[That prompts a small huff of laughter. What a way, indeed. It isn't so terrible to have it in common with the other Sleepers, though. It's almost a novelty. Maria has so rarely had anything in common with anyone.]

Peter was...fine. Not a bad man. But not someone who could understand me, or understand why I was interested in more than bearing him sons and managing the household. He didn't even realize that he should try. Certainly he would have been scandalized by the idea that his wife might want to pick up a sword.

[She laughs again.]

'Dumb rules' sounds exactly right. And I wouldn't mind getting a real answer.