A Very Victorian Education Chapter 6

A bit late with the latest chapter, a lot going on in my life at the moment.

To all who ticked the more box – Thank you so much it truly is gratifying to know that people like this enough to want more. I really appreciate the gesture. Thanks as always to those who took the time and effort to comment – it does mean a lot to get such good feedback.

Not much more to say other than I hope you enjoy this as much as previous chapters.

Next one could even be later as I’m due to go on vacation in September.

Usual apologies in advance for any typos- could only re-read this very quickly so heaven knows what mistakes there are.

Carrie.

A Very Victorian Education

Chapter 6

An extract from the diary of Lady Charlotte de Winter

Dear Diary

Such excitement, I can barely contain myself.

Finally some wonderful news to report- I simply had to commit it to paper. I had begun to despair that I would ever have the opportunity to effect a modification in male behaviour but this possibility has now arrived and perhaps it would be best if outlined some of the reasons as well as the events which have set me on this path.

From time immemorial women have been downtrodden by men purely on the basis that the male has superior physical strength. But this lack of physical prowess has only served to sharpen our intellect, our cunning if you will, and we have learned to use this innate intelligence to achieve small but vital personal victories.  In short we have found that through our feminine charms and not a little guile we can easily manipulate and subdue males. However this can come at a cost to some women and we should not have to always rely of these peculiarly feminine attributes, perhaps there is a more direct route and it is high time we realised that we are truly the stronger sex after all do we not bring life forth in the most painful and agonising way imaginable?- no man can or would want to do this. Of course when we produce a daughter it is greeted with great disappointment, it took me a long time to see through such nonsense. I even envied my dear, dear friend Amelia when she produced her son, Aubrey. However soon after his birth I feared  his father’s dreadful behaviour would be a malign influence, fortunately – and I am not ashamed to admit this, he like my own husband - met with an unfortunate hunting accident soon after Aubrey was born.  Coincidentally, around this time, several of my close friends’ husbands had also shuffled of this mortal coil, and all of them from the typically appalling and truly self-abusive behaviour associated with the male sex. Yet again I freely and happily admit these were no loss to the human race. All these ladies had similar experiences of their husbands philandering, gambling, and other male vices too numerous to mention here and over the years we have had several discussions regarding what could be done to rectify this abominable situation. As we head towards a new century women are beginning to finally realise that they do not have to tolerate such patriarchal nonsense. It really is time for a change , time perhaps for a matriarchy to be established, a subtle one of course but one where the male is left in no doubt as to who is in charge. My friends obviously agree but we all have different opinions as to achieve such progress. My own view is that the main disparity, apart from the obvious physical differences between the sexes, is males have far too much freedom which leads to the inevitable development of these awful characteristics. The poor things really should be pitied and need to be saved - from themselves.

A prime example of this is the aforementioned Aubrey whose arrival here has prompted this diary entry not to mention the opportunity to explore certain ideas I have which could be most beneficial to our sex. When he was a child – and under the strict supervision of his Nanny and nursemaid - Aubrey was an adorable boy, of course like most males of the upper classes he was kept in dresses until he was six years old. He was the most well behaved child, never climbed trees, got dirty, ran amok or got into any kind of mischief, he had perfect manners even at that young age. Unless I am very much mistaken I believe he had been taught to curtsy, a gesture he performed when he was introduced his mother’s friends.

Yes! What a delightful child he was. Naturally this was a result of being under the authority of two formidable servants who kept him under strict control at all times, of course he was also only allowed to associate  with girls which were usually a year or two older. I suspect this as well as his enchanting feminine attire helped modify his natural male traits. Oh, I should say these ghastly masculine characteristics occasionally came to the surface but were swiftly dealt with by his Nanny or his older companions. I distinctly remember one episode where he tried to assert his male authority, despite wearing the most wonderfully feminine frilled white pinafore over an ornate pink dress which underneath had several layers of ruffled petticoats,. The older girls very quickly brought him under control and without even seeking permission from his Nanny he was quickly and bundled over one girl’s lap while two others held him in place as he tried to kick his legs in a vain and pathetic attempt to break free  - much to the amusement of all present. He was given the chance to repent but even at that age his ridiculous male ego would not allow him to do so, however after a few strokes with a ballet slipper he soon came to his senses and as the tears rolled down his cheeks he apologised and promised to be a good girl for the rest of the afternoon. As a further punishment his dress was changed to a black one and with the white pinafore his clothes now looked like a housemaid’s uniform. He was then forced to serve afternoon tea for the girls. Although it was a very amusing scene to witness it was also very instructive how, given the right circumstances, a male can be kept under the control of the so called weaker sex. I often wonder does Aubrey recall that incident, I must remember to ask him when he comes down to lunch, of course that is if his Governess decides he has made enough progress in his training.

Now that I think about it around the same time I also had occasion to study my cousin’s son, a boy of Aubrey’s age, who was freed from feminine clothing after his fourth birthday, much against his Nanny’s recommendation I should add. And how her fears were proved correct! It was a complete reversal of the scene I have described above, within a week this boy had picked up all the disgraceful and typically male characteristics that we ladies loathe- he was impertinent and disrespectful to all females especially the maidservants as well as being offensive and over-bearing to his young female companions. It was not very pleasant to witness and my cousin soon came to regret being pressurised into this decision by her oppressive and dictatorial husband. This reprehensible man was one of those husbands to which I referred to earlier and one I was not sorry to see the last of.

While I was observing these two boys I became intrigued as to how female clothing can be used as an instrument to curb the objectionable and offensive attitudes of the male. I was very keen to continue to observe how Aubrey, dressed in his feminine finery, would evolve over the next few weeks but unfortunately as his seventh birthday approached he was packed off to boarding school. It should be noted that this was much to the annoyance of his young female companions and I too felt more than a little disappointed at his departure but I suspect never was a boy more happy and relieved to depart for an all boys school.

That particular incident was twelve years ago but such was its impact the memory stayed with me all this time. Over the years since her husband’s death Amelia has been a regular visitor and as we are very close she would occasionally stay overnight with a very reluctant Aubrey in tow. By now of course Aubrey had been away at school for several years and with the exception of brief visits home had very little contact with the female sex and as a result he was evolving into the archetypal boorish male. It was the slippery slope and as he got older Amelia was finding it a little more difficult to maintain control over him. However a very strange thing occurred to me, I always noticed that despite this increasing male arrogance there was something....I could never quite put my finger on it ....but there was always a hint of nervousness when he was alone in a room with more than one woman. He became slightly flustered and appeared to find it difficult to retain his faux male superiority.

I recall one particular afternoon earlier this year when the three of us walking in the park and we came upon a nursemaid appropriately dressed in her pale blue uniform and pristine frilled pinafore apron with her young charge, a boy of five or six dressed in the most delightful dress and petticoats. The boy was restrained by a leather harness around his chest which the nursemaid controlled by two leather reins.  Obviously being mothers with an interest in the development of young boys Amelia and I stopped to inspect the dear child’s dress much to the consternation of young Aubrey who would have bolted except that he was tightly wedged between myself and his mother and just to be absolutely sure I took a firm grip of his hand. It turned out to be an extremely significant event that I recall the circumstances and conversations in almost perfect detail.

“What a perfectly enchanting boy you have. So well behaved.” Amelia said as she inspected the boy’s dress

“Yes Madam.” the nursemaid replied as she pulled the boy’s reins and he stopped, she bobbed a curtsy “say ‘good morning to the lady Master Vivian. And please do it properly”

“Good morning Madam.” he said , his face turning beetroot red as he  curtsied.

“Adorable! Simply adorable!” I exclaimed and questioned the nursemaid further as it was unusual to see a boy as old as this being paraded publicly in skirts. “Didn’t Aubrey have a dress similar to this one Amelia?”

“Yes I believe he had, although I think it was in peach taffeta. Or was it crepe de chine Aubrey?”Amelia asked a clearly very uncomfortable and by now quite flustered Aubrey.

“I ...err....umm....”he mumbled, either unable or unwilling to furnish an answer.

“Oh you looked simply divine. So sweet and angelic and so well behaved” I said stroking the boy’s cheek gently, the nursemaid continued,

“The young master has recently made the transition into male clothing Madam, and became a little too boisterous for the mistress’s liking so she suggested that a lengthy period of time in one of his old dresses as a punishment may improve his behaviour.”

“It appears to have worked.” Amelia said admiringly as she turned to me and caressed the boy’s cheek “he is so well behaved.”

I could feel the tug of Aubrey’s had as he tried to move away, I pulled it sharply to remind him he was not to move.

“Yes Madam.” the nursemaid answered proudly as she gave a little tug on the boy’s reins as he too tried to flee “the young master thought he had escaped his frills and flounces ...didn’t you Master Vivian?”

She patted the boy on the head, he was now scarlet and on the verge of tears as his nursemaid continued

“My mistress says that boys would benefit greatly if they could be confined in petticoats for longer periods. As you can see the young master is behaving impeccably.”

“What a splendid thought Amelia.”I said and looked directly at Aubrey “would you like to be returned to your dresses Aubrey? You were such a darling boy and with your shoulder length hair and pale skin you were indistinguishable from the other girls.”

“And so well behaved!...... unlike recent times.” Amelia snorted derisively and gave him a scathing look “perhaps this girl’s mistress is correct, a few days in petticoats and skirts may well improve male behaviour.”

“Please.... Mother” Aubrey said anxiously and by now clearly agitated by the direction the conversation had taken, “Can we go ...please.”

The encounter with the nursemaid was a brief but nonetheless enlightening one and as we strolled away it was obvious from Aubrey’s demeanour that this chance meeting had resurrected memories from his own childhood that found extremely embarrassing and would rather have forgotten. He remained quiet for the remainder of our walk and was visibly alarmed if either his mother or I referred to the subject. Of course this only served to arouse my interest and if I am entirely honest it also elicited a frisson of excitement which ...and I blush to admit this ...made me a little giddy and I felt a peculiar sensation in my..... well...my... most intimate area. I was not really sure why this was but the thought of a pretty young man like Aubrey dressed from head to toe in the silks and satins of feminine finery, stripped of his masculine clothing and emasculated in petticoats seemed to unlock something inside me that I found exhilarating. This was a feeling I had not experienced before  ...a sense of power over the male sex, an awareness that we females could, by merely dressing them in feminine clothing exercise an authority and control over them. I had yet to determine how this could be done but such an exercise I knew should not be beyond the imagination of an intelligent woman, there and then I resolved to explore this idea a little further. Of course at this point I did not feel it appropriate to share my feelings with my dear friend and mother of the young man who I believed would make an excellent choice for such an experiment and as we approached home an idea came to me.

By sheer chance I had given the staff a half day and the only one present was the new under-housemaid who opened the door.

“Oh Amelia!” I recall saying “I really must have your opinion on some new gowns I recently acquired from Paris.”

“I’d be delighted darling.”Amelia replied and here I launched my plan.

“I’d also be grateful for a man’s opinion.” I said slyly pandering to Aubrey’s youthful male ego.

“Er...umm... I .....ah...”he stammered the way most males do when asked to perform such a task.

I was not prepared to lose an opportunity to introduce the boy into an exclusively feminine domain. “I really would be most grateful.” I cooed and quickly linked my arm with his, “oh do persuade your darling boy Amelia.”

Amelia seemed taken with this notion and she too linked her arm with his and without even asking him she answered for her son.

“He’d be happy to do so, my dear.”

The boy had no time to protest and seemed temporarily stunned as we gathered our skirts and steered him upstairs to my room. Amelia is my dearest friend and although I knew she had little or no regard for the male sex and worried constantly that her own son would soon devolve into the arrogant and patronising male his father had been. I did not feel confident in divulging to her my innermost feelings on the subject of modifying male behaviour by confining males in female garments. And so, dear diary, I kept my thoughts and plans to myself as Aubrey now firmly secured between his mother and I had very little option, to the delightful music of rustling skirts and petticoats was immediately escorted upstairs to my bedroom.

As we entered my boudoir it was immediately obvious that the boy was extremely uncomfortable in fact he was almost paralysed by fear in this most feminine of environments, Amelia told him to sit while she and I stepped into my dressing room to retrieve the gowns I had spoken about.

“Aubrey seems a little ill at ease.” I ventured tentatively when we were alone, hoping for some insight from her.

“Yes darling.” Amelia replied “he’s like most males, appears self-confident and assertive in the usual familiar surroundings but when placed in a feminine locale like this he is quite nervous and insecure, almost........” she hesitated for a moment or two.

“Submissive.” I offered, helpfully.

“Yes.” she answered absentmindedly, as she examined the beautiful rose coloured silk evening gown I held up for her, she continued “now that I think of it he is always quite well behaved whenever he is summoned to my bedroom and will do anything in order to be allowed to leave as quickly as possible. It really must be something to do with the proximity to such conspicuous femininity.”

“How extraordinary.” I feigned surprise and saw my opportunity to proceed “That is very curious! I wonder how he would react if he had to engage himself in a task that boys would not usually become involved with.”

“I’m intrigued,” Amelia said leaving down the gown “I am always interested in ways of understanding him and perhaps discovering a means that may help him to become less truculent and dare I say it display less machismo. Besides, apart from earlier this afternoon, he has been extremely disobedient lately so I am open to any idea that would improve his behaviour. What did you have in mind?”

A few moments later we returned to my bedroom carrying two of my new gowns.

“Aubrey dear.” Amelia called out to the boy who was sitting on a chair and looking increasingly nervous “We require your assistance, Lady Charlotte wishes to change into one of her new Paris gown’s and my wrist still hurts from that game of tennis yesterday so will you be so kind as to unbutton it?”

“Um... I ....emm .... can’t her maid...”he stumbled, his face beginning to redden.

“Lisa, my maid is a little unwell at the moment.” I lied “and the new housemaid has the most gargantuan hands almost like a man’s, she would be quite unsuitable to perform such a delicate task.”

I took hold of his hands, not quite petit but in no way could be described as manly, and examined them closely before continuing,

“Now yours my dear boy, are....exquisite....practically the same size as my maid’s and I’m sure equally as dexterous, ideally suited for buttoning and unbuttoning a lady’s gown. Now do be a darling boy and unbutton me.”

“Oh do come along Aubrey.” Amelia said brusquely and her eyes smiled at me as we interchanged a brief glance “we do not have all day.”

We both looked at the boy with a similar expression, one that only women can convey which both communicated our impatience at his delay as well as our bemusement at his hesitation in performing such a simple undertaking.

Amelia withdrew to the chair to observe the scene as I stood facing the large dressing mirror with my back to Aubrey, a position in which I could monitor his every move but even more importantly I could scrutinise his facial expressions.

There was no doubt that Aubrey was intimidated as much by his surroundings as the two – and I make no apology , dear Diary, for this description- formidable and statuesque ladies. After being rebuked by his mother he timidly approached me with his eyes downcast, ashamed to glace at his reflection in the mirror. I watched him intently as he nervously placed his fingers on the first button at the nape of my neck and attempted to unbutton it.

“He may be a little slow at first Charlotte.” Amelia said nonchalantly and not even bothering to look up from the magazine she was flicking through, “it has been a few weeks since he helped dress and undress me and he may be a little out of practice.”

“Mother!” Aubrey beseeched her in a voice laden with embarrassment.

“Oh don’t be silly dear.” his mother replied “it’s the truth, I pressed you into service when my maid, Sara, a nice young girl left abruptly earlier this year. I’m sure you remember ......”

I could see Aubrey was becoming even more embarrassed as his mother related the tale, he stopped unbuttoning me to implore his mother.

“Mother.....please......” he pleaded hoping to silence his mother.

“Aubrey, will you please concentrate on your duties.” Amelia chided him and ignoring his appeal spoke directly to me “You see Charlotte, Aubrey took a little fancy to this girl, as he did with many of the servant girls, and began to make inappropriate remarks and unsolicited advances. Naturally I was not pleased as I spent weeks training her to the correct standard for a lady’s maid and was most annoyed when she gave her notice and left however it meant that until she could be replaced I had no lady’s maid. It was a most unsatisfactory situation, of course I had to have one of the housemaids attend me but at certain times when this was not possible I pressed Aubrey into service, so to speak, as his disgraceful behaviour was the reason I was left without a maid in the first place.”

The recounting of his disreputable episode with his mother’s lady’s maid had its effect on Aubrey, I could practically see the shame envelope him as he continued to unbutton my dress, his eyes glued to this menial exercise, afraid to even glance in the mirror in case he caught my eye. I could not help myself even if I wanted to – I decided to increase his discomfort.

“He has such delicate hands for a boy Amelia.” I said, directly addressing his mother and ignoring him as if he was a mere servant, I noticed he winced at my comment, I continued “so unlike my most of my own housemaids with their coarse and clumsy fingers. He is extremely suited to the task such a pity he is a boy, he would make an excellent lady’s maid.”

This appeared to be the final straw and his eyes began to well up with tears.

“Oh ...for heaven’s sake Aubrey, stop crying like a girl,” his mother exclaimed “Lady Charlotte was only having a little fun with you, some gentle teasing.”

By this time he had unbuttoned the back of my dress and I turned to him and embraced him, my breasts pressed firmly into his chest.

“Yes Aubrey I was only teasing you.” I said insincerely, and as I released him he went to leave but I held out my arms inviting him to pull the sleeves of my dress “oh you haven’t finished yet, I’m afraid. Now why don’t you finish off undressing me like a good .....boy.”

“But....I ...you will....”he stumbled and it was obvious he was completely bewildered, he looked to his mother for help “Mother........ please.... I .....”

“Oh do stop snivelling Aubrey.” Amelia casually disregarded his plea as she examined my new gown “you have done this for me several times and seen me in my corset and petticoats, Charlotte is like a second mother to you. Now please hurry up I really want to see what this gown looks like on.”

Having lost his appeal and without looking me in the eye he reluctantly obeyed his mother and began drawing the sleeves of the gown down my arms and after which he proceeded to draw the heavy velvet material down until it fell in a mass of fabric at my feet. He was on his knees by now and arranging the material in such a fashion that I could easily step out of it. Although my face did not show it I thought such proficiency in the duties of a lady’s maid was remarkable in a young man- indeed in a man of any age – and I wondered why Amelia had never mentioned it before. I made a mental note to ask her about it later.

“Do you know Charlotte I think an extra taffeta petticoat would really enhance this gown, perhaps a nice ivory coloured one.” Amelia said.

“Yes I think you may be right.” I answered looking at the boy at my feet, now completely overwhelmed by his duties.

“Aubrey, do stop dawdling.” Amelia said tersely, as if speaking to an inattentive servant girl “and fetch Lady Charlotte’s petticoat. You will find it in the bottom drawer of the tallboy.”

Stung by his mother’s reprimand the boy immediately rose to his feet, and as he made his way across the room she called out to him,

“And do not forget – it is the ivory taffeta one. Just like the one you helped me choose at Madame Elsie’s Lingerie Emporium last week.”

“You brought him to Madam Elsie’s?” I asked, as the boy busied himself at the tallboy searching for my petticoat.

“Yes darling.” Amelia replied in a hushed tone as we observed Aubrey continuing his quest for my petticoat. “Obviously he hated every minute of it but I still hold the purse strings and told him I may reconsider funding his second year at Oxford so he had little choice. I really don’t like threatening him and would prefer if he modified his behaviour by his own volition through self-awareness and open-mindedness. However once we arrived at Madame Elsie’s he soon lost his male arrogance and mannish ways once he was immersed in such a feminine environment, in fact he became completely docile and respectful.”

It was obvious that she was deeply unhappy and concerned at her son’s seemingly inevitable slide into masculine loutishness. I desperately wanted to share my thoughts and ideas but feared it may be a little too much for her to accept, at least at this point. I empathised quietly and she continued in a quiet voice so Aubrey would not hear. 

“You see I think he may be growing up too fast and I feel I am losing the sweet boy I once had. If I could keep him with me for a few months I’m sure I could instil in him  some of the outstanding qualities our sex has to offer but he is off to university shortly and I fear I will lose my opportunity. Such a pity he was not born female. As you know daughters tend to be more controllable and more importantly.... obedient and I miss that with Aubrey. Your Felicity always seems so well-trained and disciplined as daughters usually are but boys appear to lose that quality once they reach a certain age. As that wonderful Mr Wilde put it, ‘All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy. No man does. That is his.’

I nodded sympathetically as we watched the boy return with the required garment, it was quite obvious that the events of the last few minutes had a most beneficial effect- although I’m sure he would have disagreed. He approached us with his head bowed in humiliation- a disposition which I found refreshingly novel in a male and it caused a ripple of excitement to course through my body. I had rarely experienced having complete control over a male - at least not over the age of twelve – and I wanted to know could something as simple as female clothing actually help to modify male behaviour?

As the shamefaced boy stood in front of us I was gripped with feverish curiosity, would being introduced to the rigours of female corsetry as well as the sensuousness of silks and satins subsume his male arrogance and lead to a life of subservience to female authority, to the power of the petticoat?  

My thoughts were rudely interrupted by a knock on the door, my maid entered. The silly girl had returned early and as any well trained maid would have done, hurried to attend her mistress. Under normal circumstances I would have been appreciative but that particular day was not a normal one, her entrance distracted both Amelia and I, more importantly it also broke the spell the boy was under. He immediately recognised his opportunity and before either his mother or I could prevent it he practically ran to the door depositing my petticoat into the hands of my startled maid as he left.

Amelia laughed as he ran from the room like a scalded cat, I feigned laughter but inside I was deeply disappointed. It was an unsatisfactory conclusion to the afternoon’s little experiment but it did serve a purpose- it clearly displayed the weakness of the male when removed from his familiar masculine environment and placed into the unfamiliar soft, delicate and graceful feminine domain. This made me determined to get the boy into skirts at the next available opportunity. I simply had to know if I could impose a feminine regimen on this boy.

And so dear Diary, in the last few days the Fates have smiled on me and my fondest wish has been granted, as I write these words the dear boy is undergoing a rudimentary education in femininity by his newly appointed Governess and shortly he will be presented to me so I can judge his progress. It will be very interesting to see just how much.........

Ah..... I hear a knock at the door. I wonder what he’s wearing today?

I think it is now time to bring this entry to a conclusion I don’t want to keep the poor boy waiting too long.

A Very Victorian Education Part 5

We live in a truly scary and increasingly depressing world, some parts scarier than others. My heart goes out to everyone touched by the horrors of violence from Iraq and Syria to France, Bangladesh to the US. Everywhere.

I hope this piece of drivel acts as a very small distraction to the madness going on around us.

Vive la France.

Carrie

 A Very Victorian Education

You can be never overdressed or over educated. – Oscar Wilde

Chapter 5

He wasn’t sure what broke his concentration, it may have been the loud rhythmic noise of horse’s hooves on the cobblestone just outside the window or perhaps it was the coarse shouting of the fruit sellers selling their wares. Whatever the reason Aubrey was grateful for it as he realised he was alone. He looked around the room, a room that he now spent several hours each day in and had come to hate every square inch of. It was a combination of bedroom, nursery and schoolroom, a room where he suffered indignities no young man should ever be subjected to. Depending on one’s perspective this was a room where he was being taught how to transform himself into a polite, graceful and obedient young man, respectful of and courteous to the opposite sex.  However from where he now stood or to be more accurate sat in a most ladylike pose, swathed in silks and satins, his back straight as a die from his tight corset -he had quite a different point of view. This was a room where he was continually under female supervision and subjected to an assortment of humiliations designed to subjugate and negate his masculinity. Of course it was an outrage that he had been forced to wear girl’s dresses but even worse was that he was now under the direct control of a Governess who embraced the challenge with an undisguised relish which the youth found extremely alarming and was terrified at the prospect of time he would have to serve under her authority. He shivered and closed his eyes as he remembered the first time he entered this room.

“Our time together will be magical, it will be like transforming the ugly duckling into a beautiful swan.” his Governess gushed enthusiastically when she first commanded him to sit at the juvenile, almost childish school desk situated to the rear of the spacious room.

“Lady Charlotte has charged me with the onerous task of instructing you in how to comport yourself as a female.... as a young lady..... and as you know she has given me free rein in how to achieve this. It is a great responsibility and an assignment I take very seriously.” she said earnestly as she stood over him as she stroked his hair with an almost sinister and vaguely threatening intent, his eyes were drawn to a long thin cane hanging off a thin leather belt around her tightly corseted waist.

 “Yes very seriously indeed.” she repeated before continuing “you will obey me at all times and as your tutor show me the respect my position deserves. I expect you may find this difficult at first but let me assure failure is not an option and corrective measures  will not be pleasant. Do I make myself clear?”

As her hands continued to stroke his hair the youth pressed his knees together in alarm and felt the now familiar yet disturbing sensation of the soft petticoats rub against his thighs, his stomach tightened as she fixed him with her pale blue eyes.

“Yes Miss Alice.” he replied quickly.

“Excellent, I’m sure you will make an eager and willing pupil. Now to your first lesson. I have seen examples of your handwriting and it really is dreadful.” she said a smile breaking out across her handsome face as she handed him a copybook and pen, but I’m confident we can change that. Isn’t that so?”

He was so nervous he could only nod his agreement.

“Wonderful!” she acknowledged his gesture then turned with a swish of skirts to the blackboard and wrote in beautifully embellished calligraphy

A petticoated boy is an obedient boy.

“An apt sentence, don’t you think?”she said, a wide smirk appearing in her face.

He could feel the tears welling up inside but before the first one appeared she said,

“Oh dear ...I almost forgot. It’s time for your morning milking.”

The knot in his stomach tightened yet again as he knew further humiliation awaited him.

She rang a bell and a few moments later Dora one of the housemaids appeared.

“The young master needs to be milked before his lessons begin.” Alice instructed Dora nonchalantly as if she was telling her to perform some mundane domestic task.

“I think it best if we move to the bed Miss.” Dora said as she took his hand.

Knowing a refusal would bring a harsh punishment Aubrey allowed himself to be guided to the bed without protest.

As he sat meekly on the bed Dora retrieved some silk and satin material from the tallboy.

“What beautiful petticoats.” she said as she lifted his skirts and as she felt for his penis added “and such delightful bloomers.”

He gasped as he felt her hand fondle his testicles and her other hand gently caress his member, immediately it had the desired effect and as his member grew Dora fixed him with her eyes, a disdainful smile crossing her beautiful mouth. He could not hide his shame and cast his eyes downwards as he felt the soft silk and satin envelope his shaft.

A shudder went through his body and it was over in a few moments. She cleaned him with a small fresh towel, quickly rearranged his bloomers and petticoats and led him back to his desk.

“Such weak creatures.” Alice said contemptuously examining he shamed boy’s face as Dora sat him down. Thank you Dora.”

“He should be manageable until his afternoon milking Miss.”  Dora said as she patted him on the head like a pet lap dog before leaving.

“Now back to your lesson. In your copybook you will write the sentence on the blackboard until I am satisfied you have copied it correctly.”

Wearily he adjusted his skirts underneath him and picked up his pen.

**********************************

That of course was now in the past, he tried to recall how many days had elapsed since his introduction to this room but such was the confusion swirling inside his head he was unable to do so. To avoid the thrice daily humiliation of his milking he had resolved to try and please his Governess as much as possible and he was now milked only when she considered he was reverting to more masculine behaviour. The momentary feeling of ecstasy he felt at ejaculation was immediately replaced by of deep humiliation and from Alice’s perspective his milking was successful in making him more docile. He never had time to think about this as he was constantly under female supervision.  But at least for now he was alone.

He shook himself from his recollections and looked down at the ladies fashion magazine he held in his gloved hands which were buttoned tightly just below his elbow. Becoming familiar with the latest female fashions was seen by his Governess as a necessary part of his training. He laid down the magazine on the seat beside him and turned his head tentatively. Yes! he was alone, he relaxed for a moment and let his hands drop onto the satin folds of the skirts of the elaborate gown he wore, the hem of which was spread out fan-like at his feet. He could not remember a time since he was placed under the control of his mother’s friend Lady Charlotte de Winter that he had been left alone for more than a few moments. He was never left unattended and was constantly in the company of females but now...... with none of them present he felt a tiny stirring of masculinity somewhere inside his being. He now had a brief respite from female tyranny.

This was such an unusual occurrence that at first he barely believed it but slowly his insecure and nervous brain confirmed the message his eyes were conveying. He wanted to slump back into the soft inviting cushions of the large couch but his strong and unyielding corset made that particular male trait impossible, its rigid and unforgiving whalebone ensured his back remained ramrod straight. No, his restrictive garment would not allow him that self-indulgence but at least he could enjoy the feeling of a little time however brief without being under the constant observation of prying and probing female eyes. This was the first time since he had been forced into feminine attire that he had been left alone, his waking hours were filled with female company, if it wasn’t his Governess , Alice or Miss Alice as he now had to address her, then it was Lady Charlotte or Felicity her ghastly daughter who constantly scolded him for minor misdemeanours. He also had to contend with the servants, those smirking housemaids who although made no direct insulting remarks, always seemed to have a scornful, contemptuous look on their faces, particularly when they arrived to relieve him of his masculine essence. But now at least he was free of these women, he wasn’t sure how long he had been alone, in fact such was his mental turmoil he wasn’t even sure how long he had been in Lady Charlotte’s house.  Was it four or five days, maybe it was a week? How long did his mother say she would be away, a week, two weeks? He shifted uncomfortably as his corset corrected his posture.

“How much longer do I have to remain in these hideous feminine garments?” he muttered somewhat nervously under his breath, still unsure if he was really alone even though the room was clearly empty.

Having ensured that there was no one else present he took the opportunity to stretch his legs. He rose from the couch and immediately felt the slight but still discernible tug of his heavy satin gown and four petticoats weigh on his body. He looked down and sighed despondently as the fabric of his gown protruded gently outwards from his chest by a most life-like prosthetic which was carefully affixed to his breast in order to create the illusion of a female bosom.  Before he took a step – and as was now usual for him- without pausing to consider what a naturally feminine action it was, he instinctively and carefully arranged the bulky material of the gown and petticoats over his hips so that it fell correctly. As a result of rigorous and exacting tuition from Alice this was a movement that had now become second nature to him. He felt the claves of his legs tighten as his three inch high-heeled boots, each with their ten metal buttons constricted his lower legs in the same way his corset performed a similar task to his upper body. The first steps were always the most intolerable, not in a physical sense as by now he had gotten used to the discomfort, the affliction he felt was to his masculine ego as the unmistakeable feminine rustle of taffeta and silk petticoats echoed around the empty room. Swish, swoosh. The emptiness of the room only served to amplify the distinctly ladylike sound as it seeped into his brain as if to say,

What a delightful girl you will make.

As he walked across the room he tried to block the sound from his mind but it was impossible, swish, swoosh, swish, swoosh. Just as escaping from his new feminine garments was impossible it was equally hopeless to free himself from the whispering feminine sound of the petticoats he was now obliged to wear as part of his new persona. It was not only his heavy gown and petticoats that hindered his male stride, since he had come under Alice’s supervision she had insisted that he wear  an extra long corset, one which went from just over his new female bust to half way down his thighs. No longer could he march confidently across a room like any self-respecting young man, now due to his three inch heeled boots and the long corsetry restricting his masculine gait he was forced to mince in a very feminine fashion. As he reached the window which looked out onto the street he tried to avoid his reflection in the full length mirror which was positioned close by but he found it impossible to drag his eyes away from the reflected image. The tight fitting silver coloured satin gown served to emphasise the faux female bosom, the bodice of heavy silk was decorated with ruffled Brussels lace and was draped almost like a jacket over the heavily ruched skirt which had a pleated hem several inches in depth. Attached to his waist under the gown was a large and cumbersome frame called a bustle which gave him the exaggerated shape at his rear end, a ridiculous contraption that every fashionable female now wore. The material was arranged ornately over the bustle and fell gracefully down the back of the skirt and formed a small train.

The combination of the faux bosom, corset and bustle created an unmistakeable feminine silhouette and, his face, adorned as it was with creams and powders gave him a distinctly androgynous look. Depending on the viewer’s perspective he was either a girlish boy or a boyish girl and this absurdity was creating even greater confusion inside his head. He forced   his eyes away from the mirror and gazed down onto the street below observing people going about their daily business. He saw two well dressed women walking side by side, their gowns gently swaying from side to side, his eyes returned to the mirror and to his horror he knew he would not look out of place if he was to join them. How could he retain a grip on his masculinity while dressed in such feminine fashions?  

“What are you doing Aubrey? Admiring yourself in the mirror, I suppose?” Alice, his Governess said sharply as she swept into the room  the sound of her petticoats filling the air, it was a sound he was now only too well acquainted with. “Perhaps you’re becoming even more feminine than we thought.

He was so lost in his thoughts he had not heard her open the door. He froze, rooted to the spot and felt his knees weaken at her voice, there was a time, a week ago maybe two he could not quite remember, when he would have reprimanded her for such an impudent remark but not now. No, not now, as he stood in front of her dressed from head to foot in a gorgeous dress any woman would have been delighted to wear he was no longer that confident or perhaps even arrogant young man. He was now a frightened and timid youth, imprisoned in the most unmanly confection of silk and satin imaginable. The look on her face told him he was in trouble, he felt the panic rising from within.

Idiot! Why didn’t I stay put? I should have known this was a test and she would return sooner than expected, he cursed himself silently. And just as I was getting on her good side.

 “Did you ask permission to leave your studies?” Alice asked brusquely.

The be-gowned boy turned around immediately and without a moment’s hesitation he curtsied demurely.

“Er...  um... No.... Miss. Sorry Miss Alice.” he mumbled desperately trying to find an adequate excuse for his latest misdemeanour.

“Oh dear Aubrey.” she sighed a note of disappointment in her voice as she stepped closer and stroked his face gently. “You know perfectly well that you should have asked my permission to leave your studies before I left the room. I can’t have my girl just getting up and moving about every time she feels like it. I thought you had made progress in acquiring the feminine values of honesty and trustworthiness but sadly I see that is not the case.”

Although her face did not display any signs of anger Aubrey knew only too well that he was in trouble. Of course it was ridiculous he thought to himself, a grown man having to ask permission to leave his seat but then again the very idea of a grown man being forced to wear a dress was so far beyond ridiculous as to border on the bizarre. He now inhabited a world where the normal rules of life did not apply. He was now firmly in the domain of women, forced to dressed and behave as one of them but completely oblivious to the subtle and mysterious idiosyncrasies of their sex. There were times when his Governess appeared pleased with his progress, after all he now curtsied to her without hesitation and rarely complained about his bulky and cumbersome gowns and petticoats. However there was always at least one, perhaps two of these cryptic customs and conventions which he failed to understand. This was always something simple that a man would never think of, perhaps the way he held a tea cup which she may have considered to be too manly or the manner in which he lowered himself onto a chair was deemed far too awkward to be considered in any way feminine. There seemed to be dozens of such complicated protocols for even the most basic actions, naturally he was punished for each transgression. It could be the cane or having to write lines in his copy book, it was truly demoralising. However he was a quick learner and by this stage in his training he was rarely punished a second time for the same offence. Now however he had committed yet another mystifying infringement of feminine etiquette, he grasped his skirts in trepidation this was    a gesture he noticed all women did when they became anxious- and now he was doing it also, but he had little time to admonish himself.

“But ...I ...only....” he blurted and suddenly the injustice of the situation overcame him and he felt a rush of blood to the head “It’s just not fair” he shouted and stamped his buttoned up ankle boot on the floor.

He knew he had gone too far and held his hand to his mouth.

Alice’s tilted her head ever so slightly, her eyebrows arched the merest fraction, it was the subtlest of movements but it created a sense of panic in his muddled brain. A week ago, like any other male, he would not have understood the significance of such a gesture but now after days of confinement in corsets, petticoats and satin gowns being constantly immersed in the art of femininity he immediately comprehended this peculiarly feminine signal. And it was not good. He had undergone various degrading punishments since he had entered this house and he now recognised only too well that he had once more fallen foul of his Governess. As he and every other female in Lady Charlotte’s house knew he was now physically unable to resist any humiliation forced on him and would have to face any punishment that Miss Alice deemed appropriate for any perceived misbehaviour. He would have to beg forgiveness and hope that her retribution would not be too severe. He held his skirts and curtsied.

“I’m so sorry Miss Alice please forgive me.” he pleaded, the tremor in his voice was clearly audible, the alarm visibly evident.

“Well at least you have learnt something.” she acknowledged his act of subservience before continuing, “ However I am so disappointed by such a childish outburst, I really thought you had lost your male temper but obviously not. It was an act of petulance more reminiscent of a twelve year old.”

The red face boy could only hang his head in shame at her admonishment.

“I’m very sorry Miss Alice. I should have been more mature.” he repeated and curtsied again hoping this would convince her of his remorse.

“Yes you certainly should have been.” she said, her eyes still burrowing into his soul and continued in a voice which seemed genuinely tinged with sadness “and you were making so much progress. Perhaps I should write to your mother...and seek her advice.”

“Oh no ....Miss Alice ...please not that.” Aubrey blurted griping his skirts even tighter, the thought of his mother discovering the extent ofhis predicament was too much to bear. Anything but that, please.”

“Perhaps I should not have expected you to make the transition to being a young lady so quickly.” she said as she walked around him “maybe I should have taken this a step at a time. I will allow you one more chance to prove that you are truly sorry for your transgression otherwise I will have to inform your mother and let her decide on how we should proceed.”

“Oh.. yes Miss.” he quickly agreed, several strokes of the cane or a hundred lines  would be worth not having his horrible situation disclosed to his mother, after all she had often said he was far too brash and arrogant for his own good and would possibly approve of Lady Charlotte’s  scheme.

“Very well.” Alice said as she rang the bell and almost immediately one of the maids appeared.

Alice spoke to her quietly and then returned to address Aubrey. She began unbuttoning his dress at the nape of his neck. He was surprised but knew better than to question her, she then removed his three petticoats and laid them on the bed as he stood in the centre of the room in his corset and silk pantaloons which ended at his knees in a dainty frill. When Alice dressed and undressed him she always left him for several minutes in a state of dishabille, she found this vulnerability not only concentrated the boy’s mind but it was also a source of mild amusement.

She led him to the bed where Sarah, one of the housemaids, had laid out some clothes, she held up the dress next to him. He was horrified, not only was it the frilliest dress he had ever seen with large bows decorating it from the neck to the waist and had several layers of flounces. It was horrible and as if that wasn’t bad enough it was far too short even he knew that, surely the maid had made some mistake, he looked at his Governess with a perplexed expression.

“Yes it is short.” Alice mused as she continued to hold it against him “but then all twelve year olds wear their dresses this short – and you did act like a twelve year old. I had hoped that I would not have to put you into such a dress but your immature fit of pique left me with no choice.

Aubrey looked at the clothes in disbelief.

She can’t expect me to wear the dress of a twelve year old. he tried desperately to convince himself.

“But... I ...it won’t ....”he stammered, still trying to comprehend his situation.

“It won’t fit?” Alice said anticipating his panicked question “Oh yes I’m afraid it will. You see I predicted at some stage you would revert to those horrible male traits so I had Lady Charlotte alter several of the dresses Miss Felicity’s wore as a child to fit you.”

“Oh...no ....please.... Miss Alice .....please... I promise I will ....”he begged staring at the ultra feminine garment, any dignity he had was now long gone as he saw Sarah, a broad smirk on her face, fluff out the voluminous petticoats.

“If you are going to act like a little girl then you will dress like one.”Alice said calmly not allowing him to finish the sentence as she took the petticoats from Sarah.

He held on firmly to the chair and thought of resisting but his lack of strength meant he could not resist them physically. The idea of running from the room briefly crossed his mind but dressed like this, where would he flee to?

Trapped! Yet again he screamed to himself.

“How.. long....”he gulped realising he had no option but to submit, his hands gripping the chair and hoping his legs would hold him upright “will I have to ....”

“Wear your delightful new dress?” Alice quickly interrupted him as, unconcerned by his obvious distress, she examined the dress more closely “these bows are simply enchanting, don’t you think? Naturally I had them added myself, the dress was far too plain for..... someone as special as you.

Aubrey grimaced as she held the hideous garment up for him to inspect.

“As to how long you will wear it, I haven’t made up my mind. It could be a day or two” she continued in her calm voice “then again you may require a little longer to understand what exactly is required to reach the required level of femininity, maybe a week or two. It will depend entirely on how quickly you learn your lesson and rid yourself of that petulant masculine behaviour. Oh by the way this dress is one of several charming creations I have commissioned.”

Two weeks in...... that he howled inside his head, he felt his legs buckle. Alice and Sarah quickly came to his aid.

“I wonder which one of his new dresses he will like best Miss Alice.” the maid gushed enthusiastically as they escorted him to the bed.

“I don’t know Sarah.” Alice replied “he will have plenty of time to think about it while he plays with his dolls. Now come along Aubrey your new dress awaits.”

A Very Victorian Education Chapter 4

Hi All

I thought I would have this chapter finished sooner but unfortunately it was not to be.

It’s much shorter than previous chapters at 1900 words approx, it was my hope to extend it but truthfully this would take another few weeks to fully complete  so I felt it best to post this now and if I have the time I can begin on another chapter.

 I apologise to those who may have liked to see more (  the 18 people who were kind enough to tick the “more” box)– I feel I have cheated you in posting such a short chapter but on the plus side  this has given me great encouragement to continue with Aubrey’s life under Lady C’s regimen.

There is a mildly sexual content to this chapter which is a departure for me but I felt it was necessary to the storyline to include such a scene.

I’m hoping the next episode will not take as long but it is summer and the European Football Championship is on, as is Ireland’s rugby tour of South Africa ( first win ever in South Africa last Saturday) and Wimbledon starting in a few weeks  – so a lot of distractions but hopefully I’ll get something done.

Anyway I hope you enjoy this short piece and thanks again for all the support.

Carrie.

A Very Victorian Education

Chapter 4

They promised dreams can come true- but forgot to mention that nightmares are dreams, too. – Oscar Wilde

  “A perfect day.” he said out loud, a feeling of satisfaction coursing through his body as the shadows lengthened across the meadow “nothing better than a good day’s shooting followed by an even better night’s drinking and carousing”

Laughing loudly, the group all his close friends with their guns slung over their shoulders trudged their way towards the gate at the edge of the field but he found it hard to keep up. It was if something was weighing him down, slowing his progress.

“Hold on.” Aubrey called to his friends as they nimbly mounted the gate and stood on the other side their faces creased with laughter.

“You’ll have to pull your dress and petticoats right up over your knees.” one said as the others roared with hilarity.

Aubrey looked down and saw what was impeding his movement. He was horrified to see that he was wearing a voluminous two-piece dress of claret coloured velvet and taffeta with a large bustle.

“Better get back before your Governess discovers you’re missing.” another guffawed to the great amusement of the others.

Aubrey woke up with a jolt his eyes fixed on the ceiling and unable to move, frozen with the anxiety that comes with nightmares. After a few moments he slowly shifted his legs and felt a strange and unsettling but not unpleasant sensation. His hands moved over his stomach and his fingers experienced a soft and smooth feeling as they touched an unfamiliar fabric. With trepidation he lifted the sheet and looked down in horror at the peach silk embroidered nightgown that covered his whole body, just under his chest a wide gold satin sash reached around his body and served to emphasise his feminine bosom.

Suddenly he realised this was not a nightmare it was worse, this was his new reality and there would be no escape from his continuing feminisation. His masculinity was now to be hidden under feminine garments from dawn to dusk and as he looked at the feminine nightgown he knew even in the privacy of his bed he would have to conform to Lady Charlotte’s rules.

“Yes it is a pretty nightgown isn’t it Aubrey?” a familiar voice broke the silence.

The voice confirmed his fears, he was wide awake now and not dreaming. Instinctively he knew the answer the voice required.

“Yes Lady Charlotte.” he replied meekly and immediately.

“Oh I have many such gorgeous nightgowns which I’m sure you will really like wearing.” Lady Charlotte cooed as she removed the satin quilt “Now it’s time to get up and get you dressed.”

Aubrey slowly and reluctantly slid from the bed.

“I think he likes it too much your ladyship.” another recognisable voice said in a distinctly disapproving tone as her hand took hold of his erection and squeezed it firmly which brought a gasp from the young man.

“Oh dear! That is very naughty of you Aubrey. I thought we spoke about this.” Lady Charlotte said, the displeasure at confronting his erection was clear. “This is most disappointing.”

Aubrey was so embarrassed he could only hang his head, Alice’s hand squeezing his member ensured his erection would remain intact.

“Yes m’lady,  most disappointing.” Alice agreed with her mistress and squeezed him once more, much to Aubrey’s consternation. “But m’lady in his defence perhaps it is the male way of admitting he like the softness and femininity of his nightgown, it is merely he cannot express it verbally.”

“Perhaps Alice” Lady Charlotte said then fixed her eyes on him “but it is not very ladylike now is it Aubrey? ....And you do wish to become more ladylike, don’t you?”

“Please....please....”he pleaded not wishing to surrender his masculinity.

“In my experience m’lady, unlike our own sex many males like Master Aubrey here are slaves to their urges” Alice said stroking the top of his glans with her thumb as he whimpered. “I have also discovered that if they are milked regularly they tend ......”

“Milked!” Lady Charlotte exclaimed loudly “you mean....like a cow?”

“Yes your ladyship.” Alice confirmed, as she retained a firm hold on the boy’s erect penis she continued “I have found that if they are ...ahem...milked regularly like cows they become very docile and easily managed.”

“Just like cows.” Lady Charlotte said.

“Exactly m’lady.” Alice confirmed.

“But.....I...”Aubrey protested weakly.

“Hush dear boy.”Alice gently admonished him and squeezed his member again, he quickly aborted his objection.

Lady Charlotte observed the scene closely.

“Mmm.” Lady Charlotte pondered her remarks for a few moments before continuing “and you think this would help him in his efforts to discard those awful masculine traits and encourage him to incorporate a more feminine dimension to his personality.”

“Oh without doubt m’lady.” Alice replied enthusiastically “once in this state he will agree to anything, perhaps a demonstration would be helpful?”

“Proceed.” her mistress instructed.

“Now young man” Alice addressed him and expertly stroked him once more, he moaned as a feeling of exquisite pleasure ran through his body “tell Lady Charlotte how you would like to become more girlish and wear pretty dresses?”

The boy tried to muster all his self –control but Alice squeezed and the stroked his shaft, the combination of these actions as well as the soft silk of the nightgown enveloping his erection was simply too much and he nodded his agreement.

“I think you had better say it so we can hear you.” Alice breathed in a voice as smooth as the silk of his nightgown as she continued to stroke him.

The sensation was unbearable, he thought his brain would explode.

“Please....Miss.....I.....”he babbled.

“Say it.” she cooed “you know you want to.”

He could not help himself.

“I... want to wear.....pretty dresses.” he blurted.

Alice released her grip then tightened it again close to the glans.

“And.. become......more....” Aubrey gasped, desperately trying to think of a less demeaning word than ‘girlish’, sensing his reluctance Alice rubbed and squeezed him again, the exquisite sensations coursing through his body were overwhelming his brain, his mind was in turmoil and his thought process was practically non-existent.

“.......Effeminate.” he blurted

“Effeminate!” Excellent! What a simply delicious word.” Lady Charlotte declared excitedly “yes Alice, I must confess I do like the sound of that.”

Having completed her demonstration Alice applied the coup de grace with accomplished finesse, the youth’s body jerked into a climatic spasm and his male essence exploded from his member. She released her hand and quite exhausted he fell back onto the bed his nightgown visibly damp with his sperm.

“How curious.” Lady Charlotte said as she observed the boy prostrate on the bed, “Fascinating and revolting at the same time.”

“As I said m’lady, unlike the female sex males have so little control over their disgusting urges.” Alice said as she caught hold of Aubrey’s ear and in a further act of humiliation raised him from the bed before continuing,

“I do hope you are not going to forget your promise to her ladyship to become less masculine and more amenable in adopting feminine attributes or as you yourself have phrased it ... to become more effeminate.” Alice paused and fixed him with her steely eyes, a look that clearly implied there could only be one answer.

The intense sensations that ran through his body had now vanished and were replaced by a humiliating reality, he could not meet their eyes but knew he had to answer.

“Yes. “he murmured.

“Aubrey!”  Lady Charlotte said sharply “Is that the correct way to address your Governess?”  

An increasing sense of shame was now enveloping the youth, he was completely drained both physically and mentally and could not argue even if he wanted to.

“Yes Miss Alice.” he said softly.

“Are you forgetting something Aubrey?” Lady Charlotte chided him.

In an act of utter humiliation he turned to the woman who just the day previously, was a mere housemaid, someone who was at his beck and call, his social and gender inferior. He held the sides of his silk nightgown between in his hands and bent his knees in a deep curtsy.

“I’m sorry Miss Alice.” he said as he completed his act of indignity. “it will not happen again.”

Alice acknowledged his apology with a gracious tilt of her head and although she remained silent he could see the unmistakable look of triumph in her eyes. He could only hang his head in complete shame which did not go unnoticed by the women.

“I think you may be right regarding his milking Alice.” Lady Charlotte said as she examined his demeanour closely, her voice was composed, almost soothing as she continued “there does seem to be a slight change in his manner, less excitable and .....perhaps.... a little calmer. Am I correct Aubrey, do you feel a little more relaxed, less anxious about wearing your new clothes?”

Aubrey, such was his shame could only nod his agreement, standing in front of the women in his soiled silk nightgown he was close to tears.

Lady Charlotte embraced him warmly.

“It’s all right Aubrey.” Lady Charlotte said comforting him “young girls often find it comforting to cry every now and then you, it is part of the feminine experience. Now let’s get you out of your nightgown, you will feel so much better after Miss Alice bathes you in a nice warm bath.”

As Alice approached and lifted the soft fabric over his head he felt powerless to stop her and in a moment he was standing naked in front of the two women. He didn’t have to look to confirm his penis that just a few minutes ago was a rigid instrument of masculinity had now shrivelled to a fraction of its size and was now barely noticeable. The look of derision on Alice’s face seemed to shrink it even further. He now realised that under Lady Charlotte’s regimen he would have no privacy and he would be under female supervision at all times. He began to formulate a plea to be allowed to bathe alone but his face betrayed his thoughts and Lady Charlotte read his intentions.

“I do hope you are not thinking of refusing.” she asked sharply.

“Oh no, Lady Charlotte.” he lied unconvincingly but she chose to ignore it..

“That’s a good boy, I’m so glad that you are finally learning.” she said “now run along and when you return I may even allow you to choose your own undergarments and gown for today- just like a real girl.”

Lady Charlotte busied herself locating clothes in the large walk in dressing room and paid little attention as Alice took a firm hold of his flaccid penis and led him to the bathroom, she turned to him and smiled.

“Not very big now, is it?”she sneered “but it really doesn’t matter, effeminate boys like you have little need for such things and shortly it will be safely tucked away under several silk and taffeta petticoats. By the time we are finished, you will make the most gorgeous feminine male. Your life as your mother’s prodigal son is now over and you will soon discover the joys of being a young lady, restrained by corsets and dressed from head to toe in the most sensuous fabrics. Oh yes! I will certainly enjoy the challenge.”  

Aubrey now knew it would be some time before he emerged from this particular nightmare.  

A Very Victorian Education part 3

 Below is the third past of A Very Victorian Education I was hoping to have another illustration completed for it but I just ran out of time.

The usual  and  most genuine thank you to the 12 or 13 readers who consistently tick the “more box” I really do appreciate the gesture as without this I would not know if readers actually like the story or not. At the moment I have lot of commitments so it will be very difficult to finish the story in this format i.e. 4000-5000 words per chapter.

 So as I mentioned in a previous post I think the best way to continue will be to publish an illustration displaying a scene from Aubrey’s new life with an accompanying short text. This way hopefully the period between chapter s may not be too long.

Thanks again for your patience and support and I hope you enjoy it.

Carrie

The gentle whispering sound of soft silk skirts and petticoats filled the air as three elegantly dressed feminine figures moved along the upstairs corridor of Lady Charlotte de Winter’s London mansion. The only thing that made this quite ordinary domestic scene somewhat unusual was that the middle one of the fashionably dressed trio, the one who moved with an awkward and ungainly gait was in fact male. The young man in question was dressed in a gorgeous elaborate gown of the most delicate shade of ivory silk and decorated with an ornately embroidered bodice of gold and silver. He wore, along with his corset and petticoats of course, an expression of dread and trepidation. Wearing such a wonderfully feminine confection was not – as his countenance so clearly suggested – an arrangement he had entered into voluntarily. No, dear reader, the callow youth had been forced into wearing his new feminine garments by his mother’s dear friend and her daughter. After displaying the most arrogant and appalling male behaviour his hostess administered an exotic potion from the Far East which had temporarily robbed him of his male strength. When Lady de Winter insisted that his attitude towards the female sex would greatly benefit from some time living as a woman. Naturally the boy recoiled at such a notion but after having his behind thrashed by her daughter and physically unable to resist he soon found himself trussed up in petticoats, corset and gown. It was a dreadfully humiliating experience and he had hoped to limit it by remaining in his room for the duration of his stay but Lady de Winter had other ideas.  

“Such a pity we did not have a little more time with him to practise ascending and descending stairs.” Lady Charlotte said as she and her daughter steered the unwilling young man along the corridor towards the head of the wide staircase leading down to the expansive entrance hallway. “It would be nice if he was to make a graceful descent by himself. Servants always look to us as exemplars of feminine deportment.”

“Please Lady Charlotte …I can’t …the servants…..what will they think….”the petrified youth said desperately trying to dig his three inch heels into the large circular Persian rug at the top of the stairs.

“Please do not concern yourself about the servants Aubrey” Felicity said “they are servants they will think whatever Mother tells them to think. Like most women they have endured various humiliations at the hands of males and they were very grateful to be given the chance of serving in an all-female household. As a result of their experiences they understand and agree with Mother’s views on the subject and I think you will find they will welcome the chance to educate you in the more civilised ways of our gender.”

As he looked over the balustrade into the spacious hall below he could see the maids gathering to greet their mistress. Instinctively he tried to turn and go back but Felicity’s hands tightened sharply on his upper arm, two days ago he would not have felt a thing but now he felt even the slightest pressure when she chose to apply it.

“Ouch” he squealed in a girlish tone. “You’re hurting.”

A triumphant smile creased her face and he felt ashamed at his admission.

“Felicity!” her mother snapped “stop hurting the boy, remember he is not as strong as you and may be far too delicate for your heavy handed ways. Felicity reluctantly relaxed her steely grip and Lady de Winter continued,

“Now Aubrey, regarding your apprehensions about the servants’ views please do not concern yourself about such trivial matters. Of course they will find a male dressed in such a beautiful gown somewhat .....shall we say…unusual. However they are well trained and they understand that the manner in which the upper classes conduct their affairs may sometimes appear unorthodox but as well trained and loyal servants they accept that there may be good reasons for everything their mistress does.”

She stood back and made a minor adjustment to his sleeves and looked at him directly in the eye before adding,

“No matter how unconventional or even odd that may seem. I expect they will soon get used to it- as I am sure you will.”

This did not assuage Aubrey’s fears and he continued to dig his three inch heels into the carpet. Lady de Winter looked at him quizzically and tilted her head in a questioning manner.

“Of course if you are still reluctant to descend the stairs voluntarily I’m sure Miss Bristlestrap would only be too happy to assist us.” she said in a low voice.

Aubrey, his heart beating fast under his chemise and corset, knew exactly what that would entail. He immediately decided whatever chance he had of maintaining even the slightest degree of dignity if he voluntarily accompanied Lady Charlotte and Felicity, to refuse and be forced in front of the servants by Miss Bristlestrap would only make him look even more foolish and unmanly… if that was possible.

“Oh no Lady Charlotte I’m just a little nervous.” he answered as he caught a glimpse of Miss Bristlestrap smiling in a vaguely threateningly manner at the end of the stairs.

“It’s all right my dear boy,” Lady Charlotte said, her voice much more comforting now, “take a firm hold of your skirts ensuring you also have a grip of your petticoats and slowly put one foot in front of the other. Don’t worry Felicity and I will be next to you just in case you stumble.”

After a tentative start he managed to reach the end of the wide staircase without incident and as he finally alighted from the last step he felt a now familiar queasiness in his stomach as he saw the housemaids lined up behind Miss Bristlestrap to await their mistress and her new guest. The housekeeper, Lady Charlotte and Felicity left him standing alone as they engaged in conversation. He tried to avoid the gaze of the maids but was unable to do so, it was as he had feared  he quickly detected on each of their faces a look of ridicule and derision.

“Girls.” Miss Bristlestrap called her staff to attention “the mistress has an announcement to make.”

“As you will be aware we have a guest staying with us, the child of a very dear and valued friend. “Lady de Winter began as she gestured her hand towards the mortified boy in the ivory silk own whose eyes were now fixed firmly on the floor, she called to him “Aubrey you can let go of your skirts and petticoats now and come over here.”

Under his voluminous gown his feet slowly began to move him to Lady Charlotte’s side, the skirts of the gown swaying gently as he did so. He knew all eyes in the spacious hall were on him and as he walked in as dignified a manner as he could under the circumstances.

He tried to calm himself.

Remember you are a man, a man of breeding and of high rank just because you are dressed like a girl does not mean you should act like one.

Once at her side Lady de Winter took him by the hand and addressed the servants once more.

“You are perhaps wondering why a young gentleman is dressed in such a fashion. You are also aware of my views regarding the arrogance and conceit of the male sex and how abhorrent I find them. Master Aubrey, after some…..persuasion, has conceded that since his arrival in this house he has been guilty of such obnoxious and loathsome male behaviour and has offended, disparaged and insulted the female gender.”   She paused and looked at the shameful boy, Aubrey shifted uncomfortably under his gown at her characterisation of him but she squeezed his hand gently and gave him a broad benevolent smile before continuing

“However, to his great credit he has expressed genuine remorse for such conduct and has shown a willingness to rid himself of these dreadful traits. So for the duration of his stay with us he has committed himself to acquiring the more courteous and refined values associated with the feminine persona. To demonstrate his sincerity he has agreed that he could absorb these qualities if he was to immerse himself fully in all things feminine.”

She interrupted her address and once more smiled proudly at him and out of the corner of his eye he could detect the thinly disguised smirks of the servants. Such was his mortification Aubrey wished the floor would open up and swallow him, he just wanted Lady Charlotte to stop speaking and allow him to leave, but there was little chance of that. She recommenced her speech,

“I am happy to announce that the dear boy has agreed to my suggestion that the best way to do this would be to dress and behave as a female until he returns to his mother.” she paused and beamed at the servants. “So thankfully the gender balance has been restored and we are once again an all-female household.”

The maids broke into spontaneous applause at this announcement and Aubrey cringed at the thought he was now considered female –even by the servants.

“I’m sure Master Aubrey will be most grateful for your assistance and support in helping him to integrate into my home in his new role. Naturally you will grant him the same respect and deference as you would any lady of high social standing.”

The maids all nodded eagerly and broke into frenzied chatter and smiling in his direction as they did so, Aubrey felt distinctly uneasy by this display of female excitement, one of them   spoke to Miss Bristlestrap who in turn spoke to Lady de Winter.

“My Lady, the staff are curious as to how exactly they should address your new …ahem…guest, should they refer to him as Master Aubrey or…….” Miss Bristlestrap paused as she fixed the boy with her steely gaze “….or in view of his new feminine attire should he be addressed as  ……Miss Aubrey?”

Lady Charlotte seemed to be taken by surprise by her housekeeper’s question.

“I really had not thought of that Miss Bristlestrap, an excellent question. What clever girls they are ” she replied as she turned her attention to Aubrey once more and fussing unnecessarily with his collar smiled at him before asking,

“What do you think Aubrey?”

Aubrey’s brain had been experiencing ever increasing levels of turmoil since he first opened his eyes that morning and was now faced with yet another humiliating choice. Choosing the feminine form of address would mean he had surrendered his increasingly tenuous claim on his masculinity but being addressed as Master Aubrey dressed in ladies clothing would sound equally degrading and would only serve to draw attention to his predicament.

“I ..ah... I....”he spluttered as every pair of eyes in the room fixed on him once more.

“Maybe it is a little too soon for you to decide.” Lady Charlotte interrupted his babbling, “Perhaps it may be better to wait until you become a little more......” and she paused momentarily, her hands gesturing to his gown before continuing “..... comfortable in your new attire?”

Such was his confusion he could only nod, Lady de Winter turned to Miss Bristlestrap and the assembled maids. 

“The change from male to female clothing will obviously take a little time for the young master to become used to both physically and mentally and I’m sure  Aubrey is still a little confused with our new arrangement.”

Once more words failed him and he could only nod his head in agreement.

“Yes your ladyship.” the housekeeper agreed “In my experience young males require a period of adjustment in their new attire before they begin to empathise with the female sex. Naturally they are totally unused to the restrictive and voluminous nature of garments worn by ladies of polite society, and like Master Aubrey here, once they find themselves dressed in such feminine attire they have  absolutely no idea how to comport themselves in a natural or graceful manner.”

Aubrey was still coming to terms with his bizarre plight and focused on avoiding the smirking faces of the maidservants, he wasn’t sure he had heard her correctly. Lady Charlotte’s voice cut short these thoughts,

Did she say she has experience of seeing males dressed as girls? Has she or Lady Charlotte done this to other boys?

“I suppose we will have to leave that particular question for the time being.” Lady Charlotte said “however the most important thing is that he is shown deference as befits a girl......I mean boy of his class.”

“Of course m’lady.”Miss Bristlestrap replied “the staff are well trained and will ensure he is treated in the appropriate manner and with the utmost......”she paused and looked disdainfully for a few moments at the figure in the silk gown before adding “...  respect.”

 “Now Miss Bristlestrap” Lady Charlotte announced as she began to gather her skirts and move away “Miss Felicity and I have some matters to discuss in private and we would welcome your views, please join us in the library.

Aubrey was relieved that he would not have to continue to face the servants prying eyes and their barely concealed smirks and went to follow her.

“This will take several minutes Aubrey and we do not require your presence, please wait in the drawing room and we will join you when we have concluded our business.”

He tried to say something but by the time the words reached his mouth they had already arrived at the library door and he was left standing in the company of the four maids. The smiles that crossed their faces unsettled him greatly as they gathered around him like sharks surrounding a lone seal, their eyes examining every part of him, he felt they were  mentally undressing him. Although they had not spoken a word he knew that behind the mask of their polite smiles they were laughing at him- the boy in the dress. He tried to avoid their eyes but it was impossible and he could feel himself becoming even more anxious and........... feelings he rarely felt before....... he felt intimidated and vulnerable. His usual poise and self-assurance had disappeared – now buried deep under his taffeta petticoats and rigid corset.

The maids continued to examine him and he became fretful and agitated, he grabbed the soft silk of the dress’s skirt trying to stop his hands from shaking. He began swaying nervously and in the almost funereal quietness of the hallway even his slightest movement created a rustling sound from the silk and taffeta petticoats that shamefully hung from his slim hips. He rarely took notice of servant girls, well maybe the pretty ones and like most of his peers he deliberately remained aloof and haughty in their presence. After all servants particularly maidservants should always be aware of who was in charge. But now stripped of the male clothing that marked him as a scion of that very upper class society and dressed as a girl in silks and satins he no longer felt as authoritative as the youth who entered this house just a few days ago.  He knew he had to escape from their mocking eyes and contemptuous smiles, he decided to break out of their circle to the safety of the drawing room.

He bolted for the door several metres away but forgetting that he was now wearing long and cumbersome petticoats under a dress he stumbled and fell unceremoniously to the ground. He did not think his humiliation could reach a new level but now, crumpled into an undignified figure on the marble tiles with his dress and petticoats bunched up around his thighs in a most indecorous manner, he knew he had plumbed a new level of shame.

“Dora, Hilda.”a voice said quietly “pick Master Aubrey up.”

He felt two strong hands grip him under the arms and lift him effortlessly to his feet. He was speechless with mortification as the maids set about fixing his dress and adjusting his petticoats neatly under the skirt.

“Are you hurt Master Aubrey?” one of the maids said in an unmistakeable mocking tone.

“No...no.... I’m...  all right.”he answered still shaking slightly.

“Oh let me fix your dress and petties.”

Three of the maids fussed about him carefully arranging his dress.

“Running in a dress is not a wise choice Master Aubrey.” the maid with the brown hair said. “A lady’s clothing does not have the same freedom as that of a young gentleman and as such young ladies tend to avoid such exertions as the consequences can be.......”she paused as she adjusted his bodice around his false bosom before continuing “.... very embarrassing.”

“I...it’s ....”he spluttered.

“Perhaps if you sat down in the drawing room you may feel a little better. Some tea may help calm you?” she said.

“Yes....that...I think that would be...” he said still shaken but before he agreed to her suggestion she had already taken hold of his arm and guided him to the drawing room door.

“It would be best if you held your skirts whilst walking Master Aubrey, like this,” she advised and demonstrated with the skirts of her uniform before explaining “young ladies do this naturally from a young age, however for a young man it may require a little more practice to achieve the desired effect. I’m afraid you will have to modify your gait also.”

His embarrassing tumble to the floor had completely eroded what little confidence he had left and he felt his petticoats were now a hazard to his movement and a source of further potential embarrassment. He knew her remark about his gait was also true, he would no longer be able to stride about in the normal male fashion. If he was to avoid another mortifying fall he would have to shorten his male stride and learn how to walk and move in a more ..... and he hated to admit it.....feminine manner.

Alice spoke quietly to the other maids and they left, leaving just the two of them in the room.

“Perhaps you had better sit down Master Aubrey.” she said and as before without waiting for an answer she took him by the arm and guided him to the large couch.

He tried to sit but almost tripped on the hem once more Alice moved quickly to prevent him falling once more.

“You will have to lift your skirts slightly before you sit, this will ensure to do not stumble and also that you will not bunch your petticoats underneath you.”

She demonstrated the correct method and he gingerly lowered himself onto the couch and as he sat there in his feminine finery he caught sight of his reflection in the large mirror over the fireplace and the enormity of changes he had been put through suddenly hit him. He  saw the girl in the mirror begin to sob.

“May offer some advice Master Aubrey?”she said proffering the tearful youth a handkerchief

He was still transfixed by his reflection and through his tears nodded his agreement, Alice sat down beside him the jet black of her uniform contrasting with the beautiful ivory silk of his gown.

“Difficult as it is for you to understand, you must accept that you are now completely under Lady Charlotte’s control.” the maid began “Your mother and Lady Charlotte agree that women have suffered too long under a hypocritical patriarchy which they feel leads to moral corruption and a life of debauchery, they are fearful that you may be led down this path.”

Aubrey looked at her blankly not fully understanding what this had to do with his present predicament, Alice dabbed the last tears from his cheeks and continued

“As you know only too well she and your mother are extremely close, almost like sisters. Your mother has always been a great admirer of the mistress’s abilities to achieve exceptional results in even the most trying cases. The maids in this household are one example, most of them were streetwalkers, ladies of the night, but Lady Charlotte rescued them and through patience and some unorthodox methods she turned them into presentable girls with impeccable manners and moral rectitude, they are no longer at the mercy of men.”

 The youth shifted uneasily on the couch, his bulky new clothes creating a faint crinkling noise every time he made even the slightest move, reminding him as if that was necessary, that he was now confined within a silk and satin prison. Aubrey knew the maid was right his mother often expressed an excessive affection towards Lady Charlotte and held her opinions in the highest regard. He was aware his mother strongly disapproved of his behaviour and he suddenly realised that she may not only fail to condemn his treatment at Lady Charlotte’s hands. Worse still- she may even approve of it. Alice waited for her words to seep into his brain before she spoke again.

“If you rebel against Lady Charlotte or fail to show sufficient progress it is extremely likely that your stay here will be prolonged for several months. As you know your mother had planned to go abroad for an extended tour of the continent, Paris, Venice, Salzburg and a spa in Germany I believe. I overheard her tell Lady Catherine that it would be a great relief to know that you were in the safe hands of Lady Charlotte and not involved in any disgraceful male behaviour.  If you think you are suffering now just imagine weeks, months perhaps longer dressed.....”she paused and gestured to his sumptuous silk gown “in beautiful gowns of silk, taffeta, satin and other soft feminine fabrics. Not to mention of course being confined in corsets. I think after such a long period in feminine clothing you would probably forget what is was to be male.”

Aubrey let out an audible gasp, being held prisoner in female clothing for a day or two was excruciating but for months. He desperately tried to remember how long his mother had said she would be away at her aunt’s estate. A week? two? And he did recall her saying she had plans for a Grand Tour of Europe however at this moment such was his confusion he could not remember when exactly she said she was leaving. The thought of such a long time dressed as a female was too much to bear, he burst out crying again.

“ Months.....oh no.....”he sobbed.

“If she decides to extend her tour it could even be a year.” Alice helpfully added and produced another handkerchief.

“A YEAR!” he wailed taking the handkerchief and burst into tears once more.

“Of course....” Alice said softly as she smoothed out a crease in his skirt “.. if you conform to her ladyship’s regimen and impress her with your willingness to change your ways, abandoning the arrogant and disrespectful attitude of the male sex I’m sure your time in female clothing would be very short.”

“Do you really think so?” he answered still sobbing as he grasped at this lifeline.

“If you are to be successful you will need to fully comprehend the nature of femininity with all the complexity of emotions that it brings.” Alice said taking the handkerchief and wiping the tears from his cheeks. “This is a good beginning.”

He looked at her with a vacant look on his face.

“You see,” she explained “this is one advantage women have over men, the relief of tears, the torrential downpours that wash our spirits clean. It will help you accept that you are no longer in control. Do you understand?”

He really didn’t know what she was talking about but he did not feel as tense, he nodded and Alice continued 

“The mistress is a highly intelligent woman and will not be fooled by you merely wearing a dress, making a feeble effort to change. She will want to be satisfied that you are making a sincere attempt to transform your life and become a better person. If she sees that you accept her methods I’m sure she will be more forgiving.”

“How....what can I do?”he blurted as he realised there could be a quick way out of his predicament.

“Oh it will take a few days but you could begin by a display of respect and....” Alice hesitated .......obedience, curtsying to her when she enters the room would be a good start. It would show her that you are sincere in your wish to change.”

“But ..I can’t....I don’t know..... how.” he said.

“Every girl knows how to curtsey.” Alice answered “and you must remember...... in the mistress’s eyes, you are a girl now Master Aubrey. Let me see you try.”

Aubrey knew he had no way out of this dreadful plight and he was prepared to do anything to get released as quickly as possible from his horrible clothes. A few days ago he could never have imagined taking instructions from a servant girl, a maid, but he now felt Alice seemed to offer the best solution to his problems.

With these thoughts in his head Aubrey lifted himself from the couch and very clumsily attempted a curtsey.

“Oh dear” Alice sighed “I’m afraid that will not do, it may be all right for a kitchen or scullery maid but not a girl of a high social rank”

He looked at her blankly.

 “As I said you really need to think of yourself as a young lady.” Alice smiled sweetly. Now try again, your right leg behind the left and holding your skirts slowly lower your body.”

He was concentrating so much he didn’t hear the door opening, the other maids arrived and began arranging the low table for tea. They found it difficult to conceal their amusement, seeing them Aubrey became flustered once again.

“The young master is trying very hard to improve his .....” Alice said pausing to find the right words “....feminine qualities.”

“Her ladyship will be impressed.” Dora said barely suppressing her giggling.

“Yes...”Hilda agreed in a tone that betrayed her hilarity “most.... ladylike, I’m sure.”

“Girls!” Alice admonished the maids “I am trying to teach Master Aubrey some feminine etiquette.”

She then turned her attention back to the bewildered youth.

“Now if you imagine Dora here is her ladyship’s daughter, let me see how you would greet her.” Alice said.

The maids gathered close to him fixing him with their eyes, sly smiles breaking out across their faces.  Aubrey’s thoughts drifted to a time before he was imprisoned in these dreadful female clothes. Yesterday, he said to himself, he would have reprimanded them for their insolence, they were mere servant girls after and he was superior in rank and gender. He was a man. But that was yesterday, today he was barely recognisable as that man, today he was a feminised male in a dress.

“Master Aubrey!” Alice said sharply rousing him from his reflections and asserting her growing authority, leaving him in no doubt this was an order not a request.

Aubrey looked at her with pleading eyes but Alice ignored his unspoken appeal, her eyes widening as if daring him to refuse. She gestured him to stand in front of the smiling servant girl.

The only sound in the room was the swishing of his skirts as he meekly complied.

“Miss Dora.” Aubrey mumbled in a broken voice as he lowered his body and performed the submissive feminine gesture.

“Much better.” Alice smiled “And now do the same with Hilda and Sarah.”

He repeated his performance to the obvious satisfaction of the grinning maids.

“Oh that was wonderful, I feel like a real lady.” Sarah cooed, clearly delighted “I’m usually the one curtsying.”

“Yes.” Hilda said to the others in a quiet but excited voice that Aubrey could not help but hearing “would it be marvellous if he was wearing my uniform and I was wearing his gown. Maybe her ladyship might........ ”

“That’s enough girls, the mistress be here in a moment you may go.” Alice said putting an end to his torment as the maids left the room still giggling.

“You see the effect an elegant curtsey can have, Lady Charlotte will be most pleased with such a display of feminine decorum.” Alice said as she turned to the door “I think I hear her in the hallway, now sit down and when she enters rise  and slowly lower yourself into a graceful curtsey.”

A loud rustle of taffeta and silk announced the arrival of Lady Charlotte followed closely by Felicity and Miss Bristlestrap. Alice nodded to her pupil who rose from the couch and performed an almost faultless curtsey.

“Oh you darling boy, such a charming curtsey.... what a wonderful surprise. I really did not think you were quite ready to fully accept my ideas.” she exclaimed her voice filled with emotion and opened her arms “come here and let me embrace you.”

It was plain to see that his curtsey had the desired effect as she enfolded him in her arms and held him to her ample bosom.

Maybe Alice is right he said to himself as she maintained the embrace for a few moments, If I keep up this pretence for a few days I may get my clothes back.

She eventually released him from her grip and smiled at him, he could see Felicity and Miss Bristlestrap exchange knowing smirks.

“It will take more than a simple curtsey to convince me Mother.” Felicity snorted.

 “Mmm...perhaps.” Lady Charlotte said holding both his hands in hers and scanning his face “however something in his demeanour seems to have changed since we left him. It’s as if he’s had an epiphany. Has Alice been giving you a little advice dear boy? she is a clever girl.”

“Um...ah.....she...”he mumbled, mortified that he had debased himself in front of Felicity and Miss Bristlestrap and flustered by her perceptive question.

“I merely pointed the young master in the right direction your ladyship.” Alice intervened “I did not mean to interfere.”

“Quite all right Alice.” Lady Charlotte replied “in fact we were just discussing how best to proceed with his ...” she paused for a moment before continuing “training.... I suppose is the best word. He really does need a lot of work and as I may not always be on hand to supervise his progress and Miss Bristlestrap has enough to do running the household. I had thought about employing a responsible and discreet lady’s maid to help develop his more genteel and feminine qualities however his education is another major consideration after all he did express a concern regarding his next term at Oxford.”

“A.... lady’s maid?”  Aubrey blurted, the very idea filled him with dread and he visibly recoiled at the suggestion. This would be the worst possible eventuality, he tried desperately to dissuade her “...but there’s no need I assure you Lady Charlotte. I will be.....”

Lady Charlotte ignored him and continued,

“However, although a lady’s maid would be helpful I feel someone with a little bit more experience in dealing with boys would be ideal in giving you a more rounded education.”

Aubrey looked at her with a mixture of apprehension and confusion.

“Miss Bristlestrap tells me that Alice has just such a background. Isn’t that so Alice?” Lady Charlotte said.

“Yes m’lady.” Alice replied. “you were kind enough to employ me as a head housemaid when circumstances made it difficult to obtain a position more suited to my abilities.”

“With Aubrey’s elegant curtsey I think we have already witnessed your inspirational qualities.” Lady Charlotte said as she sat down “And you would be willing to take on this responsibility.”

“Of course m’lady.” Alice answered “it would be a wonderful opportunity.”

Aubrey’s head was following the conversation like a spectator at a tennis match.

“Then it is settled.” Lady Charlotte.

“I...don’t understand Lady Charlotte.” Aubrey said fearfully.

“Oh..Aubrey you silly boy, have you not been listening?” Lady Charlotte explained to the confused youth. “Alice will become your Governess, under my supervision she will help nurture your progress. She will have full authority over you and I expect you to obey her as you would me.”

“Alice?” he blurted still not believing his own ears “but I....can’t...she’s only a  ...”

“She is your new Governess.” Lady Charlotte said “and given her new position I think it best if you address her as Miss Alice.”

“But....I....she’s a.... you can’t really expect....”he spluttered.

“Aubrey!” Lady Charlotte snapped, the sternness in her voice did not escape him and he feared the consequences of defying her “now greet your new Governess in the appropriate fashion for a young lady.”

A wave of subjugation washed over him, his hands grasped his skirts and he bent his knees and lowered his body as he had been taught.

“Miss Alice” he said as he curtsied to his new Governess.