An Unsinkable Love(36)
124
An Unsinkable Love
by Terri Benson
"Oh, well, Elizabeth will return soon. She promised to tell me all about the ceremony," she muttered as she stood and wandered around, eventually plopping down on the hard, hated mattress. Bree released some of her pent-up frustration by giving her pillow a good beating and settled back on the plumped feathers when a series of knocks sounded on the door.
It wasn't Elizabeth who entered at her invitation; Malcolm stood grinning in the doorway. "May I come in?"
"Of course." Bree craned her neck to peer around him.
"Isn't your mother with you?"
"Sorry, no. You're going to have to make do with me this evening. Mother and Eldon have another engagement. I'm here to keep you company."
Bree sank back against the pillow. She was desperately lonely, but wasn't sure she was up to the torture of having Malcolm near. "There's no need. I'm quite capable of being by myself. I'll talk with your mother about the wedding tomorrow."
He shook his head. "Ah, but you needn't wait. I can describe it to you. It was quite lovely. The bride wore a white gown, of course, in the popular Empire style. Seed pearls lavishly embellished the bodice and sleeves, as well as her tiny pillbox hat."
Bree giggled at his theatrical recitation. He flapped his arms and his expressive eyebrows waggled up and down as he paced the room, turning dramatically as he mimicked the bride sweeping down the aisle. He went on to describe the diverse group of people in attendance, changing his voice and 125
An Unsinkable Love
by Terri Benson
parroting their actions. Bree laughed until her side ached and tears rolled down her face.
"Stop, please. I can't take any more of this." She held up her hands in appeal.
"All right. But Mother's version won't be nearly so much fun. She's much too nice to tell you all the silly parts." He stopped near the bed and gazed down at her. "Aren't you about sick of lying in that bed?"
"I can't begin to tell you how much I wish I could get up."
"Then why don't you?" he asked.
"Where would I go? I haven't any clothes, and Dr. Tumey would have a fit if I got sick again."
"Stay right there. I have a plan." With a conspiratorial wink and broad grin, he slipped out of the room, leaving her with her mouth hanging open.
"And where would I go, pray tell?" she grumbled in annoyance, but her interest was piqued.
A few moments later Malcolm returned, pushing a wicker wheelchair. A blanket lay folded over the seat. "Ta da! Your chariot awaits, my sweet."
The endearment brought a blush to her cheeks, and she quickly looked down at her lap, hoping her unbound hair would hide her face.
"Well, what are you waiting for? You said you wanted out of bed. Get a move on."
His enthusiasm was contagious, and brought a smile to her face. Glad she wore a clean flannel nightgown that covered her adequately from chin to toes and nearly to her fingertips, she rolled out of bed and took a step toward the chair. She 126
An Unsinkable Love
by Terri Benson
stopped and grasped the iron footboard as a wave of dizziness flooded over her. He reached out and caught her elbow, helping to steady her.
"I know the feeling. I've finally gotten over being dizzy all the time." He waited patiently as she took a moment to get her equilibrium back.
Smiling her thanks, she managed to take the last few steps, her toes curling against the cold floor tiles. He whisked the blanket off the seat, shook it out and laid it over the whole chair. He took her hand and bowed as he settled her on her throne. Once seated, he carefully tucked the blanket around her shoulders and folded it so the only parts of her showing were her head and hands.
"And for my next trick." He pulled white objects out of his coat pocket with a flourish. He bent down, pulled first one bare foot then the other out from under the blanket, and slid on thick cotton socks. "Wouldn't want Dr. Tumey after me for letting you catch a chill." He grinned again and her dizziness returned, but it had very little to do with getting out of bed too fast, and a lot to do with his unexpected thoughtfulness.
He pushed her out of the room and down the hall. Almost immediately, an attractive woman at a long counter called out a greeting. Malcolm responded in a friendly and polite manner and moved on. Bree saw disappointment in the woman's expression. After several similar exchanges, Bree experienced an unfamiliar emotion. Surely she wasn't jealous? "Do you know everyone here?" she finally asked.