman for this week?"
"I guess I am," Meredith said, as her eyes shifted around the ballroom.
Mark leaned down and whispered in her ear, "Don't worry. I know you're taken."
"No…no I'm not," Meredith stammered.
"I don't think Sheperd would want to hear that," he said with a mischievous smile.
"How do you know about that?" Meredith hissed at him.
"Sheperd's my best friend. He tells me things. And it's obvious the way you look at each other."
"Well…" Meredith started, but stopped short when she saw Derek staring at them from across the room. Her chest tightened, as she looked upon his dashing figure.
"He's gorgeous. And I need him… now!" she screamed in her head. She tried to concentrate on Mark, but her eyes kept shifting back to Derek. He looked as gorgeous in his tuxedo as he did on that first night, but now with the mask, he was so endearing. She knew she was acting lovesick and probably a little stupid, but she didn't know how she was going to keep from screaming out in desire.
"Are you alright?" Mark asked, noticing her distraction.
"Yes, I'm fine," Meredith said through gritted teeth, as his eyes bore into her. She could tell he wasn't happy. And that made him even more tempting. The intense desire she felt made her squirm under Mark's touch. He looked down at her, sensing her discomfort.
"The dance will be over in a few moments. Then you can go to your lover," he whispered. Meredith tried to look up at him in shock, but instead just looked up at him with a grateful smile and mouthed a "Thank you."
The music finally did stop after a few more minutes, but to Meredith, it seemed like a lifetime. After they glided to a stop, she curtsied to Mark, as he bowed to her.
Before they departed, Mark whispered in her ear, "Go make Sheperd a man."
"I plan on it," Meredith replied with a seductive smile. She walked back to the edge of the room, grabbed some champagne from a waiter, and downed it in one gulp. She was planning on making this a special night… in more ways than one. As she handed the glass back to the waiter, she saw Derek from across the room, his eyes boring into her. She stared back, her eyes telling him of her desires. She began to walk down the side of the room, with Derek mirroring her on the other side, their eyes never leaving each other. A sensual smile toyed with Meredith's lips, as she noticed Derek's eyes turn the deep, stormy blue she loved so much. They were almost to each other, when they were pulled into the crowd of people joining the group dance. Meredith laughed, as the music started and she watched Derek elbow his way in so that he was opposite Meredith. The dance began and Derek and Meredith came together, Derek's hand tight around her waist and her hand on his chest.
"You look beautiful tonight," Derek said as they spun around.
"As do you," Meredith replied, as they pulled away. They then turned to the people next to them. A few moments later, they were back together. He spun her under his arm, his eyes boring into her, as he stated in a gruff, "I saw you dancing with Mark."
"Are you jealous?" Meredith asked sweetly, as she spun back into him.
"Not in the slightest, but you did seem a little too comfortable with him."
"Well, maybe he's my other lover," she said, enjoying her torture of him.
"So now I have a competition with my best friend for you?"
"Who says he's not the only one?" Meredith smiled mischievously, as she returned to the line. They turned to the person next to them once again. Meredith decided to torture Derek even more by becoming totally enthralled with her new partner, Alexander Karev. She looked deep into his eyes and toyed with him, getting some questioning looks from Alexander and some deathly glares from Derek. His eyes stayed on her the entire time they were apart and he felt his blood boiling as he thought of punching Karev to high heaven. After what seemed like hours to Derek, they were finally back together.
"What was that?" Derek hissed at her.
"I was just having some fun," Meredith replied innocently, "with another one of my lovers."
"You're only supposed to have fun with me," Derek said, his eyes growing even darker.
"Well, you're not giving me any fun, now are you?" she said over her shoulder as she returned to the line once again. She glanced at him, her eyes dark. He nodded at her.
"Soon," he mouthed to her. A few moments later, the dance ended and the group dispersed. Meredith gathered her skirts in her hands, the mask coming off of her face. She walked briskly out of the room, trying to find an empty room. She finally snuck into the servants' hall and skulked down it, until she reached the kitchen. Luckily, it was dark and empty. She perched on the table and waited.
Soon after Meredith left, Derek followed behind her. He followed her through the halls until he, too, reached the kitchen. He tried to resist the urge to instantly rip her clothes off when he saw her, perched there on the table, her skirts pulled up around her knees. He quickly crossed the room and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her up into him. His hands worked their way under her skirt and rested on the back of her bare thighs, pulling her even closer. His mouth attacked her neck, as moans of pleasure escaped her body. She arched her back into him, her hands digging into his back.
"I need you," she whispered into his ear, causing him to instantly become hard. He set her back on the table and started to try and get her dress off. He was able to remove the outer part of her dress, but struggled to remove the corset. He was finally able to work his fingers through the strings and remove it. Meredith breathed a sigh of relief as the constricting article was discarded on the floor. She then turned back to face Derek, placed her hands on his chest and slowly removed his jacket, running her hands over his muscular arms. They stared deep into each other's eyes, hungry. She unbuttoned his shirt, revealing his toned chest, heaving with desire. He lifted her back up in his arms and laid her back on the table.
"Make love to me, Derek," she whispered. And he did as she commanded.
Sweat trickled down her shaking arms, as he pulled her closer to him. Meredith and Derek gasped for air, as they both surfaced once more. They looked lovingly at each other, as Derek gently pushed Meredith's hair off of her face.
"Thank you," Meredith whispered.
"Thank you, my dear," Derek whispered back.
"Shouldn't we be going back upstairs?" Meredith asked, wondering just how much time they had been away and whether or not anyone had noticed their absence.
"We should, but I think we will have difficulties looking like we did before we left," Derek replied, as he looked at their clothes strewn about the floor.
"You're right. I suppose you'll be able to return to how you looked before, but unless you can get me back in a corset, I'm not going back up. Not to mention my hair," she said, as she lifted her hand up to her hair. Half of it was hanging completely out of the pins and the other half was almost out and one of the feathers was nowhere to be seen. She got up off of the table and pulled her petticoat back over her head, but that was the only thing she was going to be able to get back on without help. Color seeped into her cheeks, as Derek stared at her. She had never felt more stupid in her life. She couldn't even dress herself of do her own hair. So much for her being an independent woman. She broke the gaze, shame choking her.
"Meredith, what's wrong?" Derek asked, as he walked over to her and cupped her cheek in his hand.
"How can you love a woman like me, Derek? I can't even dress myself. I'm a puppet; I follow what everyone tells me to do. There is nothing endearing about me, nothing special. How can you love me?" Meredith pleaded with him, as a single tear trickled down her cheek. Derek took his thumb and gently wiped it away.
"Meredith, how can you even ask that? Look at me," he said, as he gently lifted her face to look into her pained green eyes. "Meredith, you are a strong, independent woman. Look at you. You've overcome losing your mother and sister; you've overcome your father and his drinking problem; you've overcome your fear of being with me. How can you say you're a puppet? If you were a puppet, you wouldn't be here with me right now. So what if you can't dress yourself. Most upper class women can't. And I can see why," he said, as he leaned down and picked up the corset. "How do you wear this thing? I had an impossible time getting it off, it was so tight."
"It does hurt. I've cracked about three ribs, Christina's pulled it so tight."
"Why do you put yourself through that?"
"It's fashion; it's society. If I didn't wear it, people would think something was wrong with me."
"Well, I don't think there's anything wrong with you if you don't wear it and that's all that should matter, right?" he asked jokingly.
"I wish you were all that mattered, but that can't be. You're not even supposed to look at me, so no one in society would care what you thought of me."
He stroked her arms lovingly and looked deep into her eyes. "I wish we could just stay like this," he said softly, "in this dark kitchen, away from the judging eyes of society, away from all expectations, all duties. It would just be you and me forever."
"That is all that my heart ever yearns for, Derek."
"Why can't we leave? Just go to Europe or out west and never have to care about what anyone thinks ever again."
"And how could we do that? I'm only a woman and everything you do is funded by your father. We would be living on the streets."
"But we would have each other," Derek said, as his eyes bore into Meredith's soul. How could she say anything to that?
"We'll talk of that some other time," Meredith said, trying to change the subject. "Right now we need to figure out how we're going to get back upstairs." Before she could continue, the sound of footsteps filled the air.
"Quick, hide!" Meredith hissed, as the footsteps became louder.
"What about you? You're the one standing in the petticoat," Derek whispered.
"I'll be fine. Just hide." He did as she told, as the maid set foot in the room. Meredith breathed a sigh of relief, when she found the maid to be Christina.
"Meredith, what are you doing in here? And standing in your petticoat?" she asked.
"Oh, I, um," she stammered. "Derek, come out." He emerged from his hiding place and realization struck Christina.
"Oh, I see. And my guess would be you can't get back in your dress, so you're both just hiding down here, am I right?"
"Quite," Derek said, as he walked forward to retrieve his jacket.
"Then I guess it is my duty to help you, isn't it, Miss Grey," Christina said, her voice dripping with disdain. Meredith looked down at the floor and shook her head. She had just been shamed by a maid. Derek looked between the two, not wanting to get involved. He walked over to Meredith and kissed her on the forehead.
"I'm going to go back up, alright?"
"Yes, fine," she murmured, as she tried to smile up at him.
"I love you," he said, as he gently stroked her cheek.
"I love you, too," she muttered, embarrassed by Christina's presence. He departed from the room, as Christina gathered the articles of clothing that were still strewn about the room. She handed the corset to Meredith, who placed it around herself. Christina took the strings in her hands and pulled on them gruffly, making Meredith have to bite her lips to keep from crying out in pain.
"I may be being too bold here, but this whole affair with Mr. Sheperd has gone too far," she said callously. "I let it slide before, telling myself that you two were just mistaking frustration for love and were using each other to escape the stresses you both were going through, but now you're sleeping together in a kitchen, during a ball that you are hosting. You can't honestly believe that no one has noticed your absence. And when they notice also the absence of Mr. Sheperd, it won't be long before people put two and two together. How much longer do you think you'll be able to keep this act up? He's due to be married and your father is worried about you not finding a husband soon and is beginning to make arrangements. This can't continue, Meredith. Not unless you want chaos."
She finally finished with the corset and helped Meredith into the dress. She then silently fixed her hair and then left the room, leaving Meredith to her thoughts. She was right. Meredith
knew she was right, but couldn't fathom saying goodbye to Derek. It made her heart ache to even think of it. But he was due to be married and her father was arranging a marriage for her. She cringed at the thought of being tied to someone she could never love, just as Derek would have to. Her head spun in confusion, as thousands of thoughts fought their way through her mind. Her head was telling her to agree with Christina and walk away, but her heart wouldn't let go. A single tear trickled down her cheek and fell, splashing to the floor.