Once the formalities had settled and the household began to hum again with its quiet afternoon rhythm, Olivia found herself standing with the other wives in the privacy of the drawing room just off the west wing.
With a stretch and a satisfied sigh, Olivia leaned slightly against the velvet settee and placed her hands on her hips. Her voice, soft and calm, broke the silence. "All of you", she said, tilting her head at them with a tired yet amused smirk, "please give me a break for ten days, alright? I'm going to spend that time with my son… and let my poor back and thighs recover."
Claire blinked. "Daily?" Her tone is somewhere between scandalous and impressive.
Olivia rolled her eyes affectionately. "Stop when she's on her bleeding day—six days, give or take." Then, with a wave of her hand, she added, "Anyway, I'm taking Ivan to the hot spring before bed. And after that, I'm not doing anything but melting under the blankets and sleeping like the dead."
