An Unsinkable Love(42)
143
An Unsinkable Love
by Terri Benson
Malcolm laughed. "It feels comfortable now, but with the bed down there's hardly room to turn around." He motioned to a narrow door on the wall. "The powder room is through there. There is a larger bathing chamber next door, which we all share."
He led her into the corridor and farther down the car. They passed a neat and compact galley where a white-haired black man put packages into cupboards.
"Hello, Peter. Good to see you again," Malcolm said as the man turned from his duties.
The dark face split into a wide grin, showing large white teeth. "Good day to you, Mr. Malcolm. Things haven't been the same with you gone. I got your favorites in here." Peter nodded toward the cupboard.
Malcolm chuckled and said, "I can't wait. This is Miss Barry. She's traveling up to The Dell with us."
"Afternoon, miss. You need anything, you let me know."
Bree smiled. "Thank you. I can't imagine what could be missing from this magnificent train. I've never seen anything like it." Peter smiled proprietarily and went back to work.
Malcolm took her elbow and guided her into the lounge.
The other rooms were richly appointed with heavy carved wood, patterned tin ceiling and thick carpets, but the lounge was far grander. A marble-mantled fireplace abutted the wall adjacent to the galley. One front corner of the car sported a baby grand piano, and elegant chandeliers hung from the coffered ceiling. Comfortable-looking sofas and chairs were scattered around the room in casual groupings while Oriental rugs covered the polished wood floor. In the corner near the 144
An Unsinkable Love
by Terri Benson
galley sat an inlaid dining table and six chairs. Large picture windows filled almost all the wall space.
Bree gazed out one of the velvet-flanked windows and watched the crowds milling about on the platform. Before she turned away, she noticed the russet-haired man staring directly at her. She sucked in her breath, her hand grasping the cross she always wore.
"What is it?" Malcolm asked, seeing her expression.
"That man, the one your stepfather argued with. He's out there. He was staring right at me."
He strode to the window. "Where?"
She stepped up beside him. "There, by the column." She searched in vain for the bright thatch of hair. "He's not there now. I know I saw him, truly I did."
Malcolm frowned. "I'm sure you did. He probably followed us. Whatever is going on between him and Eldon doesn't appear settled yet."
A knock on the front door caused Bree to jerk in surprise.
The portal opened and the conductor stuck his head in.
"Leavin' in a moment, folks. Everyone aboard?"
"Yes, thanks. We're all set."
The man tipped his hat and retreated. A short time later, they heard a clank and felt a hard tug, followed by squealing wheels and the sensation of slow, jarring movements.
Bree staggered and fell into Malcolm's chest. He caught her, holding her tightly to his rock-hard body for a moment.
His hands slid from her shoulders down to her wrists before he slowly stepped back, keeping a grip on her hands. She bit her lip and looked away, shocked at how her heart beat faster 145
An Unsinkable Love
by Terri Benson
as he held her. And wishing for another jerk to send her back into his arms.
"Bree."
She gazed up at him, the serious tone a far cry from the casual banter he usually used. His deep blue eyes glittered with emotion as they bored into hers. There was an intensity in his whole being that excited and frightened her at the same time. He took a step forward, and she tipped her head up to see his face. His hands returned to her arms, sliding up and down gently, then snaked around her back. She held her breath. His head bent down and she caught a whiff of his spicy cologne. As his warm lips touched hers, she melted against him, and his arms tightened. She didn't know how long the embrace went on, but a sudden loud cough brought them back to the real world. Malcolm's arms dropped, and they whirled around to see a smirking Eldon leaning casually on a dining chair.
"Well, well. This is a surprise. The innocent little seamstress and the rich playboy. Could there be a more clichéd scenario? Be careful, my dear. Our Malcolm has quite a reputation with the ladies. Elizabeth might not appreciate the two of you carrying on right under her nose, either."
Eldon's sneering tone brought a burning flush to Bree's face.