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until Rosamunde began to drag her tunic up over her head, then she continued. “And they made all sorts of racket. The bed ropes were squeaking, and my parents were moaning, groaning, and screaming.”
    Dragging her top off over her head, Rosamunde gaped at her. “Screaming?”
    â€œAye.” Eustice grimaced.
    â€œAre you sure it was the bedding? Mayhap they were doing something else.”
    Eustice considered that briefly, then shook her head. “Nay. I told you, the bed ropes were squeaking.”
    Rosamunde began to crumple the shirt she held distractedly as she pondered her friend’s words. She took some water from a basin in the corner of the room and gave herself a quick wash.
    â€œHere.” Eustice lifted and held out the white gown.
    Rosamunde traded the top for the gown, which she immediately began to pull over her head. Pushing her hands into its sleeves, she tugged the gown down over herhips and tugged until it lay straight. She set to work at the laces.
    Glancing up from folding Rosamunde’s top, Eustice frowned at the sight of her and set it aside to grab a brush. Moving behind Rosamunde, she brushed the girl’s hair into a glossy cloud that lay somewhat tamely about her shoulders. Then she set the brush aside and urged the girl toward the door. “We had better hurry. Your father was nearly foaming at the mouth with impatience.”
    â€œBut you haven’t told me—”
    â€œI will on the way,” Eustice assured her as she dragged the door open. Ushering her out into the hall, she pulled the door closed, then heaved a sigh and escorted her down the hall. “As I told you, marital relations are unpleasant, but they are your duty now. But there are times when it is not allowed. For instance, while a woman is—” Pausing abruptly, she turned wide eyes on Rosamunde. “It is not your woman’s time, is it?”
    â€œNay,” Rosamunde murmured, unable to contain a blush. Such things were never discussed.
    â€œGood.” Eustice smiled her relief. “That would be a fly in the king’s ointment. Consummation would be forbidden if you were.”
    â€œAh,” Rosamunde murmured with a solemn nod, a little baffled, but anxious to have the sister get off that subject and move on.
    â€œIt is also forbidden while pregnant or nursing, of course.”
    â€œOf course,” Rosamunde murmured, gamely.
    â€œAlso during Lent, Advent, Whitsuntide, and Easter week.”
    â€œMm-hmm.” Rosamunde nodded.
    â€œAlso on feast days, fast days, Sundays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.”
    â€œSo, ’tis allowed only on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays?” Rosamunde asked with a frown.
    â€œAye. Thank goodness today is Tuesday.”
    â€œYes, thank goodness,” Rosamunde said with a grimace.
    If Eustice heard the sarcasm, she chose to ignore it, merely continuing with her list. “It is forbidden during daylight, while unclothed, or in a church, of course.”
    â€œOf course,” Rosamunde agreed quietly. That would surely be sacrilege!
    It is only to be performed in an effort to gain a child, and then it is to be performed only once. You should not enjoy it. You must wash afterward. And you should not partake of any fondling, lewd kisses, or—”
    â€œWhat exactly is that ?” Rosamunde interrupted, and Eustice glanced at her impatiently, her footsteps slowing.
    â€œYou know very well what kissing is, Rosamunde! I caught you at it with the stable boy when you—”
    â€œI meant the fondling,” Rosamunde interrupted, annoyed to find herself flushing guiltily at the memory of the incident with the stable boy.
    â€œOh, well.” Eustice scowled. “It is touching…anything. Including breasts. Lips are for speaking and breasts for milking—and that is that,” the nun said firmly. She sighed, her eyes shifting upward. “Now, what else…? Oh, aye, you