You Are Mine (Mine #1)(83)

Chapter Thirty-Five





After several days I'm still haunted by Phyllis interrupting our conversation. There's been no word of any trouble because of it. Yet it gnaws at me constantly. Both Katherine and Zade have been acting as if nothing has happened, except to talk once of what they will do when the law is enacted. That time, Zade cast his salmon, no eavesdropping spell. Even I didn't hear that conversation.

Katherine sits calmly. She points to the bundles she left on the bed earlier before she met with Zade. “There are a few new dresses for you.”

“You didn't have to do that. How did you find the time?” Especially with everything else going on.

“I've been able to hire four more workers.” She waves her hand dismissively. “You've been good enough to wear the dresses to deliver the invites and it's brought business. I wanted you to have some new things to wear.”

“You're too kind.”

“If it brings as many requests for new dresses as my others have, you'll be the one doing me a favor.”

I laugh. “Then by all means, you can make more whenever you like. Any other orders?”

“A few friends of Annabelle and Councilman Daniel came in. Each wanted at least three outfits. All of them wanted me to do their gowns for the ball. One is still skeptical. But Annabelle's more excited than you. She even took a pair of breeches.”

“She did!” I try to picture the well-mannered woman in men's wear. The image refuses to come to mind.

“Don't worry. She looks great in them.” A mischievous grin slides onto her face. “Your sisters should be trying on their dresses, should we go see?”

“I'd love to.”

She stands. “Don't expect to see anything for the ball with your new things. You won't see your gown until that afternoon.”

We head for my sisters' rooms. “I've never been so curious about a dress before.”

“Glad to be of service.”

We arrive at Cynthia's room and knock.

A muffled, “A moment please” is called through the door.

While waiting, Katherine gives a sly smile. “There's something else in there you may want to peek at when you're ready.”

If it's not the ball gown, what could it possibly be? “What is it?”

She shrugs and gives a sly smile. The door bursts open.

“Come in,” Cynthia says.

Katherine enters, but I hesitate. “I need to check something. I won't be a moment.”

“Don't worry about it. Bethany won't be ready for a while and I haven't even started.”

I hurry up the stairs to my room. Several packages await me on my bed. Which one could she be talking about? I sort through them, feeling their weight. I grab the lightest. None of the others have been like this. Curiosity tugs at me. Bethany isn't ready yet. There's time. I run my fingers over the package. Opening it shouldn't take long. I undo the string. A nervous flutter dances inside me.

Despite my sudden misgivings, I push the wrappings aside. Black cloth sits before me. That's not so bad. No need to fear. But why is it so small? I pick it up and give it a good shake. Two separate pieces unwind, one on each side connected together at the top.

I yelp and drop them. They flutter to the ground. “Breeches?”

What was Katherine thinking giving them to me? I stare at them, and then move toward the door. Before I can open it, I sigh. I can't leave them sitting there for anyone to see. Waverly will be back before I am. And what if my sisters want to see my new dresses when they've finished with theirs?

Those tiny black things call to me. I inch to them and lift them, pinching the soft material with a thumb and finger. I move toward the bed. Under it should be good enough for now. When I get there, I can't bring myself to throw them under. This is ridiculous. I have no use for them. But, I can't bring myself to hide them. Finally, I've crossed the line. I've gone completely mad.

Yet, here they are, waiting for me. It would only take a moment to change into them.

“Ugh.” I reach for the laces of my skirt. Soon I'm wearing only my blouse while holding the breeches. This was a silly idea. With a deep breath, I struggle into them and tie the laces at the waist. The bulk of the gun strapped to my thigh is visible. That won't work at all. I don't want to wear them around anyway, just curious.

They feel...tight. Though they aren't too tight, I suppose. I bend my legs. The material stretches with my movements. They aren't too snug, but more constricting than they should be. Will they damage my circulation?

I tread across the room. It's almost like walking around in my underthings. How can men stand wearing so little? It is easier to move though. Less material to get caught in things. Despite thinking they were constricting at first, I may be able to do more in them.

I stroll across the room again. And again, but faster. What else can I do? I run. Jump. Leap onto my bed. Just as I'm leaping off, the door opens. Phyllis's face flash across my view.

I slam onto the floor with a groan.

Before Phyllis has a chance to do anything, I stagger to my feet, ignoring my aching body. “What are you doing here?”

Instead of answering, she steps inside and closes the door. Zade's life is the one in danger, not mine, so I shouldn't be worried. But I am. My gun is useless, trapped under the breeches. I inch to the cord that will ring in the servants hall.