Dark Passions

17.

"Derek, Meredith..." Kate called out to him as they entered, her eyes sweeping over their tousled appearance, a small smile tugging at her lips. "There you are!"

"Yes, we were out for a walk," he said, his arm still around Meredith's waist.

"I see, well, I just wanted to let Meredith know that I have moved her things into her new suite. I cannot have her staying in the governess' room any longer, now that you have announced your betrothal."

"Suite?" Meredith asked, looking up at Derek.

"Yes, for now, at any rate. Until we are wed." His eyes twinkled at her.

"Show her where it is, Derek, would you? And, Meredith, the seamstress has been busy making you some new dresses, so you will be suitably prepared for dinner with Her Grace tonight."

"Thank you, Kate," Meredith said, feeling overwhelmed again suddenly.

"Oh, by the way, Kate, our other guest has arrived," Derek told her. "And she is not in the best of moods," he said dryly.

"What! She is here already!?"

"Yes, I think she flew on her broomstick," Derek chuckled.

"Derek! That is not very nice." Meredith giggled, despite herself, and Kate put her hand to her mouth to keep from laughing out loud.

He shrugged. "I left instructions with Hodges to take Lady Addison to her room. I really do not care to see her, if I don't have to."

Kate sighed. "Well, I suppose I must go and greet her." She turned to go, as Derek and Meredith quickly ascended the staircase.

"I feel guilty to leave poor Kate to see that woman," Meredith said softly. "Maybe I should go..."

"She can handle herself, do not fear that," Derek chuckled, as he guided her along the corridor. "Now, here is the suite Kate has prepared for you." He threw open the door, and she looked around in amazement. Huge windows hung with ivory brocade curtains looked out onto the gardens. The huge four-poster bed, with it's carved posts, dominated the area. Pale yellow panels of silk hung from the center of the canopy above it, tied back at each bedpost. The bedding was ivory and cream, and rich tapestries covering the walls. Soft creamy rugs covered the oak flooring. Huge bouquets of roses decorated the tables, their soft fragrance perfuming the air.

"Oh my, Derek, it's beautiful!" Meredith exclaimed, rushing to look out the windows. He smiled at her, coming up behind her, and embracing her.

"And the best thing is, that my suite isn't far from here," he said, his breath warm against her ear. "For Mother's sake, we need to have separate rooms, but I will come to you once everyone is asleep."

"Very convenient for you, indeed," she giggled.

He nuzzled her throat, and she turned in his arms. "I have become accustomed to falling asleep with you in my arms, Meredith. I do not wish to sleep alone again."

"Nor do I," she breathed, as he claimed her mouth again. She kissed him back, the hot velvet of his tongue assaulting her, as his lean body pressed against her body - her breasts crushing against his chest, his hard length suddenly demanding against her belly. Still kissing, without pausing, he guided her across the room, towards the bed.

"I think we have some time before dinner...." He buried his face against her throat, sucking her on the spot where her pulse hammered, making her shiver, and surrender to his touch as always.

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Kate, meanwhile, had her hands full with Lady Addison. She stopped at the threshold of the room, staring in dismay at the bags strewn about the floor. "My Lady Addison, are you all right?"