A Suitable Position Chapter 5

Thanks to all who commented on the last chapter and also those who indicated they liked it. Due to a serious medical issue with a family member I’ve been preoccupied for the last number of weeks and probably will be for the next few also. I had chapter 5 completed and had started on chapter 6 when this emergency blew up but I needed to reread, check and revise it before posting. I expect there are at least two perhaps three chapters left in this but at the moment  I’m not sure when I’ll have chapter 6 ready, I really  need to be in the right frame of mind to write this stuff and right now I’m not quite there yet.    

Anyway below is chapter 5.    

A Suitable Position

Chapter 5

Naming and Shaming

  Lady Agatha eased back into the deep and comfortable armchair feeling quite satisfied that she and Clarissa had put a halt to her niece Rozamund’s new -fangled idea about disguising a perfectly normal girl as a houseboy. However as they had witnessed the distress caused to the poor girl the only decent thing to do was to insist she revert to her normal uniform, however a proper name would have to be found for her, a name more appropriate to her position, the very idea of having a maid with such an distinguished and elegant name as Roberta was preposterous- totally unsuited to her station and just would not do. It was down to them to find a more becoming name for the girl, something pleasant sounding but at the same time something which would not give her ideas of grandeur. For a mistress it is very important to keep servant girls in their place.

They had discussed various names but none sprang immediately to mind. Clarissa sighed,

“I know Rozamund may have been trying a different approach with her servants but honestly Agatha renaming that poor girl with a boy’s name was a little extreme even for Rozamund, however it must be said ‘Roberta’ is far too grand a name for a maid no matter how pretty.”

“Of course” Lady Agatha agreed “perhaps we should compile a list before we decide”

In the kitchen Robert made his first appearance in front of the dreaded Frau Braun as a uniformed female servant. She nodded her approval and as she moved closer to make a further inspection she was joined by the kitchen maid who now seemed a little less intimidated by his presence.

Frau Braun walked around him and very much like Lady Agatha and Miss Clarissa above stairs had done she fingered his dress and apron and although he felt thoroughly humiliated having to wear a maid’s uniform he was extremely relieved that no one apart from Greta was aware of his true sex. The large woman’s close attention began to disturb him however and he stifled his impulse to brush her away. She was muttering to herself as she looked him over and although he was unable to follow her dialect completely he understood enough to know she regarded his uniform as a big improvement, it was clear by the vigorous nodding of her head she endorsed his new outfit. The kitchen maid also seemed taken with his uniform appearing to look at it quite enviously and as she timidly touched his frilled apron she received a sharp clip to the back of her head by Frau Braun large hand sending her beetling back and much chastened to her work at the sink.

Greta quickly assembled a large tray with an appropriate china tea service for the occasion which also included generous slices of Frau Braun’s fruit cake. She instructed Robert in how to make the tea and minutes later he found himself performing his first duty as a properly uniformed housemaid carrying the tray to the guests in the drawing room.

“Leave the tray on the coffee table girl” Greta ordered.

He was extremely annoyed at the way Greta had addressed him thinking there was no need to emphasise the word  “girl” and with both ladies taking a keen interest in the way he placed the china he became flustered and rattled the cups  as well as knocking  over the sugar bowl.

“Clumsy boy!” Greta snapped at him and addressing the ladies said“You’ll have to forgive him m’lady he’s new to domestic service.”

“He?” Miss Clarissa enquired arching an eyebrow.”

“I’m sorry Miss” Greta apologised and corrected herself “her I mean, I’m just so used to referring to her as ‘him’ when he was dressed as the houseboy.”

“Understandable under the circumstances I suppose” Lady Agatha said arranging her skirt over her knee while she surveyed Robert closely, making him feel even more uncomfortable.

“New to service eh?” Miss Clarissa mused “probably accounts for it, I doubt she knows the stance to assume when not serving at table. You had better explain it to her Greta.”

“Yes Miss, this is her first time.” Greta replied and turning to Robert said “place your hands in front of your apron and stand by the window behind the ladies when you’ve finished your serving duties.”

There were so many things running through his brain that he barely heard the doorbell ring, Greta curtsied to the women and left to answer it, moments later Frau Kirchen entered the room.

“What a wonderful surprise, Aunt Agatha, Clarissa” she trilled, acknowledging their presence and glided across the room  kissing both on each cheek unaware of the maid standing hands folded by the window just out of her eye-line.

“Yes it is a day for surprises” her aunt replied as her niece sat on the couch next to Clarissa while Lady Agatha addressed the servant girl “Girl! tea for your mistress.”

 It won’t be long now before she orders me to change back he thought.

Rozamund surprised by her aunt’s order thinking they were alone was bewildered to find an unfamiliar uniformed maid appear from behind her and begin to pour her tea, she looked in astonishment at the two women then back to the maid in front of her.

“Robert?” she asked managing to stifle her amazement as any well-bred lady would have done.

“Yes Madam” he replied, now close to tears at being recognised as a male in a dress but before his employer had time to answer the older woman addressed her niece.

“Rozamund, this poor girl as told us that you have employed her as a houseboy and as such was expected to wear male clothing while she performs her duties.My dear girl your bohemian attitudes are all very well when it comes to art, music and suchlike but when it comes to servants a traditional approach is imperative.”

“But Aunt Agatha, Robert is…..” Frau Kirchen still coming to terms with his new uniform, began but was soon cut off.

“And that’s another thing” Lady Agatha interrupted “insisting on calling the creature by a male name, my dear Rozamund I know you like to perform these little social experiments from time to time but really……. this time I feel you may have gone too far. Now let’s settle this nonsense, obviously the girl’s name is Roberta but Clarissa and I have considered it at length and I’m sure even you will agree it really is not a suitable name for a maidservant so while you were away we were discussing an alternative name for the girl.”

Rozamund sat back and observed the mortified youth in front of her, still distracted  by her houseboy now having been transformed into a uniformed maid. She was annoyed of course that her aunt and Clarissa had interfered in the affairs of her domestic staff but there was no doubting that his transformation was nonetheless intriguing. Obviously she had known from last night and earlier that morning that there was a feminine quality about the boy but did not realise quite just how feminine that could be with the addition of a dress or to be more precise a maid’s uniform. Aunt Agatha possessed some wonderful qualities and was extremely generous to her but Rozamund felt she could be so annoyingly overbearing at times and like most dowagers- albeit a somewhat youthful one -she felt she was never wrong. Despite her aunt’s meddling she was also quite amused at her glaring faux pas regarding his sex and thought rather than expose not only the boy’s secret but also Aunt Agatha’s presumptuous and high handed attitude immediately perhaps she may well be able to use it to her own advantage at a later stage.  

“What had you in mind?” Rozamund asked casting her eye over Robert and slowing coming to terms with seeing the lad in his new uniform.

“Agatha thinks something quite plain would be preferable and prefers Ethel or Hilda, but I favour something a little prettier perhaps Millie or Elsie. Do you have any preferences?” Clarissa said.

“Well Ethel or Hilda may be more suitable for a scullery maid but not for a housemaid” Rozamund retorted “I certainly feel it should be something a little more pretty, more feminine what about Daphne”

Robert was horrified at what he was hearing he was sure Frau Kirchen would have insisted on him being returned to his previous uniform and bad as it was, it was much better than what he was now wearing and now they’re choosing a girl’s name for me.

“I have an idea” Clarissa chirped “why not let the girl herself choose.”

“What a splendid idea.” Rozamund agreed enthusiastically her eyes falling on Robert, noting his discomfort.

“I would prefer that the girl’s betters made that decision but it seems I am in the minority.” Lady Agatha huffed making her displeasure evident with a muffled grunt, and then turning to Robert bellowed “Well! my girl which one will you choose, Ethel, Hilda, Millie, Elsie or as your mistress has suggested Daphne?”

WHAT Robert screamed inside looking at the three women totally unaware his mouth was agape.

“Oh do close your mouth girl it’s so unbecoming in a servant and please hurry and pick a name we do not have all day.” Miss Clarissa sighed.

“Yes my dear” Rozamund explained quietly and patiently to the confused youth “we can’t really keep calling you “girl” now can we? It would be so demeaning even for an under-housemaid.”

Robert was still dealing with the nightmarish events of the day so far and now to cap it all had to choose a girl’s name for himself, seeing the obvious impatience on Lady Agatha’s and Miss Clarissa’s face  he was under no illusion an answer was required immediately. Madam kindly repeated the names to refresh his memory.

What horrible names- he thought as he felt eight pairs of eyes burn into him and he noticed Lady Agatha drumming her fingers on the arm rest – oh shit which is the least horrible. The name stumbled out of his mouth - barely audible.

“Daphne”

Robert felt this was like a horserace meeting, the three women were like gamblers the two losing women slumped back in their seats showing mild disappointment that their favoured names were not chosen but conceding defeat gracefully congratulated the mistress of the house. Madam was clearly delighted her new maid had settled on her choice and like any winning owner felt a rush of excitement at her triumph. The thought occurred to him that not unlike a horse he was now saddled with the name Daphne.

Rozamund flushed with the excitement of christening her new male maid with a suitably feminine nom de domestique rose from her seat and approached the now totally bewildered boy and looking him directly in the eye said softly

“Oh I’m sure you can be a little more enthusiastic than that my …..girl”  his mistress cooed her encouragement while making somewhat theatrical but totally unnecessary minor adjustments to his frilled pinafore apron and cap.

“I’d …I’d…” Robert hesitated

“Go on.” Madam said, her gaze intensifying.

“I’d .. like to be called… Daphne” he blurted as a tsunami of shame washed over him.

“Yes…I’m sure you would” Madam purred “a name which I’m certain you will carry with pride while you are in my service.”

“Yes Madam” Robert said, his eyes unable to meet hers.

“Come here girl.” Lady Agatha commanded moving her frame forward in the chair.

Robert presented himself in front of the two women.

“Now Daphne” Miss Clarissa began “I do hope you are more comfortable now that you are back in a more appropriate uniform and besides you look so much prettier. Aren’t you fortunate we decided to visit when your mistress was away?”

“Yes Miss” Robert lied.

“Yes my girl, it was very commendable if perhaps a little misguided of you to continue with your mistress’s little experiment but I’m sure you’ll be delighted to be back in a proper uniform” Lady Agatha said approvingly and casting her eye in her niece’s direction, added with more than a hint of criticism  “and wearing a bra I see.”

As Frau Kirchen appeared to ignore her aunt’s barely disguised barb it was obvious to Robert that Miss Clarissa and Lady Agatha had no idea the damage they had inflicted on him with their interfering in fact  it was the exact opposite  it was clearly  evident they considered they had performed a great service for him and he quickly deduced from their patronising and smug expressions it was one which required an acknowledgement of his gratitude. Such was his confused state that he glanced in Madam’s direction for guidance, a barely discernable nod of her head indicated her approval of her companions’ views.

“Thank you m’lady, Miss” Robert forced out the words while simultaneously curtsying to both women.

It had the desired effect and both women acknowledged the maidservant’s appreciation of their efforts on his behalf with self- satisfied smiles.

“You may go now Daphne I’m sure Greta has some work for you” Madam announced indicating to Greta she had no further use for them.

“Yes Madam” Greta replied and turning to Robert took great satisfaction in saying “come along Daphne.”

She joined Robert in front on the three ladies and indicating to Robert to follow her lead in curtsying before making for the door.

“Daphne!” Greta giggled as she closed the door behind them and moved into the spacious hall “I had never figured you as a Daphne but now that I look at you the name really does fit you like a glove.”

Robert knew he had plumbed new depths of humilation, he could not open his mouth and merely stood head bowed as she continued.

“Daphne” she repeated “yes I do like it so old fashioned, so feminine I think you’ll make a great Daphne, now follow me you still have to a number of chores to finish.”

Minutes later Robert found himself in the large dining room after Greta had put him to work polishing the silver. It was the first time he had been left alone since he had been ordered into his new maid’s uniform and in the deafening silence he began to consider the situation he now found himself in. In the quietness he suddenly found his circumstances overwhelming and felt the need to sit down and as he did so his uniform dress got bunched underneath him he had to stand up again and before resuming his seat he smoothed the dress over his buttocks with both hands as he had witnessed girls and women doing on many occasions, he had often wondered why they performed such a manoeuvre. Now impelled to carry out the very same arrangement the reasons became very clear to him and sitting on the straight backed chair was forced to confront his uniform as it spread out over his lap, the frilled apron practically covering his dress. Above this he observed his breasts now proudly standing out supported by his new bra its unforgiving straps pressing into his skin, he could just make out the lace cups through the material and he watched them rise and fall with each breath. Glancing down he viewed his legs encased in the tan pantyhose and the two inch heels he now wore and although reluctant to do so was forced to admit that while his face could be described as androgynous at best his figure moulded by the tight girdle and long line bra now gave him a distinctly feminine silhouette. The reality dawned on him that due to Lady Agatha’s and her companion’s ridiculous assumption that he was a girl Madam it seemed was forced into going along with their idea that he should be dressed in this totally inappropriate uniform. He now knew he would have to remain dressed as a maid for the duration of his contract.

I may have to wear a maid’s uniform he thought to himself but mentally I really have to focus on my masculinity however difficult it may be.

Greta entered the room to tell him the ladies were leaving and he was required in the hallway to help with their coats.

“Check your appearance in the hall mirror before they leave the drawing room” Greta ordered as she fussed with her apron in front of the large ornate mirror.

Robert self- consciously did likewise and in the mirror the reflection of two smartly capped and aproned maids stared back at him. He thought he detected a satisfied smile on her face as she helped with a small adjustment to his cap. They held the ladies coats as they emerged from the room, the women barely acknowledged them as they stretched their arms behind them allowing the maids to slip on the coats. Lady Agatha eyes fell on Robert,

“Daphne” she said softly.

“Yes m’lady” Robert responded as he curtsied, swallowing hard as he answered to his new name.

“Yes, Daphne” she repeated as she glanced from Robert to the others, a satisfied smile breaking slowly across her face “I have to admit it does fit you perfectly.”

“Thank you m’lady” Robert replied, blushing as he did so.

“It certainly does” Miss Clarissa agreed as Robert helped her into her coat  and squeezing him gently on the arm added “and when your contract here is finished you will probably wish to find employment with equally accommodating mistresses, be assured  Lady Agatha and I will be pleased to engage you.”

“Thank you Miss” Robert said nervously and bobbed the obligatory curtsy.

“Don’t hold your breath Clarissa after all the girl is not even trained properly.” Madam retorted.

Miss Clarissa didn’t reply but kissed her on both cheeks and smiled at Robert, Madam performed the same gesture with her aunt.

“I shall call regularly to ensure that the girl  remains properly uniformed” Lady Agatha said wagging her finger at her niece, Robert holding the door open  groaned inside at the thought that this was not the last he would see of this formidable woman.

The door had barely closed when Madam cast her eye on both servants.

“Follow me” she said as she made her way back to the drawing room.

As the mistress of the house lowered herself on the sofa Robert joined Greta standing hands folded over his apron, Madam spoke first.

“It appears I now have a new housemaid instead of the houseboy that was here when I left. I have heard my aunt’s and Miss Clarissa version would you care to give me yours?”

 Robert remained silent as Greta confirmed the sequence of events that led to his present state of dress.

“The situation certainly leaves me in a bind” Madam pondered “my aunt and Miss Clarissa have obviously totally mistaken Robert’s sex and they are ladies who do not take kindly to be proven wrong and such an obvious error if it became known would no doubt be very embarrassing and they may well consider they were misled by both of you which would make life very difficult for everyone concerned as I’m sure you will agree. Both of them seem to have taken a shine to you Robert and as they are women not known for their forgiving nature particularly when they feel they have been deceived, I would strongly advise you not to get on their bad side. If you wish to correct them it is of course your decision.”

The implication was not lost on him and he felt a sudden surge of courage or perhaps stupidity rising from deep within.

“But Madam they insisted I dress in a maid’s uniform. I can’t be expected to remain like this.” he blurted.

“I think they will be severely disappointed but of course it is your choice. Perhaps I had better call them rather than they discover it themselves on their next visit.” she said before adding somewhat ominously “of course I will do everything I can to protect you.”

Robert’s courage quickly began to ebb and although having spent only a brief spell in their company he was acutely aware of their intimidating personalities.

“Perhaps I could dress like this only on days they are due to visit.” he offered in a desperate attempt to negotiate his way out of this awful dilemma.

“If only it were that easy.” his mistress sighed, shaking her head as if speaking to a five year old, “no I’m afraid that won’t do, heavens knows when they could call and they frequently stay over, sometimes for days at a time. No it has to all or nothing.”

Robert now felt a knot tighten in his stomach as several scenarios flashed through his brain, none of them pleasant.

“I’m waiting!” Madam said holding the phone and with more than a hint of impatience in her voice “should I inform my aunt that you are not what she was led to believe or do you wish to remain dressed as you are -as my housemaid.”

The idea that he would have to remain dressed like this was unbearable and in his fragile state of mind, Robert having seen these frightening women in action, considered the alternative could possibly be even worse.

“Yes Madam” Robert barely whispered accepting the inevitable.

“Louder boy I can barely hear you. Please say it clearly so there is no doubt.” Madam demanded.

“Yes Madam” he said struggling to fight back the tears as he continued “I wish to remain dressed as your housemaid.”

“I think you have made the right choice” she said her and smiled at him reassuringly “after a day or two I’m sure you will probably forget you are even wearing a dress. Now run along and finish your housework I need to speak to Greta.”

Robert on the verge of tears was only too grateful to be allowed to leave but was stopped as he got to the door.

“Ahem…. Daphne. Aren’t we forgetting something?” Madam asked.

“Sorry Madam” Robert said as he curtsied before finally escaping.

He returned to the kitchen and was grateful to find Frau Braun and her maid had left for the day leaving him alone to gather his thoughts. The only sound was the ticking of the large wall mounted clock and it seemed as if every fibre in body was hyper-sensitive he could feel the clinging of the pantyhose encasing his legs and  with even the barest movement his slip brushed against his legs. The quietness of the room just served to exaggerate the effect of the female clothing, it was like the clothes were wearing him not the other way around and it felt as if each item was whispering to him.

You belong to us now, we will keep you properly controlled- but in a pretty way.

The very idea having to wear girl’s clothes was both infuriating and humiliating nothing prepared him for the horrible sensations he was experiencing, they were restrictive and delicate at the same time. He was still lost in these thoughts when Greta joined him.

“Why so glum, you were a big hit with the ladies and Madam.” Greta chirped.

“I’m dressed as a girl” Robert wailed standing up holding his dress and apron out from his body, hoping for some degree of sympathy.

“What’s the problem?” Greta asked “your girdle too tight? Your bra a little small for your boobs? Well now you know what it’s like having to wear constricting underwear, just like a regular girl.”

“But it’s not fair” he continued to moan.

“Well life’s not fair” Greta said having none of his complaining “I really don’t know why you’re whining when you look so pretty. Now another word out of you and I’ll be forced to report you to Madam, is that what you want?”

Robert, still fuming at his situation was savvy enough to know this would create more trouble. He meekly shook his head.

“Just as well. She’s going out for the evening and wants you to help her dress.” Greta informed him and sidling up to him let her hand stray to his girdled buttocks and squeezed the left one firmly forcing a squeal out of him and making him jump slightly.“So you’d better get your pretty little behind up to her bedroom quickly. We’ll have dinner when you’re finished.”

Just then he heard a bell ring, Greta glanced at the line of bells ranged along the wall indicating to which room each was connected. It read “Mistress’s bedroom” Robert hesitated for a moment, it rang again.

“Run along Daphne, there’s a good boy, you really don’t want to keep your mistress waiting.” Greta mocked.

Addressing him by his new feminine name cut him  like a knife and her use of the words “good boy” only served to deepen his humiliation now that he was dressed in female clothing and even worse – a maid’s uniform - the thought occurred to him that he would almost have preferred “good  girl”. He silently made his way to the door and as he opened it he heard her call out.

“Oh!... and Daphne dear,” she waited for him to turn around “don’t forget to curtsy to the mistress.”

Feeling utterly defeated and subjugated by his feminine clothes he could only nod his acknowledgement as he closed the door behind him. After he had left Greta sat back in her chair with a cup of coffee and reflected on the events of the last few hours. Her thoughts came thick and fast.

What a turn up! I thought getting him into those satin pyjamas last night was the best of all but those stupid women mistaking him for a girl and insisting he wear uniform the same as mine is just unbelievable. It’s the best thing that’s happened to me since I was pressganged into this position.   Maybe things are looking up, I’ve had little or nothing to cheer me up  since Madam forced me into this horrible situation, reduced to being her housemaid waiting on her hand and foot, “Yes Madam” “No Madam” “Shall I draw your bath Madam?” “What type of girdle will you require Madam?” “Which shoes will you be wearing with that dress Madam?” The list is endless, then the indignity of having to curtsy at every turn and of course adding insult to injury being compelled to wear this uniform complete with its frilled cap and apron – the ultimate badge of domestic servitude. Oh yes she made it quite clear from the beginning that she wanted properly trained servants and as I was the first in her new household she would ensure I would be properly capped and aproned and adept in all aspects of domestic service before recruiting more staff. Now not only has she her trained maid – me, she now has a male which she’s forced well … I suppose manipulated into dressing as a maid, if I play my cards right perhaps I can work this to my advantage. He certainly seems to have diverted her attention from me, although I have to admit he does look pretty and, even better wearing that uniform seems to have robbed him of his male arrogance.

Madam – shit there I go again, I’ll have to stop that it’s as if wearing this horrible uniform is turning me into a servile wretch – anyway she has indicated that she wants me to train him in general household duties which would give me some power over him, I think she was impressed the way I helped her last night so if I’m clever I may be able to make a few suggestions like getting her to use him as her personal maid. Doing housework dressed like this is bad enough but I absolutely hate having to attend her in that intimate role, it makes me feel even more servile if that’s possible.

It was obvious from the time I first set foot in this house that she had a very dominating personality even when I was acting as her physiotherapist she insisted I wear an appropriate uniform and formalities should be observed at all times even trying to get me to curtsy which naturally I refused. From the start it was clear even as a trained professional I was only one step removed from the maid I should have known better so it was my own stupidity trying to get out of my contract that gave her the opportunity into forcing me to accept the position of housemaid. Housemaid -I even hate saying the word. I always thought of myself as self-confident but there’s something about her that erodes this when I’m in her company for any length of time, no matter how hard I try it’s difficult to retain any sense of dignity or self-esteem as a woman. I just don’t know what it is, a raised eyebrow, a tilt of the head, those piercing eyes I just can’t figure it out, whatever it is you just know you are socially inferior. Of course wearing this humiliating uniform is part of the process  I’m constantly reminded I’m now a housemaid although there are times when I’m alone I can forget it by  taking off the apron and cap  but when I’m in  her company I’m constantly reminded of the fact particularly by having to curtsy, it’s so demeaning. I’m convinced that she wants to break my spirit and being her lady’s maid is a big part of that plan. I really think the key is if I can avoid her presence as much as possible I may be able to stand some chance of retaining my self- respect.

I have no time for males but maybe this boy can be useful after all and despite the fact he’s now in a dress and female underwear – yes I’ll give Madam that, it certainly was a master stroke – but  he still seems to be managing to hold on to some semblance of masculinity. Wearing a maid’s uniform must be several times worse for him but being in Madam’s presence for any length of time should soon rid him of any remaining male traits after all  she has similar views on the male of the species as I have. I almost pity him. Almost.

Climbing the stairs Robert was constantly reminded of his new uniform and underwear, the skirt of his uniform dress danced gently about his panty-hosed legs and he was still coming to terms with his bra pressing into the soft flesh of his back and under his arms. Reaching the door he felt a deep sense of shame at his capitulation, he was now trapped in this hideous uniform but knew it was useless to argue with Madam hopefully she would soon come to her senses and realise that as a male he would be totally unsuitable as a maid. He swallowed hard and knocked on the door and waited for her voice bidding him to enter.

“You rang Madam” he said meekly not forgetting Greta’s instruction to curtsy.

“Ah Robert.... I mean Daphne.” Frau Kirchen draped over the chaise lounge acknowledged his presence “as Greta may have told you I shall be dining out this evening.”

“Yes Madam” Robert answered trying not to wince as his new feminine name stripped away another layer of his masculinity.

“As you are new to service you may not appreciate just how much a lady relies on her maid so it is very important that a mistress has confidence in her maid at all times. Do you understand Daphne?” Madam asked.

Robert remaining rooted to the spot looked at her blankly his mouth slightly open  he was still coming to terms with his new clothes, his brain struggled to comprehend what she was saying.

“No I don’t suppose you do my dear” she said quietly as she observed the clearly befuddled boy, her eyes fell upon the awkward figure of her new maid, she motioned him to approach her “please stand in front of me when I address you.”

“Yes Madam” he mumbled and tottered over to face her while she continued.

“I had intended to have you perform general household duties as my houseboy but events as you are aware have overtaken all of us and as you have agreed to remain in your housemaid’s uniform it will allow me more options to reorganise the household. Greta seems to have more of a predisposition for general housework rather than attending to me in a personal capacity. I had intended to employ a girl that I could train as my lady’s maid, in the long run I expected it would be simpler than breaking in a new lady’s maid. It is one of the more tiresome aspects of a mistress’s role but a necessary one nonetheless. Some girls are just not suited to such a responsible position.”

Robert felt a slight tremble in his legs as he suddenly became aware of the implication of what she was saying but was afraid to interrupt her.

“This morning you displayed an aptitude for the role of a lady’s maid which for a male I have to say surprised me greatly and as I said at the time a boy would not be suitable despite possessing such charming feminine attributes however I think we both agree it is very difficult to perceive you in such a light now…. dressed as you are.”

He knew it would sound ridiculous if he attempted to contradict her dressed in his maid’s uniform.

“Yes Madam.” he was forced to agree.

“I have therefore decided” she continued “that for the time being you will alternate your duties between those of a housemaid and a lady’s maid until I determine to which position you are best suited.”

He was now beginning to understand the depth of his predicament and realised that when not under Greta’s supervision he would be at Madam’s beck and call and horror of horrors would now be trained as her lady’s maid. He felt his stomach tighten and it wasn’t his girdle, he really didn’t know which position was worse. The vision of the scared kitchen maid leapt into his mind and having seen his employer’s reaction to the prisoners and their guard he understood only too well he would have to careful not to incur her ire. This thought was uppermost in his mind as he heard himself repeat the now familiar refrain,

“Yes Madam.”

“You can start by undressing me before I shower.” she said as she stood up and walked to the bed turning her back to him. Seeing his hesitation she brusquely called out.

“Oh for heaven’s sake get over here and start unzipping me.”

He snapped out of his trancelike state and quickly followed her to the bed and gently began unzipping her dress from the nape of her neck and as she removed her arms from the sleeves the dress fell to the floor, he quickly picked it up and laid it on the bed’s satin quilt.

“Remove my slip please” she instructed him and he delicately slid the straps of the ivory silk slip down her shoulders. However it was held in place by her large bosom and remained clinging stubbornly to her body, he was confused as to how to proceed. She looked him directly in the eyes.

“I suppose you haven’t been wearing brassieres long enough to know that a slip will need to be tugged gently over them to allow it to be taken off.”

He could feel the redness spread through his cheeks and despite her instruction he remained immobile.

“Daphne” she began a note of exasperation in her voice “I understand as a young male you may be embarrassed but  we have already discussed this at length, while your sex has not changed I do not consider you male as such, I think of you as my lady’s maid and at the moment I’m not very impressed. I really am losing patience and hope I haven’t made a mistake in selecting you as my maid. You really must stop thinking like a confused bumbling kitchen boy and more like the helpful girl you were this morning. Do you think you can do that?”

The mention of kitchen boy and her obvious irritation shook him out of his stupor and he knew he would have to improve his performance in order to please her.

“Yes Madam, sorry Madam it’s all just so new to me”

“Yes I know it is, that’s why you’re being trained, now remove my slip like a good girl.” she said in a more conciliatory tone.

Robert returned to his task and gently slid the slip’s lace cups over her bra and dropping to his knees eased it delicately over her curvaceous hips allowing it to slide to the floor. Stepping out of it she looked down at him imperiously and instructed him in his next task.

“Good boy” she cooed, confusing him as she alternated male and female pronouns. “Now remain on your knees and unfasten my stockings from the garters and do be careful they are expensive. As this is your first time please pay close attention and I will show you how it’s done.”

 He watched intently as she unfastened one of the garters on the front of her left tight and indicated to him to unhook the remaining stockings, to his relief he managed this without much difficulty however being on his knees his face was in such close proximity to her pubic area he could discern the unmistakable aroma of her sex.  Once he had removed them all she sat on the bed, he looked at her and instinctively knew what to do next and after removing her shoes he rolled down the stockings and remaining in his kneeling position laid them on the bed  with her other garments. She rose from the bed now just wearing the white satin panelled corselette he had laid out for her earlier that morning he remained on his knees for some unknown reason feeling he required her permission to stand.

“You can get up now” she said graciously as if she was bestowing a special favour “and unzip me.”

He had to admit that despite wearing what he had considered to be an old fashioned foundation garment she looked magnificent, tall, statuesque with toned arms and legs, he doubted her need to wear such a constricting piece of underwear at all, she lifted her left arm to reveal the zipper which ran from just under her armpit to her hip. He was now so close to her he was sure she could hear his heart thumping under his bra, he gently tugged the zipper down as far as it would go and stood back again not knowing how to proceed.

“Oh do get on with it girl” she snapped and seeing his confusion, clarified “straps, Daphne, straps and pull it all the way down.”

By now the stirrings in his member held firmly between his legs by his tight girdle were increasing in intensity and it strained manfully against the material. He required all his concentration as he removed the corselette’s bra straps freeing her ample and beautifully formed breasts. His face brushed against the right one as he followed her instructions and felt another torturous surge in his girdle. He pulled the tightly fitting garment down over her slightly extended stomach and reaching her groin he once again had to drop to his knees as he struggled to get the corselette over her broad hips and generous buttocks eventually sliding it down her smooth and shapely legs. Clad now only in white silk panties she stepped out of the corselette as he remained kneeling on the floor after his exertions, the formidable piece of underwear resting in the lap of his frilled apron. From this lowly position he gazed up at the majestic creature towering over him, her imposing figure seemed to dwarf him. She sat on the bed making no attempt to cover herself and looked at him somewhat sympathetically reaching down she patted his cheek saying,

“Do you know Daphne, under normal circumstances finding myself in such a state of undress whilst in the presence of a male I would feel vulnerable but considering your recent transformation, I’m sure you will agree I now find it difficult to look upon you as anything but a girl, a soft sweet girl?”

Her words were by no means said sarcastically but had the effect of rapidly reducing his enlarged organ. This was the second time in a matter of minutes that she had reiterated her opinion of his masculinity or in her view his lack of it, he could feel the tears welling up in his eyes.

“It’s quite all right my dear” she said softly  noticing his discomfiture “young girls get very emotional at certain times it’s probably the same hormones that are responsible for your lovely bosom. I think if you focus your energies on your new position as my lady’s maid you may find it will help alleviate your anxieties about having to wear female clothing.”

This was no comfort to Robert and her reference to his damned chest was infuriating he decided if he did cry it would only vindicate her view that he was more girl than boy.

No he thought I won’t give in I really need to be strong now.

He mustered all his masculinity and somehow managed to prevent the tears from escaping, knowing any argument was useless, dangerous even, he decided the best course would be to remain silent.

“Good I’m so glad you are of the same view” she said “it will make life so much easier for you to accept your new life. Now fetch my robe.”

Robert now hyper aware of his new feminine clothing as well as his status as her maid had no time to come to terms with her view of him as more of a girl than a boy, he got to his feet to get the yellow silk kimono style dressing gown from the bed and held it out for her to slip her arms into.

“I’ll shower now” she informed him “I have made a list of what I will be wearing this evening, it’s on the nightstand. Please ensure everything is ready when I return.” she said gazing at him intently.

“Yes Madam.” Robert answered quietly, shameful of the note of the newly acquired servility in his voice.

She too seemed to have picked up on this, gave him a knowing smile, touched him lightly on the chin and mused

“Who would ever have thought I would be training a boy to be my lady’s maid. Now straighten your uniform and get on with your work.”

He hung his head in abject humiliation as she turned and sashayed to the bathroom her buttocks now freed from the constraints of her corsellette wobbled through the material of the fine silk dressing gown.

He turned to gather her clothes, his training as a lady’s maid had begun.