Mastering the Marquess by Vanessa Kelly Page A

best.” Meredith tried to be encouraging, even though her heart ached at the thought of separation from her sister. “We could still see each other almost every day. Besides, you will be so busy with your grandmother, you will hardly miss me.”
    Annabel shook her head, a mutinous frown wrinkling her youthful brow. “I won’t leave you, Meredith.” She turned to Lady Stanton. “I’m sorry, Grandmamma. Not even for you will I allow myself to be parted from her.”
    â€œOf course not,” her ladyship replied calmly. “You and your sister must take a townhouse in Mayfair, close to Berkeley Square. I hope Miss Noyes can be prevailed upon to act as chaperone until a more permanent situation can be arranged.”
    Meredith’s jaw almost dropped open at the shock of Lady Stanton’s suggestion. Before she could raise any objections, however, Miss Noyes launched into the conversation.
    â€œOh, my lady, what a wonderful idea! I can be ready at a moment’s notice to assist the dear girls in any way I can. As long as they need me, I will be happy to stay. No sacrifice will be too great!”
    Meredith hastily broke in. “Surely this is not necessary, your ladyship. Annabel will be quite happy to live at Stanton House, once she has grown used to the idea. In any event, I would not be able to support a household in Mayfair on my income. And you know we cannot touch Annabel’s fortune.”
    Why wouldn’t they understand? Annabel needed more protection and guidance than Meredith could provide. She glanced at Lord Silverton, who looked as if he were trying not to laugh.
    Meredith gritted her teeth and stubbornly carried on. “I believe Annabel should be with her grandparents. That is clearly the best solution to our problem.”
    Lady Stanton wrinkled her nose in gentle dismay. “I’m sorry, my dear, but that is just not possible. You saw how strongly the general reacted to your visit this morning.” Annabel peered at her grandmother, who patted her hand reassuringly. “While I have no doubt my husband will accept Annabel into our family, he is not amenable to sudden changes in the household.”
    She paused delicately. “It would be better, for the moment, if you were to set up your own establishment. There will be no difficulty in keeping you safe, I am sure. You cannot stay here if Annabel is to have a successful Season. And since we are speaking so frankly, my dear Miss Burnley,” Lady Stanton continued dryly, “you must know the Stantons are well able to support both you and your sister in the appropriate style.”
    Meredith sighed. In all the excitement of the last hour, she had forgotten her ladyship’s intention to launch her into society.
    â€œExcuse me, ma’am,” she said politely but firmly, “but as I said in the carriage, there is no reason for me to have a Season. I must reiterate that I do not wish it.”
    Her ladyship cheerfully waved away her attempts at refusal and began to discuss townhouses in Mayfair with Lord Silverton and Robert. Annabel chimed in excitedly, and even Miss Noyes ventured to make a few hesitant suggestions. None of them even glanced at Meredith as they debated the merits of possible living arrangements and how soon they could move from Hans Town. She had the distinct and unpleasant impression she had somehow become invisible.
    â€œSilverton.” Lady Stanton smiled at her nephew. “I would be most grateful if you could take this in hand and find the girls a suitable house.”
    Meredith felt ready to shred her bonnet in frustration. Obviously she had lost the battle to settle Annabel at Stanton House, but to be further indebted to Lord Silverton didn’t bear thinking about. He was so dangerously attractive, the less she had to do with him, the better.
    â€œLady Stanton,” she exclaimed, “I am most grateful for all your kindness, but it isn’t