An Unsinkable Love - By Terri Benson Page 0,16

the neckline. Billowing fabric fell in graceful folds to skim the floor, the toes of her shoes peeping out.

"Oh, my!" was all Elizabeth said.

Bree gently urged her over to the dressing table and pulled the woman's long hair from the loose knot at the base of her neck. With a sterling-handled brush, she smoothed the flaxen hair back from her high forehead and pulled it into a sleek chignon. She slid in diamond-encrusted combs, which had been lying casually on the table. As she admired the effect in the mirror, Bree considered the simple, elegant style more becoming for Elizabeth's fine, straight hair than the currently popular Gibson up-do.

"Have you any other jewelry to wear?"

"The blue case." Elizabeth gestured to a large, carved burlwood box.

Bree lifted the lid and pulled out a thin enameled case. She flipped it open and gasped at the glistening necklace and matching earrings nestled on white satin. "They're beautiful.

Just like you."

Elizabeth tittered softly as she clipped the earrings on and Bree fastened the necklace's lobster-claw clasp. A triple strand of pearls interspersed with teardrop emeralds and diamonds glowed above the shimmering green silk. The large table-cut emerald pendant ringed by shimmering diamonds and emerald hung heavily between the swell of her breasts.

Their eyes met in the dressing table mirror. Elizabeth smiled 56

An Unsinkable Love

by Terri Benson

shyly and Bree was gratified by the astonished happiness on the older woman's face.

"Now, are you ready to show off at the captain's table?"

"Oh, yes. Eldon will be so pleased." She carefully turned and clasped Bree's hands. "Thank you so much. I never thought..." Her eyes brimmed with tears.

"Here, now. None of that. Don't go spoil the effect with red, puffy eyes."

Elizabeth dabbed the tears away with an embroidered handkerchief and pushed herself upright with the help of the tabletop and Bree's assistance. "Oh dear. Look at the time.

Eldon will be here any moment." Her brow creased as the woman lapsed into fear of not meeting her husband's expectations—the same expression she'd seen on her mother's face countless times. Bree thought of several appropriate Gaelic curses she'd like to apply to Elizabeth's husband, but kept her silence.

Instead, she said, "What wrap would you like to wear? It will be chilly on deck." Bree walked to the large armoire and opened it. A bounty of fabrics and colors spilled out, and a section of furs filled the corner. A long-haired gray fox matched Elizabeth's eyes and Bree pulled it out, seeing the older woman's fretting prevented her from making the decision on her own.

"This would be lovely with your eyes. And it has a matching muff—what fun! Now, what about a hat?" Bree chattered as Elizabeth watched her with a growing smile.

Hatboxes lined the top of the armoire and, with the help of a side chair, Bree hauled them down one at a time. As she 57

An Unsinkable Love

by Terri Benson

stepped down off the chair, she caught her heel in her apron hem and tore a section loose. Rather than risk tripping over it again, she slipped it off and folded it over the chair to mend later. In the third hatbox, she found a broad-brimmed hat with fox trim and fan of dyed gray feathers at the crown.

Rosettes of gray satin circled the brim. She quickly fashioned tiny leaves using small pieces of green silk she'd trimmed when altering the gown, adding them to the rosettes. White opera-length gloves in a dressing table drawer completed the outfit.

As Bree put the finishing touches on the hat, the door banged open and a big, blustery man strode into the room.

His ebony hair shone almost blue under the electric lights, distinguished white streaks running back from his temples.

"Well, if this isn't a sight." He looked intently at Elizabeth and the older woman held her breath as she waited for his comments. Surprise flickered across his features. He gave Elizabeth a tiny nod, just enough to bring a flush of happiness to his wife's face. "Have you found a new maid, my dear?" His voice was deep and mellow, but Bree didn't like it all the same.

"Eldon! You're early. We're almost finished," Elizabeth stammered. "This is Bree Barry. She's altering my gowns and helping me dress."

Eldon turned his back to his wife and Bree knew it was on purpose as he gave her a leer that sent shivers down her back. She had never been scrutinized in such a calculating manner, save perhaps by Lord Rothberry that last night.

58

An Unsinkable Love

by Terri Benson

"Since Eleanor