The Music Lovers - Part 2 with illustration

 

Hopefully you all had a good Christmas.

I'd thought I would have had this completed a few weeks ago but unfortunately it wasn't to be.

The illustration bears little association with the story.

Hope you have a good 2024.

Take care.

Carrie

The Music Lovers (Part 2)

By

Carrie P

 

“I take it you have heard, darlings.”Miss Crawford gushed, her excitement remaining undiminished.

“We came as quickly as we could; we have only a short time to prepare.” Emily Purkiss said, her face beaming. “The maids have taken our luggage to our room.”

“Yes, it’s wonderful.”  Henrietta Stifflove added.

The young man had stood up, as he had been trained to do, to receive the obligatory kiss on both cheeks from the women.

 “What a delightful perfume, my dear.”Miss Purkiss said, affectionately stroking his hair “Very delicate and floral. It suits you”

He could see Miss Crawford beaming with satisfaction as, just like his clothes, she choose what scent he wore every day.

 “I bought the same one for my niece.” Miss Stifflove added patting him gently on the cheek and smiling “You remind me so much of her.”

He cringed at her word, however, recent experiences told him that anything less than a display of gratitude and acquiescence would be frowned upon by all concerned. Consoling himself with the thought that the ladies did not mean any offence to his masculinity, he smiled dutifully, lowering his eyes, he replied in a manner he now had become used to.

“Thank you, Miss Henrietta.” he said in a soft voice.

“He is not as excited as I thought he would be.” Miss Emily Purkiss said.

“Oh I haven’t had a chance to tell him.” Miss Crawford said, the excitement in her voice now infected him and before he could ask the question Miss Crawford blurted,

“La Divina.”

“You mean...”he answered, his voice a mixture of disbelief and hope.

“Yes my dear boy...” she continued  “Maria Cabaldi.”

 “Cabaldi”the young man repeated softly and he looked to his hostess, his face incredulous as he uttered the name again “Cabaldi...here?”

“She is a dear friend and a patron of the Ladies Council,  but her itinerary rarely permits her to visit.” Miss Crawford explained to the young man who by now was visibly becoming more excited by the second. “However, now a window has opened in her schedule and she wishes to stay with me for a few days while she rehearses for her latest role.”

“Stay... here.” he gulped, his eyes widening and his mouth agape. His voice trembled as he continued.” I... I’ve always wanted to see her perform but to actually meet her...”

“She is such a steadfast supporter of the Ladies Council.” Miss Purkiss disclosed to him as she settled herself on the couch next to him and patted his knee.

“Yes.” Miss Crawford agreed as she took up position on his other side “I have kept her informed of our activities and she wishes to meet all the ladies for an intimate evening.”

“Do you think she will perform?” he asked hesitantly.

“Of course.” Miss Crawford confirmed with a broad smile. “She has even arranged a piano quintet for the evening. I think you will find the experience quite enjoyable. ”

To the young man, the word ‘enjoyable’ was utterly inadequate. After all this was Maria Cabaldi and to think he would have the opportunity to meet her in a private setting. He suddenly realised falling ill in the presence of these ladies wasn’t the misfortune he’d considered it to be.

“Ahem...ladies” Miss Stifflove said her tone muted and her face taking on a serious aspect. “The event is exclusively for the Ladies Council.”

The three figures seated on the couch looked at her with quizzical expressions.

“The... Ladies... Council.” Miss Stifflove repeated enunciating the words slowly, and gestured to the young man. “Am I the only one who see the problem?”

“Oh dear.” Miss Crawford sighed as she looked at her male companion. “Of course how could I have been so blind?”

“Mmm...yes...”Miss Purkiss said, a note of disappointment in her voice.

The young man’s eyes darted from one woman to the other, an uncomprehending look on his face. He knew something was wrong but such was his excitement could not grasp what it was.

“I don’t understand.” the young man finally blurted.

“Miss Cabaldi as patron of the Ladies Council understands she will be performing to an exclusively female audience.” Miss Purkiss explained with a regretful expression as she fixed a few stray strands of hair behind his ears.

“You see the problem, dear boy.” Miss Crawford sighed once more.

“But... Maria Cabaldi...here... I... ”he babbled, as the realisation that his dream of meeting his idol was being snatched from him.

The three women gazed upon him, their faces a mixture of pity and sorrow.

“Perhaps she would make an exception.” he pleaded, nervously fingering the snug fitting, heavy gold choker around his neck.

The ladies exchanged glances but he could see the look on their faces was not encouraging.

“If there is a crowd, she may not even notice.” he appealed desperately, the thought of his lifetime ambition ebbing away was creating panic within his brain.

“Oh my darling boy.” Miss Crawford smiled ruefully “She will want to meet each of the Ladies Circle individually and we will all be wearing evening gowns. Someone in trousers will immediately stand out like the proverbial sore thumb.”

“But...but... it’s ...”he stammered suddenly realising the impossibility of his situation.

“Maybe...” Mis Stifflove began, a curious expression on her face as she stood back slightly and scanned the young man for a few moments before finally adding, “no...perhaps  not. It’s a foolish idea.”

The young man felt a glimmer of hope spark in his brain and sat forward on the sofa.

“What were you thinking Henrietta ?”  Miss Purkiss asked.

“No, no... it is too outrageous.” Miss Stifflove replied, shaking her head.

“Please Miss Henrietta.” Claude implored, clutching at any straw that was offered.

“Well, the thought occurred to me,” Miss Stifflove continued, her eyes still examining the young man closely “we have all seen him wearing a nightgown, and in truth I think we can all agree, it did not look out of place on him and ...”she smiled at the figure on the sofa, “please do not take this the wrong way, my dear, but your chest does give you quite a realistic feminine silhouette. Not buxom by any stretch but adequate nonetheless.”

Even he could not deny the accuracy of that statement. He blushed, his eyes cast downwards in shame.

“Are you suggesting...?” Miss Purkiss asked a noticeable tremor of excitement in her voice.

“Dress him as a girl!” Miss Crawford interrupted, unable to contain her exuberance.

“Of course!” Miss Purkiss spurted excitedly “Why didn’t I see this before?”

“Perhaps, we just never saw him as one of those ghastly conventional males.” Miss Crawford said as her finger ran over his cheekbone and down to his lips. “Of course, anatomically he is masculine yet he never seemed to display the hideous characteristics of that dreadful sex.”

The sudden realisation of what was been suggested hit the young man like a slap in the face.

“A...g...girl...” Claude stumbled over the word.”But...I...it’s ...I mean...”

“Oh do be quiet, Claudia.” Miss Crawford spoke sharply, her brow furrowing slightly as the idea began to percolate in her mind. He hated the use of the feminine form of his name but dared not raise an objection, her eyes ran over his body.

 “Now, stand up.” she instructed.

He recognised the look on her face and he knew Miss Crawford well enough to realise she was actively contemplating this outrageous notion as a solution to the dilemma.

“Mmm...yes..yes, I can see certain possibilities.” she said as she gestured with her finger for him to turn around.

“It wouldn’t take too much effort.” Miss Stifflove mused as she came closer to him. “With the right make-up, mascara, eye liner, his face would take on an even more feminine aspect.”

“A little blush, maybe a smokey eyeshadow.” Miss Purkiss added.

“But...I...”he reached once more for the words to object.

“You do want to meet the most famous diva in the world?” Miss Crawford asked quietly as she sat down on the sofa and signalled him to join her and as he sat she added “not only that but you would be part of her entourage for three days.”

Even in his state of confusion he knew the answer to that question but the conditions attached were deeply troubling.

“Of course, of course, more than anything, but dress as a ...a...” he answered, a vision of the diva appearing  in his mind.

 “Naturally, no one is forcing you.” Miss Stifflove said in an indifferent tone.

Three days in the presence of Maria Cabaldi. The very idea made him giddy, he had worshipped her for years, never imagining his wildest dreams that he would ever meet her not to mention spending three whole days in her presence. But dressing as a girl...

“It would be our secret.” Miss Stifflove reassured him, caressing his cheek.

“And no one outside of this house would know.” Miss Purkiss added with an encouraging smile.

As the diva’s face seemed to flash in his mind, the doubts that lingered suddenly seemed to fade ever so slightly.

“Of course you will need some preparation.” Miss Crawford said, nodding to her companions who rose from their seats and crossed the room. Her words barely registered as his mind was now planning the first conversation with Madam Cabaldi, Miss Crawford continued, “And you may find it a little strange at first but I’m certain you will have little difficulty in adapting to your new role.”

He was awoken from his daydream as he heard Miss Stifflove’s voice addressing her friend.

“Darling, I know he’s wearing a girdle,” she said, holding a long stiff garment in a delicate shade of pink, “ but his movement is still slightly masculine, I have no doubt this will provide sufficient restriction to ensure a more feminine gait.

Her fingers held the formidable foundation garment for inspection, the wide straps holding the  delicate lace cups, below these  the long satin panel giving the impression of feminine softness while artfully  disguising the hidden steel boning which would restrict and shape  the unfortunate wearer’s  abdomen. The heavy and tightly meshed nylon at the sides ensured further constriction and control. The eight garter straps dangling from the bottom jangled as Miss Stifflove turned the formidable foundation around to reveal another long satin panel that ran the length of the garment.

 He let out an audible gasp and looked at Miss Crawford, he was silent but his eyes conveyed a desperate plea. However, as always she seemed oblivious to his discomfort.

“This is a long form corselette.” Miss Stifflove said, a smile forming at the corner of her mouth.  “It will give you a much more shapely figure, pulling in your torso and emphasising  your hips. It extends to just above your knees so will help you achieve a more feminine walk.”

“Oh he knows what it is.” Miss Crawford smiled knowingly a the young man.“Isn’t that right Claude?”

His cheeks, already flushed from embarrassment grew even warmer as Miss Crawford’s two companions gazed at him with curious expressions on their faces.

“Oh yes darlings.” Miss Crawford continued, patting him gently on the knee “Claude is extremely well acquainted with the contents of my foundation and lingerie drawers. In fact, he helps me dress when Louise is absent or busy running errands. He is such a treasure.”

Miss Purkiss and Miss Stifflove looked at him with renewed admiration.

“And of course, because of that dreadful mishap with his luggage he has none of his own underwear and  thankfully has become quite used to wearing girdles.” Miss Crawford said, smiling kindly at him before turning her attention to the sturdy foundation garment still dangling menacingly from Miss Stifflove’s hands. “Isn’t that the same style you zipped me into only yesterday Claude? But I think it was in black.”

His mouth suddenly became dry and he could only nod in confirmation, his eyes glazed over as the formidable foundation was held in front of him. To his constant shame it was a task he had been regularly been called on to perform in the past weeks. Louise always seemed to be running errands when her mistress needed her and as he was rarely out of Miss Crawford’s sight, she considered him the obvious choice to assist her. Naturally, he considered it degrading for a male to perform tasks that were exclusively within the realm of a female servant but could offer no argument against the sheer force of her personality.  Even as he carried out these embarrassing assignments, he could never bring himself to admit that attending to Miss Crawford’s personal needs were the duties of a maid. She, on the other hand, took every opportunity to remind him, in a tactful but nonetheless unequivocal way, that he was acting as a surrogate for her personal maid. She also ensured he was intimately acquainted with every aspect of her toilette. He soon became very familiar with her wardrobe, how her dresses were arranged, the manner in which her blouses were organised by colour and fabric, her skirts sorted by length and style, shoes by heel height. He tidied her dressing table, made her bed, ran her bath. And of course the most intimate of a maid’s duties- undressing and dressing her. From the outset she had no inhibitions and made little or no attempt to conceal her most intimate parts making it quite clear she made no distinction between him and Louise. Considering the unmanly style in which he now had to dress it would have been difficult to argue that there was a male present in the room with her.  

“Claude” a voice snapped him out of his trance. “Are you listening?”

“Emm... I...I’m not sure...” he mumbled as he now became aware he was now standing at the bed while  Miss Purkiss was busy behind him unzipping his pants.

He noticed the sturdy, stiff corselette was now laid on the bed ,Miss Stifflove holding several pairs of stockings  was distracted,deciding which shade  should  be worn.

“Your assistance Henrietta.” Miss Purkiss said and her friend immediately began unbuttoning his shirt while Miss Crawford removed his shoes, in a matter of seconds his camisole was also removed and his only remaining item of clothing was his girdle. In a pathetic effort at maintaining his modesty he tried to cover the small but reasonably developed fleshy mounds on his chest. This gesture brought smiles to the faces of the ladies.

“Oh, how adorable.” Miss Purkiss cooed.

“Yes, Emily.” Miss Stifflove concurred, “Truly delightful.”

“He does get a little shy when stripped.” Miss Crawford confirmed with a smile. “It’s a source of great amusement to Louise.”

“Please...I...I’m...not really...”he spluttered, the confusion etched on his face.

“Oh don’t be embarrassed, Claudia.” Miss Crawford said.

The wince on his face was now quite obvious at her use, once more, of the feminine form of his name.

“You do realise you cannot be called Claude once you are wearing your dress.” she said taking his hand in hers and squeezed them tightly as if impatient,  she looked him directly in the eyes and her tone became almost stern.”You must be addressed as Claudia, do you understand?”

He nodded.

“What is your name?” she continued her eyes holding his, her voice calm but still with an edge to it, “Say it.”

“C...Cla...Claudia.” he murmered, his voice betraying his mortification.

The three women smiled and their faces took on a maternal aspect as they gathered round him.

“This is a great opportunity for you.” Miss Crawford said softly as she caressed his cheek and continued in a comforting  tone.“How many people get to spend several days with their idol? The most celebrated and famous diva in the world. Some of my dearest friends have been waiting for years to meet her and fate has gifted you this once in a lifetime chance. “

And the only thing you have to do is dress as a girl.” Miss Purkiss whispered as she moved close to him and removed the arm covering his breasts.

“A small price to pay.” Miss Stifflove said as she handed him the corselette.

“Let me help you.” Miss Purkiss said as she took the bulky foundation and bending down placed one leg at a time inside it, the boning was so rigid the heavy garment stood upright reaching almost to his knees.

“You know what to do now.” Miss Crawford smiled “You have seen me do it countless times.”

He hesitated, his male brain still trying to process what was being asked of it.

“Oh do get on with it boy.” Miss Stifflove said sharply.

“No need to be so harsh with him, Henrietta.” Miss Purkiss gently rebuked her friend as she reached down and began pulling the corselette up his legs, stopping at his knees, she added in an encouraging, friendly voice, “The poor boy is confused, isn’t that right Claudia?”

He nodded,  despite the turmoil swirling inside his head he was also aware of his deep embarrassment, with nothing covering his chest, his hideous and unmanly protuberances  were on show for all to see.

“Now come along Claudia, there’s a good girl, you now need to pull it up yourself.” Miss Purkiss gently encouraged him.

“Yes, dear boy.” Miss Crawford said softly “You have seen me do this on many occasions.”

He tugged and pulled the tight corselette up his body and was conscious of the three women inching closer, so close he could distinguish each of their perfumes. Miss Crawford now stood before him, her eyes locked on his as she smiled as she cupped his right breast and placed it in the lace cup before settling the wide strap over his shoulder. She gently squeezed his left breast and repeated the process.

“That’s a good girl.” she whispered, noticing his eyes welling up she added tenderly, “No need to be ashamed, it will all be worth it. You know what happens now.”

Unable to speak, he once more nodded and averting his eyes he recalled with self- loathing how he had to perform this very task when her maid was absent. He vividly remembered how he carefully closed the many  hooks and eyes at the side of the corsellette before tugging at the at the zipper, struggling to raise it up the garment as it compressed her torso inch by inch, her groans audible proof of her discomfort as the zipper progressed to its destination. Each faint, yet clearly discernible moan a testament to the strength and mastery of the corsellete’s controlling authority. He could see  the heavy garment was visibly constricting and shaping her body and with each came another moan.

He swallowed hard at the realisation that it was now his turn to experience this hardship.

“Let me help you.” secreting his breasts into the lace cups before slipping the wide straps over his shoulders. He felt a strange relief that, at least now, his ghastly feminine breasts were no longer on show. It was only when Miss Crawford moved behind him he realised that the hooks, eyes and zipper were at the back of this style of garment and once encased in its confines, he could not be released from it without assistance. He looked down in apprehension and saw the corsellette almost reached his knees and stifled a gasp as Miss Crawford began her work in earnest, and as she fastened the first hooks and eyes he felt the power of the corsellete force his thighs together. As she slowly worked her way up the garment he could no longer suppress his distress and low whines of discomfort escaped from his mouth. The uncomfortable and cramped girdles he had been forced to wear were as nothing to the tortuous embrace of this dreadful constricting prison of satin and steel. His moaning was more audible now that Miss Crawford was tugging the zipper into place just beneath his shoulder blades.

“Males! They really have no idea of what we have to suffer on a daily basis.” Miss Stifflove laughed as she noticed his obvious discomposure.“And they call us the weaker sex.”

“Oh do try to be a little more sympathetic, Henrietta.” Miss Purkiss chided her friend as she guided the young man to the bed and knowing what was coming, lowered himself with some difficulty on to the bed.

It did not take her long to roll a pair of dark nylons up his legs and attached to the eight garters dangling from the corsellete. Miss Crawford slipped a pair of black patent leather court shoes.

“Two inches will do for a start.” she said. “He should graduate to four in a few days.”

“Now stand up dear boy.” Miss Purkiss instructed him.

“I think this colour suits him.” Miss Stifflove said as she held up a chocolate coloured satin slip with a deep lace hem and lifted it over his head and began fussing with the material until she was satisfied it hung correctly.

“Oh yes.” Miss Purkiss said excitedly “He is beginning to look much more presentable.”

“Yes.” Miss Stifflove agreed as she examined his features. “He seems to have acquired an even more girlish appearance.”

“It is quite amazing the effect a sturdy corsellete can have even on the most tomboyish of girls.” Miss Crawford laughed lightly, as she adjusted the straps on the satin slip and ensured the lace material at the top covered the brassiere part of the corsellete. “As we ladies know, foundation garments have a transformative effect on us not only physically but also psychologically. The confidence of control over our bodies, the constricting yet paradoxical  comforting effect of the steel boning tempered by the femininity of satin and lace.  Every woman feels ultra feminine when secured in their tight embrace. Is it any wonder that these very feminine sensations are now manifesting themselves on his already delicate features?”

“You do feel feminine Claudia, don’t you?” Miss Purkiss asked.

“Of course he does.” Miss Stifflove smirked “A corsellette, nylons and a satin slip, why wouldn’t he?”

By now the young man was on the verge of tears.

“I will not tolerate self-pity Claudia.” Miss Crawford said tersely, her forehead wrinkling in irritation “Neither will Madam Cabaldi. Now unless you wish to walk around for the rest of the day in your foundations and lingerie I suggest you help us chose a suitable dress.”

He knew from experience that it would not be long before her patience would be exhausted; he manfully stemmed the flow of tears as he watched her friends lay out various dresses on the bed.

“Yes, Miss Crawford.” he said quietly, trying not to wince as he viewed the array of feminine clothes.

“Good girl.” Miss Crawford said, softening her tone.

The word ‘girl’, just like being addressed as Claudia cut him to the quick but now dressed as he was, any protest or objection would have seemed absurd. The thought briefly occurred to him about changing his mind, he considered even those dreadful pants would be better than this. Then he remembered he could not get out of this hideous corsellette without help. A smug look came over Miss Crawford’s face, as if she could read his every thought. He averted his eyes from her gaze.

“I think this pale pink would suit him.” Miss Purkiss voice broke the silence as she held a dress against his body. “Such a feminine colour.”

“The yellow satin one would flatter his figure.” Miss Stifflove offered her opinion.

“Which one do you like, Claudia?” Miss Crawford asked, obviously aware of his deep humiliation, “Nothing too glamorous, I suspect.”

He nodded, if he had to wear a dress the last colour he wanted was pink or yellow, it could at least be a neutral colour.

I think this would be suitable, at least until you get used to wearing a dress.” She said as she slipped a dress of deep navy blue over his head.

The dress came to just below his knees and had a white Peter Pan collar and white cuffs at the end of very tight sleeves. She tied a wide belt around his waist, exaggerating his hips, giving him a more feminine silhouette.

“Yes, very suitable.” Miss Purkiss said smoothing the dress over his hips.

All three women were now gathered around him admiring their handiwork, making seemingly unnecessary minor modifications to the dress, tweaking the collar, straightening the skirt, fussing with the sleeves all the time telling him how neat and refined he looked.

The women were so engrossed in their ministrations and praise for his appearance that they were startled when they heard a voice call out  to them.

“Maria.” Miss Crawford squealed with delight and moved quickly to the newcomer, kissing her on both cheeks and then a long kiss on the lips.

“My schedule suddenly opened up and I decided to come early. I told the servants not to announce me as I wanted to surprise you.”

“And what a surprise.” Miss Crawford answered and as Miss Purlkiss and Miss Stifflove joined her, further kisses were exchanged.

Claude immediately recognised the impressive and unmistakable figure of the world’s most famous soprano now standing barely twenty feet from him. Mesmerised by her presence, he almost forgot his shameful predicament; however, his trembling fingers touching the soft velvet of the dress quickly brought him back to reality.  As the women continued to talk, he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror, there was only the merest hint of masculinity in the reflection staring back at him. The dark dress with its white collar and cuffs did not seem incongruous in these opulent surroundings, even the face and silhouette that inhabited the dress did not seem out of place. It was as if the reflection reminded him of something or someone but he could not quite put his finger on it. He suddenly became aware of the corselette’s constricting grip and he felt as if his very masculinity was being shrunk and crushed, its eight garters pressing into the flesh of his thighs. The support from the corselette’s padded brassiere exaggerated his breasts and gave him a distinctly feminine shape.

This is horrible. he said to himself, how I can allow myself to be presented to Madam Tabaldi dressed like this.

The combination of fear, dread and confusion that he had been suppressing since the arrival of Miss Crawford’s friends had now, in the presence of his idol, risen to the surface.

  I should never have allowed this to happen. he silently admonished himself,  I must escape.

The women began walking towards him, blocking his route to the door.

And dressed like this, go where? He knew the question was rhetorical but concluded that at  least it could not get any worse.

“I am so looking forward to meeting the Ladies Council.” Madam Cabaldi addressed Miss Crawford as the quartet approached. She caught sight of the primly dressed figure standing near the bed.

Her face took on a quizzical look and she turned to her friend.

“Is there a reason why she is not wearing an apron darling?” she said  “I noticed all your other girls are in full uniform,  properly capped and aproned, however,  this one is not.”

Surely she doesn’t think I’m a maid. Claude thought and stealing another glance in the mirror and was horrified to see what she perceived, a maid’s uniform without the apron and cap.

 Frozen with fright, his eyes met Miss Crawford’s and begged for reassurance.

If Miss Crawford was surprised by her friend’s remark she did not show it replying calmly,

“Oh, I’m sure it’s here somewhere.” Miss Crawford lied, looking around the room looking for the non-existent apron while she gathered her thoughts on how best to distract her friend. “I was thinking of changing the design of the maid’s uniform. What do you think of this new style?”

“Very smart. I like the way it is so fitted.” Madam Cabaldi said as she moved closer to Claude and to his consternation began fingering the material of Claude’s dress “But I do hope you will retain the cap and apron. After all, one has to keep up standards.”

“Naturally, darling.” Miss Crawford answered.

“Ah, this girl reminds me.” she continued, “My maid is unable to join me at the moment, could I borrow one of your girls to act as my maid.”

 “Of course. I’ll arrange it immediately.” Miss Crawford replied.

“What about this one here?” Madam Cabaldi said gesturing to the figure in the dark dress.

 “As your maid?” Miss Stifflove asked, the surprise quite evident in her voice.

“Only for a few days.” Madam Cabaldi answered “Just until my maid arrives.”

She looked at Claude and then turned to her friend,

 “But, perhaps I could offer you Louise, my own maid.” Miss Crawford replied.

“Oh no. I would not dream of it.” Madam Cabaldi said firmly “This girl will do.”

Under normal circumstances, being referred to as a girl would have gravely insulted Claude but dressed as he now was, even he could see why Madam Cabaldi had mistaken him for one. Worse still, she now considered him a servant girl.

 A low, barely discernible whine left Claude’s mouth.

“For some reason, she vaguely reminds me of someone.” she continued looking at him with a puzzled expression.

Several seconds passed as her gaze continued to penetrate Claude, eventually she turned to Miss Crawford and blurted,

 “Of course, my nephew. The same jaw line, very similar eyes, their mouths are also very alike.”

She turned to Claude,

“I do hope I have not insulted you, my dear, comparing you to a young man.” she said, smiling at him.

He shook his head, unable to speak.

“Ah yes.” Miss Crawford said “I remember now, a particularly effeminate young man.”

Madam Cabaldi nodded.

“We always wondered what he would look like dressed as girl.”

Miss Crawford turned to Claude and a smile formed at the corner of her mouth.

“Madam Cabaldi is staying in the Blue Room, Claudia. Run along and unpack her luggage. This is your first time acting as a lady’s maid, so be very careful with her clothes.”

He looked at her with a glazed expression but no words came from his mouth.

Her eyes narrowed and  fixed on his, her head tilted slightly and her mouth tightened somewhat.

She gestured with her hand that his presence was no longer required. A protest would have been useless. He moved slowly towards the door.

“Claudia.” Miss Crawford called out as he reached the door, “Make sure you get an apron and cap from Louise. I want Madam Cabaldi’s  maid properly uniformed.”

His heart sank and just as he was about to close the door behind him he heard Miss Crawford say,

“Maria darling, tell me more about this nephew of yours.”

 

The End.