An Unsinkable Love

chapter 35


Bree was pulled away from Malcolm almost immediately by Teddy, who insisted on introducing her to a group of elderly couples. From then on she was passed from group to group, occasionally catching a glimpse of Malcolm. He always seemed to have a beautiful young woman—or two—at his side. And yet, a smile lit his face each time their gazes met.

When they eventually reunited, Malcolm steered her to a secluded alcove. "Wait right here. I'll get us some wine." He paused and looked at her intently. "I have something very important I want to talk to you about, but you've been so busy with introductions we haven't had a moment together."

He gave her a long, clinging kiss on the temple, his hand cupping the back of her neck as his thumb stroked under her ear. With a reluctant sigh, he pulled away and dodged through the tightly packed bodies toward a table set up with cases of wine and hard liquor.

He was gone an awfully long time.



* * * *

"Having a nice time, are we?"

Bree startled violently and a frisson of revulsion zipped down her back at the sound of Eldon's low voice. She glanced over her shoulder. He leaned against the wall, his casual stance telling her Malcolm couldn't be anywhere near. Eldon was tall enough to easily see over the mass of people and 228

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wouldn't be so relaxed if there was any chance of a confrontation with his stepson.

"I was."

He chuckled at her tone.

"Malcolm will be back in a moment, Eldon. After your behavior last night, I think it would be a good idea if you made yourself scarce. It would be horrible for Elizabeth if you and Malcolm got in a fight at her party."

"Fight? Malcolm and I? Not to worry. I explained about last night's misunderstanding. He knows I merely attempted to give you a fatherly peck on the cheek and, in your inexperience, you mistook it for something else. I am sorry about the fire, but Elizabeth assures me you suffered no real damage."

Bree sucked in her breath. The cad! Surely Malcolm didn't believe such a pack of lies? "If that's your idea of an apology, you've wasted your time. I'm quite certain of your intent and, truthfully, I would rather burn to death than suffer it." His cheek muscles flexed and his dark eyes narrowed a fraction, but his jovial smile seemed glued in place.

He regarded the crowd with disinterest. "I promised I wouldn't say anything, but I feel it's only fair I warn you. You may regret your comments very soon, dear, once you realize I may be the only one who has any intentions for you."

She turned in her seat to face him, puzzled by his words.

He leered down at her and continued, snide amusement in his voice, "I think you'll find America a very inhospitable place for a young woman on her own. No money. No family. Bad things happen."

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"Lucky for me I won't be on my own." Bree turned away, hoping Eldon would leave her in peace. Where was Malcolm?

He'd been gone much longer than necessary to get wine.

Eldon noticed her intent gaze. "He's not there, you know. I saw him go out to the garden a few moments ago with a woman. I'm not sure, but I believe it might have been the as-always lovely Melody. I came upon them today while out riding. They were very cozy in that shaded little glade until they realized I was there. Their hurried excuses were rather amusing. As if I cared what they did in private."

Bree couldn't help it. She swiveled around and stared up at him. She wanted to call him a liar. Wanted to tell him to leave her be. That Malcolm wouldn't do that. He couldn't! She bit her lip as her hands twisted her long satin gloves into a knot.

He gave her a sympathetic look, and she was almost convinced he meant it. "I don't think it's right for them to pick up where they left off without explaining it to you. Even if the engagement is off." He paused at her gasp then continued with a smirk. "You didn't know? Oh, my. I am sorry. I assumed Malcolm would discuss it with you before the party.

Well, considering the dishabille I found the two of them in earlier, he probably didn't have time to do more than clean up before the guests started arriving. I'm sure he'll talk to you very soon. Now, much as I've enjoyed our little chat, I do have other guests to entertain. But not Melody—I think Malcolm has her well in hand." Eldon chuckled at his joke and sauntered off.

Bree slumped in her chair. She couldn't, wouldn't believe it. Malcolm had likely been detained by a friend. Eldon was 230

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just trying to upset her. Malcolm loved her. Didn't he? But he had mentioned he had something important to talk to her about. And if he and Melody really were together, maybe Eldon had told the truth. Needing to be alone to think, Bree quickly stood and walked down the hall to the library. The door was closed, discouraging guests from entering, and she found it empty. She crossed the room slowly to the trio of tall floor-to-ceiling doors, mates to those in the parlor. Flaming torches lit the garden at intervals and light spilled into the darkened room through the undraped windows. At first glance the garden was empty, the cool breeze and hunger having driven the guests indoors, but then she caught a flicker of movement.

A pair of figures stood close together at the edge of the torch glow—the man, taller than average and the woman with hair gleaming gold in the firelight. Even though she couldn't see his face, Bree knew it was Malcolm held so tightly in the blonde's embrace, Malcolm's head dipping down to the pale upturned face. It was true. Malcolm had chosen Melody. She truly was alone again. The dream of a new start in a new land was turning into a nightmare.

As tears coursed unheeded down her cheeks, Bree fled to the hallway, instinctively turning away from the noise of the party. A few yards down the parquet floor the door to the working areas of the house yielded to her urgent flight. Head bent to shield it from the startled cook, Bertie, and the servers working in the kitchen, she hurried across the room.

Bree passed through the open door to the porch then pushed through the swinging screen door. In her haste, she nearly 231

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missed the step down to the lawn, and if not for the sudden appearance of Carlisle at her elbow, might have fallen ignominiously on her face.

"Here, now, miss. That could have been a bad tumble." He looked into her tear-stained face. "Are you all right? Should I call the missus?"

Bree shook her head, trying to stifle the sobs threatening to escape. "N-n-no, thank you, Carlisle. I needed some fresh air."

"Umm, if you ... Well, I'm going into town to fetch a few more cases of, umm, wine. Yes, that's right. A few cases of wine. If you'd like to go anywhere, I'd be glad to take you.

It's a lovely evening. You ever ride in Rolls Royce? Oh, yeah,

'course you did. When I brought you from the station." He glanced around, as if he were searching for something.

Bree was surprised at his eagerness to take her for a ride.

But she looked closer and saw a deep blush on his clean-shaven cheeks. He was a nice young man, a bit simple perhaps, but always polite. Her sudden arrival had obviously embarrassed him. She started to offer a polite refusal when a possible escape from her impossible situation came to mind.

"Yes, thank you, Carlisle. I think I would like to go to town.

Do you know the schedule at the station? I forgot I need to visit my aunt in Boston, to ... well, to tell her about Malcolm.

With all the excitement, it slipped my mind. She'd be so upset if I don't explain. I'll just run up and get my reticule." Bree hesitated. If she went back into the house someone would ask questions, or worse yet, she'd run into Malcolm and Melody. She couldn't face them.

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Carlisle frowned and tapped his chin, then said, "There's a train leaves in about an hour."

She jumped as another deep voice spoke from the darkness.

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An Unsinkable Love

by Terri Benson