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

even busier than he’d thought.
    Georges came down the stairs the day of his wedding to find Rutherford and his new wife entering the house.
    Rutherford grinned. “You could have warned a friend.”
    Friend? Georges hadn’t had many of those lately. “It was sudden.”
    â€œI was asked to stand up with you.”
    His throat was abruptly tight. “Thank you.”
    Finally Rutherford turned to the dark-haired lady next to him. “My love, may I present the Marquis Cruzy-le-Châtel?”
    The lady’s lips tilted up. “You may indeed. My lord, I’m very pleased to finally meet you.”
    As he studied her, an image of a small man entered his mind, and his jaw dropped. “You?”
    Her smile broadened. “Our local fishermen were quite happy with your donation.”
    It could not be. She was the smuggling gang’s leader? Yet the man had been about her height and slightly built, as was Lady Rutherford.
    He glanced at Rutherford, who was clearly trying not to laugh. “She is extremely talented.”
    Georges shook his head. “If I had not spent so much time attempting to discover who you were, I never could have guessed.” He bowed over her hand. “Welcome, my lady, and thank you for helping save my betrothed.”
    Any other lady of his acquaintance would have blushed, but Lady Rutherford was as composed as if he’d complimented her garden.
    She only inclined her head. “I’m so pleased everything has turned out well.”
    â€œExcuse me for a moment.” He stepped over to his butler, and said in a low voice, “Tell Lady du Beaune that a friend from Kent has arrived, to stand up with her during the ceremony.”
    A few minutes later, his butler returned and addressed Lady Rutherford. “My lady, Lady du Beaune requests to see you.”
    Lady Rutherford’s brows drew together slightly, and she glanced at Georges.
    â€œMy betrothed, the Comtesse du Beaune. She inherited her father’s title.”
    â€œI see.” Lady Rutherford grinned. “I shall go to her now.”
    Once she disappeared up the stairs, Georges turned to Rutherford, motioning him to follow. “You look amazingly fresh for having traveled so far. Do you need to change?”
    He shed his greatcoat, handing it to a footman. “We arrived in the area late last night and stayed at an inn.”
    They entered the drawing room. “Wine?”
    â€œPlease.”
    Georges handed him a glass. “Do you have any advice for a man about to be married?”
    Rutherford took a sip, then cradled the goblet in his hand. “I can’t imagine you marrying anyone insipid. If she is anything like my wife, don’t try to ride roughshod over her. You will not like the results. Women are the very devil when they get the bit between their teeth.”
    â€œI’m finding that out.” Unable to be still, Georges twirled his glass. “Her family is in danger, so we must travel to France after my sister’s wedding.”
    â€œKeep her as safe as you can without stifling her. I’m continually surprised at how well my wife reads a situation.” Rutherford had a chagrined look on his face. “It’s hard to admit, but many times she’s better than I am.”
    Georges drank half his wine. He didn’t like what his friend was saying in the least. “Anything else?”
    â€œBe honest.”
    He groaned. The last thing he wanted was to tell Madeleine about his actions during the war. No matter. He’d just be truthful about everything else.
    â€œBefore I forget, Jamison sent this.” Rutherford handed Georges a packet. “He said it might be useful on the Continent.”
    Georges opened it. Two sets of identity papers for Madeleine and him, as well as letters of safe conduct.
    â€œI can’t leave England at present.” Rutherford pressed his fingertips together. “But if you require any