Maria finds the lingerie

Meanwhile Maria was done scrubbing the children and she was also done with drying them with towels and had just finished dressing the smallest one. She sent them back to their rooms and was left to dress herself. She looked for her panties which were between her folded dress. Once she unfolded it, she stood frozen in place. It was the laced, black and red sinful bit of fabric she had wanted to forget.

She considered of disposing them, but then… How would she explain to her husband where her previous lingerie went if he noticed. Even if she disposed them, what would Oz say… Her head hurt as she had to consider multiple possibilities so late in the evening. A few moments and a bit of hesitation later she decided to put them on and cover herself with the dress properly.

Oz watched as she hurriedly left the bathroom from afar and enjoyed her troubled expression as she tiptoed to her own room. Before she could enter, though, he was already behind her and said:

“Oh, Maria, if I may ask. I need a few of my clothes washed. Would you mind coming to my room later so I can give them to you? They’re not washing machine friendly and crease easily so I keep them hanged.” He added and looked her deep in the eyes.

“I… Master Oz… I…” she stuttered.