A Very Victorian Education Chapter 15 - with 2 illustrations

Suitably chastised from Miss Geraldine’s rebuke and appropriately attired as she suggested I humbly submit the next chapter of Aubrey’s struggle for your approval.

I’m not sure what readers will make of this chapter, I am very much aware that Aubrey has spent quite a few chapters in Mrs Cockshott’s home and some readers probably find that the story has stalled but – SPOILER ALERT- at least by the chapter’s end readers will see that the story is progressing albeit at a glacial pace but then events did move at a more sedate pace in the Victorian era.

I have also had to alter Aubrey’s dress in the second pic – due to a problem with an external hard drive I lost a lot of pictures so there is a slight continuity issue, hopefully it will not irk readers too much.Aubrey's face has changed too but then I suppose that is to be expected due to the levels of anxiety he has been experiencing.

Usual thanks to all who commented and tick the more box- I greatly appreciate it.

I hope you enjoy this chapter and as always glad to get any feedback good or bad.

Take care

Carrie.

A Very Victorian Education

By

CarrieP

Chapter 15

Firmly secured once more inside his heavy navy velvet dress the soft material of his petticoats brushing against his silk stockings with every step, Aubrey St Clair felt a creeping and insidious femininity begin to embrace him like ivy around a tree. He sighed as he slowly made his way across the room to where Roberta stood gazing mournfully at the various garments laid out on the bed.

“I thought I was finally free of these dreadful feminine clothes.” she lamented as she took up a peach silk chemise with a look of utter disdain and threw it back onto the bed.

Aubrey stifled the urge to agree and thought it best to remain silent.

“Petticoats!” she snorted derisively as she fingered a white taffeta petticoat with a large flounce at the hem before discarding it and taking up another one of cream silk.

“How many does my mother insist I wear?” she asked Aubrey in a plaintive voce.

“At least three Miss.” he replied recalling the conversation he’d had with Mrs Cockshott before he had tried to leave.

“At least three.” she repeated in a dejected tone.

“Well, I suppose we better get started.” she said despondently.

Aubrey was very well aware that since leaving the family home for university Roberta had been dressing in male attire to the consternation and annoyance of her mother. She had made it clear to him and her mother the only reason she had agreed to dress – as her mother put it- in a clothing appropriate to a young lady of polite society was to ensure she could have him as her maid. It was obvious she, as much as Aubrey, hated the very idea of once more donning the trappings of femininity. However much as wished to agree with Roberta he knew to do so would only draw unwanted and unnecessary attention to him. He was now thought of as her maid and after being caned by her, with the approval of Lady Charlotte de Winter, he instinctively reverted to his ghastly role as a docile and compliant young female servant. It was an abominable position but one that was necessary if he was to avoid his true sex being discovered which would undoubtedly lead to life- long disgrace and ignominy.

Months of being dressed as a female meant he had a familiarity of a lady’s toilette on a par with any female of the privileged and cultured class and this long servitude in female clothing had also made him extremely well acquainted with the function of the female servant and how she should act in the presence of a lady of superior birth. This knowledge was now invaluable in his new role as lady’s maid to Miss Roberta Cockshott. Roberta’s continual curiosity regarding his appearance had been a source of anxiety for Aubrey and he was astonished but extremely relieved that she did not discover his secret when he was forced to stand in front of her in his female underwear. Now that he was once more fully dressed, albeit in a velvet gown, he felt less vulnerable.

He stood opposite her as she gazed at the various items of clothing arranged on the heavy satin quilt. He could see that she was too preoccupied with her new clothes to question him further on his vaguely masculine appearance and although he was still nervous, having just escaped his secret being exposed, he felt confident he could perform the duties of a lady’s maid without raising her suspicions. In the few seconds that he observed her it occurred to him that her distaste and aversion for such feminine clothing was not a charade for his benefit but was indeed real and appeared to mirror his own loathing for such feminine finery.

Aubrey saw that a number of items were missing from the collection laid out on the bed and without being told he moved to one of the tallboys. Such was his knowledge of the bedroom of a young lady that he knew instinctively where her lingerie was kept and it took him only seconds to locate the correct drawer. Before he chose the items he required he looked once more at the cheerless face of the young woman who now considered him her lady’s maid or perhaps as she jokingly intimated, her personal slave. A curious thought entered Aubrey’s head.

She is far more vexed than me at having to wear these clothes.

Of course he hated the clothes he wore, they were a constant source of humiliation but he had resigned himself to his current predicament knowing at some stage he would eventually be free of them. After all, his mother could not stay away forever. He took consolation from this and remembered how he had been humiliated by being forced into these clothes by Lady Charlotte. He remembered the look of triumph on the faces of the maids and Alice his Governess. Another thought suddenly struck him.

I am now in that position, aiding and abetting her humiliation.

Now looking at a disconsolate Roberta he felt a strange feeling, a frisson of excitement at the idea of being part of her discomfiture and he allowed himself a very discreet smile. It was the first time in months he smiled and it felt good. It was true that Roberta had shown him a degree of kindness and affection but much in the same way one would treat a favourite servant or family pet. She would be benevolent of course, in that Patrician manner ladies reserved for their lapdogs, showing them consideration and fondness and in Aubrey’s case passion. He knew that like a lapdog she would keep him on a short lease and punishment would never be too far away if he displeased her. This was the way ladies of high social standing treated their servants, most girls of an inferior class would gladly accept such an arrangement after all they would be well treated, well most of the time, and the constant humiliations would be far more preferable than the drudgery of life as a kitchen or scullery maid. Of course Aubrey was neither of these but for now he had no option but to continue his charade. However he could take comfort and some pleasure from this demeaning role as not only was he responsible for her capitulation to her mother’s demand that she wear these feminine frills and flounces but would also witness her helplessness as he enabled this transformation. He felt a sudden surge of satisfaction and realised what a thrill Lady Charlotte’s maids must have experienced.

“Perhaps we should begin Miss.” he said as he returned with the items, the tone in his voice sounded deferential but masked the schadenfreude he was experiencing. Roberta winced as he held out a pair of long powder blue silk bloomers and a matching chemise.

“Uuugh!” she blurted. “Is there nothing plainer there?”

“I’m afraid not Miss.” he replied adopting his best impression of a dutiful lady’s maid tone as he held them up to her showing her the frills on the bloomers and the delicate lace on the chemise and seeing her expression he added for good measure “they are very popular among young ladies.”

“Well not this one.” Roberta snapped.

Aubrey sensed the stirrings of a change of attitude, he knew if Roberta reneged on her promise it would reflect badly on him and he would surely suffer the consequences. He recalled how the maids in Lady Charlotte’s house would subtly cajole him into obeying them.

“Please Miss.” Aubrey said softly “Lady Charlotte and your mother will not be pleased and may blame me.

“Oh very well then.” Roberta said in an exasperated voice and undid the sash on her peignoir and shook it from her broad shoulders allowing it to slip down her body to the floor.

She stood in front of him naked, he could not help but gasp at her statuesque body. He had seen her naked before of course but only in parts, and in particular her most intimate part which he was forced to kiss.  But this was different, now he saw her in all her magnificent glory. Her breasts firm and perfectly rounded stood proudly above her slightly plump stomach. The dark triangle of pubic hair, framed by her wide hips and sturdy almost athletic thighs transfixed him and he had to shake himself to regain some degree of composure. He lifted his bulky skirts and arranged them around him as he knelt at her feet and held out the silk underwear for her to step into. She sighed as she reluctantly stepped into them and he slowly drew the delicate material up her soft thighs inhaling her womanly scent and as he did so he felt his heart racing under his heavy breast forms and felt something stir inside him. Hands trembling slightly he tied the string and try as he might he could not resist allowing his hand to linger across her splendidly plump posterior. It did not go unnoticed.

Roberta smiled but said nothing.

Aubrey blushed furiously, like a child who had just been found with his hand in the biscuit tin and quickly removed his hand but his erection under his voluminous skirts remained intact. He was relieved he was in a kneeling position but even if he stood he was sure his substantial skirts would hide his erect member.

“I knew I made the right choice.” Roberta said as she gently stroked his cheek “but a servant girl should not be so forward, remind me to punish you later.”

“Yes Miss.” he answered, still burning with embarrassment at being caught, he quickly rose to his feet and resumed his duties, his erection slowly subsiding he lifted the chemise over her head and smoothed the soft material over her torso.

“It’s not that I disapprove of your attentions, she said and stroked his cheek once more “but you really must understand that it is not your place to act on these impulses.  In this relationship as in every other area of life you need to realise I am the predominant partner and you will not instigate any advances unless of course I explicitly encourage it. Do you understand?”

“Yes Miss.” he replied quietly

“You see,” she continued “I have had enough of males making unsolicited approaches and when alone their horrible groping hands touching me in a most inappropriate manner.”

Aubrey felt his heart race, the thought that she had discovered him immediately flashed in his brain. Maybe she had seen the bulge under his skirts, he clutched them anxiously as Roberta continued,

“Of course as you have probably guessed I have no interest in males, well not those dreadful macho types that seem to inhabit the usual society circles. As a woman of intelligence I have no wish to become any male’s chattel so my relationships are exclusively with females.”

She paused and looked at him before adding,

“Or soft effeminate males although they are harder to find, so much better don’t you agree?”

“Y…Yes Miss.” he answered and thought she could hear his heart beating like a bass drum.

“But,” she continued her voice becoming more serious“ and you really need to understand this relationship can have only one dominant partner.”

She gazed intently at Aubrey, it would have been absurd for him to contradict her, after all what servant girl- and he was very much aware that was how he was seen- would argue with her mistress.

“Yes Miss.” he answered in a weak voice.

“Are you all right you look quite pale?” she asked.

“No Miss it’s just a little hot.” he replied.

Roberta then began to lecture him on various issues regarding what she expected of him, obedience, loyalty, deference, the list seemed endless after a few minutes he sensed that this speech was an attempt on her part to postpone the inevitable. Despite the panic he felt he knew he had to regain the advantage and from somewhere deep within he plucked up what little courage he had decided to test his theory.

“Please Miss.” he said as Roberta paused in her rambling speech “Madam and Lady Charlotte may become a little impatient if we do not appear shortly.”

Roberta remained silent, she knew her maid was right. Aubrey seeing his opportunity moved to the bed.

“Your corset Miss.” he said as he picked the heavy silver satin corset Mrs Cockshott had chosen for her daughter.

Roberta grimaced and let out a mournful sigh. Aubrey could see she he had clenched her fists in what appeared to be a mixture of alarm and abhorrence. He recognised this only too well as this had also been his reaction when he was first forced into such feminine clothing. He felt his spirits rise once more.

For once he could ignore his own shame and as he approached her corset in hand he barely noticed his skirts and petticoats rustling his constant companions of humiliation, indignity and disgrace were now cast aside. He had recovered from his fright and now had a strange feeling he could not quite understand, a feeling of satisfaction bordering on smugness that he was a participant in Roberta’s obvious extreme discomfiture.

Much as she tried she could not hide her dread at the sight of the garment and he saw her visibly flinch as he held up the corset. Gone was the hauteur of just moments ago, now replaced by barely concealed alarm at the thought of being encased in such a constricting yet everyday item of feminine apparel.

Strange he thought I’ve become used to wearing mine, I don’t like it but it is necessary if one is compelled to wear a dress.

The sight of her apprehension allowed him respite from his own humiliation. He grew emboldened.

She froze as he approached her with the corset, her face mesmerised at the sight of the monstrous garment. Recalling his own experiences at the hands of Lady Charlotte’s maids and without asking or being told he quickly and deftly wrapped the corset around her torso and before she could protest or argue he swiftly began tugging gently at the long laces.

Roberta appeared to be in shock as he nimbly pulled on the laces, her body jerking with every slight wrench.

“Oooh” she exclaimed painfully after he worked his way up the corset tugging the laces a little tighter

Aubrey smiled discretely as he glanced at the mirror and saw her face contort in discomfort with each little pull on the laces. He, a male, had endured this every day for months at the hands of female servants and for years Roberta, who as a female should have been wearing stays, was strutting proudly about dressed as a male. Life was so unfair.

If I have to be humiliated then so should she. he reasoned to himself.

“Aaah” she bleated as she struggled against each tug of the laces.

With each whimper he felt a surge of delight and had almost forgotten he too was wearing a similar constricting garment. It was music to his ears and he grew more confident with her every groan.

“Oh it’s not that bad…”he said in a dismissive tone echoing the maids that had gleefully imprisoned him in his own corset, cheekily he only belatedly added, “…Miss.”

Seeing the merest hint of a smirk on her maid’s face Roberta tried to gather her composure and self confidence.

“Don’t be impertinent, girl” she snapped with as much conviction as she could muster.

Another time, being called a girl would have subdued him but seeing Roberta’s obvious annoyance at her hopeless situation he felt it easy to dismiss the insult and besides, to deny or contradict her would only expose his secret. He realised the only advantage to wearing his humiliating attire was being allowed to not only witness her irritation but be a part of it, he answered her as a maid should.

“I’m sorry Miss.” he said in a faux docile voice and curtsied for good measure “I did not mean to be disrespectful, you have been very kind to me, I only meant that you will soon get used to the tightness after a few days.”

“Maybe like every other girl you have got used to it.” she moaned, her annoyance with him softened by his apology “I will never get used to these awful clothes.”

Her distress at being forced into these clothes continued to lift his spirits and he returned to his task.

“It won’t be much longer Miss.” he said as he resumed pulling the laces.

“Do they really have to be that tight?” Roberta whined as her body jerked once more.

“Unfortunately yes, Miss.” he replied warming to his role as maid cum tormentor. “Otherwise I will not be able to close the buttons on your gown.”  

He quickly tied the laces into a neat bow and tucked them neatly into the bottom of the corset like Lady Charlotte’s maid’s had done with him.

“Such a beautiful figure Miss.” he said positioning her in front of the mirror.

“Ugh!” Roberta grunted as Aubrey turned away smiling.

“Your stockings Miss.” he said picking up a pair of grey silk stockings and gesturing her to sit on the bed.

“How do you sit down in this ghastly contraption.” she whinged as she gingerly lowered herself onto to the bed.

Aubrey suppressed a smirk as he knelt on the floor, arranging his skirts around him he expertly slipped on one of the stockings on her right foot and eased it up her leg feeling a tingle of excitement between his legs as he did so. A pale blue ruffled satin garter quickly followed and mindful of her rebuke his hands did not linger as he manoeuvred it into place. He repeated the process with the other leg but his excitement made it difficult to concentrate on his task.

“Oh do hurry up girl” Roberta snapped “this is becoming so tedious.”

“Yes Miss, sorry Miss.” he replied slavishly.

After he finished he stood up, grateful his bulky skirts concealed his erect member.  Struggling to keep his mind off her soft corseted body he retrieved the first of her petticoats and lifted it over her head.

He heard a slight sigh of dismay and could sense her unease as he tied it in place on her hips, without comment he quickly had the second one over her head.

“Taffeta is such a lovely material.” he said as he arranged the petticoat over her hips.

“I hate it.” she hissed, much to Aubrey’s delight.

“And the last one,” he said as he slipped it over her head “is a beautiful silk one in a slightly lighter shade.”

He could see she really despised such feminine underwear and from his own experience he suspected she was about to throw a tantrum and perhaps threaten to remove the offending items. Such a scenario would cause trouble with her mother and Lady Charlotte and he knew this was something to be avoided at all costs. He reasoned once she was buttoned into her gown she would find it too difficult to remove much as he wanted to tease her further he felt it was better to put her into her gown first. Again from his own experience in being confined in such a gown he knew she would eventually accept, however reluctantly, her fate.

“Oh I almost forgot.” he said and busied himself in one of the drawers returning to her side moments later.

“Oh no.” Roberta said wearily “Not that ridiculous thing. Must I really wear that?”

“I’m afraid so Miss.” he replied in a deferential but determined voice “It is considered de rigueur for fashionable young ladies.” and hastily manoeuvred the bulky bustle onto her hips and secured it around her waist.

He could see that she was getting agitated at this latest addition to her cumbersome and increasingly feminine toilette.

Afraid that she would refuse to continue he decided to act decisively and without asking her permission or opinion he picked up one of the gowns her mother had laid out on the bed, a heavy silk satin creation of navy blue with chenille embroidery and swiftly placed it over her head. It was so heavy he felt his arms would not be able to hold it if she struggled against him but luckily she seemed to be so debilitated by her confinement in her new underwear she put up no resistance.

Just the way I was. he said to himself and  for a moment or two he felt an empathy with her but this was quickly decided this was no time to be weak and girlish.

Roberta seemed utterly dazed as he arranged the heavy skirt over her petticoats, he gently placed her hands inside the tight sleeves and pulled the bodice into place and quickly began buttoning the back of the gown. He could see her face in the mirror as he worked, she looked quite bewildered.

I never thought of a girl hating these clothes. he mused to himself as he studied her out of the corner of his eye, She is quite attractive but not in a conventional feminine way and she does look quite gauche and ungainly. Mrs  Cockshott will have a lot of work to turn her into a young lady.

Her downcast demeanour renewed his confidence and recalling the way Lady Charlotte’s maids particularly Sarah had teased and taunted him without being overtly insolent he decided to torment her in a similar fashion.

“Such a beautiful dress Miss.” he said as he straightened the narrow skirt and fussed with the geometric pleats.

She remained silent, her face becoming irritated.

“And your bustle gives your train such a wonderful shape, almost like a sculpture.” he gushed with false admiration.

“Oh stop blathering about this dammed dress.”Roberta snapped. “I feel like an idiot.”

Aubrey enjoyed her little outburst and as he turned to fetch her boots allowed himself another smile.

Roberta remained sullen as he buttoned her boots and he restrained himself from making further comments. Suddenly he thought of a way he could annoy her a little more and at the same time ingratiate himself into Lady Charlotte and Mrs Cockshott’s favour.

“If you sit at the dressing table Miss I can arrange your hair.” he said as he finished and before she could refuse he quickly added “Lady Charlotte will expect it.”

“Get on with it then.” she barked and tottered most inelegantly to the dressing table, grumbling as she went “These ghastly heeled boots.”

Arranging her hair posed few problems for the young man, hours of boredom in Lady Charlotte’s house had meant that when Sarah had suggested he help her try new hairstyles on some of the other servants he enthusiastically agreed.  It alleviated the monotony and allowed him out of his bedroom for several hours and under her supervision he learned the basics of hair arrangements which although simple proved to be quite elegant.

He held out the chair for her as she approached the dressing table.

“How in heaven’s name am I supposed to sit in these ghastly clothes?” she growled in an irritated voice as she lifted the cumbersome skirts whilst trying to manoeuvre herself onto the chair. “This really is ridiculous.”

“Let me help you Miss.” Aubrey offered insincerely as he fussed about her lifting her skirts and arranged them on the chair and added in a faux sympathetic tone “It will take a little getting used to, after all you have not worn lady’s clothing in such a long time.”

As Roberta shifted from side to side trying to make herself comfortable on the chair it was quite evident that these clothes particularly the bustle and corset were a source of great annoyance and much as Aubrey wanted to continue touching this obviously raw nerve he did not want to push her too far. He held his tongue and began brushing her hair. This seemed to calm her a little.

“You have lovely hair Miss.” he said offering a neutral compliment as he parted her hair and began braiding it as Sarah had taught him.

She grunted a reply as she watched him in the mirror, he was aware of her gaze and concentrated intently on his task.

“I don’t want anything too fussy, my girl.”Roberta said sharply trying to reassert her authority as she continued to shift uncomfortably in her seat.

Aubrey retaliated with a small but sharp tug on her hair as he continued to braid.

“Aaah” she squealed and snapped at him   “Are you trying to pull my hair out? You clumsy girl”

“Sorry Miss.” Aubrey replied in his faux meek voice “your hair is a bit short here.”

“Well be careful girl.”Roberta reprimanded him.

“Yes Miss.” he replied, smiling inside.

Unperturbed by her scolding he gave a few more slight jerks before he finally rolled the braid into itself and made a bun which he secured with pearl topped hair pins.

“Much more suitable Miss.” he ventured holding up a mirror to the back of her head so she could view his handiwork.

“Harumph” she snorted in disgust.

“Some face powder and lip colour would complete the look Miss.” he said aware of what her reaction would be.

She scowled at him in the mirror indicating what she thought of his suggestion.

He allowed himself another secret smile but in reality genuinely did think the application of cosmetics would enhance her appearance. After all and much as he hated to admit it he was a prime example of the transformative properties of such creams and powders.

“Just a little Miss.” he said, knowingly raising her ire once more.

“No!, you annoying girl.” she barked “Do you want to feel the cane again.”

“Oh no Miss.”  Aubrey baulked at the threat, cursing himself for pushing his luck, she was more powerful than him and at this point she was so annoyed she was capable of carrying out this ultimatum.

“Now help me out of this chair.” she snapped as she struggled to get up.

Moments later they were walking along the wide corridor skirts rustling in unison and as they reached the top of the staircase Aubrey could see that Roberta was becoming vexed once more. Putting her foot on the first step she almost stumbled, catching her boot in her skirts.

“Dammed absurd clothing” she spat as Aubrey came to her assistance. “Is it any wonder I stopped wearing such preposterous costumes?”

“If you lift your skirt and petticoats Miss.” he advised and gave her a demonstration on how to descend stairs in bulky skirts, “like this.”

“A man can descend a stairs without such trouble.” she snarled “Am I not right?”

Her sharp reminder that he was the exception to this caused a ripple of shame to rise up inside him but he quickly dismissed it, reasoning that this was not the time to dwell on such issues. Putting her remark to the back of his mind he expertly lifted his skirts with one hand and such was his expertise in descending stairs in full feminine attire he extended his hand to help Roberta as they gingerly made their way down the grand staircase.

“Thank you.” Roberta said graciously as they reached the final step. “You are obviously more used this than I. Now I suppose I had better get this over with.”

Aubrey followed her towards the door and could not believe how awkwardly she moved as she plodded across the expansive vestibule almost stumbling once or twice.

How inelegant, she walks like a pantomime dame he snorted to himself blissfully unaware of the irony as he sashayed gracefully behind her.

He knocked on the door and hearing the response opened the door allowing Roberta to enter.

Mrs Cockshott and Lady Charlotte sat on the large couch and Aubrey could see Roberta’s mother was clearly delighted by her daughter’s new feminine appearance.

“How enchanting!” Mrs Cockshott squealed with delight and turned to her friend “Your girl has done wonders. I hoped she could get her into a gown but a corset and bustle also? Quite remarkable. And her hair… such a difference, she really has the feminine touch.”

“Yes she has done well.” Lady Charlotte conceded with a smile, much to Aubrey’s relief.

“Oh do come here darling.” Mrs Cockshott gushed, indicating Roberta to sit on the smaller couch opposite.

With a most ungraceful gait Roberta trundled her way to the couch.

“Oh dear.” Mrs Cockshott sighed at the sight of her daughter’s lumbering movement and turning to Lady Charlotte whispered “She never was the most dainty of girls.”

“You look delightful my dear.” Lady Charlotte said as Roberta made several unsuccessful attempts to manoeuvre herself onto the couch before Aubrey came to her assistance and helped her settle comfortably onto the seat and remembering how servants should act withdrew to the window just behind Roberta.

“I’m glad she has your girl to help.” Mrs Cockshott murmured to her friend as both women observed the scene, their faces unable to conceal their disappointment.

Mrs Cockshott then turned to Aubrey.

“Please sit Aubrey my dear.”

Roberta gazed at her mother and Lady Charlotte in total surprise, such a request to a servant was most unusual. She looked at Aubrey, a puzzled look on her face.

“Oh do sit Aubrey.” Lady Charlotte said impatiently as Aubrey hesitated, his nervousness plain to see, “Mrs Cockshott is aware of your situation.”

Aubrey’s heart quickened dramatically and his legs refused to move.

“Sit…girl.” Lady Charlotte ordered brusquely.

Her use of the work ‘girl’ combined with a flash of her eyes calmed him somewhat, he lifted his skirts and gracefully lowered himself onto the seat next to Roberta whose expression was one of bewilderment at this breach of protocol.

“Mother, what exactly…”she began only to be interrupted by Mrs Cockshott.

“Hush Roberta.” Her mother ordered before continuing “It seems your maid is not what she appears.”

Aubrey heart quickened once more and he grabbed his skirts to steady his hands.

“It also appears I was a little too hasty in assuming that this young lady was Lady Charlotte’s maid.”Mrs Cockshott said rather stiffly looking at Lady Charlotte as she smoothed an imaginary crease on her satin skirt.

“Well I did try to warn you Leonora.” Lady Charlotte said barely suppressing a laugh.

“Yes I suppose you did.” she conceded “but really Charlotte you could have…”

“Oh it did not do the girl any harm.” Lady Charlotte interrupted her friend “In fact she needed a lesson in humility.”

“Would someone care to enlighten me?” Roberta said sharply shifting uncomfortably on her seat as she clumsily tried to rearrange her unaccustomed bulky feminine attire.

“Please keep your knees together Roberta.” her mother rebuked her “you are not at a music hall  in the company of those mannish friends of yours. Charlotte, would you inform Roberta of just how we have arrived at this farcical and most embarrassing juncture.”

Being economical with certain facts and names Lady Charlotte explained to Roberta that Aubrey was left in her charge by his mother and went on to explain how through Mrs Cockshott’s confusion Aubrey came to find himself in her mother’s house as her maid.

“So you are not a servant girl?” Roberta exclaimed.

“No Miss.” Aubrey said quietly and submissively still mentally chained to his role as Roberta’s maid and extremely nervous as to how she and her mother would react.

“My dear, there is no need to address Roberta as ‘Miss’ any longer.” Mrs Cockshott said in a tender tone, it was a tone as a maid Aubrey was not accustomed to.

“You mean she is no longer my maid.” Roberta addressed both women.

“Yes darling I’m afraid so.” her mother answered. “And as such she will return with Lady Charlotte.”

Although Aubrey- despite being forced to wear girl’s clothes- had enjoyed participating in Roberta’s discomfort he was extremely humiliated at been treated as a maid. If he had continued in this role he was sure Roberta would have used her power over him to humiliate him even further and despite being returned to Lady Charlotte’s home still dressed as a girl he was glad to hear he would finally escape Roberta’s clutches.

“This was the only reason I agreed to wear these ridiculous clothes.” Roberta said angrily, stamping her foot “I have no intention of remaining in them a moment longer.”

She made a clumsy attempt to stand up but got tangled in her skirts and fell back onto the couch.

“Now darling,” her mother said calmly “Lady Charlotte and I are of the opinion that there is no reason why you cannot continue your friendship with Aubrey.”

Aubrey swallowed hard.

What! He screamed inside his head.

Roberta remained silent as she assessed the various options.

“Of course that is contingent on you remaining in the appropriate feminine clothing as we agreed earlier.” Lady Charlotte quickly added.

“But I entered into this arrangement with the understanding that she would be…” Roberta answered trying to choose her words with care and gazed at Aubrey with a look that made him even more uneasy.“… er… close by at all times.”

Now it was Aubrey’s turn to shift uncomfortably on his seat.

“And so you will.” her mother said, both Roberta and Aubrey looked at her quizzically. “While you were upstairs getting dressed I received a note that my great aunt in Cambridge is quite unwell and has requested my presence. Lady Charlotte has suggested that you stay with her and Aubrey until I return. It could be a day, a week or a fortnight I will not know until I arrive.”

“I really don’t think…” Roberta began, her irritation clear in her voice but her mother immediately cut short her protest.

“Or perhaps you would like to accompany me to Cambridge?”

“Roberta, my dear,” Lady Charlotte said softly “You wanted to spend some time with Aubrey, now you have the chance.”

This seemed to clam Roberta and she looked at Aubrey and smiled.

“Of course you will have to obey my rules.” Lady Charlotte said.

“But this was not part of my bargain with Mother.” Roberta argued as she clumsily adjusted herself on her seat. “Why should I have to continue to wear these outlandish fashions.”

“I have no intention of arguing with you young lady.” Lady Charlotte replied dismissively and gracefully rose from the couch and addressed her charge, “Come along Aubrey.”

Aubrey arose from the couch in an equally elegant fashion, instinctively straightened his skirts much to the delight of Lady Charlotte before moving to her side.

“Such a pity, Charlotte.” Mrs Cockshott sighed as she too lifted herself from the couch and with a flurry of skirts and petticoats joined her friend. “They could have been such good friends.”

“Well I suppose Roberta feel she has her principles.” Lady Charlotte answered before turning to Aubrey “Why don’t you kiss Roberta goodbye.”

As Aubrey walked over to Roberta he felt conflicted, he enjoyed securing Roberta into the feminine clothes she clearly hated and then goading and irritating her but he also knew he was playing with fire. She already had suspicions as to his true sex and because of his loss of manly strength and her larger physique she could, if she was determined enough, overpower him quite easily and discover his secret. He quickly decided it would be safer to leave and it was with relief that he stood in front of her for the last time.

He was afraid to meet her eyes and closed them as he bent down to kiss her on the cheek, he suddenly felt a hand on his face redirecting it. His eyes opened as she kissed him on the lips her tongue briefly entering his mouth aggressively. He pulled back immediately.

“Thank… you… Miss.” he blurted the fright quite audible in his voice and forgetting his newly restored status he reverted to his servile role.

“Once a maid, always a maid.” Roberta whispered so only he could hear.

“Come along Aubrey.” Lady Charlotte said “I would like to get you home as quickly as possible.”

Flustered and blushing he quickly rushed to Lady Charlotte’s side.

“Now hold my hand Aubrey.” Lady Charlotte said smiling as she added “Like a good girl.”

“Goodbye Roberta.” Lady Charlotte addressed Roberta “You dear mother is right it is such a pity you could not accompany us but perhaps it is for the best. You seem to like Aubrey, she is usually a good girl but has an unfortunate tendency to be a little feisty and stray from the straight and narrow. She could be a bad influence on you.”

“Oh don’t be so hard on the girl.” Mrs Cockshott said stroking Aubrey’s increasingly reddening cheek “she just needs a little discipline. Isn’t that right my dear?”

Aubrey blushed furiously; he had no option but to nod, lowering his eyes as he did so.

“Yes she does need a firm hand.” Lady Charlotte said as she walked towards the drawing room door with Aubrey gripped firmly by the hand. They were so close their full skirts brushed against each other filling the room with that peculiar feminine sound. As they entered the hallway Lady Charlotte continued,

“Roberta was quite mature in the way she punished her upstairs I was most impressed but I suppose her Governess will see to that aspect of her education now. I feel she needs female companionship of her own social class to encourage her to grow into a proper young lady and express her femininity.”

“Roberta is so very stubborn.” Mrs Cockshott replied and looking at Aubrey added,“Lady Heathcoate’s daughter or perhaps Mrs Millington- Shaw’s niece would make a good companion.”  

“I had not thought of them” Lady Charlotte replied “Yes they are rather pretty and Aubrey is quite susceptible to a pretty face. I will ask them to call tomorrow.”

“Perhaps I could call on you tomorrow.” Roberta interjected.

“You have had your chance Roberta.” her mother said sharply as she opened the door for her guests “And Lady Charlotte does not want someone, even her goddaughter, arriving at her house in that dreadful  male clothing that you wear.”

“That is not what I…” Roberta began but was immediately interrupted by Lady Charlotte who spoke directly to her mother

“We will probably call on you when you return Leonora.” Lady Charlotte said as she kissed Mrs Cockshott on the cheek and repeated the gesture with Roberta before adding “I’m sure Lady Heathcoate’s daughter or Mrs Millington- Shaw’s niece would love to come to tea. I will invite them tomorrow. Now we really must go. Goodbye Roberta it was wonderful to see you again.”

Aubrey looked at Lady Charlotte with his mouth agape.

“Come along Aubrey.” Lady Charlotte said as she stepped out into the afternoon sunshine “And do close your mouth it’s so unladylike.”

Aubrey blinked in the strong sunshine as he heard the door close behind him.

A Very Victorian Education Chapter 14 with illistration

Below is Chapter 14. I had hoped to have a second illustration ready for posting with this chapter but time has caught up on me. If I can finish it I’ll post it separately or maybe at the start of the next chapter.

The illustration is in the body of the text.

I also thought I would be able to advance the story a little more in this chapter but again I ran out of time. It is moving- just not as fast as I had hoped, the next chapter will progress the story a little more. I really hope readers will not become bored with it before it ends.

Thank you again to all who have been kind enough to show their support, this has given me the encouragement and motivation to continue with it.

I’ve only had time to re-read this once so I hope I got all the typos and grammatical errors.

Thanks again and take care.

Carrie 

A Very Victorian Education.

Chapter 14

By

CarrieP

If only I had thought of it sooner Aubrey rebuked himself silently. A few seconds faster putting on the clothes, I should not have spent as much time in front of the mirror admiring the good job I had done. Lingering at the end of the stairs like an idiot, feeling remorse for some perceived treachery in doing what any male would have done.

He ran his hands down the smooth black worsted material of his trousers, he was only now becoming used to them again.

He sighed as he recalled the wasted seconds and minutes that ultimately led to his escape attempt being foiled at the final hurdle. Grabbing defeat from the jaws of victory.

How could he have been stupid?

The months spent under Lady Charlotte de Winter’s strict authority had taken their toll. Much of his masculinity had disappeared. Up to recently he had thought this only manifested itself in the physical aspect of how he walked, sat, ate, drank etc., but now he realised he had also been subliminally trained to think like a young woman. He thought of the gowns he had described in vivid detail, no self respecting young man should have such knowledge.

Typical girlish behaviour! he admonished himself bitterly.

“Stop dawdling girl!”

Roberta’s sharp tone stirred him from the futile analysis of his lost opportunity to escape from the world of suffocating, oppressive femininity and the women that held him prisoner in corsets and petticoats. She stood at the bottom of the stairs and clicked her fingers, he knew he was in enough trouble with her already and did not wish to anger her further. The inflection in her voice left him in no doubt of her impatience, it was a familiar tone Aubrey had heard over the years and used when ladies were vexed with their servant girls. A command not unlike an unruly dog being called to its mistress’s side, he thought.  It would be a foolish girl who did not respond immediately to her mistress’s summons, it would only increase the lady’s annoyance and increase the servant girl’s subsequent punishment.

And I’m not that type of foolish girl. he said to himself  as he quickly scampered across the hall, his legs taking the now short feminine steps and his arms swinging in a most girlish manner  by his side.

I mean… boy. he corrected himself as he scurried to her side.

Roberta regarded him for a few seconds, her expression was a mixture of exasperation and disappointment and after what seemed like an hour to him she sighed wearily as if speaking to a five year old,

 “Come along.”

She raised her silk robe just above her ankles and began ascending the wide staircase, with his eyes still on her his hands automatically clutched his trousers and tugged at them imitating the typical feminine reaction of lifting one’s skirts when confronted with stairs. Months of confinement in female clothing had ingrained such a quintessential feminine movement in the young man.  Looking down he saw his legs dressed manfully in trousers and sighed bitterly at such a Pavlovian response, the thought he would soon have to remove them, the very symbol of masculinity filled him with shame. He found climbing the first few rungs a little disconcerting  and almost stumbled, after all  this was the first time in months he had climbed  stairs without having to lift cumbersome and heavy skirts . Another horrible thought struck him, perhaps Lady Charlotte was right and he had indeed absorbed sufficient traits of the weaker sex that even now liberated from  his bulky feminine garments  and wearing trousers he would find it difficult to be accepted as a male. If he was truthful he could not deny that there were times when he did act more female than male. But he had no time to dwell on this as he followed Roberta up the stairs at a respectful distance of three steps. Despite his despondency at Lady Charlotte thwarting his escape and his imminent incarceration in those dreaded petticoats and skirts he could not help his eyes being drawn to Roberta’s ample and plump derriere encased in the heavy pink satin of her robe. It gently wobbled and swayed with every upward step she took, he felt an arousal between his legs and took some comfort that he still retained an important part of his masculinity.

“I am so glad you like my posterior.” Roberta’s voice punctuated his thoughts “You will soon become very familiar with it.”

Aubrey blushed, she had not turned around yet she was still able to feel his eyes on her buttocks. He should not have been surprised, since he had been placed in Lady Charlotte care by his mother he’d noticed women whether servants or ladies seemed to possess this inherent ability to read his mind. It was most disconcerting.

As they reached the top of the stairs and made their way to Roberta’s bedroom Aubrey felt a sense of hopelessness come over him. Awaiting him inside her bedroom were the ghastly and humiliating female garments that he had escaped from less than an hour ago, now he was to be forced back into them. He ran his hands over the trousers he wore and felt the masculine nature of the manly material for the first time in months his hands did not feel silk or satin, velvet or taffeta. It was an invigorating sensation but one he knew would be taken away from him once he stepped inside the door. Once more he thought about running for the front door but remembered it was locked and Mrs Cockshott had the key. He could not escape his fate.

“The door, girl!” Roberta said brusquely, reminding him of his duty as a maid.

“Yes Miss, sorry Miss” Aubrey apologised as he quickly reverted to his servile position and stood aside as she swept passed him.

“Stand facing the bed and remove those…my trousers.” she ordered abruptly.

With his head lowered he entered the room, his eyes were drawn to the bed where he saw the dress and petticoats he had discarded less than an hour previously. His heart sank. Returned to the place where he had seized his opportunity to escape he would now have to face a humiliating punishment before he was put back into those ghastly feminine clothes. Roberta closed the door behind him and although he knew what was coming he was powerless to stop it. She was a few inches taller, broader and heavier than him by several pounds. Lady Charlotte had ensured he ate modest and ladylike portions, certainly not enough for a growing young man and she also made sure he had no exercise apart from daily comportment lessons, this lack of physical activity atrophied any muscle he possessed. He now had all the strength of a young girl and a very delicate and fragile one at that. Just like all the other women he had encountered he felt he was no match for her physically and knew any resistance would be pointless.

Obediently he made his way to the satin quilted bed and stood there contemplating his situation and did not hear Roberta approach him.

“Now I think we both can agree you have taken advantage of my good nature.” Roberta began in a quiet voice, gazing at him intensely.

Aubrey had to concede that she had shown him affection not to mention protecting him from the dreadful Mrs Dearhorn, she also interceded on his behalf with Lady Charlotte. Like her mother and Lady Charlotte Roberta was a formidable figure and had obviously taken quite a romantic interest in him even if he was dressed as a girl.  He was confused, she intimidated and frightened him but at the same time she was protective and devoted.  There was no anger in her voice and he could see that she appeared genuinely hurt that he had betrayed her. He had little choice but to agree.

“Yes Miss.” Aubrey concurred submissively, his masculinity slowly ebbing away.

“Lady Charlotte is also most annoyed with your actions.” Roberta continued “I expect she will wish to deal with you quite harshly.”

Aubrey knew that she was right, Lady Charlotte would indeed punish him but he did not know what form it would take. It could be a severe spanking or tongue lashing in front of the servants, perhaps a tighter corset and extra petticoats. She had several methods, one worse than the other, she exercised total control over him and could do anything she pleased.

“Of course as your mistress, albeit a temporary one,” Roberta said as she looked deep into his eyes and stroked his cheek “I could tell her that I administered your punishment and ask her to forgo any retribution she may wish to take.”

What she said was right of course. He was aware that Lady Charlotte, despite her calm exterior, would indeed be furious with his attempted escape and would undoubtedly punish him in some way. Roberta’s punishment could not be any worse than Lady Charlotte’s and more importantly she could help to placate Lady Charlotte.

“As you are my temporary maid you will have to agree to this.” she said. “I could not chastise another lady’s maid without consent on the part of the girl.”

Horrible as this alternative was, Aubrey quickly considered it to be the lesser of two evils. He swallowed hard.

“Yes Miss.” he answered meekly. “I understand.”

“Very well!” Roberta said a smile forming at the corners of her mouth “Remove those clothes place them on the bed.”

It took him several minutes to remove his male clothing and with a heavy heart he neatly folded them before laying them next to the dress and petticoats. When he had finished he stood in front of Roberta wearing only his corset and silk bloomers. He watched her cross to her bureau and pick up a long narrow mahogany case, returning to the bed she opened the case and removed a slim bamboo cane.

Aubrey gasped.

“Oh no… please Miss.” he blurted “Not the cane…please.”

Roberta ignored him as she flicked the instrument through the air and then proceeded to test its flexibility by bending it.

“Yes, my girl.” Roberta said gently “The cane.” 

Aubrey had been punished several times at the hands of Lady Charlotte and Alice his Governess, usually with a hairbrush or similar implement but never with a cane. He had experienced the cane at school and it brought back painful memories. He abandoned any pretence of dignity or manly self- respect and dropped to his knees wrapping his arms around the rich heavy satin of her peignoir.

“Please Miss…”he whimpered.

Roberta looked at him sympathetically.

“When I was a girl, in fact up to the time I left for university, Mother used this cane on me whenever I disobeyed or displeased her.” she said softly as she repeatedly stroked his hair. “Once I admitted to my misdemeanour and asked her forgiveness she would not treat me too harshly. What is good for a girl of the superior social class is good for a servant girl. Don’t you agree?”

He could see that this was a matter of principle for her and she was offering to deal with him leniently if he acknowledged his offence and seek her forgiveness. It was an accepted condition of domestic service that the mistress of a household had to maintain discipline with regard to her servants. The short time he had spent in male clothing rekindled the embers of his manliness but once these clothes had been removed his resurgent masculinity evaporated and he once more reverted to the frightened and anxious girl Lady Charlotte had trained  him to be.

“Yes Miss.” he murmured.

 ”She was never cruel or heartless.” Roberta returned to her theme “and always said such a punishment would make me a better person.  Do you think receiving six strokes of the cane will make you a better girl?”

By now it was now obvious that he would receive the cane and on some level he acknowledged that perhaps he did deserve it, after all he had been disloyal and abandoned her after she had been so good to him. He nodded his acquiescence.

“Good girl. I shall be as lenient as I possibly can.” she said “Now stand up and bend over the bed and remove those pretty silk bloomers and let me see that soft round behind of yours.”

“But… I… please…” Aubrey blurted as panic seized him at the thought of having his sex and his shameful secret exposed.

“I don’t think that will be necessary Roberta.” a familiar voice said.

“Lady Charlotte, Mother.” Roberta gasped, startled at the sight of her mother and Lady Charlotte standing at the now open door.

“It seems you were right Charlotte” Mrs Cockshott said.

“I… it… I… can explain.” Roberta spluttered at the unexpected appearance of her mother and godmother .

“This is outrageous. Put that cane down immediately.” Mrs Cockshott said as both women crossed the bedroom floor with a flurry of rustling silk and satin.

“Such impertinence!” her mother continued “I am extremely embarrassed you should do this to your godmother’s girl. Perhaps it should be you receiving the cane.”

Aubrey could see that Roberta was clearly taken aback at this turn of events. Despite his impending humiliation something stirred inside him, a feeling that he rarely if ever experienced, a feeling that he was culpable for the threat Roberta now faced. Failure to account for his actions was something Lady Charlotte had reminded him of on a regular basis, citing many examples of how he had frequently disappointed his mother and in true cowardly fashion, blaming anyone but himself for his deeds. Indeed housemaids in several houses including his own had been punished as a result of his deceitfulness. Typical unscrupulous and unprincipled traits of the male sex Lady Charlotte called it.

 “Please Madam.” he said nervously as he fingered his silk bloomers “I suggested that Miss Roberta punish me.”

“Hush girl.” Mrs Cockshott said “Lady Charlotte has told me…”

“Let the girl speak Leonora.” Lady Charlotte gently interrupted her friend and gestured to Aubrey to continue.

 “Miss Roberta has been kind to me and I betrayed her confidence by dressing in her clothes and trying to leave.”

He looked at Roberta and then at the two women lowered his eyes swallowed hard and said in a meek voice,

“I deserve to be punished.”

“But I can’t… “Mrs Cockshott began before once again being interrupted by her friend.

“Perhaps the girl has a point Leonora.” Lady Charlotte said “Roberta has been extremely kind to her and she has shown no gratitude.”

“But Charlotte you told me…” Mrs Cockshott answered clearly confused at her friend’s attitude.

“I think if Roberta is to ever have a maid of her own she needs to know how to maintain discipline.” Lady Charlotte said looking at Aubrey “I’m sure she will not be too hard on the girl now that she has admitted to her offence. You may proceed Roberta, you have my permission.”

“Thank you Lady Charlotte.” Roberta said, a small tremble in her voice betraying the shock she had just received.

She picked up the cane and turned to Aubrey, with her back to the two older women she gave him an almost imperceptible nod, he hoped it was one of gratitude but he could not be sure and without having to be told he bent over the bed. His face buried in the soft satin of the deep eiderdown quilt he waited for the first stroke.

He could hear the muffled conversation between Mrs Cockshott and Lady Charlotte as Roberta caressed his silk clad behind with the cane. This was the part he hated most, the waiting for the first stroke.

“Be brave, my sweet.” Roberta whispered softly so only he could hear.

 As the first stroke landed on his buttocks his head lifted from the satin quilt and he was unable to prevent a girlish squeal from escaping.  His eyes were drawn to the mirror and he saw Roberta standing over him with the thin can raised, behind her he could see the formidable figure of Lady Charlotte, an approving look on her face.  His pathetic reflection was too much for him to bear and he once more buried his head in the softness of the satin quilt. The remainder of the blows followed in quick succession and thankfully they were not as severe as he had expected.  From his experience of being punished in Lady Charlotte’s house he knew he should remain in the prone position until he was told to rise.  The whispering sound of silk and satin announced to him both women were approaching the bed. Lady Charlotte was the first to speak.

“Very impressive for your first time punishing a girl.” she said “you were firm without being overly severe. You will make an excellent mistress.”

“Thank you Lady Charlotte.” Roberta beamed at the compliment “I felt the girl needed the lesson and although she was wrong I can understand the attraction of male clothing but she should have asked my permission first.”

She gave Aubrey’s buttocks another gentle touch with the cane.

“Isn’t that right my girl?” she asked.

“Oh yes, Miss.” He replied timidly.

“And you will be obedient from now on?” Roberta continued.

Aubrey raised his head and replied,

“Yes Miss.”

“You may stand.” Roberta instructed.

Standing in front of the three women in his corset and silk bloomers the familiar feeling of shame resurfaced. It made no difference that he had been wearing such feminine underwear for months, being exposed like this in the presence of women was a most mortifying experience. However being caned in their presence was the worst ordeal a young man could ever be expected to endure. The faint hope that he would rekindle the fading embers of his masculinity was dashed once more. He was reduced yet again to the fearful and nervous shadow of the young man he once was and now firmly back under feminine control.

“What do you say to Miss Roberta?” Lady Charlotte inquired of him.

Aubrey looked at Lady Charlotte and felt the blood rush to his cheeks as he recited a familiar sentence.

“Thank you Miss, I am sorry I had to trouble you to discipline me.”

“Charlotte you really must…” Mrs Cockshott said

“Yes Leonora, in a moment.” Lady Charlotte  replied gently patting her friend on her arm “I just want Roberta to be aware that girls or boys for that matter should be aware that the person  who punished them are doing them a service and they should be most grateful.”

“And I believe she is Lady Charlotte, isn’t that so girl?” Roberta addressed Aubrey, her voice regaining the confident and haughty tone that he had become used by the women that controlled him.

 Aubrey, now completely subjugated and wishing the ground would open up and swallow him, only wished to cover himself even if it meant putting on his hated petticoats.

“Yes Miss.” he said in a suitably docile tone adding for good measure “Thank you Miss.”

“You may get dressed.” Roberta instructed him with a wave of her hand.

He could feel the eyes of the women on him as he hurriedly pulled the petticoats over his head followed by the heavy velvet dress.

“Here let me help you with your buttons my dear.” Mrs Cockshott said.

Removing the dress had been difficult but it was impossible to button such a dress without assistance. A maid would usually perform such a service but on occasion Lady Charlotte or Alice his Governess would carry out this task.

“Thank you Madam.” Aubrey answered gratefully as he turned his back to her.

“Roberta.” Mrs Cockshott said as she went about her task “Lady Charlotte has something to tell you.”

“Yes my dear, I have” Lady Charlotte addressed her goddaughter “but I think you should get dressed first.”

She turned to Aubrey and said curtly,

“Dress Miss Roberta and then accompany her to the drawing room.”

Skirts rustling and crackling, both women glided in a stately fashion towards the door. Aubrey, now dressed in his more familiar clothing and suitably chastised and subdued from his punishment immediately reverted to his servant’s role and quickly moved to the door to open it for the ladies. His curtsy as they passed him was once more a natural response. He closed the door softly and took a deep breath before he turned around to face his new mistress.

Roberta looked at him with a calm and composed expression, with each breath her breasts falling and rising gently against the heavy pink satin of her peignoir.

“Come here girl.” she said softly before turning and walking to the end of the bed.

He noticed she seemed more relaxed and although he was still quite nervous he was not nearly as afraid as he had been.

As Aubrey followed her, his petticoats fluttering around his legs he tried to understand why he felt less alarmed. 

The dress. he said to himself. It must be the dress.

Shamefully he had to admit that the bulky and cumbersome dress and petticoats acted like armour. He was safe, Roberta seemed to be intrigued by his boyish looks but he thought that is all it was, a fascination with his appearance. And perhaps – his heart raced at the thought – an attraction. After all had she not kissed him and compelled him to kiss her most intimate place?  He felt the heat in his cheeks at the recollection of his face pressed against her vulva.

Yes his secret was safe, he concluded.

Even I would have trouble locating my member underneath all these voluminous clothes. he sighed at the indignity but also with relief.

Roberta sat on the bed and patted the satin quilt next to her.

“Sit.”

“Now Aubrey.” she began and looked at him curiously as she stroked his cheek softly. “Aubrey… such an unusual name for a girl…”

She paused, her gaze lingering on him for a few moments but it seemed like minutes.

He grew a little uncomfortable and fingered his dress nervously.

“You do realise I was very lenient with you.” she continued.

Aubrey nodded.

“You really had to be taught a lesson but as it was your first offence I did not wish to be too harsh with you. I do hope you appreciate that.”

He nodded with genuine gratitude.

“I’m glad you realise that.” she said and caressed his cheek once more before adding tenderly “I think we can be good friends as well as mistress and maid. Would you like that?”

Her large soft eyes gazed deeply into his, her perfume seeped into his brain, her lips parted slightly. He was transfixed and couldn’t refuse even if he wanted to.

“Yes…”he answered as she drew his face closer he closed his eyes and felt her tongue enter his mouth.

It only lasted for a moment or two but he felt a warn sensation between his legs.

“Now you will promise to be a good girl, an obedient girl, won’t you?”” she whispered.

For an instant, his mind returned to the brief time he wore trousers. He was a male once more and now he was willingly agreeing to be a girl.

He tried to stop the words leaving his mouth but to no avail.

“Yes Miss.” he murmured.

“My girl?” she said, her eyes fixing his and she squeezed his hand gently. “Promise?”

Still his objection failed to materialise. It was as if part of him was outside his body looking at the scene unable to control his words or actions.

“Yes Miss.” he replied unable to help himself.

She kissed him on the cheek and led him by the hand to the dressing table and stood him in front of the mirror. He watched her as she opened a drawer and took out a small black velvet case, she took the contents from it and stood behind him.

“Now this will be a reminder of your promise.” she said as she placed a pearl choker around his neck.

She adjusted the pendant so it was in the centre of his neck and stood by his side looking at their reflection.

“Perfect!” she said “As you can see the pendant at the centre has the initial R on it.”

Aubrey looked at her in the mirror, a puzzled look on his face.

“Now that we have that settled. I had better get dressed, fetch that dreadful corset and those awful petticoats” she said patting his derriere gently. “It is time you resumed your duties as my maid.”

“But…”he gasped,,

“Oh you are wondering about the initial. My initial.” she said seeing the confused look on his face “You are mine now. Wearing this will be a constant reminder you that you now belong to me. I will protect you, care for you, defend you.”

He gazed at his reflection and the choker around his neck, the tightness on his skin was like a corset for his neck, his finger moved over the letter R.

“And punish you of course, if you disobey me.” she added.

Aubrey’s face fell.

“Don’t be too upset, It’s not as if you’re my personal slave. Although a lady’s maid does fulfil some of the functions of a personal slave I suppose.” she laughed and walked towards the bed. “Now come along and dress me. I wonder what Lady Charlotte wants to say to me?”

Aubrey was still in a daze in front of the mirror.

“Girl!” Roberta snapped “Stop admiring yourself and get over here.”

Belong to me. Mine. Personal slave.

The words echoed in his brain. He fingered the choker once more.

“Personal slave.” he whispered to himself.

He lifted his skirts and made his way across the room to a smiling Roberta.