A Suitable Position Chapter 10

Below is Chapter 10 of ASP, as alluded to in the previous post I’ve been busy for the last number of weeks and could not devote as much time to the story as I would have liked. I also had hoped to have a second illustration but I could not finish it in time, there is a discrepancy in the illustration posted which I was grateful to Our German Friend for spotting but again I just didn’t have time to correct it.At the moment I'm unsure when I'll be able to post the next chapter which this time I'm almost certain will be the final one. Again I think I got all the typos if not apologies.

Thanks again to readers who are following this for your patience and support.Hope you enjoy it. 

Carrie

A Suitable Position

Chapter 10

A Mistress’s Model Maid.

 The horror of being stripped of his clothing in the dressing area of a large and exclusive store would  be an extremely invidious situation for any boy to be found in but for Robert Kilcoyne this was a waking nightmare through an unfortunate set of circumstances he was manoeuvred into acting as maid to his employer Frau Rozamund Kirchen. The store in question catered for the female servants of the wealthy and powerful ladies of the principality of Katrinaburg and the misfortunate youth now found himself wearing the female underwear his employer Frau Kirchen had insisted on  in the company of several servant girls who were also reduced to their underwear. Naturally he had complained bitterly about the horrible -not to mention- mortifying maidservant uniform he had been forced to wear shortly after he had entered her service and thought his situation could not get worse but standing in a ivory satin slip in the locked dressing area of the store amongst an gathering of elegant ladies and their maids he now knew better. His employer and her close companion Lady Maxine, the Countess of Argyll had settled on the idea that he would require a new uniform, one which would reflect his new status as Frau Kirchen’s lady’s maid. A ghastly medical disorder had bestowed upon him two perfectly rounded breasts which had contributed to his current dilemma but luckily in such difficult circumstances had also helped to disguise his true sex.  The only people aware of this were these two women and his employer’s housemaid Greta who, in order to allow him to continue with  this horrible charade and to reduce his risk of exposure and subsequent excruciating humiliation which would certainly follow, had given him several valuable lessons on how to behave himself in a suitably feminine manner. Up to now this had worked although several comments had been made about his occasional ungainly comportment and although he had androgynous almost feminine features one or two women had observed certain masculine characteristics which caused him great anxiety. Finding himself dressed only in lingerie in the company of several women was adding greatly to his fears and no doubt risked his discovery as a male. 

“Ladies, Ladies” Frau Kaufmann the proprietress of the establishment, cried loudly over the noise of a dozen or so of her clients who were talking noisily amongst  themselves and when she had finally got their attention continued “ if you follow my assistants through to the viewing area we can begin the show.”

“The show?” Robert whispered to Lena, Baroness von Wagner’s lady’s maid whom he had just met but seemed very friendly.

“Frau Kaufmann has some new uniforms that she shows to her best clients and their friends.” Lena replied.

“She has some gorgeous uniforms.” Susanne, another maid he had just been introduced to, eagerly added.

“A real model wears them.” Hilda, a girl who had been forced into domestic service by her guardian, said excitedly.

“We have to stay here while our mistress’s chose our new uniforms.” Monika one of the other maids said and enthusiastically added “but at least there are windows we can look through.”

They all seemed excited by the prospect of the show which and were not paying as much attention to him as they had, as there had not been any further remarks about the slight masculine features the girls said he possessed Robert’s anxiety levels began to drop slightly. For some reason he could not make out  Hilda was very empathic towards him, she took him by the hand and moved to join the others at the windows where they watched as the ladies filed into the other room until only Frau Kaufmann, Frau Kirchen and the Countess were left.

“You certainly have big hands for a girl?” Hilda observed as she placed her palm comfortably inside his.

“I …..emmm  ah…..I ….” he spluttered searching for a plausible response and was never so grateful to see Frau Kirchen as well as  the Countess and Frau Kaufmann suddenly  appear next to them.

“Girls” Frau Kaufmann began “we have a slight problem the model we had arranged has had to cancel at the last moment due to unfortunate circumstances and it appears there is only one of you who fill fit her dress size.”

The atmosphere in the room changed, Robert looked around him the air was suddenly filled with that peculiar feminine trait, a mixture of high pitched squeals and lots of elaborate hand gestures.

“Oh isn’t it exciting?” his new best friend Hilda said waving her hands in front of her face like a fan.

“Yes, very.” Robert lied but for the sake of keeping his cover tried to inject some enthusiasm into his voice, and looking around at the near hysteria thought it really must be exhausting being a girl the whole time.

“I wonder who’ll be the lucky girl?” Lena said and the group descended into another bout of oestrogen fuelled chatter as Robert still very conscious of trying to fit in tried his best to look interested.

“I know you all want to be the one to model the new outfits but unfortunately only one of you is the right size.” Frau Kaufmann announced to more girlish noise “so the lucky girl is ………..Daphne Kirchen.”

There was a moment of silence as the disappointment sank in for the others then the girls surrounded Robert.

“But my name is not Daphne Kirchen” he protested not realising it was his name that Frau Kaufmann had announced.

“Well you’re the only Daphne here” Hilda said hiding her disappointment and giving him a girlish congratulatory peck on the cheek.

“But my name is not Kirchen.” he continued to insist “there must be some mistake.”

“Oh I see his confusion girls.” Monika said to the others “he doesn’t realise we’re given our mistress’s surname name to more easily identify us.”

“Just like a slave is given their mistress’s name.” Lena whispered in his ear as she too gave him a kiss on the cheek and looking him directly in the eye added “you can definitely forget about wearing trousers from now on, welcome to your new life.”

“As a consolation you can all help her dress for the show.” Frau Kaufmann said as her assistants wheeled in a rack of dresses.

Robert could feel his legs go from under him and had to sit down before they gave way under him, he was immediately surrounded by a gaggle of women, their heavy perfume was so overwhelming he could hardly breathe.

“Ah.. look she’s overcome with excitement.” he heard one of them said sympathically.

“Settle down now girls don’t overexcite the girl.” Frau Kaufmann said making her way through the group with Frau Kirchen and the Countess.

“She’ll be fine, she just a little overcome by the honour, why don’t you ensure the other servants know which aprons she is to wear, and I’ll talk to her.” Frau Kirchen said quietly to Frau Kaufmann how left to organise the others.

“I… can’t.. do this.” Robert said his voice trembling.

“Of course you can just remember what Greta taught you and you’ll be fine.” Frau Kirchen said softly but with a steeliness  in her voice Robert had come to recognise.

“We were watching you through the two way mirror and you had little or no problems convincing your new friends you’re a girl.” the Countess said caustically.

But … I… it’s just ….”he stammered but unable to contradict the Countess’s argument.

“Whether you like it or not you make a reasonably passable girl.” the Countess sneered “and unless you want me to put you over my knee here and now you will do exactly as we say.”

“Oh Maxine I really don’t think Robert wants it to come to that, now do you my darling boy?” Frau Kirchen said looking at him intensely with her piercing eyes, her voice loud enough and within earshot of the other women to cause Robert considerable concern.

“Please…. Madam” he blurted the panic clearly evident in his voice “the other girls will hear.”

“Oh isn’t that sweet Maxine” Frau Kirchen said as she turned to her friend and smiled, repeating his own phrase “the other girls.”

“Yes Rozamund he obviously thinks of himself as one of them now.” the Countess replied and giving him a lingering disdainful look added  “and you really could not blame him, all gussied up in his pretty foundations just like them.”

While the Countess’s mocking tone was not lost on Robert he now had other things to worry about as he noticed the girls taking a closer interest in the animated scene being played out between the three of them. This of course made little difference to the Countess and she continued to direct her remarks towards the increasingly alarmed and by now very unsettled youth.

“Well young man what is it to be? Are you going to model those dresses or not?” her irritated tone had increased in volume causing Robert to wince.

“Of course he is.” Frau Kirchen intervened, her voice soft and gentle, placing her arm over his shoulder she said “he wouldn’t disappoint his mistress, now would you dear boy?”

Robert’s eyes flitted from the encouraging face of Frau Kirchen to the Countess’s threatening countenance.

“Err… no Madam.”he blurted and desperately feeling he needed to get back into the Countess’s favour and avoid her drawing any more attention to him, added “of course not Madam.”

“Good I’m glad to hear it.” the Countess said, her voice returning to a more normal volume much to Robert’s relief.

“Excellent, now run along to your friends I’m sure they’re looking forward to helping you.” his mistress cooed giving him a gentle pat on his satin girdled posterior.

Robert swallowed hard and fearfully tottered away from the two ladies towards the waiting group who were eagerly looking through the rack of uniforms.

“Having a hard time from your mistress?” Lena said sympathetically.

He could only nod his agreement as the women enveloped him offering words of comfort.

“Mistresses can be mean sometimes” Monika said hugging him in that familiar way girls do, he felt her breasts press gently into his own and could even feel the material of both their bras rubbing together.

“It certainly was mean of the Countess to refer to you as boy but I suppose it’s just their way of ensuring you know you place.” Susanne said “Most mistresses do this with girls who are new to domestic service they don’t want you getting too uppity or feeling too pretty, we don’t think you’re boyish, we think you’re very pretty don’t we girls?”

“Of course we do.” they all cooed their agreement but Robert’s heart skipped a beat at hearing this and his anxiety levels rose sharply once more.

Oh shit they’re probably really suspicious now he thought I’d better be really careful and act as feminine I possibly can.

“Now girls if you’d like to freshen her make-up and fix her hair I’ll select the uniforms and the sequence I want them to be worn, when she’s ready you can dress her.” Frau Kaufmann said.

Lena and Monika led Robert to a chair and opening their handbags they decanted onto the table various items of make-up, brushes, pencils, tubes and other things Robert had never seen before.

“Girls” Lena called to the others “her hair.” And soon Robert was surrounded once more by his new friends who enthusiastically set about re-styling his hair while Lena and Monica began working on his face.

The youth sat motionless as female hands marked his lips and eyebrows with pencils and brushed material of various hues, colours and textures over his newly applied foundation at the same time he felt his hair being brushed and then tugged he felt someone had put in curlers before applying some sort of spray but such was his fear he daren’t not ask. The incessant gaggle of female voices was almost deafening and the aroma of several perfumes assaulting his olfactory system quite intoxicating. He distinctly felt the material of more than one bra brush off his bare back and shoulders and then the gentle pressure of soft bosoms against his flesh as they leaned into him as  his hair was arranged by two pairs of unseen hands.  

“This is fun, isn’t it Daphne?” he heard a voice ask from behind as he felt a strand of his hair being tightly wound into another curler.

“Errr… em….. yes” he lied as he winced at his hair being tugged tightly.

“A big difference from being a boy.” Hilda said, smiling as she observed the scene.

Robert’s heart rate jumped yet again at the mention of this reference to his true sex, he avoided her gaze.

“Tomboy, you mean Hilda” Monika chided her and added sarcastically “just like you, remember?”

“Boy, Tomboy all the same I suppose.” Hilda replied.

“It’s such a pity we don’t have more time, we could have given you a complete make-over.”  Susanne said as she removed the curlers and brushed his hair into the style she required.

He was paraded in front of Frau Kaufmann who was discussing the uniforms with Lena, it appeared she had been put in charge of his dressing.

“Very nice” she purred as she inspected him front and back stroking his hair as she did so, he noticed she was now carrying a long thin cane, “Yes very nice indeed, I’ll inform the ladies we will start shortly while you get her into her first uniform.”

She disappeared through the door as Lena selected a plain black taffeta uniform from the rack and as the others gathered around she held it up for him to see, an A line below the knee dress with a delicate lace white collar with matching lace cuffs. Having these women around him made him incredibly nervous but seeing the excitement generated he decided he’d better not show it and from somewhere managed a smile which he hoped the others would believe to be genuine.

“Ah yes the classic retro style, very chic.” Monika squealed as she viewed the dress to a chorus of approval from the others.

Lena soon had it over his head and he had no choice but to slip his arms into the tight fitting sleeves she began zipping him into it while Susanne had fetched a pristine white pinafore apron with a satin waistband, delicate lace edging around the borders, the pinafore straps were made from the same material. He knew what was expected of him and he automatically extended his arms as Monika placed the awful garment over his arms and settled it on his shoulders before tying it into a large bow at the back, Susanne placed a frilled matching cap on his head and held it in place with hair clips. By now Hilda had joined the others and began fussing at his hair while some of the women straightened his dress and apron, there were at least six women surrounding him all making enthusiastic and complimentary remarks about his new dress and appearance when Frau Kaufmann returned. Throughout this ordeal Robert was unable to view the transformation that was being undertaken and dreaded to think what he now must look like and his worst fears were realised when they led him to one of the large mirrors. His previous uniform had been bad enough and he really didn’t think it could get much worse but it had, the uniform he now wore was even more feminine than the previous one, if that was remotely possible. Worse still, being the only one of them dressed he was now the sole focus of attention.

I would have been better off still wearing only my lingerie. He thought and cursed himself for referring to the items of underwear as “my”.

“A big change from wearing trousers isn’t it?” a voice from behind whispered in his ear.

He almost jumped at the comment as the owner of the voice came into view. Hilda smiled as she fingered his apron.

“You’re really one of us girls now, after your mistress sees how gorgeous you look in this you can forget about ever wearing trousers again.”

Robert had been on edge since he entered the premises but apart from one or two innocent comments about his boyish looks he was almost convinced no one had any real inclination of his true sex. No one that is except Hilda, maybe because it was because she too was forced into feminine clothing as well as domestic service or maybe because of the extreme circumstances he found himself in, such was his confusion he didn’t know if he was being paranoid or not. Did she suspect the truth? Would she share her doubts with the others? Whatever the truth was, it scared Robert and he could barely meet her eyes. The tension was broken as Frau Kaufmann approached.

 “Excellent” Frau Kaufmann said, the admiration for his transformation very evident in her voice “you are all very proficient in your profession, your mistresses have obviously trained you to a very high standard as lady’s maids. My own girls could learn a thing or two from you I’m sure.”

They all giggled and became somewhat bashful at her compliments while her assistants looked on slightly nervous at her remarks.

“What is your name again my dear?” Frau Kaufmann addressed Robert.

“Daphne.”he answered, shamefully admitting to his feminine name.

“Madam…………” Frau Kaufmann gently chided her new model. “You must address me as Madam the same as your mistress.”

 “Sorry Madam.” he apologised, his eyes drawn to the severe looking cane in her hand.

“Quite all right my dear, an easy mistake to make.” she reassured him as she made a little adjustment to his frilled cap and patting him patronisingly on his now perfectly made-up cheek added “but I do hope you’ll remember the correct form of address in the future.”

 Although she said it in a soft voice Robert detected a veiled threat and the sight of her tapping her cane gently against her black skirt left him in no doubt as to his answer.

“Yes Madam.” he blurted nervously and gave a little curtsy which from recent experience he knew women in authority appreciated.

“Excellent” she purred as she stroked his hair and looked deep into his eyes “I’m sure you’re a quick learner and very obedient girl” and addressing the other women said “both very necessary qualities for a good lady’s maid. Isn’t that right girls?”

“Yes Madam” his new friends chorused in unison, seeming to take this as a compliment rather than the indignity Robert felt it was meant to convey.

“Now as you are unused to modelling clothes in front of ladies of rank you may feel a little nervous but don’t worry I will be there to guide you.” she said and holding up her cane added “and of course my little assistant here.”

A little nervous Robert screamed inside his head his thoughts now focusing more on the cane than his upcoming ordeal.

Robert despite trying to could not take his eyes away from the cane and this did not escape Frau Kaufmann.

“Oh don’t be concerned about the cane” she laughed loudly “you probably thought I was going to thrash you with it. Oh no …. Well not unless you make a ghastly faux pas.”

Robert noticed no one else was laughing, Frau Kaufmann continued,

“No my dear I will use this to instruct you. When I first tap you on your legs you will walk and when I wish you to halt I will repeat the procedure. Do you understand girl?”

“Yes Madam.” Robert answered, horrified at the prospect of such humiliation in front of his employer and the Countess his thoughts were interrupted as Frau Kaufmann rattled out more instructions,

“Now when we enter the room I will tap you twice and you will proceed through the room in an anti- clockwise direction, the ladies will be seated in several groups throughout the room. You will stop, curtsy and then twirl around for the ladies allowing them to inspect your uniform. You will not speak unless spoken to and not move forward until your legs feel my cane once more. If the ladies request anything of you such as a different pose, naturally you will comply, failure to do so would embarrass your mistress and I don’t think you would want to do that, now would you dear girl?”

Robert was appalled that he would be paraded around in front of these ladies like a trained poodle having to perform for their amusement but the constant action of the cane against her skirt and the merest hint of menace in her voice persuaded him that this was not the time to confront her.

“No Madam.”he replied, his eyes downcast.

“Good I didn’t think so, now you are going to be one of the prettiest and most obedient maidservants to wear one of my uniforms, you’ll make your mistress proud, now isn’t that so? ” she said as she lifted his chin with her finger and gazed at him with her piercing blue eyes.

He was transfixed by her stare and could only nod his agreement but this wasn’t enough for her.

“Say it.” she demanded.

“I will be the prettiest and most obedient maidservant to wear one of your uniforms.” he mumbled, the humiliation washing over him like a wave.

“Oh I’m sure you can do better than that. Say it again and this time louder and with more conviction.” Frau Kaufmann said softly as she brushed her cane up his pantyhosed leg leaving Robert in no doubt as to what would happen if his response was not the correct one and before he had time to react she added “and face your friends when you say it.”

The shame was almost too much to bear but a flick of her cane against his legs had the desired effect in concentrating his mind and quickly he repeated the degrading phrase for the audience now gathered around him.

“I will be the prettiest and most obedient maidservant to wear one of your uniforms Madam.”

The look on their faces was somewhere between pity and contempt or maybe just relief that it wasn’t them that had to utter the demeaning words.

“Much better.” Frau Kaufmann trilled, a broad smile creasing her face and looking at the dispirited figure in front of her said “now you are in the right frame of mind to model my wonderful creation. I believe a girl must be in the correct frame of mind, suitably docile and compliant as a true lady’s maid should be before she is presented in front of my distinguished clients.”

She fussed about his apron and cap making small and probably unnecessary modifications and as she caressed his left cheek with the handle her cane she once more looked him directly in the eyes and said softly

“You are docile and compliant now…. aren’t you?”

“Yes Madam.” he answered truthfully, cowed into subservience as much by her threatening gestures as the degrading uniform. He consoled himself that at least she had not discovered his secret. Agreeing with her assessment of how he should comport himself seemed to please Frau Kaufmann enormously and her mood became much lighter.

“Wonderful my dear, now it’s time we got started, stand by the door and wait until you I call you, when you enter the room you will immediately curtsy and wait for my signal before you proceed around the room as I have instructed. Do you understand?”

“Yes Madam.” he replied and before he had realised it he curtsied.

“That’s a good girl.” she said and opened the door to the other room as the others gathered around him.

“Don’t mind Frau Kaufmann” Lena said “she’s obviously knows being a tomboy you’re not used to wearing dresses so she wants to ensure you’re completely focused. You’ll be fine I’m sure your mistress will be proud of you.”

There were a lot of hugs and air kisses from the other girls, Hilda was the last to approach him and as she kissed him on the cheek she lingered for a moment and whispered in his ear

“You really do make a wonderful girl I’d love to have you as my maid.”

Robert could feel his stomach lurch at her words and as always when he got a sudden fright he could feel his eyes dilate betraying his emotions.

Oh shit! That’s a dead giveaway. Does she know? he groaned to himself desperately trying to analyse and parse her words in the hope that it was just an innocent remark.

“Daphne!” Frau Kaufmann called, he never thought he would be grateful to hear his feminine name ring out, grateful to escape from Hilda’s company he quickly minced over to Frau Kaufmann ensuring his hips swayed with each step and stood awaiting her instructions at the adjoining door to the salon where the ladies were assembled. He stole a glance back at the girls and saw Hilda make a kissing gesture with her lips however his attention was quickly diverted back to Frau Kaufman as her voice made an announcement to the ladies within,

“Ladies as you as aware my regular model is unable to attend so Frau Kirchen has kindly allowed me to use her maid to model this season’s uniforms for lady’s maids.”

She gestured to Robert and with a feeling of extreme apprehension he tottered into the salon and as instructed he took he lifted his skirt slightly and curtsied to the assembly, nervously keeping his eyes downcast. He could hear voices murmuring but could not make out what was being said.

“Remember a figure eight around the room, stopping at each group, curtsy and then slowly turn around to allow them to see the back of your uniform. After the last group you will return to the dressing room and change into your next uniform.” Frau Kaufmann in a soft voice said discreetly into his ear. As he now had to manoeuvre around the room he could no longer keep his eyes focused on the floor to avoid the full glare of his audience, he slowly raised his eyes to survey what lay before him.

The air was full of female conversation as well as the heady mix of competing perfumes, the assembled seemed to be busy in their conversations and didn’t seem to notice him which calmed him somewhat. Frau Kaufmann left him and approached the ladies.

Maybe they’re more interested in talking among themselves, typical- gossiping like most women hopefully they’ve probably forgotten I’m here and will barely notice when I pass by them, he said to himself.

 The room was very spacious white panelled walls, exquisite tapestries and post-modernist art work adorned the walls, a chandelier hung from the ceiling and lamps placed throughout the room gave it a warm glow. The gold coloured marble flooring had a large deep carpet in the centre on which comfortable couches and chairs upholstered in gold silk damask rested. Several ladies were standing talking to each other while the remainder sat sipping sherry, he estimated there were between fifteen and twenty women present. He noticed Frau Kirchen sitting with the Countess while Lady Agatha and Miss Clarissa were engaged in conversation with two other women, all of them were elegantly dressed, perfectly coiffured and each of them wearing expensive jewellery. The room reeked of wealth, power and authority.

Mesmerised by the scene in front of him he didn’t notice the room had gone quiet and Frau Kaufmann had suddenly appeared beside him once more.

“Ladies please take your seats we are about to begin.” Frau Kaufmann announced and as the last lady seated herself he winced as he felt Frau Kaufmann’s cane flick twice against his calves giving him the signal to begin.

He slowly and nervously began walking to the first group, four middle-aged and expensively dressed matrons.

“Yes very nice.” the first one said as he approached and curtsied and following Frau Kaufmann’s instructions turned three hundred and sixty degrees allowing them to inspect the back of the uniform.

“Such a beautiful cut to the skirt.” another said and all four turned began a conversation amongst themselves, Robert took this as a signal to move on to the next group.

“And where do you think you’re going, girl. Stay where you are we are not finished.” Snapped a lady with a fur stole, giving Robert a dirty look before harrumphing “Honestly! Young servant girls these days.” alarmed by her tone he stood rooted to the spot and curtsied.

“Oh I’m so sorry Madam.” Robert blurted and feeling his legs starting to tremble.

“Not to worry my dear.”  Her companion a lady in a bottle green crepe de chine dress assured him “I’m sure you’re a little nervous, we won’t detain you long.”

She lent closer and fingered the material of the dress and invited the others to do the same.

Robert had to remain still, which wasn’t a problem as he was by now scared stiff, as the women examined and discussed the uniform. After what seemed like an age the lady who upbraided him eased back in her seat and with a nonchalant wave of her leather gloved hand said

“You may go.”

Without thinking he automatically curtsied and was relieved to move on to the next group leaving the ladies still discussing the uniform. He had learned a valuable lesson and after performing the same routine of curtsying and turning for their inspection he waited as they also carefully appraised his uniform.

“Frau Kaufmann has excelled herself this season Konstanze, a very feminine creation.” a blonde wearing a severe cut pant suit said looking Robert up and down, another wearing a mauve silk shantung flared dress stood up and examined him closely.

“Are you talking about the uniform or the creature wearing it?” the lady called Konstanze answered and examining Robert closely said “Your mistress has told us you were not exactly the most feminine of girls but to correct this she has you on a regimen which will soon have you as feminine as any of our own girls. I do hope you are making progress and becoming more ladylike.”

It seemed to Robert that each of these ladies was more terrifying than the previous one and for a moment he was dumbstruck but luckily over her shoulder he caught a glimpse of Frau Kirchen and saw she was taking a great deal of interest in the conversation. It was clear that this woman wanted an answer.

“I hope so Madam.” Robert felt compelled to say, hoping she would be satisfied and allow him to move along to the next group.

“Is it true that you only wore trousers before your mistress employed you, and you are only wearing dresses for the last few days?” her companion said.

“Yes Madam.” Robert shamefully admitted.

“Well I must say that your mistress’s regimen appears to be working, I expect you feel more feminine already and probably don’t want to revert to wearing trousers ever again.”

Robert felt Frau Kirchen and the Countess’s eyes burning into him and noticed they were sitting on the edge of their seats, he felt he could not agree to this woman’s view without compromising himself further. Somewhere deep inside he found a morsel of his masculine backbone and answered,

“I suppose girls can wear trousers sometimes Madam.”

“Perhaps my girl” she said  in a haughty tone which Robert immediately recognised as a woman who was not used to being contradicted, arching her eyebrows she continued “but as a servant girl only with your mistress’s permission after all, a mistress as the word suggests has full authority over her maid in all aspects of her life.   Is that not right… girl?”

Robert now realised he had provoked her by being much too forthright and with the eyes of the entire room fall now firmly fixed upon him he cursed himself and felt as if he had walked into a trap of his own making. He knew he had no option in how to proceed and with his eyes downcast he curtsied and making sure his voice was deferential said

“Yes Madam, of course Madam.”

“Maids wearing trousers, indeed!” she guffawed to her friends, “I’ve never heard anything like it.”

“Oh don’t be too hard on the girl Konstanze, obviously she has spent too many years running wild and I imagine she lacks the discipline that life in domestic service nurtures in a girl.” her companion said as she rose from her seat to inspect Robert’s uniform, she ran her hands over the uniform’s skirt she smiled gently at him said “I’m sure she will soon forget she ever wore trousers and under her mistress’s control and guidance she will embrace her femininity.”

“Perhaps you are right Frieda.” Konstanze said, her demeanour softening considerably with Robert’s subservient attitude “do you remember when Lena first came to me she was more male than female but I soon disabused her of that particular notion I immediately insisted she dispose of her trousers, jeans, sweatpants anything of that nature, in fact I insisted she place them in the incinerator herself. Naturally now I control everything, her uniforms, make-up, not to mention her underwear of course.”

“Surely not her underwear!”her companion remarked.

“Of course, and why not?” Konstanze replied and examining Robert’s waist closely continued speaking to her friend “I insist my maids maintain a good figure and posture and the best way to achieve that is with strong foundation garments. In fact right now she is wearing a corsellette two sizes too small as a punishment for not maintaining her correct weight.”  

“I must try that with my maid.” the other lady said clearly impressed.

“You really should, the Countess sitting over there advised me to do so after achieving wonderful results in the performance of her own maid soon after she developed the program.” Konstanze said acknowledging the Countess with a nod of her head “Yes Lena is much more compliant now and I believe  accepts not only her true feminine nature but also her position in life or to be more precise her position in my life…….. as my devoted and obedient maid.”

She looked at Robert and added with a smile,

“As I am sure you will be for your own mistress. Isn’t that so, my girl?”

Robert felt Frau Kirchen’s treatment of him was dreadful but this woman’s attitude to her servants was far more extreme and what she had just said confirmed Lena’s account to him earlier.He knew if he contradicted her she would insist in engaging his employer and possibly the Countess in the conversation and that was the last thing he wanted. By now he would have said anything to escape her company and quickly decided what his best course should be and reluctantly he responded,

“Yes Madam.”

This seemed to satisfy her and both ladies smiled benevolently,

“You may go.” Konstanze said, dismissing him to continue his assignment. The next group contained Frau Kirchen, the Countess, Lady Agatha and Miss Clarissa.

“What a transformation in only two days.” Miss Clarissa exclaimed as Robert curtsied.

“Yes Clarissa, and to think you allowed her to wear trousers Rozamund.” Lady Agatha snorted in the direction of her niece “Konstanze expressed the same sentiments as me, a maid in trousers is preposterous of course but I must say you have done a wonderful job in such a short time, a few more weeks of training and she will make an ideal servant girl.”

Reclining in her seat Rozamund Kirchen’s eyes lingered on the youth and smiled at the Countess “Yes perhaps you’re right Aunt.” Frau Kirchen said as both of them noted the barely imperceptible wince in Robert’s perfectly made-up face.

“Oh I’m sure of it.” The Countess trilled as she stood up and walked around Robert sliding her hand over his behind and squeezing it gently. “Isn’t that so Daphne, you will the ideal servant …..girl.”

Robert’s eyes pleaded with the Countess and his employer but both were immune to his plight and merely arched their brows in expectation of his answer, his eyes once more fell to the floor and he mumbled his answer.

“Yes your ladyship.”

“Speak up girl we can’t hear you.” the Countess said.

“Yes your ladyship” Robert replied and seeing that she wanted further confirmation of his subjugation he was forced to heap more humiliation upon himself “I hope to make the ideal servant girl.”

“Splendid” Frau Kirchen said and gesturing to some ladies seated across the room patronisingly dismissed him “now you may move along I’m sure those ladies are just dying to see your beautiful uniform.”

The whole process took less than ten minutes but to Robert it seemed an eternity and after he had presented himself to the last group he returned his nerves frayed and stomach churning to the door where Frau Kaufmann was waiting to usher him back to the other room to be stripped and re-dressed for his next performance.

He was met with squeals of delight from his new friends as they immediately rushed to him two began untying his apron and unzipping his dress. Others waited by the rack containing the uniforms while Frau Kaufmann selected the next one a bottle green satin dress with a high stiff Mandarin collar and almost transparent full bishop sleeves with matching six buttoned cuffs, the apron was a halter neck bib style which had frills around the edges. Such was his level of shock from the experience he barely noticed them undressing him and placing his new uniform over his head, within minutes he was returned to the salon with Frau Kaufmann once again at his side.

“Ladies.” she announced trying to get the ladies attention “the second uniform for your approval.”

 Robert felt her cane hit the calves of his legs and automatically he once more began his ordeal but as he moved he noticed something was different. In his stupor he had not noticed that under the satin dress he now had a stiff multi layered petticoat which made the dress bounce every time he took a step, the rustling sound seemed to fill the room and drew audible gasps of admiration from the ladies. His skirt was so voluminous he manoeuvred himself anxiously as he approached the first group mindful of not knocking over the sherry glasses on the table. He carefully curtsied and could detect from the expressions on their faces that they approved greatly of his new uniform. Frau Kaufmann appeared at his side once more and explained her creation to the enthralled group.

“Ladies, as you can see this uniform is for that extra special occasion where you may wish to display just how your maid reflects your own status not to mention a certain sense of ultra-femininity which every lady demands from her servant girl.”

This was met by nods of approval from the ladies as they once again stood up to inspect the petticoated young man, they were so close he could feel their breath on his face and neck making him even more uncomfortable if that was possible.

“Exquisitely feminine.” the first lady said running her hand over the material.

“I simply adore those petticoats.” another cooed as she reached under his skirt and fluffed them out with her hands before addressing Robert “you must fell so pretty?”

Robert cringed inside but had learned his lesson from his previous encounter with these horrible women and had no wish to enter into a conversation which would only end in his utter debasement.

“Yes Madam, very feminine.” he lied forcing a smile to ensure they believed him.

He felt Frau Kaufmann’s cane strike his legs once more, curtsied to the ladies and tottered away to be presented to the next group, his uniform moved ahead of him like a bow wave of a ship with each step he took.

Of all the horrible clothes I’ve been forced to wear in the last few days this is by far the worst, I pity the poor cow that has to wear this all the time he said to himself.

As he walked he noticed that all the women’s eyes were on the dress and not him except for Frau Kirchen and the Countess who he noticed were reclining in their chairs giggling as he minced his way around the room. Frau Kaufmann’s cane struck his legs and he stopped once more at Lena’s mistress who Frau Kaufmann had told him was Konstanze, Baroness of Augsburg and was to be addressed as ‘your ladyship’.

“Ah yes…superb” the Baroness said to her companion “I think Lena will look very dainty in this, just the uniform to keep her constantly reminded of her femininity.”

“Don’t you think it is a little ………well….. too elaborate, too prim and prissy?” her friend asked.

“Of course it is, it’s adorable and she will hate it……… which is why she will wear it. It will be her punishment uniform.”

Robert had to stand silently in front of the Baroness as she discussed the finer detail of his uniform with her companions, the horrible garment had obviously put the Baroness in very good humour and she turned to Robert and asked

“Is my friend correct my dear, does this wonderful uniform make you feel prim and proper, even prissy perhaps?”

He did not want to incur her wrath and noticed that Frau Kirchen and the Countess were once again taking a keen interest in the proceedings.

“Oh yes your ladyship.” he very reluctantly but truthfully conceded.

“This uniform was designed with just this in mind your ladyship.” Frau Kaufmann helpfully interjected “its fitted waist, the softness of the material and full skirt with bouffant petticoats underneath will expose the hidden femininity in even the most boyish of girls. In fact Frau Kirchen and the Countess joked that such is its ultra-feminine qualities it would even turn a male into a most convincing maid servant.”

Both the Baroness and her companion laughed loudly as Robert could feel the blood drain from his face.

“A male maid! Now that is something I would give a lot to see.” the Baroness snorted derisively and both women laughed loudly at the very idea, after she regained her composure she continued “The male sex can be arrogant and obnoxious creatures I imagine it would be a most demeaning and humiliating experience for a male to be pressed into domestic service as a maid, dressed in such feminine attire however I believe it would benefit them greatly.”

“It most certainly would Konstanze.” her friend said as she turned her attention to Robert once more “but I doubt if a male would look as pretty or as feminine as this delightful young thing before us, I’m sure Frau Kirchen would not countenance any masculine behaviour in her maid, now isn’t that so my dear.”

Robert’s mind was racing, was this all part of the horrible game Frau Kirchen and the Countess were playing? He desperately tried to discern from the ladies faces whether they had been told he was a male, were they were just toying with him like a pair of cats with a mouse or were they really oblivious of his true sex? So traumatic was this experience he could not remember if the Baroness had made some comment about his masculine features earlier. His thoughts were interrupted by Frau Kaufmann’s sharp voice.

“Girl!....... These kind ladies have paid you a compliment, have you nothing to say?”

Robert instantly felt he had to ensure there was no doubt in these women’s mind that the creature standing in front of them was indeed a servant girl, the alternative was just too horrible to imagine. Visions of being exposed as a male in front of all these women flashed through his head, he remembered Greta’s words once more, think like a girl.

What would a maid say? How would she react? The thought rushed through his brain in milliseconds.

“Oh thank you Madam, your ladyship.” Robert gushed shamefully to each of them, without even having to think about it he curtsied and drawing on his conversations with the other maids he continued in the most demure and girlish manner “my mistress will be very pleased to hear you say so.”

His submissive manner had the desired effect as both women nodded approvingly at his answer the Baroness was the first to speak.

“I’m sure she will.” she said in a soft tone  “and the sooner you forget any silly notion about wearing trousers the better, you’re training to be a lady’s maid and must dress like one at all times even on your day off, now isn’t that so?”

There was no way back for Robert and he had no choice but to answer,

“Yes your ladyship.”

“That’s a good girl now run along I’m sure your mistress will want to exam that lovely uniform of yours.” the Baroness said and nonchalantly dismissed him.

By the time he had arrived in front of Frau Kirchen and the Countess his nerves were shattered.

“What a delightful uniform.” the Countess trilled at the figure standing with a look of subjugation in front of them “just the very thing to encourage the required attitude in a male.”

“Did you say a male?” Miss Clarissa asked giving her a curious look before turning her attention to Robert who felt his knees weaken at her remark.

“Oh did I say male? how silly of me” the Countess laughed “I meant to say maid.”

“You’re embarrassing the girl Maxine.” Miss Clarissa chided her and addressing Robert said “you look perfectly feminine Daphne.

“Thank you Miss.” he blurted, under the circumstances he was relieved and grateful for the compliment.

After being subjected to a similar degrading inspection by Miss Clarissa and Lady Agatha he was once more sent on his way to perform his routine for the other ladies. This ordeal lasted for more than an hour as he had several more uniforms to model and although he found wearing these bad enough he was not prepared for the groping of the women as they lifted his skirts to examine the cut of the dresses or the material, most of them felt his breasts.

 “Oh we’d just like to see how well it fits in the bust area. I’m sure you won’t mind my dear.” some said as they cupped his breasts in their hands.

“It’s seems a little tight for your wonderful bosom perhaps they’re not positioned properly, here let me help you.” others explained as they too squeezed his breasts underneath the material.

Having these women feel his breasts was extremely demeaning, but even more mortifying, he felt his nipples protrude as they fondeled him in such an intimate manner. He saw them smile as he blushed crimson at their gentle caresses which he felt took far longer than he thought was necessary to carry out such an examination, he had to avert his eyes in shame.

 When the show finally ended he returned to the room where Lena, Monika and the others were waiting to congratulate him on his performance, silently he congratulated himself for having gotten through such a nightmare without fainting. Frau Kaufmann’s assistants finally brought their uniforms back and he never thought he would admit to be grateful to get into a normal dress.

“I’m certainly glad that’s over, I would not want to go through that again.” he said as Lena helped him into his uniform.

“Well don’t count on it.” Lena said and seeing the shock on his face she explained, “Our mistress’s gather here on a regular basis to view Frau Kaufmann’s various new ranges of clothes and accessories. I’m not sure but the next time I think it may be corsetry, or bra fitting’s, it’s really only an excuse for our employer’s to get together and compare notes on what the refer to as ‘The Servant Problem’ but you should be proud, we could see all the ladies were quite impressed with you I’m sure your mistress will be very pleased. So I’m sure we’ll see you here again soon.”

Robert’s heart sank he could not go through such an experience again but his thoughts were interrupted as Frau Kaufmann made an announcement that their mistresses were leaving and their presence was required. Each maid went to her mistress and without being instructed automatically held their coats or placed stoles over their shoulders. He stood by Frau Kirchen’s side and held her coat as she placed her arms inside, Hilda acting as Lady Agatha’s maid – did the same for her mistress.

“Now Hilda!” Lady Agatha addressed her maid in an extremely patronising tone “I hope you have noticed how  Frau Kirchen’s maid performed with such grace and carried herself in a most feminine manner, as I told you earlier she had masculine traits just like you had- and now look at her, the personification of femininity. It is a pity I was not aware of her earlier as she could have helped you discard those dreadful manly characteristics you had acquired.”

He cringed at her description and felt even more unnerved as he thought he saw a flash of contempt cross Hilda’s face as her eyes examined him thoroughly. 

“But she has made so much progress Agatha.” Miss Clarissa “perhaps we should consider relaxing her conditions and see if she has learnt her lesson.”

“I’m not so sure she has Clarissa, how could we be sure she would not relapse into her old ways when we are not there to supervise her.” Lady Agatha said.

“Oh I promise I won’t.” Hilda gushed delighted at the prospect of being set free from her domestic servitude.

“Well perhaps Daphne here could be of some help, she could spend some time with the girl, ensure Hilda remains true to her word.” Miss Clarissa suggested “After all she seems to have embraced her true womanly nature more easily. What do you think Rozamund?”

“And with more enthusiasm.” The Countess offered unhelpfully as she slipped her arms into the coat Robert held.

Robert could not believe what he had just heard, his eyes darted from one of the ladies to the other and could feel a horrible sensation rise deep within him. As he helped Frau Kirchen into her coat she turned to him so no one else could see her face and gave him the now familiar smile which filled him with unease.

Oh shit! This is not good Robert said to himself.  

Turning back to face her company she said,

“Let me think about it. Come along Daphne, it’s time to go.”