A Suitable Position

Below is the story as promised it’s long enough so I’m going to post in in 2 parts one directly following the other. As mentioned in last post I started out with the idea of just contributing a stand alone story but as usual with me it took on a life of its own. It’s not complete but what I’ve tried to do is end it like a chapter where the story as it unfolds in this piece comes to a conclusion of sorts and I’ve tried to make it as neat as possible. Getting the time to write is a big issue but hopefully I’ll be able to start the next part soon but realistically it could be 3 weeks.

Hopefully the few people who come across this will like it and if you can bring yourself to comment I’d appreciate it I’m always interested to hear what people have to say.

A Suitable Position.

By CarrieP

 

 It had been an interesting if trying few weeks for Robert Kilcoyne, ever since sitting his college exams he’d spent most of the time travelling through Europe delighted to be away from the stifling atmosphere of the aunts that had  raised him since the death of both parents several years before. “Aunts” was quite a loose term as they were not related by blood rather they were his mother’s closest and dearest friends and as she considered them sisters from a very young age he always referred to them as Aunt Sophie and Aunt Amelia. They were kind but very protective not to mention quite strict and he found their constant attention very oppressive. After boarding school he had to fight long and hard to attend a university away from his home town and relished the freedom it brought and he was in no hurry to return to a cossetted home life with only his aunts and their maids for company so he was very careful to plan this trip secretly and in fact only told them at the last minute. Naturally when he eventually did tell them it was not received well but that didn’t bother him too much as he was too excited and focused at the prospect of a summer free from women telling him what to do, what to wear, when to be home, always orders, orders it was so stifling.

He was enjoying his new found freedom but never spent too long in any one place as he’d wanted to experience as much as life had to offer after so many years of excessive supervision by his aunts. It was while travelling through the small principality of Katirinabourg in central Europe close to the border with southern Germany he found himself a little short of funds and knew if he contacted his aunts for money from his considerable trust fund they would be hesitant to forward any amount beyond the fare home, he was certain they would insist he return home immediately. He quickly realised he would have to find some a job of some sort to finance the rest of his vacation. Having a coffee in the small but picturesque capital he noticed an advertisement in the local newspaper entitled: A Suitable Position.

Apparently it was for a handyman of sorts and was surprised that the ad was in English but figured that as the tourist season was still some way off he may have a good chance. It was too good a chance to pass up and immediately rang the number deciding it may be best to communicate in German one of the main languages spoken in the principality.

“Guten Tag Ich bin den job uber telefonieren” he said to the voice at the other end.

“The position is for an English speaker” the voice responded quite dismissively.

He quickly reverted to English and explained he thought it more polite to open the conversation in German, the female voice softened and after asking some cursory questions arranged an appointment for the following afternoon with the explicit instruction that all communication must be carried out through English, apparently the lady of the house wanted her staff to improve their English. Who was he to argue?

At the appointed time Robert strolled up the driveway of a large late 19^th century detached house sitting in expansive grounds in an exclusive neighbourhood. The front door was opened by a blond girl in a grey maid’s uniform which didn’t really surprise him considering the size and location of the house.

“Hiya, my name is Robert Kilcoyne I have an interview for the handyman’s job with Frau Kirchen.” he said in the cocky and slightly condescending voice he always used to people in service jobs.   

 “This way, Madam is in the drawing room.” the maid replied in slightly accented but flawless English.

She was an attractive girl, mid 20’s he guessed about five six maybe seven and while she wasn’t heavy she certainly wasn’t skinny either and had a more than ample bosom which he could see from the line under her uniform was held in place by a sturdy bra. He always like big breasted girls and although he wasn’t at all confident with girls he thought that a mere housemaid would no doubt fall for his charms. He followed the maid across a large hallway noticing her wonderfully rounded buttocks move in the tight fitting skirt of her uniform dress, as she walked ahead of him her hips swayed with each step in the glorious way that women do. Yes he thought I would like some of that.

“I didn’t realise people still worked as uniformed servants these days” he said as he walked alongside her. Of course he knew women of Frau Kirchen’s rank employed uniformed maids after all his aunts retained a number at their town house in London as well as their country estate. He was no stranger to servants and his remark was more to assert his status over this servant girl from the very start. He quite enjoyed the ridiculous and ironic idea of a wealthy young man becoming a handyman for a few weeks.

“Well perhaps you don’t realise either that sometimes people don’t have a choice what job they have to take” the maid replied acerbically, shooting him a sharp look for good measure.

Skivvy – he thought to himself but said nothing and followed in in silence.

She knocked on the drawing room door and entered.

“The person you were expecting Frau Kirchen” the maid said addressing a middle aged but very glamorous woman sitting on an antique couch.

“Madam” Frau Kirchen said pointedly “Greta, I have told you numerous times, you must address me as Madam.”

“Yes Madam” the maid replied obviously embarrassed at being upbraided in front him, Robert thought.

“Are you not forgetting something else?” Frau Kirchen said.

A slight look of resentment came over the maid’s face as she grudgingly bobbed a quick curtsy, Robert caught her eye and gave her a contemptuous look as she finished.

“Very well you may go” Frau Kirchen dismissed her.

“So difficult to get proper servants these days” Frau Kirchen said almost absentmindedly before turning to Robert “I require someone to do odd jobs, some basic maintenance and other duties as may be required around the house for several weeks or so and as the hours may be erratic the position  is live in. I have some important and influential people visiting for time to time and it is most important that they receive the correct impression of a properly run household so you should know that I require total obedience and respect from my servants. Slovenliness will not be tolerated.”

Robert was taken aback at her tone and put it down to the famous Germanic directness, no beating about the bush like the British or Irish. Rozamund Kirchen took a moment to look at the young man in front of her, he was the youngest of the men she had interviewed. She could tell that he was  well educated unlike the other applicants several of whom were far too uncouth, he was of average height and though of slight build she concluded manual work should not be a problem. He was presentable enough although he seemed to hunch his shoulders somewhat, his shoulder length dark brown hair was reasonably well kempt and clean and unlike the others he had no visible tattoos which she felt was totally unacceptable in a servant. She interviewed him for another few minutes to ascertain his suitability for the position and if he passed muster she decided he may be of use. After satisfying herself  she wrote on a piece of paper and handed it to him and smiled to herself as she watched his eyes widen, his youth and inexperience could not hide his surprise as he took in the figure she had written.

It certainly was generous, far more than he had imagined naturally coming from such a privileged background he baulked at the idea of being referred to as a servant – handyman had less servile connotations – however the money would more than compensate.

“If the salary is acceptable and you are willing to agree to my conditions the position is yours and once you sign this contract you can start immediately.” she said.

 “The salary is more than acceptable Frau Kirchen.” he gushed and hurriedly signed the document she extended to him.

“Very well when we are finished Greta will show you to your room in the servants’ quarters and will make arrangements for your luggage to be delivered here.” she said.

The elation he felt at the substantial salary was now replaced by a feeling of humiliation at the sudden realisation that he was now being referred to as  a servant and as if he needed confirmation his new employer added,

“Now that you are in my employ you will of course address me as Madam”

“Yes Madam” he said glad the maid wasn’t present to witness his embarrassment, his new employer continued.

“I have never employed a male servant before so I suppose a curtsy may not be appropriate, a bow of the head is I believe the usual display of respect from a male servant to his mistress, you will do so when entering and leaving a room and also when I speak to you. Is this clear?”

He looked at her almost disbelieving at what he had just heard but remembering that she had reminded the maid to curtsy, he felt archaic as they were such gestures appeared to be a requirement of employees in this household. She held his glance and arched her eyebrows in that way women do when they dare you to defy them.

“Do you have a problem with that? It is a requirement of your contract but if you feel you want to leave please do so now.” she finally said with more than a hint of impatience in her voice.

This shocked him into action, the thought of losing such a high salary and what he could do with it overrode the deepening unease he now felt at the idea of being referred to as a  “male servant” but this was no time to argue the point.

“No Madam” he said as he bowed his head and felt a twinge of shame, he now understood  the maid’s reluctance to curtsy- it was a humiliating experience- but he thought bad enough as having to bow was, a curtsy was somehow even more mortifying. He was glad he wasn’t a girl having to perform such a demeaning act.

“Much better, you must understand your salary is generous for a reason. I expect you to follow my orders to the letter- no hesitation whatsoever. Is that clear?”

He was acutely aware of her annoyance and didn’t want to stretch her patience any further.

“Yes Madam” he quickly said and added a bow for good measure.

She got up from behind the desk and walked towards him. The room was so quiet that he could hear a swishy sound as her panty hosed thighs rubbed together as she approached him, she was elegantly dressed in a navy blue knee length silk dress, her auburn hair was brushed into a chignon, a pearl choker with matching earrings gave her a regal look. She seemed to take a great interest in his clothes.

“Have you any suitable clothes a decent jacket, good pants?” she asked as she fingered his well -worn leather jacket and looked at his jeans with obvious distaste.”

“Well not really I’m travelling light and all my clothes are very casual more for vacation than anything else. I wasn’t expecting to stay this long away.” he explained.

“Madam!” she said quietly as she looked directly into his eyes.

“Sorry.. Madam” he apologised.

“Please don’t forget, it’s very annoying having to remind servants to use the correct form of address to their mistress.” she said.

“Yes Madam, sorry Madam” he replied disgusted at himself for his servile attitude.

“You can wear those for outdoor work” she said gesturing to the clothes he was wearing “I suppose I can find you something for your house duties. One more thing, as I mentioned some very important and powerful people stay with me occasionally and naturally I wish to ensure their security and privacy so I must be sure that my servants are fully vetted.  I will need your passport to make the necessary enquiries. Naturally you will receive it back after I have conducted these investigations. For security reasons this is non-negotiable.”

He didn’t like the idea of handing over his passport but with the papers full of celebrity gossip he could understand it and maybe he might meet someone famous. He knew he had nothing to hide so he handed her the passport which she placed in a desk drawer.

She rang the bell on her desk and moments later Greta appeared.

“You rang Madam” she said and this time didn’t forget to curtsy.

“Greta, Robert here will be my new houseboy, please show him to his room in the servants’ quarters and make sure he familiarises himself with the rest of the house and its rules.”

“Yes Madam” and turning to Robert said “this way”

The word “houseboy” hit him like the slap of a wet cloth and he wanted to protest that he was applying for the position of handyman and not some lowly domestic servant like the maid standing next to him but before he could gather himself Frau Kirchen dismissed them both with a perfunctory

“You may go.”

Alone in the large hallway Greta turned to him with a smirk on her pretty face.

“Not so smug now, are we? Welcome to your new life as a domestic servant.” she said as she left him standing, mouth open at the door and made her way across the  hallway.

“I’m not a domestic servant” he snapped hurrying after her as she went through a door behind the large staircase.

“Of course you are” she said as he caught up with her “I’m not exactly thrilled by the idea either but it’s what we are. I’m the housemaid and you’re the houseboy – just accept it.”

There was no way he was accepting this but felt any further protest would be just a waste of energy, as he followed her up the back stairs she continued,

“This is the back stairs that the servant’s use” she said ignoring his protestations “we only use the main stairs when either cleaning or bringing something to Madam or her guests. You must always use this stairs to access the servants’ quarters. Oh and another thing always address her as Madam and don’t forget to bow otherwise you get demerits leading to fines and punishments.”

“WHAT!” he said incredulously as he quickened his step to keep up with her “demerits, fines punishments?”

“It’s all in the contract, don’t tell me you didn’t read it before you signed.” she said.

“No” he replied suddenly feeling extremely foolish “I only saw the salary.”

“Of course you did” Greta said condescendingly “well you have little choice now I’m assuming she has your passport.”

“Yes” he said the implications of it handing over now dawning on him.

Robert was still trying to take this in when they arrived at the door of an annex at the back of the building. He followed her through to a large bright and airy living room very comfortably and tastefully furnished. As she showed around him the well -appointed and modern kitchen just off the living room she continued.

“Well it’s not as bad as all that and at least you’re getting extremely well paid but she is strict so you’re going to have to abide by the contract otherwise you could find yourself in trouble with the authorities. As she’s probably told you she has friends in very high places and not averse to using them…. as I know to my cost.”

“What do you mean?” Robert asked.

“Do you think I chose to be her maid? Having to wear this humiliating uniform? To be subject to her      outdated rules and regulations? I was originally employed as her physiotherapist and after several months I wanted to leave but because there were several months left on my contract she refused to release me. Well to make a very long story short she threatened to have her high powered legal team take me for everything and ruin my reputation plus she had my passport. As a punishment for attempting to break the contract I have to work the remainder of my time her as her uniformed maidservant.”

“So you reckon if I want to leave she will take an action against me?” he gasped realising the full seriousness of his situation.

“Believe me you really do not want to cross her” Greta said “and she has your passport. However she is honest and will pay you exactly what she agreed provided you honour your contract.”

“But she advertised the position as a handyman not a houseboy” he said.

“If she referred to you as a houseboy then that’s what’s on the contract and if you didn’t read it heaven knows what else is in there. There probably be some stuff as a handyman but a lot of your work will be around the house. Another reason she pays so well is flexibility and like everything else it’s in the contract. Like I said- welcome to life as a domestic servant - better get used to it. Now let’s get you to your room and give me the details of where your luggage can be picked up as we’re not allowed leave without permission, the front gate is locked and as you noticed there is razor wire at the top. Oh! By the way if you challenge her you’ll receive demerits, break anything and you will be fined the value of the item so be careful.”

She could see by the look of shock on Robert’s face that her account of life in Frau Kirchen’s household had clearly taken him aback and knew it wouldn’t take long before the full realisation of what he had let himself in for would soon reach his idiotic male brain and thought it wise to give him some counsel before he did something really stupid.

“Look it’s not all that bad  you’re getting great money tax free, no overheads and once you’ve completed your contract a large bonus and I mean a large  bonus. As you can see this is a very luxurious place to live, and you can even have use of the pool when Madam is not using it. Now come on we need to get you settled. The reason for all the rules and regulations is as she’s told you she has some very powerful and wealthy friends and she doesn’t want to be embarrassed by her servants so she pays outrageous money for absolute obedience.”

He thought about it as he followed her and concluded maybe she was right after all there were a lot of pluses to the position and the money was great and now there’s talk of a large bonus. His thoughts were interrupted when she stopped at a door.

“This is your room” she said opening the door “I think you’ll find it quite comfortable.”

“But it says ‘Under-housemaid -Bedroom’” he croaked gazing at the painted sign on the door.

“So?” she asked failing to see the problem.

“Don’t you have another room I could use” he muttered horrified at the thought of staying in a girl’s….a maid’s room.

“No, up to now this has always been an all- female household so the rooms are allocated to female servants by their order in the household. As there are no houseboy rooms you’ll use the under-housemaid’s bedroom I’m down the hall in the head-housemaid’s room so technically I suppose I’m your immediate superior” she explained and noticing his mounting discomfort added with a sly smile “if you have a problem with that why not take it up with Madam?”

He hated the idea of every time he entered the room he would be reminded he’d be sleeping in a maid’s room the very idea was so degrading but he knew he would get nowhere arguing and shook his head in response. As he stepped inside the room his worst fears were confirmed- it was undoubtedly a girl’s bedroom. He was surprised at the size of the room which was much larger than he had expected. A queen size antique bed with mahogany head and footboard was covered by a baby blue satin quilt and large matching frilled pillows, a table and two comfortable chairs sat by the large window which looked out onto the extensive rear garden while a triptych dressing table and padded seat fitted neatly into the corner he couldn’t help noticing it was laden with bottles and jars of various sizes and colours. The ruffled faux silk curtains were tied back in a sweep emphasising   the ultra- feminine nature of the room and he suddenly felt the same sense of oppressive femininity that he had been hoping to escape from back home. While away at college his aunts had redecorated his room in a not too dissimilar fashion which was the last straw in a seemingly constant battle to constrain his growing masculinity and this finally had persuaded him that a summer away from their influence would be the best course of action. The irony of his new surroundings wasn’t lost on him.

Was there no escaping this creeping feminisation it seemed to be following him everywhere?  he silently cursed to himself and he only half listened to Greta as she pointed out the various features in the room and insisted he accompany her to view the equally spacious en suite bathroom which he noticed was fully stocked with feminine lotions and creams.

“When your luggage arrives you can hang your clothes in here” she said pointing to the sizable closet.

“I won’t need that much space, I haven’t that many clothes.” he replied as she opened the door to allow him to inspect the interior.

“Probably just as well” she remarked as she viewed inside and tried to figure out how much space her new charge would require.

Robert had to stifle a groan as he was confronted with an array of dresses which from the style of Greta’s dress he took to be maids’ uniforms in black and grey, hanging from the rails alongside them on separate hangers were aprons of different styles. Stacked on shelves were a number of matching white caps of various styles and on the shelves below that several pairs of shoes which he noticed matched the colour of the uniform dresses. She seemed unaware of his discomfort at the sight of the feminine garments that confronted him.

“I’ll see if I can make some extra space by combining the dresses and aprons, here hold these” she casually remarked as she removed a dress from the closet and handed it to him she then took an apron from its hanger.

“Now hold the dress up, no.. a little closer to your body I want to put this pinafore apron over it properly so it won’t be crumpled.” she instructed and became a little irritated when he hesitated. “Oh come on for heaven’s sake I haven’t all day”

The tone of her voice made unsettled him and he did as he was told although feeling decidedly uncomfortable as he did so.

“It won’t bite you it’s only a uniform, hold it closer to your body.” she snapped as he held it almost at arm’s length.

Reluctantly he complied as she drew the frilled apron over the sleeves of the dress and finally noticing his discomfort remarked somewhat mischievously

“Just your size”

He felt his face flush with a mixture of embarrassment and anger but felt she would tease him further if he said anything.

She repeated the process but this time seemed to notice something wrong with the stitching at the hem.

 “Oh it’s badly torn, what was that stupid girl doing to cause this” she remarked and he took it that she was referring to the previous wearer of the dress, the under-housemaid. She continued,

 “I just hope there’s a dress dummy in the attic that I can hang it on as you can see I’ll need to pin it all round to repair it properly.”

Does she really think I give a shit about some stupid dress? he said to himself I just want her to stop yapping and leave me alone.

When she was satisfied at the extent of the repair work that was needed she finally allowed him to put down the dress while she removed more from the large closet and laid them on the bed.

“I’ve got something in the oven for our evening meal that I need to attend to and I need to phone for your belongings so you can make yourself useful by matching the aprons with the dresses like I’ve shown you. I expect Madam will be down later to see if you’re settling in properly so I want to make sure everything is in order.”

She gave him no time to answer as she turned on her heel and left him holding a maid’s dress and frilled apron. He was annoyed at the way she’d ordered him to do something so utterly demeaning as hanging a housemaid’s uniforms but her hasty departure denied him the opportunity to protest and he reluctantly did as he was told. Irritated as he was by her attitude he felt relieved  he was alone as he could feel the embarrassment rise in his cheeks when he picked up the first dress and apron he did want anyone one witnessing his extreme discomfort as he went about his task. He was on his last uniform when she returned.

“Not bad” she chirped as she inspected his work “you may make a decent houseboy after all now come along let’s eat.”

He bristled once more at the term houseboy but as they’d already had that conversation he decided there was no merit in contradicting her again and apart from the episode with the uniforms she seemed pleasant enough. He followed her into the kitchen where he was met by the most delicious smell, sitting on the table was the source –a heavy earthenware dish with a golden crust, he hadn’t had a home cooked meal since he left England and he felt his mouth water at the prospect. She motioned him to sit and cut into the pie and handed him the plate. The magnificent aroma made him aware that he had not eaten that day and he wolfed the first few mouthfuls before he remembered his manners and gathered himself to thank her. His obvious gratitude pleased her and he thought perhaps he had been too hasty in judging her after all she was probably in a worse position than him. They had a pleasant conversation and seemed they had shared interests in music, books and art amongst other things maybe having to spend a few weeks here may not be all that bad, he’d stayed in worse places as his money ran low. The sound of the doorbell interrupted their chat and while Greta left the table to answer it he sat back with a second glass of a very fine Burgundy and considered his situation.

Frau Kirchen seemed to have some very strange ideas concerning her employees but from what he’d gleaned from Greta while she may be extremely demanding of those in her employ (he was loathe to even contemplate the word servant) it seemed she was extremely honest in honouring to the letter her side of the contract and expected the same from her hirelings. He reasoned that although the employment arrangements may be somewhat unorthodox the salary was extraordinary and he couldn’t deny the accommodation was very comfortable even if it was the under-housemaid’s room. During the meal Greta had also informed him of his duties and given him a list of chores in the garden which he was to tackle the following morning she’d also mentioned he would also be expected to help around the house. Perhaps it was the wine or maybe he was just coming to terms with  his new surroundings but he was beginning to feel more relaxed about his situation when Greta returned carrying a rucksack.

“Your belongings have arrived” she snorted handing it to him “you certainly weren’t exaggerating when you said you hadn’t much by way of luggage. It makes no difference you can use the clothes you’re wearing for outside and if needs be I’m sure we can find something for you for inside work.”

Usually this would have caused an outburst from him but he thought it would be churlish to remonstrate with her after she had provided such a magnificent meal and the wine seemed to have contributed to his mellow mood so he took this news in his stride.

“Yeah we’ll work something out” he said causally.

“Now let’s get these cleared away it’s almost 9pm and time for Madam’s nightly inspection before you retire for the night.” Greta informed him.

He thought this a bit much as it was not yet 9pm and felt another glass or two of wine with Greta might lead to something.

“You’ve got to be joking? I rarely go to bed before mid-night and I doubt that I’ve been to bed at this time since I was a child.” he lied knowing full well his aunts insisted on a similar bedtime when he stayed at home.

“I wish I was but Madam has strict rules about bedtime for new servants. Her belief is that if servants are to perform to the highest standards then they must have adequate sleep which I suppose is hard to argue with. I know of several establishments where the mistresses treat their servants almost as slaves so it could be an awful lot worse and as I’ve pointed out we don’t really have much of a choice. The contract and all that.”

Robert knew she was right of course as there had been several articles in the papers recently about house servants being treated abysmally by their employers however he couldn’t allow this to pass unchallenged.

“That’s’ ridiculous” he sniffed “I never heard anything so.. so…..”

“So what?” a voice from behind him interrupted him mid-sentence.

TBC

New story

Apologies for the delay.The piece I'm writing is nearly finished so hopefully I'll be in a position to post it by the end of the week but I am  trying for sooner. When I started it I thought I'd write it as a complete story but it's not turned out like that so there will be at least one more part but not sure when that will be hopefully I'll have some spare time coming up in the next month.


Carrie

New Story - Maybe?

I haven’t contributed to this blog for some time partly because I was otherwise engaged in writing the Jack and Rose and Amongst Women pieces for Bea’s blog and partly because I’ve been feeling down since Dec and probably suffering from mild depression due to various things going on or more to the point not going on in my life but I won’t bore any reader chancing upon this blog with the details. I’ve never suffered from this before and it ain’t nice but at least I’ve recognised it and hopefully will shake it off. Being in the depth of a cold damp Irish winter didn't help but it’s  March so hopefully  things will pick up along with the weather.

I’ve also finished contributing to Petticoat Discipline Monthly mainly due to above but the absence of feedback may also have been a contributing factor.

OK Enough of that shit.

Anyway the reason I’m posting this is to let any stray reader who may have washed up  here via Bea’s blog or PDQ and  were interested in my scribblings like Rose and Jack and Amongst Women might be interested to know I’ve started a new story/serial. I’ve written about 6000 words which is about 1 episode of R&J but am reluctant to post it immediately as the more I’m thinking about as a long term project I may need to revise the beginning so as not to screw up future chapters.

The J&R/AW stories took up a lot of energy and time and the reason I’m not keen on posting this one on Bea’s blog is the pressure to post each chapter within a certain time frame. I notice some reader(s) of LG’s continuation of AW on Bea's blog are making similar noises.

The lack of readership here means I don’t have that kind of pressure although I wouldn’t mind some feedback just to see if readers like it.

So hopefully I’ll be in a position to post something in the next week or so.

Carrie

Ideas for Amongst Women Chapter 5 and other thoughts

I have to assume that if anyone is reading this they’ve come by way of Bea’s blog. I contribute more to Petticoat Discipline Monthly and Bea’s than my own, don’t really know why -might have to change that. Now that I’ve published Chapter 5 of Amongst Women on Bea’s blog the search for ideas for the final Chapter begins. I also have to assume if you’re reading this then you’ve read Chapter 4 and are familiar with the misfortunate Jack and his tormentors or should that be tormentresses  – probably spelt it wrong – anyhoo the poor boy is about to find out who the voice ringing the bell is.

At this point it’s all wide open. All his tormentors are in the frame and I still haven’t decided but there is one frontrunner and I’ll have to choose soon if I’m ever to start. Obviously most chapters start with a blank sheet but what’s a bit scary is and I don’t know if this is true for other people  - but it is for me – my mind is a blank as well. Right now I have no idea where this story is going or more importantly where it will end.

What is great though and I mean this most sincerely I’m truly grateful to everyone who has commented on the story( and also the previous Rose and Jack strand) particularly Lucky Girl and Dave Bishop who have given me wonderful encouragement. Dave in particular is rigorous in his comments which I really like. I’m just sorry the Anon. commenters don’t sign their name so I could thank them personally. It does mean a lot to me.

I had to check something for the last chapter in one of my previous post’s on Bea’s blog- Maids and Mistresses – and came across the only comment which was  left by Lucky Girl. It was fascinating and has more than a ring of truth about it and if LG is reading this thanks for the comment I really enjoyed reading about your experiences the only pity is that you didn’t share them wide the wider readership.

Again probably talking to myself here but I think it would be great if Bea’s readers commented on any aspect of CD/TV issues whether it is difficulties coming to terms with it or your celebration of our little foibles- whatever. When it started Bea held forth on a wide range of issues and the stories were an add on – well for me at least, although most probably thought they were the main attraction. His experiences of growing up and coping with  guilt, shame etc were an eye opener and I was absorbed by them. Anyway what I’m long windingly saying is I wish people would open up a bit and use the blog for exchanging experiences as well as stories, I reckon it would be more interesting than just reading stories.

Right time to get off the soapbox and start coming up with ideas for the final chapter. If anyone has ideas or suggestions let me know. Don’t be shy you can either comment here on what you feel about it or e mail me.

Take care

 

Carrie

Among Women - Jack's continuing struggle Part I

Better late than never, had some problems with the plot.Ok as mentioned here's my follow up to Rose and Jack with apologies to the late great Irish novelist John Mc Gahern for borrowing( and losing 2 letters in the process) the title from his book Amongst Women.
I know there are very few reading this but I would love to hear your comments no matter how critical I really would appreciate it, I will not be offended and it will help me.


Among Women- Jack's continuing struggle Part I
by CarrieP

The academic year was progressing well at the Stuyvesant Academy for Young Ladies (and one terrified boy) and on the surface it was very much the same as most schools catering for the offspring of the very wealthy. A well-structured academic syllabus with an extensive and varied programme of extra- curricular activities meant the students had a multitude of choices open to them and officially they were greatly encouraged by the staff to participate to ensure a well-rounded education but in reality it was to guarantee that they were kept out of trouble.

It had been a tumultuous introduction to life at the Stuyvesant Academy for Jack.  He had been forcibly feminised for a weekend by Rose-one of the school’s maids - after she found him in an embarrassingly compromising position and as a result was now firmly under her thumb.If that wasn’t bad enough his mother had arrived home early to find him wearing one of her satin nightgowns that Rose had forced him to wear to bed. As his mother knew nothing of what had happened while she was away with Miss Strang the school Principal, she was under the false impression that he had discovered he had a feminine side and deeply wanted to get in touch with it. Rose obviously did nothing to enlighten Mrs Swanson to the true reason behind Jack’s feminine attire and had actually planted the seed in her head regarding this new tender persona but suggesting it might be best if it remained their little secret to avoid needless embarrassment to Jack. As if to further emphasise his predicament and add to his embarrassment Jack was also manoeuvred into referring to his mother as Mummy in true girlish fashion. His mother was delighted to discover  that her son had a softer side it almost made up for not having a daughter, Jack however was disgusted that he had to maintain this feminine charade  but knew Rose was capable of exposing him to his mother and maybe even the Principal. Every evening to please his mother he had to don a satin or silk nightgown and peignoir and present himself to her before retiring for the night. He knew she had a propensity since he was a child to check on him regularly and if he removed the nightgown he knew she would confide in Rose so he was forced to spend the night within the confines of the soft ultra- feminine nightgown.

 In the days since his mother’s return Rose seemed to be a constant feature around the house and it was obvious that his mother was quite taken with her and developed a relationship more akin to friendship rather than maid and mistress. Jack was alarmed by this new female pairing and despite his best efforts was being drawn into its orbit. He was constantly being asked his opinion on all things feminine, his mother’s new dress or shoes, Rose’s new hairstyle or earrings. His football and music magazines disappeared overnight and were replaced by girl’s and woman’s fashion publications. His chores were now almost exclusively consisted of helping Rose. When his mother was absent for a few hours she wasted no time in having him capped and aproned but he was grateful that she had no time to dress him in full uniform. To his barely disguised annoyance she constantly tormented him about their time together and just as he would consider rebuking her she coyly raised the issue of a certain signed confession to a lewd act and he reverted to his submissive role.

It was a relief to him when his mother suggested that they take a trip into town to purchase some kitchen utensils. A morning following his mother around a shopping mall was a far better prospect than another Saturday with Rose. It had long fascinated him that his mother like most women could not just go to a store get what was required and leave, she had to spend what seemed like an eternity mulling over her choices before buying a simple item. It was while this usual performance was being acted out  he heard a vaguely familiar voice from behind him.

“Gail I haven’t had a chance to thank you properly since I got back” the voice of Principal Strang boomed out to his mother.

“Principal Strang I didn’t want to disturb you during your convalescence” his mother replied.

“Janet, Gail please call me Janet, you were so kind in my hour of need” and turning to Jack said

“I do hope you realise what a kind and warm hearted person your mother is young girl”

Jack shifted uncomfortably and wanted to correct her immediately but thought her use of the word “girl” a slip of the tongue. The truth be known her physical stature and her position as Principal were also quite intimidating factors. He was somewhat annoyed that his mother had ignored this slight however he was forced to mumble

“Yes Ma’am”  

The women practically ignored him as they chatted away and he was relegated to the role of bystander.

“I was just on my way to purchase some lingerie my sister usually accompanies me but she is indisposed and I wonder could I impose on you, I would dearly love your opinion.” Miss Strang asked his mother.

“I would be delighted” Mrs Swanson replied.

Jack was thrilled, at last he could get away and cruise the mall and check out the new games store, not to mention girls, maybe get a pizza later as they were bound to take ages. His planning was rudely interrupted as his mother addressed him

“Come along dear, the lingerie store is this way”

“I thought I might visit the new sports store I need new sneakers”

Jack visibly paled as the two women looked impatiently at him. Miss Strang shot him one of her fierce looks and said in a stern voice

“Young lady, I do hope you’re not going to disobey your mother”

“I ..  I mean…. It’s just ….” He stammered as he reeled from her withering look and authoritarian voice which he had witnessed reducing girls to tears on several occasions. He was far too afraid to mention this was the second time she had referred to him as a female.

“Now come along we haven’t all day” she continued as she positioned herself by his side and with his mother at the other they moved off with him firmly secured between the two women.

His heart was racing all the way to his dreaded destination, his eyes darted about to see if any of the girls from school were in the vicinity. None were visible much to his relief, a small but welcome mercy. He had seen lingerie departments in stores before, from a close but discreet distance and had stolen furtive glances at women examining various items of underwear. On one such occasion some women had noticed him and smiled knowingly in his direction which made him blush a bright red and immediately beat a hasty retreat. However this was different he was frogmarched into the heart of an obviously exclusive lingerie store. There was nowhere to scamper off to, no escape, nowhere to hide, here he was in the most feminine environment imaginable and in the company of the formidable Miss Strang and his mother. He heard the door close behind him, there would be no escape this time - he was trapped. The store was populated by women of various ages and sizes all browsing racks of every imaginable type of intimate feminine garment and as they moved through the store his nostrils were assailed by the scent of dozens of different perfumes.  He felt, but more importantly looked like a fish out of water, the only male in a woman’s world. They followed Miss Strang as she made her first foray through various racks of satin garments stopping at one she turned to them and said

“I think these slips are divine, what do you think girls?”

“Yes they are beautiful Janet but I think you’re mistaking my son for one of the girls” Mrs Swanson said smiling.

Jack was relieved that finally it was pointed out to Miss Strang that he was a boy. His recent traumatic experiences with Rose were bad enough and now his mother thinking he had a feminine side and practically forcing him to wear a nightgown, Miss Strang referring to him as a girl was really the last straw. Maybe now he might be allowed to go.

Miss Strang somewhat bemused looked at Jack as if it was for the first time.

“Oh don’t mind me I’m just so used to seeing girls all the time I keep forgetting we have one boy but I’m sure you don’t mind Jackie. Do you?” she said in a soft but firm voice using the hated feminine version of his name and fixing him with a look that seemed to dare him to contradict her.

“Um  no I suppose not” he demurred

“How kind of you so I’m sure you won’t mind if I occasionally forget and use a female rather than a male pronoun after all Jackie can be used as a girl’s name as well as a boy’s and  with your long hair, well.. I’m sure you understand.”

His mother gave him a look from behind Miss Strang which left him in no doubt as to the answer he should give.

“No Miss Strang I understand” he lied.

“It’s not a problem Janet, Jackie doesn’t mind he’s not one of those macho types I’m glad to say. In fact joining the school has made him more sensitive to the feminine perspective” his mother volunteered causing Jack’s stomach to tighten.

“Getting in touch with his feminine side eh? What a dear sensitive boy I wish some of our girls had such gentile sensibilities.” Miss Strang cooed.

“Isn’t that right, Jackie?” Mrs Swanson said proudly.

“Yes Mum” Jack again lied as every fibre of his body squirmed with embarrassment and to add insult to injury now even she was  calling him Jackie.

“Jackie I thought we agreed how you would address me” she admonished.

Was there no end to her attempts to embarrass me he thought but as both women waited impatiently for his answer he swallowed hard and he duly gave the required response.

“Yes Mummy”

“How adorable” Miss Strang gushed as her two arms enveloped Jack and drew him into her body. The discrepancy in their height meant his face pressed directly into her large pillow like breasts. He could smell her very femininity and to his horror had the stirrings of an erection, he was soon released and she turned her attention to his mother saying

“Oh Gail I hope you don’t mind it’s just it’s so unusual to discover such a delightful and agreeable young man, I was quite overcome.”  

“Of course not, I’m sure he doesn’t mind, isn’t that right Jackie” she said.

“No Mummy” he replied knowing any other answer would not be acceptable.

Recovering from her sudden attack of emotion Miss Strang and his mother turned her attention back to the slips hanging from the rack, his mother picked one showed it to Miss Strang and said

“I think this one is gorgeous Janet.”

“Yes Gail, I love pale pink, it’s such a feminine colour, Jackie would you be a darling and hold it up to your body so we can get an idea of how it looks on.” Miss Strang said and without waiting for an answer handed him the slip.

He had no choice but to do as she asked and awkwardly held the silky soft slip at arms length up to his chest.

“No, not like that I can see you’re not used to this dear” Miss Strang said and directed him to hold the slip to his shoulders by the straps.

“Much better” his mother said approvingly and continued “yes I love that colour and the mocha lace is so pretty. I think we’ll  have a look at some others.”

Jack knew there was no point in protesting at this point and complied meekly as the women gave him slip after slip in various colours and materials to hold to his body for their inspection. To his further discomfiture he noticed a number of women taking notice of his ordeal and his unease increased as they approached, he was shortly surrounded by women taking more of an interest in him than the lingerie.

“What a pretty slip” one of them said as they engaged in a conversation about its style and material.

“Would your daughter mind if she held up this one? ” another said “ I’m hoping to convince my own daughter  to wear one  but she’s such a tomboy, always in jeans”

Jack could see what was coming and wished the floor would swallow him.

“Oh this is not my daughter, it’s my son, I will really have to do something about his hair I suppose  it’s  easy to mistake him for a girl, he’s just helping us out as we try to decide which ones to buy” his mother said as Jack blushed furiously.

“I wish my daughter would accompany me lingerie shopping, she says too busy playing sports for all that girly stuff, you’re so lucky” she said and all her friends nodded their agreement as they smiled approvingly at Jack. He knew this ringing endorsement would only entrench his mother’s and now apparently  Miss Strang’s views also.

“Forgive me but I’m sure I know you” Miss Strang said to the woman “does your daughter attend the Stuyvesant Academy”

“I thought I recognised you also” she said “I’m Emily Quinn , Pamela’s mother, I’m visiting my sister who lives close by for a  few weeks and thought I would drop by and bring Pamela shopping but she flatly refused to accompany me much prefers browsing through sports stores than lingerie shops, as I said a bit of a tomboy. I’d love to stay but I have an appointment and must rush.”

A shiver went down Jack’s spine at the mention of Pamela’s name but was relieved that Pamela wasn’t with her to witness this spectacle. That would have been unbearable.

 Then came the coup de grace as she turned to his mother and said

“Please don’t take this the wrong way and I do mean this as a compliment he really would make such a darling girl. I’m so envious I don’t get to do girly stuff with my daughter.”

Her entourage concurred with another collective bout of head nodding and warm smiles. Jack almost suffocated in the oestrogen laden atmosphere. He hadn’t been so humiliated since his subjugation at Rose’s hands. Far from being insulted his mother beamed as did Miss Strang at this notion and Jack was grateful as the clutch of women moved away before they could add more fuel to this particular fire.

“Oh dear I’ve just remembered I have an appointment at the nail salon would you mind looking after Jackie until I return, it shouldn’t be long” his mother said to Miss Strang.

“Of course the dear girl is no bother” she said

Before Jack could say anything she thanked Miss Strang and was gone and he was left alone with this formidable woman.

“Come along Jackie , I need some other items” she said as she headed for another part of the store and added “ and bring the pink, ivory and powder blue slips with you”

Hanging his head in shame and trying to make himself look as inconspicuous as possible he followed her carrying the satin and silk slips, any hope that they were headed for a quiet corner were soon dispelled as Miss Strang sought out the manager.

“Ms Strang how nice to see you again” the store manager said eyeing Jack who stood slightly behind her  as she noticed him holding the feminine garments “we have that new range you were inquiring about. Please follow me.”

“Thank you Michelle” Miss Strang replied with an easy familiarity.

Jack dutifully followed the two women to an area with mannequin displays of various styles of foundation wear.

“Would the young lady like to try on the slips in the dressing rooms?” the manager said

“Oh no the slips are for me this is my friend’s son, he’s being such a darling helping me out while his mother attends an appointment.” Miss Strang said

“Oh please forgive me, I’m such an idiot” she said to Jack “I forgot to put in my contacts this morning we don’t get too many males in here. It must be your longish hair”

“That’s ok” Jack mumbled knowing there was nothing else to say.

Jack stood there feeling like a fool as the manager showed Miss Strang various types of girdles and bras whilst discussing the merits of each item. Eventually after what seemed an age they seemed to settle on several items.

“I know you like assistance but all my assistants are tied up at the moment if you would like to wait for fifteen minutes or so.” the manager said.

“No that’s quite all right” Miss Strang said and laughed “I brought my own, now come along my dear, leave those slips on the chair and bring those bras and girdles” she ordered pointing to the various items of satin and lace on the counter.

He gingerly picked up the items of underwear and followed her into the spacious dressing room.

“Maybe I should wait outside” he said

“Not at all, I’m sure you’ve seen your mother in her underwear before and it’s not like you’re one of those horrible macho boys” she said as she unbuttoned her blouse revealing her ample bosom encased in a formidable bra under a black satin slip. Turning her back to him she said

“Unbutton and unzip my skirt, there’s a good girl.”

As she stepped out of the skirt she took off her blouse and handed it to him. He bristled at being referred to as “a good girl” but nevertheless said nothing and laid the skirt and blouse on the chair as she slipped off the straps of the slip and let it fall to the ground and stepped out of it. He instinctively bent down and picked it up place it with the skirt and blouse. Noticing he did this without instruction she said

“Your mother certainly has you well trained now hand me that new bra before you unhook me then turn your back until I call you again.”

After she remove her bra and slipped her arms into the new one she again called for him.

“You may hook me up now” she commanded and he obeyed silently delicately fastening the seven tiny hooks into their matching eye tabs.

“Excellent” she said “you would make a wonderful lady’s maid, but I think I may have the wrong size. Run along to Michelle and ask her for a white long line bra size 38D, oh ask her for a flesh coloured  open bottom corselettte with satin panels also.”

He baulked at the mention of lady’s maid as it brought back the humiliation he suffered in that very role at Rose’s hands. There seemed to be no end to her demands but he reckoned the sooner he got this over with the better and he made his way to the counter to get the requested items.

The few customers at the counter gave him quizzical looks and he felt even more uncomfortable than previously if that was possible as he waited for Michelle.

“And what can I do you young man” she said loudly enough for the customers to stop what they were doing and take notice.

Jack whispered the instructions he had been given by Miss Strang but Michelle apparently had difficulty in hearing them and said

“I’m sorry dear boy I can barely hear you, is that a 38B or 38D long line bra you want?”

Jack went bright red instantly and barely managed to stammer

“38D”

The women at the counter began to giggle and one of them said

“I thought he was more a 36A”

Michelle noticed Jack’s discomfort, smiled at him and gently admonished the customers

“Ladies, this young man is being very gallant in assisting one of my customers, now what else can I get for you”

“A flesh coloured corsellette with satin panels” he mumbled

“A flesh coloured corsellette with satin panels” she repeated “is that a panty corsellette or open bottomed?”

“Open bottomed” he blurted wondering how long would this torture continue.

“Same bra size?” the never ending questions continued as the women customers could now barely supress their laughter.  

 Jack was on the verge of tears when Michelle intervened.

“Ladies….. Please. Leave the poor boy alone”

The women gather around Jack and hugged him.

“We’re sorry, we didn’t mean to hurt you, please forgive us”

He recovered his composure enough to nod his acceptance and as he took the garments from Michelle and   was about to walk away he heard a voice behind him saying

“I’d love to see him in a tight corsellette with or without satin panels.”

He recognised the voice immediately. Pamela

“When Mother told me there was a nice young man in the lingerie store helping his mummy and Miss Strang I knew it could only be you.”

“I’ve got to get back to Miss Strang” he said cursing his bad luck and walking away from her but she fell in beside him.

“I see you’re acting as Strang’s lady’s maid, I wonder what she’d say if she knew you had previous experience” Pamela said, smiling.

Reaching the dressing room he knocked on the door and waited for Miss Strang to bid him enter.

“About time too” Miss Strang said impatiently “now unclasp me and hand me the new bra.”

He went through the same ritual time and again until she had settled on what she wanted and after going through the indignation of helping her dress again they emerged from the dressing room to be greeted by his mother, Pamela and her mother.

“I ran into Pamela and her mother and Pamela said she’d love to meet Jackie when she found out he was here, they’re such good friends. I do hope Jackie was of assistance” his mother asked Miss Strang

“He was wonderful, quiet, dutiful and biddable, unobtrusive but always at hand” she said

“You’re just described my former lady’s maid” Pamela’s mother said “ she left last month and I’m lost without her, so hard to find  one these days  with the qualities you’ve described.”

Pamela grinned at Jack and he squirmed at Miss Strang’s description.

“Now run along with these to Michelle like a good girl and tell her I’ll need four bras and five corsellettes as well as half a dozen slips in the various colours.” Miss Strang said as she handed him the various items.

He stood rooted to the spot and briefly thought of throwing them back at her but one look from his mother dissuaded him of that particular notion, he meekly took the items from her and made his way to Michelle for what promised to be another embarrassing encounter.

It took him several minutes to return with her purchases and the women were in deep conversation when he arrived back.

“Of course it will take several weeks and a lot of hard work” his mother was saying as he re-joined the group “but I do think Pamela would be ideal.”

He was relieved that at least they weren’t still talking about him and lady’s maids in the one breath but wondered what the hell were they discussing?

“Well thank you so much Mrs Swanson but I would only do it if Jackie took part also” Pamela said with her fake sweet smile.

Jack was totally lost, just what are these people talking about now? he said to himself.

“Pamela has written a one act play as part of her drama course, she’s auditioned her classmates for the other role and none are suitable but she feels you would be perfect for it. You’ve done plays before, what do you say?” his mother said beaming at him as if he’d been asked to play opposite Meryl Streep.

“I… I’m not sure, I…  I have a lot on” he struggled for words but his mother was having none of it.

“Nonsense you have a lot of free time and you have no tests coming up, you don’t want to disappoint your friend now do you?”

“Oh please Jackie” Mrs Quinn said “it would mean so much to Pamela and I”

All four women looked at him expectantly. He had no excuses left and now no options either.

“Ok I suppose so” he said reluctantly.

“Oh thank you so much Jackie” Mrs Quinn said, a sentiment echoed by the other two women. Pamela just smiled and Jack had a sudden familiar queasy feeling.

“What's the name of the play” he asked, now with some trepidation.

“Oh didn’t I mention that Jackie?” Pamela said still smiling.

He shook his head.

“The Mistress and Maid”

Jack groaned audibly and tried to argue but the women were already all talking together at fever pitch and no one heard his protest. When they finally stopped they again thanked him profusely and Pamela kissed him. A Judas kiss if ever there was one.

“See you at rehearsals” she said and walked away grinning.