A Very Victorian Education Chapter 27 plus Illustration

Hopefully you and your families are keeping safe and well.

We are living in strange and for many families very sad times. Every country is suffering, some more than others and my thought are with them all. Most people have a family member, friend or acquaintance who fall into the vulnerable category- so this affects us all.

As mentioned in my last post  I expected this to be the final chapter but as it progressed the well-intentioned hope faded and I was faced with the choice of an extremely long final chapter(which would take another 4-6 weeks) or split it and publish it as a separate shorter one. I chose the latter and at over 8k it's bloody long.

As a result the ending is not great but under the circumstances it was the best I could do.


As usual my thanks to those very patient readers who have continued to follow the story and showed their support by ticking the 'more box'and especially to those kind enough to comment. Believe me it does mean a lot and is the reason we've got this far.

Th illustration at the top is an old one and not great and I can't remember if posted it before but some readers may not have seen it.

Take care and stay safe.

Carrie

A Very Victorian Education

By

CarrieP

Chapter 27

E

motions are such an integral part of the human experience, it is the way that the brain gives meaning to bodily sensations based on past experience and also on future expectations. Men and women have the same range of emotions, love, hate, sadness, joy, anger, kindness, disgust and many more besides and it can happen that from the same event those present may arrive at different emotional destinations. Some may emerge from the incident or occasion happy and content, others thrilled and excited and still others with a contrasting emotion and completely at odds with their companions.

The three figures at the top of the wide and ornate staircase of St Jude’s Finishing School for Girls were just such an example of the variety of human emotion. The elegant middle aged woman wore a calm and dignified smile on her attractive face, the fresh faced girl bore a look of barely suppressed elation combined with what some observers could possibly describe as one of  smug self-satisfaction.

The figure between them appeared more melancholy, quite tense and noticeably apprehensive. The face could not be described as classical feminine beauty and depending on the angle perhaps took on a more boyish aspect. However there was something about it that gave rise to one’s curiosity. It was a difficult to define quality, a fragile, almost fawnlike look that gave its owner an innocent girlish character. Such a feature was most becoming yet rare and any young woman would dearly like to possess it.  An onlooker may well have wondered why this exquisite young person appeared so anxious perhaps even fearful, particularly as those on either side were quite at ease with themselves. A middle aged smiling matron and her two younger female companions all dressed elegantly and expensively in such well appointed surroundings would usually convey a sense of conviviality. This stylish feminine trio could have come right out of a Laszlo painting but as most astute observers know, nothing is always as it seems in art or indeed life.

The individual in question nervously fingered the skirts of the brocaded satin and lace trimmed gown and fussed with the pleats which gave the dress a fullness which was augmented by four stiff and starched petticoats of silk and taffeta. In an attempt to gain a little relief the long slender fingers then moved to the high collar which had several short, slim but unyielding steel strips inserted ensuring it stood up and flared proudly. If one was to examine the bodice one would notice that it was boned which imposed an extra layer of restriction on the wearer who was, as fashion dictated, already tightly corseted. A young woman from the upper echelons of society would from an early age become used to her constricting stays, bulky petticoats and cumbersome skirts not to mention awkward bustles and tightly buttoned high heeled boots, creams, lotions and lip colouring. These were the everyday yet barely noticeable discomforts ladies of a certain social standing had to endure. They bore it with patience and perseverance like their mothers before them without complaint or fuss and never- even if smarting from too tight a corset or perhaps clammy from an excess of petticoats – would display the merest hint of discomfort. It was not the womanly way.

However this was not the case for the attractive yet fearful creature lodged firmly between the two women- and with good reason.

For this stylishly dressed figure was a mere facsimile of a young lady. The person wearing the finest of Paris fashions was in fact Aubrey St Clair, a young man who had for the previous several months been forced to wear the clothes of the weaker sex by his guardian Lady Charlotte de Winter. Allowed to wear male attire for the purpose of luring the Countess von  Utterdorf’s son to this school he now once more found himself dressed a girl and under the control of the only two women in this establishment that were aware of his true sex.

Inspecting him at the top of the stairs the Countess’s eyes examined every inch of the young man, making  a few minor adjustments to his gown here and there, brushing a stray hair from his sleeve, lifting and fluffing the skirt over his petticoats to ensure they were perfect and finally when satisfied declared to her companions,

“Shall we descend ladies?”

Being referred to as a lady would have been enough to incense any red- blooded male but it had been some time since Aubrey St Clair could have included himself in that particular cohort. In fact the designation barely registered as he had become used to being addressed as ‘Miss’ by everyone he had come into contact with from the servants in Lady Charlotte’s home to chance encounters with women while out walking and most recently in Madame Monique’s, one on the capital’s most exclusive corsetiere’s. Dressed in the finest and most fashionable gowns and, like any lady worthy of the name, quite obviously appropriately corseted, it would have been a major surprise if he was addressed as anything else.

Over the course of several month he had been educated by Lady Charlotte and Alice his Governess in every aspect of femininity from walking properly and speaking softly to perfecting female mannerisms, especially those peculiar feminine traits unknown to most of the male sex. These lengthy and intensive lessons ensured he was extremely proficient in the intricate etiquette and characteristics of the opposite sex.

As the last syllable left the Countess’s mouth and without prompting his hands clutched his heavy skirts and lifted them sufficiently to allow his tightly booted ankles to descend the stairs. His head held high, as the slim steel strips in the gown’s collar would not allow the wearer’s head to drop, his left foot easily and assuredly found its way onto the first step, his right immediately and seamlessly following onto the second step in a flawless motion. Of course he did not realise or perhaps did not want to realise that this manoeuvre was by now second nature to him. After all such an admission would be most shameful and he preferred to avoid such awkward and inconvenient truths. Facing forward he would have been unaware of the expression of surprise on the younger woman’s face. The Honourable Miss Bella Martinet had recognised Aubrey earlier in the day and the Countess was reluctantly compelled to take the girl into her confidence regarding her plans for him. Naturally Bella, the school’s Head Girl, was delighted at the prospect of exercising power over a male particularly one only a few years older than herself. It was a case of history repeating itself as some years earlier Aubrey was forced by Bella’s mother into taking a girl’s role in a play. That particular episode excited Bella and ever since she harboured dreams of regaining that control. She was certain that Aubrey unaccustomed to the long, heavy and cumbersome skirts would look for her hand to steady himself.

However the young man, clad in his three inch heeled boots and buttoned tightly to mid calf, made no attempt to reach out to her and effortlessly glided down the stairs. Bella, the memory of a mishap on these very stairs several months previously which resulted in a most embarrassing stumble and subsequent fall, was somewhat less confident and held  her skirts in one hand and the banister in the other.

His composure both surprised and irked his youthful escort as she had looked forward to undermining him at every turn which she expected would draw him closer both physically and emotionally thus ensuring  he would become even more dependent on her.

The Countess was right he is a quick learner Bella mused to herself as she recalled the Countess’s earlier remarks while dressing him. I suppose why should that surprise me after all he was reasonably accomplished when he performed in the play all those years ago.

She came to the conclusion that perhaps he must have acquired this skill from being constantly in the company of women while residing at Lady Charlotte’s home. Nonetheless, behind the intense concentration and seemingly effortless composure on his face as he negotiated the decent she did notice small yet to the informed observer’s eye quite distinguishable signs of fear. Fear was the emotion she remembered from him when she last saw him dressed as a girl, it gave her power over him then and surely would do so again. As her mother was fond of saying, fear is the one permanent emotion of the inferior man and all men are inferior to us. Despite his apparent proficiency in feminine deportment it was clear that terror was just under the poised veneer of femininity and she knew he above all else he craved safety and protection.

Reaching the end of the stairs the Countess once more fussed unnecessarily over the young man ensuring his skirts fell properly and his small train was correctly positioned.

As Bella regarded him while the Countess continued her ministrations, she noticed his eyes darting about, no doubt checking for the presence of some of the school’s pupils or perhaps Madame Olivia or Miss Lillian. She allowed herself a discreet smile, promoting herself as his protector and as the custodian of his secret would no doubt ensure his dependency and obedience. Several years after he had first awoke in her a desire to possess a feminised male she had finally achieved her ambition. It was such an exquisite feeling. A little shiver of excitement ran through her body quickly reaching her most intimate region. Her eyes closed as the sensuous sensation took hold and she could feel a moistness form deep inside her vulva. A sudden, familiar but most untimely urge to press her hand between her legs came over her.  Of course as a lady such an action was unthinkable outside the privacy of one’s bedroom and she had to endure this intense almost overwhelming internal agitation by pressing her thighs tightly together and releasing them again after a moment or two before repeating the process. An unsatisfactory solution of course, but nonetheless managed to give sufficient relief for her to retain some small level of composure.

“Are you all right, my dear?” the Countess asked Bella “You look quite flushed.”

“Ah…emm…yes… Countess.” Bella answered not realising her face had betrayed her physical and emotional excitations.

The Countess gave her a knowing glance, Bella to divert this unwelcome attention turned her attention to Aubrey.

“I think our new girl looks a little nervous Countess.” she said stating the obvious “A relaxing cup of tea have a calming effect on him.”

“Him?” the Countess said pointedly.

“My apologies, Countess” Bella said, regaining her self-possession and corrected herself with a smile “on her.”

Bella smoothed down her blue silk skits and assumed a sombre mood, her grey, close set eyes locked onto his.

“Now Aubrey,” she began in a tone that he had become quite used to under Alice his Governess “Although you have shown yourself to have a certain level of familiarity in how a girl should comport herself this alone will not ensure you will be able to sustain the illusion of femininity under close scrutiny.”

The Countess smiled as Bella paused to let Bella’s observation sink in. The older woman recognised the singular feminine trait of giving a compliment in one breath and in the next delivering a sly, snide remark undermining the recipient’s confidence. On some level Aubrey may, although not wishing to admit it, have thought he was capable of imitating a female with a reasonable level of success. He tried to tell himself that his education under Lady Charlotte would carry him through this ordeal, after all he had convinced the women at Madame Monique’s not to mention Roberta and her mother a well as several other ladies. Nevertheless he did have to acknowledge that some of those he met were sceptical at first and it did require great effort on his behalf to convince them that he was indeeda member of their sex.  

Bella’s comments had the desired effect and doubts began to creep into Aubrey’s mind. The young man’s anxiety levels already quite high began to increase further, evinced by the slight tensing of his jaw and the small yet observable wrinkles between his eyebrows.  Her remarks only intensified these and despite his best efforts could not prevent the tremble in his lower lip.

Bella seized her moment.

“You are a boy in a dress.” she hissed “And although you appear to have achieved a certain level of competency in walking like a lady I can assure you there is far more to being a woman than merely learning to walk like one.”

This was the primary thought that ran through Aubrey’s head from the moment he had stepped outside Lady Charlotte’s house for the first time dressed in female clothes. Of course with Lady Charlotte by his side he had felt less vulnerable and far more protected, it was as if her authority acted as an invisible shield safeguarding his secret from prying eyes and inquisitive glances. As a result of her almost maternal watchfulness occasionally he became marginally less fearful and, although he would never acknowledge it, he developed a degree of confidence in his ability to comport himself as a female.

Bella’s remarks despite their acerbic tone were nevertheless true and now compounded his self doubt, suddenly he could feel Lady Charlotte’s training begin to ebb away. His lower lip was now trembling noticeably and he was beginning to experience a familiar panic rise from inside. His heightened anxiety did not go unnoticed by the Countess who felt Aubrey was in imminent danger of an attack of hysteria. She quickly intervened.

“What Bella is trying to say is,” the Countess said calmly as she slipped her arm around his satin clad shoulders “accomplished as you are in comporting yourself as a young woman you still have a lot to learn. It will be several hours before Lady Charlotte returns and you will be in the company of dozens of girls.”

“And girls are naturally curious.” Bella interjected and had to suppress her mounting excitement as his mouth fell open in shock.

“Particularly about new girls.” the Countess added and noticing Aubrey hands were now clutching his skirts tightly continued “So Bella’s help will be very important in ensuring you are not discovered. I’m sure you can imagine the implications for your future reputation.”

Aubrey’s mouth was dry with fear and unable to answer however Bella now knowing she had achieved her objective in enfeebling him further and reducing him to a trembling mass of silk and satin decided it was time for her to show him her more compassionate side. 

“You may be a boy in a dress.” Bella said taking his hands in hers in a reassuring gesture “But you are a very pretty boy and if you defer to me and do as I say I expect we will not encounter too many problems.”

“But won’t they suspect …” Aubrey, encouraged by her confidence, finally found his voice

“Of course you do have some masculine features.” the Countess interrupted him and noticing his hands tighten their grip on his skirts she continued in a more optimistic vein “But dressed as you are and obviously corseted I think you will, if you are careful, appear as feminine as any girl. After all you have cheekbones any girl would be jealous of.”

Naturally the Countess knew only too well that he was capable of impersonating a girl. Had she not been deceived into thinking of him as female in Madame Monique’s? Of course Bella knew nothing of this and believed the fabrication that he was posing as a girl to avoid incarceration in St Jude’s like the Countess’s son Karl-Maria.  There was no doubt she may have suspected something but was far too distracted by her excitement in dressing him to explore this notion further.

“If I introduce you as my cousin,” Bella suggested eagerly “the girls would hardly question you too closely.”

“Your…cousin…”he stammered.

“A splendid idea.” the Countess replied before the he could continue.

 Bella slipped her arm into his and with the Countess on his other side and smiled contentedly as she steered him towards across the large hallway, the rustling of several petticoats filling the air as they moved across the polished tiled floor.

“It will be wonderful I always wanted a younger sister so a younger cousin is an excellent substitute.” she beamed enthusiastically, giving his arm a gentle squeeze.

“Younger? But I’m…”he tried in vain to establish at least his superiority in age but even this was denied him.

“Oh my darling Aubrey,” the Countess effused as she patted him on the cheek “as a girl you do look so much younger.”

Not only girl but younger than her. Aubrey contemplated in grim silence and struggled to restrain himself from visibly wincing.

As the elegant trio made their way down one of the wide corridors off the hallway Aubrey could feel his senses heighten, his heart beat seemed much louder in his head and the scent of his companions perfume was quite recognisable in his nostrils. The Countess’s jasmine a little stronger than Bella’s violet whereas his own scent was a discreet yet noticeable rose fragrance and if he was honest a most pleasant one as well. In a strange way he was almost glad to have the voluminous skirts draped over his lower body as not only did they give him something to hold onto to stop his hands from shaking they also hid his trembling legs. Another curious aspect was the distinct sounds of their swishing and crinkling skirts and how they rose and fell with each step, he found the rhythm almost hypnotic and strangely comforting.

He was roused from this trancelike state by Bella as she brought them to a stop in front of a dark oak door.

“Now remember Aubrey you are my cousin.” she said removing a stray hair from his temple “My pretty younger cousin who was kind enough to accompany the Countess here with her son.”

“And if there are any awkward questions I will answer them.” the Countess added, pinching his cheeks lightly to induce a little colour.

He let out a barely audible whimper and was about to ask a question when Bella opened the door and suddenly he was staring at a room full of young women every one of which appeared to have their eyes trained on him.

“Ladies, please remember your manners, this is no way to treat a guest.” a voice boomed out, its owner with skirts crackling made her way across the room.

“I was wondering where you were Bella.” an imposing lady addressed Bella and acknowledging Aubrey and the Countess immediately added “But I see you have guests.”

Aubrey without thinking drew closer to the Countess, standing slightly behind her and as the woman approached and regarded him closely with her small, darting green eyes.

 “Miss Mellon, may I introduce the Countess von Uttendorf.” Bella presented her older companion.

Miss Mellon observing protocol curtsied to her social superior and the Countess duly acknowledged her respectful gesture with a nod and a generous smile.

“And this…” Bella gestured to the increasingly nervous young man on her right “is my young cousin Aubrey.”

“Such a delightful creature.” she trilled, advancing slowly towards Aubrey. Eyes wide and mouth slightly agape he moved even closer to the Countess.

“Miss Mellon is the mistress in charge of etiquette and the social graces.” Bella announced as Miss Mellon raised her lorgnette to further examine the young arrival.

“Yes quite delightful.” she repeated her eyes surveying her subject. “A most unusual facial configuration for a girl, such a feminine bone structure yet almost…”

Miss Mellon paused and glanced at the Countess. Aubrey could feel a familiar tightness in his stomach and was grateful for the support his corset gave him in holding him steady.

“Cherubic.” she said.

Only a few short months ago Aubrey would have become quite angry at such a description, now however relief was the prime emotion.

“Aubrey, are you forgetting your manners?” the Countess asked and immediately Lady Charlotte’s schooling manifested itself.

“I apologise Miss Mellon.” he said and perfectly executed a deep curtsy. “So pleased to make your acquaintance.”

“Quite enchanting.” Miss Mellon beamed clearly delighted by his graceful gesture and turned to the room “I do hope you girls took note of this young lady’s elegant action.”

Without daring to cast his eyes in their direction he could nevertheless hear the low chattering of a slew of female voices.

“Dear Aubrey has been tutored personally by Lady Charlotte de Winter over the last several months.” the Countess said.

“And it shows Countess.” Miss Mellon answered as she continued to scrutinise Aubrey who was drawing ever closer to the Countess.

“Lady Charlotte had thought about sending him to St Jude’s or a similar establishment” the Countess said as she felt his arm tighten around hers “But he is far too delicate and felt St Jude’s may be just a little overwhelming for her little darling.”

Aubrey could hear giggles from the assembly behind Miss Mellon.

“Silence!” she uttered in a clear but restrained voice and the room fell quiet once more “You must forgive the girls, they get a quite emotional and a little animated  when we have visitors and particularly those who… ahem… bring a new pupil.”

She looked at the Countess and smiled.

“Ah yes.” the Countess returned the smile in acknowledgement “My son.”

“Many of the girls witnessed his arrival.” Miss Mellon said “Hence their excitement I do hope you understand. I do hope you will join us for some tea.”

Aubrey, anchored to the Countess, began to follow Miss Mellon as Bella once more slipped her arm into his free one and whispered in his ear,

“A most impressive curtsy… for a boy. You must tell me later how you gained such proficiency.”

As they glided across the floor with every set of eyes in the room on them Aubrey was more concerned about how exactly he would survive the next several minutes, explaining his expertise in this singular feminine gesture was the least of his worries. He was concentrating on his movement and quickly recalling the hundreds of lessons on how to walk, sit, and stand, the correct way to hold one’s teacup, the subtleties of female conversation and everything else a young woman was required to know in order to navigate the complex and nuanced company of other women. He worried unduly however.

On reaching their destination he carefully arranged his skirts and small bustle before effortlessly and gracefully lowering himself onto the chair. Bella caught the Countess’s eye with a quizzical look and had to struggle to remain silent fortunately Miss Mellon’s eyes, much to his concern, continued to linger on Aubrey.

“A most unfortunate first engagement with the Headmistress I believe, Countess.” Miss Mellon said gravely as she settled her ample and well padded posterior onto the chair.

“Yes Miss Mellon, quite regrettable.” the Countess agreed “I had expected a degree of resistance so I was not surprised at his reaction. It is as you say unfortunate but not entirely unexpected.”

“If it is of any consolation Countess,” Miss Mellon said “A week or two in the kitchens with Mrs Coldstrap has a most beneficial effect on even the most stubborn young man and they always emerge with an entirely different attitude. They are compliant, utterly obedient and ready to begin the next phase of their education.”

She smiled reassuringly at the Countess and then glanced in Aubrey’s direction before returning to her theme.

“Mrs Coldstrap is extremely effective at smoothing the edges of even the most truculent male and it is an experience none of them wish to repeat. She has never failed us yet. I can assure you that when your son is returned to you he will be as graceful and as demure as your young companion.”

“That is a most comforting thought Miss Mellon.” the Countess replied patting Aubrey on the cheek “If he turns out to be half the girl Aubrey is I will be delighted.”

“Speaking of Aubrey,” Miss Mellon said to Aubrey’s consternation as two parlour-maids arrived and began placing the delicate china cups in front of them.

“Ah yes.” the Countess smiled “You are curious about her transformation from boy to girl.”

Miss Mellon nodded eagerly.

“Quite remarkable.” she exclaimed “And although most convincing as a male there were a few feminine characteristics which I suspect she found difficult to disguise. I would imagine it is also very challenging to master the peacock like male gait, not to mention the pomposity and self-induced overconfidence and perhaps one or two other masculine traits.”

“Yes she does need a little more practice if she is to be taken for a male.” the Countess laughed “But I don’t think that will happen anytime soon. You are so much happier now that you are back in a dress. Isn’t that so Aubrey?”

A rhetorical question of course and with every pair of eyes on him Aubrey did not hesitate to answer enthusiastically.

“Oh yes Countess.” he lied eagerly as fear easily trumped his humiliation and for good measure and Miss Mellon’s benefit he gave a well practiced sweet smile.  

Naturally Bella found this most amusing and could not resist the opportunity to increase his discomfort.

“Yes Miss Mellon,” Bella added with a knowing smile “Aubrey is quite the actress, aren’t you Aubrey.”

Still desperately trying to contain the mounting panic of finding himself in this den of femininity he was unable to reply and cast his eyes downward blushing at her obvious jibe.

 The Countess concerned that Aubrey may well faint quickly related the same version of events that she had already given to Miss Mellon’s superiors, Madame Olivia and Miss Lillian. When the Countess had finished, Miss Mellon raised her lorgnette once more and scrutinising Aubrey and eventually said in a tone that sent a little shiver up his spine,

“Anyone, male or female, entering this establishment wearing trousers always find themselves in a dress within the hour.”

“But, as you can see Miss Mellon.”Bella intervened and gesturing to a small group of girls “Aubrey is obviously much more comfortable in a dress unlike say Frances Barrington over there. Or indeed, Harriet Beecher sitting next to her.”

Miss Mellon gave a little snort of derision.

“I suppose you have a point Bella.” she said “Your cousin is far more feminine than either of those two. Their mothers allowed them far too much freedom, I think Harriet even wore trousers on several occasions while horse riding on her mother’s estate. Both of them would walk like Grenadiers if I hadn’t insisted they wear the long form corsets which reach to their knees. They will need at least another six months wearing them before they are properly trained.”

“I doubt if Aubrey would ever require the long form corset Miss Mellon.” Bella said smiling at him “She does not need reminding of her femininity, isn’t that so Aubrey?”

“Oh yes Bella.” he answered in a quiet voice praying the subject would change.

“Bella?... young lady.”Bella said pointedly with a slightly stern look on her face, reminding him of her status as Head Girl.

“Oh I’m sorry… Miss Bella.” Aubrey mumbled.

“Hierarchy is everything at the school.” Miss Mellon explained as she smiled at the Countess.

“As in life.” the Countess immediately remarked with the unmistakable authority of her superior social standing.

The point was not lost on the etiquette mistress.

“Of course Countess.” Miss Mellon answered in a deferential tone.

“Oh you silly girl.” Bella snapped as one of the maids hit the sugar bowl with the teapot, spilling its contents as she placed it on the table

“Oh I’m so sorry Miss.” the maid babbled and curtsied.

“Another demerit Meadows.” Miss Mellon said as the maid tried to place the sugar cubes back into the bowl. “How many is that this week girl?”

“It’s my fifth Miss.” she said and clearly alarmed added with another curtsy “I’m so sorry Miss.”

“Well I’m afraid you will be joining Cavendish in the Blue room after tea.” Miss Mellon said.

“Oh please Miss.” the girl pleaded, biting her lower lip “I…”

“Please don’t make it worse for yourself Meadows.” Miss Mellon said “Now run along girl and be grateful I’m in a good mood today.”

“Yes Miss.” Meadows said and curtsied before scurrying off.

“When I said hierarchy is everything Countess, I should have also included discipline.” Miss Mellon addressed the Countess and as she began pouring the tea glanced at Aubrey and smiled before returning to the Countess “After all it is what underpins our authority. I’m sure you agree.”

“As in life.”  the Countess repeated nodding her agreement “Servants can be so lax they need a firm hand if they are to perform their duties to the best of their ability. I commend your methods and I’m sure my son will benefit greatly from regular correction.”

“Indeed he will, Countess. And naturally you are also right about servants Countess.” Miss Mellon said taking a sip of her tea “You may be interested to know that the two servant girls who will be punished later are in fact pupils. At a certain stage of their education each pupil spends some time in the role of a maid, it not only teaches humility but more importantly also ensures they are taught how a maid should carry out their duties with the utmost attention to detail and to learn the high standards that every mistress requires. After all one day they themselves will be the mistress of a grand house having authority over many servants they will need to know how to assert their authority.”

“What a novel approach.” the Countess chirped, clearly impressed “And tell me Miss Mellon exactly what form does the discipline take?”

“Several strokes of a paddle, Countess. It has a most beneficial effect and tends to correct any shortcomings. Of course St Jude’s standards are very high and unfortunately some girls have difficulty attaining these immediately, we regard this as more a memento mori rather than a punishment.  ” Miss Mellon replied and once more turned her attention to Aubrey, who was now feeling even more uncomfortable, she smiled as  she gestured towards a plate in the centre of the table, “Some cake my dear?”

“Aah… no…thank you Miss Mellon.” Aubrey struggled to reply and twitched slightly as he felt a hand land on his knee and even through the heavy material of his dress and the four petticoats underneath he could feel the gentle squeeze of Miss Mellon’s fingers.

“Of course you young girls like to look after your figures.” Miss Mellon continued to smile as if nothing untoward was happening, her eyes till firmly locked on his as she patted his knee and withdrew her hand. “Quite understandable after all I’m sure you don’t want to have your corset laced an inch tighter.”

Her remark brought smiles to both the Countess and Bella’s faces as Miss Mellon continued,

“Unlike males we ladies are servants of our corsets. In the same way a mistress supervises her maid so too a corset will control our bodies ensuring we conform to its silent demands. However such restriction imbues in us a degree of self-discipline that is sadly lacking in the male sex.” She sighed and turned to Aubrey “Isn’t that so my dear.”

“Oh yes Miss Mellon.”  Aubrey lied with as much enthusiasm as he could muster “Ah…of course …yes …self-discipline…most important.”

“I’m so glad you agree my dear.” Miss Mellon continued seemingly oblivious to his discomfort and thankfully his true sex.  “Naturally once a young man is laced into a corset he will quickly lose that preposterous male self-assuredness and become as compliant as the softest girl. Your son is probably already in his corset Countess.”

As Miss Mellon then directed her attention to Aubrey, the Countess and Bella were desperately attempting to suppress their amusement. She appeared far too engrossed in her subject matter to notice and Aubrey was too alarmed by the zeal with which she expounded on the topic to detect their mirth at his expense. There was a bright pink glow to her cheeks, a hint of moisture above her upper lip and he was almost sure her pupils were dilated. The thought of life under this woman’s control was enough for Aubrey to instantly decide to redouble his efforts to appear as feminine as possible. He gave the most girlish smile he could manage as she pursued her theme, her eyes appearing to glaze over as she spoke.

 “Yes… The addition of petticoats, bloomers, preferably satin as it ensures docility in the male, may give rise to a little resistance but the threat of a cane across the backside will immediately quell any nascent rebellion. High necked frilled collars and a large bustle to ensure his silhouette is as womanly as possible will reinforce his sense of femininity. Tight calf length boots of no more than three inches to begin with at least ten buttons are also recommended.”

She paused to sip her tea and Aubrey, becoming progressively unnerved took the opportunity to take refreshment also. The Countess felt it time to intervene.

“Would it possible to witness the…ahem… correction of these inattentive girls.”

“Of course Countess.” Miss Mellon answered a little breathlessly, patting her upper lip with a lace handkerchief “I’m sure the girls would be delighted and I suspect the spectacle would be most instructive for your young companion. Now if you will excuse me I need to attend to some matters before the formalities begin.”

After she had left the table Aubrey breathed a sigh of relief, much to the restrained laughter of Bella and the Countess, and if it was not for his generously boned corset would have no doubt slumped back in his chair.

“A most interesting conversation.” the Countess said surveying the room of young girls who appeared intrigued by the new arrivals and as she noted, Aubrey in particular.

“We rarely receive visitors at this point in the term.” Bella explained “And obviously they are extremely curious about the new girl. It may be best if we take the initiative and introduce him… I mean her… otherwise they may become even more inquisitive particularly the senior girls who may be more difficult to control.”

“Oh no…please Bella…Miss Bella. Please… Countess.” Aubrey pleaded. “They will soon see I am not a girl.”

“You seemed to have deceived Miss Mellon with very little difficulty.” the Countess dismissed his fears with a reassuring pat the knee. “You should have no trouble in deluding her pupils and Bella does have a point. If there are any problems Bella and I will be on hand to rescue the situation.”

As he was just about to express his alarm over this plan his companions stood up and looked down on him.

“Come along my girl.” the Countess said breezily “Nothing to be afraid of.”

All right for you to say. Aubrey thought but dare not express the sentiment out loud.

He raised himself and instinctively shook out his skirts so that the little train at the back fell perfectly on the floor behind him and glanced to see if it was free of the chair. The last thing he wanted was to trip or stumble making him look gauche. The Countess and Bella exchanged smiles as he self consciously spent a few moments smoothing out wrinkles in the dress.

Bella smiled at him slipping her arm inside his as they made their way across the room.

“You really are good at this Aubrey.” she said quietly “It’s like you’ve been wearing dresses for years. You will have to tell me just how you became so proficient at comporting yourself as a girl.”

As they moved across the large drawing room the assembled girls stood as they approached. Aubrey noticed all the girls were similarly attired in a uniform consisting of a cotton twill fitted bodice with a v shaped neckline under which was a crisp white silk blouse and a twill skirt over what Aubrey judged to be at least three petticoats. He looked like a peacock amongst a flock of crows and thought that thankfully they appeared more interested in his gown than his face.

“Girls,” Bella announced with a smile as she gestured towards her companions “The Countess von Utterdorf and my dear cousin Aubrey.”

They all curtsied to the Countess but it was to Aubrey that their eyes were drawn.

“What a wonderful collection of young ladies.” the Countess smiled surveying the cluster of girls surrounding her and Aubrey “We are so looking forward to hearing about your experiences here at St Jude’s. Isn’t that right Aubrey?”

“Er… ah… yes…” he stumbled becoming even more alarmed as the girls closest to him advanced to within inches, Aubrey drew even closer to the Countess.

Seats were quickly produced for the Head Girl’s guests but just as they were about to sit Miss Mellon arrived and whispered in the Countess’s ear.

“Can I leave Aubrey in your care for a few moments Bella.” the Countess said “It appears there is something I must attend to.”

“But…I…”  Aubrey babbled as the Countess left with Miss Mellon in a flurry of skirts.

“Your… cousin? Miss Bella.” One of the girls asked eagerly as Bella settled herself on the sofa and patting the space beside her gestured to Aubrey to sit.

“Yes Emily.” Bella answered and smiled sweetly at the increasingly nervous young man “My favourite and dear younger cousin Aubrey.”

A chorus of excited murmuring mixed with the rustling of dozens of skirts and petticoats arose from the collective as they moved closer to inspect the fashionably dressed object of their interest. Aubrey could hear snatches of their increasingly feverish comments.

 “Girls!” Bella snapped but in Aubrey’s opinion only half-heartedly and was clearly relishing the excitement his presence had created. “Please remember you are ladies and this is not how ladies should treat guests.”

Despite the rising fear inside, Lady Charlotte’s training did not desert him, and he gracefully lowered himself onto the sofa. Much to Bella’s delight he sat so close to her their arms touched and she could feel him trembling slightly. She smiled and patted him reassuringly on the knee.

Bella’s admonishment did little to quell the raw curiosity of the gathering.

“We were not expecting another pupil.” one of the girls said as they began sitting in a semi circle around the couch.

“Another female pupil, that is.” a girl with auburn hair snorted.

“We saw two…” an older girl began.

“You thought you saw two boys, Emily” Bella quickly interrupted and established her own narrative. “As you can now see Aubrey is a very skilful actress and used her talents to enable the Countess to, shall we say, introduce her son to St Jude’s.”

“So he…your cousin…is…”another girl said in a somewhat incredulous voice “is really a girl.”

“Oh don’t be so ridiculous Georgina.” a petite girl laughed “None of boys Madam has introduced here have been as pretty. Of course he, I mean she is a girl”

“Such a striking face.” one voice blurted.

“Yes Cora.” another quickly added a little too cautiously for Aubrey “Glamorous yet at the same time a trifle…ah… peculiar.”

“But so very pretty you must agree, Clarissa” a tall well built girl said “and what beautiful eyes.”

“And those lips.” another voice from within the group said “so kissable” a remark which elicited a wave of giggles, turning to Aubrey Bella whispered in his ear.

“I think you have won them over.”

Mortified by their commentary of his feminine features Aubrey blushed and cast his eyes downward but was still able to steal a discreet glance at his audience. The overall consensus was, apart from one or two dubious faces, that he was indeed one of their own sex.

He wasn’t quite sure whether to be relieved or insulted.

“I do hope you won’t be offended, Aubrey” Georgina said with a smile “but you were certainly most convincing in the role of a young man.”

A ripple of agreement resounded around the room.

“Miss Dearlove our drama and dance mistress would have been extremely impressed.” one of his new admirers trilled, a sentiment echoed loudly by her friends.

“Yes Clementine.” the girl sitting to her right agreed “She mimicked the male pose quite expertly.”

“But now we see you in that beautiful dress,” Emily declared with obvious admiration “it is hard to imagine you as the young man that entered here less than two hours ago. Isn’t that right girls?”

“Oh I’m not so sure Emily” a tall and deep voiced girl said.”

Aubrey became alarmed at her comment and before she could voice her opinion and much to his relief there was a disapproving response from the vast majority of girls.

“Don’t pay any heed to her Aubrey.” Clarissa sympathised “Rachel is always looking for male characteristics in girls, she even said Cora drank her tea like a man.”

Laughter rang out but Aubrey could see Rachel gazing at him intently and although extremely unnerved he managed to summon up his sweetest feminine smile and joined in the hilarity.

“Oh Aubrey, you really must tell us what it is like to wear male clothing?” Georgina said, her voice clearly revealed her fascination at the very idea of a girl wearing male attire. From the animated reaction this was a question which clearly resonated with her fellow pupils.

Aubrey, although feeling a small sense of relief that despite Rachel’s remark his secret still appeared to be safe, was nevertheless taken aback by their overly enthusiastic response. The wide eyes, open mouths, nostrils twitching, it reminded him of a pack of hounds being prepared for a fox hunt.

And I’m the prey. he said to himself as he smoothed a wrinkle on his skirt trying to appear as calm and feminine as possible.

“Settle down girls.”Bella commanded bringing a degree of order to the overly eager assembly. “Don’t forget we have the maids’ correction shortly and we don’t want to get too excited too quickly. But Aubrey will be more than happy to relay his experience of dressing as a male.”

“It must have been ghastly having to wear trousers.” Clementine said “I can’t imagine how you did it.”

“It wasn’t the first time Aubrey wore trousers.” Bella interjected before he could open his mouth “Isn’t that right Aubrey?”

A cackle of excitement arose from the girls.

“Quite the hoyden, is our Aubrey.” Bella laughed lightly.

“Did you enjoy it then Aubrey?” Emily enquired in a surprised tone.

“It was… emm… it wasn’t too demanding.” he replied a little sheepishly not quite sure how to respond.

“And you were not wearing corset.”  Georgina declared as if it was the most scandalous event of the year.

“There are times I wouldn’t mind discarding my corset.” the tall deep voiced girl grunted as she wriggled her torso trying to adjust her own corset much to the amusement of her friends.

Clarissa gave her fellow pupil an irritated look before asking Aubrey,

“Would you recommend it?”

“Oh no.” Bella answered for him “Aubrey could not wait to be out of those dreadful clothes and dress once more as a girl. She has gotten over her tomboy phase and has regained her femininity.”

She patted his lap patronisingly and smiled sweetly before adding,

“Isn’t that so Aubrey?”

Aubrey suddenly thought of how just a few months ago when in female company he would have flaunted his maleness by striking exaggerated masculine poses such as sitting with legs apart or standing near the fireplace with one leg resting on the fireplace’s fender as he lectured his audience while smoking a cigar. He was the epitome of manliness. Now enveloped in a silk and satin gown and squeezed within the confines of his rigid corset he now sat in a typical feminine manner, hands folded on his lap, knees tightly together and thanks to his corset, his back ramrod straight.  Now he was being asked to renege on the very masculinity he was trying desperately to cling on to, challenged to surrender his claim on the very thing that marks the outward difference between male and female.

There could only be one answer to Bella’s question.

“Yes Miss Bella.” he replied however the barely perceptible arching of her eyebrows indicated a more extensive answer was required.

“I’ve heard it is most liberating.” Rachel said mischievously.

“It was… ah…”he struggled to find the words “…very…odd experience.”

“And?” Bella pressed him once more, her hand squeezing his, her eyes conveying her displeasure at his less than satisfactory reply.

The implied threat was quickly understood by Aubrey and he immediately brushed aside what little dignity he still possessed. The lump he now felt in his throat was yet another piece of his pride being swallowed.

“It was such a great relief to be free of…”he began still wrestling with his moral duty to his masculinity, he looked pleadingly at Bella for some sign of leniency but her gaze was unyielding, he lowered his eyes and continued in a quiet voice “those ghastly trousers and wear a dress once more.”

As the girls excitedly conferred with each other Bella leaned into his ear and whispered,

“Now that wasn’t too hard to admit, was it? I think we understand one another now.”

“You mean you don’t mind being laced into these dreadful devices?” Rachel asked sounding unconvinced by his explanation and tugging at her own corset.

“Just because you dislike wearing one doesn’t mean everyone should.” Cora rebuked a sullen Rachel “It’s what enhances our femininity, isn’t that so Aubrey?”

It was now clear to Aubrey that apart from Rachel and perhaps one or two or two others all the girls appeared to accept he was female and he had to admit he was quite flattered by their favourable comments on his appearance.  So much so that he had to resist the sudden urge to take out the small mirror in his purse to check his face. However Bella’s comment about him being a boy in a dress also loomed large in his consciousness and he knew from past experience he would have to fully engage with his female ego if he was to avoid lapsing into male mannerisms. This was vital as he was now aware he would be spending the next several hours in their company and one small slip would be enough to raise suspicions especially with Rachel. He also knew that in any group, male or female, it was important to fit in and not to be considered outré.

Avoiding exposure as male would depend on him presenting himself as feminine as any of the girls in the room, apart of course  from Rachel and a few others.

I’m far prettier than them. he said to himself and gaining a little confidence quickly looked about the room before concluding with an inward smile of smugness, and quite a few others as well.

Although most of the girls accepted him as a girl, Bella like a lot of young women he knew had a certain capriciousness about her and if it suited her she could make the next few hours very uncomfortable for him.

All girls love to be flattered. he considered silently, of course conveniently excluding the glow of pride he felt just moments ago at being on the receiving end of such praise. If I fawn over her she will be less likely to be bad-tempered and malevolent. It will make life so much easier.

 With the decision made he took a deep breath and answered Cora.

“Oh yes Cora” Aubrey he replied his voice laden with a sincerity that surprised even him and confounding Bella he took hold of her hand and conjured up a most genuine smile “I used to think like that but some time ago Miss Bella and her dear mother convinced me otherwise.”

Bella, taken aback by this unexpected declaration searched his face for traces of disingenuousness but Aubrey’s eyes conveyed nothing but the utmost innocence.He could tell she was on the verge of being convinced by the earnestness of his answer. At that moment he could see in her eyes she genuinely wanted to believe him. He had gone too far to stop now.

“It was such pity they did not take me in hand much earlier.” he said squeezing her hand gently and gazing deeply into her eyes. “I would have greatly benefited from their company and the guidance they could have given me. I would have come to my senses much sooner.”

His sycophancy had the desired effect as the girls burst into spontaneous applause for their Head Girl and he could see Bella was clearly conflicted in her emotions. He smiled as he once more squeezed her hand assuring her of his sincerity.

Just as her mouth opened to reply the door opened and Miss Mellon and the Countess entered followed by the two uniformed maids.

“Ladies please make the necessary preparations.” she announced to her charges as she and the Countess made their way towards Aubrey and Bella.

 “I do hope you mean that.” she said with a softness he had not heard before.

Gazing intensely into her eyes he did not hesitate or falter in his reply.

“Of course I do.”