Finally I have been able to keep my promise of completing the story- your story.
As I have said on numerous occasions if it wasn’t for the support given by readers Aubrey’s journey would have ended a long time ago. I had forgotten just how long ago it started, the first chapter was posted 23rd Feb 2016 and it remains a constant source of amazement to me that readers have shown such patience in continuing to follow our hero’s sojourn. And it has been long, much longer than I had intended.
So 27 chapters and approx 150k words later we come to the end.
As always- and I’ve bored you with this many times before but it is very important to me- I’d like to express my gratitude to everyone who, from start to finish, ticked the ‘more’ box and especially to those readers who took the time and trouble to comment and share their views. I spent a lot of hours (far too many) writing and rewriting and to know that people have appreciated the story made the effort and considerable time that went into it more than worthwhile. Your support was a constant source not only of motivation but also inspiration.
Having said all that I suspect the interest in the story (possibly with the exception of the last chapter) has understandably been waning and that’s probably also true for some of the other stories. Time to consider my position I think. Perhaps Neil Young put it best ‘Better to burn out than fade away.’
At this stage it’s probably best if I go off line for several weeks and do some thinking so if there are any comments on the story please don’t think it disrespectful if I don’t respond for a while.
This chapter comes with a health warning – it is the longest yet at just over 10k words, that’s about 25 Word pages. Hopefully you won’t fall asleep reading it.
Endings are hard so I’ll keep my fingers crossed in the hope that you are not disappointed.
Take care of yourselves, family and friends and stay safe.
Carrie
A Very Victorian Education
By
CarrieP
Chapter 28 – The Conclusion.
|
M |
ost young
men have found themselves at one time or another having to confront difficult
situations, perhaps it could be referred to as the horns of a dilemma, between
a rock and a hard place or maybe the lesser of two evils. Whatever phrase one
may wish to use the young man’s quandary remains and at some stage he will eventually
have to choose one from a menu of very limited and mostly unpalatable options.
Whatever his choice there will be consequences and the best he can hope for is
his situation does not get any worse than it already is. Of course some of
these predicaments are more serious than others but very few young men have
found themselves in the dreadful plight that befell the youth, Aubrey St Clair.
After a very
brief interlude where he was allowed to wear male clothing he was once more
forced to don feminine attire and take on the role of a girl to avoid a
perceived threat of incarceration in St Jude’s Finishing School for Young
Ladies. To keep the secret of his true sex from the pupils and staff young
Master St. Clair now found himself dependent on the whims of the Honourable
Miss Bella Martinet. This young lady was a capricious and domineering girl who
witnessed him being dressed as a girl for a performance of a play several years
previously and was now holding this over his head to ensure his subservience.
It was now obvious to Aubrey that this event had fascinated and entranced Bella
and she harboured hope of re-enacting a similar scene at some future stage.
Her time had
now arrived and she took full advantage of Aubrey’s plight.
Aubrey
immediately recognised he was now at her mercy. Revealing him as a male would
ruin him and make him the laughing stock of London society, a fate every young
man would do anything in his power to avoid. And Aubrey St. Clair was no
exception. Needing her to navigate the dangerous waters of an afternoon with
her fellow pupils he decided the best strategy was the tried and trusted one of
keeping your friends close but your enemies closer. This could be done, he
surmised, by meeting or even exceeding her expectations of him being dressed as
a girl, by appeasing her she would ensure his secret would be protected. He did this by suggesting to her that had he
come under her and her mother’s influence several years earlier he would have
avoided the pitfalls of a typical male existence and become a better person. Naturally
he did not mean a word of this but it was a necessary ruse for his strategy to
succeed. As distasteful as it sounded he felt if he fully embraced the feminine
role forced on him and credited Bella for finally allowing him to see the light
she would be much better disposed towards him.
Of course this
posed a moral dilemma. He would have to choose between voluntarily transforming
himself into the soft feminine girlish figure Bella envisioned him as, thus
ensuring her continuing protection. Or he could remain true to his masculinity
and under duress and with great reluctance continue to play the role foisted
upon him.
However now
sitting on a sofa tightly corseted and in a beautiful gown of silk and lace
with an audience of attentive and curious girls in front of him, this
particular moral dilemma did not take long to resolve. If he was to survive
with his shameful secret intact he could not allow himself the luxury of
standing on principle.
His life
under Lady Charlotte’s feminising regimen had taught him valuable lessons
regarding endearing himself to female authority figures which, much to his
chagrin, Bella now was. Deference and submissiveness were expected and if these
qualities were regarded as genuine he would be rewarded with warmth and
affection. It took him a long time to perfect the ability to portray a natural
subservience and docility and by now it was almost second nature. He had just
used these very same attributes on Bella and he could tell from her expression
that she believed he was quite content to accept his fate as a feminised male. However
there were times he worried these traits were becoming a little too ingrained
in his personality. But he could not concern himself about that now. He had a
role to play, a character to inhabit and his future depended on it.
He would
have to become the girl Bella wanted him to be.
“Oh Aubrey I’m
so delighted you have finally seen the error of your ways.” Bella babbled in an
excited but low voice as Miss Mellon, St Jude’s Etiquette mistress, directed
various girls in rearranging furniture to accommodate the formal correction of
two pupils. These unfortunate girls were acting as maids as part of their education
and had accumulated enough demerits to warrant punishment.
Aubrey
produced one of his most innocent smiles but said nothing.
“I just knew
you were not like other boys.” she continued. “You may have acted like them but
you were far too pretty and mother said if you were given the opportunity, even
if you didn’t recognise it at the time, you could change.”
“Such a pity
I left for boarding school.” he lied, easing himself into his role.
“That
doesn’t matter now.” Bella beamed “When mother hears she will be most pleased
she was always extremely fond of you and knew you were deep down a decent and
worthy boy.”
The
satisfied look on Bella’s face on hearing his confession confirmed to Aubrey
that his plan was working. Although relieved he was nevertheless more than a
little perturbed at the mention of her mother but he could not allow himself to
worry about that now. He was also keenly aware of how fickle and unreasonable
the female sex could be and knew only total commitment would ensure his
strategy’s success.
He smiled
and made a point of ensuring she noticed how he smoothed out an imaginary wrinkle
on the skirt of his dress. It was just one of the many feminine mannerisms he
had absorbed from months of living with Lady Charlotte and he could clearly see
it impressed Bella.
“Oh I think
we are going to be the best of friends Aubrey.” she said affectionately and squeezing
his hand.
They both
stood as the striking figure of the Countess and Miss Mellon approached and
waited for the older women to sit before they themselves sat.
An armchair
had been placed in the centre of the room and two maids in pristine uniforms stood
nearby waiting nervously with their hands clasped in front of them.
“As you know
dear Countess,” Miss Mellon began “St Jude’s prides itself on the highest
standards and strives to instil these in our pupils. However every now and then
a girl may fall short of these and thus requires a little reminder.”
“Discipline
must be maintained.” the Countess said in a tone that confirmed what Aubrey had
already guessed.
The
Countess, like Lady Charlotte, was a firm believer in chastisement as a method
of improving those under their authority.
“Exactly
Countess, I think it may be instructive for yourself,” Miss Mellon replied and
looked in Aubrey’s direction before continuing “and young Aubrey to observe one
of the ways St Jude’s encourages our pupils to strive for perfection. As Head
Girl, Bella usually carries out the procedure.”
Bella smiled
smugly, rose from the sofa and approached the two girls who both curtsied to
her.
“Girls this
is the third time this month you have had more than five demerits.” Bella
admonished them in a tone that Aubrey thought more disappointed than angry.
“So sorry,
Miss Bella.” each of them answered sheepishly with their eyes cast downwards.
“I’m afraid
apologising will not suffice, girls.” Bella said reading from a piece of paper
Miss Mellon had given her “Just look at these demerits, loitering in the
library when you should have been dusting, late for your morning duties,
failing to curtsy on several occasions are only some amongst various other
transgressions. Not to mention the clumsiness just shown in front of our
esteemed guests.”
Bella sighed
as the two girls muttered another apology.
“I don’t
understand why you have not learnt from your previous mistakes.” she lamented “You
are good, intelligent girls, it’s almost as if you want to be punished.”
“Oh no, Miss
Bella.” they both blurted in unison but Aubrey, who under Lady Charlotte, had
himself been in their position thought their protest somewhat feeble and
lacking in any conviction.
“Oh well,”
Bella said in a slightly exasperated voice “We had better get on with it. You
know the position to take by now.”
There was a
barely suppressed ripple of excitement from the assembled girls and Aubrey
noticed the Countess and Miss Mellon move to the edge of their seats.
“If I could
make a suggestion Miss Mellon?” Bella said and after receiving permission she
continued “As our guest, and also being the recipient of Meadows awkwardness,
perhaps Aubrey would like to assist me. A second chair could be placed adjacent
to the first and we could administer the punishment simultaneously.”
Aubrey was
appalled by the idea. He had received too many canings from Alice, his
Governess, not to mention at boarding school to wish to inflict pain and
humiliation on someone he did not know. But as was usual since he had come to
be dressed as a girl- no one asked his opinion. He was expected to comply with
the wishes of those in authority.
“A wonderful
idea.” Miss Mellon said excitedly “If you allow it of course, Countess.”
“Certainly.”
the Countess replied wistfully and Aubrey could see through her well disguised
smile that she herself would have only been too delighted to have been asked to
perform the task.
“Splendid!”
Miss Mellon trilled “Have the chairs arranged so that the Countess and I can
see the miscreants’ faces as they receive their just rewards. Arrange mirrors
behind you so the Countess can see the procedure from…” she gave a little laugh
“the rear.”
Bella
beckoned to Aubrey and knowing he had no choice in the matter he reluctantly arose
from the sofa and skirts rustling made his way to her side as several girls
positioned mirrors not only behind the victims but also in front of them so
Aubrey and Bella could see their faces’ also. Without being told the two maids
raised their skirts over their hips and bent over the deep cushioned velvet
backs of the chairs, exposing their knee length white silk bloomers stretched
tightly over their wide plump buttocks.
Bella picked
up two oblong wooden paddles, each about ten inches wide with long leather
handles and as she handed him one she whispered in his ear,
“Think of
this as a little gift from me.”
She
positioned herself to the side of one of the girls and directed Aubrey to take
up his station opposite her. He knew that despite his reservations about taking
part in this punishment that in order to please Bella he would have to fully
engage with it.
“Now Meadows
before we begin.” Bella asked the girl Aubrey stood over “”Do you have anything
to say to Miss Aubrey?”
There was a
time when Aubrey would have been deeply humiliated by being addressed as ‘Miss’
but in these surroundings, corseted and dressed
in such a beautiful gown he looked every inch a fashionable young lady. Surprisingly
the designation did not trouble him in the least and the truth being told he
felt more than a little satisfaction at being addressed as a person in
authority for a change. Of course the maids in Lady Charlotte’s home would
refer to him as ‘Miss’ but this was more in mockery than respect. However this
girl was genuinely deferential and he had to admit it gave him a feeling of
superiority. Despite this he did feel conflicted as he had an affinity with
her, he too had found himself in this humiliating position on far too many
occasions.
“I am so sorry for being clumsy Miss Aubrey.”
Meadows said from her prone position.
“I’m sure
you are, girl.” Bella answered for him “But unfortunately as you well know, there
is a price to pay for clumsiness.”
Byrne, the
other girl received a similar sermon before Bella turned to Aubrey.
“Each will
receive ten strokes.” she said as her paddle softly caressed Byrne’s fleshy
round posterior cheeks and Aubrey could see them tensing and relaxing as the paddle moved over her plump mounds.
“Stay still,
girl, or I will add another six strokes.” Bella said tersely before returning
to Aubrey and smiling “We will alternate strokes.”
She patted
the girl one final time on the right buttock before delivering the first smack
which brought a little moan from the victim and nodded to Aubrey to commence.
Meadows,
Aubrey’s victim, made no movement whatsoever as the paddle made contact.
“Oh that’s
pathetic Aubrey. My ten year old sister could do better.” Bella scolded him
“Being as delicate as you are, I know you may not have much strength but at
least do try to put a little vigour into it.”
Bella moved
to Aubrey’s side and brought her paddle down hard on Byrne’s left cheek which
extracted a squeal from the girl.
“See.” Bella
said returning to her position over Byrne.“It’s not that difficult.”
There were a
few giggles from the on-looking girls and Miss Mellon gave him an encouraging
smile, the Countess was having difficulty suppressing a grin.
Bella
continued with her second blow which again brought a lively reaction from the
girl in the form of a little shriek and a sharp movement of her hips. Aubrey
stung by the criticism and comparison to a ten year old girl delivered his
second wallop. It was marginally more solid than the first and was acknowledged
by a low whine from Meadows which even Aubrey felt was unconvincing. Bella
looked on, somewhat disappointed and a little exasperated nevertheless she gave
him a supportive nod of her head.
Aubrey tried
his hardest to increase the force of his strokes and on the forth even managed
to get a seemingly genuine yelp out of Meadows but by the seventh his arm was
becoming tired and a little sore from his exertions and it took every ounce of
strength to complete the task. By contrast Bella with apparently very little
effort had Byrne moaning and howling with every whack of the paddle.
After the
last blow was delivered, Bella ordered the two girls to their feet and after
re-arranging their skirts they curtsied. Aubrey thought that Byrne although
having received a much stiffer punishment from Bella looked the more composed
of the two, indeed she seemed almost grateful as she smiled at Bella. Meadows,
however, showed no sign of appreciation to Aubrey in fact he thought the look
she gave him to be quite disdainful.
As the two
girls replaced the chairs in their original position Bella slipped her arm
inside his as they returned to the company of Miss Mellon and the Countess.
“If I had my
doubts about you before they are dispelled now.” Bella whispered to him “You
really are as soft and weak as one of our junior girls.”
Aubrey genuinely
thought, after an admittedly feeble start, he had delivered some hard strokes
and felt most affronted to be told otherwise. Bella could see his pride was
hurt.
“Oh don’t be
angry Aubrey.” she consoled him “I think it’s an admirable quality. Not all of
us have the same physical stamina. Some girls are just stronger than others.
Isn’t that right?”
He was
vaguely aware that lack of exercise combined with Lady Charlotte’s insistence
on a special diet over the last several months had reduced his weight and
strength but he had not realised it had been degraded to that of a mere girl.
Much as he wanted to rebuke Bella the evidence of his pathetic attempt to bring
some physicality to the proceedings was clear for all to see. The implication was not lost on him and under
the circumstances he would have sounded ridiculous if he had disagreed.
“I suppose
so.” he replied sniffily, trying to maintain some degree of dignity.
“No need to
be ashamed.” she continued “I like my girls soft and gentle.”
“You did not
do too badly for your first time.”Miss Mellon said as they reached the sofa and
sat and added with a degree of sympathy“It is a lot of exercise for a girl if
she is unused to it.”
“Yes Miss
Mellon,” the Countess remarked a little
too pointedly for his liking“For such a delicate girl Aubrey acquitted herself
quite well.”
“Are you
sure you would not consider enrolling for a few months my dear.” Miss Mellon
asked “I’m sure we could improve your physical condition and I have no doubt
you could assist our more gauche girls with their comportment.”
“Yes he
would be a wonderful addition.” Bella blurted to Aubrey’s consternation.
“He?” Miss
Mellon laughed at Bella inadvertent slip of the tongue “I strongly doubt if
anyone could mistake such a fragile creature for a male. The very thought of
it.”
“Yes most
amusing.” the Countess said with a smile. “However Lady Charlotte may well consider
it.”
Meadows
reappeared with an envelope on a silver salver and with a curtsy proffered it
to the Countess.
“It
appears,” the Countess announced as she read from her note “that Lady Charlotte
and Roberta have been detained, she has sent a carriage and asked that I
accompany Aubrey to her home. She will join him there later.”
Hearing this
Aubrey was so relieved he almost collapsed back into the sofa but his training
and his corset instantly reasserted themselves, remaining bolt upright he was
careful not to display any signs of this welcome deliverance.
However Bella
was not so guarded and her disappointment was clearly evident.
“Oh please
Countess let hi…”Bella began but immediately corrected herself “please let her stay
for another hour. I’m sure she would like to mingle with girls her own
age. I know they would be delighted.”
“Hmm… I
suppose it would be good for him to socialise with girls of a similar age.” the
Countess mused much to Aubrey’s alarm and he could see Bella’s eyes light up at
the prospect. “If it was up to me I would agree but it would be most
inappropriate if I did not comply with Lady Charlotte’s instructions to the
very letter.”
“The girls
were so looking forward to an afternoon with Aubrey.” Bella appealed to the
Countess, Aubrey’s heart beat a little faster as the Countess hesitated for a
moment before responding
“Yes it is a
little unfortunate, my dear.” the Countess replied as she glanced at the clock
before she stood up. “I too would have liked Aubrey to meet some new friends
but time does not permit, perhaps another time. I will suggest Aubrey
accompanies me when I return to check on Karl-Maria’s progress.”
“Oh yes
Countess.” Miss Mellon said her little green eyes fixed on the young man.
“Perhaps Lady Charlotte may even agree to an overnight stay.”
It took all
Aubrey’s resolve to resist the urge to shiver at the dreadful prospect. The
Countess could see the disenchantment on Bella’s face and by way of consolation
said,
“On the
positive side Aubrey has invited you to tea at Lady Charlotte’s.”
Bella’s pout
turned into a smile that dampened Aubrey’s elation at the imminent escape from
her clutches. But conscious of not yet being completely free he managed to
return her smile.
“Oh yes Countess
I greatly look forward to that.” he lied with a smile and a well practiced
eagerness.
“Now, a
little kiss for your cousin before we leave.” the Countess instructed him.
Bella
embraced him and held him tight to her body, her hand slowly and discreetly dropped
to his behind and gently pinched his left buttock. She kissed him on the cheek
and whispered in his ear,
“I can’t
wait darling.”
Aubrey could
only mumble some platitude in reply and almost stumbled over his small train as
he withdrew from her grasp and quickly moved to the protection of the Countess
who smiled as he promptly slipped his arm under hers and drew himself close to
her.
“Such a
devoted child.” the Countess said in the patronising voice that Aubrey had
become so used to he no longer took offence.
Clinging onto the Countess’s arm as if his
life depended on it they made their way across the room towards the door, he
could clearly hear the murmurings of disappointment from the assembled girls.
“You
certainly made quite an impression.” the Countess said as they settled
themselves into the deep crimson velvet upholstery of the carriage.
Slightly
embarrassed by her remark he blushed and did what he always did when obtaining
praise associated with his feminine performance- he fussed with his skirts,
which only served to make him appear even more feminine.
“Well
…I…”Aubrey struggled to find an adequate reply.
“Oh don’t be
so bashful, Lady Charlotte will be delighted with your performance.” the
Countess smiled stroking his tigh and added in a vaguely concerned voice “Of
course it was most unfortunate that Bella recognised you, you know how giddy
and excited girls get when they have knowledge of a secret no one else has.
Hopefully she will keep it to herself.”
Aubrey
clutched the Countess’s arm with both hands.
“But on the
positive side she was enchanted by your transformation.” the Countess said
looking out the window as they passed through the large wrought iron gates and,
seemingly oblivious to his concerns, said lightly “What a beautiful day, don’t
you think?”
The state of
the weather was the last thing on the young man’s mind. The relief of finally
leaving St Jude’s that Aubrey had felt on entering the carriage had now
evaporated, the Countess’s observation had now instilled a fresh anxiety in
him.
“Oh…do … do
you think she …will…”he stammered unable to finish the dreadful thought as his
grip on her arm tightened.
“Reveal your
humiliating secret to her friends? ” the Countess finished the sentence for him
and as Aubrey began to whimper she caressed his cheek in a reassuring manner
before continuing “But as we both know she was quite enamoured by you and I
suspect if she told the other girls Lady Charlotte would be inundated with
requests for visits. You may look and act like a girl but I doubt if you know
how the female mind works in matters of the heart. When a woman, or girl for
that matter, has a romantic interest she does not enjoy the prospect of
competition.”
He looked at
her with a blank expression as if she was explaining some complicated
mathematical formula.
“Oh dear I
suppose I have to spell it out for you.” the Countess laughed “You
are the romantic interest. I wonder how Roberta will feel about this.”
“Roberta?”
Aubrey asked his expression growing even more perplexed.
“It is a
constant source of wonder to me exactly how did the male sex ever become so
powerful?” the Countess sighed before explaining to the baffled youth “Roberta
considers you her girl. Surely even you must have seen that. You
should be quite pleased with yourself.”
Initially Aubrey
became alarmed at the prospect but he had to acknowledge in a bizarre way the
Countess was right. Apart from a few gropes and hasty fumbling with junior
housemaids in his mother’s house he had been unsuccessful in his dealings with
the opposite sex. Now there were two girls actively pursuing him. The idea took
hold in his brain.
Any red
blooded male would be flattered with two young women eager to seek out his company
and perhaps even enter into an amorous relationship. Of course the fact that he
was dressed as a young woman had to be considered. However his ego, starved of
passionate feminine attention, immediately dismissed this inconvenient fact as
mere happenstance, a cruel twist of fate and should not detract from his
newfound attraction to members of the opposite sex. Granted, it was a most unusual,
bizarre even, set of circumstances but being regarded as attractive to not one
but two girls was a novel and exciting experience and perhaps should be
considered a price worth paying. To his surprise he found the idea strangely
appealing and allowed himself the luxury of a self-satisfied smile at the
thought of being the object of two girls’ affections.
A barely
audible voice inside his head tried to protest at acquiring this female
attention while dressed as a girl but the gratification he felt trumped the
objection and his face was unable to
disguise this new strange feeling of pleasure that began to seep its way into
his consciousness.
As with all women of a certain age such an
obvious girlish expression did not go unnoticed by the Countess.
“Yes quite
the ladies man.” the Countess said as she patted him on the thigh once more and
laughed“But in a dress, somewhat ironic don’t you think?”
His thoughts
were still lingering on his two admirers and barely heard the Countess’s
remark.
“Delighted
with your newly acquired suitors, I expect?””the Countess said and in a
motherly fashion caressed his face “And with those looks and figure you have
every right to be.”
Aubrey
smiled and felt the blood run to his cheeks, remarkably it was not a feeling of
embarrassment he felt but, dare he admit it, one of excitement at being the
object of two girls’ desires.
The Countess
smiled to herself and thought Lady Charlotte will be extremely pleased at the
way her charge was continuing to progress.
“We will
have to make a stop on the way to Lady Charlotte’s” the Countess informed him
“I need to consult with my dressmaker. I hope you don’t mind.”
Aubrey
smiled dreamily and nodded as he continued to bask in the newfound devotion of
his admirers.
A half an
hour later Aubrey his arm linked with the Countess’s found himself in the
elegant premises of renowned couturier Miss Florence Lithesome. A young woman
in a plain yet fashionable gown of blue heavy velvet approached and the
Countess engaged her in conversation. There were several middle aged ladies in
large and small groups examining the gowns on various models who glided throughout
the spacious, deeply carpeted room. As he gazed around the salon he noticed
some of the women looking at him and he realised much to his surprise that he
remained quite calm and quickly detected that their scrutiny was as much for
his dress as his face. All of them smiled at him and he reciprocated in kind.
I’m not sure that colour suits her
complexion. he
remarked to himself as he watched cohort of women examine a particularly
striking model who was wearing a striped
dark and light brown silk brocade afternoon dress Although I do like the portrait neckline and it does have rather a neat
train.
However he
felt unsure whether or not he liked the satin panels at the back of the gown
until eventually his curiosity got the better of him and slowly edging closer
for a better vantage point he suddenly found himself on the fringe of the
group.
“I’m not
really sure Estelle.” he heard one of the ladies say cautiously.
“The lace
cuffs are quite nice but…”another began before a third lady hastily interjected.
“Oh I don’t
know Amelia, the draped skirt is quite becoming.” she said.
“Perhaps
this young person may give us her opinion.” the forth member of the company
said as the group turned as one to view the interloper a mere few feet away.
“I…aah…em…”Aubrey
babbled like a schoolgirl
“Come along
my dear.” this lady said slipping her arm under his and drawing him into what
seemed to the startled youth a throng but in reality was no more than five or
six well preserved middle aged ladies.
“Don’t be
shy my sweet.” his escort said “No one will bite you, we always enjoy the
company of such attractive young things like yourself.”
Aubrey
looked over his shoulder for the Countess but she had moved a little further
away and unaware of Aubrey’s predicament was in deep conversation with two
women.
“Thank you
for joining us.” One of the ladies said with a warm smile “My name is Estelle
Parsons and these are my dear friends. We noticed you taking an interest in
this particular gown. I was considering purchasing it for an upcoming wedding,
we are evenly divided as to its suitability. Perhaps you would like to give
your opinion, we can tell from your own gown you have excellent taste.”
Although quite
anxious Aubrey detected no hint that these women had any inkling as to his true
sex and felt a little more at ease than he had been under the scrutiny he had experienced
at St Jude’s.
“And such a
wonderful figure.” the lady who he was still attached to said.
“Yes
Germaine.” her friend said, her eyes inspecting Aubrey. “Youth and good
corsetry, an excellent combination.”
Aubrey blushed,
it was not the first time he had been complimented on his figure and he took it
as a sign that he had been accepted as a member of their sex. At another time
this would have been cause for concern but at this moment his immediate
reaction was one of relief and he became a little more relaxed.
“Quite so
Elizabeth.” Another lady agreed “and so
poised for one so young I wish my own daughters were as polished. Unlike our
new friend here they act more like Grenadiers and girls, sometimes I truly
despair. ”
“Whereas
this young creature has a most unconventional countenance.” a well built and
obviously well corseted lady said in a curious tone as she continued to examine
him.
Her
inspection went on for what seemed like an eternity for Aubrey but eventually
she concluded her examination and turned to her friend “Like your daughters
almost boyish but at the same time so obviously feminine. I do hope I haven’t
insulted you my dear?”
“Oh no, not
at all.” he replied trying to disguise his nervousness at her pointed comment
and as the other ladies laughed she continued to examine him closely.
Aubrey
encouraged by the acceptance of most of the group that he was indeed female
proceeded to give a detailed comprehensive view of the suitability of the gown.
As he progressed with his commentary from the pleated hem to the neckline, the
fitted appliquéd sleeves to the drape of the skirt the ladies watched and
listened in rapt attention, surprised at such prescient observations from one
so young.
Seeing that
they appeared interested by his opinions he became less anxious, his experience
with Lady Charlotte had taught him that even the most formidable and
intimidating women had a weakness for compliments. However he also knew they
also had an uncanny way of detecting insincerity so he had to be flattering but
at the same time sound genuine. It was a delicate balancing act and one that he
had honed so well under his mentor.
“Perhaps a
darker colour would complement your delicate complexion.” Aubrey concluded and
gesturing to the entire company added in a well practiced respectful voice “but
you ladies are all so knowledgeable and most fashionable I think I may have
made a fool of myself.”
The ladies
gathered around him in a very protective manner contending the very opposite
and declaring him to be most insightful in his comments.
“I doubt if the
proprietor Miss Lithesome herself could have given us a more astute and
perceptive opinion.” Germaine said to enthusiastic agreement from her friends.
“Yes my
dear,” Amelia quickly added “You have an excellent eye for detail.”
There was
another round of eager agreement by the women as they smiled affectionately at
him.
“Perhaps I
could ask you another favour.”Estelle said taking his hands in hers “My
daughter will not return from Paris for several weeks but Miss Lithesome has
told me her gown is ready and I am just dying of curiosity to see it. You are a
little small in the bosom but otherwise have similar figures. Would you be so
kind as to oblige me?”
“Well…I…don’t…I’m…
not…”he stumbled, now cursing himself for allowing such a situation to develop.
“Of course
she would be delighted.” a familiar voice informed the group as the Countess
spoke from the periphery of the group.
The Countess
introduced herself to the ladies, quickly telling them how her young companion
was a most accommodating young woman and before he could even think about
voicing a protest he was surrounded by this platoon of matrons. They escorted
him to a section of the salon reserved for dressing and undressing clients
which was separated from the main area by a heavy red velvet curtain.
“You must
think us very rude, my dear.”Germaine who now held onto his left arm, said
softly “ With all the excitement we forgot to ask your name.”
With events
moving so fast a little anxiety began to creep into the young man.
“Ah…Aubrey.”
he said in a low whisper barely audible over the cackling voices.
As the group
settled themselves Germaine announced.
“Ladies let
me introduce our young friend Audrey.”
“Em…ah…it’s
Aubrey.” he mumbled but his correction was drowned out by the general chatter.
“So nice to
make your acquaintance, Audrey.” Elizabeth said.
“Aubrey, it
is Aubrey.” he restated, but months of timidity had robbed his voice of any
conviction and his effort went unheeded.
“Audrey!”
Amelia repeated “What a lovely name, it suits you.”
“Yes it
certainly does.” the Countess added patting him gently in the cheek. “A sweet
name for a sweet girl.”
“Now my
darling Audrey, Estelle has asked Miss Lithesome to bring her daughter’s gown.”
Amelia informed the assembly, turning to Aubrey she added “and she will be here
shortly so we need to get you undressed.”
The excited
babbling of female voice meant no one took any notice of his attempts to
correct their mistake.
“Ah…I…
emm…”he struggled to raise his objection but it was far too late as one of the
ladies had already begun unbuttoning the back of his gown and two others were
performing a similar task on the button on his sleeves.
He was still
coming to terms with his situation and looked pleadingly at the Countess who
was oblivious to his concerns and as like most of the other women was otherwise
engaged in admiring the dress that had just arrived with what Aubrey took as
Miss Lithesome and her assistant.
Although he
was dressed in a long form corset and several petticoats he felt as vulnerable
as if he were naked however the ladies barely noticed apart from two who were
most complimentary about the embroidery on his outer petticoat.
Miss
Lithesome and her assistant inspected Aubrey from head to toe as if they were
judging a prize cow at a county fair.
“Yes Madam.”
Miss Lithesome concluded after a few moments “You are correct, quite similar in
figure to your daughter.”
As the
ladies watched with undisguised glee as the couturier and her assistant carefully
lifted the gown over Aubrey and settled it over his petticoats, the error
concerning his name now slipped down his list of priorities. Miss Lithesome quickly
began buttoning him at the back and her assistant performed the same task on
his sleeves. This was a ritual that he had undergone every day for the past
several months and it never failed to induce not only a deep feeling of
humiliation but also an acute sense of helplessness at the hands of women.
However as he had come to realise these emotions had to be subdued, they could
not be allowed to endanger the mortifying secret he now kept from the world. As
the heavy satin rested on his body and Miss Lithesome and her attendant fussed
about him these sensations were magnified but in this theatre of femininity he
knew entertaining them would surely lead to an error on his part and expose his
true sex.
A bridal gown he lamented to himself knowing that
there was nothing that trumpeted femininity more that a satin wedding dress but
quickly conquered his feelings of self-pity knowing the merest slip would
surely lead to his undoing.
I cannot allow this to upset me, Lady
Charlotte is correct I have to think like a girl if I am to maintain this
subterfuge.
Miss Lithesome and her assistant made a few
final adjustments before she was satisfied and standing backing presented
Aubrey to his audience. The rustle of petticoats combined with fevered
chattering filled the air as the women moved forward to examine the gown.
“As you can
see ladies,” Miss Lithesome began “The material is a combination of satin,
moiré silk and lace.
“Oh yes
quite exquisite.” Amelia enthused.
“The bodice
is a cuirasse-style bodice with a pleated front.”Miss Lithesome continued.
“Most
becoming.” Germaine commented admiringly as the other nodded their heads as
they murmured their approval.
“The sleeves
are three quarter with lace cuffs.” Miss Lithesome lifting up Aubrey’s right
arm proceeded with her presentation, “The polonaise skirt, if I may say so
myself, is beautifully pleated and also a pleated flounce at the hemline. The
elaborate fine lace appliqué adds a delicate touch.”
Through all
of this Aubrey was considering how a girl would respond in similar
circumstances and immediately concluded that it would be highly unlikely that a
girl would be glum or sullen wearing such finery. Although he thought Roberta
would be an exception to that particular rule. As Miss Lithesome and her
subordinate finally finished their fussing and stood back the room suddenly
fell silent as they now focused on the entire ensemble and the person wearing
it.
Estelle
stepped forward as Aubrey managed to manufacture what passed for a genuine
smile.
“Oh my dear
Audrey you look so wonderfully precious and the gown is almost a perfect fit. Quite
remarkable.” Estelle gushed and Aubrey could see she was becoming emotional.
“My daughter has very little interest in fashion, she’s more at home with her horses
and hounds and spends more time in a stable than in a fashion house like this.”
There was a
murmuring of agreement and a collective nodding of heads amongst her friends.
“Miss
Lithesome measured her several weeks ago.” Estelle continued “and was so
disinterested she left the details up to me. So it is wonderful to meet a girl
who has such excellent taste in fashion and really appreciates the
exquisiteness of such a gown. Come, my dear have a look in the mirror and you
will see for yourself just how beautiful you look.”
She steered him in front of one of the large
ornate full length mirrors.
Aubrey had
been dressed in feminine clothing for months and was by now familiar with
seeing his reflection as a girl but he was taken aback by the sheer femininity
of his appearance and had to look hard to discern any hint of his masculinity.
It was as if the wedding gown had drained his face of any trace of his sex and
his corset and false bosom had ensured his figure resembled that of a well-
proportioned young woman. His first thought was he had never looked more
feminine, his hands ran over the heavy satin of the gown’s bodice, his fingers
experiencing the softness and sumptuousness of the fabric.
He then
turned sideways to observe his profile adjusting his skirts as he did so, he
was so taken with his image that he was completely unaware that he did not have
to make the conscious decision to strike this feminine pose- it came naturally.
The Countess
smiled and watching Aubrey admire himself and had to admit it on the evidence
before her it would be very difficult to consider Aubrey anything other than a
girl. And it was obvious the other women accepted him as one also.
Remarable! Quite remarkable. she mused to herself as the ladies
inspected him.
“Such a
beautiful flow to it.” Germaine remarked. “And it fits you so well Audrey.”
“And the
pleats at the hem are wonderful.” Elizabeth added eagerly as the group gather
around him to examine the gown in more detail.
“Yes Audrey,
you look quite stunning.”Amelia gushed to a cackle of agreement.
“I really
must see you walk a reasonable distance in it my dear.” Estelle said and
gestured to Miss Lithesome to draw back the velvet curtain to allow him to walk
into the salon’s main section.
Estelle held
out her arm and Aubrey buoyed by his image in the mirror rested his arm on hers
and was led out into the main salon followed by the coterie of ladies.
No matter
how elaborate or glamorous the dress it can rarely compete for a woman’s attention
once a bridal gown appears in their midst- and so it was in this exclusive
clothing emporium. Ladies turned away
from assistants, models displaying dresses lost their on-lookers, every female
present felt inclined to look at the wedding gown being modelled. Seeing the
admiring looks and hearing the complementary comments of the other patrons
Estelle beamed in delight.
Revelling in
her role as mother of the bride the elegant matron led Aubrey around the
cavernous room, acknowledging the attention and plaudits of the ladies present as they progressed.
“You do look
radiant Audrey.” she whispered as they glided through the room, Aubrey blushed
at the compliment which gave him an even more feminine appearance.
Returning to
her friends there was further acclaim from the assembled ladies and an
approving endorsement from Miss Lithesome. After the wedding gown was removed
the Countess and Estelle were left to dress Aubrey.
“I’m sure
your daughter will make a beautiful bride, Mrs Parsons” the Countess said as
they lifted Aubrey’s gown over his head.
“It is kind
of you to say so Countess.” Estelle replied “but I doubt it. She doesn’t have
the elegance of Audrey here. As I said she is more at home in a field rather
than a drawing room. Not exactly the most feminine girl you ever met but she
has a good heart and the husband I choose for her more than makes up for her
lack of femininity.”
“Oh?”the
Countess remarked unable to disguise her curiosity.
“Her future
husband,” Estelle began a little hesitantly as she buttoned Aubrey into his
dress “is…well shall we say …exquisitely refined and genteel and thankfully
more compliant than my daughter. His mother and I have been friends since
childhood and he is…”
She searched
for the appropriate phrase but the Countess interjected with a smile.
“Well
trained.” the Countess said knowingly.
“Precisely!”
Estelle answered and smiled at the Countess’s astuteness.
“Are you all
right Audrey?” Estelle asked, interrupting the conversation as Aubrey’s body
involuntarily shuddered.
“Yes Mrs
Parsons.” he replied appalled at the
existence of such a male“Just a chill.”
“Some males,
if tutored and developed properly with the appropriate discipline of course,”
the Countess continued “can be more charming and endearing than many girls.
Indeed can be a perfect substitute. A
surrogate daughter perhaps?”
“How
perceptive of you, Countess.” Estelle said as she completed her task. “I expect
my future son in law will come to a similar conclusion sooner than later.”
“Oh I’m sure
he will, my dear Mrs Parsons.” the Countess laughed.
The
conversation was interrupted by Miss Lithesome as she gathered and folded the
gown with the aid of her assistant.
“I’m afraid
we really must leave.” the Countess said and extended her card to Estelle who
responded in kind. “Perhaps you and your future son in law would like to join
me for tea some afternoon soon?”
“We’d be
delighted.” Estelle replied and she turned her attention to Aubrey “And hopefully
you can join us Audrey?”
“Audrey is
not usually allowed attend social gatherings. Today is quite the exception.”
the Countess said “Her guardian is quite protective but I will certainly ask
and hopefully he will be allowed..”
As they
walked towards the door from the corner of his eye Aubrey could see several
attractive women a few years older than himself regarding him with a look he
recognised, a look borne from desire. Up to today he had never experienced
being on the receiving end of such an intense female gaze and found it both
unsettling and flattering at the same time.
“You
certainly made an impact.” the Countess said with a smile, noticing his
admirers, as she stopped to inspect a red fur trimmed coat which was quite
close to them “Apart from one or two minor lapses, which I have seen real girls
make from time to time, you were perfect. I doubt if any of those ladies had
the slightest suspicion as to your true sex. You looked every inch a young
lady, you should be proud of yourself… Audrey.”
Aubrey
looked at her aghast at the mention of the name.
“Well that’s
what your new friends called you and it does suit you. And don’t tell me you
did not enjoy their attention.” she said as she casually examined the coat’s
lining.
“Yes…but…”he
tried to object but deep down he knew she was telling the truth.
“Oh you can protest
but the fact remains,” the Countess continued her eyes glancing towards the
young women, she gently stroked his cheek “You have two girls pursuing you, I
could not see a prettier girl in St Jude’s and you appear to charm every woman
you encounter. And as we both can see, now these attractive young women seem to
have a particular interest in you.”
Aubrey
glanced discreetly in their direction, it confirmed what the Countess had said.
“I’ll wager
you never received such attention dressed in trousers.” she whispered.
Although he
would not acknowledge it he knew what the Countess said was true and felt
conflicted at the thought of being the object of female desire while dressed as
a girl.
“I think perhaps
we had better go before you get any more attention.” she said and steered him
towards the front door but in doing so they had to pass the young women who smiled and made no attempt to disguise their attraction
to Aubrey as they glided by.
Aubrey tried
to retain some degree of dignity as he passed but could not prevent himself
from blushing like one of the junior girls at St. Jude’s. His bashfulness did
not go unremarked by the young women who seemed to take delight in his demure
self-consciousness.
The Countess
dispensed with the carriage and elected to walk the short distance to Lady
Charlotte’s house. A few hours ago the very thought of stepping out in public
dressed in female clothing would have reduced Aubrey to a blubbering wreck. Although his achievement in navigating the
potential catastrophe that was St. Jude’s and Miss Lithesome’s emporium had calmed
his nerves somewhat he nevertheless had to endure the continuing humiliation of
wearing feminine attire and of course the ever present attendant risk of
exposure. The fear of meeting someone he knew and being recognised ensured he
sought the protective arm of the Countess.
“Yes my dear
Audrey, you have made quite the impact on the female sex.” the Countess said
“Lady Charlotte may have to lock you up for your own safety.”
Although
mildly irritated by the use of the name he remained silent knowing that dressed
as he was in such feminine finery, a display of petulance would only make him
look and sound more foolish not to mention drawing unwanted attention. Moreover
he was still coming to terms with the Countess’s observations and deductions
regarding his attractiveness to the female sex and, try as he might, found it
difficult to refute them. Under normal circumstance he would have been
delighted to be the object of several girls’ desires but as his current attire
testified -these were far from normal circumstances.
It left him
conflicted between a masculinity he was struggling to cling to, and something he
always wanted but could never attain an irresistibility to the female sex.
The Countess
like most women of her age was highly adept at reading facial expressions and
Aubrey’s posed no difficulty for her.
“You really are
like a girl.” she laughed much to Aubrey’s obvious chagrin “You can’t make up
your mind whether to be flattered or offended. I would strongly suggest you
enjoy the feminine attention while it lasts. Encourage it.”
“But
eventually they will discover I’m male.” Aubrey answered.
“You would
be surprised how many girls and women find a feminised male alluring.” the
Countess remarked as they approached the steps of Lady Charlotte’s home “ I
know for certain Karl-Maria will have several proposals of marriage when he
emerges from St Jude’s. His youngest suitor is twenty and the oldest is thirty
five, a little younger than myself.”
The door
opened as they reached the top step.
“The
mistress in the Blue drawing room, Countess.” Sarah, one of Lady Charlotte’s
housemaids, said as she curtsied and looked at Aubrey with an undisguised grin
“Good evening Miss Aubrey, you look quite handsome. Is that a new dress?”
“Yes my
girl.” the Countess answered for him seemingly unaware of the girl’s sarcasm. “Is
is quite pretty isn’t it and the colour matches his delicate complexion
perfectly.”
After being
announced by the maid the Countess and Aubrey made their entrance. Having last
seen him at St Jude’s dressed in male clothing Lady Charlotte could not conceal
her surprise at seeing Aubrey in a dress.
“Yes, Lady
Charlotte.” the Countess smiled seeing the reaction on her friend’s face “I
know you were not expecting this but there was an unfortunate turn of events at
St Jude’s which necessitated a change of Aubrey’s attire.”
She raised
her lorgnette to inspect the figure in mannish clothes and added,
“I notice
Aubrey is not the only one to have changed.”
“Yes, my
dear Countess it appears we have both had an interesting day.” Lady Charlotte
replied “Please sit and tell me what happened.”
The Countess
guided Aubrey to the sofa opposite Lady Charlotte and Roberta and both lowered
themselves gracefully onto the rich damask material. Aubrey instinctively- and
to Lady Charlotte’s delight- arranged his skirts and glancing at Roberta he recognised
a familiar look in her eyes. It was the same lingering stare as he had
experienced from the group of young women a short time previously and Bella in
St Jude’s. As their eyes met she smiled with a self assurance that he found
annoying, he became slightly flustered and began smoothing imaginary wrinkles
in his skirts and removing no existent stray hairs. A little tightness formed
in his stomach and he felt slightly disturbed yet at the same time a little
excited.
Roberta
stood and went to the drinks cabinet, Aubrey could clearly see there was little
evidence of any feminine bearing in her purposeful stride as she returned with
two dainty glasses of sherry. Smiling at him as she extended the glass which he
took, barely acknowledging her presence. As the Countess related the events in
St Jude’s Aubrey sipped his sherry and dwelt on the Countess’s observations
regarding the attention he generated in the female sex.
The Countess is right of course, I do
like the attention of women but history dictates it is male privilege to pursue
the female not the other way around. When I eventually return to male clothing
I will use the knowledge I have gleaned about women to my advantage. I don’t
see why I still should not be irresistible to them.
Taking another
sip of sherry he noticed how Lady Charlotte and Roberta were intrigued by the
Countess’s report. Naturally the Countess, knowing Roberta knew nothing of
Aubrey’s secret, took great care to deliver her account of Bella in the most
circumspect, almost coded language with accompanying enigmatic nods and smiles.
It was clear Roberta suspected nothing was amiss. Aubrey smiled to himself as
he detected a distinct furrowing of Roberta’s brow when the Countess recounted
the episode of the young women at Miss Lithesome’s establishment. Lady Charlotte,
on the other hand, was quite impressed with Aubrey’s performance and the way in
which he handled a very difficult situation. Of course the situation with Bella
was unforeseen and unfortunate but from her ciphered remarks Lady Charlotte was
confident she would find a solution to the problem.
Aubrey had
spent so much time with Lady Charlotte he could identify facial expressions
hidden to others and could clearly see her pride in his achievement.
As the
Countess completed her narrative they could hear voices outside the door and
without the customary formal introduction by a maid the door opened, a stylish
matron entered and before she took a step focused on Lady Charlotte.
“My dear
Charlotte you must pardon my intrusion and unannounced visit.” she said “It is
not your maid’s fault I just wanted to surprise you.”
Lady
Charlotte was not the only one surprised, the sherry glass dropped from Aubrey
hand landing with a dull thud on the carpet.
“You must be
Leonara Cockshott’s daughter, what an extraordinary likeness.” the woman gushed
examining Roberta “You are the image of
your mother.”
“But… I
thought …”Lady Charlotte began but the woman had already turned her attention
to the Countess who returned her smile while Aubrey just stared, unable to
react.
“What a
wonderful coincidence.” she exclaimed in an excited voice her focus now on
Aubrey who appeared a little paler than usual “Such a gorgeous creature you are
my dear. I just happened to be in Miss Lithesome’s premises earlier and saw you
display that sumptuous bridal gown.”
“Why don’t
you sit…”Lady Charlotte once more tried to interject but the lady seemed
oblivious to her entreaties.
“Yes it was
a beautiful gown.” the Countess agreed but the woman barely noticed as she was gazing
intensely at Aubrey.
“Quite
remarkable!”the woman said coming a little closer “For a moment…I
thought…perhaps it’s just a trick of the light…but you look quite like…”
“Oh dear.”
The Countess said “I think he’s going to faint.”
“He!”
the woman blurted as Aubrey slipped into unconsciousness.
Faint and
garbled noises eventually began to seep into Aubrey’s brain and he awoke with a
short sharp spasm. In spite of the strong smell of the ammonia from the
smelling salts still lingering in his nostrils it nevertheless took him a few
moments for his head to clear. He closed his eyes again to try to refocus his
blurred vision.
“Is he all
right?” a voice asked.
“Yes.”
another vaguely familiar voice confirmed “It is just a faint, nothing to worry
about.”
“A glass of
water would help.” a third voice added as his eyes flickered open.
“Are you all
right Aubrey?” he was asked as his eyes began to eventually adjust to his
surroundings, he nodded in confirmation.
The face
looming in front of him finally catapulted him back to reality.
“M…Mo…”he
struggled before finally blurting “MOTHER”
“Yes my
darling. It was quite a shock for me also, I almost needed those smelling salts
myself.” his mother said, holding his hand and caressing it gently, her eyes
then fell to his clothes “However this may seem strange but I must say I am
most pleasantly surprised. You look absolutely adorable and from what Lady
Charlotte, the Countess and Roberta have told while you were unconscious your
temperament has greatly improved, your character has been reformed and
behaviour has been exemplary.
“I…can
…explain.” he stammered
“Now don’t
you worry Lady Charlotte has given me a very brief account of events.” his
mother said softly “There is no need for you to be upset or troubled. Lady
Charlotte had told me from the very beginning she could prevent you from
degenerating into the typical masculine reprobate with no regard or respect for
the female sex. Of course I did not
believe her but she has exceeded my wildest expectations. Today in Miss
Lithesome’s premises you were every inch what I ever wanted. What every mother
wanted.”
“But…I…
it’s…”he babbled incoherently still coming to terms with the unexpected arrival
of his mother.
“My only
regret was that I stayed away too long and missed your education.” she said.
“It is like missing a child’s first steps, or words.”
“Why didn’t
you tell me you were a male?” Roberta asked her face a mixture of disbelief and
curiosity.
“Mother,”
Aubrey, finally finding his voice, said “Now would be a good time for us to
leave. I have learned my lesson and have left my old self behind. Can we find
my male clothes and leave?”
His petition
went unheeded, it was left to Lady
Charlotte to answer to Roberta’s question.
“We had not
expected you to take such an interest. Well, I suppose at least you know now
and this revelation will end your infatuation with Aubrey.”
“On the
contrary, dear godmother.” Roberta said “Aubrey captivated me from the moment I
saw her… him should I say. His sex may be male but I believe that, given a
little time and patience, his gender can be moulded into female. And that is
what matters most. I had intended to enter into, shall we say a romantic arrangement
with Aubrey. Of course I knew we could not marry but now… well there is no
legal impediment.”
Aubrey could
scarcely believe his ears and looked to his mother for support.
“Marry… That
is simply …”Aubrey began a protest but again was ignored as the women,
intrigued by such an idea, turned their attention to Roberta.
“In fact,”
Roberta continued “My grandmother gave me her engagement ring today as well as
a sizeable portion of her estate so I am now quite wealthy in my own right.”
“Mother I
really think we should leave.”Aubrey finally began to assert himself.
“Do stay
quiet Aubrey.” his mother admonished him as Roberta cleared her throat and
addressed her.
“Mrs St.
Clair…” Roberta said a little nervously” I would formally like to ask you for
your son’s hand in marriage. He is quite dear to me and I will promise to
continue to nurture and care for him, ensuring he fulfils all the aspirations
you hold for him.”
“Oh this is
such an emotional moment.”Aubrey’s mother murmured clearly overcome by
Roberta’s declaration. “Of course my dear you have my permission to marry.”
“Ah…excuse
me… but I think… you can’t…” Aubrey once more tried to intervene but the
Countess and Lady Charlotte were already embracing Roberta and Aubrey’s mother
and seemingly unaware of his presence.
“A June
wedding I think.” his mother said.
“I have no intention of agreeing to any proposal.”
Aubrey declared loudly in a voice that even surprised himself. “Now Mother I
would like to get my clothes and leave immediately.”
“Aubrey I am
so disappointed Such an outburst is most unbecoming. I really thought you had
changed.” Lady Charlotte said in a quiet voice that always unnerved Aubrey.
“You should know the only clothes you had are now in St Jude’s.”
“And after I
last saw you several months ago,” his mother interjected “I told the servants
to remove all your clothes from the house.”
“The only
clothes you own are upstairs.” Lady Charlotte said calmly “And as we know, you
will not find a pair of trousers among them.”
“I…ah…it…you
cannot…”he stammered.
“I’m afraid
Roberta, Aubrey’s behaviour still needs a lot of work.” Lady Charlotte said “Perhaps
the Countess is right, a year or two in St Jude’s would probably solve the
problem.”
“And he
would be company for my own son.” the Countess added with a smile.”We could
visit together Mrs St. Clair to check on their progress.”
“You… could
not… surely Mother, you…would not…”another stream of incomprehensible babble
left his mouth.
“It is your
decision.” his mother said.
Roberta
moved to his side and put her arm around his shoulder.
“Don’t worry
darling.” she said soothingly and leaned into him whispering in his “I’ll be
gentle with you and if you’re a really good girl I may even let you wear my
trousers every now and then.”
Aubrey
looked at the determined faces on the three women, the large and foreboding
gates of St Jude’s loomed large in his mind.
His dilemma
was resolved. He clasped his skirts tightly and turned back to Roberta.
“Promise.” he
said, a tremble in his voice.
“Yes darling
I promise.” Roberta answered with a smile and nodded towards her three
companions.
The End
