A Very Victorian Education Chapter 25 plus 2 illustrations

Below is Chapter 25

I thought I would have had it finished a lot sooner as I had over 80% of it completed over 3 weeks ago but there were three possible endings and it took me a while to decide on the final one so hopefully it works out ok.

There are 2 illustrations and one of these (in the bedroom ) I had done before I had settled on the ending so it does not fully reflect the story , actually the scene is not even in this chapter but I’m sure you don’t mind about that. I would have taken too long to re-do it.

Many thanks as usual to all who were kind enough to comment and tick the more box  as always I greatly appreciate it.

It's quite long so hopefully you will enjoy it.

Take care

Carrie

PS I'll try to replace the heading illustration in the next week or two.

A Very Victorian Education

By

CarrieP

Chapter 25

M

ost young men have ambitions, goals, objectives, aspirations or if you prefer –dreams. A career in the army or navy, perhaps a garlanded sportsman or possibly a famous surgeon or scientist. Aubrey St Clair was no different except his current dreams would be considered strange to most young men unless of course they were aware of his circumstances. This young gentleman’s dream was more banal, something taken for granted by his peers. What could be such an everyday occurrence that exercised him so? It was quite simply to be able to wear male clothing, a right that had been denied to him over the past several months by his present guardian Lady Charlotte de Winter, a close friend of his absent mother. In order to improve his increasingly bad behaviour Lady Charlotte had insisted, or in Aubrey’s mind, forced him to  feminine clothing on a daily basis. Today, however, was different and his dream had come true – or so it appeared at first. In order to assist her new friend Magdalena, Countess von Utterdorf to incarcerate her son in St Jude’s Finishing School for Young Ladies  Lady Charlotte required Aubrey to be dressed in male garb in order to participate in the subterfuge.

Now attired in fashionable male garments, the young man who had until the previous day been confined for months in feminine frills and flounces, stood in the office of Madam Olivia Strangelove the formidable headmistress of St Jude’s and her ever present assistant Miss Lillian. Naturally he should have been delighted to finally have realised his ambition however the surroundings he now found himself left him feeling more anxious than ever. From the moment he set foot in this institution he felt unnerved, first by these two matronly women and then by dozens of the school’s pupils as he took tea with Madam Olivia and Miss Lillian. He sensed every pair of eyes was on him – and not in an admiring way. It was as if he was surrounded by a pack of hungry wolves just waiting for the chance to pounce and relieve the lone sheep of his wool. The confidence that he expected his male clothes to confer did not materialise and he could not help but to feel threatened and intimidated, from what he was not exactly sure but he knew these girls were not staring at him with romantic intent.

And as if that disconcerting episode was not enough to alarm him, he had just witnessed a most unsettling and unpleasant scene where the Countess’s son, Karl Maria, had been strapped to a frame and caned by  Miss Lillian before being dispatched to the kitchens to begin work as a lowly scullery maid. Of course he knew that the object of visiting the school was to detain the arrogant young man and eventually feminise him but the manner in which this was done shocked and terrified Aubrey. And to make matters worse Lady Charlotte had been called away to attend to an elderly relative. This was extremely bad news for Aubrey as Lady Charlotte despite her ghastly treatment of him was nevertheless still regarded by him as his protector. In her absence she had given control over him to the Countess.

A sudden fear gripped Aubrey, this was the same woman who had conspired to commit her own son to this dreadful academy. Complicating the matter the Countess believed Aubrey was actually a girl who had, like Roberta Lady Charlotte’s goddaughter, a tendency to act and dress as a tomboy.

Aubrey stood and watched as the Countess lowered herself gracefully onto the sofa.

“Oh dear,” she said as she was arranging her skirts before lifting them them slightly to examine her footwear “I think some the buttons on my boots may have become undone.” 

“I can ring for a maid.” Madam Olivia said.

“I don’t want to take your servants away from their duties.” the Countess replied “Perhaps Aubrey could perform the task. Lady Charlotte tells me she is most helpful when her maid is not present.”

Aubrey spluttered and became a little flustered. 

“Would you be so kind as to adjust them Aubrey?” the Countess smiled at him.

“Emm…I … ah…I…”he babbled desperately searching for an excuse before finally thinking of one “It would require a button hook and unfortunately I don’t have one.”

The Countess was correct Aubrey had indeed been taught how to button ladies boots however it was extremely difficult to do this without the correct implement which allowed the person lacing the boot to draw the button through the eyelet of the boot.

“I do.” Madam Olivia said opening a drawer and handing the six inch instrument to Miss Lillian who then offered it to Aubrey. 

“My maid can be a little lax sometimes. You know how servants are, ladies” The Countess said as Miss Lillian and Madam Olivia smiled knowingly and nodded their agreement. She smiled at Aubrey and proffered her leg, the hem of her cream coloured taffeta petticoats showing. “Would you be so kind as to re-button them Aubrey?”

The thought briefly crossed his mind to refuse but having just witnessed Karl Maria’s fate he was extremely reluctant to test the Countess’s reaction to any hint of disobedience. The implement in his hand he looked around for a small footstool that he could sit on.

“On your knees.” Miss Lillian said tersely interrupting his thoughts before adding in a softer voice “It is far more practical.”

“Yes it is the position my maid takes.” the Countess said as she raised her highly polished booted foot to Aubrey who immediately took it and rested it on his lap and red faced raised her skirts to allow him access to her ankle high boot. “I would imagine It is the most suitable position for such a task. Are you comfortable Aubrey?”

“Ah…I...”he stammered, his mouth agape still shocked that he found himself in this situation “Yes Countess.”

The Countess gazed at the young man kneeling in front of her holding her foot in his hands, her large brown eyes transfixing him.

“Well get on with it then.” she laughed softly.

He blushed deeply before setting about his task threading the metal instrument through the eyelet, expertly placing the hook around the button and drawing it back through the boot’s eyelet. It was something he had done hundreds of times over the last several months as Lady Charlotte felt performing such tasks would instil in him a level of humility as well as benefiting his overall feminine education. Of course she was right he had become extremely proficient at buttoning all types of female footwear.

“How many buttons were undone?” the Countess asked.

Aubrey interrupted his efforts and quickly calculated that four of the fifteen buttons on her right boot were undone and two on the left.

“Six in total Countess.” he replied.

“Lazy girl!” the Countess uttered contemptuously and Aubrey immediately looked up in shock as this was a phrase that Alice, his Governess, often used when he failed in any the tasks she had set him.

“Oh not you, Aubrey.” she laughed lightly much to his relief and addressed the other women “I was referring to my lady’s maid of course. She has become very distracted and careless lately, only this morning she laid out the wrong corset and only two petticoats not to mention the incorrect stockings.”

She looked once more at the anxious young man at her feet.

“You are far more capable Aubrey.” she continued “I notice how skilful and efficient you are. You have obviously done this for Lady Charlotte and it is quite obvious she has trained you well. Any lady would be delighted to have you as her maid.”

The cheeks of his face immediately turned scarlet.

“Oh I’m so sorry my dear.” she apologised noticing his discomfort. “Did I embarrass you?”

Aubrey blushed even more but afraid to confirm her observation he shook his head.

“Good.” she said and noting he was still holding her booted foot as he looked up at her she quickly added “Well continue your work. We don’t want you to pick up any bad habits like my maid.”

From his subservient kneeling position Aubrey heard the sound of laughter from Madam Olivia and Miss Lillian but the indignation he felt did not give him sufficient courage to reprimand them. Burning with shame he remained silent as he resumed his task.

“Yes Countess,” Miss Lillian, regaining her composure, offered her opinion “servants can become quite lax and slipshod unless they are constantly supervised.”

“And disciplined.” Madam Olivia added sternly much to Aubrey’s unease.

“I wholeheartedly agree ladies.” the Countess concurred “Training maidservants properly is such a necessary yet time consuming chore but if done correctly can produce a most satisfactory girl. They require structure and purpose, a little like children.”

“Or males.” Madam Olivia snorted in a tone that Aubrey, working diligently on the Countess’s boot, found disturbing.

“And of course the old adage is correct.” Miss Lillian contributed “Spare the rod and spoil the child.”

“How true.That was a most unfortunate and costly mistake I made with my own son.” the Countess sighed “His Nanny and Governess controlled him up to the age he went to boarding school where he developed those ghastly male traits. After several years of school his attitude towards females had become unbearable and I had to ask them to return in order to remedy the damage. Of course his behaviour improved once he was back under their authority but as their stay was only temporary he quickly reverted to his old ways.”

“Typical male!” Madam Olivia consoled her guest.

“Yes, males are by and large incorrigible reprobates.” Miss Lillian said and a cruel smile came over her face “However if caught in time and trained properly they can be moulded into passive, docile and obedient chattels, dependent on and subservient  to their mothers, sisters and wives.”

“I dearly hope Karl Maria will become the creature you have described.” the Countess said.

“Oh he will, my dear Countess.” Miss Lillian assured her “He will be all these things and more after his stay with us. His previous life will be a faded distant memory, by the time of his release he will have acquired the mannerisms and graceful demeanour of a demure young lady, respectful and deferential to every female he comes into contact with. He will be as much at ease in a ballgown as he once was in a morning suit, as comfortable in afternoon tea gown as he was in a tweed jacket. Familiarity with a lady’s toilette will become second nature, he will become as acquainted with the beneficial effects of firm corsetry and delicate lingerie as any society lady. He will know what dress to wear on any occasion, what accessories to wear with it, how many petticoats to wear under it, what colours will compliment his complexion. In short he will be the compliant and feminised son you have always wanted, completely under your authority, attentive to your every need and obeying your every wish. And equally importantly, he will be an ideal husband for any future daughter-in-law.”

“That’s sounds delightful.” the Countess beamed.

“However, Countess.” Madam Olivia cautioned “He will have to be kept constantly under observation particularly in the first four to six weeks after his release. It is at this stage that a small minority of feminised males may feel emboldened enough to begin to think about rebelling. It is important to notice the first signs of this to firmly nip any nascent defiance in the bud. It usually begins with the young male complaining about the rigidity of a particular corset, grumbling about the number of petticoats he has to wear in warm weather, or fretting at having to use a parasol to protect his pale complexion. It could be any number of things and may seem trivial at the time, something any young lady would complain about to their mother, governess or lady’s maid. But you must be vigilant, if you allow one concession, one small compromise it will lead to more demands. For example he may ask for his corset to be laced a little looser or his heels an inch lower, mark my words Countess it will be the first steps on the road to perdition. It will lead to an unravelling of his education, his newly acquired acceptance of your authority will weaken and he will become gradually more rebellious. It is imperative disobedience and dissent is stamped out immediately.”

The conviction in her voice disturbed Aubrey who having completed his task began to rise from his kneeling position.

“One moment if you please, young man.” Miss Lillian said placing her hand on his head preventing him from rising to his feet “I would appreciate it if you would check the hem of my petticoats for a slight tear. I was assisting some of our pupils to disembark from a punt after an excursion on the lake before you arrived and I fear I may have inadvertently caught it on a rough surface and caused some damage to the fabric.”

Aubrey was in no doubt that this was being done to humiliate him purely because he was male. He was convinced that any male unlucky enough to find himself in this dreadful establishment would undergo a plethora of similar indignities. With small variations, Alice had used very much the same methods to shame him into submission and of course any hint of rebellion or even mild resentment on his part  would only result in further ignominy. Harsh experience had taught him to dismiss immediately any such notions. Far better to suffer a minor humiliation rather than find himself forced face down on a bed, skirts raised above his head and his bare buttocks chastised with a paddle or hairbrush. After witnessing the fate of Karl Maria he felt certain that as the remaining male he was in grave danger in joining him in the kitchen as Mrs Coldstrap’s second scullery maid. The slightest of misdemeanours, a perceived disobedience to one of these women, or any one of a hundred unknown transgressions would be presented to Lady Charlotte as evidence of re-emergence of unacceptable male behaviour. A horrible thought screamed inside his head.

I could be incarcerated here for years.

Without Lady Charlotte or Roberta as protectors he would have to rely on the Countess’s goodwill. His thoughts were interrupted by Miss Lillian.

“This young man is a good example.” she said gesturing to Aubrey who had finished his task and to the Countess’s delight was busy adjusting her skirts back into position, “He is clearly very accomplished and well trained however I suspect he would benefit from…”

A knock on the door interrupted her mid sentence and after being told to enter, a crisply capped and aproned maid slipped quietly into the room and curtsied to her mistress before whispering something in her ear.

“I’m afraid there is something both Madam Olivia and I need to attend to as a matter of urgency.” Miss Lillian informed the Countess “Hopefully it should not take too long.”

As Miss Lillian waited for Madam Olivia to join her Aubrey instinctively moved to the door and opened it and stood back to allow them to pass. Both women stopped a few feet from him to inspect their appearance in the large mirror prior to leaving the room, he strained every fibre of his auditory faculties  to hear their conversation and grew even more fretful as he discreetly eavesdropped.

“Perhaps Lady Charlotte could be persuaded to allow him to stay here for a few months.” Madam Olivia said quietly “She was extremely interested in our program for misbehaving young males.”

“Yes.” Miss Lillian replied sotto voce “But he is far too pretty for Mrs Coldstrap, we could give him to the senior girls they would have so much fun with him.”

Aubrey looked away and fumbled with a button on his jacket, afraid that they would think he was prying however their exchange alarmed and terrified him. He tried but failed to stifle the moan that was mounting inside him.

As they reached the door they smiled at him.

“Yes such a pretty boy.” Miss Lillian said and when she thought they were out of earshot added. “He will make a splendid addition.”

“After all we have never let anyone in trousers escape yet.” Madam Olivia said quietly.

Closing the door he had to hold on to the handle to support his trembling knees.

“Oh dear, you do look quite pale Aubrey.” The Countess said rising from her seat and skirts swishing she made her way to the pale figure. “Come and sit with me.”

Placing her arm around him she guided him back to the sofa and plumping the large satin cushion she gestured him to sit.

“A glass of Madeira will soon put you right.” she smiled reassuringly offering him a small crystal glass. “You look as if you have seen a ghost. Is everything all right?”

“I…ah…it is…”he stammered clearly shaken as he lowered himself onto the cushion, the panic he now felt completely displaced the physical discomfort of the object inserted inside him.

“My dear Aubrey, although we have only known one another for a short time I have become very fond of you and would protect you as if you my own daughter.” the Countess said softly as she took both his hands in hers “You can tell me what troubles you. Lady Charlotte said you are not like other girls, you are quite delicate and extremely sensitive. In fact she said she wished to confide in me today but now having being called away she did not have the opportunity.”

Aubrey could not prevent a low whimper escaping.

“Ah…it’s… I…I…” he struggled, his fear gripping him as tightly as any corset before finally blurting “I need to leave here immediately.”

He tried to stand up but his legs would not support him.

“What are you afraid of?” the Countess asked. “I know you were probably shocked by the treatment of my son but I assure you he thoroughly deserves everything that’s happening to him.”

“I… they…it’s …because…I…”he spluttered incoherently.

“Oh I think I understand.” she said calmly “Is it because you look quite boyish and are wearing male clothes?”

He nodded vigorously.

“And you believe they may wish to keep you here?” she continued.

Gripped in a heightened state of anxiety and still unable to speak he could only nod his head in confirmation.

“Oh I doubt that.” she said and then a pensive look came over her face “Although I suppose like me, Lady Charlotte is extremely interested in the school’s methods.”

This did not assuage Aubrey’s mounting fear of joining Karl Maria.

“Silly me.” she laughed “You played your part so well I forgot you were a girl masquerading as a young man. That is probably why they showed so much interest.”

She patted his thigh and laughed once more.

“And of course, you’re not a young man are you?”

Aubrey felt a familiar queasiness in the pit of his stomach. Earlier that morning when he donned male clothes for the first time in almost six months he never envisaged it could possibly worsen his situation. And yet it did. His clothing and the incident with the guard dogs had naturally led Madam Olivia and Miss Lillian to believe he was male even though they were slightly perplexed at first with his distinct feminine features and subtle female mannerisms.  Under, what amounted to an interrogation, he also admitted Lady Charlotte had dressed him as a girl and to his horror this in turn had prompted them to suggest he would benefit from a three month stay in St Jude’s. Far from providing a possible escape route from his feminised life, his male garb had conspired to draw him even closer to the hideous and humiliating universe that was St Jude’s.

The image of Karl Maria’s gagged face and shackled ankles being led away to his fate as a scullery maid flashed into Aubrey’s mind. He now realised his male clothes could easily  consign him to a similar destiny. Panic began to engulf him. He gulped the contents of the glass.

“Surely you cannot be worried?” the Countess asked “As I said you have nothing to fear, you are not a young male.”

Silence filled the room. Mouth slightly open but unable to answer Aubrey could only stare at her blankly.

“Aubrey?” she said, her voice a mixture of concern and annoyance “What on earth is the matter? Is this something to do with what Lady Charlotte wanted to divulge to me?”

Still speechless he nodded.

“Well, tell me.” the Countess said in  a sympathetic voice “I promise I will protect you just like Lady Charlotte but in order to do so I must know what is causing you such distress.”

She looked deeply into his eyes and smiled as she gently and reassuringly squeezed his hand.

Aubrey knew if he was to avoid Karl Maria’s fate he would need someone influential and powerful to protect him and that person was sitting next to him holding his hand and smiling benevolently at him. Until now his worst nightmare was the humiliation of being discovered as a corseted and petticoated male wearing a dress but the prospect of life at St Jude’s was an unimaginable horror. He would have to reveal his secret to this woman and hope she would save him from such a horrendous future.

There was no other option.

“I am a young man not a girl.” he blurted as the tears began to flow.

“You really are a young man?” the Countess asked “But …Madame Monique’s … you looked so feminine. A little boyish perhaps but many girls have a similar characteristics.  I have seen girls here that are not nearly as pretty as you.”

This was no comfort to Aubrey and he cried even harder.

She took a deep breath and looked at him closely.

“Remarkable!” she continued touching his face “Even dressed as a male you still retain a distinct feminine quality. I confess  I did  suspect something unusual in your demeanour but you carried yourself with such feminine poise, such elegance I quickly discarded it. With such a face and a remarkable figure why would I think of you as a male.”

She placed her hands on his chest.

“A false bosom.” he said, his eyes avoiding hers as he answered her unasked question.

“So this is what Lady Charlotte wanted to tell me.” she said softly her eyes her drawn to his groin. She stood up and taking his hands once more she raised him to his feet.

She looked at his pubic area, her eyes widened as she noted the absence of any male protuberance. Her hand brushed lightly against the material of his trousers checking for evidence of manhood. Finding none he looked at him quizzically, he tried to avoid her eyes but it was too late. She held his gaze and he blushed deeply as her right hand slipped between his legs and after checking for a moment or two she finally found the evidence held in place by the apparatus Lady Charlotte had placed his member into.

“To control the ghastly male impulse, I presume.” the Countess said, clearly fascinated. “And no doubt to keep you from flaunting any display of masculinity.”

He remained silent his humiliation burning his cheeks.

She placed her fingers under his chin and looked him directly in the eyes.

“What an amazing transformation.” she said “I have so many questions. Who else knows?”

“Only the servants in Lady Charlotte’s home.” Aubrey sobbed “Before you arrived and Madam Olivia and Miss Lillian thought I was your son, they intimidated me so much I admitted I had worn girl’s clothes previously but they know nothing else.”

Emotion overcame him and he fell to his knees and wrapped his hands around her voluminous skirts.

 “Please, please help me Countess.” he blubbered gazing up at his only hope. “I don’t want to stay here with all these girls.”

As the Countess studied the distraught figure at her feet her mind drifted back to the exquisitely feminine, elegant girl she first encountered at Madame Monique’s.

How very extraordinary! she said to herself I thought there was something unusual, something I could not quite put my finger on about Aubrey, something unconventional yet still feminine.

And this is it. Aubrey is male after all. He really is just so precious even when dressed as male he still manages to radiate a singular femininity. Lady Charlotte has created a splendid example of everything I wish my son to be.

 He is obviously terrified at the prospect of being confined here which is not surprising after what he has just witnessed. However it is inconceivable that Lady Charlotte would part with such a superb and rare creature but it is obvious that Aubrey is so firmly under her thumb he does not see this.

The Countess interrupted her musings to comfort the poor boy.

“Hush now dear boy.” she consoled him gently stroking his hair but stopping short of guaranteeing he would not be consigned to a similar fat as the unfortunate Karl Maria “One hopes it will not come to that.”

It had the desired effect and he clung to her even more tightly. Her heart quickened as she considered the power she now held.

So this is what it is like to have so much control over a male. I suspect in this petrified state he would agree to anything. Hmm… I wonder…

“There must be a way to avoid such an outcome.” the Countess said as she bent to disentangle his arms from around her skirts and assisting him to his feet she added in a faux absentminded voice “What would cause the ladies to reconsider their plans for you? The only reason they wish to detain you here is because you are male. Perhaps you could convince them otherwise?”

He looked at her blankly and still in shock remained motionless as she deftly unbuttoned his trousers and pulled them down revealing his knee length cream silk bloomers. There was still no manly bulge on view.

“Perfect!” she smiled and re-buttoned the garment.

“You mean that I should revert to playing the part of a girl.” he said not quite understanding her “But I told them I was…”

“Yes, yes, a boy, I know.” the Countess said impatiently “But I can tell them you were flustered and you meant to say ‘tomboy’. I can point out to them your…ahem… shall we say absence of male attributes. By the way I look forward to hearing how Lady Charlotte achieved such novel effect. I will tell them I was aware of these inclinations and asked you to assist me in my plan and I will also explain that your small breasts have been bound to complete your male appearance. ”

“But…I…they will…”he spluttered, his brain still trying to determine which was the best or probably the least worst option.

“Oh I know you are probably thinking all your pretty dresses are in Lady Charlotte’s home.” the Countess said breezily  “But Karl- Maria’s new clothes, the ones I had made in Madame Monique’s, are already here. I thought it best to send them last week and as Madame told me you are both of a similar size you can wear one of his gowns. As we both know he won’t be wearing it for quite some time. Miss Lillian told me earlier this week his feminine clothes  were already unpacked and in his room. Of course as a scullery maid he will not be occupying that room for several days at the very least. Maybe even a week.”

By now the horrible reality of his situation had begun to seep into his brain. There was no best or worst option -only the lesser of two evils.

“But…I… ah…” Aubrey continued to babble like an idiot.

“Yes of course you are right.” she said ignoring his confusion and clasping her hands excitedly, her voice becoming more enthusiastic by the second, she began to pace up and down, skirts swishing and the rustling sound of satin and taffeta petticoats filling the room.  “Suggesting a return to female attire would be the best course, after all what red blooded male would ever willingly propose being laced into a corset and then don petticoats- the very essence of femininity. They would surely not consider you a male after that. I don’t think anyone would. What a splendid solution, Lady Charlotte would be very proud, you are such a clever boy.”

“Ah…I…er…”he continued to struggle for words as he wondered exactly at what point did he suggest such an outlandish notion.

It’s the last thing I want. he screamed inside his head but immediately realised what the alternative was, the words in his brain  rang out like the chimes of Big Ben.

 The lesser of two evils.

If the Countess saw his bewilderment she did not show it, her face was aglow with an excitement Aubrey neither shared nor understood.

“Such a request together with my version of events will no doubt convince them you are indeed a girl.” the Countess stated confidently before finally noticing Aubrey’s lack of enthusiasm for her plan. Her excitement cooled considerably.

“Of course you could remain as you are.” she said quietly, more than a hint of disappointment in her voice and added in a tone freighted with doubt that alarmed him “Perhaps nothing will happen.”

She patted his thigh and looked wistfully at the door.

“I wonder how Karl Maria is getting along with Mrs Coldstrap?” she said in a quiet almost dethatched voice, seemingly oblivious to Aubrey’s terror.

The mention of Karl Maria and his cruel fate concentrated Aubrey’s mind. He knew from experience that ladies of a certain age do not take disappointment very well and can, if they are so inclined, very easily find ways to make life extremely difficult.

The lesser of two evils he repeated silently, bracing himself for the inevitable surrender.

“I…ah… perhaps it ….” he struggled.

“Yes Aubrey? You have something to say?” the Countess asked, her head tilting slightly as she looked at the clock before adding in a tone that set Aubrey’s pulse racing “I expect the ladies will return shortly.”

“On reflection it may be for the best if I …”he faltered momentarily,

“Yes Aubrey?” the Countess repeated, a knowing smile crossing her attractive face.

He swallowed before continuing.

 “…if I…” another gulp interrupted his flow before blurting “… it may be best if return to female clothes.

The Countess’s face softened, taking on a more sympathetic look.

“A very wise decision Aubrey.” she said putting her hands on his shoulders she drew him close, so close his chest took the full brunt of her ample breasts. He could feel the ridges of her formidable corset and his legs were practically encircled by her bulky satin skirts.

“I promise you will not fall under the good ladies authority.” she said tenderly as she kissed gently him on the lips.

Voices outside the door alerted them to the imminent return of Madam Olivia and Miss Lillian.

“I will do the talking.” the Countess said composing herself “And I would strongly suggest an air of enthusiasm on your part at any suggestion I make.”

“Ah, Ladies.” the Countess said “Aubrey has asked to return to Lady Charlotte’s home, now that our little subterfuge has been completed  she wishes to divest herself of her male garb and dress in a more appropriate fashion.”

Aubrey could see that both women were perplexed but the Countess’s remarks.

“But..you… Aubrey…” Madam Olivia stumbled over her words, clearly taken aback at this revelation.

“She? …Her?” Miss Lillian asked equally befuddled.

“Oh yes, now I understand.” the Countess laughed “Aubrey’s polished performance convinced you she was a young man.”

The Countess looked at Aubrey who made a very passable attempt at a genuine smile.

“But he…this is most irregular.” Madam Olivia said crossing the room in a flurry of swishing skirts “He said he…

“She is such a good actress.” the Countess corrected  her as she took hold of Aubrey’s hands and smiled at him as if he was her prized possession “Of course it is true that dear Aubrey did have a strong inclination to be unconventional, tomboyish I believe is what you call it in England, isn’t that true Aubrey?”

“Yes Countess.” Aubrey lied and as she squeezed his hands their eyes met, conveying the Countess’s silent instructions. He groaned inside at the thought of what he was now expected of him but was also very much aware that such a humiliating acknowledgement would have to be convincing if he was to avoid the fate of Karl Maria.

“It is true…”he hesitated momentarily as he recognised the significance of what he was about to say “ since I was young I had a tendency to act and behave in a boyish fashion, climbing trees, playing with boys toys, having a dislike of feminine pursuits.”

“And clothes.” The Countess interrupted.

“Yes, yes.” Aubrey quickly agreed “And feminine clothes. I pestered my mother to wear more masculine attire.”

“Hmm.” Madam Olivia murmured not sounding totally convinced and Aubrey knew he would have to debase himself even further, he continued,

“However since I came to live with Lady Charlotte I have…”he stumbled trying to find the right words

 “Left such aspirations behind.” the Countess interjected helpfully.

“Yes, left them behind.”Aubrey blurted “Which is why I became so perturbed this morning. Wearing male clothes once more has somewhat…”

“Disoriented you.” the Countess once again intervened.

“Yes, wearing such clothes for the first time in months was a strange and confusing experience.” he agreed, not untruthfully “I became extremely flustered was not really sure of what I was saying. I apologise for misleading you.”

 “Lady Charlotte and I did not fully appreciate quite how unsettling our little deception would affect dear Aubrey.” the Countess continued “And to avoid disconcerting the poor creature further it would be best if he… oh dear even I have fallen victim to her acting abilities…”the Countess laughed at her error before continuing “if she was returned to clothing befitting a young lady.”

“But he…” Madam Olivia, looking quite confused herself, began and after  gazing once more at Aubrey she continued “…she appears… well I grant you …perhaps not entirely masculine but certainly has some features that could be described as boyish.”

“Yes I suppose you have a point.” the Countess said and gesturing both ladies to step closer to Aubrey and pointed to his groin area “However as you can see there is none of that ghastly male protuberance in evidence. See for yourself ladies.”

Aubrey tensed as the Countess ran the back of her hand up the smooth surface between Aubrey legs and to his alarm he was then subjected to a similar examination by both women. His terror was such that he thought he could feel his member shrinking as each second passed to a point where even he was unsure as to the organ’s existence. It was as if  his penis had disappeared entirely into his body.

“I must admit Countess we are a little disappointed.” Madam Olivia said somewhat glumly as her cursory inspection between Aubrey’s legs failed to locate any manifestation of male genitalia and regarding him closely once more she added in a tone that alarmed Aubrey “We had our hearts set on another male joining us it is always a delight to train a young man to the same standards as our pupils. With those very unusual features we were completely taken in. Please don’t be offended my dear but even looking at you now I find it hard to believe you are a girl. Your portrayal of a young man was most realistic.”

“Yes, most realistic.” Miss Lillian agreed and gesturing towards his pubic area she laughed “but obviously not that realistic.

“Yes, the one place where Aubrey fails the masculinity  test.” the Countess joined the laughter.

Aubrey was so relived he even gave a weak smile.

 “The breasts are bound you say, Countess?” Miss Lillian enquired.

“Yes.” The Countess replied confidently before laughing “Not that it required much effort.”

Aubrey’s anxiety returned once more, now fearful they would wish to inspect his non-existent bosom however the Countess true to her word as his protector took him by the hand and drew him close to her skirts.

“I think you now understand why Aubrey wishes to get out of these dreadful garments.  the Countess said in an authoritative voice “This has been a most distressing experience.”

The women nodded in agreement and just as Miss Lillian was about to speak the Countess once more asserted her authority.

“I believe you have unpacked the clothes I sent for my son.” the Countess enquired.

“Yes but…” Madam Olivia began however the Countess ignored her interjection and continued

“Excellent, I think it would be best if we went upstairs to Karl Maria’s room and changed Aubrey in something more ladylike.”

“But …I would like…”Madam Olivia once more tried to engage the Countess but she had already began moving towards the door with Aubrey held firmly by the hand as if he was a five year old.

“Now if you will be so kind as to ring for a maid to show me to the room. It has been such a trying day for such a delicate creature.” the Countess said in a tone that left Madam Olivia in no doubt that a further attempt at conversation would incur the Countess’s displeasure.

“Of course, Countess.” Madam Olivia surrendered and ringing the hand bell added in a voice that Aubrey thought almost subservient “At once, Countess.”

A maid immediately appeared and was issued instructions by Madam Olivia.

“Come along Aubrey.” the Countess said as the maid opened the door and despite their smiles he could see that both women were extremely disappointed to be deprived of their prize.

It was a bittersweet moment for the young man, saved from what would have been an unbelievably appalling experience at their hands yet now facing a return to his hated feminine clothes. The worst of all was the Countess now knew his secret.

The lesser of two evils. Aubrey sighed silently trying to console himself as he emerged into the hallway still held firmly by the Countess’s hand like a five year old. As they followed the maid to the wide staircase it became obvious to him that he had become the focus of the several girls gathered in a group at the bottom of the stairs. He could see the barely concealed smiles on their faces as the Countess guided them both across the spacious vestibule. Several yards before they reached the staircase the Countess stopped and turned to him,

“Oh dear I have left my purse in Madam Olivia office.” she announced as she let go of his hand and patted his cheek and in a voice that he felt was a little too loud added “Now be a good boy until I return.”

As Aubrey watched her glide towards Madam Olivia’s office his eye was drawn to the front door about fifteen yards away with no one between it and him.

He considered his options. Surely the servants could not run as fast as him in their long and cumbersome skirts and maybe he would be lucky, the dogs could be sleeping or somewhere in the grounds far away from the front door, perhaps he could get to the gates before they could reach him. Of course if he was to fail in his escape bid… a shiver went down his spine.

“I do hope you are not thinking about running for the door.” a voice interrupted his deliberations.

Startled, he turned around to find the group of girls had suddenly materialised and now began to encircle him. He felt his throat dry up and the beginnings of a weakness in his legs.

“You should know what happens to disobedient and headstrong boys.” another said as the group encroached further.

“I don’t think you would like it below stairs.” a third girl suggested.

“Yes you are far too pretty to be hidden away in the kitchens with Mrs Coldstrap.” a girl in a blue satin dress giggled.

“Although Mrs Coldstrap does like the pretty ones too.” a tall,well proportioned girl said.

“Oh don’t we all Emily!” another said and they all laughed.

“Why don’t you try?” a girl wearing a two piece gown of soft burgundy silk smiled as she asked “Surely a few soft and weak girls would not be able to stop such a strong and virile young man like you?”

With a rustle of silk and satin an opening appeared in the circle.

“Yes he’d probably prefer to join his manly friends than spend time with us.” a girl in a long and tight bodiced maroon silk satin dress said.

 Aubrey’s legs were becoming weaker by the moment and his heart was beating like a squadron of drummers, his eyes darted from the girls to the door, he could feel a bead or two of sweat form on his forehead.

Although his brain was in turmoil somewhere deep within himself he knew any attempt at escape would not end well. He opened his mouth to speak but could only emit a low whimper of resignation. It was a sound which greatly amused his tormentors.

“I take it from your response that you would like to stay with us.” a girl in a blue silk taffeta dress said.

“A…aaah…”was all he could reply.

“A very wise decision.” she said “You would not have got five feet beyond the door before those two large maidservants that escorted your friend to Mrs Coldstrap would have caught you.”

Aubrey’s relief of avoiding Karl Maria’s fate was immediately replaced by one of anxiety as the circle of silk, satin and taffeta enclosed him once more.

“He didn’t even try.” one of them said in a slightly disappointed voice. “I like it when they at least try.”

“Maybe he is one of those boys who prefers feminine company.” another said.

“Is that true?” the tallest girl enquired “You would prefer to stay with us girls rather than those ghastly young men we hear so much about?”

“A…aaah…”he repeated his unintelligible response.

“Feel his skin girls.” one of them said as she stroked his cheek “So soft and feminine, almost like silk. I’m so jealous. And such small hands for a boy.”

“He shouldn’t take too long to train.” the girl in the maroon silk satin said clapping her hands.

“But Madam may wish to place him as a maid with the junior girls first.” another said “They need practice in dealing with males as well as servants.”

It all became too much for Aubrey and he began to cry.

“You beastly girls.” the Countess’s voice rang out as she arrived with a flurry of swishing skirts. “You have made my darling Aubrey cry.”

She enveloped him in her arms and held him tight to her ample bosom as she consoled him.

“There, there my darling.” she soothed him “Did those mean girls upset you?”

To a brash and confident young man like Aubrey seeking the solace and protection of a middle aged matron from mere girls would have been laughable months ago. But that was before his masculine resources had been eroded so much that any shame was far outweighed by the safety and security he felt clinging to the Countess skirts. Feeling the rigid boning of her corset through the satin material of her dress gave him a feeling of reassurance. Such was his insecurity the Countess had to gently prise him away from her body.

“Don’t you worry Aubrey.” she said softly “You are safe with me.”

“We are so sorry.” One of the girls said as she curtsied “We were expecting a boy for training and thought …”

“A boy? Ah yes, the clothes. Understandable mistake I suppose.” the Countess said composing herself and meeting Aubrey’s eyes gave a little laugh “You’re not a boy, are you Aubrey?”

Six pairs of eyes were fixed on Aubrey.

He was so petrified he would have admitted to anything.

“Ah…no…”he stammered and looking at their disbelieving faces quickly added “Of course not.”

“You mean he’s…a…” one of them said, unable disguise her incredulity “a…girl!”

Aubrey looked at the Countess whose face was expressionless except for a barely raised eyebrow.

“Well I suppose he does have some feminine features.” another said.

“Soft skin and a porcelain complexion.” the first girl added “I suppose that is unusual in a male.”

“And those high cheek bones and full lips.” a third said.

The girls could not quite believe this admission and drew closer to examine him. The Countess fearing he would faint halted their advance and repeated the narrative she had told to Madam Olivia and Miss Lillian adding that Aubrey was feeling unwell and wished to lie down for an hour.

“Ah…”one said knowingly “It’s probably that time.”

“Yes.” another agreed “all of us girls know that horrible feeling once a month.”

They all nodded sympathetically. Aubrey didn’t know what they were talking about but was grateful that their attitude had changed.

“Now please run along ladies, Aubrey needs to rest.” the Countess repeated tersely. “Before changing into more suitable feminine attire.

 Disappointed at not securing their prey they withdrew apart from one girl who stayed.

 “He does look somewhat tired.” the girl said quietly.

“She” the Countess, irked by the use of the male pronoun, corrected her.

The girl smiled sweetly at the Countess and addressed Aubrey.

“As I recall exclusively feminine company always made Aubrey quite uneasy.” she said as she moved a little closer.

Aubrey could not prevent himself emitting a low moan and to his horror noticed that for once the Countess remained silent, a sudden tremble occurred in his knees and he had to hold on to her arm for support.

“I wasn’t sure at first as it has been several years since we met.” the girl said “but then I noticed that heart shaped mole at the nape of his neck. Most unique.”

Aubrey felt queasy at the mention of his distinctive mole very few people had seen it however his brain was in such turmoil he had no recollection of ever meeting this girl.

“Do you know this girl Aubrey?”the Countess asked clearly surprised by this turn of events and as Aubrey was plainly incapable of replying the girl continued.

“My name is Bella. You probably don’t remember me but I’m sure you remember my aunt.”

He looked at her blankly.

“Lady Theodora Martinet.” she said in a sweet voice.

“A…aa…aah…”Aubrey let out a low whimper and held on to the Countess arm for support.

“Lady Theodora Martinet?” the Countess repeated.

“A…aa…aah…”Aubrey emitted another moan, the events from his past now lighting up in his brain.

“Oh do be quiet Aubrey.” the Countess reprimanded him.

“My aunt persuaded Aubrey to understudy in a play when one of the girls became ill.”Bella  said.

“He played a girl?” the Countess asked.

“A…aa…aah…”Aubrey mewled once more, the dreadful events of that afternoon now dredged up from the deep recesses of his memory.

“Shush, Aubrey.” she admonished him and indicated to the girl to continue.

“Yes.” Bella answered “And a very pretty one too, he wore a pink duchesse satin gown. All the girls and their mothers were so enamoured with him.”

Both of them looked at Aubrey who had gone deathly pale.

 “I’m not sure there is a similar gown upstairs.” the Countess said “But perhaps you would like to recount some more detail while we choose something equally pretty for him.”

As the Countess slipped her arm under Aubrey’s left arm Bell did the same on his right.

“I think you will find Aubrey is still as pretty as ever in a satin dress” the Countess said as they assisted a weak kneed Aubrey up the wide staircase.