A Very Victorian Education Chapter 17 with Illustration

Below is Chapter 17.

A bit later than usual, modern life is far too demanding when it comes to time.

My usual thanks to all who commented and those who are supporting the story by ticking the more box. I’m glad you are enjoying it just wish I could get chapters posted quicker so thank you for your patience and support- it is very much appreciated.

Hope you enjoy this latest chapter.

Take care

Carrie

A Very Victorian Education

By

CarrieP

Chapter 17

A woman of substance, wealth and taste - like most of her fellow matrons of London society- Lady Charlotte de Winter was a perfectionist from her immaculately  coiffed hair to her highly polished ankle boots. She believed that ladies of a certain social rank had a duty to project their status and authority through their sartorial elegance if they wished to control their destinies but more importantly the male sex that sought to control them The Bard said “Clothes maketh the man.” Lady Charlotte believed he should have added “and empower a woman.” She considered this to be of the utmost importance if females of a certain social standing were to mould the male sex to their obviously superior feminine will. She was of the view that although women may not yet have the vote they nevertheless had power if only they knew how to use it. This she believed was due in no small part to their attire. Despite their idiotic posturing and superficial superiority males could quite easily be unbalanced, influenced and eventually subdued by the fluttering of eyelashes and the swish of petticoats.

To this end she had often invited a lone male to afternoon tea with some of her friends to show just easily this so called dominant gender could be humbled and stripped of their male arrogance. Her victims often included army officers, barristers, bankers, powerful politicians including the odd cabinet minister, all proud, conceited, haughty males who were soon reduced to docile and pliable wrecks after an hour alone in the company of the weaker sex. She and her friends took great pleasure from seeing these bastions of the establishment squirm when seated on a couch between two ladies dressed in silk, satin, taffeta or any similar soft feminine material. The ladies usually sat so close that they could easily arrange their skirts to cover the poor male’s legs giving the impression that he too was wearing a satin or silk skirt. Of course he would be unable to remove the offending material as he would be holding one of Lady Charlotte’s finest bone china teacups. Observing them sitting passively corralled by two overbearing ladies fussing over them, their legs draped in satin and unable to escape was sheer delight to Lady Charlotte and her friends. Naturally the topics of conversation would be exclusively of a feminine nature, the latest Paris fashions, the perennial problem of training a suitable lady’s maid or- and this was one of Lady Charlotte’s favourites, and one that guaranteed maximum discomfort- corsetry and lingerie. Without exception every one of them blushed beetroot red and writhed with embarrassment on their seat at the mention of such matters. The ladies could barely contain their amusement.

Lady Charlotte referred to this phenomenon as the power of the petticoat. Pinned between satin clad and tightly corseted matrons these influential and powerful males were reduced to fearful and anxious schoolboys cowed by what they considered the weaker sex. It was exhilarating to have such power over a male. Unfortunately these little soirées were only occasional events – no male ever wanted to repeat the experience- and would only accept another invitation in the company of other males. The poor dears were too afraid to enter such an exclusively feminine environment alone- and who could blame them. Lady Charlotte often wondered why such close proximity to a silk, satin or taffeta attired lady created such alarm in males and why did it make them so docile?

Like all the ladies of her class she was aware that boys until the age of four or perhaps five were kept in dresses by their Nannies. Everyone benefited, the mothers had quiet obedient children, the Nanny could easily control an unruly boy in a dress- no tree climbing or playing in muddy fields for him and the boy himself learned how to behave in the company of women. Unfortunately this excellent practice had to come to an end eventually. much to the dismay of countless mothers. Many of Lady Charlotte’s friends often joked, although Lady Charlotte suspected in reality it was a wish, that this wonderful method could continue into adolescence perhaps even adulthood and discussed if such confinement in female clothing would make a significant difference to their sons behaviour. Lady Charlotte wanted to believe this could be the case but in her heart she doubted if a woman would ever have the good fortune to explore such a possibility.

Aubrey St. Clair, the feckless and arrogant son of her good friend Maude stepped through the door of her Belgravia home and presented her with just such an opportunity to answer this intriguing question. Naturally she grasped it with both hands. Now several months later in one of London’s most exclusive corsetieres as she sat on a pale pink silk damask upholstered Louis XVI couch she observed this young man with barely suppressed pride. He was no longer dressed in male clothes but in a tight fitting heavy velvet dress with wide pleats in the deepest shade of navy. He looked every inch a young lady as the proprietor Madame Monique began unfastening the Mother of Peal buttons at the nape of his neck.

The young man stood motionless in front of her, his face managing to convey a look of shame, humiliation and alarm all at once, his eyes pleading with her for help as Madame Monique, quickly and expertly worker her way down the dress. Once she had finished this task she eased the gown down over his outer silk petticoat, one of three he wore.

“Now my dear you may step out of your dress. and I will remove your corset.” Madame Monique instructed as if she was speaking to a ten year old, Aubrey instinctively lifted his petticoats and stepped out of the crumpled dress around his ankles as an assistant carried it away.

The corsetiere quickly and expertly set about her task, easily untangling the double knot and loosening the stays inch by inch and as she did so Aubrey felt his torso slowly being released from its confinement.

Madame Monique handed the corset to her assistant who placed it with his dress as she joined Lady Charlotte on the couch. Aubrey meekly shuffled over to Roberta who he had undressed earlier and stood close to her as if for protection.

“This is so very demeaning.” Roberta whispered to him as they huddled together “I doubt if men have to go through such an embarrassing process.”

Aubrey, knowing the answer only too well nodded in agreement.

“But at least I have you for company.” she murmured as her hand, out of sight from the ladies on the couch, gently caressed his silk clad derriere.

“Girls!” Lady Charlotte called from the couch “Your petticoats need to be removed, Madame’s assistant will help you.”

“We will do it ourselves.” Roberta replied forcefully as she turned her back to Aubrey prompting him to remove hers “Isn’t that right Aubrey?”

“Yes Roberta.” he answered meekly and began untying the laces at the top of her first petticoat and slipped it over her hips and onto the ground.

“Now my turn.” Roberta said after Aubrey had finished removing her other two.

Aubrey turned his back to her and faced the two ladies sitting on the couch opposite, both with smiles on their faces.

“It always brings girls closer together.” Madame Monique said as she watched Roberta fumble with Aubrey’s petticoats.

“If I really must be humiliated in this way I am glad you are here to share it with me.” Roberta said softly into his ear as she once more let her hand wander over his plump girlish buttocks and squeezed them gently before adding “It is the only good thing about this ghastly experience, that and the way you smell of course.”

Aubrey could feel her warm breath on is neck as her hands discreetly continued to squeeze and to his horror he felt a stirring in his groin and the blood flowing to his member.

No…no… not now he screamed inside his head, realising the consequence of a growing erection.

“Now girls.” Madame Monique’s voice called out as Roberta removed his last petticoat, the fright managed to quell the rising danger and he discretely glanced downwards to see if there was a telling protuberance. “Lady Charlotte suggests I begin with you my dear.”

As she approached Aubrey with the tape measure he felt his legs weaken and the blood drain from his face. This woman was going to touch the breast forms that he was forced to wear, she could not possibly fail to notice that they were not real. His eyes pleaded with Lady Charlotte to come to his rescue and she merely smiled as she nodded her acknowledgement.

“Don’t worry young lady, you will not have to remove your chemise.” she said reassuringly as she placed the tape measure around his back and drew it across his bosom, her eyes met his and she added with a smile that Aubrey found very disturbing “Lady Charlotte told me what a… special girl you are and also how brave you are.”

 She cupped his left breast as she held the tape and even though he could not feel the sensation of her hands he gasped. She looked him in the eye once more as she moved the tape to his waist all the time calling out figures and instructions to her assistant.

“Twenty four inches!”she exclaimed  “I rarely see a girl with such a slim waist.”

She then measured his hips and called out the figure to her assistant who repeated it with a quizzical look.

“Yes the measurement is correct Marie.” Madame Monique reassured her.

“Such slender hips Madame yet the buttocks are quite rounded and plump.” Marie, the assistant said gazing at Aubrey in a manner that only served to increase his anxiety.

 “Yes indeed, Marie. Just to be sure I will take them again.” Madame Monique replied quietly and he noticed a slight tremor in her voice.

Her hands drew the tape around his hips once more pulling him slightly forward as she took the measurement at his pubic area.

“Ah…yes… emm…  twenty nine inches is the correct hip measurement.“ she confirmed in a low voice but the ape and her hands remained just above his pubic region.

This entire episode was greatly disconcerting for him, he could feel his heart beating like a military tattoo as a droplet of sweat formed on his forehead.  He let out a barely audible whimper as her hands lingered and he felt her fingers brush lightly against his groin. Such proximity to a female hand was sure to unmask him for what he had become – a weak, submissive feminised male. The immediacy of his exposure as such a pathetic creature had so alarmed him that his member shrivelled quite considerably, in fact to such an extent even he was now uncertain of its very existence.  

“Such a slight, svelte figure Madam.” Marie resumed her commentary on his frame in an admiring voice as she discreetly let her hand slide over his right buttock. “Almost boyish.”

He suffered in silence as he felt her hand gently squeeze his plump right cheek.

“Yes…yes… Marie.” Madame Monique agreed, the tremor in her voice more pronounced now. She removed the tape and she stood back, a perplexed look on her face as her eyes scrutinised him.

“Yes boyish indeed.” she said finally.

Aubrey’s heart was still racing and looking at the corsetiere was unsure if she had uncovered his horrible secret.

“Yet…”she continued as she turned her attention to Lady Charlotte “… exquisitely feminine.”

“Yes she is quite precious.” Lady Charlotte said as she moved closer to Aubrey and stroked his cheek gently “Such a delightful creature.”

Aubrey dropped his eyes to the floor in shame as Marie quickly withdrew her hand and whispered in Madame Monique’s ear.

“As your ladyship knows a corset will take at least a week.” Madame Monique said “However Marie has reminded me that we have a corset with almost the exact measurements in stock.”

“Almost the exact measurements?” Lady Charlotte repeated unable to hide her amazement.

“Yes m’lady.” Marie said “A most unusual request from a German Countess who visited us last month.”

“A girl with the same figure as Aubrey!” Roberta interjected confidently, regaining her self-confidence.

“Not exactly.” Madame Monique answered.

“What do you mean ‘not exactly.’?” Lady Charlotte asked.

 “The corset was for her son.” the corsetiere answered.

“Her son!” Lady Charlotte and Roberta exclaimed in unison.

Aubrey let out another low whimper but no one appeared to hear it.

“Yes your ladyship, a young man about the same age as Miss Aubrey here.” Madame Monique said smiling at him “She wanted several corsets made for the young man and this was the first of them.”

Lady Charlotte squeezed Aubrey’s hand, conveying her excitement.

 “It appears his behaviour had deteriorated quite badly in the last several months.” Madame Monique continued “he was becoming increasingly belligerent and extremely rude to any female, be they a maidservant or a Duchess. The Countess’s cousin, a titled English lady, happens to be on the Board of Governors at an exclusive finishing school for girls. This particular establishment is sympathetic to the plight of ladies like the Countess and has a most unusual policy. For ladies who are having difficulty with their sons the school will take one perhaps two boys each year and ensure they are cleansed of undesirable male qualities. As they will be in an exclusively feminine environment the boy or boys will be under female control for all their waking hours. Being subject to female authority figures for a prolonged period will certainly help to modify their behaviour. Of course as they will now be considered pupils the boys will have to conform to school rules and dress code.”

“You mean…” Lady Charlotte interrupted.

“Yes, they will have to wear the school uniform- just like all the other girls.” Madame Monique replied with a broad grin on her face “And obviously the appropriate feminine underwear including the corsets which we are making.”

Lady Charlotte squeezed Aubrey hand in excitement as Madame Monique continued with glee,

“The Countess’s son will be taught how to behave in an appropriately deferential manner to members of the opposite sex. She has told me that it is a very strict regime, and the beauty of this solution is that he will be constantly in female company, if not his teachers then his fellow pupils. The school guarantees a one hundred per cent success rate in modifying the behaviour of any male that is sent there.”

“What a splendid idea.” Lady Charlotte said “And the boy was agreeable?”

Madame Monique laughed loudly.

“Ah there’s the rub.” Madame Monique answered with a smile on her face “The Countess has not informed him of her plans, she told him his visit here was designed to teach him a lesson and his corset would serve as a reminder of what he could expect should his behaviour not improve. However to secure his attendance and to ensure he did not try to resist or escape he was escorted here between his Governess and his Nanny, two large and quite formidable ladies. The dear boy will only discover his fate when he arrives at the gates of the school and by then it will be too late.”

“So he doesn’t know!” Roberta laughed “What a wonderful plan, such a weak and spineless excuse for a male. At his age and still under his Nanny’s and Governess’s control, he deserves to be treated like a girl.”

All the women sniggered, nodding in agreement with Roberta’s assessment. Aubrey remained silent. He considered his own situation to be dreadful but to spend a year or two imprisoned as the only male in a girls school would be torture of an extremely cruel kind. Marie interrupted his thoughts to continue the account of the unfortunate youth,

“Once he was told to remove his clothes he knew something was wrong and pleaded with them to allow him to leave.” she added with a smirk “His Governess and Nanny merely glared at him and he began sobbing like a little girl. After that he was as helpless as a baby and the women soon had him out of his clothes.”

This was the cue for more laughter from the women and only when their hilarity subsided did Madame Monique pick up the story,

 “He began blubbering like a little girl when his mother told him his Nanny would spank him if he did not co-operate.”  she chortled “His pathetic protests attracted the attention of my other patrons and naturally these ladies took a great interest in the young man which of course mortified him beyond description, he abandoned his protest and became as docile as a lamb.  It was extremely entertaining.”

“Yes it certainly does sound delightful. We would have loved to witness such a spectacle.” Lady Charlotte beamed and looked at Aubrey “don’t you think so Aubrey?”

Aubrey, still recovering from his encounter with Madam Monique and having heard the dreadful tale of the Countess’s son had to restrain himself from trembling and only capable of nodding his head in the agreement that was expected of him. He had no idea who this unfortunate young man was but he knew exactly what horrors he would have to endure and considered the fate of this unknown young man, a victim of his own mother’s cruelty to be worse than his own. This unfortunate’s humiliation had been public- and here in this sanctum of femininity, the worst place imaginable.

“Yes Aubrey, I thought the poor boy’s impending confinement in corsetry would amuse you.” Lady Charlotte smiled knowingly at Aubrey’s refusal to join in the gaiety at a fellow male’s expense.

“Well it certainly amuses me.” Roberta snorted “I would have loved to witness such a display of authority by females over the so-called stronger sex.”

All the women nodded their heads eagerly as Madame Monique’s assistant appeared.

“This is the first of the corsets we have made for the Countess’s son, your ladyship.” Marie said holding up a pink satin corset.

“Perhaps Miss Aubrey would like to try it on.” Madam Monique proposed to Lady Charlotte as Aubrey winced in horror “after all it is exactly her size.”

 “It is quite beautiful.” Lady Charlotte said inspecting the garment and nodded to Marie, before Aubrey even realised it she had the corset around his torso.”

“Would you like to lace it Roberta?” Lady Charlotte suggested. “The ability to lace a corset will be beneficial to you in the days to come.

The sight of a helpless and vulnerable Aubrey was too much for Roberta, she did not need a second invitation and eagerly accepted the invitation, with Marie’s help she began lacing Aubrey into the construction as Lady Charlotte and Madam Monique looked on. Aubrey, resigned to his shameful fate accepted each of Roberta’s tug of the laces with as much fortitude and dignity as he could gather while Marie fussed about him adjusting the cups to accommodate his bosom. He could see Roberta’s smiling face in the mirror as she gleefully pulled on his laces and remembered how he felt when he performed the same task on her.

As if reading his thoughts Roberta’s smile turned to a smirk.

“Now I know why you enjoyed lacing me.” she whispered into his ear as she drew the laces tighter, enjoying the sensation of power over him.

“Just as I told you Lady Charlotte.” Madam Monique trilled, gesturing to Aubrey’s figure and  as Roberta finished her task she took a step back and the four women gazed at Aubrey now encased in the corset made for the Countess’s son.

 “Almost a perfect fit.” Marie gushed clapping her hands.

“But the bosom?” Lady Charlotte enquired.

“Yes I thought that was most unusual, the Countess’s son was … ahem… shall we say unusually overdeveloped for a male in this area.” Madam Monique replied and looking at Aubrey she continued in a low voice “I believe the Countess may have administered a certain …”

Aubrey failed to hear the rest of the conversation as Roberta began speaking to him

“And this was made for a boy?” Roberta exclaimed loudly drowning out Madam Monique’s explanation. “It fits you like a glove.”

Aubrey shifted uncomfortably at her unwelcome attention as her hands fell to his hips.

“I would love to have such a boyish figure.” she said softly “It would make it so much easier when it comes to wearing male clothes. Those trousers you wore earlier today fitted you so well, no child bearing female hips to betray you.”

 Lady Charlotte and Madam Monique joined Roberta at Aubrey’s side to examine the detail on the corset.

“What a strange coincidence this is.” Madame Monique said casually as she deftly adjusted one of the dangling suspenders “Apart from Miss Aubrey having a plumper, womanly derriere she has almost the exact measurements of the Countess’s son. Quite extraordinary, I don’t think I’ve seen a girl to have such a… and please forgive me Lady Charlotte … male, well… I suppose… boyish figure before.”

Her expert eyes surveyed Aubrey, a look of approval spread across her face as she tugged the corset gently at his hip.

“Of course,” she immediately added and smiled at Aubrey “that is where the similarity ends. Despite such a slender frame it would be hard to doubt Miss Aubrey’s femininity, she has a natural feminine, poise, composure and dignity.”

“And the Countess’s son was not as… “ Lady Charlotte said trying to be as diplomatic as she could “…attractive in a feminine sense.”

“Well, let us just say, “Madame Monique sighed “Although handsome in his own way his masculine features are too pronounced, a strong jaw, masculine nose, thick neck and so on it would make it almost impossible  for him to be taken for female. If the Countess decided to display him in public in a dress he would be detected in seconds. This is why she is sending him to this particular establishment, it is situated in large grounds just outside London.  Only the girls and their tutors will be aware of his true sex, so his humiliation will be limited to perhaps a few dozen ladies and servants nevertheless I am certain it will be an excruciating experience for the boy. She told me that if the headmistress is not satisfied with his progress or if he is disobedient she will ensure he is paraded in full female attire in the main street of the local town. Naturally the girls will be delighted, having a helpless male in skirts and petticoats will provide excellent entertainment. Observing the fear he had for his Governess and Nanny I expect the entire process will only take a few months. I would think he will be docile, compliant and undoubtedly quite feminine by the time he leaves the establishment. Once the Countess is satisfied he has been reformed he will return to Germany where no one will know of his experience but I suspect he will remain in corsets and ladies lingerie for the rest of his life.”

“It sounds an excellent strategy.” Lady Charlotte said “It will certainly improve the boy’s behaviour. Don’t you think so Aubrey?”

 Aubrey, appalled by this tale nevertheless knew an enthusiastic answer was expected, Lady Charlotte would badger him until he agree with her. Being the only one not to join in may arouse the suspicion of the other women.

“Oh yes Lady Charlotte.” he lied in an eager voice while at the same time trying to bury his shame.

 “I’m sure it is for his own good.” Lady Charlotte declared in her usual assured tone “Young men these days have far too much freedom and their degenerate behaviour merely reflects this. A prolonged period in the exclusive company of females can only benefit this young man and I’m sure he will emerge from his experience a reformed and dutiful son.”

She gazed at Aubrey before adding

“Don’t you agree Aubrey?”

“Yes Lady Charlotte.” he replied meekly as if he had any option.

 This school sounds absolutely wonderful.” she continued enthused by Madame Monique’s account of the Countess’s plans for her son “perhaps I should speak to your mother Roberta, such an institution would certainly enhance your education, ensuring you could take your place in society as the lady she wants you to be.”

“Oh I do not really think so.” Roberta replied defiantly “Although a school full of feminine lovelies does have its attractions.”

 Lady Charlotte smiled, mildly irked at her casual insolence but did not reveal her displeasure however she instantly knew what would unsettle her. She turned her attention to Roberta’s romantic interest.

“I think your mother would also approve Aubrey.” Lady Charlotte said airily “You probably have not spent as much time with girls your own age as you should have. I expect it would greatly benefit you.”

She smiled at Roberta before continuing,

“I’m sure an attractive creature like you would make many wonderful new friends. Girls who enjoy being girls.”

Lady Charlotte could see that Roberta’s face paled visibly, Lady Charlotte paused for a moment before adding,

“I’m sure you could wait a year Roberta?”

Roberta frowned.

“Or two.” Lady Charlotte added.

Aubrey paled visibly.

He could feel his knees weaken and was grateful for the comforting arm of Roberta around his shoulder, she drew him closer extending her protection. Aubrey had good reason to be fearful; these last months under Lady Charlotte’s authority had practically extinguished his male confidence and robbed him of his masculinity. If Lady Charlotte was capable of forcing him into dressing and behaving as a girl it was not beyond the realms of possibility that she could quite easily persuade his mother to have him dispatched to this ghastly establishment. His fragile masculinity surely could never survive the ordeal. The more he thought of it the more anxious he grew, feeding an already tortured imagination.

A vision sprang into his mind of being frogmarched out the door of Lady Charlotte’s house by Alice his Governess and one of the maids, his heavy skirts swirling about his legs revealing the deep lace hems of his petticoats to passers-by. Being lectured by Alice about male arrogance to the great amusement of onlookers after which he would be bundled into a waiting carriage unable to put up any meaningful physical resistance. Once inside there would be no possibility of escape as he would be lodged firmly between these two women. Lady Charlotte would be standing outside, gazing into the carriage with a look of disappointment on her handsome face. He could imagine her voice, heavy with sadness,

“It really is for your own good Aubrey.” She would undoubtedly begin, a refrain she had used many times “You could have changed, become a decent, obliging, virtuous young man but you choose not to. Sadly I have to admit I have failed not only your mother but you also, I blame myself of course. Perhaps I was too lenient with you, in retrospect I should have been stricter, more rigorous in your training. I may have allowed you too much freedom.”

None of which was true of course in fact the complete opposite was the case and apart from a few digressions which had been severely dealt with, he had been obedient, deferential and conforming. However dressed as he was in only a corset made for another young man, satin bloomers and silk stockings he felt extremely vulnerable and now facing these imposing women dressed his mind began to imagine the worst. And despite all he had gone through he had managed t retain a modicum of his maleness, he knew being consigned to such a dreadful institution would break him completely.

Such an appalling vista was too much for him, he rushed to Lady Charlotte and dropped to his knees wrapping his arms around her heavy satin skirts. He looked up at her with tears forming in his eyes.

“Oh no… please, Lady Charlotte, not a boarding school.” he sobbed, his voice quivering and without pausing to consider his words he blurted “I’ve been a good girl.”

Lady Charlotte looked down at the pathetic figure and smiled. She was obviously aware that the young man had made progress since he had begun his enforced stay with her and was also very much aware of his dread of unfamiliar surroundings and his fear of encountering new people. He had been particularly alarmed and fretful from the time they had left her friend Mrs Cockshott’s home and had been in a constant state of anxiousness which she found extremely gratifying. She smiled to herself, fear of exposure as a weak and effeminate male was indeed a powerful controlling influence. After all, if confronted by anyone male or female how could he explain his female clothing and how he allowed himself to be forced, by a mere woman, into a dress? It was an excellent method of keeping him under control but now she had, by sheer good luck, chanced upon another approach. She had meant to merely to tease him about this boarding school but her attempted whimsy had caused quite an extreme reaction.

How wonderfully girlish! she remarked to herself, delighted with his chastened attitude.

“Yes you have my dear.” Lady Charlotte said as she gazed down on the pitiful youth hugging her skirts and reflected on his situation.

He has come a long way from the arrogant young man I knew she thought as she stroked his cheek, or perhaps I should say has fallen a long way. The silly boy doesn’t realise he is more feminine than those girls we encountered earlier and certainly more feminine than Roberta and those ghastly mannish friends of hers. He is so deliciously feminine I could not possibly let him leave of course he doesn’t know that but his fear of this boarding school will be an extra incentive for him to concentrate on furthering  his feminine  education. The threat of being sent away for a year to such a place will keep him under even tighter control. I think it would be prudent to lace his psychological corset a little tighter.

“But you have been a little naughty of late.” she gently admonished him “and maybe I have been too lenient with you.” she said softly.

This was Aubrey’s worst fear, his premonition was coming true.

“Please Lady Charlotte.” he pleaded “Please I promise I’ll do anything…please”

“Well… I suppose if you promise…””Lady Charlotte said in a conciliatory tone.

“Oh yes… I promise.”Aubrey blurted foolishly reaffirming his pledge.

“A lady’s word is her bond.” Lady Charlotte responded “Isn’t that so Aubrey?”

It suddenly realised what he had done but such was his state of mind the alternative was too horrible to contemplate and he thought it the lesser of two evils.

Lady Charlotte felt a twinge of guilt at having driven him to this level of anxiety.

I had better not upset him too much she thought, he may wet himself.

She allowed herself a smile at the thought.

“Now stand up like a good girl.” she said catching his soft arms and helping him to his feet.

 “Dry your eyes my dear.” Madame Monique said gaving him a lace handkerchief and still admiring Aubrey’s corseted figure addressed Lady Charlotte “If your ladyship wishes the young lady may keep the corset while we construct her new ones.”

“But what about the Countess?” Lady Charlotte replied “surely her son will require it.”

“This particular one is for my own private collection.” Madame Monique answered “With the most unusual ones I make replicas. Such a quintessential feminine garment made for a young man is extremely rare I doubt if I will encounter a similar situation again. Naturally I asked the Countess’s permission and she was most agreeable.”

“Excellent!” Lady Charlotte chirped.

“Now perhaps the young ladies would like to get dressed.” Madame Monique said as she nodded to her assistant.

As she picked up Roberta’s corset Marie whispered in Madame Monique’s ear.

“What a wonderful garment, it fits you so much better than my own ones.” Lady Charlotte said admiring the snug fit of Aubrey’s new corset “And we have the Countess to thank, such a pity that I cannot express my gratitude in person.”

She paused and examined the corset a little closer and lost in her thought she wondered out loud,

“It would be interesting to hear about her son’s impending departure to his new school.”

“Well perhaps you can.” Madame Monique said “The countess has arrived unexpectedly and is viewing some other items of lingerie, no doubt for her son. I’m sure she would be pleased to make your acquaintance.”

“How delightful!” Lady Charlotte beamed “I’m sure Aubrey would also be quite interested to hear her views on improving the behaviour of her errant son and young males in general.”

Lady Charlotte smiled as she heard Aubrey emit a  low whimper.