The Perfect Duchess (Completed)

Chapter 10. 1795 

Camille watched as her beloved stared at her. What was he thinking? His expression was unreadable for a moment. But then she saw his facial features change. His green eyes became dark red and his canines elongated on either side of his lips.
James took a step toward her, reaching out and caressing her cheek. "It seems you and I have more in common than we first thought my love."
Camille smiled, her eyes returning to their beautiful blue and her teeth retracting. "It seems we do ma cherie. I was afraid to tell you because I didn't know how you would react."
James brushed his knuckles against her cheek again. "And I was afraid to tell you because I wasn't sure how you would take the news."
Camille gazed into his eyes. "Does this mean you still want to marry me?"
James moved closer until his lips were an inch away from hers. "Of course I do my love. I want to marry you and no one else. The question is, do you still want to marry me?"
Camille closed the distance between them, kissing him tenderly. "Of course I do. I don't see myself marrying anyone else."
James smiled against her lips before capturing them again for another passionate kiss. He held her against him, growling softly as his tongue swirled with hers. At last, he found his soulmate.
Camille pressed herself against him, moaning softly as their tongues danced. At last, she found her soulmate. And no one was going to take him away from her. Just like no one was going to take her away from him.
James came away after a few moments, his eyes glowing like dark green flames. "Care to take a tour of Remington Hall?"
Camille smiled. "I would love that."
Fingers intertwined, they walked through the house, James showing Camille every square inch of the magnificent estate. Neither of them could believe that they had found one another, and had discovered that they were both vampires. As soon as they were married, Richard would no longer bother them. At least, that was their hope.
***
The following week, Camille was helping Genevieve prepare for the Christmas ball. She had her mistress dressed in the finest gown fit for a queen. It was composed of gold silk, with off the shoulder sleeves and a sweetheart neckline. Genevieve's hair was fixed into a chignon with her crown on top of her head. Cream silk gloves completed everything, along with matching gold slippers.
Camille was wearing a lovely dusty blue silk gown with off the shoulder sleeves and a sweetheart neckline. Her hair was fixed into an elegant chignon with small freshwater pearls woven throughout the crown of her head. Cream silk gloves completed her ensemble, as well as a pair of pearl and diamond earrings and a matching necklace. Those had been one of many gifts from James during their courtship.
Genevieve gave her a soft smile. "You look beautiful Camille dear."
Camille smiled back. "Thank you Genevieve. And you look ravishing."
Genevieve cradled her small round belly. "Do you think it's going to be a boy?"
Camille. "Possibly. You never know until the baby is born."
Genevieve nibbled on her lower lip. "Richard is determined that this child is a boy. I can't fail him. He's already involved with Rebecca."
Camille stared at her with wide eyes. Richard was involved with Rebecca Florence? "But why her? She's nothing but a gossip."
Genevieve exhaled. "I know she is. Apparently Richard has become obsessed with her. He's been sleeping with her for the last month."
Camille swallowed hard. "So that means he hasn't been wanting me any longer."
Genevieve. "Exactly. I believe Richard has finally noticed that you and the Duke of York are together and not planning to separate anytime soon."
Camille couldn't help but smile."That's right, James and I aren't separating. Especially not after the fact that we both learned we are vampires."
Genevieve's eyes started dancing. "So the two of you did find out your secret. I'm so glad that's brought you together. Has he proposed yet?"
Camille giggled, shaking her head. "Not yet, but I have a feeling he is going to do so tonight. At least I am hoping he is going to do so tonight."
Genevieve gave her a tight squeeze. "Don't you fret, I have a feeling Lord Remington is going to propose tonight."
Camille smiled, feeling her heart flutter. She had a feeling James was going to propose marriage to her that night, and couldn't wait for that moment. Once that happened, she would no longer be at Richard's beck and call. She would no longer be a free woman, but the Duchess of York.
Genevieve. "Shall we go into the ballroom? I believe it's time for the ball to begin."
With those words spoken, Camille Felicity Louisa and the other ladies in waiting to the queen made their way downstairs to the ballroom. The Christmas spirit was in the air, as well as several glittering decorations. And, unbeknownst to the king, there was going to be a secret engagement that night.