Madeleine's Christmas Wish Read Online Free PDF Page A

open. I shall be able to pick up a few small presents for your mother and sisters.”
    He didn’t want to ruin her mood, but . . . “There are no Christmas markets here.”
    Her face fell. “Oh. Perhaps there is somewhere else.”
    He could imagine a light snow falling as they visited the festively decorated stalls at the market in Beaune. Hot chestnuts to eat, and spiced wine to keep them warm as they looked at the wares from around France and parts of Germany. Even his own village had a small market.
    â€œDo you remember when my family visited yours?” That was when the match between them had first been proposed.
    â€œYes.” Finally she smiled. “You bought me gingerbread and candied nuts. I ate too much and got a stomach ache.”
    She would have had to remember that part. “If you would like my company, I am yours to command.” A slight tic appeared in her jaw. He had not expected anger from her. What the devil was going on? “But only if you wish.”
    That was the problem, Madeleine did wish it. Despite her determination to accompany Georges when he traveled to France, and his obvious resistance to the idea, he was the same fairy-tale hero she had dreamed about for years. The one who would make her feel protected, and had stayed by her side when her family and his had tromped through the forest to find the perfect Christmas tree. At the market he’d bought her a tree ornament she still had. Yet war had changed them both, and the responsibilities she’d taken on after her father’s death had matured her even further. Still, having him with her tomorrow could not hurt. It might even make convincing him to take her easier.
    She glanced up and smiled. “I would enjoy your company extremely.”
    The next morning, Madeleine received a note from her ladyship giving her the names of a modiste, shoemaker, and other places to buy items she might need.
    She dressed for the day before going down to breakfast.
    Georges, already eating eggs and beef, stood when she entered. “Good morning. Lady Palmerton has given us the use of her town coach for your shopping excursion,” he said as he held a chair for her.
    â€œ Bonjour. ” Madeleine sat, and allowed him to add fresh toast to her plate. “Thank you. That was kind of her.”
    He returned to his seat. “It also has the advantage of being much smaller than mine.”
    â€œI understand.” She bit into the toast. It was good, but what she would not give for a crusty roll or a croissant.
    â€œYour maid will accompany us.”
    â€œIs that the custom here?”
    He paused for the slightest moment. “Yes.”
    There was something more. “What aren’t you telling me?”
    Raising his light green eyes to her, he said, “Unless we are betrothed, we should not be in a closed carriage together at all.”
    Her mind was in a jumble. Had he merely not thought about this on their journey here, or was he attempting to compromise her, and to what end? “In that case, maybe you should not come with me.”
    Georges stared at her for a moment, before grumbling, “I shall take a hackney.”
    â€œ Bon. ” She had no idea what a hackney was, but if it preserved the proprieties, then so be it. She finished her bread and tea. “I’ll meet you in the hall in a few minutes.”
    Madeleine would need to discover all the customs here. It would not do to run afoul of them before she returned home.
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    A half hour later, Georges stood back as Madeleine exclaimed with pleasure over the fashions displayed on little dolls in Madame Lisette’s store window.
    â€œThese are beautiful!”
    Granted, the gowns were fashionable, but he couldn’t understand why Madeleine was so excited. “I imagine they have the same styles in Paris.”
    She cut him a look. “They may, but I haven’t been to Paris since I was a child. Maman