A Very Victorian Education Chapter 18 plus Illustration

Below is the latest chapter of AVVE. Better late than never I suppose.

This chapter is a bit longer than I had originally anticipated it would be. As usual I had a view of how Aubrey was progressing but Lady Charlotte had quite a different opinion (there was only going to be one winner in that particular discussion) and had to dismiss several hours of work to facilitate her ladyship.

So if readers don’t enjoy this current phase of our hero’s odyssey I’m sure Lady Charlotte would only be too happy to hear from you.

Bore alert!

Thanks to all who were kind enough to comment and to those who ticked the ‘more box’ I’m very grateful for your support and your patience.

Same goes for the short piece I posted (A Family Affair) and with regard to the last comment posted I won’t say I will not continue it at some stage (I thought it would have proved more popular but there you go, different strokes etc.) but judging from the reactions I don’t think it was to most readers taste but thank you for your appreciation of the story, it was very kind of you to comment.

Take care

Carrie

A Very Victorian Education

    By

CarrieP

Her petticoats whispering Lady Charlotte de Winter approached the Louis XIV couch and in a naturally elegant manoeuvre she swept her voluminous skirts behind her and in one graceful movement lowered herself onto the soft peach silk upholstery. Her Ladyship was a frequent and well respected patron of this exclusive establishment, one of London’s most celebrated corsetieres- Madame Monique’s of Belgravia. This was more than a corset emporium it was an institution frequented only by the capital’s wealthiest and most influential ladies and Lady Charlotte was most certainly one of that cohort. As she arranged her heavy satin skirts carefully around her legs ensuring to cover the lace hems of her three silk and satin petticoats she considered her surroundings. Elaborate tapestries and paintings by Flemish and Italian masters hung on walls of soft muted colours; deep Axminster carpet muffled the sounds of numerous ladies footwear as they paraded in front of full length mirrors. Society matrons dressed immaculately, perfumed and perfectly coiffed perched on damask, silk and velvet antique couches and chaise longues.  She smiled warmly at the other ladies who like her sat ramrod straight, the rigid outlines of their corsets straining against the soft silks and satin of their gowns.

 Men had their clubs, societies and guilds, dreadful dark wood panelled and smoky places to congregate as they no doubt discussed what they considered to be the significant and momentous matters of the day before arriving at the most ridiculous conclusions which usually benefited no one- except other self-absorbed wealthy men like themselves of course. In these exclusively male preserves they convinced each other they were masters of their world but never dared to admit the absolute mess they made of that world.

Ladies too had their places of refuge however these were establishments that were far more refined and infintantly more civilised. These were parfumeries, milliners, fashion houses and of course their corsetieres. These latter emporiums were where society ladies gathered ostensibly to be measured and fitted for their foundations but they also served for meeting old friends, making new ones, discovering the new fashions from Paris and of course exchanging information or… gossip if you prefer. More importantly some of these places were considered informal forums where like-minded ladies also discussed matters of mutual interest particularly the oppressive patriarchy they were forced to live under. A common topic discussed among a growing coterie of ladies was the most effective methods of negating the power and influence of their husbands, sons and the male sex in general.

Some women were better than others at achieving this and Lady Charlotte de Winter was foremost among these. She firmly believed in the supremacy of the female sex and believed the world would be a better place if males behaved and comported themselves in a less aggressive and a more civilised manner – as women have done from the dawn of civilisation. Of course there have been exceptions but the vast majority of women have always behaved in a refined, cultured and sophisticated way. Power and authority were always within women’s grasp they just did not know how to reach out and take it. This had to and would change. If men believed they were masters of the world Lady Charlotte knew women were  mistresses of the universe and as a mistress of this universe her mission was to instigate change, not a revolution after all that’s the way men would do it. No, her belief was to take small but important steps to transform this outdated and obnoxious patriarchy and mould them into pliable, gentle and submissive creatures. Once a male was subdued and brought under the power of the petticoat he would become ideal marriage material and once married would be subject to his wife’s and of course his mother in law’s authority. Strip a male of his clothing and he will become as vulnerable as a baby. Put him into a satin dress and he will be as docile as a lamb. Transforming a strutting arrogant male into a demure, deferential and most importantly obedient individual was her life-long ambition. Unfortunately she had never had the opportunity to perform such an audacious experiment. However the Fates had intervened and several months ago presented her with exactly what she had sought, not a woman to hesitate Lady Charlotte de Winter embraced her good fortune with both hands.

She still found it hard to believe that she was now in possession- ownership if you will, for that is exactly what it was – of a young man and had compelled him to wear lady’s clothing. And not for an hour, a day, or even a week. No! Twenty four hours a day, seven days a week for the last several months this callow youth had been confined in the voluminous gowns, constricting foundation garments and soft sensuous silk and satin lingerie of the weaker sex. Having complete control over a male was exhilarating, she would never forget the day she finally realised her ambition. She had an almost uncontrollable sense of excitement as she watched his male arrogance dissolve the moment he was confronted with his first dress and corset by her maids. He was hypnotised by the garment much in the same way a small creature facing a cobra is aware of its fate but is powerless to do anything about it. And just like that small creature there was no resistance as he was quickly and expertly corseted before being buttoned tightly into his satin gown. The look of abject humiliation on his face was thrilling to her, he was completely in her power and she could now do anything she wanted with him. It was the beginning of Aubrey St. Clair’s descent into femininity.

This conceited and haughty young man had been the bane of his dear mother’s life, to such an extent that she decided to take an extended tour of Europe. The cafes and galleries of Paris,  the opera in Milan, the restorative waters of Baden Baden, the crisp clear air of the Alps it would be a opportunity to refresh and renew. There was only one person she could trust to take care of her errant son and Lady Charlotte welcomed him with open arms - and a beautiful satin gown of course.  Her gift to his mother and her dearest friend would be to rid him of the arrogance and hubris he displayed towards the female sex and transform him into a compliant and obedient son.

These were the thoughts that passed through her mind as she sat and watched, with a great deal of satisfaction and not a little pride, her delightfully newly feminine creation being buttoned into a high necked heavy velvet gown by Madame Monique’s assistant.

He really is quite exquisite she said to herself as she observed him, standing head bowed in mortification his face resigned to his shameful fate as the assistant secured him into the heavy material of his feminine prison. She studied him closely. Even in this exclusively feminine domain he does not look out of place. Of course his corset and false breasts give him a distinctly girlish silhouette but that face, so very chameleon like, feminine but also not feminine, masculine but yet only at certain times. It’s as if some aspects of his features change depending on his situation or maybe even the level of threat posed to him. As a male one could not have described him as handsome it is far too delicate for such a characterisation. No he is more pretty than handsome which is why he puzzles everyone that he encounters, his figure, clothes and deportment convey perfect feminine elegance but on certain occasions his face betrays a masculinity, slight and barely discernible of course but vaguely masculine nonetheless. He seems to get more feminine the more exposed he feels.  What a beautiful paradox he is.

Lady Charlotte was still admiring Aubrey and considering her good fortune when Madame Monique arrived at her side. Aubrey could just about make out her voice.

“Quite an extraordinary young lady.” she said “Such unconventional feminine features yet extremely attractive, and if I may say your ladyship, an equally exceptional figure, quite extraordinary for a girl I would suggest.”

“Yes she is quite remarkable.” Lady Charlotte smiled “Such a precious creature.”

“As I mentioned previously, your ladyship, the Countess is in our main viewing area.” Madame Monique said “Knowing you were interested in her plans for her son I thought you may be interested in meeting her and I took the liberty of suggesting just such an encounter, the Countess would be delighted and honoured to make your acquaintance.”

Within earshot and hearing this Aubrey felt his heart quicken as the assistant fussed about him making final adjustments to the folds of the weighty velvet skirt of his dress ensuring it sat properly over the petticoats underneath. She stood back to admire her handiwork.

“Perfect…”she said and looking him directly in the eye quickly added with a smile he found a little disconcerting “…Miss. You look every inch the refined young lady.”

“Did you hear that Aubrey, the Countess would like to meet you.” Lady Charlotte trilled adding almost as an afterthought “And you too Roberta”

She glanced across at Roberta as she tugged in a fretful manner at her unfamiliar tight fitting dress, looking as gauche and uncomfortable in contract to Aubrey who looked, if not felt, the picture of elegant feminine composure, Lady Charlotte looked at both figures and sighed wearily. Madame Monique smiled sympathetically.

“Yes they are quite different.” Madame Monique said “Miss Roberta does look extremely uncomfortable, as if it was unnatural for her to be dressed as a lady. While Miss Aubrey despite the absence of, shall we say, classical female feature is the picture of femininity, she was born to wear the most elegant gowns.”

Aubrey cringed as both women nodded their approval and looking at Roberta who had not heard the remark as she was still busy jerking and plucking at her unaccustomed bulky and restrictive garments trying unsuccessfully to adjust to their restrictiveness. He caught a glimpse of Roberta and himself in one of the mirrors and much as he hated to admit it he knew both women were correct in their appraisal, he looked by far the more feminine figure. Being considered more feminine than a real girl was an excruciating shameful burden to bear for the young man but demeaning as this was it did give him some comfort that unless he made a major faux pas he would succeed in his subterfuge. However the prospect of being paraded in front of yet another grande dame to be scrutinised and probed would no doubt be a daunting experience and not one to look forward to.

“Come along Aubrey.” Lady Charlotte smiled at him sweetly “The Countess has heard about my special girl and apparently is looking forward to meeting you in person.”

Aubrey hesitated momentarily, despite having survived Madame Monique’s intimate inspection not to mention similar close encounters with Roberta and her mother, he nonetheless felt at any time he was only moments way from being exposed. His education in feminine behaviour and deportment at the hands of Lady Charlotte and her servants had managed to conceal his true sex- so far. Surely it was only a matter of time before someone unmasked him and the Countess, like every woman he had encountered, had an innate curiosity about members of their own sex and of course that was the image he now projected. Despite his hated girlish figure and appearance he would have to ensure he comported himself in as feminine a manner as every female in this dreadful emporium. He looked over at Roberta and consoled himself with a thought.

Well, maybe not every female, he said to himself.

“Aubrey!” Lady Charlotte snapped, abruptly interrupting his thoughts.

Her sharp tone reminded him of a mistress calling her pet lapdog to heel and just like that well trained lapdog he was conditioned to respond to his mistress’s voice. With a natural feminine reaction he raised his heavy skirts and quickly moved to her side.

“I’m sorry Lady Charlotte.” he said meekly quickly extending his explanation “I was day dreaming.”

“Probably about your new corset, my dear.” Madame Monique offered in a sweet voice as she looked at him directly in the eye “or perhaps you were considering asking her ladyship to purchase several new taffeta petticoats you have seen on display. After all they are one of the items of clothing that define us as ladies. There is nothing a girl likes more than choosing a pretty petticoat. Isn’t that so young…”

She paused momentarily, arching her eyebrows ever so slightly, before adding,

“… lady?”

Aubrey felt a cold shiver run down his spine. There was something about her tone, the piercing eyes, the smile that may or may not be mocking suddenly made him doubt that he had indeed deceived her.

To a girl this would have been an innocuous remark but to Aubrey it hurled him back into bewilderment and self-doubt. Lady Charlotte had impressed on him the need to remain calm in such situations but he could not help thinking that she finally guessed his secret? He caught Lady Charlotte’s eye, her composed and unperturbed expression settled him and his well rehearsed feminine persona asserted itself.

“Oh yes Madam.” he said enthusiastically in as girlish a voice as he could manage and drawing on months of reading ladies fashion magazines he added “they are quite beautiful particularly the taffeta one with the accordion pleated hem. I believe they are quite fashionable in Paris this year.”

 Madam Monique glanced at Lady Charlotte, a look of barely concealed admiration on her face.

“I see her ladyship has instilled her excellent fashion sense in her young ward.” Madam Monique said the smile never leaving her face as she remarked directly to Aubrey “She has indeed moulded you into an extremely feminine young person, one any mother would be proud of.”

What did she meant ‘young person’ and why mention my mother?

Aubrey felt his heart quicken and could feel himself beginning to blush but if she saw this made no mention of it.

“If you ladies will follow me.” she said leading the way out the door and into the heart of the main establishment.

A spacious, deeply carpeted and well lit large area greeted them on emerging from the dressing room. The soft but unmistakeable chatter of female voices filled the air,  the scent of dozens of individual  perfumes competed  with the fragrant aromas of freshly cut roses, lilies and honeysuckle. Elegantly dressed ladies sat on well upholstered couches and large arm chairs spread throughout the room. The atmosphere could not have been more feminine. Not a male in sight… apart from the one in the heavy velvet navy blue dress.

As they followed Madame Monique the sound of four sets of petticoats made their rustling contribution to this uniquely feminine atmosphere. Madame Monique stopped before an imposing lady perched on a Queen Anne couch.

Before Madame Monique could introduce her the Countess stood and offered her hand to Lady Charlotte.

“Lady Charlotte I presume.” the Countess said warmly and with the only merest hint of a German inflection in her voice “It is a great pleasure to finally make your acquaintance I have heard so much about you.”

Her eyes settled on Aubrey and her smile grew wider which further disconcerted him before adding,

“And of course your delightful young ladies.”

Confronted with an older female Aubrey instinctively curtsied. A stern look from Lady Charlotte convinced Roberta to do likewise.

“The pleasure is all mine Countess.” Lady Charlotte reciprocated taking her hand “I have been looking forward to meeting you I feel we may have a lot in common when it comes to the question of how to raise young people in these difficult times.”

With a practiced ease both women lowered themselves gracefully onto the couch. Aubrey remained standing, his hands folded in a ladylike manner over his voluminous skirts. Conditioned by months of feminine deportment lessons he knew better than to move until told to do so by either of the ladies.

“Sit my dear.” the Countess instructed him patting the space next to her and Lady Charlotte. “ I have heard so much about you from Madame Monique.”

Roberta moved to his side, took his arm in an overtly proprietary manner and guided him to the two-seater couch opposite their older companions. Aubrey instinctively held his skirts and elegantly sank onto the couch in a fashion a duchess would be proud of. Roberta sat down next to him and immediately had to stand again to re-arrange her skirts before clumsily resuming her seat.

“Yes she is such a darling.” Roberta said, firmly holding his hand in hers.

The Countess raised her lorgnette to her eyes and studied him for several seconds before speaking,

“Yes quite extraordinary what you have achieved Lady Charlotte.”

Aubrey had experienced scrutiny from several ladies over the course of the day and despite their initial uncertainty regarding his true sex he had on each occasion, albeit with some luck, managed to gain acceptance as a female and avoid public humiliation. However now he sensed this woman had seen through him immediately and her words did nothing to allay his fears. Despite his competence in feminine deportment, his powdered face  the  beautiful gown that adorned his tightly corseted figure, he was aware certain aspects of his masculinity could not be completely concealed. Surely it was only a matter of time before someone finally exposed him as a fraud, a weak male who allowed himself to be dressed as a girl. Beneath his corset, the layers of soft petticoats, and silk lingerie his heart beat like a military tattoo.

He immediately looked at Lady Charlotte for reassurance but felt a sudden surge of panic as he noticed what he considered to be a look of surprise on Lady Charlotte’s usually self-controlled face.

“Yes one does one’s best.” Lady Charlotte said calmly.   

Aubrey gripped his skirts tightly with his hands to stop them from trembling, he felt slightly giddy and suddenly he recognised the value of wearing his corset as it helped keep his upper body steady otherwise he feared his body would shake uncontrollably and faint.

“Exquisite! Such poise and grace.” the Countess gushed, a warm smile forming on her lips “and so rarely seen in a person of tender years. I wish my son had a fraction of what this beautiful creature possesses.”

Her son! Aubrey screamed inside his head. She’s comparing me to her son. She knows.

He could feel several pairs of eyes on him and he looked around the room trying to remember where the door was. His exposure was surely only seconds away.

 “Yes Countess, unfortunately young males can prove troublesome.” Lady Charlotte replied impassively and glanced at Roberta “it is congenital I’m afraid but with the correct treatment and a firm hand to guide them they can be taught the error of their ways and return. But of course you know this.”

 “As Madame Monique may have told you I am having discipline problems with my son.” The Countess said not taking her eyes off Aubrey “He is proving to be wilful, obstinate and disobedient. Girls are rarely as difficult and their behaviour can be easily modified and if instructed properly rarely stray from the path laid down by their female elders. Boys on the other hand have no such role models and most grow into vile and incorrigible degenerates. I have come to the conclusion that exclusively feminine company can only be beneficial to a recalcitrant youth.”

“I could not agree more, Countess.” Lady Charlotte concurred “You may think Aubrey here is the quintessential young lady but that was not always the case.  In fact she was quite the tomboy…”

Aubrey looked at Lady Charlotte, his eyes pleading to discontinue this conversation.

“Now that you say it, she does have some… how can I put this delicately …” the Countess interjected looking at Aubrey who was by now becoming increasingly nervous “masculine…  no… boyish I suppose is a better term but she is strikingly attractive just not in a conventional sense. I do hope I am not offending you my dear.”

“No, not at all dear Countess.” Lady Charlotte answered for Aubrey “she is quite aware of her unorthodox looks which is probably why she found it difficult to come to terms with female clothing and I suspect this is why she rebelled against the accepted norms of polite society.  As a result her behaviour was most unbecoming for a person of her social rank, she was belligerent, wilful, and disobedient however once I had her dressed in appropriately feminine attire she became more compliant and over time her attitude changed.”

 “It is very difficult to imagine such a sweet thing dressed as a male but I am delighted you have confided in me.” the Countess said as  she examined Aubrey more closely before re-engaging with Lady Charlotte “I suspect from your conversations with Madame Monique you also know I have a similar plan for my own wayward son. I know this may seem a very unusual, even bizarre strategy but I have heard that in certain circles here in England, compelling a disruptive or disobedient young man to wear girls’ clothes, including corsetry of course, has brought a major improvement in their temperament.   As a woman who has dealt with a malcontent, albeit a female one, I would value your experienced opinion. Do you think placing my son in feminine attire could change his ghastly male behaviour?”

Although appalled by what she had said Aubrey was greatly relieved to hear that she had accepted him as a girl but this relief was tinged with shame and anger for allowing himself to have been so easily coerced into acting and dressing so convincingly as a member of the weaker sex. As living proof of such horrendous torture at the hands of Lady Charlotte he sat silently as the ladies continued their exchange.

“Oh I think it is a truly wonderful idea.” Lady Charlotte enthused as she clasped the Countess’s hands “and believe me Countess…”she paused as she gestured towards Roberta”… some girls can be as difficult as young men. Roberta here took a great deal of persuading before she finally submitted to wearing her petticoats, corset and dress.”

“But I…”Roberta tried to explain before being quickly interrupted by the Countess.

“Hush now my dear,” she gently admonished Roberta “not while your elders are speaking.”

From the corner of his eye Aubrey could see that although Roberta was clearly annoyed at being spoken to like a child nevertheless remained quiet. Her subdued reaction surprised Aubrey, from the moment he had met her Roberta’s strong even dominant personality was evident to all. Dressed in her male clothes she exuded self-confidence which bordered on arrogance and believed she was the equal of any woman or man for that matter regardless of age or position. Although polite to her mother, Lady Charlotte and the other ladies she refused to show unconditional deference to her elders like other girls her age. He considered that if she was still dressed in male clothing she would have engaged with the Countess and Lady Charlotte more forcefully.

The only thing that has changed is her attire he thought to himself, now that she is back in female clothing her self- assuredness has been subsumed under layers of silk and satin. Just like me. If it only took a few hours for Roberta to revert to a more feminine aspect, should I be surprised that months of being forced to wear these ghastly clothes has made me less masculine.

As he consoled himself with this thought his hands moved instinctively to the folds of his skirts and smoothed them out and discreetly checked his petticoats were not showing from under the hem of his dress. Despite his heightened state of anxiety his appearance was foremost on his mind, a girl should always present herself smartly regardless of any personal concerns. Months of subjection to Lady Charlotte’s strict regimen had ingrained this in his very being. She was most particular when it came to issues of personal grooming, he had to ensure his appearance as well as his behaviour was ladylike at all times. There could be no excuses for slovenly behaviour. Failure to attain Lady Charlotte’s standards of feminine comportment would incur her displeasure and having experienced this once he did not wish to endure it a second time. No matter how important an issue was he had trained himself to ensure his dress was arranged perfectly before he would give thought to any other consideration.   He saw the smiles on the Countess and Lady Charlotte’s face as he completed his examination of his dress. Lady Charlotte was the first to speak.

“As I was saying Countess I think dressing your son in feminine garments as a method of modifying his behaviour is a splendid idea and you are right, this practice is used, discretely of course, by mothers and concerned ladies who are perturbed about the future of our young males.”

“And you actually know of boys or young men subjected to such a regimen?”the Countess asked eagerly unable to contain her excitement.

“Of course.” Lady Charlotte answered emphatically as Aubrey shifted uncomfortably on his seat, another wave of apprehension engulfed him.

“Oh isn’t this wonderful Aubrey.” Roberta squealed with girlish amusement which drew a noticeable frown from Lady Charlotte.

A mere few hours ago Roberta would have ignored her scowl but her layers unfamiliar and restrictive female clothing somehow managed to reintroduce a sense of appropriate feminine decorum. She quickly reverted to a role more in keeping with her position in the present company

“I apologise for my outburst Lady Charlotte.” Roberta added in a suitably contrite tone “It’s just I have heard about this practice but thought it was a myth created by mothers to frighten little boys.”

Aubrey cringed inside.

“Oh don’t scold the girl Lady Charlotte.” the Countess said “such information was bound to excite them. You really must tell us I’m sure the girls would love to hear.”

Girls! Aubrey repeated to himself and cringed once more.

 At least she seems to have stopped examining me. He grudgingly admitted with a degree of relief.

“Well, I suppose it is something that one does not expect to hear everyday.” Lady Charlotte reluctantly admitted before returning to the subject “Yes, there are indeed ladies who engage such an approach in correcting unacceptable male behaviour in young men. In fact as Aubrey began his stay with me I became aware of a youth in need of this type of behaviour modification and the method chosen was to replace all his clothing with every item required of a young lady.”

“You mean…”the Countess enquired. “…he was…”

“Dressed head to foot as a young woman.” Lady Charlotte confirmed unequivocally.

“Including corsets and petticoats?” Roberta asked as she stirred excitedly on her seat.

“Naturally, just as any girl would be dressed. “Lady Charlotte interrupted her conversation momentarily to chide Roberta “Please don’t slouch Roberta”

As Roberta straightened herself on the couch Lady Charlotte continued,

“As we both know dear Countess, a girl without corsets and petticoats cannot really be described as a girl.”

“Oh!” the Countess gasped and gripped Lady Charlotte’s hand “ I have so many questions Lady Charlotte, you really must tell me, did he resist?”the Countess pressed eagerly.

“Not really, at least if he did it did not amount to much.” Lady Charlotte answered before turning to the young man “Isn’t that so Aubrey?”

The Countess and Roberta’s eyes turned to Aubrey, their surprise clearly obvious. His mouth suddenly dried up and a familiar panic began to rise within him.

“You were there?”the Countess was the first to speak.

“Ah… I… emm…”he stammered and glanced at Lady Charlotte.

“You actually witnessed this boy being dressed as a girl?” Roberta blurted leaning forward on her seat.

“We have known the young man for a very long time.” Lady Charlotte said looking to him for confirmation “A most arrogant and conceited boy and contemptuous of the female sex. Isn’t that right Aubrey?”

A few short months ago the young man’s natural instincts would have been to scream at this woman who had cruelly transformed him from a proud confident male into an almost perfect vision of a compliant and submissive girl. But that was then, a previous life that he felt was gradually slipping away from him and he was desperately trying to cling on to its memory the way a drowning man would cling to a life belt. His present was now defined by the gowns of silk and satin he wore with the poise and sophistication equal to that of any of society’s elegant young ladies.

He considered Lady Charlotte’s remark as adding insult to injury and for a split second his masculinity surfaced and he had the urge to react in a typical male fashion. However he quickly realised in his present circumstances such an outburst would not only be futile but would immediately expose the shameful secret he had managed to conceal so well.  The feminine self-discipline that had evolved in these months under Lady Charlotte’s tutelage took control of his emotions and he immediately suppressed any thought of throwing a tantrum. As he composed himself his eyes met hers, the others in the room would not have recognised the subtle signals, the slightly raised eyebrows or the barest hint of a smile at the corner of her mouth – but he did.  It was a reminder that his fate was in her hands, the message was quite clear, follow Lady Charlotte’s direction or risk her ire and the consequences that would surely follow. The Countess and Roberta would now hear about his feminisation from his own mouth. He knew Lady Charlotte wanted to impress the Countess and one syllable answers would only prolong his agony, he swallowed hard before answering.

“Yes Lady Charlotte.” he agreed quietly and felt the blush of shame warm his cheeks as he added ignominiously “A most disagreeable young man.”

“But not anymore, I’ll wager.” Roberta snorted derisively which prompted a smile from the Countess.

Only Lady Charlotte noticed the change in Aubrey’s colour.

“Please Lady Charlotte.” The Countess exhorted in an excited voice “you really must tell us everything.“

“Well if you insist dear Countess.” Lady Charlotte answered her eyes once more discretely engaging Aubrey’s.

Lady Charlotte proceeded to give an almost, but not quite, accurate account of the first day Aubrey had strode into her home exuding masculine arrogance. She omitted certain details of course, his and his mother’s real names and address, his university, some physical features and as a justification for her actions she went on to embellish  other aspects of his personality such as his overbearing and conceited personality. Seeing the parallels with her own son the Countess nodded her head and pursed her lips at each mention of a typical arrogant masculine trait. Aubrey foolishly though these details would satisfy the Countess but was sadly mistaken.

“But surely he must have offered some resistance.” The Countess asked “he hardly willingly allowed himself to be dressed in feminine clothing.”

“Well a potion I procured temporarily robbed him of what little masculine strength he possessed.” Lady Charlotte explained “In conjunction, Aubrey who knows him extremely well, cleverly convinced him he had no choice and sooner or later he would conform to my will. After this my maids had very little trouble with him and he was easily divested of his clothes. It is my experience that any male finding themselves alone in the presence of several females will become extremely docile very quickly.”

“So you had a hand in this wonderful scheme?” the Countess asked him.

“Aubrey, tell the Countess something of this young man’s demeanour.” Lady Charlotte said, her tone leaving him in no doubt as to what was required.

Three pairs of eyes fell on him as he struggled to open his mouth, the ensuing silence became oppressive and unbearable.

“I was…I mean he… the young man that is…”he stammered straining to find words that would not humiliate him “ was quite rude and discourteous to his mother and Lady Charlotte.”

“Oh Aubrey is far too ladylike to describe the youth in more realistic terms.” Lady Charlotte intervened as she once more fixed him with her stare “The boy was amongst other things ill-tempered, arrogant, uncouth, extremely unpleasant and above all disobedient to my very good friend, his mother, and myself. Perhaps that is what you meant to convey to the Countess?”

“Yes Lady Charlotte.” Aubrey admitted meekly “I should have been more expressive.”

“Aubrey is also far too modest Countess.” Lady Charlotte continued “Now my darling, why don’t you tell the Countess and of course your new friend Roberta what items of clothing that you felt would humble such an overbearing and haughty young man and reduce him to what he most feared – the status of a weak and powerless girl.”

“Oh yes Aubrey do tell us.” Roberta gushed unable to contain her excitement she moved to the edge of her seat and forgetting herself in her eagerness to hear her legs under her skirts opened in a most undignified manner.

“Roberta!” Lady Charlotte sharply rebuked her and she quickly returned to a more ladylike position.

“No doubt the unfortunate consequence of being allowed to wear male clothing.” the Countess remarked as she glanced imperiously at Roberta before addressing Aubrey. “Pray continue my dear, you were going to tell me what this boy found most humiliating.”

The room fell silent once more as the three women looked at him. For Aubrey it was an easy question to answer for he lived and wore this humiliation every day.

“Corset and petticoats.” he said quietly.

“Please speak up my dear.” the Countess said gently but firmly “I can barely hear you.”

The Countess and Roberta’s attention were fixed on him but he was looking at Lady Charlotte. She gave a discreet nod and her smile was one of reassurance and encouragement, he saw no scorn or derision in her face. It was as if she was telling him that this would be a cathartic process and could only help him.

Perhaps she’s right. This has been the worst humiliation of my life. I have never admitted out loud just how demeaning wearing girls’ clothes are for a young man. She may even relent when she hears just how degrading this is for me from my own mouth and how I have learned my lesson.

He decided this fictitious boy should be the vehicle through which he could unburden himself, he composed himself and took a deep breath.

“He found every single item of female clothing mortifying.” he admitted “but of all the feminine garments he was forced to wear he found his corset and petticoats the most shameful as he felt these robbed him of his identity as a man.”

“Ahh…” Roberta sneered, “the poor darling.”

Both Lady Charlotte and the Countess gave her mildly disapproving looks.

“But he did not resist, put up some form of struggle?” the Countess asked before answering her own question “Perhaps it was the potion Lady Charlotte gave him.”

“There is no doubt the potion plated a part.” Aubrey conceded and he hesitated momentarily before recognising that, finally, he really had to say out loud what he had suppressed since that  fateful day he had been laced into his first corset “but it was much more than that. Lady Charlotte had ensured three of her maids and her formidable housekeeper Miss Bristlestrap were in attendance and their presence immediately intimidated him both physically and mentally.  He was aware that domestic servants, being used to physical labour, may well have been stronger than he and the thought of being overwhelmed by these servants and then being physically forced into female clothing would have been a far more humiliating outcome. He tried to preserve what male dignity he had and in his mind surrendering honourably was the least-worst option. Resigned to his fate he allowed Lady Charlotte’s housekeeper and maids to dress him in silk pantaloons and chemise before Lady Charlotte placed  his corset around his torso and instructed Miss Bristlestrap lace him.”

Heart racing and feeling slightly giddy, he had to pause and looked at the two matrons sitting on the couch opposite. Gazing at him intently the Countess was clearly fascinated and intrigued by his account while Lady Charlotte retained her usual serene composure but her eyes conveyed her approval and he thought, or perhaps wanted to believe, he also saw a look of affection.

“A girl always remembers when she was laced into her first corset. Isn’t that so Lady Charlotte?”the Countess remarked.

“Just like it was yesterday, dear Countess.” Lady Charlotte answered “It is a milestone in a young person’s life and a sign that they have truly entered womanhood.”

“A young person!” the Countess said with a wry smile “A very precise term for this situation Lady Charlotte, but this young man was indeed entering womanhood nevertheless.”

“Of course, dear Countess.”Lady Charlotte responded and smiled affectionately at Aubrey “the dear boy did indeed join our feminine world.”

“Now tell me Aubrey my dear,” the Countess once more addressed the feminised young man “Lady Charlotte tells us you have known this young man for a long time.”

Aubrey nodded, still a little light-headed from giving the account of his subjugation.

“How did he react as this Miss Bristlestrap laced him?” the Countess asked. “Angry and indignant I suspect. Please tell me everything.”

Aubrey felt a lump in his throat as he recalled his first lacing.

“He appeared to be in a daze as Miss Bristlestrap placed his hands on the bedpost.” Aubrey recounted, it was easy to recall for his audience as the ghastly events were burned into his memory “I don’t think he realised what exactly was happening but as she began tugging on the laces and the corset constricted his body he quickly realised the situation he found himself in and started to sob with each tug from Miss Bristlestrap. Lady Charlotte had instructed the maids to place a full length dressing mirror in front of him so he could witness his own ….”

He paused momentarily and once more glanced at Lady Charlotte, he decided he needed to choose his words carefully; his preferred word was ‘humiliation’ but he now considered this could be misinterpreted as being overly critical of her methods and may anger her. He continued his account amending his answer accordingly,

“… so he could view his new feminine clothes better. Of course seeing himself corseted like a girl he sobbed uncontrollably and tried to avert his eyes but Miss Bristlestrap insisted in the firmest manner that this was not an option. He had to watch as the maids, their amusement obvious, lift three petticoats –one of silk and two of taffeta- over his head, he winced as they settled them over his hips.”

“Oh how mortified he must have felt?” Roberta interjected unable to contain her glee.

“I have no doubt he did but please do not interrupt.” the Countess chided her “Please continue my dear your account is quite fascinating.”

Aubrey swallowed hard.

 “By the time the maids placed his fitted satin gown over his head he was a mere shadow of the male that had entered the house only hours earlier. The coup de grace was delivered by Miss Bristlestrap when she addressed him as Miss and instructed him to curtsy to Lady Charlotte and thank her for her kindness in taking such an interest in him. His new female clothing appeared to drain his masculinity from him and without any hint of protest or rebellion he curtsied to Lady Charlotte and accepted her authority over him.”

As he finished this account of his shameful subjugation he looked to Lady Charlotte for her reaction, a smile of approval crossed her face. The Countess could not control her excitement.

“What a truly delightful description of his humiliation.” she exclaimed and turned to Lady Charlotte “And all true Lady Charlotte?”

“All true Countess.” she confirmed “Every detail, in fact I could not have described it better.”

“But Aubrey seems to have sympathy, empathy even, with the young man.” the Countess said, the surprise in her voice evident.

“Well she has known and been influenced by him for years.” Lady Charlotte explained “it probably accounted for her fascination with male clothes. That has all changed now Aubrey, has it not?”

“Yes Lady Charlotte.” he lied.

“You see Countess, their roles could now be considered to be reversed ” Lady Charlotte elaborated “the young man, thankfully like Aubrey here, has come to his senses and surrendered himself to his enforced femininity. Of course he is a work in progress and still has the occasional relapse but I am confident his behaviour will be modified sufficiently…”

“To allow him to be released back into male clothing?” the Countess interjected.

“I suppose so …yes.” Lady Charlotte answered in a less than enthusiastic voice.

If Aubrey detected her ambivalent  tone he did not show it, his ears  only heard the word ‘yes’ and smiled as a look of gratitude came over his face and felt his degrading admissions had indeed lay the foundations for freedom from his prison of femininity.

“Do you think this young man’s behaviour can be modified to Lady Charlotte’s satisfaction Aubrey?” the Countess asked him and smiled as she added “After all you know him better than anyone. Obviously I have an interest in the outcome as my son will soon undergo a similar process.”

“Oh yes! Countess.” the reply was immediate and enthusiastic, he was not about to miss an opportunity to plead his case “I have…” he stopped cursing his stupidity, his eyes met Lady Charlotte’s “I mean the young man has learned the error of his ways and because of her methods he now has a much better appreciation of and a greater regard for the female sex. In fact he has told me he is very grateful to Lady Charlotte for her timely intervention and will forever faithfully adhere to the ideals of respect and courtesy towards ladies.”

“And obedience?” Lady Charlotte added.

“Yes…yes…” he answered quickly and enthusiastically which he noticed raised an eyebrow with the Countess, he continued in a less fervent voice “he assured me of this also.”

“Mmm…” Lady Charlotte mused and looked at him directly in the eyes “I may need convincing on that matter.”

“So my dear girl, with your intimate knowledge of this particular young man, you think my son would benefit from a similar experience?” the Countess enquired of him.

There was never a question of trying to save another fellow male from such a degrading fate, he would have said anything to ingratiate himself to both Lady Charlotte and the Countess.

He was after all a girl in their eyes.

“Oh most definitely.” he enthused and added for Lady Charlotte’s benefit “The change in the young man is remarkable.”

“This has been a most fortuitous and most enlightening meeting Lady Charlotte.” the Countess said “There are so many other question I have for you and young Aubrey but it will have to wait as I’m afraid I have to deliver my son to his new school tomorrow and I have yet to formulate a ruse to lure him there without arising his suspicions.”

“If I may make a suggestion, Countess.”Roberta said “Royal Ascot begins tomorrow. You could entice him with the promise of a day’s horse racing, if he is as much as a reprobate as you say he is, he will gladly accept. Of course he will never get there.”

Both women and Aubrey stared at her, the women in admiration, Aubrey in horror.

“How wonderfully devious!”the Countess exclaimed. “But he may not rise to the bait.”

“Perhaps if we were to accompany you.” Lady Charlotte offered “I assure you dear Countess a solitary male confronted with several ladies rarely if ever refuses their request.”

“That is extremely kind of you Lady Charlotte, I would be very grateful for your help.” the Countess said.

“You are most welcome Countess.” Lady Charlotte answered and glanced at Aubrey “Besides Aubrey still has to finish his education and I may need to enrol him in just such a finishing school. I will arrange transport and we can travel together in the morning.”

“Oh dear Lady Charlotte.” the Countess said “Aubrey has gone quite pale, is she ill?”

“Oh it is nothing Countess.” Lady Charlotte replied “Just lady problems, isn’t that so Aubrey?”

His mouth opened but no sound came out.

“I think the excitement may be too much for her.” the Countess said as she patted his cheek. “Hopefully she will have recovered by tomorrow.”

“He…I mean she would not miss such an adventure for the world.” Lady Charlotte answered for him.

A Family Affair - New Story with 2 Illustrations

For readers hoping that this post would bring the next chapter of AVVE – mea maxima culpa. I got distracted (very easily done when you have the attention span of a fruit fly).

I have written approx 50% of AVVE Chapter 18 but as I was going through some old files for a picture to accompany the post I came across an old captioned illustration I did several years ago but never posted anywhere. It was the bridal gown that attracted me so I immediately got an itch I had to scratch and I wrote a new story. Maybe I just needed to re-charge my batteries, I don’t know. 

Hopefully I will finish it in the next few weeks but there is a World Cup going on and Wimbledon and the Tour de France fast approaching but I’m sure I’ll fit it in somewhere.

Many thanks as usual to those who were kind enough to comment on the last chapter and also those readers who ticked the ‘more’ box, I know you’re probably sick of me saying this - thank you, I greatly appreciate it and it has made me push myself to continue with the story.

Regarding this new story there are continuity issues with the illustrations which I’m sure you all will notice but hopefully they will not spoil it for you.

Hopefully you will enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Take care

Carrie

Ps As usual  I was in a hurry checking it for typos, grammar etc., so apologies in advance if I not get them all.

A Family Affair

Bby

CarrieP

 It was always difficult to find a place to be alone even for an hour. It’s not as if the house was small, quite the contrary it was extremely large, two drawing rooms, a library, spacious dining room,  twelve or thirteen bedrooms, it just went on and on not to mention the servants quarters.

The servants!  William sighed wearily to himself.

The servants always found him no matter where he hid, going from room to room like tracker dogs sniffing him out, looking in every wardrobe, nook and cranny. Now he was caught again, and cursed himself for not choosing a less obvious place to hide than under the bed. His heart raced as he looked at the highly polished court shoes and black stockings of one of the housemaids as she stood barely inches away from his nose. Of course she knew exactly where he was the whole time, she was playing with him as a cat would play with a mouse before she finally gets bored and decides to pounce. He began blushing as he watched her tapping her shoe impatiently.

“I wonder where Master William could be?” she pondered out loud. “He should know the longer he refuses to join the mistress for afternoon tea the worse it will be for him.”

 She sighed wearily and he knew she was getting slightly irritated now that she had her prey within her grasp and the chase was over.

“Perhaps I’d better get Mrs Broadstrap to help me.”

The mention of the housekeeper’s name had the desired effect, a dull thud rang out in the quiet room as his head hit the bed’s base and he let out a squeal. The last thing he wanted was that dreadful woman humiliating him in front of the servants, as usual he was completely oblivious to the fact that he was perfectly capable of doing that all by himself. His pathetic attempt at concealing himself from this girl was only the latest in a long line of similar undertakings. He scuttled out from under the bed and offered one of many lame excuses he had to hand for these embarrassing surrenders.

“Oh, hello Martha.”he blurted trying to sound as casual as possible “I was just looking for something I had dropped.”

“In Miss Veronica’s bedroom?” the maid answered with an unmistakably disbelieving tone to her voice.

His looked at the maid in her afternoon uniform of black knee length dress, white pinafore apron and a small frilled cap. Her position as a domestic servant should have conferred him with a sense of superiority reflecting the normal rules of established social and gender hierarchy.

Nonetheless William always was slightly socially awkward and never sure of exactly how to react to certain encounters particularly with members of the opposite sex , he had never quite mastered these formalities. Servants also seemed to unnerve him and he felt they were like cunning animals – they could smell his unease or more accurately his fear. Before he had time to formulate an answer the girl added with a hint of menace,

“Just as well Miss Broadstrap is not here.” Martha said shaprly.

“I… emm… ah… “ he stammered, not knowing what to say.

He, and she, knew perfectly well what would have happened. In a polite but stern manner Miss Broadstrap would have berated him for his absence and failure to tell her what his plans were. Any attempt at protesting would have been met with a withering look and a further lecture on the mis-placed and idiotic notion of superiority of the male sex and as usual his upbraiding would end with an apology from him. There were times when he felt he too was a servant, subject to the rules of the housekeeper rather than the role of man of the house. This was inevitably done in front of the servants which was extremely humiliating.

Of course Veronica’s mother did not help the situation. After their engagement he tried to persuade his new fiancée to move out but she prevailed on him to change his mind and soon he was securely ensconced in her mother’s palatial home. Although after the first few weeks he felt the word imprisoned was a far better description. However he had to concede it was extremely comfortable and her mother although a little overbearing was most welcoming, he wanted for nothing and was waited on day and night by the all-female domestic staff.  However after a few weeks things began to change, small things and nothing so drastic that would have come between Veronica and himself, it wasn’t something he could easily put his finger on. He hadn’t seen a male since he arrived, her mother had been a widow for years, the gardeners and chauffeur were female, there was no butler only the haughty, un-nerving Miss Broadstrap, and no male servants. It was as if he was becoming submerged in a sea of femininity, he had a strange and slightly irrational feeling that his masculinity was being slowly drained from his body. Around this time Veronica’s mother had insisted on choosing his clothes which he thought were a little too… well… gender neutral would be a kind way of describing them. With the intimidating Miss Broadstrap hovering in the background she said they were most fashionable and as usual gently but firmly coaxed him into agreeing with her.  Not wishing to create bad feeling and trying to make a good impression he acquiesced. He was never the most dedicated follower of fashion and so put up little resistance, his nightwear was even less masculine, satin pyjamas in feminine shades various shades of pink, lavender and lilac. The bottoms were like ladies plazzao pants and the tops were hardly what anyone would call manly with large mother of pearl buttons and wide flounced bell sleeves at the elbow. She even purchased a Victorian nightshirt which in truth looked more like a woman’s nightgown with its ruffled lace hem.  After been presented with these as a special gift he slowly but surely felt any male confidence he had ebbing away. Of course the maids giggling when Veronica’s mother held them up to his body to check his size did not help matters and ridiculous as it sounds he began to feel slightly intimidated by this all female household from his future mother in law to the kitchen maid.

The situation had got worse since Veronica had left on a business trip some weeks previously leaving him alone in her mother’s and oppressive companionship, he should have been  concerned  when his future mother in law said “Now I will have you all to myself and we can get much better acquainted.” He seemed to be constantly in her company and if he managed to evade her in this cavernous house a maid was quickly dispatched to find him and escort him back to his rightful place by her side. So now  once more he was discovered by a domestic servant in the most embarrassing circumstances, cowering under his fiancée’s bed. The threat of an encounter with the housekeeper quelled whatever anger he may have felt and he meekly accepted his fate.

“I was just on my way downstairs.” he lied unconvincingly.

“Yes I’m sure you were. “ the maid answered contemptuously making no attempt to hide her  scorn as she added in a superior tone “Now please follow me the mistress is waiting.”

It was yet another indignity in a long list of humiliations he had suffered.

If Veronica was here she would not stand anyone particularly a mere maid treating me in such a disrespectful way. he thought bitterly as he struggled to keep up with the maid’s mannish stride.

She stopped outside the door and made an unnecessary adjustment to his fitted baby blue jacket.

“Much better.” she said as she arranged the collar of his shirt to her satisfaction, several admonishments by Veronica’s mother for not paying enough attention to his grooming ensured no protest from him. “What a lovely blouse that is, the mistress has such excellent taste. Not many men can wear pink satin and still look masculine.”

Although she said this with a straight face he could easily detect the undoubted sarcasm in her tone. He blushed furiously, she said nothing further but did not take her eyes off him as she knocked on the door and as he heard his future mother in law’s plummy voice Martha opened the door and ushered him inside where Veronica’s mother sat on one of the late Victorian armchairs wearing a pant suit that made her look even more intimidating than usual.

“Ah there you are William.” she said, her voice betraying her irritation that he had failed to appear for afternoon tea at the appointed time, an event that had become almost compulsory. “I expressly told you that I had visitors this afternoon and as my future son-in-law I expect you to show a little more consideration.”

It was not that he had forgotten this tedious daily arrangement, the past weeks had seen a constant flow of visitors calling and each day followed the same pattern. He would be introduced to the guests as Veronica’s fiancée and her mother’s future son-in-law, he would be admired and complemented on his delicate appearance and wonderful taste in fashion- much to his future mother-in-law’s delight. He had experienced over a dozen of these afternoon ordeals and at each and every one he was the only male in attendance. At each of these dreadful occasions he would be seated between two middle aged matrons who would question him on various aspects of the wedding. In Veronica’s absence her mother had ensured he was involved in the arrangements although this involvement was in name only in actuality his participation merely meant he was required to enthusiastically agree with everything she did or said. She had said on more than one occasion that she had preferred him to be more involved than Veronica remarking that her daughter had little or no flair for such an important event.  It was not going to be a huge affair just an intimate gathering of fifty or close very close family and friends  all of which would be on her side as he had been raised by foster parents who were now deceased and few close friends.

Veronica’s lack of the usual feminine enthusiasm for the wedding depressed her mother and she cajoled William into being her co- wedding planner although lackey would be a better description however he agreed to ensure harmony.  Her view was she was mother of the bride after all and what would her family and friends think if the entire affair was marred by a lack of attention to detail, flowers, music, catering, invitations, and of course the most important detail of all – the bridal gown.

“William!” her voice cut through his thoughts “Are you listening to me?”

“I’m sorry Penelope.” he answered “I completely lost track of the time.”

“William, dear William.” she sighed as if speaking to a five year old child “I thought we agreed that as I am soon to become your mother-in-law you should address me in a more appropriate and less formal  manner.”

He noticed her foot tapping impatiently and reluctant as he was to comply with her instruction he knew to refuse would only result in a long drawn conversation in which she would confound him with a mixture of warped logic and misplaced guilt. As they were alone he surrendered without his usual pathetically timid and ultimately useless protest.

“Yes Mummy, I’m sorry Mummy.” he meekly answered.

“What a delightful boy.” A voice came from beyond his peripheral vision.

“Yes Penelope.” Another voice quickly followed “Such a refreshing change to hear a young man address his new mother –in-law well, future mother-in-law I suppose, with such affection and deference.

Startled at the unexpected voices William turned to see two middle aged women smiling at him, after he got over the shock he cringed inside knowing that these ladies had heard  him address his future mother-in-law in such a childish, even girlish manner.  As he stood rooted to the spot they walked past him and took up a position next to Veronica’s mother.

Another one of these dreadful afternoon teas he sighed to himself.

“We have heard so much about you dear boy.” One of the women gushed.

“William let me introduce my younger sisters, Mrs Lavinia Fitzroy  and  Mrs Daphne Beaufort.” Veronica’s mother said.

“If the darling young man is addressing you as Mummy he really must address us as Aunt Lavinia and Aunt Daphne.”Lavinia said. “Isn’t that so dear William.”

“Well…I…emm…ah…”he stammered, the idea of addressing these two women who were maybe twelve or fifteen years older them him as Aunt would make him feel even more emasculated.

“We will be very disappointed if you don’t” Daphe said as both women moved to him and linked his arms in theirs.

“I… ah… but…””he continued to stumble.

“William!” his future mother-in-law snapped. “Please do as you are told.”

Her sharp rebuke caused a wave of panic in the young man.

“Yes Mummy.”

“Now give Aunt Lavinia and Aunt Daphne a kiss, the way I taught you.” Mummy said.

In a most girlish fashion he gave both a kiss on either cheek.

“Now you must sit and tell us all about the arrangements for the wedding.”Daphne said as she sat on the couch and patted the space next to her, Lavinia quickly joined them sandwiching him between the two women.

“There’s not much to tell Mrs Fitzroy, I…” he began but instantly interrupted by Mrs Beaumont.

“Now William what did we agree you should call us.” she said forcefully.

He looked at her and for a moment thought about objecting to being treated like a child but the stern look on all three women’s faces immediately dissuaded him of that notion and he timidly capitulated.

“I’m sorry…”he swallowed what remaining pride he had “Aunt Lavinia.”

“Much better dear boy.”  Aunt Lavinia answered patronisingly before adding in a pleasant but extremely firm tone “Now please do not have me correct you again.”

A quick glance at her face confirmed that just like Veronica’s mother, Mrs Fitzroy or Aunt Lavinia as he was now to address her, did not like to be challenged on any matter.

“Oh don’t be too harsh on the boy Lavinia.” Mrs Beaumont interceded on his behalf “It must be a little daunting acquiring two aunts so suddenly, isn’t that so William.”

William was still recovering from his sharp reprimand and did not wish to seek a confrontation he could not win.

“Oh yes… Aunt Daphne.” he blurted, managing to disguise his abhorrence at having to use this form of address but thought it best to conform at least for the moment.  

“There you see Lavinia.” Mrs Beaumont chided her sister as she patted his cheek” William only needed a little time to get used to his new aunts, isn’t that right William.”

He could feel himself being dragged into their orbit and felt a hierarchy had been established but reasoned that if he objected all three women would misrepresent his position to Veronica which would no doubt cause problems between them. He quickly considered it was not worth the trouble and would ask Veronica to resolve the matter when she returned after all how could a fully grown man be expected to refer to her mother as ‘Mummy’ and her sisters as ‘Aunt’.  It was so demeaning, he was sure the servants must be laughing behind his back.

“William!” Mummy’s voice broke through his thoughts “Are you listening?”

“Oh don’t scold the dear boy Penelope.” Aunt Daphne came to his defence. “He is probably thinking about the wedding.”

“Yes, I was …” he lied grateful for the excuse before quickly remembering to add the required designation “Aunt Daphne.”

“Well we all know how very busy Veronica is,” Mrs Fitzroy began, her sisters nodding their agreement “and she kindly asked us if we could help her mother organise as much of it as possible. Of course it will not be a large wedding, those affairs are so vulgar, don’t you think?”

She paused briefly and looked at William for confirmation, not that he had dreamed of contradicting her he was far too overawed for such a brave or foolish deed although he reluctantly conceded scared would be a much better word.

“Oh yes Aunt Lavinia.” he exclaimed more through alarm than enthusiasm.

“So glad you agree William.” Veronica’s mother added “After all a girl’s wedding day is one of the most important days in her life. I’m sure you agree?”

All three women gazed at him intently, Veronica’s mother’s arched eyebrows signalled the required response.

“Yes Mummy.” he replied with as much eagerness as he could gather.

“Splendid!” she said and beamed at him with genuine affection “I knew I could depend on my new son, for that is what I consider you.”

William was just so relieved that he was on her good side that he quickly replied enthusiastically and this time without hesitation.

“Thank you Mummy.”

The smile of satisfaction on all three women’s face vindicated his fawning deference.

Anything for a quiet life he justified his shameful obsequiousness.

“Now William why don’t you ring for tea.” Aunt Lavinia said “and we can discuss your big day.”

William looked at the servant’s bell and hesitated, he hated dealing with the servants, he felt being the sole male in the house they were always resentful of him as he had disrupted the balance of an all-female household. They barely concealed their contempt for him and he dreaded when he was left alone with any of them.

“Oh Lavinia, he feels a little shy with the servants, Isn’t that so William?” Mummy explained.

“I …ah…”he mumbled.

“William you really do need to assert yourself.” Aunt Daphne said patting his knee “You must to impose your authority on servants, show them you are their superior.  In a few months time you will be the master of this house you should start acting like one.”

“Yes William, you need to be more forceful.”Aunt Lavinia concurred “More firm, you are the man of the house after all.”

The three women gazed at him and he reluctantly picked up the servants bell and rang it and Martha appeared moments later.

“You rang Madam.” she said bobbing a curtsy to her mistress.

“Actually it was Master William, Martha.” Veronica’s mother said gesturing to the pale young man.

Martha looked at him blankly but he could see the scorn in her eyes.

“Well… go on William.” Aunt Lavinia urged.

“I…emm…I…”he whispered, his anxiety getting the better of him as she continued to hold his gaze.

“Oh speak up William.” Aunt Daphne snapped “the girl can barely hear you.”

“You require something Master William?” Martha said gently but William clearly heard the coded sarcasm.

He hesitated for a moment.

“Tea, perhaps? Master William.” she asked as if speaking as if to a child.

“Ah… yes… tea. Thank you Martha.” he finally managed to say.

“I’ll bring it at once Miss.” she said.

He heard a barely suppressed titter from his two new aunts.

“Oh I’m sorry Master William.” Martha apologised as his face suddenly turned red. “With so many ladies here today I completely forgot myself. Please forgive me.”

“Quite understandable my girl.” Aunt Lavinia snorted as she looked at William who by now was visibly cringing with embarrassment.

Martha curtsied to him, the contempt in her eyes was now replaced but one of laughter and she left with a swish of skirts. Miss Broadstrap appeared as she opened the door to leave but waited silently until there was a break in the conversation.

“Miss William!” Aunt Lavinia chortled; William’s blush deepened as her sisters joined in. “I’m not surprised she took addressed you as ‘Miss’ you were like a schoolgirl in front of her headmistress. William the girl is a servant you really need to be more confident. Be more of a man.”

“Oh don’t be too upset William.” Aunt Daphne consoled him “It was an easy mistake for the girl to make.”

This was of little comfort to the young man, any confidence he had seemed to be quickly evaporating from his body.

“I am sorry to interrupt Madam.” Miss Broadstrap addressed Veronica’s mother “The lady you were expecting has arrived and has asked to see you.”

“Run along Penelope.”Aunt Lavinia said” I’m sure William will make a perfect hostess. We have so much to discuss.”

“Don’t be cruel Lavinia.” she retorted as she walked to the door with Miss Broadstrap in tow. “The poor boy is far too delicate for your ghastly machinations. Daphne, please try to keep her in check, I will not be long.”

William sank into the couch as both women turned their eyes on him. He had spent the day avoiding his future mother-in-law and now he dreaded seeing her leave. Of course in his petrified state the irony was lost on him.

“Now that we have you alone dear boy,” Lavinia began as she patted him on the knee and he felt a drop of sweat form at the nape of his neck “We want to know all about you.”

Less than half an hour later Veronica’s mother returned, a pained expression on her face, Miss Broadstrap followed close behind.

“I think your mother requires some refreshment William.” Aunt Lavinia said noticing her sister’s face.

No one seemed inclined to correct Aunt Lavinia discarding the term ‘in-law’.  Thirty minutes in the company of his new aunts had further reduced his capacity to protect his diminishing masculine reserves and he felt overpowered by their forceful personalities.

“Yes Aunt Lavinia.” William replied in the quiet, almost meek voice that Aunt Lavinia suggested he adopt as a mark of respect to his mother and other female family members .His hand had the slightest tremble as he poured the tea and adding the slice of lemon he knew she took with it.

“Thank you darling.” Mummy said, surprised by the lack of awkwardness which he usually displayed at afternoon tea “you are becoming quite the hostess.”

“William.” Aunt Lavinia prompted him.

“Thank you Mummy.” he responded.

“How sweet!” Mummy gushed.

William could see a smile form at the corner of Miss Broadstrap’s mouth and cringed inside.

Why is she smirking I’m only trying to be polite? he said bitterly to himself.

“William has spent far too much time in coarse male company.” Aunt Daphne explained “We have been training the dear boy to be more gracious and genteel now that he will be spending his days in more refined and courteous female circles, isn’t that right William?”

“Yes Aunt Daphne.”

“From the moment Veronica introduced him to me  I knew he had wonderful potential.” Mummy said “He will make an ideal husband and son.”

“And nephew.” Aunt Daphne added as all three women smiled.

Miss Broadstrap’s smirk widened.

“Now girls.”Mummy said taking a sip of her tea and smoothing out an imaginary crease on her pant suit“Unfortunately I have some bad news.  Miss Jupon  of The House of Brides  has delivered several  of the gowns I have picked out for Veronica but unfortunately the young lady she had chosen to display them for us has fallen ill and cannot attend. So as we do not have anyone to model them I’m afraid  we will have to cancel this  afternoon’s preview. I think we all know Veronica would prefer to wear something plain…

“Or even a pants suit.” Aunt Lavinia snorted sarcastically.

“Quite.” Mummy agreed “But if we present her with a gown we all are thrilled about she is such a good daughter she will agree to wear it.”

“And time is of the essence.” Aunt Daphne said injecting a note of urgency. “The wedding is only a few short months away and settling on the right dress could take weeks.”

“Such a pity.” Aunt Lavinia sighed.

Miss Broadstrap cleared her throat.

“If I may offer a suggestion Madam.”she said.

“Please do Miss Broadstrap, we would welcome any option at this juncture.” Mummy answered.

“Master William is exactly the same height as Miss Veronica.” she said looking towards the young man sitting between his two new aunts “and Miss Veronica has such a boyish figure their frames are quite similar apart from the hips and with certain bridal gown designs such differences are easily disguised .”

“Are you suggesting Master William could model the gowns for us Miss Broadstrap?” Mummy asked as all four women turned their full attention on the young man.

“What a splendid idea!”  Aunt Lavinia exclaimed with delight.

“Yes Miss Broadstrap, a wonderful suggestion.” Aunt Daphne agreed “Not ideal, there are some slight differences however Veronica’s breasts are quite small but we could always pad out his bosom, of course he would have to wear a bra.”

William sat motionless with a blank expression on his face unsure that he had heard this exchange correctly.

Did she just propose I should model a bridal gown? he said to himself No, that’s ridiculous I obviously misheard.

“And he is a little plumper than Veronica around the midriff.” Mummy observed, turning her focus to his torso.

Her sisters felt his stomach and nodded their agreement.

 “My fault I’m afraid.” his mother-in-law continued “ I’ve been feeding him too well but I suspect one of my high-waisted girdles or perhaps an unforgiving corselette would quickly take care of that problem. It may be a little too tight for him but he is such a resilient boy I’m sure he won’t mind. ”

He was concentrating so much on trying to process this strange conversation that he never heard Aunt Daphne voice.

“Oh do come along William.” she said in an exasperated voice as she stood over him and addressed her sisters “Sometimes I worry about young men, they have such short attention spans.”

Aunt Lavinia slipped her arm under his and on the other side Aunt Daphne did the same.

His mother-in-law led the way as they ascended the wide staircase, the conversation centred on where Veronica had chosen for their honeymoon and how long the journey would be.

“The weather will be wonderful there this time of year.” Aunt Daphne said

“And it is such a romantic city.” Aunt Lavinia replied.

Perhaps Aunt Daphne is right I am having trouble focusing, he said to himself and not only that I’m hearing imaginary conversations as well.

Entering his mother-in-law’s large and opulent bedroom he noticed several large garment bags laid across the chairs and the large couch.

“Now I think these will be suitable.” Mummy said as she laid out a number of items on the bed’s burgundy red satin quilt.

“I think the satin panelled corselette would suit him better.” Aunt Daphne opined.

“I’m so not sure.” his  future mother-in-law replied holding up a formidable garment with dangling garters “I found this new high-line girdle very controlling.  A little bit uncomfortable at first but I’m sure he will get used to it.”

“Oh excellent you also have a matching long line brassiere.” Aunt Lavina said picking up the bra and examining it. “This should fit him nicely and we can pad it out with some underwear to give him a similar bust line as Veronica.”

The fog finally lifted from William’s brain and the horror of what was being proposed hit him.

“I… you… I mean…”he babbled, sentences were forming in his brain but unable to reach his mouth in any coherent fashion.

“Now William.” Mummy said in an authoritative voice that he had come to know so well “we have agreed that time is of the essence and we need to choose a gown for the wedding before Veronica returns. Now please stop prevaricating the sooner you get undressed the sooner we will be able to choose the right gown.”

The fog in his brain was now replaced with shock as Aunt Lavinia held the bra up to his chest.

“Yes I think it will fit nicely.” she said smiling at him as Aunt Daphne began to unbutton his shirt.

“I think we should start with the Duchesse satin ballgown.” Aunt Lavinia said “ Ivory is such a wonderful colour and suits his complexion perfectly.”

William whimpered as he felt the straps of the bra bite into his shoulders as Aunt Lavinia pulled the two clasps tightly across his back.”

“Oh do stop whining William, girls have to do this everyday.” she said brusquely as she began fixing the hooks into the eyelets.

“Once we have his girdle on he will begin to look like a real girl.” Aunt Daphne trilled as she led him to the bed to remove his pants.

“I’ll fetch the bouffant petticoat” Aunt Lavinia said.

“Oh I’m so excited.” Mummy blurted “Aren’t you William?”

His mouth opened but nothing came out.

“Yes I knew you would be.” Mummy said.