“Jolly Mary said. ”We are well prepared for you.” They led me into a small inner chamber where there was a steaming wooden tub sitting on the stone floor. I had never seen any pot big enough to heat this much water before. I looked under it but there was no flame. How many times must someone have emptied a kettle into it! And for what purpose? Jolly Mary let go of my arm and said, “Now take off that hideous apron and dress. The kerchief as well. And the cap. I am certain you are going to look lo...vely when you are clean.” “Clean? But I am not dirty,” I complained. “I washed my hands and face before we performed and had a full bath not a month ago in a stream near Nantes.” I did not make a move to strip off my things. “Now!” Regal Mary’s hand pressed into the small of my back, pushing me forward again. “Into the tub.” “Mon Dieu!” I cried. “You are going to boil me like a piece of mutton! Does Her Majesty know of this?” “It is the queen’s own order,” Pretty Mary said.MoreLessRead More Read Less
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