The Perfect Duchess (Completed)

Chapter 3. 1795 

The following week, on a clear and pleasant Saturday morning, Richard and Genevieve were crowned king and queen of England. The service was held at St. George's Chapel. The guest list was over 1000 people, just as large as the wedding guest list had been. Everyone was wanting to witness the crowning of the new monarchs.
Standing to the side with Felicity and Louisa, Camille felt both pride and nervousness for Genevieve. Pride, because her dearest friend was now queen. Nervousness, because Genevieve had told her that her wedding night with Richard hadn't been good. Her gloved fingertips remained clasped in front of her, her full figure accentuated in a cream silk gown with off the shoulder sleeves and a sweetheart neckline. Her hair was fixed into a chignon with a few pearls woven throughout.
Genevieve and Richard were both wearing gold. The decadent color brought out Genevieve's beauty perfectly. It also amplified Richard and his handsome appearance. He possessed dark red hair and gray eyes. He also possessed a smile that was filled with pure victory.
Camille allowed her eyes to wander away from the prince and princess, noticing James watching her. Those gorgeous green eyes and dark brown curls were much more beautiful than Richard's appearance. She gave him a soft smile, her cheeks becoming pink as he returned it. She noticed that he was wearing a three piece royal blue suit with a cream button up shirt cravat and black boots. A matching royal blue silk waist coat could be slightly visible under his jacket.
The minister spoke a few words before giving Richard and Genevieve a pair of the finest crowns England had to offer. Both were composed of white gold, Richards crown possessing diamonds and emeralds while Genevieves consisted of diamonds and pearls. He placed each crown on top of their heads, then declared them king and queen.
The guests burst into applause as Richard and Genevieve turned and walked out of the doors of the chapel and toward their carriage. The crowd stood up and followed them out of the chapel, wanting to catch a glimpse of the new king and queen as they made their escape to Windsor castle. They were anxious for the prospect of bearing witness to the birth of the next king of England.
As she followed Genevieve out of the chapel, Camille felt James watching her again. Turning her head to the side, she smiled as she noticed him looking at her. The smile that was on his face made her toes curl and her heart swirl in her chest. Good Lord, that Duke was beyond handsome. And she was wanting to get to know him more. To spend more time with him.
James felt his body burn as he watched Camille return his smile. He was going to make it a point to get to know that young woman very well. He was wanting her to be his companion, his friend. Possibly more than just his friend. But then he noticed Richard given Camille a devious smile, and that made his blood boil. He was going to make sure that the king didn't touch her.
***
As the reception went into the night, Camille noticed that Richard was staring at her. And it was making her uncomfortable. He shouldn't be staring at her, she thought. He had Genevieve to phon over. He had Genevieve to love and adore. So why was he staring at her?
Shaking her head, Camille turned away from the glittering chandelier above her head and moved towards the double doors leading out onto the terrace. As she did so, she felt a gentle hand take hold of her left wrist. She gasped, turning with surprise.
James was standing behind her, those gorgeous green eyes looking at her with concern. Had he seen Richard staring at her for most of the evening? When he spoke, his voice was soft. "Are you all right Camille?"
Camille couldn't answer right away. Was she all right? She wasn't sure. She swallowed hard. "I'm not entirely sure your grace. At the moment, I will say that I am feeling very uncomfortable."
James. "Why? What has you so uncomfortable?"
Camille took a breath. She wasn't sure if she should tell James about the fact that the king hadn't stopped staring at her for the last five hours. She swallowed hard, her eyes falling to the glittering marble floor. "His majesty hasn't stopped looking at me this evening."
James became tense, his hand still on her wrist. "Why was he staring at you?"
Camille bit her lip. "I believe he is wanting me."
James growled, his eyes becoming dark with anger. "Let me assure you that I'm not going to allow that man to touch you."
Camille glanced at him, her eyes going wide. "But your grace, how do you plan to do that? His majesty is very powerful."
James brushed his thumb against her knuckles. "I'm going to keep an eye on Richard and make sure he doesn't do anything to hurt you."
Camille felt a wave of reassurance flow through her at his words. James was going to make sure that Richard didn't do anything to harm her. She gave him a soft smile. "Thank you for doing that your grace."
James returned her smile. "Of course. Now, would you care to join me for a waltz?"
Camille's eyes twinkled. "I would be honored."
As they walked onto the dance floor to join the other couples for a waltz, they felt Richard watching them. It was very unnerving to say the least. They had no idea just how powerful Richard was. However, they would soon find out.