Dark Passions

30.

"Good morning, Derek. You look happy this morning," Kate observed as he strolled into the solarium to have breakfast. She held up the coffee pot in his direction.

He kissed her cheek before sitting down, and holding his cup for her. "I am, very happy and in a very good mood."

Kate smirked at him, before hiding it behind her cup. "Will Meredith be down soon as well?"

"Soon," he nodded. "Rose was just finishing her hair, I believe."

"Ah, good, I thought perhaps Meredith was still not feeling well enough to eat first thing," Kate said casually, not looking at him as she said it.

"What the devil do you mean? Has she been ill?" Derek asked quickly in concern. "Kate?!"

"Oh, I'm sorry, Derek," Kate smiled. "I thought she would have said something to you last night..."

"No - now what are you talking about?"

"I think Meredith should be the one to tell you," Kate demurred, catching sight of Meredith coming in.

"Tell me what?"

Kate winked at Meredith as she came up behind Derek, sharing a quick smile. Derek twisted around to look at Meredith. "You did not say anything about being ill, my dear." His eyes searched her face, as Meredith sank into the chair beside him. She tucked her skirts around her, before answering him.

"Derek, as I recall, you did not have much interest in talking last night," she teased him gently, picking up the teapot and pouring some. She stirred in cream and sugar, and took a dainty sip. Her eyes peeked up at him through her lashes.

"Meredith..." Derek took her other hand and squeezed it. "Please tell me, is everything all right?"

Meredith put her cup down carefully, and looked back at Kate.

"Oh, just tell him!" Kate laughed.

"But it may not mean anything yet..." Meredith eyed the plate with eggs, but decided on a small flaky biscuit instead, dabbing sweet butter on it.

"I can leave you two in private, if you prefer," Kate offered, starting to rise from her chair.

"No, that's fine. Stay." Meredith nibbled on the biscuit, as Derek looked from his sister to Meredith, confusion and concern playing across his face.

"Will one of you please say something?" he demanded.

Meredith took another sip of tea. "It could be too soon to know, Derek, but..." She paused, and took a deep breath. "But...I may be with child."

For a long moment, Derek stared at her, in total silence. Finally a slow smile crossed his lips, and he stood up so quickly the chair toppled over behind him. He swept Meredith up into his arms, and kissed her gently. "But that is wonderful! Are you sure you are all right? Should you be resting? Was it too much last night? Why didn't you tell me before?" The questions spilled out of him, as he peppered her with little kisses.

"Derek...please..I'm fine. I just don't know with absolute certainty yet. It's still early." Meredith was torn between laughing and crying suddenly. "You can put me down, now."

He let her down carefully, resting his hands on her belly, still looking a little dazed. "Just when I thought I was happy, you find a way to increase it."

⚜️⚜️⚜️

Every day brought the arrival of more messengers, confirming attendance of the upcoming wedding. Meredith eagerly anticipated the arrival of Isobel, who had to be fitted for the bridesmaid gown, along with Kate. They had settled on pale lilac gowns for the attendants, with sprays of baby's breath and white roses for their bouquets. Meredith's was to be similar, but larger, with cream roses, lavender stock and white lisanthus. The flower gardens and rose arbor were readied for the outdoor ceremony, and the maids and housekeeping staff flew around the manor making sure rooms were ready.