A Very Victorian Education Chapter 8

Below is Chapter 8 of AVVE and it is quite long hence the delay in posting, as readers will also see there are two illustrations accompanying it. These are how I see our hero (us, I suppose) being subjugated and forcibly feminised by the women now controlling him.

My usual thanks to all who commented and to those who were thoughtful enough to tick the ‘more’ box.  This support really does mean a lot.

Pressure on time meant I could only reread this once so hopefully I got all the grammatical errors and typos. If not apologies as I know these can be annoying.

Nothing more to be said apart from I hope you enjoy it.

Carrie

A Very Victorian Education

By

CarrieP

 Chapter 8

The heavy velvet curtains of the bedroom windows could no longer contain the emerging sunlight and from behind the weighty material the dull but distinct morning light slowly began to invade the room. Almost instinctively the solitary figure in the large bed stirred slightly before stretching out arms which were encased in wide billowy sleeves of the most delicate diaphanous pink tulle that were  gathered tightly at the wrist. Slowly his brain began sending out signals, his hands reached out and felt the smooth silk of the large frilled pillows before slipping under the bedcovers and running them over his torso. Despite his drowsiness the merest touch of the soft and delicate satin material was enough to rouse him yet he deliberately kept his eyes shut in a hopelessly futile attempt to deny the evidence of his tactile senses. The sensation caused him to wince, his hands recoiled immediately from the softness of the fabric and his eyes remained firmly closed. He prayed, implored, beseeched that his fingers were playing tricks on his brain, maybe this time he would awake in his own bed in his own home but almost immediately he realised  just how futile his supplications were. He moved his legs and once more felt the soft satin caress his lower limbs. Nothing had changed and reluctantly he opened his eyes and slowly lifted the bedcovers allowing his eyes to confirm what his hands and fingers had already told him. He was draped from neck to ankle in a soft pale pink satin nightgown, a woman’s nightgown, his hands drifted to his head where he they detected yet another satin object  covering his hair. By now he had realised he was once again awakening into yet another day of his now almost nightmarish life, a life in which he would be dressed in corsets, petticoats and elaborate gowns of the most feminine fabrics.

The boy remained in the bed and with every movement he writhed in shame as the satin hugged and stroked his bare skin reminding him that his subjugation at the hands of Lady Charlotte de Winter was continuing. Lady Charlotte had recently been installed in locum parentis by his mother while she was on an extended vacation to the continent. As if these garments were not humiliating enough he was now forced to wear a satin hair bonnet to keep his hair in place during the night. This was an outrageously feminine item which reinforced his status as a forcibly feminised male, subject to a strict feminising regimen at the hands of this formidable lady. It would be expected that any boy finding himself dressed in such unmanly and demeaning garments would immediately rebel and divest himself of them but Aubrey St. Clair, whose body they decorated made no such attempt. The strength he had before he entered this house had been drained from by an exotic concoction administered by Lady Charlotte. This had left him with the strength of a twelve year old girl and just like a twelve year old girl he was helpless and now subject to her authority. Lady Charlotte felt his arrogant and macho behaviour would quickly lead him down a path of ruin and decided inculcating the youth with the virtues of the female sex would not only greatly benefit him but save him from a life of degradation and debauchery. Of course he was now helpless to oppose her plans and to this end she had appointed Alice, her head housemaid as his Governess. Alice was a woman of strong character and even stronger views on disciplining young men and he had now been placed under her strict supervision to be tutored in the graceful and elegant ways of a young lady.

Now fully awake and conscious of his surroundings Aubrey looked closely at the heavy curtains as they tried to keep out the sunlight, this he hoped would extend the few precious moments he could have alone free from the oppressive feminine company that he now had to endure on a daily basis. However he knew from recent bitter experience that just as it was impossible to blot out the sun it was equally impossible to prevent these overbearing women from coercing him into wearing female clothing and subsequently controlling his every move. As the light grew stronger he knew his time alone would not last much longer, soon the bedroom door would open and his Governess  would appear accompanied by a housemaid, he had come to accept this was as inevitable as the sun rising each morning. Being compelled to wear these feminine garments had diminished his identity as a male but even this was not enough for Lady Charlotte and to further enhance his feminine appearance she had the most ingenious and realistic female breast forms affixed to his chest by a most effective adhesive. She had modified him physically and was now intent on effecting a similar modification to his mind, in essence to replace his male thinking process with that of a young submissive female and this would be his greatest challenge- to retain a sense of his masculinity while being imprisoned in female clothing. This, however, was proving to be more difficult than one would imagine, for some unfathomable reason his Governess appeared to have an uncanny ability to sense deception or subterfuge on his behalf. This had resulted in him receiving various punishments and one of the worst was being obliged to wear a satin hair bonnet which provided the maids with much amusement.

These were the thoughts that ran through his mind as he decided that he would rather face his tormentors not cowered under his satin quilt but standing as a man, albeit a man dressed in a nightgown and a pink satin hair bonnet but a man nevertheless. On previous days he had been reluctant to leave his bed, this was taken as a sign of weakness and only emboldened the maids- with the tacit support of his Governess no doubt- to treat him in much the same way as a petulant child. He could still hear their disdainful and snide remarks as they stood over him while he trembled in the bed. He resolved that this would no longer be the case, his quiet rebellion would start today.

“No” he murmured sotto voce, and decided he’d already had enough indignities imposed on him why should he provide them with further opportunities to belittle him. He quickly threw back the bedcovers and looked down at his satin clad body, gave a resigned and despondent sigh before swinging his legs out of the bed and without even thinking he slipped his feet into the two inch kitten heeled slippers which matched his nightgown perfectly. The elevated feminine footwear posed no problems for him as he glided across the room, his pink satin nightgown protruding as his perfectly formed faux breasts moved gently under the soft material. He passed one of the full length dressing mirrors and although the room was still in semi darkness the figure reflected back was undoubtedly female. It was a sight he had become used to but nevertheless his heart sank at the image and as he stood there trying to discern some semblance of his masculinity he suddenly realised he had not urinated since ten o’ clock the previous evening. He quickly made his way to the adjoining bathroom and was grateful that Lady Charlotte had  installed a new plumbing system  several years ago, otherwise he would have had to use a chamber pot.

He stood over the toilet and began to draw up his nightgown when he remembered a most explicit warning from his Governess,

“You will be required to comport yourself as a female at all times and I do mean at all times even when Lady Charlotte or I am not present, as I have already shown you on numerous occasions I can easily detect when a boy is trying to deceive me so believe me when I say failure to do so will be viewed as wilful disobedience and punished accordingly.”

He had been told that these rules applied especially when he wished to urinate- as no woman would stand when relieving herself. Although he was now humiliated on a daily basis by having to wear female clothing the most mortifying occasions were when he had to use the bathroom as he was required to leave the door open so the maids could observe him sitting on the toilet. It was the most degrading of his Governess’s decrees but refusal to comply would ensure a swift and painful response from her. Even now alone, much as he desperately wanted to perform this basic bodily function like a male a deep sense of foreboding engulfed him and he felt he was being watched even though there was no other person in the room. He tried to dismiss this as paranoia but such was his dread of breaching his Governess’s rules he dared not take the risk, slowly he lifted the voluminous material of the nightgown to his waist and just like a girl he lowered himself onto the toilet. He cursed himself for his lack of backbone.

“What a wonderful surprise Sarah, the young master is powdering his nose.” a familiar voice disrupted his thoughts, he looked up to see the now omnipresent and imposing figure  of Miss Alice his Governess standing at the doorway with Sarah one of the housemaids just behind her, a broad smile across her pretty face.

Aubrey gasped and seeing them with smug, self-satisfied looks on their faces he blushed deeply at their intrusion and instinctively his hands covered his groin and he clasped his legs together which only served to increase their amusement.

This woman seems to appear from nowhere he thought to himself while at the same time he breathed a huge sigh of relief that he had followed his gut instinct and sat on the toilet in the required feminine manner. Without even considering the irony he said to himself,

 This must be what’s called feminine intuition.

 Seemingly oblivious to the boy’s discomfort Alice continued,

“I believe my young pupil is finally absorbing the fundamentals of everyday life as a girl and without having to be told... very impressive. Her ladyship will be most pleased.” As she gathered her skirts and turned to leave said added “please join us when you have finished... and do not forget to wipe yourself in the usual feminine fashion. It would also be a good idea to perform your morning ablutions – unless of course you would like Sarah to assist you?”

He shook his head and was relieved when they left.

“No... somehow I didn’t think you would.” Alice said a smile forming at her mouth as she finally exited the bathroom.

 When he re-entered the bedroom he saw Alice was busy sorting various garments that Sarah had laid out on the bed’s deep satin quilt. It was time for him to be dressed and even though he had gone through this process every day since he first arrived at Lady Charlotte’s house his heart sank as it signalled the first of many humiliations he had to endure each and every day. Such was the trauma he now experienced in a daily basis he had lost track of the number of days he been under Lady Charlotte’s authority and forced to wear female clothing.

“Come here boy.” Alice said tersely as she saw him sheepishly enter, she continued to arrange various items of clothing on the bed as she continued to address him “You should know the mistress is given daily reports on your training, of course she can see this for herself in her frequent visits to the nursery but as she is not present for large parts of your education she values my opinion on your progress.”

Aubrey was only too well aware of this as Lady Charlotte made unannounced visits several times every day and Alice made sure he was always engaged in some form of feminine activity, it could be sowing, flower arranging and lately she had shown him how to lace a corset and iron a blouse. Using a long dark wig of human hair she even gave him lessons on how to arrange female hair in various styles, pointing out that although a young lady may never be required to perform such tasks she should understand how they are carried out. He considered that if he appeared interested in these tedious and demeaning feminine activities Lady Charlotte may look favourably on him and release him from the bondage of corsets and petticoats. These considerations as well as the sheer boredom of days in the nursery with only Alice or one of the maids for company meant he became reasonably competent at such chores.

Now standing at the bed he winced at the array of female underwear laid out for him, among the many humiliations he would have to endure throughout the day he always found his morning dressing one of the worst. Once he was divested of his peignoir and nightgown he was naked and vulnerable and covering his genitals with his hands invariably brought a smile to both Alice and the maids as they dressed him. Today was no different.

“Oh isn’t that so sweet, our young man is still so concerned for his male modesty.” Alice said sarcastically “now as I was saying the mistress believes you may, and I emphasise may have made sufficient progress to allow you the opportunity to convince her you have changed.”

She looked at the ridiculous figure in front of her and arching her eyebrows slightly asked him,

“Do you think you have changed?”

Aubrey’s mind raced, had done enough to persuade Lady Charlotte to allow him out from under the thumb of his Governess? Of course he had, he instantly concluded. However he was conflicted, part of him he was delighted to be able to flee from Alice’s prying eyes but another part felt more than a little disturbed that in Lady Charlotte’s view he had achieved her goal of proficiency in feminine deportment. Did she consider him now male or female? He felt anything would be better than to be kept in this nursery under Alice’s strict supervision. The lesser of two evils.

“Oh..oh yes Miss Alice.” he blurted “I have changed.”

“Mmm... perhaps.” Alice replied not sounding totally convinced. “but it is Lady Charlotte’s decision.”

She handed him a pair of knee length cream silk bloomers which were gathered tightly at the knee.

 Hilda the housemaid giggled as he turned sideways before stepping into them in a vain attempt to protect his genitals from their smirking faces.  He stood silently as she placed a silk chemise of pale peach over his head and with a resigned look on his face watched Alice, as she had done on countless occasions, pick up a long heavy corset in a similar colour from the bed.  Without any instruction from his Governess he moved in his newly acquired submissive manner to the end of the bed and placed both arms on the bedpost, awaiting his impending constrictive confinement in the dreadful garment.  He had learned from bitter experience it was far better to immediately conform to her instructions. The merest hint of protest or indeed hesitation would be considered by Alice and Lady Charlotte as a reversion to the male arrogance they loathed and would inevitably cast doubt on his progress to date – something that would prolong his torture in female clothing. He strongly suspected Alice wanted this as it would mean an extension of her dominion over him, it would also result in the continuing petty humiliations at the hands her maids.

“Perhaps the mistress is correct after all, and you are at last embracing the feminine aesthetic” Alice said in a sweet voice as she tugged at the corset’s lower laces as he held on firmly to the bedpost.

He winced slightly as he felt the corset tighten around his waist but made no reply. Alice continued,

“I can’t imagine too many young virile men accepting being put into corsets and petticoats without putting up some resistance.” she taunted, as she now worked on the corset’s upper laces, jerking his torso back towards her.

Her words caused him more discomfort than the stiff and figure hugging stays that were shaping his body into a feminine figure. She knew only too well he was robbed of his strength and was unable to prevent his confinement in feminine clothing. He felt tears well up behind his eyes and it took all his willpower to contain an outpouring of sobbing.

“Oh you’re probably excusing your predicament of your lack of male physical vigour but I think we both know that is a very feeble defence.” she said as she tugged firmly at the laces and making the final adjustments before tying them in a series of knots and expertly concealing the slack so there would be no visible sign of the lacing once he was in his gown.

A look of disbelief came over his face at this prescient remark. Yet again she had dumbfounded him with her ability to seemingly read his mind.

“Don’t look so surprised that I know this, it is written all over your face.” she answered his stupefied gaze “you are wallowing in self-pity but the truth is you deserve to be in skirts. Most boys would have rebelled,put up a fight of some sort, it would it would have been futile of course but at least it would have showed some backbone but you...”

She paused and stroked his face with her long slender fingers and smiled,

“Well, you meekly accepted your fate and allowed her ladyship to dress you like a girl.”

“But... I ... I was...”he sobbed as the tears ran down his cheeks.

“Hush dear boy.” Alice said softly as she held his hands in hers “it really doesn’t matter. All that masculine arrogance was just pretence, mere artifice, a product of male peer pressure. But now that you have been removed from such a dreadful environment you can rediscover your true personality.”

Of course this was not the first time Alice had mentioned his failure to display any basic male qualities, in fact she made a point of referring to his shameful cowardice at least once every day. Naturally this eroded the boy’s already low self-esteem, however for Alice it meant the gradual acceptance of her dominion over him and although she felt he still retained a degree of masculinity she sensed it was only a matter of time before he surrendered it. It had been a long time since she had feminised a boy and he was developing into a beautiful specimen, she deeply longed to savour every moment of his humiliation. Her only concern was that if she completed her task too soon Lady Charlotte may feel she was no longer required and return her to her former position as head housemaid. She would have to find a way to retain possession of the boy for as long as she could and decided to curtail her teasing and allow him to recover before he was presented to her mistress.

Stepping forward she wiped away his tears and motioned him to sit on the bed and as he walked the few steps she smiled contentedly at the effect the corset had on his figure. His waist constricted, his back straight as a die, shoulders pulled back pushing forward his incredibly realistic breast- forms he lowered himself onto the bed. Alice nodded to Hilda who expertly began to roll silk stocking up his legs and affixed them to the dangling garters. He remained silent as she performed her task, his brain was still processing Alice’s words trying to convince himself that he did make several attempts to resist, Alice’s voice interrupted his thoughts.

“Hilda, fetch Master Aubrey’s petticoats.” she instructed the maid and turning to him said “I think I will leave your bustle until the afternoon. Unless of course you would like to wear one?”

He hated having to wear a bustle, they were so awkward and uncomfortable. He shook his head.

“Very well then just the petticoats.” Alice confirmed to Hilda who had joined them with a long silk petticoat.

Alice smiled as the boy- without having to be told- stood and raised his arms in the air to allow the first silk petticoat to be placed over his head and tied about his corseted waist. This was followed by a navy blue taffeta one and he knew the combination of silk and taffeta would mean every step would create an unmistakeable feminine sound. Hilda then placed  a third petticoat  in white silk with deep flounces at the hem over his head and ensured all three were securely tied. 

“As a reward for your progress her ladyship has said you can pick your own gown” Alice instructed him before adding “just like a real grown up girl.”

 He followed her to the walk-in closet and held his petticoats in an attempt to dampen their rustling.

 “Now dear boy.” Alice said as she gestured to dozens of gowns hanging from rails either side of the closet “as you can see the mistress has wonderful taste and such a variety to choose from.”

“What about this one?”she said as she lovingly stroked the skirt of an embroidered silver silk-satin gown.

He made no reply. Up to now he felt some small comfort in that he had no choice in the matter, every day he was presented with a gown and told he was to wear it. Now he was being told he had to choose his own gown, it was like a prisoner being told he must choose his own form of punishment from a list of equally horrible options. Cringing inside at having to make such a decision he nevertheless knew he would have to do so at some point, it was a question of taking the least worst option. If he was being forced to choose he felt it should be the least attractive gown, a gown that would not solicit attention. Something in a muted colour with little or no adornment, something very plain and looking at the vast array of sumptuous gowns in the most luxurious fabrics, Chinese silks, Brussels lace,  heavy satins from France, Irish linen, the finest American cotton. The aroma of Lady Charlotte’s various perfumes lingered on each one as they did on the corsets and petticoats he wore, a reminder in case he forgot that he was wearing the gowns and undergarments of the woman who had dominated him since his arrival and was intent in forcing him to dress and behave as a girl.

“This is a particularly fetching gown, I think it would really suit you.” Alice said as she removed a gown from the rail and held it up to him “it’s a two piece gown of claret coloured velvet and taffeta with a short train and just look at those gorgeous swags of silk draping the skirt.”

This was the style that she knew made him squirm but then again every female garment had a similar effect on him.

“No? Perhaps you are right, after all it requires a bustle and you’re not wearing one. Pity you would look wonderful in it. Perhaps I can find something similar without a bustle.” Alice said as she returned the gown to its position.

Aubrey quickly scanned the rows of dresses and out of the corner of his eye spotted one that seemed plainer than the rest. He retrieved it from the rail and thought if he had to choose something this was probably the most understated of Lady Charlotte’s collection. It was a dark blue linen gown with deep pleats, a high collar and hand stitched tucks. Cringing at what he was about to say he swallowed hard and addressed his Governess.

 “Please Miss Alice I’d like to wear this one.” he said in his most deferential voice knowing that she delighted in such a display of subservience.

“Mmm it is rather plain.” she said as she examined the gown “I’m not really sure that gown really captures the essence of what we are trying to achieve with your training. Let me see if I can find something more suitable for…”

“Excuse me Miss” Hilda interrupted “the mistress’s maid has said her ladyship is enquiring as to why Master Aubrey has not been presented to her.”

“I suppose it will have to do for now” Alice said sulkily and took the dress back into the bedroom.

Despite the humiliation of the corset and petticoats he was dressed in Aubrey allowed himself a little smile as he followed her to the bedroom. Hilda’s announcement had injected urgency into proceedings and in a matter of minutes his dressing was completed and after the minimum of face powder was applied he found himself outside Lady Charlotte’s bedroom door.

“Enter” the unmistakable voice of Lady Charlotte rang out in response to Alice’s soft knock on the door.

“Ah there you are, my darling boy.” she said as he stood in the middle of the room with Alice by his side.

Lady Charlotte said at her dressing table in a pale blue satin peignoir and fixed him with her eyes. He felt Alice’s elbow touch his arm and holding the skirts of his gown he curtsied.

“Oh how delightful!” Lady Charlotte gushed “Simply delightful, now come here dear boy it is time we had a little talk.”

He approached her, the sound of his rustling petticoats filling the room and once he was standing in front of her Alice began to move towards them.

“It’s all right Alice you may go.” Lady Charlotte said.

“But m’lady I….”Alice began but got no further.

“Alice!” Lady Charlotte said quietly but with an unmistakeable firmness “you may go…now.”

“Yes m’lady.”Alice replied meekly and curtsied before leaving the room.

It was quite obvious that Alice had been put firmly in her place by her mistress and  for the second time in the space of ten minutes Aubrey allowed himself another smile as he watched his Governess depart.

“I have missed you Aubrey.”Lady Charlotte said as she kissed him softly on the cheek “but I think we both know if you are to achieve your goals you had to be instructed in how to behave as a female. So I do hope you have been diligent and absorbed the lessons of femininity. ”

She took him by the hand and led him to the bed where Lisa her lady’s maid, was busy arranging items on the bed. She was dressed in a blue serge uniform with the small white apron lady’s maids wore to distinguish them from the housemaids, a small lace cap on pinned to her auburn hair. He gasped when his eyes fell upon a pair of dark linen trousers, white cotton shirt, a dark waistcoat and matching jacket- the clothes he wore when he first crossed Lady Charlotte’s threshold.

“Stay here for a moment.” she said as she disappeared into the walk in closet.

“You do look very….handsome today Master Aubrey.” the maid said with a brazen smirk “what a lovely dress, so becoming.”

Despite the humiliation of being imprisoned in female attire for weeks now he still squirmed at such remarks from the servants and blushed furiously.

“Yes Aubrey, your clothes.” Lady Charlotte said as she rejoined him “and you can wear them again.”

“Oh thank you Lady Charlotte.” he gushed as he held the trousers to the skirt of his gown.

“You see I am not so demanding that I would confine you to skirts forever.” she said and nodded to Lisa who stepped forward and took the garment from his grasp returning it to the bed.”But first you have to convince me that you have indeed changed and have fully embraced the virtuous characteristics and demeanor of the fairer sex.”

He was crestfallen and could feel his path to freedom being stolen from him by the maid’s hands. Panic quickly rose to the surface.

“Oh I have changed Lady Charlotte.” he blurted, nervously holding his skirts as he watched Lisa fold his clothes neatly and immediately decided it would help his case if he displayed more enthusiasm   and added with as much exuberance as he could muster   “I have realised how much my behaviour has offended the female sex and have come to appreciate the graciousness of all things feminine. I really have learned so much.”

“I’m delighted to hear it.” Lady Charlotte replied “but I wonder is it too soon for you, I do not wish to put you under pressure perhaps another week or two in the nursery but be the best course.”

“Oh no…. Lady Charlotte.” he answered quickly, an unmistakable hint of fear in his voice as he watched the maid place his clothes in the bottom drawer of a tallboy “I’m sure I am ready, I have been very attentive and have learned so much about how to behave properly. Please give me a chance to prove it to you.”

“Excuse me m’lady.” Lisa said approaching Lady Charlotte “you asked me to remind you about the letter you required to have delivered this morning.”

“Ah yes, good girl.” her mistress replied reaching for an envelope from her bureau “deliver this by hand and wait for a reply and make sure you do not mention that you are my servant. You had better remove you cap and apron and take one of my coats to cover up your uniform. Now hurry I need it delivered by noon.”

“Yes m’lady but what about your dressing should I call Miss Alice to assist you?” the maid asked.

“No that is quite all right Lisa, from what Alice tells me I’m sure Master Aubrey can perform that task quite admirably  while we finish our conversation.” Lady Charlotte answered and turning to the boy asked “am I correct in that assumption Aubrey?”

“Oh yes Lady Charlotte.” he replied enthusiastically, immediately realising  this was a test and instinctively knew that impressing Lady Charlotte with his newly acquired knowledge of femininity combined with a display of obedience and submissiveness would hopefully convince her of his intent to change.

 Lisa closed the door behind her and left Aubrey and Lady Charlotte alone.

“Yes I think you have come a long way Aubrey.” Lady Charlotte said as she fixed the youth with her expressive blue eyes and stood so close to him he could feel her breath on his face. “You look a little ill at ease in your gown and despite your delicate features you still retain a hint of masculinity but if what you say is true then I’m sure your demeanour and willingness to please me will more than compensate for these imperfections.”

He was so close her breasts were touching his own and her womanly scent worked its way into his brain. He tried desperately to distract himself from the swelling between his legs and hoped that she would not notice.

“Aubrey are you…becoming… excited?” she said calmly.

“Oh…please…Lady Charlotte…I umm….”he stammered his face reddening by the second.

“I suppose you haven’t been milked this morning, have you?” she asked arching her eyebrows as she pressed her hand into his groin and despite his bulky petticoats he felt the pressure of her hand against his member and added  “No need to answer.”

She led by the hand to her dressing table where she retrieved a lightly quilted pink satin mitten.

“Lift your dress and petticoats.” she instructed.

“Oh.. please… Lady Charlotte I’m…so sorry I..” he blurted, his face now the colour of a London pillarbox.

He stood in front of her, petticoats and gown raised above his thighs as she placed the mitten onto her hand and slipped it into the slit of his silk bloomers.

“I should have expected this.” she sighed, a note of resignation in her voice as she took hold of his erect penis. “it’s probably the exquisite feel of your silk bloomers and petticoats against your… ahem… skin.

He whimpered as he felt the satin mitten contract against his rigid penis and his eyes felt as if they could explode in their sockets.

“You see Aubrey girls love the sensation of silks and satins on their skin.” she said in a calm voice as if she were reading a train timetable “and in my experience so do effeminate males, you know what an effeminate boy is, don’t you Aubrey.”

“Aaaah…”he groaned as she applied more pressure. “y… yes.”

“Then tell me.” she replied.

“Boys….” he hesitated trying to pick his words, but he felt another surge of intense and exquisite pleasure rush to his brain and the words shot from his mouth “boys who like to dress like girls.”

“Precisely, what a clever boy you are.” Lady Charlotte trilled and squeezed him again “now tell me Aubrey, are you an effeminate boy?”

Another long squeeze at the head of his member, he felt his legs weaken and his temples thumping.

“I’m waiting.” she said now rubbing the tip of his penis against the soft satin material. It was too much for the boy.

“Yes…yes… I..am… an effeminate boy.” he cried out, so close to climaxing he thought his brain would explode.

“That’s all I wanted to hear.” Lady Charlotte said looking at him directly in the eye and paused before repeating the phrase in a soft voice “An effeminate boy. I am so glad we have established that fact.”

The words in her mouth, said without malice or contempt merely restated his own utterances had an immediate effect. His penis suddenly became quite limp and shrivelled to the point of being almost undetectable. Now holding it between her thumb and forefinger she calmly put the now tiny appendage back inside the folds of his silk bloomers and withdrew her hand leaving him still holding his skirts and petticoats up around his waist and panting like a deranged Can-Can dancer.

She took his hands in hers allowing his skirts to fall around his legs and silently she smoothed out the crumpled material and arranged them to her satisfaction. The implication of his words reverberated in his brain and he could not meet her eye when she spoke.

“Don’t be so glum Aubrey and do not blame yourself.” Lady Charlotte smiled sweetly as she and held his face in her hands and was clearly delighted at his admission. “It really is not your fault, some males struggle with their feminine side and it takes them years before they realise they feel more comfortable in a satin gown than a cavalry twill suit. You are one of those very special boys and once you recognise this and embrace your feminine side as your true self you will set yourself free. ”

He had a burning urge to yell at her that she was completely wrong and the only reason he blurted out those horrible words was that she had driven him to the point of frenzied delirium and he would have admitted to anything no matter how absurd. However he now understood that any attempt to retract his blatantly preposterous words would only serve to sour her mood and he instinctively knew that any such rash outburst would ensure a prolonged stay under her roof and an even longer sentence in these horrible clothes. The image of his male clothes on the bed loomed large inside his head, he knew he had to remain silent.

“You have made me so very happy but I really have to get dressed and as Lisa is not here you will have to dress me.” she said her voice reflecting her obvious good mood “Now that you have recognised your nature I feel I can trust you like I would any girl.”

She lifted his head with her finger and looked deeply into his eyes.

“I am correct, am I not?”she asked.

He nodded still unable to speak.

“Excellent, now you don’t mind acting as my maid now that Lisa is not here?”

To refuse would only dig his hole even deeper. Again he nodded accepting his fate silently.

“Such a darling boy!”she trilled “now fetch my chemise and we can begin.”

She slipped off her peignoir to reveal a wonderfully proportioned body with the merest hint of a little excess weight around her stomach and although she was a very desirable woman, the humiliation of being horribly manipulated into falsely admitting he was effeminate, curbed his normal male enthusiasm. He meekly retrieved the silk chemise from the bed and placed it over her head.

Throughout all this Lady Charlotte’s made several favourable comments on his competence in dressing her to which he answered in a most respectful and submissive tone,

“Yes m’lady, or “Thank you m’lady.”

It was, the voice inside his head confirmed, the exact way a maid would address her mistress.

As he settled her last petticoat around her waist and knelt at her feet to arrange it in place she looked down on him and smiled,

“You really have learned so much, it usually takes me weeks to train a maid to be so efficient. Now be a darling and tidy up here while I pick out a suitable gown to wear.”

Lady Charlotte glided from the bedroom into the cavernous closet which was another space almost as large as her bedroom, he watched as she closed the door behind her.

Cringing at the humiliation of having to perform the duties of a lady’s maid but unable to object or refuse he gathered his skirts and grumbling he went about his task.

“Girl!” an unfamiliar voice from behind him disrupted his thoughts and for a fleeting moment he thought he was hearing things.

He turned to see an elegantly attired woman in a duchesse silver- grey gown with a ruched skirt and gold Brussels lace ornamentation running down the gown and gathered just above the hem. Her large brown eyes fixed him with a look only woman of a certain pedigree were capable of, it was a look he had experienced many times in the past weeks. His mouth went dry and he felt a sudden weakness in his knees, his stomach constricted in his corset began to churn.

“Are you deaf girl?” she said brusquely in the manner women of power and influence  used to young people or servants.

She thinks I’m a girl the thought whizzed around his head. He didn’t know whether to feel ashamed, embarrassed, angry or all three but his overwhelming feeling was relief she had not realised he was a young man in a dress. He felt queasiness in the pit of his stomach, he looked around for Lady Charlotte but she obviously did not hear this intruder either. He was alone.

“I’m sorry I did not hear you knock.” he said now clearly flustered by the women’s presence.

“Madam!” she snapped a look of annoyance clearly etched on her handsome face.

“I’m sorry....”he answered taken aback at her rebuke “Madam.”

Her reprimand was like so many he had received under Alice’s strict regimen and without thinking he immediately followed up his apology with a respectful curtsy.

“Much better.”she said as she looked around the room “And why are you not properly capped and aproned?”

Oh no!!! the scream reverberated inside his head “she thinks I’m… the maid.”

“I… it’s not….I mean…”he spluttered as she ignored him and strode purposefully to the chair and picked up Lisa’s apron and cap before returning  to confront him.

“All maids should be properly uniformed at all times, especially lady’s maids” she said handing him the white apron and cap “now put these on immediately. What is Charlotte thinking allowing her maid to walk about without an apron and cap.?”

There was no way he could think of to explain without exposing himself as a male. He meekly took the apron and cap, the universal badge of female domestic servants and under her stern gaze pinned the cap to his hair and with a feeling of mortification slipped the apron over his head and tied the apron’s strings in a bow behind his back.

“That’s so much better.” the woman said standing back to inspect the servant girl in front of her, her voice softened “You are a pretty thing, your mistress always gets the pretty ones.”

Aubrey now completely flustered but greatly relieved that his secret had not been uncovered, he could feel himself blushing at her compliment and could not believe his ears when the words tumbled out of his mouth.

“Thank you Madam.”

 “What is this dreadful commotion?” Lady Charlotte’s voice called out as she stood in her petticoats at the closet door.

Aubrey could see her eyes dart from him to the woman and then back to him, a look of barely disguised amazement on her face.

“Ah there you are Charlotte, I was wondering where you had been.” the woman said as she sailed across the room her petticoats rustling and skirts trailing behind like the wake of an elegant ship, she kissed Lady Charlotte on the cheek.

Lady Charlotte looked over her shoulder with a quizzical look at Aubrey in his cap and apron.

“You’re looking remarkably well darling” the woman said “but I really wish you would halt these social experiments with the servant class and implement a strict uniform code for your servants. Your maid, pretty as she is, was walking around without her cap and apron. Really Charlotte how are we to maintain proper discipline if our maids are allowed to strut about without being in the correct uniform? I know certain mistress’s allow their lady’s maids not to wear a cap and apron but I think this is the slippery slide into anarchy.”

“I was not expecting you back so soon Leonora.” Lady Charlotte said ignoring the woman’s criticism before inventing an explanation “the girl was changing into a new apron and cap I had bought for her”

“We can talk while you finish dressing.” The woman called Leonora said as she sat in one of the large armchairs by the window “I need to ask you something.”

“Aubrey, my corset.” Lady Charlotte addressed her new maid.

 Her command barely registered with him, he was still trying to understand how this misunderstanding could have happened.

“Girl!”  the woman snapped “are you listening to your mistress?” and turning to Lady Charlotte sniffed “she may be pretty but seems to be inattentive.”

“Leonora please!” Lady Charlotte retorted in a measured tone rebuking her friend firmly but gently, “I am still training him...  er...her. She is a little nervous at the presence of another lady.”

She faced Aubrey and her eyes locked onto his and held in gaze for a moment transmitting an unspoken communication that he was to follow her lead.

“My corset Aubrey.” she said calmly and turned away from him.

Her composure and indeed her protection settled him, he picked up the long white satin corset and expertly settled it around Lady Charlotte’s waist, nestling her breasts into the corset’s cups. The weeks under Alice’s supervision immediately rose to the surface and he began to pull on the long laces stopping every few moments allowing Lady Charlotte to adjust to the tightening garment.

“You may continue Aubrey, a little tighter this time.” she said.

“Yes your ladyship.” he replied, now settling into his rôle and echoing the subservient voice of a lady’s maid.

“As you can see Leonora she is a quite competent girl.” Lady Charlotte said to her friend “Now what is this urgent business you spoke of?

Leonora Cockshott rose from her chair and moved closer, the soft sounds of her skirts and petticoats filling the room.

“Dearest Charlotte you remember that favour you promised me after that incident in Rome last year.” she said as she took a string of pearls from the dressing table and held them against Lady Charlotte’s neck.

“Of course darling.” Lady Charlotte answered touching her friend’s arm “I could not have managed without you. Just name it and it is yours.”

“I need to borrow one of you maids.” she said “but she has to be pretty, not a beauty but pretty nonetheless and I believe this girl is the prettiest you have, I think she will be perfect.”

Aubrey held on to the laces of Lady Charlotte’s corset to avoid falling down. Lady Charlotte’s frieed continued,

 “As you now know I wasn’t expecting to return as quickly as I did and I haven’t had time to engage any domestic staff apart from a daily cook that is. It will be at least two or three days before I will have the proper compliment of staff in place. However in the interim period I will require at least one housemaid who could also act as lady’s maid.”

“I’m sure I can spare one of the housemaids. Sarah would be ideal for you.” Lady Charlotte replied “That is tight enough Aubrey you may finish.

Leonora Cockshott didn’t reply immediately she was paying close attention to Aubrey as he finished lacing Lady Charlotte’s corset. He could feel her eyes on him as he made the final adjustments and then tied the laces in an elaborate knot before tuck way the slack neatly so it would not bulge at the back of the gown.

“I’m sure Sarah is well trained but I really have my heart set on this one.” she said “she’s pretty but not in a conventional feminine way and I like that.”

“I really don’t think she would...”Lady Charlotte said but was immediately interrupted by her friend.

“Oh for heaven’s sake, I won’t mistreat the girl Charlotte.” she retorted “and besides I only live across the square she can return to you after I am finished with her each evening.”

Aubrey looked on at this exchange not quite believing what he was hearing, surely Lady Charlotte would not even consider her friends outrageous request.

Lady Charlotte looked at Aubrey then back to her friend and was about to speak but it was her friend who spoke first.

You did promise Charlotte.” Leonora Cockshott said “and as you are so fond of reminding me ‘a lady never breaks her promise’.”

Aubrey’s hands grabbed his skirts and looked at his mistress.