Thank you for the lovely reviews on Derek's grand gesture!

My apologies for the delay in posting this chapter, but I've been fighting a cold, and being hopped up on decongestants does not make for coherent writing! I will be going forward with the story for awhile yet - and I have some suggestions from a couple of you that will help to keep me going as well! As far as this chapter...I hope you enjoy the rest of their re-wedding night!

Chapter 28
White Roses in the Dark

After the unexpected re-wedding ceremony that left the guests buzzing with excitement, the musicians raised their instruments again and began to play another waltz. Couples began to drift towards the dance floor again, and this time Marcus escorted Izzie onto the edge of the floor as well.

"Shall we take a turn around the floor?" he asked her, mindful of her condition. "In celebration of the wedding vow renewal?"

"I do believe I can manage a few moments," she smiled, placing her hand into his, while he rested the other on her lower back. "That was a lovely ceremony."

"Perhaps we should do the same, my love," he smiled, carefully moving them through the dancing couples, nodding towards Derek and Meredith who were dancing across the floor more quickly.

"Talk to me about that after I have this baby..."

Marcus chuckled softly. "Of course, Isobel. Whatever makes you happy." He leaned a little closer, so his lips brushed her temple. "And you look radiant tonight, did I mention that before?"

"I believe you did, even if I feel far from radiant."

"Isobel, you look more lovely to me when you are carrying a child than any other time," he said softly, holding her a little more closely than before. "In fact, I believe we should just retire for the evening now and you can allow me to show you how lovely I think you are."

"Oh Marcus..." she laughed softly. "As tempting as that is, I'm rather hungry right now...can we have dinner first?"

"Turned down for food; I'm crushed..." Marcus gave a mock sigh, as the music ended. He tucked her hand into the crook of his arm.

"I promise to make it up to you later..." She tapped his chest lightly. "You know I have my ways..."

"That you have, my dear..."

They met up with Derek and Meredith at the edge of the dance floor. "Did you know what Derek was planning?" Meredith asked Izzie, giving her friend's hand a squeeze.

"I may have been informed about some of it..."

"Well, he certainly managed to take me by surprise."

"Grand gesture, Shep..." Marcus smiled. "You make the rest of us look bad."

"That was not my intention..."

"He was working on getting back in my good graces," Meredith laughed. "Even if he was already well on his way!"

At that point, Winston appeared at Derek's side. "Pardon, my lord, but dinner is ready. Shall we serve now?"

"Yes, of course. I believe everyone is ready."

"Very good." Winston bowed and turned to give the signal to the footmen to open the doors to the dining room. Derek and Meredith led their family, followed by Marcus and Izzie, and the rest of the guests took their cue to join them. There were several gasps of appreciation at the sight of the long tables set with glittering candles, crystal and china. Footmen waited to assist with seating, and then to serve the meal.

Meredith smiled to herself, thinking of the first time she had seen the dining room, feeling it was almost overwhelming, and now she was the lady of the manor, overseeing the table. Time had changed so many things in her life. Derek helped her to sit, and everyone quickly followed suit.

Once the first course of soup was served, and wine glasses were filled, Meredith relaxed a little, happy that things seemed to be doing well. She was seated with Derek, and Eleanor on one side and John on the other. Kate, Lisbeth, and Izzie with their spouses were also at the main table, along with Dr. Wilding and his fiancée, and several of the country squires.

Conversation flowed through the early course, then the main course of roast beef, turkey and ham, with side dishes of potatoes, roasted vegetables and delicate sauces to enhance the flavors.

"You have done well," Eleanor murmured, nodding at the happy people that lined the tables.

"I couldn't have done it all without your help, as well as Kate's and Lisbeth's," Meredith smiled.

"Still, it is your night. It was good of you and Derek to do this again. It should become the social event of the season here, with invitations in demand as far away as London."

"Do you really believe so?"

"Of course. Derek made a very good impression at court with the bloodlines he introduced into the King's stables – it will prove to bring good fortune on the house of Gracewood. Mark my words, Meredith."

Meredith knew Eleanor was well tuned to the gossip of the ton, so she was sure that it wasn't just familial pride behind the words. "He has become very passionate about the subject, that is certain."

"His father would be very proud, as am I." Eleanor paused, taking a sip of wine. "And you have become the wife he needed, much more so than that twit Addison could have ever hoped to be. You held yourself well at court..."

"Even though it did not end well," Meredith sighed.

"The Queen knows you did your best, my dear, but life at court can be ruthless sometimes. It was unfortunate that young Cordelia was seduced, but men such as Lord Rhys can be very persuasive. And now you are home, where you are happiest, with the babe on the way...so much better!" The conversation shifted to the children, and the plans for spring and the meal passed by quickly.

After the dinner and the entertainment provided by a troupe of magicians that dazzled young and old, and Father Christmas had made an appearance handing out brightly wrapped packages of candy to the children, the evening was declared a rousing success by one and all.

It was well after midnight, as the last waltz was played, and Derek slowly guided Meredith around the floor. Marcus and Izzie had retired earlier, soon followed by Eleanor and John, and some of the others had drifted towards the doors, all of them thanking Derek and Meredith profusely before departing.

"It was a wonderful party, my love..." he commented, holding her closely. "You have outdone yourself. It will be the talk of the town for months to come."

"Everyone did seem to be enjoying themselves."

"And it's almost time for us to enjoy our re-wedding night," he murmured in her ear, before dipping her over his arm. "Much as our first wedding night, I thought we would never be alone."

"We are not quite alone yet, my lord." Her eyes flicked around the dance floor, where a few couples still moved to the music. Alex and Kate, Lucien and Lisbeth, as well as Dr. Wilding and Sarah and some of the younger couples reluctant to leave. "The sign of a good celebration, I suppose, that we do not wish it to end."

"True, however...I am getting anxious to have you all to myself." As they navigated another turn, he brought her closer to him, and she was intimately aware of his need.

"As Duke of Gracewood, you are entitled to end the evening at your discretion," she teased him. "Thank your guests and take your leave."

"A valid idea...however..."

"Derek, no...we are not sneaking away," Meredith said firmly, sensing the direction he was taking in his thoughts. "It's one thing to do so when just family is here, but our guests should not be left on their own."

"Of course not, love...what was I thinking?" Derek grumbled, but he knew she was right. The music was coming to a close then at any rate, and he took the opportunity to lead Meredith towards the dais. The musicians put their instruments down, as Derek strode purposefully forward, and the last assembled guests looked towards him expectantly.

"Thank you for the excellent entertainment tonight, gentlemen," Derek started, nodding at the musicians. "It has been a wonderful evening, and I am thankful for your company here and I hope that you all enjoyed the celebrations at this, our first annual holiday ball. On behalf of everyone in my family, I wish you all a blessed and happy Christmas!"

Applause and a few tipsy cheers greeted his words, and Winston and some of the footmen appeared to guide the remaining guests to the foyer. It didn't take long after that to usher everyone out to their waiting carriages, and Derek and Meredith waved good-bye to them as they rumbled down the driveway under a light dusting of snow.

They turned to walk back inside, his arm around her waist. Their own relatives had gone up to their own chambers, leaving the manor blissfully quiet for the moment. "Alone at last..." Derek murmured, taking the opportunity to kiss her cheek. "Shall I carry you up the stairs and over the threshold?"

Meredith giggled softly. "That won't be necessary, Derek. I can walk..."

"Still, it is a tradition, and one shouldn't ignore tradition, especially at Christmas." Without giving her a chance to respond, he swept her up in his arms in a flurry of silk skirts and soft giggles, to take her away up the curving staircase.

Behind them, Winston smiled to himself, and set about extinguishing the last remaining candles. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught a little movement and he saw Henry scamper along the tiled floor, carrying something shiny in his mouth. For a second, he hesitated, about to chase the little creature, but he shook his head. "I will find out what you have done in the morning, scoundrel..." he murmured, continuing on his last walk around the manor before heading to his own bed.

Derek shouldered his way into their bedchamber, easing the oak door out of the way. "Welcome to the rest of the night, sweetheart..." he said quietly. "You know how much I adore you...I would happily marry you several times over to prove how much..." He set her down gently, keeping her against him.

"I know, darling, I feel the same way." She touched her fingers to his lips. "Now no more words, just make love to me..."

"That I can do, my lady..." he told her, with a seductive smile. He took her hand to lead her to the bed, which Rose had prepared earlier, the covers pulled aside, revealing the crisp sheets, and plump feather pillows. A single white rose was laid across the pillows, plucked from the bouquets that now adorned both side tables of the large poster bed. A small fire danced in the grate, and only a few candles flickered in hurricane lamps, casting soft shadows.

The only sound was the snapping of the logs in the grate as they stopped at the side of the bed. He picked up the rose, and brushed the delicate petals over her half open lips, then along her cheek before dropping to tickle her throat. Anointing her pulse point with the flower, watching her body react to the touch, as her breathing quickened. His free hand hooked in the bodice of her gown, pulling it away from her so that the rose could dip between her breasts. Her nipples reacted to hard nubs, aching to be touched with the soft petals.

Derek lifted the rose from her skin to tap the petals against his lips as he silently paced behind around her. She closed her eyes, anticipating his next move, and shivered when he began to undo the buttons on her gown. As the silken material slid away from her, she felt the rose petals against her shoulders before he unlaced the corset, letting it fall to the floor as well. The rose caressed the curve of her spine, as he explored her body as if for the first time - the sweeping plane of her back, the graceful indentation of her waist, the flare of her hips. As if she were a captive bride being examined by the sultan on their wedding night.

Still silently, he stepped in front of her then, swirling the rose petals between her breasts, and over the slight swell of her belly. For a moment, his hand cupped the evidence of their combined passion, and his smile was tender and yet arousing at the same time. With the backs of his fingers, he brushed the crisp curls between her legs, feeling her shudder. He drew back, as she lifted her hands to pull the glittering combs from her hair, and the complicated mass of curls began to tumble free over her shoulders as she shook her head back. He grasped the filmy veil of her chemise and helped her pull that over her head, leaving only the stockings and garters.

Gently he helped her onto the bed, letting her lounge gracefully against the soft pillows. With a playful smile, he began to pull petals from the rose, letting them drift down over her. A petal caressed her chin, then slipped from his fingers, spiraling to the sheets. Another petal then brushed against her earlobe, so softly she didn't feel it at first. Then across her shoulders, and her throat, and the valley between her breasts.

Derek leaned down and kissed her lips then, gripping her neck and pulling her close. Her breath matched her desire, and rushed inside her, pulling him with her. She moved her head in a slow circle to increase the pressure of his touch, before he pulled back and dropped more crushed petals over her, tugging them from the stems. There were dozens of the tiny petals everywhere, over her skin and onto the sheets like delicate confetti in the dark.

She closed her eyes again, and the anticipation was almost unbearable as she waited for the next touch. Then his fingers moved along her skin, provocative and strong, alternating with petals. Soft and rough, fingernails and petal flesh. The heat of his touch warmed her even further, and she arched to meet him, soft little cries escaping her lips. A rosebud brushed against her thighs, and up against her damp folds, making her moan at the sensation of the velvety soft petals touching her so intimately. He moved it up and down, caressing her with it until she was mindless with want. The rich scent filled the air, mixing with the scent of her arousal, intoxicating and sensual.

Then he set his hands on her body again, touching between her thighs, stroking her, parting her folds to slide his fingers deep into her, giving her what she desired. Stroking into her heat, he looked at her and her eyes met his. He was still dressed in his evening clothes, while she was naked but for the stockings, her legs spread, his hand between them, pleasuring her slowly. With every slow thrust of his fingers, the slow scorching burn of passion grew more potent, more intense and she moaned in pure bliss.

He eased his fingers back, sliding from the slickness, only smiling at her little protest of stalled pleasure. He touched her eyelids, and she closed them, all of her senses whirling as he moved away from her briefly. She could hear the sound of his clothes rustling and boots hitting the floor, the snap and hiss of the logs in the fireplace. Then she gasped as the soft weight of more flower petals landed across her breasts and her belly, falling everywhere. His mouth touched her eyelids then, and she opened them to see him over her, silhouetted against the firelight, totally naked, fully aroused. Her arms wound around his neck, pulling him down to her as the silky petals crushed between them, releasing further scent into the air.

Meredith pressed against him, surrendering to his touch and his kiss without any conscious thought besides the desire bubbling in her core, and the need to have him inside of her. Urgently, she kissed him, meeting his tongue stroke for stoke, unable to get enough and whimpering as he broke away. Before she could pull him back, he moved between her legs, spreading her wider and putting his mouth against her there. The contact of his tongue on aching clit was just as velvety as the rose, but more erotically charged and insistent, setting off small tremors of pleasure instantly. Her hips lifted as he delved and licked. Slowly. Thoroughly. It overwhelmed her senses until she was shaking and mindless from need, thrashing and pleading for release. The last stroke of his tongue sent her reeling, shattering into a climax so intense she could barely stand it.

Derek released her slowly, easing her back onto the bedding again, where she stretched and could have purred in contentment. For a moment, he waited, enjoying the sight of her like that..his wife, his lover, so open and ready for him. Moving over her, he held himself still, prolonging the anticipation until he dropped onto her, further crushing the rose petals that still clung to her. The pure masculine strength of him settled only briefly, before he rolled onto his back, pulling her astride him.

She gathered up some of the scattered rose petals, rubbing them over his throbbing cock, and around the blunt head. A few pearly drops formed, trailing downwards, and she swirled the soft petals around it until he nearly growled in frustration. His body clenched, as her tongue followed the petals, licking the drops away.

"Enough..." he finally muttered, breaking the silence. "I want you..."

Meredith moved over him, watching his expression as she lowered herself onto him, enveloping him into her inch by inch. As their bodies joined perfectly, their combined breath exhaled in satisfaction, while their sensual rhythm began to take over. Every thrust was met, every flex of his hips drove him deeper and every squeeze of her sheath took them closer to the edge. She arched her back as his fingers played along her clit, adding to the sensation as her climax built to the point of no return once more. Derek was caught up in the torrent of his own release, as she fell forward, meeting his lips as he lost himself into her. Her hair was tousled around his face, and her hands found his, holding him captive against the bed.

"Happy re-wedding night, husband," she whispered, kissing him, darting her tongue between his lips. "I love you so much...this was a wonderful way to celebrate..."

Derek smiled, freeing one hand to tangle in her hair the way he always did. "I love you, wife...more and more with every passing day. We are meant to be together always..."

"Always..." she agreed sleepily, too content to say anything else. As the candles flickered down to puddles of wax, they fell asleep entwined, the white rose petals still clinging to their damp skin everywhere.