An Unsinkable Love

chapter 33


Malcolm sped down the lane, enjoying the feel of wind whipping past his face. He was thankful he'd installed the small round windshield on the steering column, especially after a particularly large bug splattered against it. It reminded him of the first day home with Bree and her concerns about bugs, but his mind quickly shifted to their incredible night together. And to think I've an endless number of similar nights to look forward to.

He pulled to a stop outside Caleb's store. He knew there were many items for sale that weren't in the window or a display case. Teddy met him at the counter.

"Young Mr. DuMont, what brings you back into town? Your mother has purchased enough for three parties. There can't be anything she missed?" Teddy smiled.

"No, I think she has things well in hand. I'm searching for something special."

The woman's eyes lit up. "Something special, eh? It wouldn't be for that pretty thing you brought in a while back would it?"

Malcolm smiled and nodded. "I'd like a special gift for the engagement. I'll give her the same ring Father gave Mother, but I want something I chose too. Have you got anything tucked away that might fit the bill?"

Teddy rested a dimpled elbow on her palm and laid her index finger along her chin. "I might. I just might. Come along with me." She led the way through an arched entry to a 219

An Unsinkable Love

by Terri Benson

long hall, bustling into an office on the right. A big safe crouched in the corner, a decorative painting and the name LW Collins in gold script gracing the front. Huge iron caster wheels had worn craters in the wood floor. It appeared it could resist a case of dynamite.

Keeping between Malcolm and the safe, Teddy twirled the dial back and forth until he heard an audible click, then she turned a lever and swung the door open on protesting hinges.

The shopkeeper stepped to the side to reveal several cubbyholes stuffed with boxes, burlap bags and paper sacks.

She made a variety of faces as she poked around in first one, then another of the cubbyholes, muttering to herself.

"Aha. I knew it was here somewhere. Been saving it for the proper occasion," Teddy said as she drew out a burlap-wrapped bundle and untied the length of twine holding it closed. With a flourish, she tipped the article out. Metal glittered in the sunlight streaming through the window, and the large opaque green stone in the middle of the antique brooch seemed to glow with an unearthly light.

"It's beautiful. What kind of stone is it?" Malcolm was already sold on taking the piece home.

Teddy ran her large index finger over the polished rock.

"It's called chrysoprase. It's quite rare. I've had it for a long time. The feller I bought it from said it had magic powers or some such, and I have to admit it does make me feel a bit happier to look at it. It always seems a mite warm to the touch too."

"May I?" he asked. At her nod, Malcolm picked up the large piece, and indeed, felt warmth in his palm. The mint-green 220

An Unsinkable Love

by Terri Benson

oval stone was almost two inches across, flanked by ornately styled wings of heavy gold filigree. Three diamonds, a large center one and two smaller, matching ones, connected the wings top and bottom.

"The stone is supposed to bring good luck," Teddy said, and added with a smile and rosy cheeks, "and fertility."

Malcolm felt his own face heat, matching the warmth in his hand. "I'll take it, Teddy, and I'll be happy whether or not it lives up to its reputation."

She nodded and folded it back into the sacking. "Will you be wanting it wrapped in a nice box? I can fix it all up for you and bring it with me tonight."

"That would be fine, if it's not too much trouble." He bussed her cheek and she waved him down the hall.

"Off with you, you young rascal."

As Malcolm went back outside, a distinct bounce in his step now he'd found the perfect engagement gift, he wondered what the price might be, then shrugged. Teddy wouldn't have shown him anything too expensive without telling him. She'd send an accounting at the end of the month, along with the party costs.

Malcolm spent the rest of the day checking in at several of the mills. One of the finishing plants had tested a new dye process, with pleasing results. He stuck a paper-wrapped bolt of the fabric in the passenger seat of the car to show his mother then checked his pocket watch for the hundredth time. With a sigh of relief, he saw it was late enough to return home without being sent away again. He was anxious to see Bree—and his mother, of course.

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An Unsinkable Love

by Terri Benson

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222

An Unsinkable Love

by Terri Benson