CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Two days before the wedding, Madeleine played a mannequin, standing on a platform in the ballroom while attendants buttoned her wedding gown. Her mother and the designer, a talented woman named Delia, stood nearby supervising.
Lilia covered her mouth with her hand. “Oh, ma’am. It’s beautiful. I knew the gown would be lovely on you, but you’re the quintessential princess bride.”
Lilia wore her heart on her sleeve. Any show of emotion was genuine, unfiltered by the training Mrs. Hobbs attempted to instill in the staff. But that was one reason Madeleine loved Lilia and wished she could go to the island with her. She’d been offered the position, but her husband’s job and their families were in Gaullia, so she’d said no. Which Madeleine understood, but she would miss her.
“T
