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

help I am able to give, you’ve only to ask.”
    â€œI shall. At present my only decision is whether to take the diligence, which is the French mail coach, or journey by private carriage.”
    Rutherford nodded. “Friends of mine are in Paris for their honeymoon. My understanding is that the mail is the only thing working properly over there right now. As you know, the diligence is quicker. It’s hard to best seven to ten miles per hour, and there is the matter of finding good horseflesh for changes.” He took a sip of wine. “If you’re in a hurry, I suggest you travel by mail, and have your coach follow you.”
    â€œAn excellent idea.” They could arrive in good time in Beaune. Then once he’d settled the problems there, he and Madeleine would continue on to his estate where they would spend Christmas before returning to England. “That would save many problems.”
    â€œWill you return to England?”
    Georges grinned. “I must. I have one sister still to be married, and I believe an English husband would be more advantageous in these times.”
    If Napoleon returned, France might no longer be safe again. He’d need to have contingency plans for Madeleine’s estates as well as his own.

CHAPTER 5
    A lready dressed, Madeleine gazed out the window, trying not to think about her impending wedding.
    Everything in this country was so calm and peaceful. For the first few days, each time she heard unexpected horses or a carriage arrive, her heart thudded in panic. She did not remember a time she’d lived without fear as her daily companion. Maman and Genevieve would be happy here. Georges, however, would be upset when she refused to leave with them.
    Madeleine turned when the knock sounded on the door. Andrews opened it, and the butler bowed. “My lady. Lady Rutherford is here.”
    Ah yes, the wife of one of Georges’s friends, a baroness and possibly one of the people involved in saving Madeleine from the London brothel. “Please show her in.”
    A petite dark-haired lady with laughing blue eyes entered and dropped an elegant curtsey. She held out her hand. “My lady. I cannot tell you how happy I am to see you out of harm’s way.”
    Did the baroness know? A flush crept into Madeleine’s neck and cheeks. “I”—she swallowed—“I.”
    The woman smiled kindly. “Don’t say a word, if you do not wish to. We have a saying here. All’s well that ends well.”
    Madeleine took the offered hand, clasping it. “Thank you.” She motioned to the chaise against the far wall. “Please have a seat. I shall order tea, or would you prefer wine? Georges has a very good claret.”
    â€œTea please.” Lady Rutherford sank onto the chaise. Madeleine had never known a woman who moved so gracefully. “I’ll have wine at the wedding breakfast. What is the purpose of the stars in the windows? I’ve never seen anything like them before.”
    She signaled to her maid who stepped into the corridor. “It will be here directly.” She sat on the chair next to the sofa. “They are Christmas decorations. Apparently, we begin celebrating the season much earlier than you do in England.”
    â€œIt’s a lovely custom.”
    Madeleine agreed, and she wanted to be home as soon as possible. “I am glad you and your husband could be here. I know only a few people, and there are not many Georges counts as friends.”
    The other woman raised a brow. “I hope we shall be friends as well. I know several ladies who would be delighted to meet you.”
    â€œThat sounds lovely.” Madeleine twisted her fingers together. She wanted so badly to be able to confide in someone, yet she had only just met this woman.
    â€œIs something wrong?”
    Straightening her shoulders, she took a breath. “I—we, Georges and I, will leave for France soon. I do not