A Very Victorian Education Part 5

We live in a truly scary and increasingly depressing world, some parts scarier than others. My heart goes out to everyone touched by the horrors of violence from Iraq and Syria to France, Bangladesh to the US. Everywhere.

I hope this piece of drivel acts as a very small distraction to the madness going on around us.

Vive la France.

Carrie

 A Very Victorian Education

You can be never overdressed or over educated. – Oscar Wilde

Chapter 5

He wasn’t sure what broke his concentration, it may have been the loud rhythmic noise of horse’s hooves on the cobblestone just outside the window or perhaps it was the coarse shouting of the fruit sellers selling their wares. Whatever the reason Aubrey was grateful for it as he realised he was alone. He looked around the room, a room that he now spent several hours each day in and had come to hate every square inch of. It was a combination of bedroom, nursery and schoolroom, a room where he suffered indignities no young man should ever be subjected to. Depending on one’s perspective this was a room where he was being taught how to transform himself into a polite, graceful and obedient young man, respectful of and courteous to the opposite sex.  However from where he now stood or to be more accurate sat in a most ladylike pose, swathed in silks and satins, his back straight as a die from his tight corset -he had quite a different point of view. This was a room where he was continually under female supervision and subjected to an assortment of humiliations designed to subjugate and negate his masculinity. Of course it was an outrage that he had been forced to wear girl’s dresses but even worse was that he was now under the direct control of a Governess who embraced the challenge with an undisguised relish which the youth found extremely alarming and was terrified at the prospect of time he would have to serve under her authority. He shivered and closed his eyes as he remembered the first time he entered this room.

“Our time together will be magical, it will be like transforming the ugly duckling into a beautiful swan.” his Governess gushed enthusiastically when she first commanded him to sit at the juvenile, almost childish school desk situated to the rear of the spacious room.

“Lady Charlotte has charged me with the onerous task of instructing you in how to comport yourself as a female.... as a young lady..... and as you know she has given me free rein in how to achieve this. It is a great responsibility and an assignment I take very seriously.” she said earnestly as she stood over him as she stroked his hair with an almost sinister and vaguely threatening intent, his eyes were drawn to a long thin cane hanging off a thin leather belt around her tightly corseted waist.

 “Yes very seriously indeed.” she repeated before continuing “you will obey me at all times and as your tutor show me the respect my position deserves. I expect you may find this difficult at first but let me assure failure is not an option and corrective measures  will not be pleasant. Do I make myself clear?”

As her hands continued to stroke his hair the youth pressed his knees together in alarm and felt the now familiar yet disturbing sensation of the soft petticoats rub against his thighs, his stomach tightened as she fixed him with her pale blue eyes.

“Yes Miss Alice.” he replied quickly.

“Excellent, I’m sure you will make an eager and willing pupil. Now to your first lesson. I have seen examples of your handwriting and it really is dreadful.” she said a smile breaking out across her handsome face as she handed him a copybook and pen, but I’m confident we can change that. Isn’t that so?”

He was so nervous he could only nod his agreement.

“Wonderful!” she acknowledged his gesture then turned with a swish of skirts to the blackboard and wrote in beautifully embellished calligraphy

A petticoated boy is an obedient boy.

“An apt sentence, don’t you think?”she said, a wide smirk appearing in her face.

He could feel the tears welling up inside but before the first one appeared she said,

“Oh dear ...I almost forgot. It’s time for your morning milking.”

The knot in his stomach tightened yet again as he knew further humiliation awaited him.

She rang a bell and a few moments later Dora one of the housemaids appeared.

“The young master needs to be milked before his lessons begin.” Alice instructed Dora nonchalantly as if she was telling her to perform some mundane domestic task.

“I think it best if we move to the bed Miss.” Dora said as she took his hand.

Knowing a refusal would bring a harsh punishment Aubrey allowed himself to be guided to the bed without protest.

As he sat meekly on the bed Dora retrieved some silk and satin material from the tallboy.

“What beautiful petticoats.” she said as she lifted his skirts and as she felt for his penis added “and such delightful bloomers.”

He gasped as he felt her hand fondle his testicles and her other hand gently caress his member, immediately it had the desired effect and as his member grew Dora fixed him with her eyes, a disdainful smile crossing her beautiful mouth. He could not hide his shame and cast his eyes downwards as he felt the soft silk and satin envelope his shaft.

A shudder went through his body and it was over in a few moments. She cleaned him with a small fresh towel, quickly rearranged his bloomers and petticoats and led him back to his desk.

“Such weak creatures.” Alice said contemptuously examining he shamed boy’s face as Dora sat him down. Thank you Dora.”

“He should be manageable until his afternoon milking Miss.”  Dora said as she patted him on the head like a pet lap dog before leaving.

“Now back to your lesson. In your copybook you will write the sentence on the blackboard until I am satisfied you have copied it correctly.”

Wearily he adjusted his skirts underneath him and picked up his pen.

**********************************

That of course was now in the past, he tried to recall how many days had elapsed since his introduction to this room but such was the confusion swirling inside his head he was unable to do so. To avoid the thrice daily humiliation of his milking he had resolved to try and please his Governess as much as possible and he was now milked only when she considered he was reverting to more masculine behaviour. The momentary feeling of ecstasy he felt at ejaculation was immediately replaced by of deep humiliation and from Alice’s perspective his milking was successful in making him more docile. He never had time to think about this as he was constantly under female supervision.  But at least for now he was alone.

He shook himself from his recollections and looked down at the ladies fashion magazine he held in his gloved hands which were buttoned tightly just below his elbow. Becoming familiar with the latest female fashions was seen by his Governess as a necessary part of his training. He laid down the magazine on the seat beside him and turned his head tentatively. Yes! he was alone, he relaxed for a moment and let his hands drop onto the satin folds of the skirts of the elaborate gown he wore, the hem of which was spread out fan-like at his feet. He could not remember a time since he was placed under the control of his mother’s friend Lady Charlotte de Winter that he had been left alone for more than a few moments. He was never left unattended and was constantly in the company of females but now...... with none of them present he felt a tiny stirring of masculinity somewhere inside his being. He now had a brief respite from female tyranny.

This was such an unusual occurrence that at first he barely believed it but slowly his insecure and nervous brain confirmed the message his eyes were conveying. He wanted to slump back into the soft inviting cushions of the large couch but his strong and unyielding corset made that particular male trait impossible, its rigid and unforgiving whalebone ensured his back remained ramrod straight. No, his restrictive garment would not allow him that self-indulgence but at least he could enjoy the feeling of a little time however brief without being under the constant observation of prying and probing female eyes. This was the first time since he had been forced into feminine attire that he had been left alone, his waking hours were filled with female company, if it wasn’t his Governess , Alice or Miss Alice as he now had to address her, then it was Lady Charlotte or Felicity her ghastly daughter who constantly scolded him for minor misdemeanours. He also had to contend with the servants, those smirking housemaids who although made no direct insulting remarks, always seemed to have a scornful, contemptuous look on their faces, particularly when they arrived to relieve him of his masculine essence. But now at least he was free of these women, he wasn’t sure how long he had been alone, in fact such was his mental turmoil he wasn’t even sure how long he had been in Lady Charlotte’s house.  Was it four or five days, maybe it was a week? How long did his mother say she would be away, a week, two weeks? He shifted uncomfortably as his corset corrected his posture.

“How much longer do I have to remain in these hideous feminine garments?” he muttered somewhat nervously under his breath, still unsure if he was really alone even though the room was clearly empty.

Having ensured that there was no one else present he took the opportunity to stretch his legs. He rose from the couch and immediately felt the slight but still discernible tug of his heavy satin gown and four petticoats weigh on his body. He looked down and sighed despondently as the fabric of his gown protruded gently outwards from his chest by a most life-like prosthetic which was carefully affixed to his breast in order to create the illusion of a female bosom.  Before he took a step – and as was now usual for him- without pausing to consider what a naturally feminine action it was, he instinctively and carefully arranged the bulky material of the gown and petticoats over his hips so that it fell correctly. As a result of rigorous and exacting tuition from Alice this was a movement that had now become second nature to him. He felt the claves of his legs tighten as his three inch high-heeled boots, each with their ten metal buttons constricted his lower legs in the same way his corset performed a similar task to his upper body. The first steps were always the most intolerable, not in a physical sense as by now he had gotten used to the discomfort, the affliction he felt was to his masculine ego as the unmistakeable feminine rustle of taffeta and silk petticoats echoed around the empty room. Swish, swoosh. The emptiness of the room only served to amplify the distinctly ladylike sound as it seeped into his brain as if to say,

What a delightful girl you will make.

As he walked across the room he tried to block the sound from his mind but it was impossible, swish, swoosh, swish, swoosh. Just as escaping from his new feminine garments was impossible it was equally hopeless to free himself from the whispering feminine sound of the petticoats he was now obliged to wear as part of his new persona. It was not only his heavy gown and petticoats that hindered his male stride, since he had come under Alice’s supervision she had insisted that he wear  an extra long corset, one which went from just over his new female bust to half way down his thighs. No longer could he march confidently across a room like any self-respecting young man, now due to his three inch heeled boots and the long corsetry restricting his masculine gait he was forced to mince in a very feminine fashion. As he reached the window which looked out onto the street he tried to avoid his reflection in the full length mirror which was positioned close by but he found it impossible to drag his eyes away from the reflected image. The tight fitting silver coloured satin gown served to emphasise the faux female bosom, the bodice of heavy silk was decorated with ruffled Brussels lace and was draped almost like a jacket over the heavily ruched skirt which had a pleated hem several inches in depth. Attached to his waist under the gown was a large and cumbersome frame called a bustle which gave him the exaggerated shape at his rear end, a ridiculous contraption that every fashionable female now wore. The material was arranged ornately over the bustle and fell gracefully down the back of the skirt and formed a small train.

The combination of the faux bosom, corset and bustle created an unmistakeable feminine silhouette and, his face, adorned as it was with creams and powders gave him a distinctly androgynous look. Depending on the viewer’s perspective he was either a girlish boy or a boyish girl and this absurdity was creating even greater confusion inside his head. He forced   his eyes away from the mirror and gazed down onto the street below observing people going about their daily business. He saw two well dressed women walking side by side, their gowns gently swaying from side to side, his eyes returned to the mirror and to his horror he knew he would not look out of place if he was to join them. How could he retain a grip on his masculinity while dressed in such feminine fashions?  

“What are you doing Aubrey? Admiring yourself in the mirror, I suppose?” Alice, his Governess said sharply as she swept into the room  the sound of her petticoats filling the air, it was a sound he was now only too well acquainted with. “Perhaps you’re becoming even more feminine than we thought.

He was so lost in his thoughts he had not heard her open the door. He froze, rooted to the spot and felt his knees weaken at her voice, there was a time, a week ago maybe two he could not quite remember, when he would have reprimanded her for such an impudent remark but not now. No, not now, as he stood in front of her dressed from head to foot in a gorgeous dress any woman would have been delighted to wear he was no longer that confident or perhaps even arrogant young man. He was now a frightened and timid youth, imprisoned in the most unmanly confection of silk and satin imaginable. The look on her face told him he was in trouble, he felt the panic rising from within.

Idiot! Why didn’t I stay put? I should have known this was a test and she would return sooner than expected, he cursed himself silently. And just as I was getting on her good side.

 “Did you ask permission to leave your studies?” Alice asked brusquely.

The be-gowned boy turned around immediately and without a moment’s hesitation he curtsied demurely.

“Er...  um... No.... Miss. Sorry Miss Alice.” he mumbled desperately trying to find an adequate excuse for his latest misdemeanour.

“Oh dear Aubrey.” she sighed a note of disappointment in her voice as she stepped closer and stroked his face gently. “You know perfectly well that you should have asked my permission to leave your studies before I left the room. I can’t have my girl just getting up and moving about every time she feels like it. I thought you had made progress in acquiring the feminine values of honesty and trustworthiness but sadly I see that is not the case.”

Although her face did not display any signs of anger Aubrey knew only too well that he was in trouble. Of course it was ridiculous he thought to himself, a grown man having to ask permission to leave his seat but then again the very idea of a grown man being forced to wear a dress was so far beyond ridiculous as to border on the bizarre. He now inhabited a world where the normal rules of life did not apply. He was now firmly in the domain of women, forced to dressed and behave as one of them but completely oblivious to the subtle and mysterious idiosyncrasies of their sex. There were times when his Governess appeared pleased with his progress, after all he now curtsied to her without hesitation and rarely complained about his bulky and cumbersome gowns and petticoats. However there was always at least one, perhaps two of these cryptic customs and conventions which he failed to understand. This was always something simple that a man would never think of, perhaps the way he held a tea cup which she may have considered to be too manly or the manner in which he lowered himself onto a chair was deemed far too awkward to be considered in any way feminine. There seemed to be dozens of such complicated protocols for even the most basic actions, naturally he was punished for each transgression. It could be the cane or having to write lines in his copy book, it was truly demoralising. However he was a quick learner and by this stage in his training he was rarely punished a second time for the same offence. Now however he had committed yet another mystifying infringement of feminine etiquette, he grasped his skirts in trepidation this was    a gesture he noticed all women did when they became anxious- and now he was doing it also, but he had little time to admonish himself.

“But ...I ...only....” he blurted and suddenly the injustice of the situation overcame him and he felt a rush of blood to the head “It’s just not fair” he shouted and stamped his buttoned up ankle boot on the floor.

He knew he had gone too far and held his hand to his mouth.

Alice’s tilted her head ever so slightly, her eyebrows arched the merest fraction, it was the subtlest of movements but it created a sense of panic in his muddled brain. A week ago, like any other male, he would not have understood the significance of such a gesture but now after days of confinement in corsets, petticoats and satin gowns being constantly immersed in the art of femininity he immediately comprehended this peculiarly feminine signal. And it was not good. He had undergone various degrading punishments since he had entered this house and he now recognised only too well that he had once more fallen foul of his Governess. As he and every other female in Lady Charlotte’s house knew he was now physically unable to resist any humiliation forced on him and would have to face any punishment that Miss Alice deemed appropriate for any perceived misbehaviour. He would have to beg forgiveness and hope that her retribution would not be too severe. He held his skirts and curtsied.

“I’m so sorry Miss Alice please forgive me.” he pleaded, the tremor in his voice was clearly audible, the alarm visibly evident.

“Well at least you have learnt something.” she acknowledged his act of subservience before continuing, “ However I am so disappointed by such a childish outburst, I really thought you had lost your male temper but obviously not. It was an act of petulance more reminiscent of a twelve year old.”

The red face boy could only hang his head in shame at her admonishment.

“I’m very sorry Miss Alice. I should have been more mature.” he repeated and curtsied again hoping this would convince her of his remorse.

“Yes you certainly should have been.” she said, her eyes still burrowing into his soul and continued in a voice which seemed genuinely tinged with sadness “and you were making so much progress. Perhaps I should write to your mother...and seek her advice.”

“Oh no ....Miss Alice ...please not that.” Aubrey blurted griping his skirts even tighter, the thought of his mother discovering the extent ofhis predicament was too much to bear. Anything but that, please.”

“Perhaps I should not have expected you to make the transition to being a young lady so quickly.” she said as she walked around him “maybe I should have taken this a step at a time. I will allow you one more chance to prove that you are truly sorry for your transgression otherwise I will have to inform your mother and let her decide on how we should proceed.”

“Oh.. yes Miss.” he quickly agreed, several strokes of the cane or a hundred lines  would be worth not having his horrible situation disclosed to his mother, after all she had often said he was far too brash and arrogant for his own good and would possibly approve of Lady Charlotte’s  scheme.

“Very well.” Alice said as she rang the bell and almost immediately one of the maids appeared.

Alice spoke to her quietly and then returned to address Aubrey. She began unbuttoning his dress at the nape of his neck. He was surprised but knew better than to question her, she then removed his three petticoats and laid them on the bed as he stood in the centre of the room in his corset and silk pantaloons which ended at his knees in a dainty frill. When Alice dressed and undressed him she always left him for several minutes in a state of dishabille, she found this vulnerability not only concentrated the boy’s mind but it was also a source of mild amusement.

She led him to the bed where Sarah, one of the housemaids, had laid out some clothes, she held up the dress next to him. He was horrified, not only was it the frilliest dress he had ever seen with large bows decorating it from the neck to the waist and had several layers of flounces. It was horrible and as if that wasn’t bad enough it was far too short even he knew that, surely the maid had made some mistake, he looked at his Governess with a perplexed expression.

“Yes it is short.” Alice mused as she continued to hold it against him “but then all twelve year olds wear their dresses this short – and you did act like a twelve year old. I had hoped that I would not have to put you into such a dress but your immature fit of pique left me with no choice.

Aubrey looked at the clothes in disbelief.

She can’t expect me to wear the dress of a twelve year old. he tried desperately to convince himself.

“But... I ...it won’t ....”he stammered, still trying to comprehend his situation.

“It won’t fit?” Alice said anticipating his panicked question “Oh yes I’m afraid it will. You see I predicted at some stage you would revert to those horrible male traits so I had Lady Charlotte alter several of the dresses Miss Felicity’s wore as a child to fit you.”

“Oh...no ....please.... Miss Alice .....please... I promise I will ....”he begged staring at the ultra feminine garment, any dignity he had was now long gone as he saw Sarah, a broad smirk on her face, fluff out the voluminous petticoats.

“If you are going to act like a little girl then you will dress like one.”Alice said calmly not allowing him to finish the sentence as she took the petticoats from Sarah.

He held on firmly to the chair and thought of resisting but his lack of strength meant he could not resist them physically. The idea of running from the room briefly crossed his mind but dressed like this, where would he flee to?

Trapped! Yet again he screamed to himself.

“How.. long....”he gulped realising he had no option but to submit, his hands gripping the chair and hoping his legs would hold him upright “will I have to ....”

“Wear your delightful new dress?” Alice quickly interrupted him as, unconcerned by his obvious distress, she examined the dress more closely “these bows are simply enchanting, don’t you think? Naturally I had them added myself, the dress was far too plain for..... someone as special as you.

Aubrey grimaced as she held the hideous garment up for him to inspect.

“As to how long you will wear it, I haven’t made up my mind. It could be a day or two” she continued in her calm voice “then again you may require a little longer to understand what exactly is required to reach the required level of femininity, maybe a week or two. It will depend entirely on how quickly you learn your lesson and rid yourself of that petulant masculine behaviour. Oh by the way this dress is one of several charming creations I have commissioned.”

Two weeks in...... that he howled inside his head, he felt his legs buckle. Alice and Sarah quickly came to his aid.

“I wonder which one of his new dresses he will like best Miss Alice.” the maid gushed enthusiastically as they escorted him to the bed.

“I don’t know Sarah.” Alice replied “he will have plenty of time to think about it while he plays with his dolls. Now come along Aubrey your new dress awaits.”

A Very Victorian Education Chapter 4

Hi All

I thought I would have this chapter finished sooner but unfortunately it was not to be.

It’s much shorter than previous chapters at 1900 words approx, it was my hope to extend it but truthfully this would take another few weeks to fully complete  so I felt it best to post this now and if I have the time I can begin on another chapter.

 I apologise to those who may have liked to see more (  the 18 people who were kind enough to tick the “more” box)– I feel I have cheated you in posting such a short chapter but on the plus side  this has given me great encouragement to continue with Aubrey’s life under Lady C’s regimen.

There is a mildly sexual content to this chapter which is a departure for me but I felt it was necessary to the storyline to include such a scene.

I’m hoping the next episode will not take as long but it is summer and the European Football Championship is on, as is Ireland’s rugby tour of South Africa ( first win ever in South Africa last Saturday) and Wimbledon starting in a few weeks  – so a lot of distractions but hopefully I’ll get something done.

Anyway I hope you enjoy this short piece and thanks again for all the support.

Carrie.

A Very Victorian Education

Chapter 4

They promised dreams can come true- but forgot to mention that nightmares are dreams, too. – Oscar Wilde

  “A perfect day.” he said out loud, a feeling of satisfaction coursing through his body as the shadows lengthened across the meadow “nothing better than a good day’s shooting followed by an even better night’s drinking and carousing”

Laughing loudly, the group all his close friends with their guns slung over their shoulders trudged their way towards the gate at the edge of the field but he found it hard to keep up. It was if something was weighing him down, slowing his progress.

“Hold on.” Aubrey called to his friends as they nimbly mounted the gate and stood on the other side their faces creased with laughter.

“You’ll have to pull your dress and petticoats right up over your knees.” one said as the others roared with hilarity.

Aubrey looked down and saw what was impeding his movement. He was horrified to see that he was wearing a voluminous two-piece dress of claret coloured velvet and taffeta with a large bustle.

“Better get back before your Governess discovers you’re missing.” another guffawed to the great amusement of the others.

Aubrey woke up with a jolt his eyes fixed on the ceiling and unable to move, frozen with the anxiety that comes with nightmares. After a few moments he slowly shifted his legs and felt a strange and unsettling but not unpleasant sensation. His hands moved over his stomach and his fingers experienced a soft and smooth feeling as they touched an unfamiliar fabric. With trepidation he lifted the sheet and looked down in horror at the peach silk embroidered nightgown that covered his whole body, just under his chest a wide gold satin sash reached around his body and served to emphasise his feminine bosom.

Suddenly he realised this was not a nightmare it was worse, this was his new reality and there would be no escape from his continuing feminisation. His masculinity was now to be hidden under feminine garments from dawn to dusk and as he looked at the feminine nightgown he knew even in the privacy of his bed he would have to conform to Lady Charlotte’s rules.

“Yes it is a pretty nightgown isn’t it Aubrey?” a familiar voice broke the silence.

The voice confirmed his fears, he was wide awake now and not dreaming. Instinctively he knew the answer the voice required.

“Yes Lady Charlotte.” he replied meekly and immediately.

“Oh I have many such gorgeous nightgowns which I’m sure you will really like wearing.” Lady Charlotte cooed as she removed the satin quilt “Now it’s time to get up and get you dressed.”

Aubrey slowly and reluctantly slid from the bed.

“I think he likes it too much your ladyship.” another recognisable voice said in a distinctly disapproving tone as her hand took hold of his erection and squeezed it firmly which brought a gasp from the young man.

“Oh dear! That is very naughty of you Aubrey. I thought we spoke about this.” Lady Charlotte said, the displeasure at confronting his erection was clear. “This is most disappointing.”

Aubrey was so embarrassed he could only hang his head, Alice’s hand squeezing his member ensured his erection would remain intact.

“Yes m’lady,  most disappointing.” Alice agreed with her mistress and squeezed him once more, much to Aubrey’s consternation. “But m’lady in his defence perhaps it is the male way of admitting he like the softness and femininity of his nightgown, it is merely he cannot express it verbally.”

“Perhaps Alice” Lady Charlotte said then fixed her eyes on him “but it is not very ladylike now is it Aubrey? ....And you do wish to become more ladylike, don’t you?”

“Please....please....”he pleaded not wishing to surrender his masculinity.

“In my experience m’lady, unlike our own sex many males like Master Aubrey here are slaves to their urges” Alice said stroking the top of his glans with her thumb as he whimpered. “I have also discovered that if they are milked regularly they tend ......”

“Milked!” Lady Charlotte exclaimed loudly “you mean....like a cow?”

“Yes your ladyship.” Alice confirmed, as she retained a firm hold on the boy’s erect penis she continued “I have found that if they are ...ahem...milked regularly like cows they become very docile and easily managed.”

“Just like cows.” Lady Charlotte said.

“Exactly m’lady.” Alice confirmed.

“But.....I...”Aubrey protested weakly.

“Hush dear boy.”Alice gently admonished him and squeezed his member again, he quickly aborted his objection.

Lady Charlotte observed the scene closely.

“Mmm.” Lady Charlotte pondered her remarks for a few moments before continuing “and you think this would help him in his efforts to discard those awful masculine traits and encourage him to incorporate a more feminine dimension to his personality.”

“Oh without doubt m’lady.” Alice replied enthusiastically “once in this state he will agree to anything, perhaps a demonstration would be helpful?”

“Proceed.” her mistress instructed.

“Now young man” Alice addressed him and expertly stroked him once more, he moaned as a feeling of exquisite pleasure ran through his body “tell Lady Charlotte how you would like to become more girlish and wear pretty dresses?”

The boy tried to muster all his self –control but Alice squeezed and the stroked his shaft, the combination of these actions as well as the soft silk of the nightgown enveloping his erection was simply too much and he nodded his agreement.

“I think you had better say it so we can hear you.” Alice breathed in a voice as smooth as the silk of his nightgown as she continued to stroke him.

The sensation was unbearable, he thought his brain would explode.

“Please....Miss.....I.....”he babbled.

“Say it.” she cooed “you know you want to.”

He could not help himself.

“I... want to wear.....pretty dresses.” he blurted.

Alice released her grip then tightened it again close to the glans.

“And.. become......more....” Aubrey gasped, desperately trying to think of a less demeaning word than ‘girlish’, sensing his reluctance Alice rubbed and squeezed him again, the exquisite sensations coursing through his body were overwhelming his brain, his mind was in turmoil and his thought process was practically non-existent.

“.......Effeminate.” he blurted

“Effeminate!” Excellent! What a simply delicious word.” Lady Charlotte declared excitedly “yes Alice, I must confess I do like the sound of that.”

Having completed her demonstration Alice applied the coup de grace with accomplished finesse, the youth’s body jerked into a climatic spasm and his male essence exploded from his member. She released her hand and quite exhausted he fell back onto the bed his nightgown visibly damp with his sperm.

“How curious.” Lady Charlotte said as she observed the boy prostrate on the bed, “Fascinating and revolting at the same time.”

“As I said m’lady, unlike the female sex males have so little control over their disgusting urges.” Alice said as she caught hold of Aubrey’s ear and in a further act of humiliation raised him from the bed before continuing,

“I do hope you are not going to forget your promise to her ladyship to become less masculine and more amenable in adopting feminine attributes or as you yourself have phrased it ... to become more effeminate.” Alice paused and fixed him with her steely eyes, a look that clearly implied there could only be one answer.

The intense sensations that ran through his body had now vanished and were replaced by a humiliating reality, he could not meet their eyes but knew he had to answer.

“Yes. “he murmured.

“Aubrey!”  Lady Charlotte said sharply “Is that the correct way to address your Governess?”  

An increasing sense of shame was now enveloping the youth, he was completely drained both physically and mentally and could not argue even if he wanted to.

“Yes Miss Alice.” he said softly.

“Are you forgetting something Aubrey?” Lady Charlotte chided him.

In an act of utter humiliation he turned to the woman who just the day previously, was a mere housemaid, someone who was at his beck and call, his social and gender inferior. He held the sides of his silk nightgown between in his hands and bent his knees in a deep curtsy.

“I’m sorry Miss Alice.” he said as he completed his act of indignity. “it will not happen again.”

Alice acknowledged his apology with a gracious tilt of her head and although she remained silent he could see the unmistakable look of triumph in her eyes. He could only hang his head in complete shame which did not go unnoticed by the women.

“I think you may be right regarding his milking Alice.” Lady Charlotte said as she examined his demeanour closely, her voice was composed, almost soothing as she continued “there does seem to be a slight change in his manner, less excitable and .....perhaps.... a little calmer. Am I correct Aubrey, do you feel a little more relaxed, less anxious about wearing your new clothes?”

Aubrey, such was his shame could only nod his agreement, standing in front of the women in his soiled silk nightgown he was close to tears.

Lady Charlotte embraced him warmly.

“It’s all right Aubrey.” Lady Charlotte said comforting him “young girls often find it comforting to cry every now and then you, it is part of the feminine experience. Now let’s get you out of your nightgown, you will feel so much better after Miss Alice bathes you in a nice warm bath.”

As Alice approached and lifted the soft fabric over his head he felt powerless to stop her and in a moment he was standing naked in front of the two women. He didn’t have to look to confirm his penis that just a few minutes ago was a rigid instrument of masculinity had now shrivelled to a fraction of its size and was now barely noticeable. The look of derision on Alice’s face seemed to shrink it even further. He now realised that under Lady Charlotte’s regimen he would have no privacy and he would be under female supervision at all times. He began to formulate a plea to be allowed to bathe alone but his face betrayed his thoughts and Lady Charlotte read his intentions.

“I do hope you are not thinking of refusing.” she asked sharply.

“Oh no, Lady Charlotte.” he lied unconvincingly but she chose to ignore it..

“That’s a good boy, I’m so glad that you are finally learning.” she said “now run along and when you return I may even allow you to choose your own undergarments and gown for today- just like a real girl.”

Lady Charlotte busied herself locating clothes in the large walk in dressing room and paid little attention as Alice took a firm hold of his flaccid penis and led him to the bathroom, she turned to him and smiled.

“Not very big now, is it?”she sneered “but it really doesn’t matter, effeminate boys like you have little need for such things and shortly it will be safely tucked away under several silk and taffeta petticoats. By the time we are finished, you will make the most gorgeous feminine male. Your life as your mother’s prodigal son is now over and you will soon discover the joys of being a young lady, restrained by corsets and dressed from head to toe in the most sensuous fabrics. Oh yes! I will certainly enjoy the challenge.”  

Aubrey now knew it would be some time before he emerged from this particular nightmare.  

A Very Victorian Education part 3

 Below is the third past of A Very Victorian Education I was hoping to have another illustration completed for it but I just ran out of time.

The usual  and  most genuine thank you to the 12 or 13 readers who consistently tick the “more box” I really do appreciate the gesture as without this I would not know if readers actually like the story or not. At the moment I have lot of commitments so it will be very difficult to finish the story in this format i.e. 4000-5000 words per chapter.

 So as I mentioned in a previous post I think the best way to continue will be to publish an illustration displaying a scene from Aubrey’s new life with an accompanying short text. This way hopefully the period between chapter s may not be too long.

Thanks again for your patience and support and I hope you enjoy it.

Carrie

The gentle whispering sound of soft silk skirts and petticoats filled the air as three elegantly dressed feminine figures moved along the upstairs corridor of Lady Charlotte de Winter’s London mansion. The only thing that made this quite ordinary domestic scene somewhat unusual was that the middle one of the fashionably dressed trio, the one who moved with an awkward and ungainly gait was in fact male. The young man in question was dressed in a gorgeous elaborate gown of the most delicate shade of ivory silk and decorated with an ornately embroidered bodice of gold and silver. He wore, along with his corset and petticoats of course, an expression of dread and trepidation. Wearing such a wonderfully feminine confection was not – as his countenance so clearly suggested – an arrangement he had entered into voluntarily. No, dear reader, the callow youth had been forced into wearing his new feminine garments by his mother’s dear friend and her daughter. After displaying the most arrogant and appalling male behaviour his hostess administered an exotic potion from the Far East which had temporarily robbed him of his male strength. When Lady de Winter insisted that his attitude towards the female sex would greatly benefit from some time living as a woman. Naturally the boy recoiled at such a notion but after having his behind thrashed by her daughter and physically unable to resist he soon found himself trussed up in petticoats, corset and gown. It was a dreadfully humiliating experience and he had hoped to limit it by remaining in his room for the duration of his stay but Lady de Winter had other ideas.  

“Such a pity we did not have a little more time with him to practise ascending and descending stairs.” Lady Charlotte said as she and her daughter steered the unwilling young man along the corridor towards the head of the wide staircase leading down to the expansive entrance hallway. “It would be nice if he was to make a graceful descent by himself. Servants always look to us as exemplars of feminine deportment.”

“Please Lady Charlotte …I can’t …the servants…..what will they think….”the petrified youth said desperately trying to dig his three inch heels into the large circular Persian rug at the top of the stairs.

“Please do not concern yourself about the servants Aubrey” Felicity said “they are servants they will think whatever Mother tells them to think. Like most women they have endured various humiliations at the hands of males and they were very grateful to be given the chance of serving in an all-female household. As a result of their experiences they understand and agree with Mother’s views on the subject and I think you will find they will welcome the chance to educate you in the more civilised ways of our gender.”

As he looked over the balustrade into the spacious hall below he could see the maids gathering to greet their mistress. Instinctively he tried to turn and go back but Felicity’s hands tightened sharply on his upper arm, two days ago he would not have felt a thing but now he felt even the slightest pressure when she chose to apply it.

“Ouch” he squealed in a girlish tone. “You’re hurting.”

A triumphant smile creased her face and he felt ashamed at his admission.

“Felicity!” her mother snapped “stop hurting the boy, remember he is not as strong as you and may be far too delicate for your heavy handed ways. Felicity reluctantly relaxed her steely grip and Lady de Winter continued,

“Now Aubrey, regarding your apprehensions about the servants’ views please do not concern yourself about such trivial matters. Of course they will find a male dressed in such a beautiful gown somewhat .....shall we say…unusual. However they are well trained and they understand that the manner in which the upper classes conduct their affairs may sometimes appear unorthodox but as well trained and loyal servants they accept that there may be good reasons for everything their mistress does.”

She stood back and made a minor adjustment to his sleeves and looked at him directly in the eye before adding,

“No matter how unconventional or even odd that may seem. I expect they will soon get used to it- as I am sure you will.”

This did not assuage Aubrey’s fears and he continued to dig his three inch heels into the carpet. Lady de Winter looked at him quizzically and tilted her head in a questioning manner.

“Of course if you are still reluctant to descend the stairs voluntarily I’m sure Miss Bristlestrap would only be too happy to assist us.” she said in a low voice.

Aubrey, his heart beating fast under his chemise and corset, knew exactly what that would entail. He immediately decided whatever chance he had of maintaining even the slightest degree of dignity if he voluntarily accompanied Lady Charlotte and Felicity, to refuse and be forced in front of the servants by Miss Bristlestrap would only make him look even more foolish and unmanly… if that was possible.

“Oh no Lady Charlotte I’m just a little nervous.” he answered as he caught a glimpse of Miss Bristlestrap smiling in a vaguely threateningly manner at the end of the stairs.

“It’s all right my dear boy,” Lady Charlotte said, her voice much more comforting now, “take a firm hold of your skirts ensuring you also have a grip of your petticoats and slowly put one foot in front of the other. Don’t worry Felicity and I will be next to you just in case you stumble.”

After a tentative start he managed to reach the end of the wide staircase without incident and as he finally alighted from the last step he felt a now familiar queasiness in his stomach as he saw the housemaids lined up behind Miss Bristlestrap to await their mistress and her new guest. The housekeeper, Lady Charlotte and Felicity left him standing alone as they engaged in conversation. He tried to avoid the gaze of the maids but was unable to do so, it was as he had feared  he quickly detected on each of their faces a look of ridicule and derision.

“Girls.” Miss Bristlestrap called her staff to attention “the mistress has an announcement to make.”

“As you will be aware we have a guest staying with us, the child of a very dear and valued friend. “Lady de Winter began as she gestured her hand towards the mortified boy in the ivory silk own whose eyes were now fixed firmly on the floor, she called to him “Aubrey you can let go of your skirts and petticoats now and come over here.”

Under his voluminous gown his feet slowly began to move him to Lady Charlotte’s side, the skirts of the gown swaying gently as he did so. He knew all eyes in the spacious hall were on him and as he walked in as dignified a manner as he could under the circumstances.

He tried to calm himself.

Remember you are a man, a man of breeding and of high rank just because you are dressed like a girl does not mean you should act like one.

Once at her side Lady de Winter took him by the hand and addressed the servants once more.

“You are perhaps wondering why a young gentleman is dressed in such a fashion. You are also aware of my views regarding the arrogance and conceit of the male sex and how abhorrent I find them. Master Aubrey, after some…..persuasion, has conceded that since his arrival in this house he has been guilty of such obnoxious and loathsome male behaviour and has offended, disparaged and insulted the female gender.”   She paused and looked at the shameful boy, Aubrey shifted uncomfortably under his gown at her characterisation of him but she squeezed his hand gently and gave him a broad benevolent smile before continuing

“However, to his great credit he has expressed genuine remorse for such conduct and has shown a willingness to rid himself of these dreadful traits. So for the duration of his stay with us he has committed himself to acquiring the more courteous and refined values associated with the feminine persona. To demonstrate his sincerity he has agreed that he could absorb these qualities if he was to immerse himself fully in all things feminine.”

She interrupted her address and once more smiled proudly at him and out of the corner of his eye he could detect the thinly disguised smirks of the servants. Such was his mortification Aubrey wished the floor would open up and swallow him, he just wanted Lady Charlotte to stop speaking and allow him to leave, but there was little chance of that. She recommenced her speech,

“I am happy to announce that the dear boy has agreed to my suggestion that the best way to do this would be to dress and behave as a female until he returns to his mother.” she paused and beamed at the servants. “So thankfully the gender balance has been restored and we are once again an all-female household.”

The maids broke into spontaneous applause at this announcement and Aubrey cringed at the thought he was now considered female –even by the servants.

“I’m sure Master Aubrey will be most grateful for your assistance and support in helping him to integrate into my home in his new role. Naturally you will grant him the same respect and deference as you would any lady of high social standing.”

The maids all nodded eagerly and broke into frenzied chatter and smiling in his direction as they did so, Aubrey felt distinctly uneasy by this display of female excitement, one of them   spoke to Miss Bristlestrap who in turn spoke to Lady de Winter.

“My Lady, the staff are curious as to how exactly they should address your new …ahem…guest, should they refer to him as Master Aubrey or…….” Miss Bristlestrap paused as she fixed the boy with her steely gaze “….or in view of his new feminine attire should he be addressed as  ……Miss Aubrey?”

Lady Charlotte seemed to be taken by surprise by her housekeeper’s question.

“I really had not thought of that Miss Bristlestrap, an excellent question. What clever girls they are ” she replied as she turned her attention to Aubrey once more and fussing unnecessarily with his collar smiled at him before asking,

“What do you think Aubrey?”

Aubrey’s brain had been experiencing ever increasing levels of turmoil since he first opened his eyes that morning and was now faced with yet another humiliating choice. Choosing the feminine form of address would mean he had surrendered his increasingly tenuous claim on his masculinity but being addressed as Master Aubrey dressed in ladies clothing would sound equally degrading and would only serve to draw attention to his predicament.

“I ..ah... I....”he spluttered as every pair of eyes in the room fixed on him once more.

“Maybe it is a little too soon for you to decide.” Lady Charlotte interrupted his babbling, “Perhaps it may be better to wait until you become a little more......” and she paused momentarily, her hands gesturing to his gown before continuing “..... comfortable in your new attire?”

Such was his confusion he could only nod, Lady de Winter turned to Miss Bristlestrap and the assembled maids. 

“The change from male to female clothing will obviously take a little time for the young master to become used to both physically and mentally and I’m sure  Aubrey is still a little confused with our new arrangement.”

Once more words failed him and he could only nod his head in agreement.

“Yes your ladyship.” the housekeeper agreed “In my experience young males require a period of adjustment in their new attire before they begin to empathise with the female sex. Naturally they are totally unused to the restrictive and voluminous nature of garments worn by ladies of polite society, and like Master Aubrey here, once they find themselves dressed in such feminine attire they have  absolutely no idea how to comport themselves in a natural or graceful manner.”

Aubrey was still coming to terms with his bizarre plight and focused on avoiding the smirking faces of the maidservants, he wasn’t sure he had heard her correctly. Lady Charlotte’s voice cut short these thoughts,

Did she say she has experience of seeing males dressed as girls? Has she or Lady Charlotte done this to other boys?

“I suppose we will have to leave that particular question for the time being.” Lady Charlotte said “however the most important thing is that he is shown deference as befits a girl......I mean boy of his class.”

“Of course m’lady.”Miss Bristlestrap replied “the staff are well trained and will ensure he is treated in the appropriate manner and with the utmost......”she paused and looked disdainfully for a few moments at the figure in the silk gown before adding “...  respect.”

 “Now Miss Bristlestrap” Lady Charlotte announced as she began to gather her skirts and move away “Miss Felicity and I have some matters to discuss in private and we would welcome your views, please join us in the library.

Aubrey was relieved that he would not have to continue to face the servants prying eyes and their barely concealed smirks and went to follow her.

“This will take several minutes Aubrey and we do not require your presence, please wait in the drawing room and we will join you when we have concluded our business.”

He tried to say something but by the time the words reached his mouth they had already arrived at the library door and he was left standing in the company of the four maids. The smiles that crossed their faces unsettled him greatly as they gathered around him like sharks surrounding a lone seal, their eyes examining every part of him, he felt they were  mentally undressing him. Although they had not spoken a word he knew that behind the mask of their polite smiles they were laughing at him- the boy in the dress. He tried to avoid their eyes but it was impossible and he could feel himself becoming even more anxious and........... feelings he rarely felt before....... he felt intimidated and vulnerable. His usual poise and self-assurance had disappeared – now buried deep under his taffeta petticoats and rigid corset.

The maids continued to examine him and he became fretful and agitated, he grabbed the soft silk of the dress’s skirt trying to stop his hands from shaking. He began swaying nervously and in the almost funereal quietness of the hallway even his slightest movement created a rustling sound from the silk and taffeta petticoats that shamefully hung from his slim hips. He rarely took notice of servant girls, well maybe the pretty ones and like most of his peers he deliberately remained aloof and haughty in their presence. After all servants particularly maidservants should always be aware of who was in charge. But now stripped of the male clothing that marked him as a scion of that very upper class society and dressed as a girl in silks and satins he no longer felt as authoritative as the youth who entered this house just a few days ago.  He knew he had to escape from their mocking eyes and contemptuous smiles, he decided to break out of their circle to the safety of the drawing room.

He bolted for the door several metres away but forgetting that he was now wearing long and cumbersome petticoats under a dress he stumbled and fell unceremoniously to the ground. He did not think his humiliation could reach a new level but now, crumpled into an undignified figure on the marble tiles with his dress and petticoats bunched up around his thighs in a most indecorous manner, he knew he had plumbed a new level of shame.

“Dora, Hilda.”a voice said quietly “pick Master Aubrey up.”

He felt two strong hands grip him under the arms and lift him effortlessly to his feet. He was speechless with mortification as the maids set about fixing his dress and adjusting his petticoats neatly under the skirt.

“Are you hurt Master Aubrey?” one of the maids said in an unmistakeable mocking tone.

“No...no.... I’m...  all right.”he answered still shaking slightly.

“Oh let me fix your dress and petties.”

Three of the maids fussed about him carefully arranging his dress.

“Running in a dress is not a wise choice Master Aubrey.” the maid with the brown hair said. “A lady’s clothing does not have the same freedom as that of a young gentleman and as such young ladies tend to avoid such exertions as the consequences can be.......”she paused as she adjusted his bodice around his false bosom before continuing “.... very embarrassing.”

“I...it’s ....”he spluttered.

“Perhaps if you sat down in the drawing room you may feel a little better. Some tea may help calm you?” she said.

“Yes....that...I think that would be...” he said still shaken but before he agreed to her suggestion she had already taken hold of his arm and guided him to the drawing room door.

“It would be best if you held your skirts whilst walking Master Aubrey, like this,” she advised and demonstrated with the skirts of her uniform before explaining “young ladies do this naturally from a young age, however for a young man it may require a little more practice to achieve the desired effect. I’m afraid you will have to modify your gait also.”

His embarrassing tumble to the floor had completely eroded what little confidence he had left and he felt his petticoats were now a hazard to his movement and a source of further potential embarrassment. He knew her remark about his gait was also true, he would no longer be able to stride about in the normal male fashion. If he was to avoid another mortifying fall he would have to shorten his male stride and learn how to walk and move in a more ..... and he hated to admit it.....feminine manner.

Alice spoke quietly to the other maids and they left, leaving just the two of them in the room.

“Perhaps you had better sit down Master Aubrey.” she said and as before without waiting for an answer she took him by the arm and guided him to the large couch.

He tried to sit but almost tripped on the hem once more Alice moved quickly to prevent him falling once more.

“You will have to lift your skirts slightly before you sit, this will ensure to do not stumble and also that you will not bunch your petticoats underneath you.”

She demonstrated the correct method and he gingerly lowered himself onto the couch and as he sat there in his feminine finery he caught sight of his reflection in the large mirror over the fireplace and the enormity of changes he had been put through suddenly hit him. He  saw the girl in the mirror begin to sob.

“May offer some advice Master Aubrey?”she said proffering the tearful youth a handkerchief

He was still transfixed by his reflection and through his tears nodded his agreement, Alice sat down beside him the jet black of her uniform contrasting with the beautiful ivory silk of his gown.

“Difficult as it is for you to understand, you must accept that you are now completely under Lady Charlotte’s control.” the maid began “Your mother and Lady Charlotte agree that women have suffered too long under a hypocritical patriarchy which they feel leads to moral corruption and a life of debauchery, they are fearful that you may be led down this path.”

Aubrey looked at her blankly not fully understanding what this had to do with his present predicament, Alice dabbed the last tears from his cheeks and continued

“As you know only too well she and your mother are extremely close, almost like sisters. Your mother has always been a great admirer of the mistress’s abilities to achieve exceptional results in even the most trying cases. The maids in this household are one example, most of them were streetwalkers, ladies of the night, but Lady Charlotte rescued them and through patience and some unorthodox methods she turned them into presentable girls with impeccable manners and moral rectitude, they are no longer at the mercy of men.”

 The youth shifted uneasily on the couch, his bulky new clothes creating a faint crinkling noise every time he made even the slightest move, reminding him as if that was necessary, that he was now confined within a silk and satin prison. Aubrey knew the maid was right his mother often expressed an excessive affection towards Lady Charlotte and held her opinions in the highest regard. He was aware his mother strongly disapproved of his behaviour and he suddenly realised that she may not only fail to condemn his treatment at Lady Charlotte’s hands. Worse still- she may even approve of it. Alice waited for her words to seep into his brain before she spoke again.

“If you rebel against Lady Charlotte or fail to show sufficient progress it is extremely likely that your stay here will be prolonged for several months. As you know your mother had planned to go abroad for an extended tour of the continent, Paris, Venice, Salzburg and a spa in Germany I believe. I overheard her tell Lady Catherine that it would be a great relief to know that you were in the safe hands of Lady Charlotte and not involved in any disgraceful male behaviour.  If you think you are suffering now just imagine weeks, months perhaps longer dressed.....”she paused and gestured to his sumptuous silk gown “in beautiful gowns of silk, taffeta, satin and other soft feminine fabrics. Not to mention of course being confined in corsets. I think after such a long period in feminine clothing you would probably forget what is was to be male.”

Aubrey let out an audible gasp, being held prisoner in female clothing for a day or two was excruciating but for months. He desperately tried to remember how long his mother had said she would be away at her aunt’s estate. A week? two? And he did recall her saying she had plans for a Grand Tour of Europe however at this moment such was his confusion he could not remember when exactly she said she was leaving. The thought of such a long time dressed as a female was too much to bear, he burst out crying again.

“ Months.....oh no.....”he sobbed.

“If she decides to extend her tour it could even be a year.” Alice helpfully added and produced another handkerchief.

“A YEAR!” he wailed taking the handkerchief and burst into tears once more.

“Of course....” Alice said softly as she smoothed out a crease in his skirt “.. if you conform to her ladyship’s regimen and impress her with your willingness to change your ways, abandoning the arrogant and disrespectful attitude of the male sex I’m sure your time in female clothing would be very short.”

“Do you really think so?” he answered still sobbing as he grasped at this lifeline.

“If you are to be successful you will need to fully comprehend the nature of femininity with all the complexity of emotions that it brings.” Alice said taking the handkerchief and wiping the tears from his cheeks. “This is a good beginning.”

He looked at her with a vacant look on his face.

“You see,” she explained “this is one advantage women have over men, the relief of tears, the torrential downpours that wash our spirits clean. It will help you accept that you are no longer in control. Do you understand?”

He really didn’t know what she was talking about but he did not feel as tense, he nodded and Alice continued 

“The mistress is a highly intelligent woman and will not be fooled by you merely wearing a dress, making a feeble effort to change. She will want to be satisfied that you are making a sincere attempt to transform your life and become a better person. If she sees that you accept her methods I’m sure she will be more forgiving.”

“How....what can I do?”he blurted as he realised there could be a quick way out of his predicament.

“Oh it will take a few days but you could begin by a display of respect and....” Alice hesitated .......obedience, curtsying to her when she enters the room would be a good start. It would show her that you are sincere in your wish to change.”

“But ..I can’t....I don’t know..... how.” he said.

“Every girl knows how to curtsey.” Alice answered “and you must remember...... in the mistress’s eyes, you are a girl now Master Aubrey. Let me see you try.”

Aubrey knew he had no way out of this dreadful plight and he was prepared to do anything to get released as quickly as possible from his horrible clothes. A few days ago he could never have imagined taking instructions from a servant girl, a maid, but he now felt Alice seemed to offer the best solution to his problems.

With these thoughts in his head Aubrey lifted himself from the couch and very clumsily attempted a curtsey.

“Oh dear” Alice sighed “I’m afraid that will not do, it may be all right for a kitchen or scullery maid but not a girl of a high social rank”

He looked at her blankly.

 “As I said you really need to think of yourself as a young lady.” Alice smiled sweetly. Now try again, your right leg behind the left and holding your skirts slowly lower your body.”

He was concentrating so much he didn’t hear the door opening, the other maids arrived and began arranging the low table for tea. They found it difficult to conceal their amusement, seeing them Aubrey became flustered once again.

“The young master is trying very hard to improve his .....” Alice said pausing to find the right words “....feminine qualities.”

“Her ladyship will be impressed.” Dora said barely suppressing her giggling.

“Yes...”Hilda agreed in a tone that betrayed her hilarity “most.... ladylike, I’m sure.”

“Girls!” Alice admonished the maids “I am trying to teach Master Aubrey some feminine etiquette.”

She then turned her attention back to the bewildered youth.

“Now if you imagine Dora here is her ladyship’s daughter, let me see how you would greet her.” Alice said.

The maids gathered close to him fixing him with their eyes, sly smiles breaking out across their faces.  Aubrey’s thoughts drifted to a time before he was imprisoned in these dreadful female clothes. Yesterday, he said to himself, he would have reprimanded them for their insolence, they were mere servant girls after and he was superior in rank and gender. He was a man. But that was yesterday, today he was barely recognisable as that man, today he was a feminised male in a dress.

“Master Aubrey!” Alice said sharply rousing him from his reflections and asserting her growing authority, leaving him in no doubt this was an order not a request.

Aubrey looked at her with pleading eyes but Alice ignored his unspoken appeal, her eyes widening as if daring him to refuse. She gestured him to stand in front of the smiling servant girl.

The only sound in the room was the swishing of his skirts as he meekly complied.

“Miss Dora.” Aubrey mumbled in a broken voice as he lowered his body and performed the submissive feminine gesture.

“Much better.” Alice smiled “And now do the same with Hilda and Sarah.”

He repeated his performance to the obvious satisfaction of the grinning maids.

“Oh that was wonderful, I feel like a real lady.” Sarah cooed, clearly delighted “I’m usually the one curtsying.”

“Yes.” Hilda said to the others in a quiet but excited voice that Aubrey could not help but hearing “would it be marvellous if he was wearing my uniform and I was wearing his gown. Maybe her ladyship might........ ”

“That’s enough girls, the mistress be here in a moment you may go.” Alice said putting an end to his torment as the maids left the room still giggling.

“You see the effect an elegant curtsey can have, Lady Charlotte will be most pleased with such a display of feminine decorum.” Alice said as she turned to the door “I think I hear her in the hallway, now sit down and when she enters rise  and slowly lower yourself into a graceful curtsey.”

A loud rustle of taffeta and silk announced the arrival of Lady Charlotte followed closely by Felicity and Miss Bristlestrap. Alice nodded to her pupil who rose from the couch and performed an almost faultless curtsey.

“Oh you darling boy, such a charming curtsey.... what a wonderful surprise. I really did not think you were quite ready to fully accept my ideas.” she exclaimed her voice filled with emotion and opened her arms “come here and let me embrace you.”

It was plain to see that his curtsey had the desired effect as she enfolded him in her arms and held him to her ample bosom.

Maybe Alice is right he said to himself as she maintained the embrace for a few moments, If I keep up this pretence for a few days I may get my clothes back.

She eventually released him from her grip and smiled at him, he could see Felicity and Miss Bristlestrap exchange knowing smirks.

“It will take more than a simple curtsey to convince me Mother.” Felicity snorted.

 “Mmm...perhaps.” Lady Charlotte said holding both his hands in hers and scanning his face “however something in his demeanour seems to have changed since we left him. It’s as if he’s had an epiphany. Has Alice been giving you a little advice dear boy? she is a clever girl.”

“Um...ah.....she...”he mumbled, mortified that he had debased himself in front of Felicity and Miss Bristlestrap and flustered by her perceptive question.

“I merely pointed the young master in the right direction your ladyship.” Alice intervened “I did not mean to interfere.”

“Quite all right Alice.” Lady Charlotte replied “in fact we were just discussing how best to proceed with his ...” she paused for a moment before continuing “training.... I suppose is the best word. He really does need a lot of work and as I may not always be on hand to supervise his progress and Miss Bristlestrap has enough to do running the household. I had thought about employing a responsible and discreet lady’s maid to help develop his more genteel and feminine qualities however his education is another major consideration after all he did express a concern regarding his next term at Oxford.”

“A.... lady’s maid?”  Aubrey blurted, the very idea filled him with dread and he visibly recoiled at the suggestion. This would be the worst possible eventuality, he tried desperately to dissuade her “...but there’s no need I assure you Lady Charlotte. I will be.....”

Lady Charlotte ignored him and continued,

“However, although a lady’s maid would be helpful I feel someone with a little bit more experience in dealing with boys would be ideal in giving you a more rounded education.”

Aubrey looked at her with a mixture of apprehension and confusion.

“Miss Bristlestrap tells me that Alice has just such a background. Isn’t that so Alice?” Lady Charlotte said.

“Yes m’lady.” Alice replied. “you were kind enough to employ me as a head housemaid when circumstances made it difficult to obtain a position more suited to my abilities.”

“With Aubrey’s elegant curtsey I think we have already witnessed your inspirational qualities.” Lady Charlotte said as she sat down “And you would be willing to take on this responsibility.”

“Of course m’lady.” Alice answered “it would be a wonderful opportunity.”

Aubrey’s head was following the conversation like a spectator at a tennis match.

“Then it is settled.” Lady Charlotte.

“I...don’t understand Lady Charlotte.” Aubrey said fearfully.

“Oh..Aubrey you silly boy, have you not been listening?” Lady Charlotte explained to the confused youth. “Alice will become your Governess, under my supervision she will help nurture your progress. She will have full authority over you and I expect you to obey her as you would me.”

“Alice?” he blurted still not believing his own ears “but I....can’t...she’s only a  ...”

“She is your new Governess.” Lady Charlotte said “and given her new position I think it best if you address her as Miss Alice.”

“But....I....she’s a.... you can’t really expect....”he spluttered.

“Aubrey!” Lady Charlotte snapped, the sternness in her voice did not escape him and he feared the consequences of defying her “now greet your new Governess in the appropriate fashion for a young lady.”

A wave of subjugation washed over him, his hands grasped his skirts and he bent his knees and lowered his body as he had been taught.

“Miss Alice” he said as he curtsied to his new Governess.

Relative Interference - A new short story

 As mentioned in my last post, below is the story I wrote while trying to finish the latest AVVE episode.  Hopefully I’ll be able to finish that episode in a few weeks so perhaps this will keep readers interested in the meantime. The illustration below is one I did for the last episode of ASP but did not post(apologies OGF, you have seen this before, I did not have time to make  new one.)

Thanks again to all who ticked the “more box” I take that as a gesture of support for my efforts.

I didn't have much time to proof read this so apologies if there are typos or jarring sentences.

Carrie

Relative Interference.

By

CarrieP

“I’m afraid I have some bad news William.” Mrs Sophia Dearlove addressed the young man in front of her and patting the seat next to her on the couch added “please sit down.”

The young man immediately knew there was something seriously wrong as he had never before been invited to sit in his employer’s presence.  He looked nervously at Miss Grayson the housekeeper and his immediate superior before taking such a liberty, sitting down in Mrs Dearlove’s company would be quite a serious faux pas for a member of the domestic staff. However Miss Grayson nodded her approval but given his position in the household he was still reluctant to do so.

 “It’s quite all right William.” the housekeeper reassured him “you may sit next to the mistress.” 

It had now been several months since Mrs Dearlove had first met him at the orphanage where he had spent the previous six years. She was attending a charity event and afterwards as he had served her and her glamorous female companions’ coffee she had engaged him in conversation. He clearly remembered how he blushed when she remarked how delicate and feminine his features were, an opinion that was endorsed enthusiastically by her friends. Miss Parker the orphanage’s matron noticed the group of women talking to the young man and joined them. Mrs Dearlove quickly established that the young man would remain in the orphanage’s care for another two years, something the boy was deeply unhappy about as Miss Parker was a petty tyrant and now that his education had come to an end she was using him as unpaid labour. He recalled how his heart raced as Mrs Dearlove asked if he would be interested in a position in her household.  Given Mrs Dearlove‘s power and influence with the orphanage’s Board of Directors Miss Parker had to agree when William quickly agreed to her offer. The position was as a houseboy and despite some initial apprehension by the exclusively female domestic staff  he had been treated reasonably well as the sole male.  The work wasn’t too hard and Miss Grayson the housekeeper was far kinder than Miss Parker, apart from a few misdemeanours for which he had received a mild punishment he had been very happy. Until now.

With all this coursing through his mind it was with a great degree of nervousness that William crossed the deeply carpeted floor to join Mrs Dearlove on the couch.

“William, my mother will be staying with me for a few months and ....”Mrs Dearlove said softly, almost apologetically “...well....she has some unusual ideas regarding male domestic servants.”

William looked at his employer with a quizzical look, Mrs Dearlove took a sip of her tea then continued,

“You see she has had several bad experiences in the past with butlers, footmen etc. and will not employ a male servant. Such is her aversion that she will not even stay in a house that has a male servant. So you see my dilemma.....unfortunately I will have to send you back to the orphanage.”

“Oh Madam ...please not that.” the young man pleaded.

“I’m so sorry William but there is very little I can do about it.” she answered sympathetically.

“Please Madam.” he implored now almost on the verge of tears at the prospect of being returned to the orphanage, “I’ll keep out of her way, stay in the kitchen, the garden...anything.”

“I’m afraid that would not make any difference.” she replied in a regretful voice.

“Please...Madam....”he was begging now and slipped off the couch onto his knees.

Miss Grayson bent down and whispered in her mistress’s ear.

“Oh I don’t think the boy would agree to..... that Miss Grayson.” Mrs Dearlove answered her housekeeper, “But...” she hesitated “... with his features, those wonderful high cheekbones and those beautiful long eyelashes perhaps he would  pass.”

William sensed   there was a suggestion of a lifeline, he would grasp at any straw that was offered as the very thought of being returned to the orphanage was enough to make him weep. Anything would be better than that.

“Stand up dear boy.” Mrs Dearlove said and rising to his feet both women examined him closely “yes...yes.. if mother is any way reasonable I think it may be a solution.”

“Turn around William.” Miss Grayson ordered and he quickly complied “Yes Madam he certainly has possibilities and I’m sure if he was given some intensive training perhaps Madam’s mother would be willing to consider the idea.”

William didn’t know what they were talking about but felt that whatever it was there was no doubt Mrs Dearlove seemed very enthusiastic and positive, even Miss Grayson seemed more animated than usual. He sensed there may be some hope of resolving the issue and while they were engaged in their conversation William considered his own situation. There were many advantages to working for Mrs Dearlove, he was treated much better and life in this house was easier than the orphanage, the food was also better and there were fewer restrictions. Of course he was still a servant but at least his uniform of a white jacket and black trousers appeared more casual than that of a maid’s uniform. In this outfit he imagined he could have been mistaken as a visitor to the house but no one could mistake a female servant as there was a strict uniform code for Mrs Dearlove’s female servants , blue or grey dresses in the morning and a black one in the afternoon  with the regulation white apron and cap of course.

“William!”  are you listening?”  Mrs Dearlove said in an exasperated voice, interrupting his thoughts. He looked at her blankly.

“Miss Grayson believes there may be a solution to our little problem.”Mrs Dearlove informed him as she looked at her housekeeper “ a trifle unusual but my mother may agree.”

“That’s wonderful.” William blurted, barely containing his excitement “what is it?”

“As my mother’s objection is to male domestics, you will be dressed as a housemaid.” Mrs Dearlove exclaimed, clasping her hands to her bosom with excitement and smiling at him expectantly. “you have such delicate.... almost feminine facial characteristics, a little make-up and a light colour lipstick would work wonders.”

“And with the correct foundation garments your figure would be transformed into a more girlish figure.” Miss Grayson beamed, delighted with her solution.

William thought he was hearing things.

“A housemaid?” he repeated incredulously.

“Yes, yes” Mrs Dearlove declared in an exhilarated voice “Isn’t it a wonderful idea? Mother could not possibly object.”

“I would have to dress as a....a... housemaid? A... girl?” he asked still unsure that he had heard her correctly.

“Yes of course, it’s the only way we could keep you here.” Mrs Dearlove replied her voice now losing patience with his questions.

“Well.....I.....it’s just that...a housemaid....”he stammered not knowing how to respond to such an outrageous suggestion.

“Yes it is unusual I suppose.” Mrs Dearlove said “but there is no alternative I’m afraid. I suppose it was too much to ask but I really thought you were happy here but I do understand it is not every day you are asked to dress as a girl. Such a pity I think you would have been a great addition to the staff. But it is your decision.”

So many thoughts were running through his head and he barely noticed Mrs Dearlove had retreated to the couch looking extremely disappointed.

“While you are packing Miss Grayson will call a cab to take you back to the orphanage.”

Those last two words sent a shiver down his spine, Miss Parker the matron would view his return from such a prestigious establishment as Mrs Dearlove’s  as a personal insult and he knew she would make his life miserable.

“I...I...”he spluttered

“Yes?” Mrs Dearlove said.

“I.. didn’t mean to... be disrespectful Madam.” he babbled as he struggled for the words.

“Yes?” Mrs Dearlove repeated her eyebrows arching ever so slightly.

“I mean I would like to stay.” he finally blurted.

“As a housemaid?” she said as she elegantly crossed her legs and fixing him with her large grey eyes added, “ and....wearing the appropriate uniform?”

He looked at Miss Grayson who still held the telephone in her hands and felt anything would be better than returning in disgrace to Miss Parker.

“Yes Madam.” he mumbled.

“Please speak up boy I can barely hear you.” she said and he could hear the irritation in her voice, the last thing he wanted was to get her angry.

“Yes Madam I would like to stay .....as.....your... housemaid and I will wear the appropriate uniform.” he blurted and as the words left his mouth he could feel a wave of shame wash over him.

“Excellent, Mother will be here soon so we had better get you into your new uniform. Miss Grayson,will you locate something in his size and meet me in my bedroom.”

William was still in a fog at what he had just agreed to and mindlessly followed Mrs Dearlove up the staircase to her room. In the months he had been in her service he had never been in Madam’s bedroom as Miss Grayson felt it would not be proper to have a male enter the mistress’s bedroom.

“Stand by the bed.” she instructed him as she went to the mahogany tallboy “and take off your clothes.”

As he began to slowly remove his shoes Miss Grayson entered with various items in her arms.

“Oh do hurry William Madam’s mother will be here shortly and we don’t want her to find we have a male servant in the house.” she said in an urgent voice and turning to Mrs Dearlove said “I think these will fit him Madam, they are your former lady’s maid’s uniform, although they may be a little bit tight.”

“I’m sure once he is in this his new uniform will fit wonderfully.” she said returning to the bed and held up a long pale blue satin corset with long laces dangling from its eyelets.

William by this time had stripped to his shorts and gasped as she held it up to his torso, the full implication of agreeing to her proposal was finally beginning to emerge in all its horrible reality.

A corset I have to wear a corset he cried to himself.

“Yes dear boy” she said noticing the shocked expression on his face “I’m afraid wearing restrictive corsetry is among one of the many sacrifices we ladies have to make to make ourselves presentable.......and now as part of your new life you too will endure a similar experience.  It may seem like torture at first but wearing such a garment has wonderful benefits, enhancing ones figure and promoting excellent posture for a girl. There is also a very practical reason for wearing the corset, to get into your new uniform you will need a little help to shape your body. And this is the very thing that will achieve the perfect shape.”

The boy felt a surge of terror rising up from within but despite this he knew he had to tread carefully to avoid arousing her ire.

“How long will I have to dress as a maid Madam?” he asked as diplomatically as he could.

“Oh only for mother’s visit, then you can revert to your normal uniform.” she answered absentmindedly as she untangled the corset’s laces.

Well, I suppose it could be worse. he thought, consoling himself that his humiliation would not last long.

“A few months at the most.” she added as she unravelled the last knot

A few months!  The words shook him now realising he would have to dress like this for such a lengthy duration.

 “Your shorts.” Miss Grayson snapped, indicating him to remove them and handed him a satin dressing gown.

“But..I ...you can’t mean.” he spluttered.

“I am quickly running out of patience, or would you prefer me to do it.” Miss Grayson said in a tone that left no room for any misunderstanding of her intentions.

After putting on the dressing gown he quickly slipped down his shorts, Miss Grayson held up a white satin panelled long legged girdle against the dressing gown trying to judge his size.

“This should fit.” she said and abruptly handed it to him, he looked at her blankly.

“What are you waiting for?” Miss Grayson said, a slight irritation in her voice as she commanded him “put it on....now.”

He turned his back to the women and under cover of his dressing gown he stepped into the heavy garment, struggling to pull it up.

“Oh dear there’s one of those horrible male bulges Miss Grayson.” Mrs Dearlove sighed pointing to the offending bump between his legs.

“Oh I’m sure I can fix that.” her housekeeper answered and without warning she grabbed the top of the boy’s new girdle and to his astonishment pulled it down leaving his totally exposed, paralysed with a mixture of shame and fear.

 “As I suspected..... nothing too large.” she said in a contemptuous tone as she viewed his flaccid penis before snapping “Open your legs boy.”

Stunned, he silently and meekly obeyed her instruction and in an instant she had pulled his member down and tucked it tightly between his legs.

“Now close them tightly and pull up your girdle.” she ordered, he looked down and saw there was practically no male bulge, any sign of his manhood had disappeared.

“Much better Miss Grayson” Mrs Dearlove said as she ran her hands over the now smooth and even satin material and slipped it between his legs and letting her hand linger momentarily she gently rubbed his hidden bulge which caused him to emit a slight groan. She ignored this and turned her head to Miss Grayson and added  “I would hate to have any unsightly lumps in case Mother wishes to inspect him.”

“Perfectly understandable Madam.” Miss Grayson replied.

She released him and nodded to her housekeeper, “Carry on Miss Grayson.”

 Mrs Dearlove watched as Miss Grayson sat him at the dressing table and showed him how to roll up stockings and attach them to the girdle’s garters and after he had finished she marched him back to her mistress who wrapped the corset around him and  as she tugged at the laces he felt his torso compress causing him to gasp.

“Yes it does have that effect, hold on to the bed post.” Mrs Dearlove said as she waited for him to grab hold of the bed post before resuming her task, he groaned once more as she tightened the stays.

“Oh don’t be such a baby.” Miss Grayson said sharply.

“Do you know William...” Mrs Dearlove said as she gave a final jerk to the laces “this is my mother’s corset, she gave it to me when I was about your age and was going through a tomboy phase. She insisted I wore it day and night for weeks, she said it would instil a more feminine attitude in me.”

She knotted the laces tightly, turned him around and inspected her handiwork before running her hands over the nipped in waist of her skirt and said

“And as you can see it really did work. There is nothing like a good corset to enhance one’s femininity.”

“Now my darling boy, how many petticoats would you like to wear?” she said.

“Petticoats?” he answered still trying to recover his breath.

“Yes I really want you to look your best when Mother arrives.” she said enthusiastically as Miss Grayson arranged several items on the bed.

“I... don’t  ... I mean  I...”he stammered barely comprehending what was happening.

“Yes..petticoats.” Mrs Dearlove explained as if talking to a child “you really will have to look as feminine as possible if you are to convince my mother  your intentions are honourable.

“I think Madeline always wore four under this particular uniform, Madam” Miss Grayson helpfully pointed out to her mistress referring to Mrs Dearlove previous lady’s maid.

“Yes, dear Madeline” Mrs Dearlove sighed at the mention of the name and turning to William said “an excellent lady’s maid I trained her myself...to a very high standard.”

William had heard the servants speak of Madeline and how glamorous she always looked and how obedient she behaved.

“Is four acceptable to you William?” Mrs Dearlove asked the bewildered boy who now unable to speak merely nodded. “Excellent , I think the silk and taffeta ones Miss Grayson, the ones with the deep frilled hems.”

In a daze he felt the soft fabric being pulled up his stockinged legs and watched them as they settled the petticoats over his now uncomfortably reduced waist, in a matter of moments they had slipped the heavy duchesse satin black uniform dress over his head and carefully arranged the skirt over his petticoats. Mrs Dearlove pulled back his longish fair hair into a knot at the back securing it with hairpins and placed a frilled lace cap on his head to which she attached more pins to keep it in place. Meanwhile Miss Grayson was busy slipping his arms into a starched white frilled apron which she tied in an ornate bow at the back. The youth was still quite disorientated as Miss Grayson applied some light make up foundation to his face.

“Pucker your lips William.” she instructed, meekly he obeyed as she covered his lips in a delicate shade of pink lipstick, both women stood back to view the result of their labours.

“Madam should really change as I believe your mother is due to arrive in a few hours.

“Oh! is that the time?” Mrs Dearlove said glancing at the clock “Yes I suppose I’d better change. Something conservative I think, you know how Mother is Miss Grayson.”

“Yes Madam.” The housekeeper said deferentially.“Perhaps the grey silk shantung and the pearls Madam’s mother sent from India?”

“Excellent suggestion.” Mrs Dearlove said “you fetch it and the boy can begin undressing me.”

As they were speaking William caught a glimpse of himself in the large ornate dressing mirror, it took several seconds for him to realise that he was the feminine figure in the formal maid’s uniform staring back. Still not quite believing his eyes he moved his body ever so slightly and the petticoats peeking out from under the dress of the girl in the mirror swayed. He was horrified at the sight but at the same time could not take his eyes away from it. So mesmerised by the reflection he did not notice that both women had stopped talking.

“I see your new maid is quite taken with her new uniform Madam.” Miss Grayson laughed.

“Yes he does seem to like it.” Mrs Dearlove agreed as she and Miss Grayson approached him, “I find that pretty boys are no different from girls Miss Grayson. Put them in a delightful dress and they behave just like a girl. Isn’t that so William?”

The boy hung his head in shame, this was the most humiliating experience of his short life. Miss Grayson began fussing with the skirt of his uniform.

“You were correct Madam he has made the transition from houseboy to housemaid quite easily.” she said “once he is trained properly he will make a wonderful addition to the staff. Madam’s mother will barely notice.”

“Oh dear just look at the time Mother will be here shortly I’d better hurry. William you may as well begin your duties now, unzip me.”

The boy just stared at her blankly.

“Oh I see your confusion you thought you would be put to work as a house or parlour maid. Well Miss Grayson and I have been discussing that and I think that as you are dressed in a lady’s maid’s uniform you may as well be trained as a lady’s maid. Of course when my friends come for morning coffee or afternoon tea we will have you in attendance, my friends simply adore pretty servant girls. Now do hurry up ....like a good boy.”

She turned her back to him as Miss Grayson busied herself in her mistress’s closet retrieving her change of dress. William in his new three inch heels minced his way across the room and began unzipping her dress. She pulled it down over her breasts and it slid to the floor leaving her standing in her pale blue satin slip. She stepped from the dress and looked at him quizzically.

“Well don’t just stand there.” Mrs Dearlove said as if speaking to a five year old “you are a maid ..pick it up and lay it on the bed, then fetch me a steel grey slip from the tallboy, the third drawer down. Oh dear you really are slow so I will remove my slip this time. Now run along and try to be quick I haven’t all day.

Miss Grayson returned with a beautiful grey silk shantung silk creation and laid it on the bed.

“Yes he is a bit slow Madam.”Miss Grayson said as she helped her mistress with her slip “and rather ungainly but once we get him trained properly I’m sure he will make an excellent servant girl.”

“Yes and hopefully Mother will approve.” Mrs Dearlove said as they both watched her new male maid return with her slip.

“Approve of what exactly my dear!” A voice boomed from the door as its owner looked at the uniformed maid and as she sailed gracefully into the room she added “you never told me you engaged a new lady’s maid....and such a pretty one. Come here girl and let me have a look at you.”

“Mother! How delightful to see you.”

William felt his knees weaken.

Fin.

Slight Delay with Latest AVVE Episode

Just a short note to readers who are following AVVE I’m about halfway through the next episode but finding it a little tricky to finish and had to rewrite parts of it so realistically it will be a few weeks before I can post it. However while I was having this difficulty I started another short story to try to kick start my brain and I’m close to finishing this – hopefully by the end of this week or maybe sooner. So hopefully that will make up for the delay.

Carrie

PS I'd done the new header picture above for the Jack and Pamela story but not sure if I posted it with that story at the time and was too lazy to look it up I'll look it up later and if that is the case I'll post another one soon.