An Unsinkable Love(67)
Bree hugged herself, unable to chase away the fear gnawing at her soul. She didn't belong here. It was only a matter of time before Malcolm realized it. She couldn't bear the thought he might look at her with dread and loathing some day. She found herself pacing the room, wracked with images of walking away from the beautiful house, Melody standing on the doorstep next to Malcolm, his arm draped around her.
She jumped as someone rapped on the door. "C-c-come in," she stuttered, half expecting a servant to escort her from the premises.
Elizabeth swept into the room, her face lighting up when she saw Bree in her party dress. "Oh, you're just lovely, dear." She circled Bree, reaching out to twitch a fold of lace into place. "Absolutely lovely!"
Bree sighed deeply. "The gown is beautiful, Elizabeth.
Thank you."
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An Unsinkable Love
by Terri Benson
Elizabeth laughed and patted Bree on the shoulder. "I wasn't talking about the gown, dear. And don't thank me. You did all the work. As a matter of fact, thank you for my gown.
It's a perfect fit."
The older woman pirouetted gracefully, showing off the loose over jacket of lavender velvet, which hung in heavy folds from wide lapels and loose sleeves to a handkerchief hem at knee length. Bree knew the tightly fitted dark purple silk sheath underneath clung to Elizabeth's curves. A jaunty cap with purple dyed marabou feathers sat precariously above one eye. An antique marcasite-and-amethyst setting graced her neck and ears.
"I think it's time for our grand entrance. I saw Malcolm come home about an hour ago and I heard his voice downstairs as I came down the hall. Shall we?"
Elizabeth crooked her elbow and Bree slipped her arm in.
They marched out into the hall and to the top of the stairs.
Bree stumbled to a halt. She gazed down at the sea of color filling the large foyer and spilling into side rooms. The women hadn't made a sound but, as if sensing their presence, faces below turned up to stare.
Bridge blinked and bit her lip, turning in dismay to Elizabeth. The older woman reached up and squeezed her hand. "Steady now, dear. You're the belle of the ball tonight.
They want to see what a lucky man my son is."
Reassured, Bree matched her steps to Elizabeth as they descended the wide, curved staircase. Malcolm appeared, a broad smile lighting his face. He bounded up a few steps and reached to take Bree's hand as they drew near. Elizabeth 226
An Unsinkable Love
by Terri Benson
relinquished her arm and took a few more steps before she stopped to address her guests.
"Welcome, everyone. It's so lovely to see you all. I'd like to introduce you to this beautiful young woman, Bree Barry, without whom I would not be standing here."
A long, loud round of applause rippled across the room, amid cheers of "Here, here." Malcolm tucked Bree's arm in his, and they followed Elizabeth down the stairs.
Bree smiled and nodded to the blur of faces crowding near, but couldn't help noticing there had been no mention of wedding plans in Elizabeth's introduction.
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An Unsinkable Love
by Terri Benson
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