An Unsinkable Love(35)
Elizabeth explained, "It's so romantic. This young lady, Sarah Roth, came to America to wed her betrothed. She lost everything on the ship, even the wedding dress she made.
Louise and the Women's Relief Committee have provided her with a lovely trousseau and they're being wed right here at the hospital."
Eldon searched his mind for an excuse to avoid the maudlin event without offending Miss Vanderbilt.
Malcolm appeared at his mother's side and in a derisive tone said, "Ah, Eldon, you've decided to grace us with your heroic presence?"
Damn the boy! Eldon wished he could do something to wipe the false smile off his stepson's face, but that simply wouldn't do. Instead, he plastered on a phony smile of his own and nodded. "I wouldn't miss such a joyous occasion for anything, dear boy." He took Elizabeth's arm and escorted her down the hall to the chapel. He deftly worked his way next to Miss Vanderbilt and made sure to voice the proper exclamations of excitement and happiness, while he smiled and nodded like a fool. His reward came when Louise invited the four of them to dinner at her mansion that evening.
"How kind, Louise," Elizabeth said, "but I can't leave poor Bree here alone."
Apparently, Elizabeth and Louise had discussed the seamstress earlier, as Louise nodded. "Of course. I understand. Perhaps another time." Eldon bit his tongue to 121
An Unsinkable Love
by Terri Benson
keep from screaming at his wife. This was his big opportunity, his chance to rub elbows with the highest echelon of power in the country. He would finally have a venue to show the right people just how clever he was. It would be perfect.
Malcolm, of all people, came to his rescue. "You do go on, Mother. I'll sit with Bree tonight. You deserve some fun after caring for the two of us so well. And all by yourself."
Eldon flushed with anger at the jab and forced a benign smile. "That's right, dear. I've been trying to drag you away from this place for days. You're beginning to look quite haggard again. And you were really beginning to make such good progress getting your strength back."
Elizabeth put her hand to her cheek, as if making sure her face hadn't lost more of its appeal.
Louise patted her shoulder. "It's settled then. Why not come with me right now in the car? It will save you trying to get a taxi. The streets are still packed with people coming and going to the pier and family and friends arriving for visits.
We'll have time to chat before dinner. I'd like to talk with you about a few of my pet projects."
Eldon cringed. Pet projects to the Vanderbilts ran into the millions. If Louise got her hooks into Elizabeth, she would likely give her— his—entire fortune to the filthy masses. He turned up the amperage on his false smile and nodded agreeably as he steered the women toward the entrance. He shot a quick glance over his shoulder and saw Malcolm's decidedly unfriendly glare. Eldon turned around and smirked to himself. There's not a thing he can do to me. He schemed 122
An Unsinkable Love
by Terri Benson
to insinuate himself into the Vanderbilt's business while he pretended attention to the women's prattling.
[Back to Table of Contents]
123
An Unsinkable Love
by Terri Benson
Chapter 18
Bree sat in bed, hands knotted in her lap. Elizabeth had eventually taken her leave after trying to reassure Bree the loss of all her money and personal belongings wasn't the end of the world. They'd argued when Elizabeth offered to replace everything, but Bree hadn't had the strength to continue. As a compromise, Elizabeth accepted Bree's offer to go through the older woman's clothing and make alterations as needed to repay any costs incurred. It was a hard sell. Bree was sure Elizabeth only agreed so she would calm down—that, and the fact an important wedding was due to take place at the hospital in a few moments.
Alone for the time being, Bree took the opportunity to wash her hair. She welcomed the short respite from her narrow bed, although bathing in the tiny hospital tub was a chore. Despite her misgivings, she was excited about going north with the DuMonts. Elizabeth's glowing description of the heavily wooded rolling hills, tumbling brooks, white clapboard buildings and deep grass pastures sounded wonderful. Any view would be an improvement on the dirty brick wall a few feet outside her grimy window. She'd been in America for more than a week, and all she'd seen were those bricks.
She sat in a chair by the flyspecked window and brushed her hair dry. She was bored and restless. Dr. Tumey had regretfully denied her request to go to the wedding, concerned her weakened condition would too easily allow her to catch something else.