The expression on Holly’s face was almost too much for Connie’s self-control to take and it was only the thought of hurting the girl’s feelings that prevented laughter from busting out of her. How very like her young charge it was to be less disgusted by the biological changes to her body, changes she could at least understand, than she was the boy she was betrothed to marry, who Connie supposed she had no understanding of whatsoever. Given the usual practices amongst Holly’s circle it was quite likely she had barely spoke to the boy – at least she was on more than a nodding acquaintance with her own reproductive system now.

“I doubt anything you had an influence in would be boring,” Connie replied with a soft smile, taking a sip of her hot chocolate, wondering whether it would be more than her job was worth to encourage Holly’s rebellion against future nuptials. Girls being promised in marriage before they were women seemed like something from the dark ages to Connie but Holly was hardly the person for her to air her thoughts to. Not today anyway.

“If it’s any consolation for tonight’s discoveries you can take comfort in the thought that you almost certainly know more about the begetting of children than he does. Young men are rather slow on the uptake.”

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MJ made me beautiful