Waltz of Seduction (Completed)

Chapter 9. 1815

By the beginning of December, James knew that he was ready to marry Karina. He was wanting her to be his wife and his Duchess. He couldn't wait to have her in his bed, night after night. He couldn't wait to see her become round and beautiful with their growing children. He smiled down at the brilliant diamond and turquoise ring that had once belonged to his mother. He knew Karina was going to love it.

Placing the ring into a small black velvet box, and placing the box into the pocket of his trousers, James stood up from his desk chair, slid into his black velvet jacket, and made his way downstairs to the ball that was taking place at Bedford Hall. His eyes sparkled as he walked into the ballroom, falling easily into conversation with some of his friends and guests.

The Christmas ball was in full swing, and had been for nearly 3 hours. It was nearly midnight, and everyone was dancing, dressed in their finest attire. Dinner had taken place an hour before the dancing had commenced, and after that point, no one was able to get off the Dancefloor. Bedford Hall was decorated with brilliant colorful lights ribbons and decorations, as well as a 10 foot tall Christmas tree covered with gold red green silver white and blue decorations and lights.

Looking around the ballroom, James caught sight of his beloved making her way toward him, and he felt his body burn. Karina was a vision of beauty that night, wearing an elegant off the shoulder silk gown of dusty blue with a sweetheart neckline. Her Chestnut curls had been fixed into an elegant chignon, exposing her creamy neck. Cream silk gloves completed her confection, as well as the gold and turquoise jewelry that he had given her during their courtship.

Karina smiled brilliantly at James, noticing how handsome he was in his three-piece black velvet suit with a dusty blue button up shirt and cream cravat. His black boots glittered beneath the chandelier light as she moved toward him. She couldn't believe the two of them had been together since April of that year, as close as any lovers could be. Little did she realize that night was going to change the relationship forever.

Extending his hand, James brought her knuckles up to his lips for a soft kiss. "You look beautiful my love."

Karina smiled back. "Thank you my dear, and you look incredible."

James. "Thank you. Why don't we have a few dances together, and then step out onto the terrace? There's something I'd like to ask you."

Karina felt her heart flutter. "Of course, that sounds like a lovely idea your grace."

As the music shifted from a quadrille to a waltz, James and Karina glided onto the Dancefloor, twirling together as the music swirled around them. Their eyes held and the smiles never left their faces. Thankfully, Francis hadn't bothered them over the last several months, and they were hoping it stayed that way. However, the entire London ton knew that the Duke of Bedford had found his beloved, and his future duchess.

After dancing three lovely waltzes, James took Karina by the arm and escorted her outside onto the terrace. He wasn't nervous about asking for her hand, not in the least. He had spoken to Arthur the previous week while Karina Margaret Rachel and Felicity had been out shopping in London. To his delight, Arthur had immediately given his blessing, and then had asked James for his blessing. The two men had exchanged a tight squeeze after both blessings of their union had been given.

Call James smiled at Karina, holding her hands and staring into her eyes. "My sweet darling, these last several months have been nothing short of beautiful. I cannot believe I have found my beloved, and that my beloved is you."

Karina. "And I cannot believe I have found my beloved in you. These last several months have been nothing but a dream, a beautiful dreams I never want to wake up from."

James smiled, leaning forward and kissing her sweetly. Then he took a few steps back, going down on one knee and removing the box from his pocket. Opening the box, he revealed the dazzling ring.

Karina gasped, her eyes going wide and her hand flying to her mouth. "James..."

His eyes bright with love, James took her left hand into his. "My dearest Karina, from the moment we met at the beginning of this social season, I knew you were the one to be my beloved. You are my heart, my world and my soul. I love you so much, with every ounce of my beating heart. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

Karina smiled brilliantly, her eyes dancing like teal gemstones. "Yes, yes of course!"

Sliding the ring onto her left ring finger, James stood up and pulled her into his arms for a passionate kiss. He crushed her against him, feeling her arms intertwining around his neck. At last, he had his fiancé. He had his beloved.

Karina melted against him, closing her eyes as their tongues started dancing in a waltz of their own. Finally, she had her beloved. She had her fiancé. She had her happiness.

James came away after a few minutes, his eyes brilliant. "I love you."

Karina smiled radiantly. "I love you too."

They exchanged several more sweet kisses, oblivious to the party that was taking place inside the ballroom behind them. At that moment, they didn't care that there were at least 100 other people in the house. They didn't care that it was cold outside, nor did they care that they were being covered by snowflakes. All that mattered was the fact that they were engaged, never to be torn apart again by anyone. Their future was bright, their happiness overwhelming.