An Unsinkable Love

chapter 32


The day of the party dawned bright and sunny, just like Bree's mood. She broke into an Irish ditty as she enjoyed a bath. Her gaze repeatedly drifted to the big bed, framed in the doorway, as she replayed memories of last night. Soon she and Malcolm would lie together every night.

Bree met Hannah on the stairs as she skipped down to breakfast. The maid inquired about her injuries, and Bree was surprised to realize she felt no pain at all and, in fact, the fire had been pushed out of her mind by thoughts of Malcolm.

Being reminded about what happened with Eldon the night before sobered Bree, and she walked sedately into the dining room to find Elizabeth and Malcolm already seated. He turned and smiled, rising to help her into her chair. As she bent to arrange her napkin, he pressed a kiss at the side of her neck, giving her shoulders a squeeze.

"How are you feeling, my love?"

Bree flashed a delighted smile at the endearment. "I'm fine. I don't know what's in that salve, but Mr. Murray could be a rich man if he sold it."

Malcolm laughed. "He'll never give up the secret." He sat next to her and glanced back and forth between the two women. "I know today is going to be busy. What can I do to help?"

Elizabeth observed them with a gentle smile. "You can stay out of the way, my boy. The staff knows what needs done.

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Why don't you go fishing or take a drive in that silly car of yours? Just be sure to return in time to change for the party."

He made a wry face. "I can see I'm not wanted."

"That's not true. I want you." The words were out of Bree's mouth before she realized what she'd said.

Malcolm and Elizabeth both laughed. "I'm glad to hear it,"

he said with a knowing smile, squeezing Bree's hand under the table as she blushed furiously.

As soon as breakfast was finished, Malcolm dutifully headed out, and the two women turned themselves to the final tasks before the party.



* * * *

Eldon watched Malcolm roar off in the Mercer, a haze of dust hovering in his wake. He'd returned to the house in the wee hours of the morning, and quietly made his way to his room for a change of clothing. It seemed prudent to make himself scarce for the day, but with Malcolm gone now there was no need to put himself out.

He ambled out to the barn and waited for Murray to saddle his favorite gelding. He stared at the chaff floating in the sunlight and brooded over the multitude of arrangements he needed to set into motion. Too bad the board of directors couldn't observe his organizational skills today—they'd be quite impressed. Just another example of why he was so much better suited to running the company than his wife's whelp. Yes, indeed, there was quite a lot to do before the festivities began. Eldon mentally rubbed his hands in glee.

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Just as he started to take Murray to task for his slowness, the groom led the horse over and offered a leg up. Snorting, Eldon threw himself in the saddle and jerked the gelding around, forcing the horse's broad chest to catch the groom in the shoulder and knock him to the ground.

Without a backward glance, he rode down a nearby trail toward the village. He left his mount at the livery at the far end of town. There were more and more motorcars in the area, but many of the old-timers insisted on keeping their horses and carriages on the roads. And today Eldon wanted to attract as little attention as possible. There was no telling when or where Malcolm might turn up, and the Rolls and Pierce Arrow were far too well known to escape the younger man's attention. With his hat pulled low over his brow, he set out down a pretty residential lane. The houses here were large and well cared for, with lush lawns, wrought iron or freshly painted picket fences, mature trees and large flower gardens ringing the structures. He lifted the latch on the gate of a handsome two-story manor and took the blue-gray slate steps two at a time. He rang the bell. A uniformed maid opened the door quickly and, recognizing Eldon, led him into the immaculate parlor to await her mistress.

Melody rushed into the room a few moments later, her flushed, animated face falling when she saw him.

"Why, my dear. You don't seem pleased to see me. Or is it that you expected Malcolm would be your gentleman caller?"

Eldon asked with a sardonic drawl.

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Melody shrugged a shoulder daintily. "I'm surprised to see you is all, Eldon. What is so important it brings you to town?

I'll be at the house this evening, you know."

Eldon paused and reviewed the speech he'd perfected on the ride in. "You'd better sit down, dear. What I have to say may come as a shock. A welcome one, I think," he added as her eyes widened.

Melody collapsed into a thickly upholstered chair. "What is it? Is Malcolm all right? What has that red-headed minx done now?"

Eldon laughed. "And why would you think Bree has anything to do with why I'm here?" Seeing anger and concern battling in her eyes, he relented. "Malcolm is fine. In fact, I think he's finally coming to his senses." He held her full attention now. "I overheard Malcolm speaking with Elizabeth.

Yes, I know, eavesdropping is a nasty habit, but in this case I think you'll be happy I lingered." Eldon enjoyed keeping her in suspense.

"What did he say?" Melody scooted to the edge of her seat.

"It seems the spell of dear Bree's beauty is beginning to wear off. Malcolm is tiring of the girl. I don't think he realized how young and inexperienced she is. I expect it feels rather like taking a friend's younger sister on a date. She also started making demands for new clothes and wants to bring her entire family from Ireland to live off Malcolm's riches."

As he expected, the blonde's eyes narrowed while she no doubt considered someone else getting their hands on all Malcolm's money. No matter how much she professed to love his stepson, Eldon knew it was the boy's fortune Melody loved 215

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the most. Her family didn't exactly wallow in poverty, but her father barely managed to hold on to his small mill, especially since Percy had died. Eldon had discovered Percy's agreement to a premium price for Parsons Mill fabric. He'd forced the board to put paid to that practice after his brother's death, and Parsons was now on the brink of bankruptcy.

"Of course I expected he'd come to his senses, eventually," Melody said airily. "I was a tad afraid he'd wait too long and she'd have her hooks into him. She certainly seems to have pulled the wool over Elizabeth's eyes."

Eldon nodded sympathetically. "Yes, I'm afraid my wife is far too prone to pick up wayward strays. I don't mind so much when it's a kitten, but a scheming young woman is another matter entirely. I had thought it time to suggest Malcolm take a more prominent role in the company, but if he can't see past the red head's wiles, I'm not sure he can handle the job." He bit back a smile as her expression grew calculating.

"Malcolm needed a little time. Now he's back home, I'm certain he'll see everything more clearly." She smirked, all but licking her lips as she twirled a loose strand of hair around her finger.

Eldon nodded. "I'm sure you're right. And he has his friends to help him." He looked at Melody and inclined his head. "You've always been such a positive influence, dear. I think you need to take a firm hand and guide him in the correct direction."

"Me? Why, whatever can I do? The engagement party is tonight."

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"The party is still on, of course, but I don't think it would take much to turn it into a welcome home party for Malcolm and Elizabeth, and relegate Bree to a secondary role as just another survivor of the Titanic tragedy. Especially since Malcolm already wants to distance himself from her, now he's seen you again."

Melody smiled as she turned her head so she could see herself in a large mirror on the far wall. "He did seem quite happy to see me, until the chit grabbed onto him as tightly as a barnacle." She patted her coiffure and said airily, "I suppose as a friend, it is my duty to help save him from an unfortunate situation."

Eldon tipped his head. "Good. I'm glad you're willing to help. Tonight, as early as possible, I'd like you to take Malcolm out to the garden. I don't care what you tell him—

just get him to go out there with you. I'm sure you'll know what to do when you have him to yourself in the moonlight."

He raised an eyebrow questioningly.

She gave him a sultry smile. "I think I can manage to keep him occupied."

He stood. "Excellent. I'll do my best to keep the girl away from Malcolm and give you time to help him see the error of his ways. I think Elizabeth will be quite willing to help, as well. She's getting tired of Bree's demands to be treated like mistress of the house." He nodded briefly and said, "No need to see me out. I look forward to seeing you tonight, and your certain success."

Eldon left her seated, eyes narrowed, chewing on her index finger. As he walked down the slate path, he 217

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congratulated himself on the first part of his plan. By the end of the evening, he would have everything he wanted: Bree, the family company and a funeral to plan for his stepson.

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An Unsinkable Love

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