Dark Passions

53.

Meredith and Derek watched as Marcus and Isobel walked out onto the dance floor. Marcus bowed over her hand, as the music began, and then he swept her into the waltz. The wedding ceremony and meal were done, and Derek could hardly believe that Marcus was actually wed. He leaned into Meredith, whispering in her ear. "Is the moon blue?"

"Derek..." she chided him gently, her heart happy for her friend. Life had been difficult for both Izzie and herself, and yet they had managed to find gentlemen who loved them, and cared about them above all else. It was a dream come true.

The ceremony had been beautiful, full of love and laughter, somewhat more relaxed than the normal. And now, the families and friends were prepared to celebrate. Marcus was the last of his family to wed, similar to Derek, and his brothers were all there to revel in the fact. The difference for Marcus was that he had no title or worry of heirs to produce, even though he was still wealthy enough in his own right.

"Come..." Derek urged, tugging Meredith onto the cleared space, as the first waltz ended. "I missed out on this at the ball." This was their first public appearance since that evening, and many of their friends and acquaintances had crowded around them earlier in the day, all anxious to hear all the details. They all expressed total disbelief that Addison had been so desperate as to try to shoot Meredith. And their support for Derek and his lovely young wife increased even more.

Now their bodies meshed, moving easily together in the waltz. His eyes found hers, hot and demanding as always. They could never be together without this spark, this sensual blending of souls. Derek held her tightly, happy to be there, his wound healed, alive and well again.

"I love you," he whispered, before dipping her backwards and bringing her back up again.

Meredith giggled, as she faced him again. "I love you too..."

The other dancers swirled around them, as they lost themselves together. They seemed to be as one, gliding together, heat and desire open in their expressions.

"'Tis not seemly for a man to be so passionate about his wife in public..." one of the older women hissed to another, hiding their faces behind their lacquered fans.

"Hush, Tilda...His Grace is too much in love to disguise it. He almost died, after all...I think it's perfectly acceptable..."

"...but how scandalous...to be shot by one's ex-betrothed! What is society coming to?"

Eleanor happened to overhear the conversation, and she smiled to herself. Her son was indeed far too open about his love for Meredith, but she knew he didn't care about conventional rules. After the scare they had been through, she didn't care either. Her eyes followed his tall form as he swirled Meredith around the floor, their eyes devouring each other. Thank god he was safe.

"The dancers look radiant, don't they?" a male voice murmured, and she turned to face Lord John Seymour. They had become friends since he had come forth to claim Meredith, and she had spent some talking with him before the Spring Fete. Due to the shooting, they never had a chance to make the announcement about Meredith.

"They do, indeed," Eleanor agreed, nodding.

"You must be proud of your son - he was very courageous. The Lady Addison was out of her mind, obviously."

"I never realized to what extent she would go, or I never would have invited her. Meredith thought it would be good for Lady Addison to hear about her heritage in public, so that she would leave the matter alone. Unfortunately..."

"Yes...she fell apart before then." Lord John shook his head. He was acquainted with the Earl of Smithwick, and felt bad for the man. His only daughter was now relegated to the jails. Not a pretty place for a lady. "I wish I had been able to make the announcement. I will have to find another way to make the news public."