Madeleine's Christmas Wish Read Online Free PDF

thought the trip was too dangerous.”
    A small lady with dark hair and eyes strode out to greet them. “Madam, monsieur, welcome to my shop. I am Madame Lisette. How may I assist you?”
    He inclined his head toward Madeleine. “Bonjour, Madame, this is Countess du Beaune, and I am Marquis Cruzy-le-Châtel.”
    Madame curtseyed. “I have had the honor to dress your mother and sister, milord.”
    Well, that explained their modiste bills.
    â€œLady Palmerton”—Madeleine cut in, frowning at Georges as if she could hear his thoughts, before turning a brilliant smile on Madame—“assured me you would be able to make up some gowns for me.”
    â€œOf a surety, milady. Please follow me, and we will begin.”
    The two women disappeared behind a curtain. Feeling rather awkward standing alone in the shop with nothing to do, he strolled to one of the dolls dressed in the latest fashion.
    â€œMonsieur?” A young woman carrying a tray addressed him.
    â€œYes?”
    â€œMadame would like to know if you wish to have some coffee.”
    â€œI would.”
    The girl waited a moment, then said, “Please, have a seat on the sofa.”
    God he was an idiot. There was a whole seating area behind him. How had he not seen it before. Probably because he was focused on Madeleine. “Thank you.”
    Two interminable hours later Madeleine strolled into the waiting area chatting with Madame. Madeleine turned to him. “ Bon. I am ready to leave.”
    By noon, he was heartily wishing he’d never offered to come. Other than answer the occasional question as to whether he liked a bonnet or parasol—she had looked ravishing in several of them—he’d had no time to talk with Madeleine as she shopped. At least she appeared happy and carefree, even if there were no Christmas decorations to be found. He’d never before understood his mother’s and sisters’ wishes to visit London’s shops, but there appeared to be something about all this shopping women enjoyed.
    â€œThere,” Madeleine said, tucking her hand in the crook of his arm, “I am finished. You will remember to have the bills sent to me when they arrive?”
    â€œOf course,” he lied. “I’m famished. Shall we return to Lady Palmerton’s for luncheon?”
    Madeleine’s pretty lips formed a moue . “Is there not a café or restaurant where we could go?”
    â€œNot in London, my dear.”
    â€œThen I suppose we have no choice. Oh!” She covered her lips with her fingers. “I shall require a trunk.”
    Damn if he’d go looking at luggage as well. “I’ll send my valet out. He’ll know just what to buy.”
    Besides, Georges wanted to get her to his mother and make their wedding plans. No matter where he was this Christmas, it would be the first one he would have knowing everyone he was responsible for, including Madeleine, was safe.
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    Before dark fell the following day, they arrived at Georges’s manor house in Berkshire. She wasn’t happy that he’d traveled in the coach with her, but she did have a maid, and it was too cold for him to ride the whole way.
    The house wasn’t huge, nor was it too small. Comfortable was the word that came to mind. Lanterns flanking the front door lit the building revealing red brick that had mellowed over time. Lights shone in the windows. It had a homey feel.
    Madeleine gasped. Intricately woven straw stars hung from red ribbons in the windows of the bottom floor. Would her mother have put theirs up yet? Madeleine hoped so, if only for her sister and the servants.
    â€œWhat is it?” Georges asked as the carriage stopped.
    â€œThe Christmas stars. I did not expect them. I have not seen any decorations for Advent since I’ve been here.”
    â€œThere is a German woman nearby who makes them, and taught my sisters.”
    The front door opened. A