Dark Passions

60.

By the time the carriage rumbled to a stop at their townhouse, Derek had managed to regain his composure, but his body hungered for Meredith once more. As she gathered the scattered hairpins, she gave him a secret little smile. "I'm sure that Rose will be wondering what happened to the lovely arrangement she worked so hard on," Meredith murmured, pinning her hair into a simple chignon.

Derek took her hand. "My fault, sweetheart," he said with a unrepentant grin.

"Rogue, what am I supposed to do with you?"

"Several things come to mind," he murmured, leaning in to kiss her quickly. "And I do have promises to keep this afternoon yet."

The footmen opened the door before Meredith could reply, and she stepped outside carefully. For a moment, she swayed, a little wave of dizziness hitting her, and she put her hand out to steady herself. Derek jumped out quickly, and took her elbow protectively. "Are you all right?" he asked softly. "You look pale."

"I'm fine. Just a little nauseous suddenly."

Without another word, Derek swept her up into his arms, and strode past an astonished Winston, who was holding the door for them. "Is there something I can do, sir?" Winston asked, following them inside. "Lady Eleanor is waiting for you in the solarium..."

"Tell her Meredith needs to rest. I will be down as soon as she is settled," Derek called over his shoulder. "And summon Rose for Lady Meredith, if you would."

"Yes, m'lord."

"Derek, I can walk," Meredith protested, despite feeling a little light headed, as Derek hurried up the curving staircase with her. Her head fell against his chest. "Oh, but I'm so tired all of a sudden..."

"Too much excitement and nerves, my love," he murmured, pushing their bedroom door aside, and heading for the bed. "I should have considered your delicate condition. I'm sorry - I was only thinking of my own pleasure in the carriage..."

"It's not your fault, Derek," she said softly, "I wanted you just as badly." She managed to wink at him, as he looked at her with concern. His dark eyes were full of love, as he laid her down gently on the soft bedding.

"Still, you need to rest, and I would never forgive myself if something happened to you or the baby." He sank down beside her, and cupped her cheek with his palm, giving her a small smile. Meredith leaned into his touch, her eyes sweeping shut. Her breathing slowed a little, and she was asleep before Derek could say another word. He eased himself away from her, and started to remove her delicate shoes, massaging her feet tenderly.

There was a soft knock at the door, and he turned his head. "Come in, Rose," he called out, and she peeked around the door.

"Oh, m'lord..." Rose exclaimed, hurrying to help him. "Is Lady Meredith ill? She looks so pale." She took the shoes that he handed over, and started to loosen the laces at Meredith's waist.

"It was a trying morning, Rose, she needs to rest," Derek said, reluctant to leave. "Please, sit with her, until I can return." He leaned down to brush his lips across her forehead, and Meredith stirred a little in her sleep.

"Of course, m'lord. I won't budge until you tell me," she assured him, with a quick curtsey. As Derek turned to leave, Rose spread a warm blanket over Meredith, tucking her in carefully. "If she wakes before you return, I'll be sure to send for you, sir." Rose could see the concern etched in Derek's face for his lovely young wife.

"Good. I will be in the solarium with my mother."

Derek closed the door quietly behind him, and headed back to the main floor. He found Eleanor ensconced in a chair by the window, her needlepoint in her lap. "Mother," he murmured, kissing her cheek.