A Very Victorian Education Chapter 18 plus Illustration

Below is the latest chapter of AVVE. Better late than never I suppose.

This chapter is a bit longer than I had originally anticipated it would be. As usual I had a view of how Aubrey was progressing but Lady Charlotte had quite a different opinion (there was only going to be one winner in that particular discussion) and had to dismiss several hours of work to facilitate her ladyship.

So if readers don’t enjoy this current phase of our hero’s odyssey I’m sure Lady Charlotte would only be too happy to hear from you.

Bore alert!

Thanks to all who were kind enough to comment and to those who ticked the ‘more box’ I’m very grateful for your support and your patience.

Same goes for the short piece I posted (A Family Affair) and with regard to the last comment posted I won’t say I will not continue it at some stage (I thought it would have proved more popular but there you go, different strokes etc.) but judging from the reactions I don’t think it was to most readers taste but thank you for your appreciation of the story, it was very kind of you to comment.

Take care

Carrie

A Very Victorian Education

    By

CarrieP

Her petticoats whispering Lady Charlotte de Winter approached the Louis XIV couch and in a naturally elegant manoeuvre she swept her voluminous skirts behind her and in one graceful movement lowered herself onto the soft peach silk upholstery. Her Ladyship was a frequent and well respected patron of this exclusive establishment, one of London’s most celebrated corsetieres- Madame Monique’s of Belgravia. This was more than a corset emporium it was an institution frequented only by the capital’s wealthiest and most influential ladies and Lady Charlotte was most certainly one of that cohort. As she arranged her heavy satin skirts carefully around her legs ensuring to cover the lace hems of her three silk and satin petticoats she considered her surroundings. Elaborate tapestries and paintings by Flemish and Italian masters hung on walls of soft muted colours; deep Axminster carpet muffled the sounds of numerous ladies footwear as they paraded in front of full length mirrors. Society matrons dressed immaculately, perfumed and perfectly coiffed perched on damask, silk and velvet antique couches and chaise longues.  She smiled warmly at the other ladies who like her sat ramrod straight, the rigid outlines of their corsets straining against the soft silks and satin of their gowns.

 Men had their clubs, societies and guilds, dreadful dark wood panelled and smoky places to congregate as they no doubt discussed what they considered to be the significant and momentous matters of the day before arriving at the most ridiculous conclusions which usually benefited no one- except other self-absorbed wealthy men like themselves of course. In these exclusively male preserves they convinced each other they were masters of their world but never dared to admit the absolute mess they made of that world.

Ladies too had their places of refuge however these were establishments that were far more refined and infintantly more civilised. These were parfumeries, milliners, fashion houses and of course their corsetieres. These latter emporiums were where society ladies gathered ostensibly to be measured and fitted for their foundations but they also served for meeting old friends, making new ones, discovering the new fashions from Paris and of course exchanging information or… gossip if you prefer. More importantly some of these places were considered informal forums where like-minded ladies also discussed matters of mutual interest particularly the oppressive patriarchy they were forced to live under. A common topic discussed among a growing coterie of ladies was the most effective methods of negating the power and influence of their husbands, sons and the male sex in general.

Some women were better than others at achieving this and Lady Charlotte de Winter was foremost among these. She firmly believed in the supremacy of the female sex and believed the world would be a better place if males behaved and comported themselves in a less aggressive and a more civilised manner – as women have done from the dawn of civilisation. Of course there have been exceptions but the vast majority of women have always behaved in a refined, cultured and sophisticated way. Power and authority were always within women’s grasp they just did not know how to reach out and take it. This had to and would change. If men believed they were masters of the world Lady Charlotte knew women were  mistresses of the universe and as a mistress of this universe her mission was to instigate change, not a revolution after all that’s the way men would do it. No, her belief was to take small but important steps to transform this outdated and obnoxious patriarchy and mould them into pliable, gentle and submissive creatures. Once a male was subdued and brought under the power of the petticoat he would become ideal marriage material and once married would be subject to his wife’s and of course his mother in law’s authority. Strip a male of his clothing and he will become as vulnerable as a baby. Put him into a satin dress and he will be as docile as a lamb. Transforming a strutting arrogant male into a demure, deferential and most importantly obedient individual was her life-long ambition. Unfortunately she had never had the opportunity to perform such an audacious experiment. However the Fates had intervened and several months ago presented her with exactly what she had sought, not a woman to hesitate Lady Charlotte de Winter embraced her good fortune with both hands.

She still found it hard to believe that she was now in possession- ownership if you will, for that is exactly what it was – of a young man and had compelled him to wear lady’s clothing. And not for an hour, a day, or even a week. No! Twenty four hours a day, seven days a week for the last several months this callow youth had been confined in the voluminous gowns, constricting foundation garments and soft sensuous silk and satin lingerie of the weaker sex. Having complete control over a male was exhilarating, she would never forget the day she finally realised her ambition. She had an almost uncontrollable sense of excitement as she watched his male arrogance dissolve the moment he was confronted with his first dress and corset by her maids. He was hypnotised by the garment much in the same way a small creature facing a cobra is aware of its fate but is powerless to do anything about it. And just like that small creature there was no resistance as he was quickly and expertly corseted before being buttoned tightly into his satin gown. The look of abject humiliation on his face was thrilling to her, he was completely in her power and she could now do anything she wanted with him. It was the beginning of Aubrey St. Clair’s descent into femininity.

This conceited and haughty young man had been the bane of his dear mother’s life, to such an extent that she decided to take an extended tour of Europe. The cafes and galleries of Paris,  the opera in Milan, the restorative waters of Baden Baden, the crisp clear air of the Alps it would be a opportunity to refresh and renew. There was only one person she could trust to take care of her errant son and Lady Charlotte welcomed him with open arms - and a beautiful satin gown of course.  Her gift to his mother and her dearest friend would be to rid him of the arrogance and hubris he displayed towards the female sex and transform him into a compliant and obedient son.

These were the thoughts that passed through her mind as she sat and watched, with a great deal of satisfaction and not a little pride, her delightfully newly feminine creation being buttoned into a high necked heavy velvet gown by Madame Monique’s assistant.

He really is quite exquisite she said to herself as she observed him, standing head bowed in mortification his face resigned to his shameful fate as the assistant secured him into the heavy material of his feminine prison. She studied him closely. Even in this exclusively feminine domain he does not look out of place. Of course his corset and false breasts give him a distinctly girlish silhouette but that face, so very chameleon like, feminine but also not feminine, masculine but yet only at certain times. It’s as if some aspects of his features change depending on his situation or maybe even the level of threat posed to him. As a male one could not have described him as handsome it is far too delicate for such a characterisation. No he is more pretty than handsome which is why he puzzles everyone that he encounters, his figure, clothes and deportment convey perfect feminine elegance but on certain occasions his face betrays a masculinity, slight and barely discernible of course but vaguely masculine nonetheless. He seems to get more feminine the more exposed he feels.  What a beautiful paradox he is.

Lady Charlotte was still admiring Aubrey and considering her good fortune when Madame Monique arrived at her side. Aubrey could just about make out her voice.

“Quite an extraordinary young lady.” she said “Such unconventional feminine features yet extremely attractive, and if I may say your ladyship, an equally exceptional figure, quite extraordinary for a girl I would suggest.”

“Yes she is quite remarkable.” Lady Charlotte smiled “Such a precious creature.”

“As I mentioned previously, your ladyship, the Countess is in our main viewing area.” Madame Monique said “Knowing you were interested in her plans for her son I thought you may be interested in meeting her and I took the liberty of suggesting just such an encounter, the Countess would be delighted and honoured to make your acquaintance.”

Within earshot and hearing this Aubrey felt his heart quicken as the assistant fussed about him making final adjustments to the folds of the weighty velvet skirt of his dress ensuring it sat properly over the petticoats underneath. She stood back to admire her handiwork.

“Perfect…”she said and looking him directly in the eye quickly added with a smile he found a little disconcerting “…Miss. You look every inch the refined young lady.”

“Did you hear that Aubrey, the Countess would like to meet you.” Lady Charlotte trilled adding almost as an afterthought “And you too Roberta”

She glanced across at Roberta as she tugged in a fretful manner at her unfamiliar tight fitting dress, looking as gauche and uncomfortable in contract to Aubrey who looked, if not felt, the picture of elegant feminine composure, Lady Charlotte looked at both figures and sighed wearily. Madame Monique smiled sympathetically.

“Yes they are quite different.” Madame Monique said “Miss Roberta does look extremely uncomfortable, as if it was unnatural for her to be dressed as a lady. While Miss Aubrey despite the absence of, shall we say, classical female feature is the picture of femininity, she was born to wear the most elegant gowns.”

Aubrey cringed as both women nodded their approval and looking at Roberta who had not heard the remark as she was still busy jerking and plucking at her unaccustomed bulky and restrictive garments trying unsuccessfully to adjust to their restrictiveness. He caught a glimpse of Roberta and himself in one of the mirrors and much as he hated to admit it he knew both women were correct in their appraisal, he looked by far the more feminine figure. Being considered more feminine than a real girl was an excruciating shameful burden to bear for the young man but demeaning as this was it did give him some comfort that unless he made a major faux pas he would succeed in his subterfuge. However the prospect of being paraded in front of yet another grande dame to be scrutinised and probed would no doubt be a daunting experience and not one to look forward to.

“Come along Aubrey.” Lady Charlotte smiled at him sweetly “The Countess has heard about my special girl and apparently is looking forward to meeting you in person.”

Aubrey hesitated momentarily, despite having survived Madame Monique’s intimate inspection not to mention similar close encounters with Roberta and her mother, he nonetheless felt at any time he was only moments way from being exposed. His education in feminine behaviour and deportment at the hands of Lady Charlotte and her servants had managed to conceal his true sex- so far. Surely it was only a matter of time before someone unmasked him and the Countess, like every woman he had encountered, had an innate curiosity about members of their own sex and of course that was the image he now projected. Despite his hated girlish figure and appearance he would have to ensure he comported himself in as feminine a manner as every female in this dreadful emporium. He looked over at Roberta and consoled himself with a thought.

Well, maybe not every female, he said to himself.

“Aubrey!” Lady Charlotte snapped, abruptly interrupting his thoughts.

Her sharp tone reminded him of a mistress calling her pet lapdog to heel and just like that well trained lapdog he was conditioned to respond to his mistress’s voice. With a natural feminine reaction he raised his heavy skirts and quickly moved to her side.

“I’m sorry Lady Charlotte.” he said meekly quickly extending his explanation “I was day dreaming.”

“Probably about your new corset, my dear.” Madame Monique offered in a sweet voice as she looked at him directly in the eye “or perhaps you were considering asking her ladyship to purchase several new taffeta petticoats you have seen on display. After all they are one of the items of clothing that define us as ladies. There is nothing a girl likes more than choosing a pretty petticoat. Isn’t that so young…”

She paused momentarily, arching her eyebrows ever so slightly, before adding,

“… lady?”

Aubrey felt a cold shiver run down his spine. There was something about her tone, the piercing eyes, the smile that may or may not be mocking suddenly made him doubt that he had indeed deceived her.

To a girl this would have been an innocuous remark but to Aubrey it hurled him back into bewilderment and self-doubt. Lady Charlotte had impressed on him the need to remain calm in such situations but he could not help thinking that she finally guessed his secret? He caught Lady Charlotte’s eye, her composed and unperturbed expression settled him and his well rehearsed feminine persona asserted itself.

“Oh yes Madam.” he said enthusiastically in as girlish a voice as he could manage and drawing on months of reading ladies fashion magazines he added “they are quite beautiful particularly the taffeta one with the accordion pleated hem. I believe they are quite fashionable in Paris this year.”

 Madam Monique glanced at Lady Charlotte, a look of barely concealed admiration on her face.

“I see her ladyship has instilled her excellent fashion sense in her young ward.” Madam Monique said the smile never leaving her face as she remarked directly to Aubrey “She has indeed moulded you into an extremely feminine young person, one any mother would be proud of.”

What did she meant ‘young person’ and why mention my mother?

Aubrey felt his heart quicken and could feel himself beginning to blush but if she saw this made no mention of it.

“If you ladies will follow me.” she said leading the way out the door and into the heart of the main establishment.

A spacious, deeply carpeted and well lit large area greeted them on emerging from the dressing room. The soft but unmistakeable chatter of female voices filled the air,  the scent of dozens of individual  perfumes competed  with the fragrant aromas of freshly cut roses, lilies and honeysuckle. Elegantly dressed ladies sat on well upholstered couches and large arm chairs spread throughout the room. The atmosphere could not have been more feminine. Not a male in sight… apart from the one in the heavy velvet navy blue dress.

As they followed Madame Monique the sound of four sets of petticoats made their rustling contribution to this uniquely feminine atmosphere. Madame Monique stopped before an imposing lady perched on a Queen Anne couch.

Before Madame Monique could introduce her the Countess stood and offered her hand to Lady Charlotte.

“Lady Charlotte I presume.” the Countess said warmly and with the only merest hint of a German inflection in her voice “It is a great pleasure to finally make your acquaintance I have heard so much about you.”

Her eyes settled on Aubrey and her smile grew wider which further disconcerted him before adding,

“And of course your delightful young ladies.”

Confronted with an older female Aubrey instinctively curtsied. A stern look from Lady Charlotte convinced Roberta to do likewise.

“The pleasure is all mine Countess.” Lady Charlotte reciprocated taking her hand “I have been looking forward to meeting you I feel we may have a lot in common when it comes to the question of how to raise young people in these difficult times.”

With a practiced ease both women lowered themselves gracefully onto the couch. Aubrey remained standing, his hands folded in a ladylike manner over his voluminous skirts. Conditioned by months of feminine deportment lessons he knew better than to move until told to do so by either of the ladies.

“Sit my dear.” the Countess instructed him patting the space next to her and Lady Charlotte. “ I have heard so much about you from Madame Monique.”

Roberta moved to his side, took his arm in an overtly proprietary manner and guided him to the two-seater couch opposite their older companions. Aubrey instinctively held his skirts and elegantly sank onto the couch in a fashion a duchess would be proud of. Roberta sat down next to him and immediately had to stand again to re-arrange her skirts before clumsily resuming her seat.

“Yes she is such a darling.” Roberta said, firmly holding his hand in hers.

The Countess raised her lorgnette to her eyes and studied him for several seconds before speaking,

“Yes quite extraordinary what you have achieved Lady Charlotte.”

Aubrey had experienced scrutiny from several ladies over the course of the day and despite their initial uncertainty regarding his true sex he had on each occasion, albeit with some luck, managed to gain acceptance as a female and avoid public humiliation. However now he sensed this woman had seen through him immediately and her words did nothing to allay his fears. Despite his competence in feminine deportment, his powdered face  the  beautiful gown that adorned his tightly corseted figure, he was aware certain aspects of his masculinity could not be completely concealed. Surely it was only a matter of time before someone finally exposed him as a fraud, a weak male who allowed himself to be dressed as a girl. Beneath his corset, the layers of soft petticoats, and silk lingerie his heart beat like a military tattoo.

He immediately looked at Lady Charlotte for reassurance but felt a sudden surge of panic as he noticed what he considered to be a look of surprise on Lady Charlotte’s usually self-controlled face.

“Yes one does one’s best.” Lady Charlotte said calmly.   

Aubrey gripped his skirts tightly with his hands to stop them from trembling, he felt slightly giddy and suddenly he recognised the value of wearing his corset as it helped keep his upper body steady otherwise he feared his body would shake uncontrollably and faint.

“Exquisite! Such poise and grace.” the Countess gushed, a warm smile forming on her lips “and so rarely seen in a person of tender years. I wish my son had a fraction of what this beautiful creature possesses.”

Her son! Aubrey screamed inside his head. She’s comparing me to her son. She knows.

He could feel several pairs of eyes on him and he looked around the room trying to remember where the door was. His exposure was surely only seconds away.

 “Yes Countess, unfortunately young males can prove troublesome.” Lady Charlotte replied impassively and glanced at Roberta “it is congenital I’m afraid but with the correct treatment and a firm hand to guide them they can be taught the error of their ways and return. But of course you know this.”

 “As Madame Monique may have told you I am having discipline problems with my son.” The Countess said not taking her eyes off Aubrey “He is proving to be wilful, obstinate and disobedient. Girls are rarely as difficult and their behaviour can be easily modified and if instructed properly rarely stray from the path laid down by their female elders. Boys on the other hand have no such role models and most grow into vile and incorrigible degenerates. I have come to the conclusion that exclusively feminine company can only be beneficial to a recalcitrant youth.”

“I could not agree more, Countess.” Lady Charlotte concurred “You may think Aubrey here is the quintessential young lady but that was not always the case.  In fact she was quite the tomboy…”

Aubrey looked at Lady Charlotte, his eyes pleading to discontinue this conversation.

“Now that you say it, she does have some… how can I put this delicately …” the Countess interjected looking at Aubrey who was by now becoming increasingly nervous “masculine…  no… boyish I suppose is a better term but she is strikingly attractive just not in a conventional sense. I do hope I am not offending you my dear.”

“No, not at all dear Countess.” Lady Charlotte answered for Aubrey “she is quite aware of her unorthodox looks which is probably why she found it difficult to come to terms with female clothing and I suspect this is why she rebelled against the accepted norms of polite society.  As a result her behaviour was most unbecoming for a person of her social rank, she was belligerent, wilful, and disobedient however once I had her dressed in appropriately feminine attire she became more compliant and over time her attitude changed.”

 “It is very difficult to imagine such a sweet thing dressed as a male but I am delighted you have confided in me.” the Countess said as  she examined Aubrey more closely before re-engaging with Lady Charlotte “I suspect from your conversations with Madame Monique you also know I have a similar plan for my own wayward son. I know this may seem a very unusual, even bizarre strategy but I have heard that in certain circles here in England, compelling a disruptive or disobedient young man to wear girls’ clothes, including corsetry of course, has brought a major improvement in their temperament.   As a woman who has dealt with a malcontent, albeit a female one, I would value your experienced opinion. Do you think placing my son in feminine attire could change his ghastly male behaviour?”

Although appalled by what she had said Aubrey was greatly relieved to hear that she had accepted him as a girl but this relief was tinged with shame and anger for allowing himself to have been so easily coerced into acting and dressing so convincingly as a member of the weaker sex. As living proof of such horrendous torture at the hands of Lady Charlotte he sat silently as the ladies continued their exchange.

“Oh I think it is a truly wonderful idea.” Lady Charlotte enthused as she clasped the Countess’s hands “and believe me Countess…”she paused as she gestured towards Roberta”… some girls can be as difficult as young men. Roberta here took a great deal of persuading before she finally submitted to wearing her petticoats, corset and dress.”

“But I…”Roberta tried to explain before being quickly interrupted by the Countess.

“Hush now my dear,” she gently admonished Roberta “not while your elders are speaking.”

From the corner of his eye Aubrey could see that although Roberta was clearly annoyed at being spoken to like a child nevertheless remained quiet. Her subdued reaction surprised Aubrey, from the moment he had met her Roberta’s strong even dominant personality was evident to all. Dressed in her male clothes she exuded self-confidence which bordered on arrogance and believed she was the equal of any woman or man for that matter regardless of age or position. Although polite to her mother, Lady Charlotte and the other ladies she refused to show unconditional deference to her elders like other girls her age. He considered that if she was still dressed in male clothing she would have engaged with the Countess and Lady Charlotte more forcefully.

The only thing that has changed is her attire he thought to himself, now that she is back in female clothing her self- assuredness has been subsumed under layers of silk and satin. Just like me. If it only took a few hours for Roberta to revert to a more feminine aspect, should I be surprised that months of being forced to wear these ghastly clothes has made me less masculine.

As he consoled himself with this thought his hands moved instinctively to the folds of his skirts and smoothed them out and discreetly checked his petticoats were not showing from under the hem of his dress. Despite his heightened state of anxiety his appearance was foremost on his mind, a girl should always present herself smartly regardless of any personal concerns. Months of subjection to Lady Charlotte’s strict regimen had ingrained this in his very being. She was most particular when it came to issues of personal grooming, he had to ensure his appearance as well as his behaviour was ladylike at all times. There could be no excuses for slovenly behaviour. Failure to attain Lady Charlotte’s standards of feminine comportment would incur her displeasure and having experienced this once he did not wish to endure it a second time. No matter how important an issue was he had trained himself to ensure his dress was arranged perfectly before he would give thought to any other consideration.   He saw the smiles on the Countess and Lady Charlotte’s face as he completed his examination of his dress. Lady Charlotte was the first to speak.

“As I was saying Countess I think dressing your son in feminine garments as a method of modifying his behaviour is a splendid idea and you are right, this practice is used, discretely of course, by mothers and concerned ladies who are perturbed about the future of our young males.”

“And you actually know of boys or young men subjected to such a regimen?”the Countess asked eagerly unable to contain her excitement.

“Of course.” Lady Charlotte answered emphatically as Aubrey shifted uncomfortably on his seat, another wave of apprehension engulfed him.

“Oh isn’t this wonderful Aubrey.” Roberta squealed with girlish amusement which drew a noticeable frown from Lady Charlotte.

A mere few hours ago Roberta would have ignored her scowl but her layers unfamiliar and restrictive female clothing somehow managed to reintroduce a sense of appropriate feminine decorum. She quickly reverted to a role more in keeping with her position in the present company

“I apologise for my outburst Lady Charlotte.” Roberta added in a suitably contrite tone “It’s just I have heard about this practice but thought it was a myth created by mothers to frighten little boys.”

Aubrey cringed inside.

“Oh don’t scold the girl Lady Charlotte.” the Countess said “such information was bound to excite them. You really must tell us I’m sure the girls would love to hear.”

Girls! Aubrey repeated to himself and cringed once more.

 At least she seems to have stopped examining me. He grudgingly admitted with a degree of relief.

“Well, I suppose it is something that one does not expect to hear everyday.” Lady Charlotte reluctantly admitted before returning to the subject “Yes, there are indeed ladies who engage such an approach in correcting unacceptable male behaviour in young men. In fact as Aubrey began his stay with me I became aware of a youth in need of this type of behaviour modification and the method chosen was to replace all his clothing with every item required of a young lady.”

“You mean…”the Countess enquired. “…he was…”

“Dressed head to foot as a young woman.” Lady Charlotte confirmed unequivocally.

“Including corsets and petticoats?” Roberta asked as she stirred excitedly on her seat.

“Naturally, just as any girl would be dressed. “Lady Charlotte interrupted her conversation momentarily to chide Roberta “Please don’t slouch Roberta”

As Roberta straightened herself on the couch Lady Charlotte continued,

“As we both know dear Countess, a girl without corsets and petticoats cannot really be described as a girl.”

“Oh!” the Countess gasped and gripped Lady Charlotte’s hand “ I have so many questions Lady Charlotte, you really must tell me, did he resist?”the Countess pressed eagerly.

“Not really, at least if he did it did not amount to much.” Lady Charlotte answered before turning to the young man “Isn’t that so Aubrey?”

The Countess and Roberta’s eyes turned to Aubrey, their surprise clearly obvious. His mouth suddenly dried up and a familiar panic began to rise within him.

“You were there?”the Countess was the first to speak.

“Ah… I… emm…”he stammered and glanced at Lady Charlotte.

“You actually witnessed this boy being dressed as a girl?” Roberta blurted leaning forward on her seat.

“We have known the young man for a very long time.” Lady Charlotte said looking to him for confirmation “A most arrogant and conceited boy and contemptuous of the female sex. Isn’t that right Aubrey?”

A few short months ago the young man’s natural instincts would have been to scream at this woman who had cruelly transformed him from a proud confident male into an almost perfect vision of a compliant and submissive girl. But that was then, a previous life that he felt was gradually slipping away from him and he was desperately trying to cling on to its memory the way a drowning man would cling to a life belt. His present was now defined by the gowns of silk and satin he wore with the poise and sophistication equal to that of any of society’s elegant young ladies.

He considered Lady Charlotte’s remark as adding insult to injury and for a split second his masculinity surfaced and he had the urge to react in a typical male fashion. However he quickly realised in his present circumstances such an outburst would not only be futile but would immediately expose the shameful secret he had managed to conceal so well.  The feminine self-discipline that had evolved in these months under Lady Charlotte’s tutelage took control of his emotions and he immediately suppressed any thought of throwing a tantrum. As he composed himself his eyes met hers, the others in the room would not have recognised the subtle signals, the slightly raised eyebrows or the barest hint of a smile at the corner of her mouth – but he did.  It was a reminder that his fate was in her hands, the message was quite clear, follow Lady Charlotte’s direction or risk her ire and the consequences that would surely follow. The Countess and Roberta would now hear about his feminisation from his own mouth. He knew Lady Charlotte wanted to impress the Countess and one syllable answers would only prolong his agony, he swallowed hard before answering.

“Yes Lady Charlotte.” he agreed quietly and felt the blush of shame warm his cheeks as he added ignominiously “A most disagreeable young man.”

“But not anymore, I’ll wager.” Roberta snorted derisively which prompted a smile from the Countess.

Only Lady Charlotte noticed the change in Aubrey’s colour.

“Please Lady Charlotte.” The Countess exhorted in an excited voice “you really must tell us everything.“

“Well if you insist dear Countess.” Lady Charlotte answered her eyes once more discretely engaging Aubrey’s.

Lady Charlotte proceeded to give an almost, but not quite, accurate account of the first day Aubrey had strode into her home exuding masculine arrogance. She omitted certain details of course, his and his mother’s real names and address, his university, some physical features and as a justification for her actions she went on to embellish  other aspects of his personality such as his overbearing and conceited personality. Seeing the parallels with her own son the Countess nodded her head and pursed her lips at each mention of a typical arrogant masculine trait. Aubrey foolishly though these details would satisfy the Countess but was sadly mistaken.

“But surely he must have offered some resistance.” The Countess asked “he hardly willingly allowed himself to be dressed in feminine clothing.”

“Well a potion I procured temporarily robbed him of what little masculine strength he possessed.” Lady Charlotte explained “In conjunction, Aubrey who knows him extremely well, cleverly convinced him he had no choice and sooner or later he would conform to my will. After this my maids had very little trouble with him and he was easily divested of his clothes. It is my experience that any male finding themselves alone in the presence of several females will become extremely docile very quickly.”

“So you had a hand in this wonderful scheme?” the Countess asked him.

“Aubrey, tell the Countess something of this young man’s demeanour.” Lady Charlotte said, her tone leaving him in no doubt as to what was required.

Three pairs of eyes fell on him as he struggled to open his mouth, the ensuing silence became oppressive and unbearable.

“I was…I mean he… the young man that is…”he stammered straining to find words that would not humiliate him “ was quite rude and discourteous to his mother and Lady Charlotte.”

“Oh Aubrey is far too ladylike to describe the youth in more realistic terms.” Lady Charlotte intervened as she once more fixed him with her stare “The boy was amongst other things ill-tempered, arrogant, uncouth, extremely unpleasant and above all disobedient to my very good friend, his mother, and myself. Perhaps that is what you meant to convey to the Countess?”

“Yes Lady Charlotte.” Aubrey admitted meekly “I should have been more expressive.”

“Aubrey is also far too modest Countess.” Lady Charlotte continued “Now my darling, why don’t you tell the Countess and of course your new friend Roberta what items of clothing that you felt would humble such an overbearing and haughty young man and reduce him to what he most feared – the status of a weak and powerless girl.”

“Oh yes Aubrey do tell us.” Roberta gushed unable to contain her excitement she moved to the edge of her seat and forgetting herself in her eagerness to hear her legs under her skirts opened in a most undignified manner.

“Roberta!” Lady Charlotte sharply rebuked her and she quickly returned to a more ladylike position.

“No doubt the unfortunate consequence of being allowed to wear male clothing.” the Countess remarked as she glanced imperiously at Roberta before addressing Aubrey. “Pray continue my dear, you were going to tell me what this boy found most humiliating.”

The room fell silent once more as the three women looked at him. For Aubrey it was an easy question to answer for he lived and wore this humiliation every day.

“Corset and petticoats.” he said quietly.

“Please speak up my dear.” the Countess said gently but firmly “I can barely hear you.”

The Countess and Roberta’s attention were fixed on him but he was looking at Lady Charlotte. She gave a discreet nod and her smile was one of reassurance and encouragement, he saw no scorn or derision in her face. It was as if she was telling him that this would be a cathartic process and could only help him.

Perhaps she’s right. This has been the worst humiliation of my life. I have never admitted out loud just how demeaning wearing girls’ clothes are for a young man. She may even relent when she hears just how degrading this is for me from my own mouth and how I have learned my lesson.

He decided this fictitious boy should be the vehicle through which he could unburden himself, he composed himself and took a deep breath.

“He found every single item of female clothing mortifying.” he admitted “but of all the feminine garments he was forced to wear he found his corset and petticoats the most shameful as he felt these robbed him of his identity as a man.”

“Ahh…” Roberta sneered, “the poor darling.”

Both Lady Charlotte and the Countess gave her mildly disapproving looks.

“But he did not resist, put up some form of struggle?” the Countess asked before answering her own question “Perhaps it was the potion Lady Charlotte gave him.”

“There is no doubt the potion plated a part.” Aubrey conceded and he hesitated momentarily before recognising that, finally, he really had to say out loud what he had suppressed since that  fateful day he had been laced into his first corset “but it was much more than that. Lady Charlotte had ensured three of her maids and her formidable housekeeper Miss Bristlestrap were in attendance and their presence immediately intimidated him both physically and mentally.  He was aware that domestic servants, being used to physical labour, may well have been stronger than he and the thought of being overwhelmed by these servants and then being physically forced into female clothing would have been a far more humiliating outcome. He tried to preserve what male dignity he had and in his mind surrendering honourably was the least-worst option. Resigned to his fate he allowed Lady Charlotte’s housekeeper and maids to dress him in silk pantaloons and chemise before Lady Charlotte placed  his corset around his torso and instructed Miss Bristlestrap lace him.”

Heart racing and feeling slightly giddy, he had to pause and looked at the two matrons sitting on the couch opposite. Gazing at him intently the Countess was clearly fascinated and intrigued by his account while Lady Charlotte retained her usual serene composure but her eyes conveyed her approval and he thought, or perhaps wanted to believe, he also saw a look of affection.

“A girl always remembers when she was laced into her first corset. Isn’t that so Lady Charlotte?”the Countess remarked.

“Just like it was yesterday, dear Countess.” Lady Charlotte answered “It is a milestone in a young person’s life and a sign that they have truly entered womanhood.”

“A young person!” the Countess said with a wry smile “A very precise term for this situation Lady Charlotte, but this young man was indeed entering womanhood nevertheless.”

“Of course, dear Countess.”Lady Charlotte responded and smiled affectionately at Aubrey “the dear boy did indeed join our feminine world.”

“Now tell me Aubrey my dear,” the Countess once more addressed the feminised young man “Lady Charlotte tells us you have known this young man for a long time.”

Aubrey nodded, still a little light-headed from giving the account of his subjugation.

“How did he react as this Miss Bristlestrap laced him?” the Countess asked. “Angry and indignant I suspect. Please tell me everything.”

Aubrey felt a lump in his throat as he recalled his first lacing.

“He appeared to be in a daze as Miss Bristlestrap placed his hands on the bedpost.” Aubrey recounted, it was easy to recall for his audience as the ghastly events were burned into his memory “I don’t think he realised what exactly was happening but as she began tugging on the laces and the corset constricted his body he quickly realised the situation he found himself in and started to sob with each tug from Miss Bristlestrap. Lady Charlotte had instructed the maids to place a full length dressing mirror in front of him so he could witness his own ….”

He paused momentarily and once more glanced at Lady Charlotte, he decided he needed to choose his words carefully; his preferred word was ‘humiliation’ but he now considered this could be misinterpreted as being overly critical of her methods and may anger her. He continued his account amending his answer accordingly,

“… so he could view his new feminine clothes better. Of course seeing himself corseted like a girl he sobbed uncontrollably and tried to avert his eyes but Miss Bristlestrap insisted in the firmest manner that this was not an option. He had to watch as the maids, their amusement obvious, lift three petticoats –one of silk and two of taffeta- over his head, he winced as they settled them over his hips.”

“Oh how mortified he must have felt?” Roberta interjected unable to contain her glee.

“I have no doubt he did but please do not interrupt.” the Countess chided her “Please continue my dear your account is quite fascinating.”

Aubrey swallowed hard.

 “By the time the maids placed his fitted satin gown over his head he was a mere shadow of the male that had entered the house only hours earlier. The coup de grace was delivered by Miss Bristlestrap when she addressed him as Miss and instructed him to curtsy to Lady Charlotte and thank her for her kindness in taking such an interest in him. His new female clothing appeared to drain his masculinity from him and without any hint of protest or rebellion he curtsied to Lady Charlotte and accepted her authority over him.”

As he finished this account of his shameful subjugation he looked to Lady Charlotte for her reaction, a smile of approval crossed her face. The Countess could not control her excitement.

“What a truly delightful description of his humiliation.” she exclaimed and turned to Lady Charlotte “And all true Lady Charlotte?”

“All true Countess.” she confirmed “Every detail, in fact I could not have described it better.”

“But Aubrey seems to have sympathy, empathy even, with the young man.” the Countess said, the surprise in her voice evident.

“Well she has known and been influenced by him for years.” Lady Charlotte explained “it probably accounted for her fascination with male clothes. That has all changed now Aubrey, has it not?”

“Yes Lady Charlotte.” he lied.

“You see Countess, their roles could now be considered to be reversed ” Lady Charlotte elaborated “the young man, thankfully like Aubrey here, has come to his senses and surrendered himself to his enforced femininity. Of course he is a work in progress and still has the occasional relapse but I am confident his behaviour will be modified sufficiently…”

“To allow him to be released back into male clothing?” the Countess interjected.

“I suppose so …yes.” Lady Charlotte answered in a less than enthusiastic voice.

If Aubrey detected her ambivalent  tone he did not show it, his ears  only heard the word ‘yes’ and smiled as a look of gratitude came over his face and felt his degrading admissions had indeed lay the foundations for freedom from his prison of femininity.

“Do you think this young man’s behaviour can be modified to Lady Charlotte’s satisfaction Aubrey?” the Countess asked him and smiled as she added “After all you know him better than anyone. Obviously I have an interest in the outcome as my son will soon undergo a similar process.”

“Oh yes! Countess.” the reply was immediate and enthusiastic, he was not about to miss an opportunity to plead his case “I have…” he stopped cursing his stupidity, his eyes met Lady Charlotte’s “I mean the young man has learned the error of his ways and because of her methods he now has a much better appreciation of and a greater regard for the female sex. In fact he has told me he is very grateful to Lady Charlotte for her timely intervention and will forever faithfully adhere to the ideals of respect and courtesy towards ladies.”

“And obedience?” Lady Charlotte added.

“Yes…yes…” he answered quickly and enthusiastically which he noticed raised an eyebrow with the Countess, he continued in a less fervent voice “he assured me of this also.”

“Mmm…” Lady Charlotte mused and looked at him directly in the eyes “I may need convincing on that matter.”

“So my dear girl, with your intimate knowledge of this particular young man, you think my son would benefit from a similar experience?” the Countess enquired of him.

There was never a question of trying to save another fellow male from such a degrading fate, he would have said anything to ingratiate himself to both Lady Charlotte and the Countess.

He was after all a girl in their eyes.

“Oh most definitely.” he enthused and added for Lady Charlotte’s benefit “The change in the young man is remarkable.”

“This has been a most fortuitous and most enlightening meeting Lady Charlotte.” the Countess said “There are so many other question I have for you and young Aubrey but it will have to wait as I’m afraid I have to deliver my son to his new school tomorrow and I have yet to formulate a ruse to lure him there without arising his suspicions.”

“If I may make a suggestion, Countess.”Roberta said “Royal Ascot begins tomorrow. You could entice him with the promise of a day’s horse racing, if he is as much as a reprobate as you say he is, he will gladly accept. Of course he will never get there.”

Both women and Aubrey stared at her, the women in admiration, Aubrey in horror.

“How wonderfully devious!”the Countess exclaimed. “But he may not rise to the bait.”

“Perhaps if we were to accompany you.” Lady Charlotte offered “I assure you dear Countess a solitary male confronted with several ladies rarely if ever refuses their request.”

“That is extremely kind of you Lady Charlotte, I would be very grateful for your help.” the Countess said.

“You are most welcome Countess.” Lady Charlotte answered and glanced at Aubrey “Besides Aubrey still has to finish his education and I may need to enrol him in just such a finishing school. I will arrange transport and we can travel together in the morning.”

“Oh dear Lady Charlotte.” the Countess said “Aubrey has gone quite pale, is she ill?”

“Oh it is nothing Countess.” Lady Charlotte replied “Just lady problems, isn’t that so Aubrey?”

His mouth opened but no sound came out.

“I think the excitement may be too much for her.” the Countess said as she patted his cheek. “Hopefully she will have recovered by tomorrow.”

“He…I mean she would not miss such an adventure for the world.” Lady Charlotte answered for him.