Yet a second striking and superb Richelieu bed linen with large D .S. initials. Both bed linen came from the same source. These kind of superior trousseaux ( dowry) bed linen were often very rarely used and for most of their lives left in the large Normandy armoires. They would have come out only on very special occasions. Instead and for daily use simpler bed linen, which stood up to harsh washing techniques would deck the numerous beds at Chateaux and Manor houses. Washing machines did not exist yet and the maids would go down on the Mondays to the local stream with baskets laden with washing. They would "pound" the linen with some strength at the smooth large rocks with the old fashioned "green soap" and then rinse the linen in often strong current streams. Once back in the half covered wash houses two staff members would get hold of the length and squeeze out the surplus water and then to be returned up the hills again and laid out on the grass to dry in the sun. This bed linen has garlands of high relief embroidery all along the border and also returning at the sides by 83cm. Where the garlands are raised, Richelieu ferns and flowers are resting. There is an horizontal and vertical "Ajour" ( open thread work ). The initials D.S. again are embroidered in high relief and are entwined with soft flora and leaves. The initials are large and measure 15cm. Finally the bed linen is finished with generous scallops horizontally and vertically. It is all you would like a handsome bed linen to look like.