Madeleine's Christmas Wish by Ella Quinn

Accompanying them were his mother and sisters, and Wilton. The guests would arrive within the hour for the wedding breakfast.
    His mother hugged Georges. “I’ve sent for Madeleine.” Maman held out her hand to Rutherford, who bowed over it. “You must be Lord Rutherford.”
    â€œIndeed. My wife is with the countess.”
    â€œYes, I remember. She will attend Madeleine. How nice you could come, and while you are still so newly married yourself.”
    â€œWe were delighted to make the trip.”
    Georges grinned to himself. With Rutherford’s three sisters in the house, he’d wager his last penny, Anna and Rutherford were happy for some time alone. Pauline had wanted to attend Madeleine, but Maman thought Madeleine should meet other people.
    Her father’s habit of avoiding court helped keep them alive, but left her with limited social skills when it came to the ton . If possible, they’d be back in England for the Season, and she would be more comfortable having previously met Anna.
    A sigh from one of Georges’s sisters made him glance toward the door. For a moment he thought he was dreaming. Madeleine strolled forward. The silver thread and crystals woven in a pattern over her gown’s silk bodice and skirts caught the sunlight streaming through the windows, casting multicolored lights onto the cream walls. Her face was framed by soft curls. The fabric was the same color of her eyes. She was exquisite. He wondered if the back of her hair would be a simple knot, or elaborately braided. Either way, he would be taking it down. He might have agreed not to consummate their marriage to-night, but he hadn’t agreed not to touch her.
    His lips tugged up, and he knew he was smiling like a besotted bridegroom. Perhaps he was. Once he’d kissed Madeleine, he never wanted to touch another woman.
    Her beautiful blue eyes were wide with trepidation. He reached out for her. “Come, my love.”
    Color flooded her cheeks, and he realized what he’d said. Yet he’d not take it back. He did love her, or very nearly so. The question was what did she feel for him?
    The priest and rector had blended the service so that all the legalities and customs of both countries were accomplished. They knelt for communion, receiving the blessing of the Holy See. When she’d hesitated, then stumbled over the “until death do them part” portion of the vows, he had his confirmation. For whatever misguided reason, she was planning to have the marriage annulled. In that case, he’d just have to convince her otherwise.
    Georges captured Madeleine’s attention as she entered the drawing room. Dressed in a jacket of Prussian blue and matching breeches, he had never looked more handsome. The coat appeared molded to his broad shoulders. A lock of sable hair fell over his brow, giving him a piratical appearance.
    â€œNicely tied cravat,” Anna whispered. “Almost as good as Rutherford’s.”
    She was right. It was very well done. The only color on the snowy linen was a plain sapphire pin. Madeleine slowed her pace as they approached Georges and Lord Rutherford.
    Could she truly go through with marriage knowing she intended to have it annulled? Yet, what choice had he given her? And part of her wanted to be married to him, to have him call her his wife, at least for a little while.
    She almost choked on the last part of the vows, but he gently wrapped his fingers around hers, and she was able to finish.
    After they signed the register, his sisters and mother smothered her in hugs and kisses. She’d better enjoy it now; soon they would hate her.
    Georges wrapped his arm around Madeleine, leading her to the hall and the corridor to the ballroom. He bent his head close to hers, pressing a kiss to her hair. “Everything will be all right. I promise you.”
    â€œI—I must tell you—”
    â€œNo. You must prepare to greet your guests, Madame