And they are very private. Ever since they were young they wouldn't talk about sex publicly, but instead developed a code phrase: Doing a load of laundry.

One night they are out at the pub, having a couple drinks, and Seamus turns to Mary and asks "D'ya fancy going home and doing a load of laundry?"

Mary looks at Seamus and says "you know that sounds lovely. Let's do."

They finish their drinks and head home together.

At home they are sitting in front of the fire, Seamus smoking his pipe and Mary with her knitting. Seamus asks "Mary? D'ya still fancy that load of laundry?"

Mary looks at Seamus and says "aye I do, I really do. Let me just finish my knitting."

So Seamus gets up and heads to the bed room.

Mary keeps knitting and forgets all about Seamus.

After an hour she realizes she forgot and jumps up and rushes to the bedroom. "Seamus?" Mary asks, "D'ya still fancy doing a load of laundry?"

From under the covers Seamus replies

"Y'know, Mary, it was a small load, so I did it by hand."