The Duke's Rose (Completed)

Chapter 11. 1815 

The ballroom of Mr. and Mrs. Wilson was bustling with activity. It was the middle of April, and another social season was in full swing. Young ladies were thrust upon the marriage market, hoping to find themselves a suitable husband.
Smiling broadly from ear to ear as she danced with her Duke, Olivia felt nothing but happiness. She and Nathaniel were bonded for all eternity, and no one would come between them again. She was glad she didn't have to go through a third season.
Nathaniel smiled, holding Olivia close. "You look beautiful this evening my love."
Olivia smiled. "As do you my dear."
Nathaniel caressed her cheek as they danced. "Are you happy?"
Olivia. "I am overjoyed. I cannot believe I have my bonded for all eternity."
Nathaniel kissed her softly. "I'm glad, because I feel the same. I am incredibly happy."
Olivia smiled and returned his kiss. "Good."
Nathaniel. "I do have a surprise for you."
Olivia. "Do you? What is it?"
Nathaniel paused their dancing and took her hand. "Let us go out onto the terrace and I will show you."
Olivia smiled as she followed him out of the ballroom and onto the terrace. The night was clear and beautiful, the moon and stars sparkling brilliantly against the sapphire sky. She had no idea what the surprise was, but knew she would like it.
Nathaniel turned to face her, his eyes glittering like dark green gemstones. He took her hands into his. "My darling Olivia, I have loved you ever since the first time I laid eyes on you. I knew you would be mine the moment I kissed you for the first time. I love you with all of my heart and soul, and cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with you."
Olivia gasped softly as a breathtaking ring materialized on her left ring finger. The band was gold, the gemstones comprised of diamonds and turquoise. "Oh Nathaniel..."
Nathaniel dropped to one knee before her, keeping his fingers intertwined with hers and his eyes locked with her own. "My sweet love, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
Olivia smiled brightly, tears sparkling in her eyes. "Yes, yes I will."
Nathaniel stood, bringing her against him for a passionate kiss. His hands moved to caress her face, their tongues twisting together. At last, they were united.
Olivia closed her eyes, intertwining her arms around his neck and pressing her body against his. Finally, they would become husband and wife. No one would come between them again.
Nathaniel came away after a few minutes, his eyes glowing. "I love you."
Olivia smiled. "I love you."
Nathaniel brushed a few loose strands of hair away from her face. "Shall we return to the ball?"
Olivia smiled. "I believe that is a wonderful idea."
Exchanging one last sweet kiss, they intertwined their fingers and re-entered the ballroom. They immediately became swept up into another waltz, their eyes sparkling with love and happiness. They were together, for all eternity.
Olivia smiled as they twirled across the ballroom. "I have a little surprise for you as well."
Nathaniel raised one eyebrow. "Oh do you?"
Olivia smiled. "I do indeed."
Nathaniel. "What is this surprise?"
Olivia. "It is a surprise that you will have to wait a few months for."
Nathaniel froze, his eyes fixed with hers. "How many months?"
Olivia. "About seven months."
Nathaniel's eyes widened. "Darling, are you..."
Olivia beamed. "Yes my love, I am with child."