An Unsinkable Love(68)
An Unsinkable Love
by Terri Benson
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."
229
An Unsinkable Love
by Terri Benson
"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
An Unsinkable Love
by Terri Benson
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.