Free Mastering the Marquess by Vanessa Kelly Page A

her about their situation, and she needed no further instruction.
    â€œYes, miss, you can be sure I will bring help.”
    Agatha’s skirts flew as she raced for the front door. Meredith hurried to the drawing room, sick with fear. What a fool she had been to think they were safe from discovery in this quiet little house. But how had her uncle found them so quickly?
    She could hear Isaac Burnley’s guttural voice berating Annabel. Suddenly her fear evaporated, replaced by a rage that made her jaw lock and her stomach clench. She flung open the door and charged into the room.
    The small group before her froze into a horrid tableau. Her uncle loomed over her sister and the governess, who were huddled against the fireplace screen at the end of the room. Annabel looked scared to death, but her posture was erect and Meredith was amazed to see her standing squarely in front of Miss Noyes, as if to protect her. The poor little woman trembled so badly the ribbons on her cap fluttered.
    Jacob Burnley stood beside the door. Meredith’s rattled mind registered that her cousin looked uncomfortable, his shoulders hunched up around his ears as if he were embarrassed. At the sound of the door opening behind him, Isaac wheeled around and stared at her, an expression of ferocious satisfaction on his face.
    â€œWell, there you are, Niece. Run to ground at last,” he snarled. “You thought you could defy me and make fools of us all. We’ll see how clever you are after you feel the back of my hand on your face.”
    His nostrils flared as he took a slow step toward her, his large hand curling into a massive fist. Meredith gasped with horror as she realized he actually intended to strike her. Miss Noyes shrieked, and Annabel cried out as she tried to pull from her governess’s arms to come to her sister’s aid.
    â€œNo, Annabel!” Meredith commanded. “Stay where you are.”
    She closed her eyes as she tried to prepare herself for the blow. If she could draw all his anger, then he might leave Annabel untouched. Meredith could bear the pain if it gave them more time before help arrived.
    â€œFather, stop!”
    Meredith’s eyes flew open at the sound of Jacob’s voice. He lunged in front her, shielding her behind his own body. Father and son glared at each other, Isaac red-faced with rage.
    â€œGet out of my way, boy. She needs to be taught a lesson,” he growled.
    â€œNot this way,” Jacob replied, shaking his head.
    They were both large men, but Jacob was bigger and in superb condition. Meredith had no doubt he could stop his father from hurting her.
    Isaac’s huge fists opened and closed as he stared at his son. For a moment, Meredith thought he would try to force Jacob out of his way to reach her. Instead, he slid his furious gaze over her once more before sharply nodding his head and dropping his hands to his sides. He moved back toward the fireplace and Annabel.
    Meredith slid by her cousin, taking a wide berth of her uncle as she crossed the room. She knew her only chance now was to delay Isaac—do anything to prevent him from taking Annabel before help could arrive. Meredith had to hope that Jacob’s obvious discomfort with his father’s behavior would give them the time they needed.
    â€œHow dare you come into our house and threaten us,” she challenged. “Your authority may extend to Annabel, but it does not extend to me. This is my house and you are not welcome here.”
    Meredith felt her resolve ebb as her uncle’s face again darkened with rage. But as Annabel’s icy little hand slipped into hers, she realized how much she loathed being intimidated by Isaac. Meredith looked down her nose with as much contempt as she could muster, surprised to hear her voice cold and steady as she addressed him.
    â€œI have no doubt General Stanton will take whatever action is required to protect his granddaughter from your cruelty. He is on