Mastering the Marquess Read Online Free PDF Page B

susceptible to his potent male charm. She had been very anxious about meeting the general and the rest of Annabel’s family, which might explain her odd reaction to the situation.
    That and the fact that Silverton was the most dazzling man she had ever met, she thought dryly. In all fairness to herself, however, handsome London noblemen were actually rather thin on the ground in her part of rural Wiltshire.
    Meredith studied the back of Lady Stanton’s upright figure as she climbed the imposing central staircase behind the older woman. Glancing around, she noted the high ceilings and marble columns gracing the front hallway of the Palladian-inspired townhouse. The footman who had opened the front door stood impassively at the foot of the stairs, but she had little doubt he too thought her a lunatic for pushing her way into General Stanton’s inner sanctum.
    What a commotion she had caused! She had gambled everything on her ability to convince her sister’s family they must come to Annabel’s rescue. If the general’s response was any indication, their future seemed increasingly dependent on the goodwill of her cousin Jacob. Her heart shriveled at the thought, and she gave a despondent sigh as she trudged behind Lady Stanton. Her ladyship cast a look over her shoulder, her lips parting in a generous smile.
    â€œNot much farther, my dear. Then you will be able to have a nice cup of tea and explain how I can help you.”
    At those gentle words, Meredith’s heart began to lift, and for the first time in days she allowed herself to hope she had found an ally in her battle to keep Annabel safe.
    The butler, who had preceded them up the stairs, now opened the door to Lady Stanton’s sitting room, bowing to his mistress and then escorting Meredith through it. A footman carrying a large silver tea service followed them through the doorway. He placed the tray on a low table in front of a divan at the far end of the room.
    â€œThank you, Tolliver,” said Lady Stanton. “That will be all.”
    The butler bowed once more before he and the footman left the room.
    Meredith inhaled deeply, pausing to take stock of her surroundings. In truth, she needed a few moments to compose herself, and looking around the room gave her that much needed opportunity. As she gazed at Lady Stanton’s particular retreat, she suddenly experienced a disorienting wave of longing for Swallow Hill.
    They were in a smallish, narrow room that ended in a set of graceful bay windows overlooking the gardens at the back of the house. The walls were a delicate shade of pale blue, set off by gray trim and elaborately detailed white plastered ceilings. Floral-patterned Oriental carpets covered the polished floorboards. The furniture looked both comfortable and cheery, upholstered in soft fabrics that matched the gold and cerulean shades in the carpets.
    In spite of the small space, the effect was one of airiness and light. Although it looked completely different, the colors and sense of calm that pervaded the room reminded Meredith of her stepmother’s bedchamber. She found herself blinking back tears at the unexpected, bittersweet memory.
    Lady Stanton examined her with a look that managed to be both shrewd and kind. Seating herself on the richly padded silk divan, the older woman indicated the matching armchair placed on the other side of the low, deeply polished table.
    â€œCome, Miss Burnley, do sit down. You have nothing to fear from me.” She smiled invitingly at Meredith. “You see, I have been expecting your visit for quite some time.”
    Meredith was about to sink into the chair, but she froze, stunned by Lady Stanton’s remark. “I don’t understand,” she replied slowly. “None of your family has been in communication with mine since my father and stepmother were married.”
    Lady Stanton again waved her hand at the chair. Meredith sank down into the soft cushions as the