An Unsinkable Love - By Terri Benson Page 0,68

distance himself from her, now he's seen you again."

Melody smiled as she turned her head so she could see herself in a large mirror on the far wall. "He did seem quite happy to see me, until the chit grabbed onto him as tightly as a barnacle." She patted her coiffure and said airily, "I suppose as a friend, it is my duty to help save him from an unfortunate situation."

Eldon tipped his head. "Good. I'm glad you're willing to help. Tonight, as early as possible, I'd like you to take Malcolm out to the garden. I don't care what you tell him—

just get him to go out there with you. I'm sure you'll know what to do when you have him to yourself in the moonlight."

He raised an eyebrow questioningly.

She gave him a sultry smile. "I think I can manage to keep him occupied."

He stood. "Excellent. I'll do my best to keep the girl away from Malcolm and give you time to help him see the error of his ways. I think Elizabeth will be quite willing to help, as well. She's getting tired of Bree's demands to be treated like mistress of the house." He nodded briefly and said, "No need to see me out. I look forward to seeing you tonight, and your certain success."

Eldon left her seated, eyes narrowed, chewing on her index finger. As he walked down the slate path, he 217

An Unsinkable Love

by Terri Benson

congratulated himself on the first part of his plan. By the end of the evening, he would have everything he wanted: Bree, the family company and a funeral to plan for his stepson.

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218

An Unsinkable Love

by Terri Benson

Chapter 33

Malcolm sped down the lane, enjoying the feel of wind whipping past his face. He was thankful he'd installed the small round windshield on the steering column, especially after a particularly large bug splattered against it. It reminded him of the first day home with Bree and her concerns about bugs, but his mind quickly shifted to their incredible night together. And to think I've an endless number of similar nights to look forward to.

He pulled to a stop outside Caleb's store. He knew there were many items for sale that weren't in the window or a display case. Teddy met him at the counter.

"Young Mr. DuMont, what brings you back into town? Your mother has purchased enough for three parties. There can't be anything she missed?" Teddy smiled.

"No, I think she has things well in hand. I'm searching for something special."

The woman's eyes lit up. "Something special, eh? It wouldn't be for that pretty thing you brought in a while back would it?"

Malcolm smiled and nodded. "I'd like a special gift for the engagement. I'll give her the same ring Father gave Mother, but I want something I chose too. Have you got anything tucked away that might fit the bill?"

Teddy rested a dimpled elbow on her palm and laid her index finger along her chin. "I might. I just might. Come along with me." She led the way through an arched entry to a 219

An Unsinkable Love

by Terri Benson

long hall, bustling into an office on the right. A big safe crouched in the corner, a decorative painting and the name LW Collins in gold script gracing the front. Huge iron caster wheels had worn craters in the wood floor. It appeared it could resist a case of dynamite.

Keeping between Malcolm and the safe, Teddy twirled the dial back and forth until he heard an audible click, then she turned a lever and swung the door open on protesting hinges.

The shopkeeper stepped to the side to reveal several cubbyholes stuffed with boxes, burlap bags and paper sacks.

She made a variety of faces as she poked around in first one, then another of the cubbyholes, muttering to herself.

"Aha. I knew it was here somewhere. Been saving it for the proper occasion," Teddy said as she drew out a burlap-wrapped bundle and untied the length of twine holding it closed. With a flourish, she tipped the article out. Metal glittered in the sunlight streaming through the window, and the large opaque green stone in the middle of the antique brooch seemed to glow with an unearthly light.

"It's beautiful. What kind of stone is it?" Malcolm was already sold on taking the piece home.

Teddy ran her large index finger over the polished rock.

"It's called chrysoprase. It's quite rare. I've had it for a long time. The feller I bought it from