Dark Passions

15.

"Now, Meredith, I wish to speak with you, and find out more about the woman my son is determined to wed," Eleanor commented, taking Meredith's hand and leading her to the settee. She looked at Derek and Kate. "Go on, I promise not to overwhelm the poor child. Leave us for now, please."

"I wish to stay with her," Derek said firmly, but Meredith smiled at him.

"Derek, 'tis all right. I will be fine," she assured him.

"If you are sure," he said, leaning down to kiss her cheek, and giving her a long look of reassurance.

"I am."

"Very well." He squeezed her hand before he nodded towards his mother, and then left the room, closing the doors behind him. For a brief second, Meredith felt a flutter of panic, but she squared her shoulders and looked carefully at the older woman beside her. The Duchess was small of stature, but her bearing was regal and serene. While Derek must obviously take after his late father in the rest of his physical attributes, his eyes were very much like his mother's, and Meredith took comfort from that familiarity.

"More tea?" she asked, putting her hand to the teapot on the serving cart next to the settee. In truth, she needed something herself to calm her nerves. Her stomach felt somewhat queasy, most likely the nerves, she thought, avoiding looking at the food on the tray.

Eleanor nodded, with a small smile. Meredith poured them each some, trying not to rattle the delicate china with her shaking fingers. "Really, my dear, you are more beautiful than I remember from our meeting in London. I understand why my son was attracted to you."

"Your Grace is most kind," Meredith murmured, sipping her tea carefully.

"And you are not a stupid girl, either. Very clever, to have ensnared Derek as you have." She raised one eyebrow. "Are you with child?"

Meredith choked on a swallow of tea. "What? Your Grace, I would never stoop to such trickery. I resisted falling in love with Derek, I knew it was madness, but he can be very persuasive. And very kind and loving, and he won my heart, despite my reluctance. I know that men like Derek do not wed women such as myself- they are supposed to marry ladies of nobility, and not just for love..."

"...and what would happen if everyone just broke the rules, and chose their partners for love?"

Meredith paused before she answered. "I do not know, Your Grace. Perhaps there would be less promiscuity among the society lords and ladies."

Eleanor smirked somewhat at Meredith's retort. "Very true, Meredith." She took another dainty sip of tea. "But tell me about your family – are your parents still alive?"

"No, Your Grace – well, my mother is dead now some years past. I did not know my father – I was told he passed on before I was born." Meredith blinked away a tear that threatened to slide down her cheek.

"You poor child. Your mother raised you well, but how did you manage on your own after she died? A young woman, alone, is often prey to men of ill repute."

"I managed. My mother had some money saved, and there were always jobs to be had in the city. The house we lived in was left to me, the upkeep provided for by a monthly stipend at the bank. I was told it came from my father's estate when he died. It is a modest home, and I have a good friend looking after it while I am here."

"Well, this will be your home now, my dear." Eleanor put her teacup down and took Meredith's hand. "I am not your enemy in this, Meredith. We both love Derek," she said gently.

"Are you saying that you will give our marriage your blessing, Your Grace?" Meredith asked in surprise.

"Yes, that is exactly what I am telling you. You love my son with all your heart, and he loves you. I can see that, and I regret any meddling I may have done. However, saying that, if he had told me the truth about Lady Addison sooner..." Her voice trailed off, a grim look on her face.