The Perfect Duchess (Completed)

Chapter 13. 1795 

Genevieve smiled at her dearest friend, wearing an elegant gown of deep green velvet. "Are you excited to begin your new life?"
Camille smiled at her. "I am, very much so. But don't you fret, I am going to be here when you have your baby."
Genevieve smiled sweetly, caressing her swelling abdomen. "I cannot wait for that day to arrive. It seems as if Richard and I are both anxious to meet our son."
Camille straightened her queens skirts. "No matter what gender the baby is, I know that you and Richard are going to love them."
Genevieve took a deep breath. "I know, but for Richard's sake I am hoping to give him a son."
Camille gave her a hug. "Don't stress yourself over the gender of the baby. The important thing is that you and the baby are healthy and survive."
Genevieve. "You always know what to say to keep me relaxed cherie. Thank you."
Camille. "Of course your majesty."
After making sure that everything was perfect, Camille and Genevieve walked out of the chamber and made their way downstairs to the ballroom.
***
Several hours into the ball, James and Camille found themselves off in the corner, in the shadows of a glowing candle lit chandelier. They hadn't stopped dancing the entire evening, to the amusement of several guests and the delight of Genevieve. It was clear to everyone that the Duke of York had found his Duchess. They didn't mind that everyone knew of their engagement, wanting to share the news with their friends. What was even more surprising was the fact that Richard was pleased for them as well.
James smiled. "Well, it seems that our secret is out. Everyone knows that we are engaged."
Camille giggled. "I think it's all right my love, it was bound to happen eventually. What I'm pleased about is that Richard isn't furious with us."
James. "I agree."
At that moment, Richard walked over to the two of them, smiling. Extending his hand, he shook both of their hands. "I believe congratulations are in order for the two of you."
James. "Thank you your majesty."
Camille. "The Duke and I are going to be here for the birth of your first child."
Richard made a face. "Which of my children do you mean?"
Camille. "Genevieve's child of course."
Richard relaxed. "I'm glad you're going to be here for her. I would much rather the two of you witness the birth of the next king of England rather than a bastard."
James. "If it's all right with you, Camille and I would like to take at least a month off to prepare for our wedding. We believe we are going to have it at the beginning of February."
Richard smiled softly. "Of course. When do the two of you plan to return to court?"
Camille. "By the beginning of March. We would like to have our wedding and then go for a honeymoon. We could come back sooner if you would like."
Richard shook his head. "Oh no, take your time. Genevieve won't be due for her confinement until April."
Camille nodded. Because Genevieve was a vampire like the rest of them, her pregnancy wasn't nine months like a human pregnancy was. Instead, it was eight months.
James. "Then we will make our wedding and honeymoon brief so we can return before Genevieve gives birth."
Richard. "Thank you both very much."
James and Camille watched as Richard turned away and walked back toward Genevieve. They smiled as they saw him take her into his arms and lead her onto the dance floor. It was clear that the two of them had formed quite the loving attachment over the last several weeks. Everyone had been doubting that the king and queen of England would fall in love. But they were proven wrong.
James turned his attention back to Camille, bringing her against him and underneath the chandelier. "You do realize what we are standing under Miss Eau Claire."
Following her beloved's eyes, Camille noticed that they were, in fact, standing under a beautiful mistletoe. She smiled sweetly. "I do indeed know what we are standing under your grace."
Their eyes locked in a magnetic gaze, and brilliant smiles dancing across their lips, they closed the distance between them and exchanged a soft kiss. By the beginning of February, they would become husband and wife. By March, they would return to court and serve the king and queen. And, hopefully by then, they would have their own little one on the way.
Standing in the shadows, Rebecca watched the future Duke and Duchess of York, as well as the king and queen of England, dancing happily. She was furious. She was wanting that attention. She was wanting to make sure that King Richard had his son. She ran her fingertips across her swelling abdomen. She was due in March. She had a feeling she was expecting a boy, and was going to make sure she gave him a boy before the queen.