Persuading Annie by Melissa Nathan

like a family decision.’ Susannah felt that Annie needed a break from London. Maybe New York was just the place to bring back the colour in her cheeks. ‘Meanwhile,’ she continued, ‘Victoria and Charles and the boys would have all the space they need in Katie’s quarters. With the proceeds from their flat, we’ll be able to get the very best management consultants in—’ she suddenly spoke faster, ignoring the sharp intake of breath that came from all around the table, ‘—who I’m sure will turn the company around so we can float it for millions and then you can come back to live here for good.’
    George looked like he was thinking very hard. He was in fact, concentrating desperately on the image of his late grandmother on her deathbed. It helped him recover himselfafter a sudden and all-too effective image of enjoying Davina in New York.
    Susannah continued. ‘I will stay in London while the consultants are here and when everything’s sorted out, I’ll come and join you in New York for the New Year. Until then I’ll talk regularly with the New York office, and keep you informed every step of the way. Enjoy the sights while you’re there! Visit your club, go to the opera, and most importantly, relax. We can’t have our managing director, our chairman, having a nervous breakdown, not when we need him most. You must use this opportunity to recuperate at this time of stress. Be a guiding light for the rest of us. And of course, you can talk to us here in the office as often as usual and advise us how to run the company in your absence.’
    She held her breath. This moment was crucial to the survival of Markhams’.
    ‘Yes, I – I have felt a bit peeky, recently,’ nodded George, thinking very, very hard of his late grandmother.
    Susannah breathed out. Her relief at the ease with which this had been achieved overshadowed her surprise.
    Everyone except Annie clapped their hands in excitement and started talking animatedly about the delights of the Big Apple.
    Annie looked round the room, her stomach tensing with anxious frustration. She couldn’t possibly let Susannah dictate where she lived. She didn’t want to go to New York. She watched George and Katherine tell a wide-eyed Davina about how many society people you could see in one evening at the opera.
    I’m adopted, thought Annie. There’s no other explanation.
    ‘Um,’ she cleared her throat. ‘May I make a suggestion?’
    Susannah smiled confidently at Annie. ‘Of course, my dear.’
    ‘I would rather – if it fits in with everyone else, of course – stay here in London with Vicky and Charles and the boys, than go to New York.’ As Susannah’s smile subsided, Annie rushed on. ‘I could help with the boys, I could even move in there, I could rent out my place – that money might come in handy—’
    ‘Don’t see how a poky hole in Muswell Hell could help us – we’re not that stretched,’ interrupted her father.
    Surprised by Annie’s offer, Susannah didn’t even acknowledge George’s words. Annie’s requests were rarely unrealistic. And the occurrence of Annie asking anything with a selfish motive was so rare that it always deserved respect.
    If Annie seriously meant to help Victoria, they could even get rid of Victoria’s staff. She would hardly need a live-in nanny when there was a live-in sister on hand. And of course, if Annie were to stay in London, then Edward Goddard would have more of a chance to wear down her anti-romantic notions. In fact, she could ask Annie to get more involved in the business meetings – where she could keep her eye on the burgeoning relationship. She predicted an announcement by the New Year. Oh yes, it was perfect.
    ‘My darling,’ she said sweetly. ‘That is a generous offer that makes me proud of you.’
    Annie hadn’t finished. If the company was really in dire financial trouble, she might be able to help. And helping might ease the sense of impotence that always overcame her when she