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

think I shall return to England.”
    Lady Rutherford’s eyes widened. “I see. If—”
    Before she could finish, Andrews led in a footman carrying a tea tray, which he placed on the low table. Madeleine poured two cups, giving one to Lady Rutherford. When Madeleine glanced up, the baroness was studying her.
    â€œI think you need a friend,” Lady Rutherford said.
    Yes. Madeleine desperately needed a confidante, but could she trust this woman? “You are correct, yet . . .”
    â€œThe path to my marriage to Rutherford was not smooth either,” Lady Rutherford said with a knowing look. “And I am known to be discreet. If you’d like, you may call me Anna.”
    The weight on Madeleine’s shoulders slipped away. “I am Madeleine.”
    â€œDo not tell me anything that makes you uncomfortable.” Anna waited until Madeleine nodded. “Though I don’t know the circumstances, it appears to me this wedding is a bit rushed.”
    Madeleine’s stomach churned, as she considered how—what to say. “In a way it is and in another it is not. We were to have been betrothed as children, but the revolution began and the plans for our marriage fell apart. Therefore, I suppose the answer is yes, but I needed Georges’s help in France, and he would not agree unless we married first.”
    Anna tilted her head to the side. “Does he love you?”
    Love? Madeleine had not really considered it. “In my country, persons of our status do not marry for love. Of course, if the couple is lucky, they may come to love one another.”
    â€œThen he is marrying you because of the understanding?”
    A good question, one Madeleine wished she had an answer to. She gave herself a shake. “I do not know.”
    Anna reached over, took Madeleine’s hand, and squeezed it. “Georges has lived in England for a long time. You cannot know how that has affected his thinking regarding marriage. Normally I would say you should find out what his feelings or motivations are before you wed, but there is no time for that. Though I do counsel you to do so as soon as possible.”
    â€œI’ve never been in love.” How would she even know if Georges was in love with her? “What are the signs?”
    Anna grinned. “I have noticed that gentlemen become extremely protective. Even more telling is they do everything they can to see to your comfort. To keep me warm, Rutherford once had me so wrapped up in fur rugs I could barely move.”
    Georges was already protective. Madeleine wanted to ask how she would know if she was in love, but it didn’t matter. Even if she fell in love, she’d have to leave him.
    Another knock came on the door. “My lady, the vicar and priest are here.”
    â€œWe will come directly.” She turned to Anna. “Thank you. I will do as you have suggested.”
    Madeleine would have the long journey across France to think, yet what if she discovered he did love her? What if these strange feelings she had for him were love? Then what would she do? He would never agree to have the marriage annulled.
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    Georges paced the drawing room until Rutherford drawled, “You remind me of a nervous cat. Are you afraid she’ll run away?”
    That was exactly what Georges was concerned about. Over the years, he’d looked around and had considered a number of ladies. Yet when he’d discovered Madeleine’s plight, it never occurred to him that he would not marry her. She was his and had been since he was fifteen. Still, he had no idea what she thought of him. It might have been better to have ascertained that before he blackmailed her into this marriage. Perhaps she was in love with a man in France. No. He’d known when he’d kissed her there had been no one else.
    â€œSmile. We have company,” Rutherford said in an under-voice.
    Georges glanced up. The two clergymen had arrived.