Dark Passions

59.

Waiting in the grand hall at Windsor Castle, Meredith steadied herself with a deep breath. She and Derek stood waiting for their names to be announced for their audience with the King. Derek felt her shaking beside him, and he squeezed her arm tightly. "You have nothing to fear, Meredith. You look lovely as always, and I am right here with you," he said softly. His gaze warmed her, but she still felt like her heart was racing far too quickly, and her knees were shaking beneath the velvet gown.

Her gaze flitted around the grand hall they were in, trying to distract herself from the butterflies dancing in her abdomen. Seeing all the elegant courtiers, and ladies in waiting in their lavish gowns filled her with awe. Despite the fact she was dressed in a rich royal blue gown of velvet, the strand of pearls at her throat, and her hair held in place with pearl studded combs, Meredith felt a little overwhelmed. Eleanor had assured her that she looked perfect, and Rose had outdone herself with the coiffure, both of them beaming as they left the house. As if sensing her anxiety, Derek leaned closer to whisper in her ear. "You are the most beautiful woman here, my love."

Meredith's dress:

Meredith gave him a faint smile in response. She reached up to brush her fingers across the dark fabric of his jacket, and he caught her hand, bringing it to his lips. His kiss sent a tingle through her. "You look very dashing yourself, my lord," she murmured. "I'm sure all the ladies here are wishing they could lure you away from me." Her eyes took in his dark hair and smoldering gaze, aware that his intensely handsome looks were garnering more than a few appraising and knowing glances from the women. Meredith felt a sudden pang of jealousy, wondering if any of these elegant women peering coquettishly over their fans had ever been in Derek's bed. He caught her look, and shook his head with a smile, before kissing her deep enough to make it clear that he was only interested in his wife.

"Then they will be severely disappointed," he replied, with a twinkle in his eye. "I realize that I spent my share of time here before I met you, and I know how many games go on between the men and women here. But I have no desire for anyone but you. I assure you, any kind of encounter before I met you has no meaning." His hand at her lower back rested possessively there, and Meredith felt the heat like a brand on her body.

Then the doors opened, and a hush fell over the hall, as the footmen bowed with a flourish, before the royal page appeared at the doorway, holding a scroll of paper in his hands. "Lord Derek Shepherd, Duke of Gracewood," he intoned loudly, and Derek nodded, walking forward with Meredith. The page led them into the interior chamber, closing the doors behind them. They waited for a moment, while the page walked on ahead of them, bowing before the monarch.

"Your Highness, presenting His Grace, Lord Derek Shepherd, Duke of Gracewood, Viscount of Ashemont and Surrey, and his wife, Lady Meredith Shepherd..."

Derek led Meredith to stand in front of the throne, where George III and his wife, Adelaide, were seated. He bowed low, as Meredith sank into a deep curtsy. Her legs