Dark Passions

34.

Within days the household was a flurry of activity, with family arriving, filling the manor with chatter and laughter. Meredith, Izzie and Kate had their final fittings with the dressmaker, while Derek and his brothers-in-law disappeared for hours on end hunting, or horseback riding. Marcus was gaining strength every day, content to rest, with Izzie tending to him.
Meredith found herself in the midst of the family most days when she wasn't busy with the fittings, or other last minute details. They all welcomed her as warmly as Kate had, putting any fears to rest that they wouldn't accept her. Eleanor had not yet arrived, but would be there within a day or so before the wedding, along with some of the more distinguished guests.

Late that sunny afternoon found Meredith surrounded by all the sisters, sitting in the shaded courtyard, trying to catch a stray breeze.

"I never thought I'd see the day when Derek married," confessed Elizabeth, as she rested, her feet up on an ottoman. "He seems so happy with you, Meredith. You have done wonders for his mood," she giggled, patting her round belly. "Oh, don't kick, little one..."

"Indeed, he is much happier than he used to be," Sarah commented, tending to her needlework. "Content, I think, more settled into the life out here, instead of staying in London so much. This is where he needs to be, to look after the manor, and the land."

"I know how much he loves it out here," Meredith said, fanning herself.

"Only because you are here, I'm sure. I think he would be content anywhere so long as you are with him," Anne noted with a smile.

"Anne!" Meredith protested.

"It's true, I see the way he looks at you, the ways his eyes are always on you, no matter where you are. It gives me shivers, really. I mean, I don't think about his love life much, obviously, but you and he have something very special."

"Oh..." Meredith was at a loss for words, warmed by the comments, blushing a little at how obvious their love must appear.

Several of the children ran by, shouting and laughing, the youngest of them trailing behind, until he tripped and fell headlong onto the grass. Before he could wail, Derek appeared and scooped the little boy into his arms, turning the tears into giggles, as he lifted him up into the air. Meredith smiled warmly, seeing him with the toddler, imagining the day when it would be their own child. "Ah, he will make a wonderful father too," Sarah said softly, noticing the look that passed between Derek and Meredith. She held her arms out as Derek deposited the boy onto her lap. "Wills, my little man, you aren't quite big enough to go chasing your cousins," she cooed, settling him down. "Thank you for catching him," she said to Derek. "You look very good with a child in your arms like that."

Derek came to sit beside Meredith, drawing her into his embrace, and kissing her softly. "Soon enough, Sarah," he murmured, giving Meredith a smile. The sisters exchanged an amused look, seeing their brother so much in love.

"Ladies, don't let me interrupt you," he said, with a grin as he stretched his legs out. "We've just returned from the ride, and I thought I would see how my favorite girls are doing."

"Oh, Derek - 'tis only Meredith you are interested in!" Katherine laughed.

"This is a side of you we've never seen," Elizabeth teased him gently. "My big strong older brother..."

"Lizbeth..." Derek said, cutting her off, as he lounged lazily beside Meredith. He glared at his youngest sister.

"...totally in love....'tis a sight to behold..." she said, ignoring him, laughing and continuing to tease him. The rest of them joined in, and Derek shook his head in amusement, giving Meredith a look that said, See what did I tell you?