An Unsinkable Love - By Terri Benson Page 0,41

with his breakfast the next morning.

"Dr. Tumey says you are well enough to leave."

"What about Miss Barry?" He tried to appear unconcerned.

Elizabeth eyed him slyly. "What about Miss Barry, dear?"

When she saw the exasperated look he gave her, she relented, grinning. "Bree too. I asked Eldon to make arrangements for our private rail car to be brought up. I think we'd be much more comfortable than riding in a motorcar all that way. Now you sit still and eat your breakfast while I go tell Bree."

As his mother left the room, Malcolm smiled. He would have at least a few days where Bree couldn't get away from him. Perhaps enough time to convince her she should spend the rest of her life with him. When he'd left for Europe with 135

An Unsinkable Love

by Terri Benson

his mother and Eldon, he thought all he wanted was to take over the family business and make it what his father had wanted, not what Eldon changed it into. But now, the only thing on his mind was a beautiful, Titian-haired young woman named Bridget Barry.

* * * *

Bree was thrilled to hear she would no longer be confined to bed in the tiny room. She wasn't sure how often Malcolm would take time to visit an invalid, and now at least he wouldn't have to see her surrounded by the sights and smells of a hospital. Soon they'd be on their way to the fresh air of the country. She was truly about to begin her adventure in America.

As Dr. Tumey left her room after giving her a clean bill of health, and a warning to take it easy for a few more weeks, Elizabeth entered. She ignored his flustered smile, and the despairing grimace that followed, as she carried several boxes over to the bed. A grinning Malcolm hustled along behind, more packages heaped in his arms. Bree stood by the window in a rumpled flannel gown and robe and turned as Elizabeth laughingly tumbled the boxes onto her bed, her son following suit.

"What's all this?" Bree asked as she ambled over.

"Open them and see, my dear." Elizabeth stepped behind her and hugged Bree's shoulders, her chin resting next to her ear. "You can't very well leave here in a nightdress, now can you? We picked up a few things for you until we get home.

Then we can get you a proper wardrobe."

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An Unsinkable Love

by Terri Benson

Bree bent her head, gazing at her stocking-clad feet.

"Elizabeth, you've been so kind. I promise I'll pay back every cent."

"I beg your pardon!"

Bree's head snapped up at the tone of outrage in Elizabeth's voice. She turned, wide eyed and beheld her friend's angry face.

"If you think I do this expecting to be repaid, you are sadly mistaken, young lady. I enjoyed every minute of shopping for you." Her gray eyes softened. "I never had the chance to spoil a daughter. Shopping for you was such fun." She smiled at Bree and held her arms out. "Please let me do this. No strings attached. Please."

Bree didn't hesitate, leaning into Elizabeth's embrace.

Elizabeth whispered into her ear, "Buying clothes for you is eminently more enjoyable than buying them for Malcolm.

Black and gray suits are so boring."

Bree stepped back, laughing. "I thank you very much for your generosity." Then she picked up a box. "Now, what should I wear?"

* * * *

Malcolm wandered over to the window and leaned on the frame. He watched, enjoying the lighthearted banter between the two so-different women. Elizabeth helped Bree select an outfit, then shooed him from the room.

He paced the hallways, never out of sight of the door, and was only a step away when it opened and Bree came out. She looked like the well-bred woman he'd first met on the ship, 137

An Unsinkable Love

by Terri Benson

clothed in a dusky green suit that set her hair off to perfection. It fit well, but not quite as well as the gray outfit had. Her hair was pulled back from her face with green jade combs and her tiny feet were shod in fashionable pointy-toed lace-up boots.

"Excuse me, miss, have you seen a half-drowned girl? I left her in this room, but now she's gone."

Bree chuckled. "I'll take that as a compliment, whether you meant it or not."

He bowed and followed her back into the room. Elizabeth sorted packages into an orderly stack. She linked elbows with Bree and gave him an inquiring stare.

"Well, since I've been relegated to pack horse, I suggest we be