AVVE Chapter 11

Below is Chapter 11, I thought this chapter would finish the story but there was such a good response to the last chapter it may last for yet one more. Before it was somehow removed  the figure in the ‘more box’ showed approx. 40 readers liked it which is very encouraging – although poor Aubrey probably would not thank you for giving me such motivation to continue his feminisation –  so it seems the unfortunate boy has at least one more chapter to endure.

I have (probably like many of you) read quite a bit about the Victorian era – particularly the 1880-90’s-  and the clothes these women wore never fail to fascinate and thrill me in equal measure. Just close your eyes and imagine being put (forced perhaps, by a maid with a smiling society matron supervising ) into any of these gowns after having been first laced into a corset and then three or four petticoats placed around your waist.

 And this was normal for upper class women!- Lucky creatures.

Well, such is my fantasy and I’m delighted many of you share it also.

Thank you again for all your support, it would not have been possible without it.

Hopefully you will enjoy this chapter also.

Take care

Carrie

Ps I should add that this being summer in the northern hemisphere I have a lot going on for the next month or two so I’m not sure when the next chapter will be posted – it could be 6 -8 weeks maybe even longer. Hopefully as an interim measure if time permits, I may post an illustration of Aubrey with some text. 

A Very Victorian Education 

by CarrieP

Chapter 11

The noisy and seemingly endless chatter of more than a dozen women filled the elegant drawing room of the Honourable Mrs Leonora Cockshott’s London residence. Society matrons and their daughters dressed in the latest fashions from the haute couture houses of Paris complimented one another on their gowns, exchanged the juiciest morsels of gossip concerning mutual friends who were conveniently absent and of course discussed at length the perennial and most vexing issue of the ‘servant problem’. The guests were exclusively female and although most of these women were dressed conventionally in gowns of silk, velvet, satin and taffeta, a few were attired in a more unorthodox style. These particular visitors stood out as they were dressed in fashionable and well tailored male clothing, their hair cleverly arranged to affect a masculine style. They behaved in every way as males, sitting and standing as a man would with their legs apart and moving about the room confidently and unfettered by the restricting and voluminous feminine garments of the other female guests.  

One of the young women dressed in this manly attire was Roberta Cockshott, daughter of the lady of the house and the person responsible for this gathering of ladies of the Ladies Suffrage Society. To all present it appeared that the company was exclusively female and not one of the ladies suspected that the young parlourmaid serving them was in fact a male. In fact not only did he look more feminine than the women masquerading as males but in an unconventional way was more attractive  than some of the young ladies dressed in their expensive gowns.

However this seemingly convincing feminine façade was little consolation to Aubrey St Clair, the extremely anxious and fearful young man dressed in the formal uniform of a parlourmaid. Although he had been forcibly confined in ladies clothing for several months at the hands of Lady Charlotte de Winter he was in constant fear of having his true sex revealed, such a discovery in the close knit circles of London society would ruin his life. Having been mistaken as a servant girl in Lady Charlotte’s home by Mrs Cockshott she cajoled her good friend into, as she put it ‘borrowing the girl’, until she employed her own maid. Now within hours of arriving at her home he was dressed in a parlourmaid’s uniform and put to work serving afternoon tea to the assembled guests. Adding to his acute sense of dread was the fact that he had encountered Miss Roberta Cockshott in the park on his way from Lady Charlotte’s house and she had shown an inordinate interest in him. Now, surrounded by numerous exquisitely dressed society ladies as well as a number of young women attired in male clothing, he once more found himself in her presence.

“I really do wish you had given me a little more notice.” Leonora Cockshott admonished her daughter quietly while simultaneously smiling at a passing guest “you know apart from Cook and the kitchen maid I have no servants, apart from this girl.”

“And she is doing a wonderful job, Mother” Roberta answered smiling at Aubrey who blushed at her remark. “You have such excellent taste when it comes to servants. Where did you find her?”

“Roberta! I have told you before,” her mother said sharply, “please do not make such remarks in front of the servants.”

Aubrey cringed at her comment.

Since he had been forced to wear girl’s clothes under Lady Charlotte’s strict regimen, shame and humiliation were Aubrey’s constant companions. However the realisation he was now merely a servant, and a maidservant at that, increased these now familiar emotions by a factor he could not have imagined.

“If you must know I borrowed this girl on a temporary basis from Lady Charlotte.” Mrs  Cockshott answered, looking at her daughter with a stern face “and while we are on the subject, how do you know her? Please do not tell me you have not embarrassed yourself with one of Charlotte’s maids. I really could not face her if you had.”

Roberta gave her a coy smile but before she could answer her mother a well built matron wearing a blue taffeta gown suddenly joined their company.

“Leonora I must speak with you about our upcoming charity event.” she said and linking her arm in Mrs Cockshott’s moved her away.

“It seems we were meant to meet again.”Roberta said smiling at Aubrey as she moved closer“Now that you are in my mother’s service I will have an opportunity to get to know you better.”

From his own experience as a male Aubrey knew exactly what she meant. Her phrase ‘get to know you better’ was one he himself had used to housemaids in several houses and was usually followed by a grope of the girl’s breasts or behind. The fact that he was now seen as a female servant he was socially inferior to everyone in the room and especially to Roberta as she was the daughter of the mistress. In this subordinate position the role of the maid was clearly defined – she or in Aubrey’s case he- was subject to the complete authority of his mistress, her family and anyone of a higher social standing.

In his embarrassment he could not meet her eyes and cast his downwards, but even here there was no escape from the shame as his eyes fell on the apron covering his uniform dress- an ever present reminder of his new lowly status. Roberta continued,

“Oh, no need to be so coy, you know you are pretty.” she said quietly and gestured to a group of similarly dressed ladies “as you can see my friends also seem to think so.”

Her remark shocked him and from the corner of his eye he could see a number of the guests looking in his direction, their eyes clearly focused on him. He recognised the look, it was one he and his friends had often used just before they began pursuing the object of their desires. Two ladies in particular, one wearing a black pinstripe suit with a garish yellow waistcoat and the other wearing a gown of blue green silk with a ruched overskirt, seemed to be paying him special attention. The one wearing the suit was a young woman and the other a handsome middle aged women and he could see that despite being heavily corseted both were a little on the plump side. Their eyes never left him and he was now convinced that they were deep in conversation about him.

“Apparently they like those peculiar boyish looks of yours.” Roberta said and with a smile added “but then we all do.”

The mention of his boyish looks reignited the young man’s apprehension and could feel his stomach tighten.

“I wonder if Mother will invite them to stay overnight.” Roberta continued somewhat absentmindedly “of course if she does, they will require a maid to undress them.”

Aubrey’s eyes were drawn to the couple and he felt a panic rise inside him.

“I’m only teasing you.” Roberta giggled “no need to be alarmed.”

The relief was evident on his face and he almost let out an audible sigh.

 “You didn’t think I would allow anyone else to have to you themselves.” she said “I think you would probably prefer to act as my maid than to those ladies.”

Despite his brain being in turmoil Aubrey knew there could only be one answer.

“No….sir.” he stammered.

“You remembered to call me sir.” she said “what a clever girl you are.”

“Roberta” Mrs Cockshott’s brusque voice came from behind him “please stop conversing with the maid and engage with your guests.”

 “Of course Mother.” Roberta replied and turning to Aubrey whispered “I will see you later.”

“And you, girl.” Mrs Cockshott addressed him curtly as she pointed towards the ladies that were watching him. “I know you are not long in domestic service and unused to being in the presence of such eminent ladies but do try to remember you are my maidservant and as such your attitude and performance will reflect on me. Do you understand?”

Aubrey’s nerves were already frayed by being in such close proximity to so many women and he was acutely aware that the merest hint of any male trait would immediately arouse suspicion. Having grown up with servants he knew what was expected of a parlourmaid in such situations and failure to act in the appropriate manner would only draw attention to himself. So far he had managed to avoided any major mistake that would call into question his true sex and despite a few remarks by Mrs Cockshott he appeared to have evaded detection. Sarah’s advice about escaping detection was to think like a female servant appeared to be working and he felt if he could maintain this masquerade  he had a chance to pass as a maid.

“Do you understand, girl?” Mrs Cockshott repeated in an exasperated voice, interrupting his thoughts.

“Yes Madam. I’m sorry Madam.”” he replied, now in full parlourmaid persona, he curtsied.

“Now run along and attend to those ladies by the window... and be quick about it.”

“Yes Madam.” he answered and curtsied again.

His uniform gently fluttering about his legs and his nerves on edge, he made his way to the group of ladies seated by the window.

“Ah there you are girl.” the young woman wearing the pinstripe suit said, her eyes surveying every inch of the maid standing in front of her.

She was taller than Aubrey and her shoulders were quite broad, male clothes combined with strong facial features and carefully arranged  hair and gave her an almost but not quite masculine look. Two small but visible bumps at her chest and her rather wide hips betrayed her true sex, nevertheless she cut an imposing figure. He detected moistness on her lips that he found disturbing and he had to hold his dress tightly to stop his hands from shaking. This stately figure stood while the other women, all dressed in fashionable gowns of various colours and fabrics sat demurely holding their teacups in their delicate hands. He felt the eyes of the assembled ladies on him, instinctively he knew what every parlour or housemaid would do. He curtsied.

“Yes…”he began, unsure of his form of address but quickly blurted “Sir.”

A strange look came over the young woman’s face.

“Sir.” she laughed and looking bemused at the other ladies, repeated “Sir.” before adding in a theatrical voice  “Do I look like a ‘sir’?”

The ladies giggled and Aubrey blushed furiously.

“Oh Georgie! don’t be cruel.” one of the ladies half- heartedly admonished the mannish woman in the suit. “She is only a maid after all.”

“Yes Georgie, stop teasing the poor girl.” a middle aged lady in an emerald green taffeta gown said.

“I’m sorry Miss.” Aubrey said “it’s just that …with the gentleman’s suit… “

Fear and shame in equal measure engulfed Aubrey and in a reflex action he grabbed the skirts of his uniform even tighter however could see the ladies were sympathetic to his plight, he continued in a suitably meek voice,

“Miss Roberta likes to be addressed as ‘sir’ when dressed in male attire. I thought you may wish to be addressed in a similar fashion.”

“She does, does she?” the person he now knew as Georgie said with a forced smile “well my pretty young parlourmaid if it is good enough for your mistress’s daughter then it is good enough for me.”

“Georgie why don’t you run along and join Roberta.” one of the ladies said “I’m sure you have a lot to talk about regarding the meeting.

“I’d rather stay and get to know this young thing.” Georgie said, her eyes still fixed on Aubrey.

“Georgie!” the lady snapped “do as Mummy says.”

“Oh please I….” Georgie began.

“Now, Georgie.” his mother interrupted sternly “and please remember your manners in front of the servants. We have to set an example to the lower orders”

Georgie looked crestfallen and was about to object but the look on her mother’s face and the obvious disapproval of the other ladies immediately dissuaded him of the notion.

“Very well.” he said sourly.

“Is that how you speak to your mother young lady.” a woman in a turquoise velvet gown said sharply and the entire company nodded their heads in agreement.

Georgie blushed at this reprimand in front of a servant and Aubrey could see the haughtiness of the young woman disappear like air from a burst balloon.

“I’m sorry …”and she looked down at the floor “Mummy.”

“You may go now.” his mother said waving her away.

Aubrey was always amazed at the power mother’s had over their daughters. A certain look or sharp word would quickly bring even the most headstrong young woman into line, just like a well trained puppy.

The assembled company watched her leave and then turned their attention to the maid standing before them.

“Come closer girl.” Georgie’s mother instructed him and raised her lorgnette to inspect him. “now turn around.”

“Mmm, an unusual visage, I can understand Georgie’s interest.” a lady wearing a two piece grey satin day dress said, Aubrey saw the other ladies nodding in agreement.

“Yes she is quite pretty.” Georgie’s mother agreed and addressed Aubrey “I’m sure a pretty maidservant has plenty of suitors. Isn’t that so my dear?”

Aubrey could not help himself from blushing.

The ladies smiled at his bashfulness.

“Roberta seems to have taken a shine to her also.” another lady said as Aubrey’s colour deepened much to the ladies amusement.

“Ladies please.” Georgie’s mother, clearly the dominant personality within the group, gently chided her companions. She turned her gaze to Aubrey once more.

“Now girl, we have attended an outdoor meeting in the park and the underfoot conditions were not ideal and as a result our footwear and the hems of our dresses require some light cleaning.”

She took her napkin from her lap and handed it to him and proffered her foot. He hesitated briefly.

“Come along, we do not have all day. You cannot clean my boots from there.” she said before adding in a commanding tone that he had heard so many matrons of her social rank use to their servants, “On your knees, girl and get to work.”

Under normal circumstances Aubrey would not have thought this an unusual request from a lady of such eminence to a housemaid, parlourmaid or any servant and it would be a brave or foolish girl to refuse. But these were not normal circumstances and after all servants merely existed to serve their social superiors and cater to their every whim no matter how humiliating the task.

And- as if he needed reminding – he was now a uniformed maidservant. To refuse would only cause a furore which would as a consequence create unnecessary problems and increase the likelihood of his exposure.

Self-preservation trumped any sense of ego.

You are a maidservant. Think and act like a maidservant. he shouted inside his head.

“Yes Madam.” he said taking the napkin.

“My name is Lady Theodora Martinet.” she corrected him “So you should address me as m’lady or your ladyship.”

Aubrey felt is heart skip a beat at the mention of her name. He had been so unnerved by his encounter with Georgie that his eyes had not scanned the ladies in her company. He felt the moisture seep from his mouth.

Lady Martinet- the woman who several years earlier had forced him into girls clothes to perform in a play. He had little time to dwell on this horrible discovery as the formidable figure addressed him sharply,

“Are you listening girl.”

“Yes m’lady.” he blurted and without thinking curtsied quickly adding in a most contrite and submissive voice “I’m sorry m’lady.”

“Well you may begin with Mrs Fanshaw next to me” Lady Martinet said and be sure to check between the pleats of the hem.”

In a few moments time seemed to slow and the events of his previous encounter with this intimidating woman flooded his brain. He immediately recalled that she demanded total obedience from those she considered subordinate to her which included younger people, people of a lower social rank and of course servants. He failed to defy her then and now dressed as he was would not even contemplate such a ridiculous idea.

Being in the presence of so many society matrons would be enough to ensure unconditional deference no matter what their sex or social status and Aubrey in his present attire felt as subservient as any maidservant could possibly feel.

His uniform and the lowly status in conferred on him seeped into his brain and looking at the assembled gathering of elegantly dressed ladies he became one with it.

He looked like a servant girl.

And now he felt like a servant girl.

“Yes m’lady.” he answered and lifting his bulky petticoats he lowered himself at the feet of Mrs Fanshaw and began his humiliating task.

 “As I was saying ladies” Lady Martinet addressed her friends as if having a maid on her knees before her was a normal occurrence “there were some splendid ideas raised at the meeting. The idea that we should assert ourselves over the male sex is an excellent example, we have been subservient to them for far too long, catering to their every whim, obeying their every command. Sometimes we are no better than servants.”

As the ladies nodded their agreement Lady Martinet interrupted her lecture to ensure Aubrey was complying with her instructions.

“Do not forget the pleats at the hem girl.”

“Yes m’lady.” Aubrey replied from his kneeling position

“And make sure the hems of my petticoats are clean also.” Mrs Fanshaw added.

“Yes Madam.” Aubrey answered as he lifted the heavy velvet material of her dress to reveal three flounced white silk petticoats.

Satisfied that the maid was performing her duties Lady Martinet resumed the conversation with her friends, while Aubrey his head now under the heavy velvet skirts of Mrs Fanshaw, continued with his chore. In the semi darkness under her skirts he held the soft silk material of the first petticoat in his trembling hands and examined it for any trace of stain or dirt. He removed a small smudge and then repeated the process with her other two petticoats gently removing any spot of visible dirt. Once he was satisfied her garments were perfectly clean he emerged from under her skirts into the light and looked up at Mrs Fanshaw. She drew up the skirt of the dress to inspect his work.

“Excellent, what a diligent girl you are.” Mrs Fanshaw said as she examined the hems of her petticoats, she smiled at Aubrey “I wish my own lady’s maid was as meticulous. Now don’t forget my boots like a good boy.”

“Boy!” Lady Martinet exclaimed “did you say boy?”

She looked at Aubrey with a quizzical look on her face, the rest of the company stopped their chattering and fixed their eyes on the maid kneeling at the feet of Mrs Fanshaw.

Aubrey’s heart raced and he felt a knot form in the pit of his stomach.

“Oh I am so sorry my dear.” Mrs Fanshaw said in a genuinely apologetic tone. “You have such an angelic face, like a pretty cherub. It must have been the angle of your face, or a trick of the light but for a moment I thought you were boy, but obviously you are far too pretty to be a boy. How silly of me, I hope you are not offended?”

Mrs Fanshaw looked down at the maid kneeling at her feet, her soft face smiling at him.

“Ermm….No Madam.” Aubrey blurted

“Now that you say it, Gertrude.” Lady Martinet said “she does remind me vaguely of a boy I once knew. I just cannot remember who it was.”

“I’ll bet he was not as pretty as this girl.” One of the women giggled.

“Oh he was. You would be surprised the effect of a little powder, lip colour and a beautiful satin gown has on a young man.” Lady Martinet said quite seriously “it can tame even the most arrogant and feisty male and on the right one can make them look quite feminine. Such a pity I cannot remember the name of the boy, I think it must have been…”

“Oh Isobel.” Mrs Fanshaw interrupted her friend’s reminiscence and looked at Aubrey “you are embarrassing the girl.” and smiling at Aubrey added in a kindly tone “I think you may have forgotten to clean my boots my dear, now why don’t you get under my skirts and complete your task like a good girl.”

“Oh yes Madam , I’m sorry Madam.” Aubrey blurted in a most subservient voice, only too happy to seek the refuge of Mrs Fanshaw’s skirts and remove himself from Lady Martinet’s gaze.

 Under Mrs Fanshaw’s skirts Aubrey was hidden from the company and like an ostrich with its head in the sand he felt he could not be seen forgetting his plump derriere was on view to all the ladies present. His heart still racing from Lady Martinet’s remarks he resumed with this most menial of tasks, polishing her footwear. The black leather boots were buttoned to just below her calves, her shapely legs encased in flesh coloured silk stockings. While he was polishing her left boot her legs opened and the musky smell of her sex wafted into his nostrils and as he worked the napkin up the soft leather suddenly and without any warning her legs came together and his head was gripped between them. She squeezed them gently and he gasped as the silk of her stocking rubbed against his face. Underneath his silk bloomers and petticoats he felt his member harden, her legs squeezed his face once more and he gave a low whimper. After a moment she released him, he quickly finished the other boot and removed himself from under her skirts.

He remained on his knees and hoped his erection would subside before he was ordered to stand up, Mrs Fanshaw lifted her skirts to inspect her petticoats and boots.

“She seems efficient.”Lady Martinet said as she too inspected his work.

“Yes. Quite efficient.” Mrs Fanshaw replied and smiled at Aubrey with genuine affection “And very thorough, not a quality always found in a servant girl.”

A few hours ago Aubrey knew he would have been deeply offended and mortified at such a remark but now dressed as a parlourmaid in such exalted company he instinctively knew how to behave.

“Thank you Madam.” he said in a suitably meek voice.

“You may arrange my skirts properly.”Mrs Fanshaw said.

“Yes Madam.” he replied and positioned her petticoats properly before arranging the gown’s skirt over them to ensure the material fully covered them.

Mrs Fanshaw bent down for one final inspection and as her face came close to his she whispered so the rest of the company could not hear,

“You seemed to like it between my legs. I am looking for a personal maid and you may be the right person. Here is my card. I will be in touch.”

She slipped a card into his apron pocket before resuming her position. He rose from his kneeling position and presented himself to Lady Martinet.

“Attend to Mrs Deerhorn next.” Lady Martinet instructed Aubrey pointing another matron wearing a pale lilac taffeta afternoon dress.

Mrs Dearhorn sat imperiously on a couch, her obviously long corset ensured her back was straight as die. She lifted her skirts to reveal ankle length calf skin brown boots peeking out from under her skirt and hanging above these were three satin hemmed silk petticoats; she fixed him with her large pale blue eyes and spread her legs slightly.

“Come along girl.” she said gesturing towards the floor “You appear to have satisfied Mrs Fanshaw, I expect you can do the same for me.”

There could only be one answer for a maidservant.

“Yes Madam” he said quietly unsure of exactly what she meant.

From the corner of his eye Aubrey thought he saw discreet but knowing smiles on the faces of the other ladies however he was so nervous he could not be certain.

“Now that I look at you I think Mrs Fanshaw may be correct.” Mrs Dearhorn said and looking at the maid in front of her continued “there are cherubic almost boyish features in your countenance. We really could not have a boy under our skirts now could we?”

“Unless he was a castrato I suppose.” one of the ladies said, much to the hilarity of the group.

When the laughter died down Mrs Dearhorn produced a scissors from her handbag and making a snipping motion with them addressed him,

“I do hope we will not have to take any drastic steps. You are a girl, are you not?”

Aubrey, his eyes transfixed on the implement in her hand, let out a low whimper.

“Well?” Mrs Dearhorn asked as she held up a piece of paper and cut it “Is our young parlourmaid a boy or girl? Because you know what we do to boys.”

Aubrey gulped audibly.  

She clicked the scissors several times and smiled before adding,

“We make them into girls. Pretty obedient and compliant girls, isn’t that right ladies?”

All the women giggled, Aubrey became extremely anxious and grabbed his skirts in a most feminine manner as another involuntary whimper left him.

“Oh a girl, Madam.” he blurted his lips trembling “I’m a girl, please don’t….”

“Oh I have my doubts.” Mrs Dearhorn retorted, raising her eyebrows as her smiled widened.

“Oh Camilla do stop teasing the poor girl.” Mrs Fanshaw interjected and standing up she held his hands in hers. “Don’t mind the ladies my dear, they are just having a little fun. As you have probably gathered we do not hold the male sex in high regard.”

“Just because they wear trousers the feel they are the superior sex.” said a lady wearing a sage green floral silk brocade two-piece  bustle gown with ruched and pleated front panel on the skirt. “I would like to see one of them wearing this.” She gestured to her gown “with a long corset and four petticoats, not to mention the various items of lingerie we wear.”

“I can vouch from personal experience.” Lady Martinet said “dressing a male in feminine attire has a most salutary effect on them. Young males benefit most from such treatment and once confined to petticoats, corset and a pretty gown for several days they become quite obedient and docile.”

Aubrey would normally have cringed at such comments but Mrs Dearhorn’s display with her scissors and her remark about having doubts as to his true sex filled him with panic. However the ladies discussion appeared to have diverted the attention away from him.

“Ideal marriage material?” Mrs Fanshaw said with a laugh.

“Precisely.” Lady Martinet exclaimed. “but we can discuss this while this girl gets on with her work.”

She motioned to Aubrey to resume his position at the feet of Mrs Dearhorn. He never thought in his wildest dreams that he would be grateful to be ordered to clean a lady’s boots, skirts and petticoats but this degrading task offered him refuge from Mrs Dearhorn’s frightening attentions.

“Don’t worry my girl, if that’s what you really are.” Mrs Dearhorn said with a mischievous smile as she lifted her skirts and put away the scissors “I won’t hurt you.”

Aubrey flinched and she laughed heartily.

“I’m only teasing. I doubt if any male would humiliate himself by dressing as a girl nevermind as a   parlourmaid.” she said and pointing her walking cane at the floor added “Now why don’t you get under my skirts and perform your duties like a good girl.”

By now his masculinity was so diminished he did not resent her remark, all his concentration was on his female persona and how to be even more feminine in order to dispel any doubts Mrs Dearhorn harboured about him.

“Yes Madam.”he said dutifully and curtsied before dropping to his knees to begin his task.

Mrs Dearhorn, like Mrs Fanshaw, opened her legs slightly, once he was in position she let her skirts and petticoats fall over his back so only his rounded derriere protruded. There was barely any dirt to clean but he knew he had to remain in this humiliating position and go through the motions. As he brushed the imaginary dirt from her petticoats he was conscious of his hips moving from side to side.

He could hear voices from his half concealed location.

“A most pleasant sight.” a voice with a slight tremble said and the remark was met with a chorus of approval.

“Yes.” another agreed “ and a much better figure than my own maid.”

“Such a diligent girl.” he heard another say “Notice how hard she is working, her behind moving from side to side. I wish my own maid was as thorough.”

Underneath Mrs Dearhorn’s skirts he blushed furiously and as he continued his demeaning work he noticed a strange and unnerving silence fall over the room. The only sound he could hear appeared to be breathing which seemed to be quite laboured.

“I think my garters may need adjusting girl.” Mrs Dearhorn’s voice rang out and he felt a stroke of her walking cane on his buttocks.

He wasn’t sure if he had heard her correctly and when he did not reply immediately another more forceful smack of her cane landed. He suddenly was grateful for the three petticoats he was wearing as they softened the force of the blow. Her legs opened, signalling him to carry out her instructions.

“Yes Madam” he quickly replied and moved his head to seek and locate the items, once again the now familiar feminine smell filled his nostrils. Before he could react her legs closed like the lobes of a Venus flytrap and his head was firmly clamped between her thighs, the soft silk of her long pale pink bloomers pressed against his cheeks. She squeezed her legs and he was almost sure he heard her emit a soft moan. This was repeated several times in quick succession before he was released. After several seconds he felt her cane on his behind once more, a less harsh stroke this time.

“I think you have done enough girl.” a slight quiver in her voice penetrated through the layers of her skirts and petticoats.

Flustered and blinking he emerged from under Mrs Dearhorn’s skirts, all the women were silent and most appeared a little flushed.

“Camilla,I think we should visit the bathroom upstairs.” Mrs Dearhorn said to Mrs Fanshaw.

“Yes Gertrude.” Mrs Fanshaw answered, Aubrey was close enough to hear Mrs Fanshaw giggle to her friend in a low voice “A little relief would be most welcome.”

“A pity we cannot get the girl to attend us.” Mrs Dearhorn whispered.

“I’ll speak to Leonora before Roberta returns.” Mrs Fanshaw said “It’s blatantly obvious she has her eye on the girl but we may be able to get her first.”

Both women looked at Aubrey and exchanged knowing smiles. He knew that look, he had often used it on servant girls when he wanted a little fun. Of course his mother always intervened protecting the maids against his advances. He watched as Mrs Dearhorn furtively opened her bag and showed her companion something which made her giggle.

“It’s not that big but then again neither is she.” Mrs Fanshaw said nodding in Aubrey’s direction.

Aubrey could not see what they were discussing but knew it could not be good, he felt shiver run down his spine. He was now the object of interest for these women and as was the case with all maids he knew he would be subject to their demands unless the maid’s mistress decided otherwise. It had only been a few hours since he was put into a maid’s uniform and combined with the intimidating atmosphere of such a gathering of society’s most powerful and influential ladies Aubrey’s mind was being overwhelmed. Sarah’s advice to think and act like a maid was not needed as the role he was performing had almost possessed him. He now needed a protector in the same way the maids in his mother’s house needed her to protect them from his advances.

Perhaps the mistress will come to my aid. he said to himself as he stole a look at the three women.

Somewhere deep inside he was vaguely aware that he had used the word ‘mistress’ which he knew acknowledged  his acceptance of his status as a female servant but such was his fear that any outrage or indignation he felt barely registered. As a maidservant, and in this opulent room that was what he was seen as, he was on the lowest rung of the social ladder and would have to obey those who had authority over him. To do otherwise would expose his secret.

“I’m next.” a lady in a fuchsia pink satin dress blurted interrupting his thought.

“No, me.” another woman countered.

“Ladies ….please, everyone will be seen to, ” Lady Martinet said asserting her authority and gesturing to a lady in a garish yellow dress addressed Aubrey “see to Mrs Grainger-Smythe, girl.”

“Yes your ladyship.” he replied as the dutiful parlourmaid he now was and  obediently presented himself in front of the woman before kneeling at her feet. He saw Mrs Dearhorn and Mrs Fanshaw rise from their seats and cross the room to talk to their hostess, Mrs Cockshott.

The act of kneeling at a lady’s feet to remove dirt real or imaginary from the hems of the ladies dresses and petticoats was a demeaning task, even for a servant girl. Aubrey had witnessed housemaids performing this task on many occasions in his mother’s and other ladies houses and always noticed the look of humiliation on their faces. But servant’s feelings were of little consequence to society ladies, those in domestic service had no choice but to obey the orders of their social superiors.

Aubrey glancing down at his uniform was acutely aware of his status in this room.

“Get on with it girl.” Mrs Grainger-Smythe snapped.

“Yes Madam.” Aubrey answered quietly and lifted her skirts to begin his task.

One by one he performed his menial task and with each one another fragment of his masculinity was eroded and when finally he crawled out from under the last lady’s skirts such was his frame of mind that his first thoughts were to ensure his apron was clean and his cap fixed properly. A slovenly maid or one with an unclean or untidy uniform would reflect poorly on her mistress and would face a severe reprimand. Some mistresses were known to scold their maids harshly in front of guests, some were even known to use a strap or cane on their servant girls.

 And that was the last thing he wanted.

His experiences over the last few hours had taken an enormous toll on Aubrey’s sense of self worth not to mention his masculinity. The months of wearing girls clothes had ground him down and now he felt overwhelmed by the uniform he was wearing.

How could he consider himself male after what he had gone through?

He wasn’t sure he’d even had a male thought in the last few weeks. His mind was in such a state from months of being dressed as girl he wasn’t sure if he was indeed a male anymore. Maybe Sarah, Alice and Lady Charlotte were right, after all no real male would allow himself to be dressed in girl’s clothes. He didn’t have the courage to rebel like a young man would, maybe he didn’t deserve to be a man. He stole a glance around the room, he looked like a maid, acted like a maid, was now thinking like a maid  and in reality he was now what everyone in the room saw him to be- Mrs Cockshott’s new maid.

He had overheard servants in his mother’s house discuss how wearing a maid’s uniform quickly changed even the most independent and free-spirited girls. Their dignity and self-esteem were subsumed by wearing their new uniform and almost immediately became obedient and docile servants. The same fate now seemed to have befallen him.

Rustling skirts and petticoats suddenly alerted him to the presence of a lady standing over him. From his kneeling position he recognised Mrs Cockshott’s satin gown. He attempted to rise.

“Stay where you are.” she said and then addressed the woman whose skirts Aubrey had just cleaned. “Jane my dear, Lady Martinet would like to discuss the upcoming meeting with you.”

As the woman left with a flurry of skirts, Mrs Cockshott sat down and looked down at Aubrey.

“You seem to have made an excellent impression on the ladies.”Mrs Cockshott said quietly looking around at the contented faces. “Lady Charlotte has a good eye for girls, I’m sure you will make an excellent lady’s maid.”

“Thank you Madam.” Aubrey replied.

“Ah there you are.” A voice came from behind Aubrey, Mrs Fanshaw appeared in front of him and patronisingly patted him on the head.

“Such a sweet girl.” she said.

“And such a delicate touch.” Mrs Dearhorn’s added as she and Roberta arrived forming a semi circle around Aubrey.

“Mrs Dearhorn and Mrs Fanshaw are a little tired and are going upstairs to my bedroom to rest and will need a maid to undress them. They have asked for you.”

Aubrey could feel the blood drain from his face.

“I …ah… I…”he stammered.

“Well get up girl.” Mrs Dearhorn ordered “my corset will not unlace itself.”

“Come along my dear.” Mrs Fanshaw said in a gentle voice “no need to be afraid, we won’t bite you.”

Mrs Dearhorn stifled a laugh.

Aubrey looked at her and a low whimper emanated from his mouth.

“Oh I’m afraid I cannot allow that ladies.” Roberta interjected.

“I beg your pardon.” Mrs Dearhorn blurted a flash of anger in her eyes.

“What do you mean Roberta?”Mrs Cockshott said brusquely “The ladies need a maid to attend them.”

Roberta, her legs spread apart in a most masculine stance stood between Aubrey and the other women, her hands holding the lapels of her jacket like an experienced barrister addressing a jury, she radiated confidence.

“I’m sure they do.” Roberta answered her mother, meeting Mrs Dearhorn’s stare with quiet but determined assuredness “but as it happens I require the services of the girl myself as I need to change for the evening.”

“Surely that will not take that long.” Mrs Dearhorn responded sharply, gesturing disdainfully to Roberta’s male clothing.

Roberta was about to reply when her mother intervened.

“As it happens, Camilla, Roberta will be dressing in a more conventional manner this evening.” she said.

Roberta, maintaining her stance met her mother’s eyes with a look of mild bemusement.

“Isn’t that so. Roberta?” Mrs Cockshott said meeting her daughter’s eyes with a devious smile “I brought back some beautiful gowns from Paris and I simply cannot wait to see you wear them.”

“Mother!” Roberta retorted “We have had this discussion many times and you know my feelings on that matter. I have reached the age of majority and am now an independent woman I have waited years to be free of such restrictive clothing.”

She gestured to her male clothing before continuing,

“I find these clothes are far less cumbersome and practical for our sex and have no intention of voluntarily imprisoning myself in layers of silk and satin not to mention those ghastly corsets.”

“Of course you are right, as a grown woman and no longer under my authority I have no control over what you wear.” her mother sighed in a resigned voice “but I do control my servants and if your attire is as practical as you say you will not require the assistance of a maid to dress and undress whereas the ladies here could not possibly be expected to undress without the assistance of a maid.”

“I am so glad you agree Leonara.” Mrs Dearhorn snorted a triumphant smile forming at the corner of her mouth “and by the by I almost forgot to mention Gertrude and I are leaving for my estate in the country tomorrow and would be delighted if you could join us. Gertrude’s maid is ill so it would be wonderful if you bring the girl also. An additional maidservant will be most welcome.”

Another shiver went down Aubrey’s spine at her words, his eyes met Roberta’s and barely resisted a sudden urge to wrap his arms around her legs.   

 “That will depend on Roberta.” Mrs Cockshott said “if she comes to her senses and begins to act and dress like a lady perhaps then she will require the services of a maid.”

Roberta remained silent.

“Don’t worry Roberta.” Mrs Dearhorn said with undisguised glee “we will take good care of the girl, isn’t that right Gertrude?”

“Most certainly.” Mrs Fanshaw replied and addressed Aubrey “Now come along my dear, I do hope you will be as attentive in the bedroom as you were here.”

“Oh I’m sure she will be.” Mrs Dearhorn snorted and turning to Aubrey said “and if not dear Gertrude, we will have the next few days to ensure she is properly trained.”

Aubrey looked at Mrs Cockshott.

“It appears Miss Roberta will not require your services.” she said “now go with the ladies.”

As a servant Aubrey knew he had little choice in the matter unless of course he decided to flee the room but he knew that it was unlikely he would make it to the front door as there were several ladies in the hallway who would no doubt stop him. He would now be at the mercy of these two ladies and of course there was the prospect several days in an isolated estate. He desperately tried to think of a way he could get a message to Lady Charlotte in time.

“We have some pretty servant’s uniforms at the estate I’m sure they would fit you.” Mrs Fanshaw said, gesturing him to move towards the door.

“And if not I have a special long corset which will ensure she does fit into them.” Mrs Dearhorn added.

“Now say goodbye to Miss Roberta, it’s unlikely she will be seeing you again.”

As he was marched away between the two women, he looked over his shoulder at Roberta who was in conversation with her mother. Their eyes met.

“Please.” he mouthed.