An Unsinkable Love - By Terri Benson Page 0,67

the Rolls and Pierce Arrow were far too well known to escape the younger man's attention. With his hat pulled low over his brow, he set out down a pretty residential lane. The houses here were large and well cared for, with lush lawns, wrought iron or freshly painted picket fences, mature trees and large flower gardens ringing the structures. He lifted the latch on the gate of a handsome two-story manor and took the blue-gray slate steps two at a time. He rang the bell. A uniformed maid opened the door quickly and, recognizing Eldon, led him into the immaculate parlor to await her mistress.

Melody rushed into the room a few moments later, her flushed, animated face falling when she saw him.

"Why, my dear. You don't seem pleased to see me. Or is it that you expected Malcolm would be your gentleman caller?"

Eldon asked with a sardonic drawl.

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Melody shrugged a shoulder daintily. "I'm surprised to see you is all, Eldon. What is so important it brings you to town?

I'll be at the house this evening, you know."

Eldon paused and reviewed the speech he'd perfected on the ride in. "You'd better sit down, dear. What I have to say may come as a shock. A welcome one, I think," he added as her eyes widened.

Melody collapsed into a thickly upholstered chair. "What is it? Is Malcolm all right? What has that red-headed minx done now?"

Eldon laughed. "And why would you think Bree has anything to do with why I'm here?" Seeing anger and concern battling in her eyes, he relented. "Malcolm is fine. In fact, I think he's finally coming to his senses." He held her full attention now. "I overheard Malcolm speaking with Elizabeth.

Yes, I know, eavesdropping is a nasty habit, but in this case I think you'll be happy I lingered." Eldon enjoyed keeping her in suspense.

"What did he say?" Melody scooted to the edge of her seat.

"It seems the spell of dear Bree's beauty is beginning to wear off. Malcolm is tiring of the girl. I don't think he realized how young and inexperienced she is. I expect it feels rather like taking a friend's younger sister on a date. She also started making demands for new clothes and wants to bring her entire family from Ireland to live off Malcolm's riches."

As he expected, the blonde's eyes narrowed while she no doubt considered someone else getting their hands on all Malcolm's money. No matter how much she professed to love his stepson, Eldon knew it was the boy's fortune Melody loved 215

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the most. Her family didn't exactly wallow in poverty, but her father barely managed to hold on to his small mill, especially since Percy had died. Eldon had discovered Percy's agreement to a premium price for Parsons Mill fabric. He'd forced the board to put paid to that practice after his brother's death, and Parsons was now on the brink of bankruptcy.

"Of course I expected he'd come to his senses, eventually," Melody said airily. "I was a tad afraid he'd wait too long and she'd have her hooks into him. She certainly seems to have pulled the wool over Elizabeth's eyes."

Eldon nodded sympathetically. "Yes, I'm afraid my wife is far too prone to pick up wayward strays. I don't mind so much when it's a kitten, but a scheming young woman is another matter entirely. I had thought it time to suggest Malcolm take a more prominent role in the company, but if he can't see past the red head's wiles, I'm not sure he can handle the job." He bit back a smile as her expression grew calculating.

"Malcolm needed a little time. Now he's back home, I'm certain he'll see everything more clearly." She smirked, all but licking her lips as she twirled a loose strand of hair around her finger.

Eldon nodded. "I'm sure you're right. And he has his friends to help him." He looked at Melody and inclined his head. "You've always been such a positive influence, dear. I think you need to take a firm hand and guide him in the correct direction."

"Me? Why, whatever can I do? The engagement party is tonight."

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"The party is still on, of course, but I don't think it would take much to turn it into a welcome home party for Malcolm and Elizabeth, and relegate Bree to a secondary role as just another survivor of the Titanic tragedy. Especially since Malcolm already wants to