A Very Victorian Education Chapter 17 with Illustration

Below is Chapter 17.

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

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

Hope you enjoy this latest chapter.

Take care

Carrie

A Very Victorian Education

By

CarrieP

Chapter 17

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Yes boyish indeed.” she said finally.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Not exactly.” Madame Monique answered.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“You mean…” Lady Charlotte interrupted.

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

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

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

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

Madame Monique laughed loudly.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“But the bosom?” Lady Charlotte enquired.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

She gazed at Aubrey before adding

“Don’t you agree Aubrey?”

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

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

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

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

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

She smiled at Roberta before continuing,

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

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

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

Roberta frowned.

“Or two.” Lady Charlotte added.

Aubrey paled visibly.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

She allowed herself a smile at the thought.

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

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

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

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

“Excellent!” Lady Charlotte chirped.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Life with Mummy - 5 Pics

I’ve got a large part of the next chapter of AVVE written but it still requires a lot of work and although progressing albeit at a glacial pace.

I’ve found more of the Life with Mummy pieces I did some years back and while probably not as popular as AVVE some readers may find them entertaining.  The original pieces, like the last ones I posted, had the text inside but this time I arranged the text outside which hopefully will not distract the reader. I can’t remember if I originally posted these on other sites but most of these are new so hopefully you will enjoy them.

Take care

Carrie

PS AVVE will probably take another 2-3 weeks so thanks for your patience.

A Very Victorian Education Chapter 16 with 1 Illustration

Below is Chapter 16.

 At the end of Chapter 15 Aubrey had finally left Mrs Cockshott’s home accompanied by Lady Charlotte, I thought I had a clear idea of how his story would unfold but Lady Charlotte had a different view and as always she dictates what direction his life will take. And like Aubrey- I am in no position to oppose such a formidable presence.

I am not happy with this chapter’s ending but to finish it the way I had envisaged readers would have to wait another few weeks and that would be far too long between chapters and would no doubt try your patience.

Unfortunately I could only manage to do one illustration- as usual time is an issue but in lieu I re-fashioned an old captioned piece for the header to the blog.

Many thanks as usual to those who commented and who ticked the ‘more box’ your support is very much appreciated.

The illustration is at the end of the chapter for reasons that will become obvious.

Anyway here we go again. I hope you enjoy it.

Take care.

Carrie

A Very Victorian Education
By

CarrieP

Chapter 16

 The fashionably dressed people passing the Belgravia home of the  Mrs Leonora Cockshott’s acknowledged the presence of the elegant middle aged matron and her younger companion on the steps of the imposing residence. Their salutations were returned by the older woman in the time honoured way with a discreet nod of the head, a number of the ladies could not help noticing the pallor on the face of the younger person. However such a complexion in a young lady was not unusual and could be attributed to any number of things. A corset laced too tightly by an over eager maid, ‘women’s problems’  perhaps, or it may even have been as a result of  a physical chastisement by a governess . These were the usual reasons but none of passers-by could have guessed the real cause of this young lady’s pale countenance.

Indeed the exquisitely dressed Lady Charlotte de Winter who held her companion’s hand firmly in hers was only one of a handful of women who knew the reason why the delicate figure in the stylish dress looked as pale as she did – for ‘she’ was in fact a young man, Aubrey St Clair the son of her good friend the Honourable Mrs Maude St. Clair. Despite wearing feminine clothing for several months the young man had only once before appeared in public when he was escorted by one of Lady Charlotte’s maids to Mrs Cockshott’s home earlier that day. As if this was not enough of a traumatic experience what awaited him in Mrs Cockshott’s home was even more distressing, for he was pressed into service as maid to Roberta, Mrs Cockshott’s daughter who, unaware of his true sex, was physically attracted to him. He knew it would only have been a matter of time before she would have discovered his secret and although flattered by her attentions he was nonetheless greatly relieved to leave her presence. However the prospect of once more being paraded in public terrified him.  

“Try not to look so bewildered Aubrey.” Lady Charlotte addressed the young man as she pulled on her kid gloves and smiled at yet another brace of ladies who passed the steps where they stood. “Such an expression is so unbecoming in a young lady, you will only succeed in drawing attention to yourself. Now come along it’s a splendid evening for a walk.”

“Can we not hail a hansom cab?” Aubrey mumbled, gently trying to break free from her grip and at the same time attempting to avoid the smiles of the ladies passing “People will know I’m not a girl.”

“Nonsense!” Lady Charlotte snorted derisively, dismissing his suggestion outright   “You look charming and as we have seen you walk with the gracefulness of a young lady of breeding. Now straighten your back and come along like a good girl”

Lady Charlotte’s grip on him tightened and lifting her skirts with one hand she looked directly into his eyes. Her gaze told Aubrey a cab was out of the question and unless he wanted a tongue lashing he had little option but to obey her.  Lady Charlotte remark proved to be correct. Of course he hated wearing such cumbersome and restrictive feminine clothing it had become second nature and without giving it a second thought he expertly raised his own skirts and in unison they descended the stone steps. Standing on the pavement Aubrey felt like he was five years old again in the grip of his overbearing but extremely protective Nanny. It was the stuff of nightmares but one he was living for the past several months.

As two young ladies approached Aubrey felt a familiar panic rise within him and he gripped Lady Charlotte’s hand tightly. She turned to him and smiled, it was a smile of satisfaction that told him he was now firmly back under her authority and she could expose him too ridicule at any time she choose. He instantly realised just how totally dependent on her he was, not unlike his five year old self kept strictly under his Nanny’s control. As they got closer Aubrey’s heart began to quicken and he turned to the older woman.

“Oh… Lady Charlotte I know these girls.” he croaked, the panic rising inside “they will recognise me instantly.”

 The two young women smiled at Lady Charlotte and despite his best efforts to avoid their gaze they managed to catch his eye.

“Pardon us, Lady Charlotte” The girl in the green dress addressed Lady Charlotte “we were just admiring this young lady’s delightful gown.”

Aubrey grip on Lady Charlotte tightened once more and he moved even closer to her. Sensing his fear she stood slightly in front of him her wide skirts shielding him from any perceived threat. She squeezed his hand to reassure him of her protection, her face took on a look of regal hauteur as she raised her lorgnette to examine the young women more closely.

“You are Delphine Bonnington’s girl?” Lady Charlotte declared in her most imperious voice as she cast her eyes over the young woman with a gaze of such authority that would have brought a smile to the face of a sergeant major in the Household Cavalry.

“Yes your ladyship. Amelia Bonnington.” she mumbled and clearly unnerved by the matron in front of her she gave a respectful curtsy “And this is my good friend Edwina Carrington.”

The other girl repeated the gesture.

“Ah Evelyn Carrington’s youngest daughter, I know both your mothers extremely well, we dine together quite often during the season.” Lady Charlotte said as she inspected Miss Edwina Carrington from head to toe with the same rigour.

Aubrey could see that the confidence both young women displayed just moments ago had ebbed away, they now looked like schoolgirls in front of their strict headmistress and observing their demeanour he felt his anxiety retreat a little.

“Don’t slouch ladies.” Lady Charlotte rebuked them sharply as she tapped Amelia on the shoulder wither her walking cane.

Suitably admonished both young women answered in unison.

“Yes your ladyship, sorry your ladyship.”

“Much better.” Lady Charlotte acknowledged their deference with a nod, Aubrey could see both girls were clearly intimidated by his protector and his fear subsided a little more knowing  Lady Charlotte would ensure he was not exposed. However he also knew he would have to play his part and fully inhabit the feminine role she had created for him.

 “Young girls these days seem to have such poor posture. Both of you really should be more tightly corseted.” Lady Charlotte snapped as both young women’s eyes sheepishly fell to the ground “I suspect you probably cajoled or bribed your maids into loosening your laces. I should really speak to your mothers about it. As any good girl knows a long tight corset not only promotes good posture and discipline as well as moral rectitude. Isn’t that so my dear?”

She squeezed his hand.

“Oh yes Lady Charlotte.”Aubrey answered as enthusiastically as he could.

“And gives one such a wonderful feminine shape.” Lady Charlotte continued.

Aubrey instinctively knew what was required of him.

“Yes Lady Charlotte.” Aubrey replied with an eagerness that surprised even him and could not believe the words that then came out of his mouth “It does wonders for my figure.”

Aubrey could see that Lady Charlotte approved of such enthusiastic conviction and then launched into a lecture on the subject which Aubrey could see clearly alarmed both young women. She then returned to Amelia’s original question as she fingered the material of Aubrey dress,

“Yes his dress is most becoming, I quite like the material.”

His heart skipped as he heard the male possessive pronoun but both young women were so overawed and browbeaten by Lady Charlotte’s commanding personality he wasn’t sure they even heard the word or indeed anything that came after it.

“Is… is…“ Amelia stammered timidly still reeling from Lady Charlotte’s forceful remarks “… this your daughter?”  

“Certainly not.” Lady Charlotte snorted and turned to Aubrey, her eyes transmitting a message of calm “this is my ward Aubrey, she is staying with me until her mother returns from abroad.”

Lady Charlotte gently tugged on Aubrey hand and added in a light hearted manner,

“Although I am like a mother to her, isn’t that so Aubrey?”

“Yes, Lady Charlotte.” he said in a low voice.

“Aubrey my dear, you are forgetting your manners.” Lady Charlotte said gesturing towards the young women.

“Pleased to meet you.” Aubrey said offering his free right hand to Edwina and then to Amelia.

“Aubrey? Aubrey?” Edwina repeated quizzically and regarded him a little too intently for Aubrey’s liking “Have we met before, your face is familiar.”

He remained silent, afraid to open his mouth.

 “Perhaps Lady’s Day at Royal Ascot last year?” she persisted.

“Umm…I…” he stammered his unease returning and squeezed Lady Charlotte’s intensely.

Lady Charlotte glanced at him and noting his unease merely smiled but did not interject.

“I think it may have been at the charity event organised by the Duchess of Devonshire for the Sapphic Society.” Amelia suggested helpfully and stepped a little closer to him “I recall a young girl wearing a beautiful Worth creation in the most delicate shade of pink taffeta. She had such unusual features, very striking. The similarity is extraordinary.”

“Oh yes I remember now.” Edwina almost squealed with excitement “she had such an unusual countenance, very attractive but not in the traditional feminine sense, almost mas…”

“Yes, that’s the girl I was referring to.” Amelia agreed excitedly interrupting her friend.

“I very much doubt it.” Lady Charlotte intervened pouring cold water on their recollections “Aubrey is such a delicate creature and very shy, she rarely ventures out unaccompanied by either myself or her Governess. Although now that I think of it I’m sure the Duchess would like to meet her, I must make a note of that.”

“I think the name is confusing you Edwina.” Amelia addressed her companion but her eyes remained on Aubrey “We don’t know any girls with that name, the only Aubrey we know is that ghastly boy Aubrey St Clair.”

Edwina looked at Aubrey with a curious expression, he felt his knees weaken.

“Mmm…perhaps.” Edwina replied sounding unconvinced and after a moment that Aubrey thought lasted an hour she added “I suppose it would be foolish to confuse that dreadful boy with such an elegant and sweet girl.”

“Oh I don’t know Edwina.” Amelia said “Some boys can look quite feminine in a dress. Do you remember that play Lady Martinet put on a few years ago; we were no more than fourteen or fifteen. That dreadful boy had a small part, I can still recall how extremely conceited and utterly contemptuous he was of us girls. He was infuriating.”

 “Oh I had almost forgotten, Amelia.” Edwina interrupted her friend “One of the girl’s became ill and Lady Martinet insisted as he was the same size he should assume her role.”

“Yes.” Amelia said “she has such a commanding presence he was petrified and quite unable to refuse. I still remember the look on his face as she marched him off to be put into a dress.”

Aubrey felt his legs wobble slightly at the mention of that horrible day, this was the second time in a few hours that he was forced to relive the worst experience of his life- until recently that is- that ghastly and extremely humiliating experience at the hands of Lady Martinet had now become an everyday occurrence.  He leaned into Lady Charlotte for support.

“Oh I’m sorry Lady Charlotte.” Edwina said “we are rambling.”

“Not at all my dear.” Lady Charlotte replied, her tone much softer now as her interest piqued, she glanced at Aubrey before adding “We would love to hear more, isn’t that right Aubrey?”

He hesitated not wishing to hear the account of his humiliation in front of these girls however a sharp tug on his hand was enough to ensure he gave the correct response.

“Oh yes.” he croaked weakly.

“Pray continue.” Lady Charlotte said gesturing her to resume her story.

“Yes a beautiful pink satin gown if I recall correctly.”” Amelia enthusiastically resumed her recollections and smiled at the memory “I was so jealous, it really was exquisite with deep pleats, dainty puffed sleeves and a large bow at the back.”

“But it fitted him wonderfully, almost as if it was made for him. And then…the pièce de résistance” Edwina giggled. “Lady Martinet insisted he wear a corset and petticoats to ensure he looked the part.

“And did he?” Lady Charlotte asked, a smile forming at the corner of her mouth.

Aubrey let out a barely audible groan at the memory.

“Oh yes Lady Charlotte. He had no choice Lady Martinet was quite adamant I doubt if the Lord of the Admiralty himself would have had the courage to refuse her.” Amelia chortled “The corset gave him a most feminine figure and after Lady Martinet applied some face powder and lip colouring his appearance took on a decidedly girlish aspect. In fact he looked prettier than some of the girls, much to their annoyance I should add.”

Aubrey felt Lady Charlotte squeeze his hand at the mention of this humiliating recollection. Her joy was apparent.

“How delightful, he sounds simply divine” Lady Charlotte gushed tightening her grip on his hand.

“Oh he was Lady Charlotte.” Edwina said “but he was quite upset about his transformation and cried uncontrollably.”

“Just like a girl!” Lady Charlotte exclaimed with such glee that Aubrey winced.

“Just like one of the junior girls at school.” Amelia laughed “of course we all gathered around him and with straight faces pretended to console him, which was extremely difficult as obviously we were all greatly amused by his predicament. However we somehow managed to give him the impression we were very sympathetic to his plight.”

“Oh Edwina, I really do not know how we managed to contain ourselves.” Amelia giggled “Then we told him how brave he was and how dressing in such an exquisite gown it was such a gallant gesture.”

“And just as he stopped crying.” Edwina said and had to stifle a giggle as she recalled “one of the girls said he looked so pretty he reminded her of the actress Lillie Langtry. Of course he started blubbering again.”

Both girls chuckled at the memory.

Aubrey could feel the blood rush to his cheeks as he listened to this account of this shameful event.

“Oh you naughty girls, you were very cruel to the poor boy.” Lady Charlotte, unable to suppress her mirth gently admonished them.

“But he was very pretty in an unconventional way.” Edwina conceded after she had composed herself and glanced once more at Aubrey with a look that he found alarming “in fact he looked remarkably like your ward here.”

“I do hope you are not suggesting my Aubrey looks in any way masculine.”Lady Charlotte retorted in a defensive tone pushing her shoulders back and her ample bosom out as she glared at the two young women.

“Oh no your ladyship.” Edwina replied apologetically. “I think we may have given you the wrong impression, Aubrey St Clair although male and displaying the arrogance and pomposity of that sex has exquisitely feminine features with little trace of masculinity.”

Aubrey felt a sudden urge to scream at her but he knew the merest hint of annoyance would expose him.

“Yes Lady Charlotte.” Amelia added trying to placate Lady Charlotte’s obvious chagrin “He has almost chameleon like qualities, once in a dress he was quite feminine and very pretty, apart from his gestures and movement of course which were distinctly male.”

Both looked at Aubrey, who despite the consternation in his brain was trying to project his most sweetly feminine facial expression.

“Of course your ward Aubrey is extremely feminine.” Edwina said in a tone that tried to moderate Lady Charlotte’s mood but Aubrey thought he detected the merest hint of scepticism in her voice and a disturbing penetrative look in her eyes.

However he could also see that if they did indeed harbour doubts about him they were not willing to pursue them and for the present were content to view him as a female.

 “We are on our way to a Daughters of Lesbos meeting.” Amelia said with a view to changing the uncomfortable topic of his facial features and beamed at him in a most friendly way “perhaps Aubrey would like to accompany us, we promise you Lady Charlotte we will take very good care of her and I’m sure we will become the best of friends.”

“That will not be necessary.” a voice from behind them said.

 Lady Charlotte turned around to find Roberta looking slightly agitated and ill at ease as she arranged her unfamiliar skirts around her.

 “What a pleasant surprise.” Lady Charlotte said apparently unfazed by Roberta’s unannounced appearance.

“Roberta?” Edwina blurted in amazement as she turned her attention to the newcomer unable to contain her surprise “Roberta Cockshott… in a dress!”

“And corsets!” Amelia blurted in astonishment as she gestured to Roberta’s constricted waist.

Aubrey didn’t know whether to feel relieved or alarmed by Roberta’s sudden arrival but nonetheless welcomed her unexpected entrance onto the scene as it had the effect of deflecting their unwelcome scrutiny from him. It was obvious to him that the three young women knew each other.

Roberta acknowledged them with a cursory nod, ignored their obvious glee at her feminine clothing and moved closer to Aubrey linking her arm with his.

“I am accompanying Lady Charlotte and Aubrey to an event later this evening.” Robert said sniffily by way of an explanation of her feminine clothing.

Aubrey could tell that despite her haughty manner she was very uncomfortable both mentally and physically in her new attire.

“It must be a very special event to get you laced into a corset and wearing petticoats.” Edwina replied with a smirk on her face.

“And such a fashionable dress.” Amelia said moving closer to finger the silk material. “It must be two years since I last saw you in feminine attire. You really do look the picture of elegance, your dear mother must be so pleased.”

“So you are joining us after all Roberta.” Lady Charlotte said “How delightful.”

Roberta made an admirable attempt to smile indicating her agreement but Aubrey could detect her discomfort.

“We really must be on our way. Aubrey is quite tired and needs to rest.” Roberta said curtly “Isn’t that so Lady Charlotte?”

“Yes.” Lady Charlotte smiled “I suppose she is. Perhaps you can come for afternoon tea sometime I would like to hear more of young St Clair’s brief spell as a girl.”

“We would be delighted.” Edwina, clearly thrilled, answered for both.

“Come along Aubrey.” Lady Charlotte said as she began to move away “Good day ladies.”

As both young women curtsied to Lady Charlotte Aubrey was escorted away between his formidable female companions.

“So you are accompanying me to an event later?” Lady Charlotte said repeating her earlier fabrication and glanced at Aubrey before adding sardonically “I wonder what we shall wear Aubrey?”

“I had to say something to get away from those dreadful girls.” Roberta answered as she tramped inelegantly alongside Aubrey struggling with her petticoats and heeled boots.

“Please try to maintain some form of feminine decorum Roberta.” Lady Charlotte said softly as she nodded to two ladies passing by “You are walking with all the poise of a ploughman, try to walk in unison with Aubrey’s graceful step.”

“It’s these ghastly petticoats and skirts.” Roberta replied in an exasperated voice. “I’d forgotten just how awful they are.”

“Nonsense.” Lady Charlotte snapped as she stopped abruptly and looked at Aubrey. “Petticoats, corsets and skirts are the very essence of femininity. You do not mind wearing them, do you Aubrey?”

Aubrey felt no squeeze on his hand this time and instinctively knew Lady Charlotte was testing him. Not only would he have to agree with her but enthusiastically endorse her assertion, anything less would surely incur her displeasure and he knew what that would entail. A vigorous thrashing at the hands of Alice, his Governess.

He was also aware that both Lady Charlotte and Mrs Cockshott wanted Roberta permanently back in appropriate feminine clothing and since he had become aware of this he harboured the hope that Lady Charlotte would concentrate on reforming Roberta and allow him to leave. However he knew the only way this could be achieved was if she could be convinced that her horrible regimen had succeeded in imbuing him with feminine sensibilities. A persuasive and avid affirmation of the desirability, merit and attraction of wearing feminine frills and flounces would surely go a long way to assure Lady Charlotte of his surrender to her will. It was an appalling position for a young man to find himself in but he knew he had little choice. Suddenly a vision of Lady Charlotte presenting him with his male clothes sprang into his head.  It was a wonderful prospect and he could feel the small green shoots of hope rise inside him.  He swallowed what remaining pride he possessed.  

“Oh no, Lady Charlotte.”Aubrey replied eagerly and added in a restrained but undeniably girlish fashion “A corset gives me such a wonderful feminine shape and petticoats really do enhance a girl’s femininity. I would not feel completely dressed without at least three under my gown.”

If Lady Charlotte saw through this new found fondness for his feminine underpinnings she did not show it. She seemed genuinely surprised and extremely pleased with the zeal and apparent honesty of his response and kissed him tenderly on the cheek before turning her attention to Roberta.

“What a delightful young lady my dear Aubrey is turning into.” she said affectionately as she gently patted his cheek. “You really could learn a lot from her Roberta.”

“Oh I look forward to it, dear godmother.” Roberta answered in a sweet voice that Aubrey found disturbing.

Lady Charlotte could see that in the few moments since Roberta had joined them her interest in Aubrey was becoming increasingly intense.

“Yes I’m sure you do.” Lady Charlotte said tersely “Now please moderate your step, you are walking like a man in skirts. Try to imitate Aubrey’s more graceful feminine gait.”

She squeezed his hand once more and he felt himself blushing with shame.  It was obvious that if any of this triumvirate was to be mistaken as a male it would be Roberta with her mannish stride and self-evident discomfort with her new clothes. However he did feel a sense of relief that, unless his suppressed masculine traits suddenly re-emerged, his secret would be safe. As they made their way towards her residence Lady Charlotte took the opportunity to reiterate her condition that Roberta would have to remain in female clothing for the duration of her stay. Roberta briefly thought about negotiating a more advantageous bargain but the determined look on Lady Charlotte’s face immediately dissuaded her of that particular notion.

Now that she had her attention Lady Charlotte began a lecture on how Roberta should conduct herself for the period of her visit, it was a seemingly endless list of petty rules that Aubrey as a reluctant guest of Lady Charlotte knew by heart however he could tell that Roberta was barely listening.  As they walked along Roberta was glancing in Lady Charlotte’s direction as she expounded on her subject but her eyes were fixed on his and her arm occasionally drew him fractionally closer leaving him in no doubt as to her intentions towards him.

As they strolled along the exclusive Belgravia streets passers-by acknowledged the presence of this trio attired in the most elegant of feminine fashions, refined and distinguished gentlemen raised their hats and expensively dressed ladies nodded in their direction. However, Aubrey despite his familiarity with the voluminous and constrictive feminine attire and having successfully passed the inspection of the Misses Bonnington and Carrington albeit with some trepidation still felt extremely nervous and his eyes dropped to the ground as people passed.  Caught between these two formidable women Aubrey felt cowed and submissive but he was nevertheless relieved for the protection they provided. After all, surely no one would suspect a young man to be wearing ladies clothes as he promenaded through this exclusive and respectable neighbourhood in broad daylight.

“Aren’t you so glad I decided to join you?” Roberta whispered to him as Lady Charlotte took a break from her sermon to inspect a dark grey linen walking ensemble in a shop window. “I’m sure, now that I’m suitably gussied up in these ghastly clothes, Lady Charlotte will encourage our relationship.”

He felt decidedly anxious at the prospect of having to spend several days in her company and experienced a twinge of unease as she pulled him closer to emphasise her intent.

“I can’t wait until we alone.” she breathed in a low voice that only served to heighten his anxiety.

“I think something like this would suit you Roberta.”  Lady Charlotte said, apparently oblivious to Roberta’s murmurings as she pointed to a pink silk organza with a pleated skirt of tied drapery in the window.

 “And I would say…” Lady Charlotte continued as she surveyed Roberta’s figure with an expert eye “… that is probably your mother’s corset you are wearing.”

Aubrey took a little comfort from the look of barely concealed alarm on Roberta’s face and allowed himself a smile.

“I think some new corsetry would not go amiss.” Lady Charlotte announced “Now that we are here I may as well make an appointment for you with the corsetiere.”

 “But I…” Roberta began to protest but stopped as she noticed the cautionary look on Lady Charlotte’s face, she quickly remembered the futile attempt at confronting Lady Charlotte and her protest petered out under the older woman’s steely gaze..

“And you too Aubrey.” she added with a degree of exuberance that Aubrey found unsettling. “I want my girls to look and feel like the society ladies your mothers would e proud of. Now come along girls.”

The smile immediately disappeared from Aubrey’s face but Lady Charlotte now appeared to be well disposed towards him as a result of his enthusiastic embrace of his feminine clothing in front of two dreadful girls. He had no wish to irritate her and conjured up his sweetest smile.

“Well at least we are in this together.” Roberta consoled him as Lady Charlotte led them inside the shop and into what he took to be an anteroom. A woman appeared almost immediately and had a brief conversation with Lady Charlotte.

“This way ladies” the woman addressed them gesturing to large double doors and the end of a long corridor.

Aubrey felt his heart race. What he imagined lay behind those foreboding doors filled him with dread. Of all the humiliations he suffered, being laced into a corset was certainly one of the worst. Every day for months now he had been firmly secured into various types of corset by Lady Charlotte’s maids, sniggering and giggling as they tugged on the laces. He hated wearing female clothing but the process wore him down and he had become used to it however the relentless teasing and ridiculing by the maids affected him greatly and he could feel his masculinity eroding day by day. Now he feared he would have to go through this very same torture at the hands of a different cohort of women. Once again he would be at the mercy of Lady Charlotte to provide protection. Her habit of occasionally using the male pronoun when referring to him was a constant cause of anxiety as such carelessness was sure to invite greater scrutiny. He immediately made a mental note that he would have to be extra careful and ensure he acted as feminine as possible and hopefully Roberta’s lack of ladylike qualities and gaucheness would deflect some of the attention away from him.

As they walked towards the doors the sound of three sets of rustling petticoats filled the air and looking nervously around he caught a glimpse of his reflection in one of the many mirrors that lined the corridor. A demure and timid looking girlish figure looked back at him. He was not surprised. Much as he hated to admit it, in the time  he had been confined in Lady Charlotte’s home he had acquired a great deal of graceful feminine traits and due to a strict diet and even stricter corsetry he also achieved quite a shapely female figure. Another furtive glance confirmed he had a much more attractive silhouette than Roberta which, for some strange reason he could not explain, both annoyed and pleased him in equal measure. Aubrey momentarily forgot his degrading attire and observed Roberta’s ungainly progress alongside him with a degree of superiority. Next to him her lack of feminine sensibility was glaringly obvious.

Under Lady Charlotte’s dominating influence he had come to understand what Roberta had conveniently forgotten.

Even I know a corset and petticoats are a necessity if a lady wishes to display herself in the best possible light he said to himself repeating one of Lady Charlotte’s expressions, otherwise a woman would merelylook like a sack of potatoes in a dress.

He was only too well aware that it was this feminine silhouette that kept his shameful secret safe and saved him from being exposed to the ridicule of those he had come into contact with earlier that day. What he did not wish to admit to- and which no doubt contributed to this bizarre charade he was forced to take part in – was that he possessed a face that was quite delicate with no hint of facial hair and not overly burdened by strong masculine features. As a red blooded young male this was a constant source of discontent but even he had to grudgingly concede that dressed as he now was, such a visage was a blessing in disguise.

They were ushered deeper into the building to a spacious area with large comfortable couches dotted around the room on which middle aged matrons spoke to each other in hushed tones while all around them other ladies and younger women in various states of undress were inspecting each other’s corsets and other undergarments. He was sure no male had ever witnessed such a scene- until now.

This tableau of oppressive femininity instantly unnerved him and his anxiety levels rose once more.

Nodding her acknowledgement to ladies as they passed Lady Charlotte noticed his nervousness, she whispered in his ear.

“Stay calm. You are dressed like a girl, you move like a girl. You look like a girl. Now be that girl”

 There was no escape and as he stood alongside Roberta his hand still firmly in her grip Aubrey’s eyes took in the scene. Women he assumed were the staff, dressed in dark navy dressed and obviously well corseted flitted about the large interior carrying boxes to and from several groups of elegantly dressed women. The air was perfumed but not overly so with a distinctly feminine floral scent.

“Lady Charlotte.” a middle aged woman trilled as she approached them “what a pleasant surprise.” And as she looked at her companions she smiled knowingly “I assume you wish to make an appointment for these two charming girls to be measured and fitted.”

“Yes Madame Monique.” Lady Charlotte replied “So nice to see you again.”

Lady Charlotte left Aubrey and Roberta and joined Madame Monique.

As they spoke Aubrey saw the woman eyes inspect him from head to toe before turning to Roberta. A smile appeared on her face as the conversation continued.

“I detest these establishments and the dreadful garments they make.” Roberta sighed wearily as she looked around at several ladies examining corsets, this sight was so repugnant to her Aubrey noticed her squirming in her own corset. So Lady Charlotte would not hear she whispered to him in a frustrated voice “How do you wear such a ghastly thing from morning to night, day after day, week after week?”

Aubrey wanted to say that while he did not like it wearing a corset it was not the worst thing that he had to endure in the past few months, but held his tongue.

“You do realise I am only doing this to placate Lady Charlotte so she will allow me to get to know you better.” she said before adding in a quiet voice. “I quite like you. You have great potential and could be very useful to me.”

Aubrey wasn’t sure exactly what she meant by ‘potential’ or ‘useful’ and was afraid to ask but knew whatever it was it could not be good  for him and although further unnerved by this conversation he felt he had to acknowledge her interest in him. He smiled sweetly as she continued,

“Lady Charlotte is my godmother and a wonderful woman and she is obviously very protective of you but I’m sure you would like to taste a little freedom.”

He did not need to answer, his eyes glazed over at the mention of being free from Lady Charlotte and as he was about to deliver his reply Lady Charlotte’s voice rang out.

“Come here girls.” she called from several feet away.

“Unfortunately Madame Monique is extremely busy at the moment and can only measure one of you today.” Lady Charlotte said as they stood in front of her she smiled at Roberta who took a step backwards.

“Come along my dear. I won’t hurt you, your little friend can help undress you” Madame Monique said softly and exchanging a glance with Lady Charlotte she added with a knowing grin “I believe she has experience as a lady’s maid.”

Aubrey noticed that both women exchanged subtle yet perceptible glances, Lady Charlotte had obviously told this woman about the circumstances of his brief stay at Mrs Cockshott’s.

This woman is looking at me in a most peculiar way, he anxiously thought to himself as another horrible thought entered his mind. What else did she tell her?  

The look on Madame Monique’s face disturbed Aubrey, he glanced at Lady Charlotte who smiled back at him in a most enigmatic way. He was already extremely anxious but Madame Monique’s comment and Lady Charlotte’s reaction did nothing to dispel his growing apprehension.

Lady Charlotte and Madame Monique took up a position on either side of Roberta and with their hands on her arms moved her into a room cordoned off with heavy velvet curtains.

“Come along Aubrey.” Lady Charlotte said “Your assistance will be required.”

Both women chatted as Aubrey began unbuttoning Roberta’s dress.

“She is quite adept at this task.” Madame Monique observed as she watched him expertly and without fumbling unfasten the small cloth buttons “Such nimble fingers for a…”

Aubrey listening to the conversation stopped his task as she paused to deliver the next word.

“Yes her fingers are quite deft.” Lady Charlotte interrupted the corsetiere. “Please continue Aubrey.”

In a matter of minutes he had unbuttoned the dress as expertly as any girl and as Roberta stood motionless he drew the sleeves down her arms exposing her corset.

 “Now remove the entire gown.” Madame Monique said as an assistant entered and whispered in her ear.

Aubrey silently obeyed and as she stepped out of the gown he could see the look of vulnerability on Roberta’s face, he could not help but give Roberta an empathic smile which she acknowledged with a weak smile of her own.

 “Madam will have to measure Roberta sans corset.” Lady Charlotte instructed Aubrey “Please remove it.”

As both women watched from comfortable armchairs Aubrey untied the double bow on the laces and expertly began unlacing Roberta, he heard her sigh with relief as the stays were loosened. He folded the corset and laid it on top of her gown.

“As Lady Charlotte is an old friend I have asked my assistant to take care of my next appointment.” Madame Monique addressed Aubrey “Which means I can fit you in also my dear.”

Aubrey looked at Lady Charlotte trying desperately to hide the panic he felt. He did not know what this would entail but knew instinctively it had the potential to expose him as a male. Surely Lady Charlotte knew this and if allowed to proceed Madame Monique would without doubt discover his true sex.  He felt the blood drain from his face.

“I… I…I don’t think I really need a new corset.” he spluttered, eyes pleading with Lady Charlotte “The ones I have fit me perfectly.”

“Yes I know my dear, but they are mine.” Lady Charlotte replied casually as she smoothed out an imaginary wrinkle in the skirt of her gown “Every girl should have her own complete set of corsetry, ones for day and evening wear and perhaps even for riding, for when you spend weekends in the country.”

“Some mothers even have asked me to make night corsets.” Madame Monique interjected “Although I think those are for extremely disobedient girls.”

She looked at Aubrey with her large grey eyes and paused before adding with a smile that disturbed him,

“But I’m sure you arenot that kind of girl.”

“Oh no Madame.” he croaked the saliva having suddenly deserted his mouth and for some strange reason he could not understand, he curtsied.

“As you can see Madame,” Lady Charlotte said with what Aubrey thought was a hint of pride in her voice before addressing him in a reassuring tone “she is an extremely well trained girl. Now come along Aubrey, Madame won’t bite you.”

She took him by the hand and led him over to the matronly figure of Madame Monique.

“I fear Roberta may not be as expert as you in undressing a girl.” she said as she glanced at Roberta who was looking extremely subdued standing in only her chemise and petticoats. “I think it best if Madame Monique undresses you.”

“But…” Aubrey tried to protest.

“Hush my dear.” Lady Charlotte said “Madame Monique is very used to dealing with girls like you.”

Aubrey looked at Lady Charlotte in horror at her words but the older woman merely smiled as she belatedly added,

“And girls like Roberta of course. So there is no need to be afraid.”

Aubrey looked at Madame Monique who was now standing next to Lady Charlotte, she gave him a reassuring smile which did not achieve its purpose. He felt the knot in his stomach tighten another notch.

“Why don’t you turn around my dear and let me undo your buttons.” she said in a comforting voice.

He tried to hide the panic welling up inside and once more looked pleadingly to Lady Charlotte as Madame Monique opened the top button at the nape of his neck.

““There is no need to be shy, my dear.” Madame Monique said softly as she continued to unbutton his dress “After all, we are all women here, are we not?”

Aubrey flinched as he felt the buttons being undone and the heavy fabric of the dress being loosened.

As Madame Monique busied herself pulling his dress down over his petticoats she repeated the words.

“Yes. Only women are allowed into this establishment.”

Aubrey let out a low whimper.

Life with Mummy - A Captioned Mini Story

I’m getting close to completing the text of AVVE Chapter 16 but unsure when I will have it finished and as yet I have not even started on an illustration so it could be a few weeks before I’m in a position to post. 

Readers have been very supportive of the story so far, which really does amaze me as it’s been going on for so long and I honestly thought people would get bored with it. It really is good to know people enjoy it and I am very grateful for such support. I just wish I could produce a chapter every month but unfortunately I can’t.

Anyway, I got a mail from a reader a while back asking me about a Flickr page I had until Flickr closed it. I had posted quite a few original pieces as well as stills from old movies which I captioned (I assumed rightly or wrongly  are out of copyright).The period is the 40’s which is an era I adore , the outfits, foundations, hair, - just everything.

This story is from a time when I had just begun writing so the text may be a bit clunky in places and there also may be a few grammatical errors/typos. Now, I would never place the text inside the picture but at the time it was the only way I knew and unfortunately I don’t have time to re-do them.  

This is a mini story so there are only 12-14 pictures but at the moment I can only locate 6 I’ll post the remainder when I find them.

I entitled it Life with Mummy, hopefully you will enjoy it.

Carrie