Waltz of Seduction (Completed)

Chapter 13. 1816

Two days after the wedding, James and Karina made their way to Brighton for their honeymoon. Their days were spent out on the water, taking romantic strolls along the beach, and going to various art galleries. Their evenings were filled with beautiful sunsets, romantic dinners, and intertwined in one another's arms as soon as they were in bed. The love they had for one another could be felt by everyone they met. It was clear that the Duke and Duchess of Bedford couldn't get enough of each other.

By the beginning of July, nearly 2 months after their wedding and honeymoon, Karina knew she was with child. She had missed her courses for May and for June. Her breasts were tender, and she was a bit nauseous. Her blood intake was more than normal, and she knew that her child was going to be a pureblood. She had also been able to hear the heartbeat, and when that had taken place, she knew for certain that she was expecting. She was thrilled at the prospect of becoming a mother to the next Duke of Bedford, and was anxious to tell James.

Stepping out of her chamber, Karina made her way to her husband's office. She moved her hand softly across her abdomen, not yet able to feel the baby moving. However, she could still feel the child through their emotions. Poking her head into her husband's office, she was surprised to see Arthur and Margaret waiting for her along with James.

Author. "Margaret and I decided to come and surprise your sister. We do hope you and James don't mind."

Karina smiled brilliantly. "Not at all brother, what brings the two of you here?"

Margaret smiled. "Well, Arthur and I have some very exciting news to share with you."

James. "And what is that news?"

Margaret. "I am with child."

Karina beamed, moving forward and taking Margaret carefully into her arms. "That's wonderful my dear Meg! I'm so happy for you and my brother!"

Margaret squeezed back. "Thank you Karina."

Karina came away, her eyes brilliant. "I actually have some news to share with all of you as well. But first, tell me when your little one is going to be born."

Margaret. "I am to take to my confinement in January. So my little one is going to be born in February."

James. "That's wonderful Margaret. And what news do you have to share my love?"

Karina smiled. "Well my dear, I am due for my confinement in December."

Arthur. "So you're expecting as well?"

Margaret. "My dear Karina, this is wonderful!"

James brought Karina tightly against him, kissing her sweetly. "My darling, this is absolutely wonderful!"

Karina gave him a soft kiss before giving her brother and sister-in-law tight hugs as well. "I know, I cannot believe we are going through this beautiful journey of becoming parents together. Just imagine, the next Duke of Bedford and Viscount Rochester are going to grow up very close together."

James. "Indeed they are my love."

Arthur. "I believe we should have a soirée to celebrate."

Margaret giggled. "Do you really believe that to be wise my dear?"

Arthur. "And why wouldn't it be? We are going to have a child before any of our fellow gentlemen."

James chuckled. "That's very true my friend. Imagine if we both had a son."

Arthur. "That would be something to be proud of."

The two couples smiled at each other, exchanging another tight squeeze.  They couldn't wait to meet their babies. They knew it would only be a matter of time before the following year was upon them and their children made their arrivals into the world. Both were anxious to discover whether they would be having a boy or a girl, but the gender didn't matter to them. What did matter was a healthy mother and child. There was one thing very clear to all of them, and that was the fact that Francis was no longer in their lives.  They could finally be happy and at peace.

Arthur. "So, are we to plan that soirée?"

James chuckled. "Why not? I believe it's a wonderful idea."

Karina and Margaret exchanged a sweet smile. They knew very well that their husbands would be spoiling them for the next seven months.  As they heard the sound of their own child and their heartbeat, they knew that everything was perfect. They had love, a husband, and a baby on the way. They had a family.