The Bride Spy
them back. Do you understand?”
    “I’l see you at breakfast, Hannah.” He left her room and closed the door.
    “Jerk!” She threw her pil ow at the door.
    Gwen came into her room several minutes later, her arms ful of clothing. “Good morning, Hannah. How are you feeling?”
    “My clothes are missing,” she grumbled as she climbed out of bed.
    Gwen lifted a large amount of fabric toward her. “I have one of my day dresses for you.”
    Hannah shook her head. “No. I mean the clothes I was wearing yesterday are missing. Would you know where they might be?”
    “Christopher said they were disposed of, which is why I have some of mine for you.”
    Hannah pinched the bridge of her nose. “I want my clothes back. Can you help me?”
    “They’re probably already destroyed, Hannah.” Gwen laid the dress and other articles of clothing on the bed.
    “However, these should work just fine. Would you like some assistance?”
    “More than likely.” Gwen handed her what looked like bloomers. “You’re kidding, right?” Hannah turned the underwear front to back, and vice versa.
    “You’re funny, Hannah.” Gwen giggled. “Put those on first, and then I’l give you the chemise. I also have a corset for you, which I think wil fit. We’re about the same size around.”
    Hannah felt the color drain from her face. “Corset?” she squeaked. “You have a corset for me?”
    “Yes, corset.” Gwen frowned. “Are you al right?”
    Hannah merely nodded, because she realized quickly that if she spoke out loud she might scream. She put the underwear on and then Gwen assisted her with the corset.
    I really am in hell.

    Gwen handed her round wire hoops, which she stepped into. Once they were secure, the dark green skirt went over her head and then the blouse.
    “How do you breathe in this?” Hannah gasped.
    “Did I tighten it too much?” Gwen asked in concern. “I can loosen it if you need me to.”
    “No, it’s fine,” Hannah grumbled.
    I just want this nightmare to be over.

    As the girls entered the dining room, Christopher stood and waited for them to take their seats before sitting again.
    Hannah tried to stomp down her irritation with her attraction to the man, but her mischievous elephants seemed to have awakened a few hours before she did. She took her seat and tried to focus on her plate rather than him.
    “Would you like some coffee?” Gwen asked.
    “Actual y, is there any tea?”
    “Yes. I’l get you some.” Gwen stood again and left the room.
    “May I prepare you a plate, Hannah?”
    Hannah glanced up at Christopher and forced a smile.
    “Yes, please.”
    “Anything in particular?”
    Listen, here, elephants from Hades, you need to back off.
    Just because his smile makes his eyes crinkle at the corners, and his mouth makes me want to be kissed, does not give you the right to trample my insides!

    “Hannah?”

    “No, nothing in particular.” She waved her hand toward the buffet. “Whatever you choose.”
    Christopher nodded and turned his back to her.
    That is one tight bum.

    “Hannah?”
    Hannah blinked, not realizing her thoughts had wandered, and accepted the plate from him. She took a bite and then picked at her food.
    “You should eat,” Christopher said.
    “I’m not particularly hungry.”
    “Eat, Hannah.”
    She glared at him. “Find my jeans, Christopher .”
    He smiled at her in response. Gwen returned with the tea and set the cup in front of Hannah.
    “Thanks, Gwen.”
    Gwen smiled as she took her seat and then turned to her brother. “What are your plans today, Chris? Are you going back to D.C.?”
    He shook his head. “I won’t return until tomorrow.”
    “Mama wil be so glad.”
    Christopher nodded and glanced back at Hannah. “Would you like a tour of Catonsvil e?”
    She raised an eyebrow at him above the rim of her teacup.
    “I’d like to go home.”
    Wiping his mouth with a napkin, he shrugged. “There real y isn’t anything that can be achieved today, so

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