The mother relieved Irene of the packs she carried over her shoulders—undoubtedly saddlebags—and put them on the chair she had just been sitting on. They were heavier than they looked and she was almost horrified her daughter was holding them so easily.
It was then that she realized Irene was merely a few inches shorter than she was. They hadn't gotten close enough to one another when she was at the Duke's Tower to tell such a thing.
Rochelle then helped Irene out of her cloak, then her outer coat, belt, and even the warm tunic she wore underneath until all that was left was the girl's undershirt. She then sat Irene on the edge of her bed and removed her boots, stockings, and pants.
It had been such a long time since her mother cared for her in such a way, but she was receptive to it.
The woman continued until she pulled back the thick blankets on her bed and guided her daughter underneath.
