I guess everyone is still in post-holiday funk, as I anticipated a wee bit more response to Lord Derek's hotness in the last chapter...but thanks as always to those of you that did let me know you enjoyed it!

Chapter Sixteen
Changes to Come

Meredith left Cordelia's room, and made her way slowly to the wing of the castle where the Queen had her chambers. Along the way, she pondered the best way to discuss this latest turn of events. She should have realized that Lord Rhys had been the one to seduce Cordelia; his manner and his charm would have been too irresistible to someone as young and impressionable as Cordelia. In the end, he had been thoroughly dishonourable, and any good will she had been feeling towards him for taking responsibility for Rowena's actions had been erased.

She reached the Queen's suite, and the footmen at the door nodded at her, both of them smiling at her briefly, before bowing and opening the door for her. Returning their smiles, she moved gracefully past them and found the Queen waiting for her near the fireplace.

"Ah, good morning, Lady Meredith," she observed, lifting her eyes from the tea place settings in front of her.

"Good morning, Your Majesty," Meredith greeted her, dropping into a curtsy, determined to maintain all of the social graces required.

"You are in time to pour tea."

"Yes, my lady." Meredith took the seat across from the Queen, and busied herself with the ritual of pouring tea and passing the cream and sugar. They sat silently for a few moments, with the clink of spoons and china the only sound.

"I understand Lady Cordelia found herself in a delicate condition," Queen Adelaide finally said. "One that had an unfortunate end. What do you know of this?"

Setting her dainty tea cup down carefully, Meredith took a calming breath. "Of course you have heard correctly, my lady. Your own physician confirmed the loss of the baby, unfortunately. She did not confide in me previously, and was not certain if she was carrying a child. I regret that I did not notice a change in her personality, or her demeanor, prior to this."

"Did she tell you who the father of the babe was?"

"Yes, it was Lord Rhys."

The Queen frowned. "My word, these Huntingtons have been the bane of our existence this week. First the girl, and now His Grace. I truly wish we had not invited either of them to court."

"It has been tragic, I agree."

"Well, there is nothing to be done but to send word to Huntington that he return to court and face up to this situation. Lady Cordelia's reputation has been damaged, and he must marry her. The cad has gone too far this time, Lady Meredith, don't you agree?"

"It would seem so, my lady, however…"

"However…?" The Queen lifted one royal eyebrow, as if shocked that Meredith would deign to contradict her. "Please, do tell what you think should be done…"

Meredith bit her lip, knowing she was on thin ice in this situation. Even Derek had made the suggestion that whatever it took, Rhys should be held accountable. He was quite sure that Cordelia's father would want the same. Meredith had teased him that he would be quite the ogre when it came time for their daughters to wed, to which he replied no one would be good enough for them.

"My lady, Cordelia admits she was taken in by his good looks and his charm, and that she understands he doesn't truly love her. What kind of life would that be for her, wed to a man like that? I realize, not all marriages are based on love, and that we are fortunate if that is the case…still, how can we condemn such a young woman for making a mistake?"

"Our society is such that we must, Lady Meredith; otherwise she is a soiled dove, and no one will make an offer for her hand. There are many of the nobility here for the fete, and everyone will be aware of what happened soon, if not already. I must insist that the rules be followed. And perhaps in time, there will be fondness between them." The Queen sighed a little. "I am also sorry, Lady Meredith that this happened under your watch. You made a great deal of progress with the young women, but perhaps you are too soft-hearted in this regard. I think it would be best if you and your family left court."

While she had been prepared for this request, or rather this royal statement, Meredith still felt a little dismayed; that she had failed in some regard. She gathered her skirts to rise. "Of course, I understand. Still, the stables…will His Majesty require my husband to remain?"

The Queen inclined her head regally. "Perhaps for a short time, but it will be up to His Majesty to decide of course. We will confer with Lord Shepherd later today."

"Very well." Meredith rose to her feet gracefully, and dropped a low curtsey again. "My apologies for the unfortunate turn of events, my lady."

"Oh, Meredith…" The Queen smiled softly. "I know you did your best, but you were not truly content here, I realize that. You wish to be at home, with your children around you. I am not such a tyrant, trust me. Consider this an experience to draw from, and I have been pleased to make your acquaintance."

"Thank you, my lady." Meredith stood up, and her heart felt a little lighter, even though she wished she could have done more for Cordelia.

"Good day, Lady Meredith." The Queen turned back to her tea cup, and Meredith was dismissed.

Derek was overseeing the exercise of both Midnight and Storm when Meredith found him later that morning. There were a few other men watching the horses go through their paces, but it was still mostly quiet after the previous evenings activities. As soon as he saw the expression on his wife's face, he excused himself from the group and joined her.

"What happened with the Queen?" he asked quietly, taking her elbow to guide her towards the stables. "You look upset."

She smiled up at him, and patted his hand on her arm. In the cool air of the day, he was dressed in his long leather riding coat over an open white shirt and black trousers. "In truth, I am not entirely sure how I feel right now, Derek." After leaving the Queen's chambers, she had returned to spend time with the children, letting their laughter and innocent chatter soothe her. She hadn't been to talk with Cordelia yet; that would keep until later.

They stopped inside the open door, out of the breeze, and Derek studied her for a moment. "I gather that Her Majesty was not willing to just let Cordelia return home."

"No. You were quite right, she wishes Lord Rhys to marry the girl and take responsibility for his actions."

"What else?" Derek brushed a tendril of her hair away from her cheek tenderly.

"I have been absolved of my duties, after this escapade. She feels that I am too soft-hearted for the position." Meredith gave him a little smile.

"Ah, love, I'm sorry. It wasn't your fault, you know that. Lord Rhys was well aware of the fact his actions were wrong – and he should have taken more care to prevent conception." Derek pulled her into the shadows, and held her against him, kissing the top of her head.

"I know. And she did say she realized I would be happier at home, with the family."

"Well, then we should plan to leave as soon as possible," he told her, stroking her back.

"Unfortunately, you may not be able to leave with us."

"What?" Derek pulled back to look at her, not sure if he heard her correctly.

"She said the King may want you here yet with the horses. They will speak with you later today."

"I am not staying here without you," he said firmly. "I can leave instructions with William, and the other grooms, as far as what needs to be done. The mares will not give birth until spring; if he wishes me back briefly at that time, we can negotiate that point." Derek's eyes were stormy as he spoke, not willing to let anything keep him from his family.

"I could just stay in London at the town house, if need be. Your mother would be thrilled to have us close by for awhile."

"Be that as it may, I am not letting you leave without me. I believe I have had my fill of court intrigue as well." He took a quick look around, before leading her into the secluded stall. There was a new bale of hay in the corner, and he sat down, pulling her onto his lap. The air was warmer, and fragrant with fresh straw, and she settled against him happily. His fingers strayed up along the bodice of her gown, brushing the creamy skin that swelled upwards at the neckline. The light fur-trimmed wrap was loose, but it gave him easy access to her, and the touch gave her an illicit thrill.

"Derek...this is not the best place to do this..."

He nuzzled her throat, his breath warm on her skin. "No one will bother us, they know better." Still, he was acutely aware of the faint sounds of the grooms outside, and the horses in the other stalls. "Now just think, if we were at Gracewood, we could let ourselves get carried away with our desires...and enjoy the moment..." His voice was rich as silk in her ear, and sweet heat began to throb in her core.

"Oh, I know just how well we are able to get carried away," she laughed softly. "And I look forward to returning there soon. I think I just needed to share the conversation with you and tell me that all is well. I always feel better with you."

"As I am with you," he whispered, burying his face against her throat and kissing the warm skin there. "And if we were at home…I could be losing myself inside of you, taking you into mindless delight…"

Meredith shivered at the erotic images he wove in her thoughts, his voice low and intimate. He captured one of her hands, and pressed a kiss to her palm, feeling her pulse quicken under his lips.

"Rogue…" she sighed. "You tease me like this, and leave me aching for more…without giving me any release…" Shifting on his lap, she could feel just how much he wanted her as well.

"Vixen…" he muttered, his breath hitching as she squirmed against him. "Much more of this, and I will not be responsible for my actions."

"Is that a promise?"

"Not here…" Derek made the effort to keep the situation under control, even though he wanted nothing more than to lift her skirts and drive himself up into the warmth that waited for him. "Meet me inside; I'll join you as soon as I can." He kissed her lips again, a long demanding kiss that left her no doubt how much he wanted to make love to her right then and there.

After Meredith slipped away, Derek returned to the paddock and left some final instructions with the grooms taking care of his horses, and took his leave of the other men still leaning along the fence. He was eager to get inside, but along the way he was stopped by one of the King's footmen, carrying a note.

"My Lord Shepherd…from His Majesty…" Bowing, he handed over the paper. "I am to await your response."

Nodding, Derek scanned the short message. "Tell him I will join him as soon as I have cleaned up from the stables."

"Very good. He will be in the main salon, my lord."

As soon as the other man left, Derek quickened his own pace towards the castle. This did not leave much time to spend with Meredith, but he would make the most of it. And after that, they could plan to leave for home where they would have all the time in the world.