Madeleine's Christmas Wish Read Online Free PDF Page B

tall man, whose most prominent feature was his beaklike nose, stood aside as three women hurried past him. Madeleine was startled to see how much younger Georges’s mother appeared than her own, especially as Maman could give Madame Cruzy-le-Châtel more than five years.
    Unsure of her welcome, Madeleine fixed a smile on her face and allowed Georges to hand her down.
    â€œOh!” Lady Cruzy-le-Châtel’s palms flew to her cheeks. “You are so like your mother.” Suddenly Madeleine found herself enveloped in a perfumed embrace. “Come in, my dear. We are delighted to have you with us. It will not matter what occurred before, Georges has a special license and once you are married, all will be as is should be.”
    â€œ Maman! ” Georges roared.
    â€œ Married! ” Madeleine glanced at his face, now darkened with anger. Where had his mother got such an idea?
    Madame Cruzy-le-Châtel’s eyes widened. “I’m sorry, but it was what your fathers planned, and you are here. Was I not supposed to have mentioned it yet?”
    Georges ran his fingers through his hair, knocking off his fine beaver hat. “I refuse to have this discussion outside.”
    He grabbed Madeleine’s hand and stalked into the house. She briefly considered digging her heels into the dirt drive until they came to an accord, but rejected the idea as childish. Still, they must talk, and she fully intended to tell him what she thought. As soon as she figured out what that was.
    â€œI apologize.” His tone was a low whisper. “It is just that Maman wishes me to marry, and . . .”
    He did not strike Madeleine as a gentleman who lived under his mother’s thumb. “What is a special license, and do you have one?”
    â€œMay we please wait until we are private?” he asked repressively.
    â€œYes. I think that is an excellent idea. As long as we can arrange it immediately.”
    â€œGeorges, stop. You cannot drag Madeleine around as if she were a child.” They turned. Madame Cruzy-le-Châtel stood with one hand on her hip and a stubborn cast to her mien. “Dinner will be served in half an hour.” She glanced at one of Georges’s sisters. “Pauline, you will take Madeleine to her chambers.”
    â€œYes, Maman.”
    Madeleine fought the urge to frown at him as she shook off his hand. “Thank you. I will be glad to be able to wash a bit and change.”
    She followed Georges’s sister up the stairs, then down a corridor to a large room overlooking an expanse of lawn down to a lake. The chamber itself was decorated in light soothing greens and cream with touches of gold. “It’s lovely.”
    Pauline grinned and pointed to the right. “There is a dressing room there, and on the other side is a bathing chamber.”
    Andrews came out from the dressing room holding a silk gown. “I got this one out for this evening, my lady.” When she glanced up she stopped. “Beggin’ your pardon, my lady. I didn’t know you had company.”
    Pauline laughed. “I’ll go now, and see you in the drawing room, Madeleine.” The girl hesitated for a moment as if she would say more, but decided against it and left. “Don’t forget, half an hour.”
    Madeleine removed her bonnet and cloak. “Come, we must hurry.”
    Even though she felt as if she’d scrambled into her gown, she was the last one to arrive. When she entered the room, Georges was scowling at his mother, who appeared completely unrepentant.
    Oh dear. The sooner she and Georges had their discussion, the better. At least then she’d know how to go on, or if she should leave in the morning. Though she had no idea where she would go. He could not truly wish to marry her, and how would she feel if he did? No. It would create more problems than it would solve. She must return to France to her family, and his duties were here with