Read Online Madeleine's Christmas Wish by Ella Quinn - Free Book Online

replacing them with smaller blue-and-white enameled ones she’d hidden in her cloak. The sapphires were part of the Cruzy-le-Châtel family jewels that Georges had brought to her this morning. Her wedding ring was also made of the same stones. There must be something special about the combination, but she’d probably never know what it was.
    After last night, she’d resolved to keep distance between them. That was the only way she wouldn’t be tempted to make their marriage real. She’d sent up a prayer of thanks when Georges had told her they’d travel by diligence. It wouldn’t be as comfortable, but they would travel all night. No worrying about inns, and beds, and Georges.
    Andrews held up one of the warm wool gowns Madeleine would wear on the journey.
    Just as her maid had finished lacing the back, Georges strode into the chamber. “Are you almost ready?”
    She nodded. “I need to put on my bonnet.”
    He stood behind her as he had last night. For a moment, she thought he was only watching her, then his fingers caressed the back of her neck. A quiver of delight ran down her spine.
    â€œI’ll await you in the hall.”
    Madeleine didn’t trust her voice not to tremble, and nodded again. She couldn’t even breathe until the door closed behind him. Oh dear. What was she to do in the coach? They might be on public transportation in France, but until then . . . It was a shame she did not suffer from travel sickness. Hmm. On the other hand, there was always a first time. She had seen people on the river who had mal de mer. Surely it couldn’t be that difficult to pretend. Mostly they moaned a great deal.
    Happy to have a plan, she rose. “I am ready.”
    When she reached the top of the main stairs, she glanced down, meeting Georges’s eyes. He was dressed in a Spanish-brown colored jacket, with buff pantaloons and tall boots, yet he seemed more handsome than before. A small voice whispered he could belong to her forever. If only things were different, that might be so, but there was no point in wishing for what could never be.
    Georges watched as Madeleine made her way down the staircase. The high-necked dark gray gown highlighted her luminous skin. Her bonnet was trimmed with blue ribbon a shade darker than her eyes. His blood raced through his veins. Each time he saw her, she was more beautiful, and now she was his, and he needed to focus on keeping her safe and removing the threat to her family. He searched her face. There was sadness behind the smile she gave his mother and sisters. Somehow he could, he would do whatever it took to make her completely happy.
    He strode forward. “You are lovely.”
    Light pink tinged her cheeks. “Thank you.”
    He raised her hand, kissing each finger.
    â€œGeorges”—Liliane tugged his coat—“you will have all the time with Madeleine you wish. I want to say good-bye.”
    He sincerely hoped his mother taught her better manners before her come out.
    â€œLiliane.” Maman frowned. “You know better than to behave in such a way. If you cannot, you may have to remain home for another year.”
    His sister pouted for a moment, then smiled. “Oh no, I won’t. Georges wants me to marry. The only reason I did not come out this year was that he did not want Pauline and me to be out at the same time. Isn’t that right, Georges?”
    Actually it was Maman who could not let her baby go. She’d been pregnant with Liliane when Papa had been murdered. As ill as his mother had been afterward, Georges had been surprised Liliane had not been lost.
    Madeleine covered her mouth, but her eyes danced with laughter. “I am sure you are not so impetuous with others. Come kiss me so we may go.”
    Liliane hugged Madeleine. “You’ll be here for my come out, won’t you?”
    â€œI shall do my best.”
    Pauline and Maman hugged Madeleine as well. Maman