A Suitable Position Chapter 11

To those following ASP a serious Mea Maxima Culpa for the long delay, I won’t bore you with any excuses or explanations suffice to say it’s been a struggle, I just couldn’t finish it in one chapter so the next one will definitely complete it and it won’t take nearly as long to post. I have included an illustration which does not exactly reflect any scene in this chapter but could be set somewhere in Robert’s continuing feminisation. I have deliberately used a different model with short hair making him look more masculine to increase his humiliation– perhaps a punishment by his mistress for some misdemeanour. I would usually caption this but decided it may be a good idea rather than inflict my own nonsense on you the reader  - why not  have readers submit their own caption. It might be fun.

Many thanks as usual to all who ticked the more button and those who were kind enough to comment, it really is very much appreciated. Anyway I hope you enjoy it and apologies once more for the delay.   

Carrie

A Suitable Position©

Chapter 11

I’m not half the man I used to be

there’s a shadow hanging over me.

Rozamund Kirchen gracefully lowered herself onto the large comfortable couch in the drawing room of her exquisitely furnished home and as all refined and elegant women do demurely arranged the skirt of her peach silk crepe de chine dress around her knees. As she settled into the couch’s softness she took stock of the events of the last two weeks, the arrival of the only male she had ever permitted into her employ. By any measure it was a most unusual arrangement, she had employed Robert Kilcoyne, a boy of tender years nineteen or so and travelling abroad for the first time, as a domestic servant. However due to an unfortunate but outrageous misunderstanding on the part of her beloved but interfering aunt regarding the youth’s sex, his role as her servant was not now the usual one accorded to a male. As her aunt had mistaken him for a girl she had insisted he dress in an appropriate fashion and bizarrely he now undertook his duties dressed in the uniform of a housemaid. Of course she had thought of correcting her aunt’s error but seeing the startling change the uniform made to the boy she was extremely curious as to how this situation would unfold. His transformation was reasonably convincing but not totally so, at least not to her. However his position as a female servant appeared to be central in diluting the arrogance and ego that she found all males possessed and this feature of his confinement in female clothing she found most intriguing. In fact such was his progress in his new role she was actively considering training him as her personal maid. Her very close friend Maxine, the Countess of Argyll and her own housemaid Greta were the only others who were aware of her new maidservant’s true sex. As she sipped her morning Darjeeling from the delicate Dresden her thoughts turned to the boy who was presently in the servants quarters receiving further instruction from Greta.

This is a most remarkable turn of events, the very idea of a male with all that macho arrogance being reduced to the status of a female servant is truly extraordinary, obviously he is not happy with the situation but at least he recognises that his contract obliges him to conform to my conditions. I had never given any consideration as to how a male would react if he had to portray himself as a female after all everything about them is so different to us and not just physical attributes. Robert or should I say Daphne, has got quite a nice bosom due to that curious medical condition which I suppose makes his appearance more feminine but there are still major differences not least  the gauche way in which he carries himself but also this insufferable and inflexible male attitude. He may think he is fooling me but I strongly suspect that despite the outward appearance of femininity his uniform and his foundation garments give, that stubborn maleness is not allowing him to fully embrace his new role as a male maid. A male maid! I still can’t quite believe I actually have a uniformed male maid. Of course now  there are so many possibilities I could retain him as a domestic servant but observing how he adapted to his new circumstances during our visits to the Institute and Frau Kaufmann’s premises I wonder is there a possibility of setting him on the road to achieving a lasting femininity? I’m sure he would resist of course as those foolish males do but it really would be intriguing to see if it could actually be done, there is no doubt he certainly has the potential and I honestly think it would benefit him in the long run. I abhor males in general but every now and then there is a member of that pathetic sex -, that unknown to themselves- there lies deep within them the seeds of a sweet and truly feminine nature and all it needs to manifest itself is a kind but strict mentor and of course the proper environment. Obviously in the physical sense he could never be a true female but perhaps psychologically he could be trained to recognise his feminine side and come to see that his future would be best served in embracing this side of his personality.

The more I think about it the more I see it would be remiss ….no, negligent of me if I failed to allow a male with such capabilities achieve his true potential and escape the tyranny of masculinity, it would be tantamount to failing to save a puppy from a life of cruelty and misery.. Hopefully he will learn that submitting to my will is for his own good and can only benefit him. Greta is of course  ensuring that he is being properly trained in all aspects of domestic service, naturally wearing a maid’s uniform will help greatly to instil a sense of humility and obedience which will be most beneficial when I decide to enhance his feminisation. I must make it my mission to ensure he is not allowed to fail, I may discuss future plans with Maxine over tea when she arrives shortly although I suspect she may have set her own sights on him.

In the library Robert was going about his duties dusting and polishing, so intent was he on his task that he did not realise he was alone until he stopped to ask Greta if he could adjust his bra strap. It was one of the most degrading features of his new life and there we so many of those to choose from, the constricting foundation garments, the soft and delicate feminine lingerie, not to mention his hideous uniform. He also had to ask for permission for practically everything, to speak, to sit, to go to the bathroom, his every action was controlled and supervised by either Greta or Madam. Frau Kirchen had decided shortly after he had returned from his harrowing visits to the Institute and Frau Kaufmann’s store that as feminine deportment did not come naturally to him he would require close supervision and to this end he should be constantly in the presence of another female so his shortcomings could be easily and quickly corrected. He had to admit that there were one or two occasions in those establishments that his lack of a natural feminine bearing put him in danger of being discovered so while he hated the idea he had to concede that if he was not to be revealed as a male in female clothing there was some merit in being coached in feminine conduct and poise- at least in the short term. But by far the most humiliating aspect was the punishment he received if Madam or Greta had considered he was not making sufficient progress. The ritual – for that’s what it was- took place every morning after he had served Madam her breakfast in her bedroom. He had to stand in front of her while Greta gave a report on his performance the previous day, it usually consisted of two parts the first was how proficiently he carried out his duties as a housemaid and the second was how successfully he was in assimilating feminine mannerisms and characteristics. Now alone for the first time in days his mind drifted back, several days ago perhaps even weeks for he was now losing track of time to when he first had to stand hands folded in front of his apron and listen to Greta make her report on his development.

“As a housemaid Madam he is making reasonable progress, his dusting and polishing are adequate but his bed making is still not up to standard, obviously it will take him a little time to adjust to his new position and master his tasks. There is an absentmindedness about him which sometimes makes him clumsy, his mind appears to wander and doesn’t seem to concentrate on his duties, I find in his walk there is a little too much of a stride for a woman,  and his gestures are somewhat abrupt, such awkwardness might endanger a cup of tea for your visitors on occasion, which no doubt Madam would be very embarrassing.”

 “Mmm, that is a bit disappointing Greta but I suppose we must make allowances for the boy however you are right of course if he is to be successful in his new career he must commit fully and adopt the correct attitude.” she said addressing Greta but her eyes lingered on Robert, she continued in a soft almost sympathetic voice “I assume you are having some difficulty in coming to terms with your new role…. dear boy?”

 This to Robert was a gross understatement he wholeheartedly resented his current circumstances, he had spent every day except his first in this house wearing a maid’s uniform and had been paraded in public dressed as a girl not to mention been forced to strip down to his horribly restricting underwear in the presence of other servant girls, an experience which almost led to his exposure as a male. Much as he tried to retain his grip on his masculinity the uniform he was wearing was a constant reminder of his reduction from a confident male to that of a maid servant. It was with these thoughts and the fear of serious retribution swirling around his head that he answered his mistress.

“A little, Madam.”

“Yes, I’m sure you are.” she said sitting forward in the bed.

“You see what I mean Madam about his lack of attention to detail” Greta said shaking her head in disappointment before speaking sharply to Robert “plump Madam’s pillows….. girl!”

“Sorry Madam.” Robert blurted and practically ran to the bed, cursing himself for not remembering to do it sooner after all Greta had told him about this several times.

“Mmmm….. yes I do see what you mean Greta.” she said, her tone sounding more sad than displeased as she leaned forward allowing Robert  to complete his task. After he had finished he meekly returned to his place in front of her, hands folded once more in the required position. She continued her lecture.

“Now Robert I’m sure that you think you are trying your best but you must understand that I am training you to be a lady’s maid, a very important and prestigious position for a young girl, you really must learn to anticipate my wishes, it should become almost second nature to you. I had hoped that once you were in uniform you would begin to understand how you should behave and adapt to your position with a little more enthusiasm, however wearing your uniform does not appear to have been sufficient motivation to instil in you the necessary attitude and demeanour of a female servant. I feel that perhaps you may need a little extra reminder to ensure you’re constantly aware of your status and the….. well…. shall we say, servility that is required if you are to achieve your true potential. Now, be so kind as to fetch my hairbrush.”

He desperately wanted to run from the room but his legs had turned to lead. The order to get her hairbrush meant only one thing- he was to be punished in the most humiliating fashion, he’d already had the misfortune of having to subject himself to such an ignominious experience and for a moment he hesitated which immediately registered a slight look of impatience or perhaps irritation on Frau Kirchen’s face.  He’d seen that look before, it almost dared him to refuse but deep inside he knew it would be worse for him if he had done so, he meekly walked to the dressing table and picked up the antique sliver hair brush embossed with the initials RK in large ornate lettering and noticed it was about the same size as the palm of his hand. When he returned with the brush she was standing at the end of the bed, he handed it to her and waited for her inevitable order.

“I think you know what to do dear boy.” she said as she pointed to the end of the bed.

He could feel the tears of shame well up inside as he moved to the end of the large bed, he caught Greta’s eye and noticed that her face was quite flushed and she appeared to be breathing heavily her breasts rising and falling quickly with each inhalation. He instinctively knew that to delay would incur her ire and did not even consider such an action, he lifted the skirt of his uniform and assumed the now familiar and utterly shameful position, as he buried his face  in the softness of the burgundy satin quilt he heard her continue,

“Now Robert, I do hope you realise this is not a punishment but merely a gentle reminder of your obligation to be more eager and enthusiastic while performing your duties as well as making a determined effort to carry yourself in a much more feminine manner. You do understand this, now don’t you, dear boy?”

“Yes Madam.” he answered, his voice a mere whimper as he anticipated the first blow.

“Do you remember the qualities I told you were required of a lady’s maid?” she asked pausing for a second before she gently brought the brush down on his satin clad right buttock.

“Obedience, devotion, discretion and subservience Madam.” he replied and despite barely feeling the blow he felt an enormous shame coursing through his body as the words left his mouth.

“Precisely, but obviously being a male you lack the most essential quality – femininity. You will try harder to be more feminine, now won’t you?” she said softly as the second slap landed on his left buttock with a little more force.

“Yes Madam.” he answered.

“I would like you to say it out loud dear boy.” she purred. “and this time convince me you really mean it.”

“I will try to be more feminine and graceful in future Madam.” he said his voice somewhere between a sob and a whimper. Another wave of humiliation washed over him as the brush once more found its target.

And so it went on for several more wallops, each one eliciting an admission that he had not yet acquired the necessary requirements to fulfil his duties in the manner a proper female domestic would. These admissions in their turn extracted a promise that he would become a more feminine and demure servant willing to discard any remaining masculine traits. He would become a girl a mistress would not be ashamed to have in her service and proud to wear his uniform as a symbol of his obedience to his mistress. By the end of his “gentle reminder” Robert had committed to developing a set of characteristics which he had already recognised in the ultra-feminine and servile girls he had met in Frau Kaufmann’s premises, characteristics his mistress said were extremely suited to his new position.

His brain was in turmoil from the indignity he had just endured and he suddenly felt this latest humiliation was really was too much, the thought struck him that if he remained in her employ for much longer he would soon lose his masculinity and become as servile as those girls, he silently promised himself that he would formulate a plan of escape, but for now if he was to avoid further punishments he would have to continue to try and convince her and Greta he really was participating in this charade.

“You may rise.” Frau Kaufmann instructed and he slid off the plump satin material, his face red with shame he settled his uniform around his legs.

“Now that wasn’t too bad, was it my dear?” she asked the humiliated boy.

“No Madam.” he lied trying valiantly to fight back his tears and without even thinking he added meekly “Thank you Madam.”

I can’t believe I just thanked her for spanking me, I really have to get out of here. he screamed inside his  addled brain.

“As I said a gentle reminder….. but one I think we should repeat for the next few days….”she said breathing heavily “at least until we see a significant improvement in your progress.”. He thought her face was slightly flushed as she handed him the brush and giving him a gentle smile which he understood conveyed a message that she was genuine in her belief that this mild chastisement was indeed for his own good. He remained silent as she dabbed a bead of moisture from her forehead and upper lip, after a moment or two she regained her composure and continued,

“I am very pleased that you have also accepted the direction in which you must go if you are to transform from an awkward servant into the ideal maid, adaptability and a sense that a mistress knows what’s best for her maid is something I find rare in a servant girl these days. Indeed, you have shown remarkable intelligence in accepting my analysis of your progress so far.”

He found it very difficult to hear her speak of her degradation of him as if it was a virtue and as she was speaking, somewhere deep inside his own being he could feel a stirring of his masculinity and just as he was about to speak she put her finger to his lips.

“Hush, dear boy, there is no need to thank me.” she whispered and nodded to Greta, who stepped forward and taking an envelope from the nightstand handed it to him.

 “Go ahead open it.” Frau Kirchen said.

The nascent rebellion ebbed away as he looked at the figure on the bank draft. The trauma of the last weeks had almost made him forget the reason he took this position in the first place. What he held in his hands should be enough to fulfil his life’s ambition - to have his hated feminine breasts removed. He always feared deep down that his aunts who were in control of his trust fund for several years to come would never sanction him spending money on what they considered an unnatural and totally unnecessary procedure. Now he would never again have to seek their permission, his destiny was now in his own hands and soon he would be free of these horrible feminine mounds. Southern Germany was less than an hour away by train, very quickly a plan began forming in his head and he became a little lightheaded at the prospect of escape -for that’s what it would be. Momentarily he forgot about this latest punishment, only one in the long line humiliations he had endured, in his mind’s eye he could see his plan unfold. It would be so simple, gather his clothes a few days before the day of escape and on that morning catch the early train, he could be over the border while Frau Kirchen and Greta were still asleep. At last he could see light at the end of the tunnel, another week maybe two and he would………

“I see our girl is a little surprised at her first pay cheque.” Frau Kirchen voice slowly penetrated his brain and he was suddenly aware of both women looking intently at him, for a second or two seized by a fit of irrationality he imagined they had read his thoughts and it took him a further few seconds before he gathered himself to respond correctly.

“Thank you Madam.” he gushed, curtsying, a gesture that was subconsciously now becoming second nature even to the extent that he had stopped admonishing himself for performing such a submissive feminine action.

“It is what we agreed, you are a maidservant after all not a slave, you have agreed to my terms and I am merely honouring my contractual obligations.” she said and as she came closer her face softened, she cupped his face in her hands “I do hope you will come to realise…..that I am doing this for your own good. You have deep inside you what very few of your sex possess, the capability to abandon the arrogant macho traits of the male and embrace the gentler, softer side of your being which has been repressed for so long. It would make all our lives so much easier if you would embrace femininity………. rather than be forced into it.”

Robert was still recovering from the shock of figure he saw on the bank draft he was still holding in his hands and as he heard her speak any doubts he had about escaping disappeared, he would have to escape soon otherwise he would face weeks possibly months of this continuing humiliation of being forced to dress as a maid.

“I understand Madam.” he lied.

“Now run along I wish to speak to Greta.” she said waving her hand to dismiss him as she withdrew to the window seat.

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

That episode took place almost a week ago and the same scene was played out over the following days until for some reason it suddenly stopped two days ago, Robert wondered about this as he took a well- earned break from his dusting and polishing duties in the library, he had heard Madam ring for Greta and knew it would be several minutes before she reappeared.

“Embrace your femininity!” he sighed out loud as he recalled the words she used that day and continued to use almost every day like a mantra, “doesn’t she understand that’s the last thing I want.” He sashayed to the mirror to check his hair was still presentable, he adjusted his frilled cap slightly and noticed that his lipstick needed a little retouching.

“I really don’t think so.” he said out loud  as he puckered his lips to apply the lipstick which he retrieved from his apron pocket, when he was satisfied he automatically twirled around to check his rear in the mirror.

“Oh dear my slip is showing.” he blurted as the lace hem of his slip peaked from under his uniform he expertly made adjustments to the garment’s bra straps then lifted the dress to ensure it hung at the right length.

“I just knew this was the wrong slip to wear today” he continued “it is  a lovely colour and I really like the lace hem but it’s just a little too long but then it is Madam’s and not my own.”

He admonished himself for this very feminine reaction which he realised was becoming more frequent but as he saw it, this was an unfortunate but understandable consequence of his predicament. The first week in Madam’s employ naturally had a traumatic effect on him but in recent days he had, if not exactly come to terms with it, had certainly become more used to dressing in female clothing. It was after all something he had little control over and knew if he even showed a hint of rebellion it would be the worse for him in the long run and although he grudgingly accepted that she had not transformed him into a maid out of malice he also knew that he if he had any hope of retaining his masculinity he would have to bend to her regimen or risk being broken by it completely. Of course he knew there would probably be a price to pay, having to dress and act in a feminine manner twenty four hours each day seven days a week would  take its tool and no male could avoid picking up  at least some female characteristics during this time, it was inevitable. Little things began seeping into his consciousness, curtsying became natural in her presence, in his thoughts he was also aware he was now referring to Frau Kirchen as Madam something he found disturbing but at the same time for some reason very difficult to stop, he put this down to having to use this form of address to her many times during the day.  For the same reason he had also began to refer to Madam as ‘the mistress’ when answering phone calls – “I’m sorry your ladyship the mistress is not here at the moment” or “Yes Madam I will inform the mistress you called.” He was also mindful that this form of address sounded very subservient but felt it was better than risking further discipline from the mistress, she was incredibly perceptive- scarily so in fact and at times ridiculous as it sounded he thought there were times she could read his mind. He knew he could not engage in any kind of rebellion after all there was too much to consider – at best further beatings and the ensuing humiliation at worst the loss of the large salary which would enable him to fulfil his dream. And of course there was always the constant mention of the Institute when she reviewed his progress reports, something which always concentrated his mind. He quickly came to the conclusion that because he was living and dressing as a female servant these things were bound to happen and while regrettable he felt once he did not slip any further into this subservient role his masculinity in some form would remain intact but it made him even more aware that he had to get away from this house sooner rather than later. His mind drifted once again as his eyes wandered to the mirror, this seemed to be another female trait he had acquired the constant need to check his appearance. He rose from the chair and stood in front of it and once more examined the creature looking back at him, he made a slight modification to his apron straps and as he looked out one of the library’s large window’s his thoughts turned once again to his situation.

Well at least Madam has stopped my punishment, that’s something I suppose. Those spankings were dreadful but I suppose she wasn’t too severe with the hairbrush and perhaps it’s only natural for a lady of her stature, she needs to be sure that I don’t embarrass her in front of her friends by making a silly mistake. And I must say she is very patient, I was certainly a bit clumsy when I was dressing her on a few occasions, it did take me a while to get used to attaching her stockings to her garters but thankfully she was very even tempered I’d hate to think how the Countess would have reacted in the same situation, I would have definitely have got the hairbrush and she wouldn’t be as gentle. I remember at home Aunt Amelia chastising Jenny her maid for not arranging her lingerie drawer to her satisfaction, she didn’t make the same mistake twice.  Now that I recall, when Jenny arrived she wasn’t the most graceful or deferential girl for the position of lady’s maid but after a few weeks attending to my aunts she became quite acceptable due in no small way to the odd application of a hairbrush to her plump behind.  I often heard my aunts say training a lady’s maid was a life- long exercise for the mistress as well as the maid. I think Jenny made several attempts to leave but for some reason was always persuaded to stay, at least I think she was persuaded, anyway now she is quite docile and subservient.

She was a girl though and girls are more compliant and submissive, that shouldn’t happen to me though, I don’t plan to be here that long.

He heard Madam’s bell ring and without having to think he once more checked his hair and face in the mirror. It was one of the things she reprimanded him about as she administered one of her more forceful thrashings apparently she intensely disliked if her servants were even the least bit unkempt or not groomed to her standards so it was in his best interests to be as presentable as possible, it would certainly prevent further punishment. He quickly made his way to the drawing room and after knocking was instructed to enter.

“You rang Madam.” he gave the customary response to the servant’s bell, his curtsy followed automatically.

From her chair Frau Kirchen spent a few moments viewing the creature standing in front of her.

He really does seem to be improving day by day she said to herself as her eyes examined every inch of the boy, I wonder what’s going on in that pretty little male brain of his, not that it matters I suppose but I am getting used to having him around, he does make an excellent maid but I’m convinced he could be so much more. I’ve always wondered what it would be like to have a daughter, someone I could dress up and make pretty but daughters once they reach a certain age get too independent and think they know it all. It would be nice to have someone to accompany me to certain social engagements, someone pretty but in a non- conventional sense, someone to set tongues wagging. I wonder…….. 

While his mistress was contemplating this Robert stood motionless in this now familiar and subservient pose, his hands folded in front of his apron and eyes lowered awaiting her verdict but by now he was confident he would pass her close scrutiny.

“Pretty as a picture, he really is improving wonderfully.” Frau Kirchen beamed at Greta “you have done a marvellous job.”

“Thank you Madam.” Greta replied clearly very pleased with her mistress’s praise “of course he has his moments where he regresses but overall he is a willing pupil.”

He listened to both of them discuss his progress at length and thought there was a time not so long ago he would have been furious but as  he had  just reflected in the library a few moments previously this was one of those times where he just had to quell his anger and accept it. Any hint of irritation or temper would lead to only one place- face down on the soft satin quilt of Madam’s bed. After a lengthy discussion on his continuing development as a servant girl Madam finally stood up and went to her desk.

“Well pretty as a picture he may be but unfortunately he will have to revert to male clothing.” Madam sighed.

He was only barely listening to the conversation  after all he’d had to suffer this indignity several times before and was now well used to his mistress’s and Greta’s observations on his performance right now he was concentrating on other things, there was so much to do as a lady’s maid. He was trying to decide whether it would be more efficient to wash Madam’s lingerie before or after he cleaned her bathroom. Then for some reason his brain registered the words ‘male clothing’  and his eyes opened wide much in the same way a child’s does when offered a special treat, this did not go unnoticed by his mistress.

“Yes Daphne, male clothing I’m afraid.” she feigned disappointment and noticing his face lighting up continued, “it seems your visa has expired and in order to avoid police detention you have to attend at the relevant government department with your employer in order to have it renewed. Obviously your passport says you’re a….ahem …….male so I suppose you can’t go dressed like that.”

“No Madam.” he blurted, his excitement getting the better of him “my clothes are …..”

“Please do not interrupt girl.” she scolded him before continuing “Your clothes are dreadful and naturally I am not going to accompany a servant of mine in grubby clothes to an official appointment I have selected some appropriate clothing for the occasion. Greta has laid them out on your bed, now run along like a good girl and put them on.”

Robert’s euphoria subsided immediately.

“Yes Madam.” he said hoping he sounded enthusiastic as he curtsied and withdrew.

“Oh Robert.” she called as he reached the door, she had noticed that interchanging his male and female names unsettled him, something she found quite entertaining and it amused her to do it now and then “unfortunately I did not have any male lingerie so I think it’s best if you remain in the set you have on……….we can’t have you going out without underwear now can we?”

 “No Madam.” he was forced to agree while trying to hide his bitter disappointment that he would have to remain in the restricting garments, he was only too well aware from previous experience that to object would only aggravate his situation.

“I’m so glad you agree” she smiled sweetly “besides you’ll probably feel much more comfortable now that you’re used to wearing proper underwear.”

“Yes Madam.” he lied once more and was relieved when she waved her hand to dismiss him.

Oh shit, this doesn’t sound good he thought as he closed the door behind him and made his way to his bedroom.

Any hope he held that there would be a decent set of male clothing waiting for him were soon dashed as he looked at what was laid out on the bed but he did console himself that at least he would be wearing trousers once more. He quickly undressed eager to once again pull on a pair of pants even if he did have to wear a girdle underneath. He held them up to examine them and cursed silently - women’s Capri pants - but at least they were pants he thought, however his heart sank when he saw they had a cropped leg which he quickly calculated  would sit six inches above his ankle exposing  his nude colour panty-hosed leg. He briefly thought about removing his bra but when he noticed there was a jacket on the bed he thought it might just cover his breasts sufficiently and Madam did say he wasn’t to change his underwear. He hurriedly pulled on the shirt Greta had also left out, shirt was a misrepresentation he thought, it was white silk, had gold buttons but no collar and worst of all had parallel pleats either side of the buttons. He slipped his feet into a pair of patent leather shoes which had a one inch heel, he put on the collarless teal jacket which was fitted and hugged him a little too tightly, he was horrified to see it too was cropped and decidedly feminine but at least he felt it helped cover his breasts. Despite these obvious feminine features he desperately hoped this ensemble would at least in some way project even a vaguely masculine look he quickly moved to the mirror to view the result.

“Madam can’t be serious.” he said out loud as he closely examined his reflection.  “I look ridiculous, nothing like a male.”

It briefly crossed his mind that he would nearly prefer to go out in a dress rather than this outfit and he was on the point of taking it off when he heard Madam’s bell ring. Despite what Madam had repeatedly said about his shortcomings as a maidservant he had indeed learned several valuable lessons during these weeks of domestic servitude one of which was discerning Madam’s moods by the way she rang her bell and now hearing its incessant and annoying tinkle told him she was very impatient. He equated the agitated sound of the bell with a possible imminent punishment, all thoughts of his embarrassing new outfit were immediately dismissed as he quickly made his way down stairs where Madam awaited him in the hallway.

“Ah yes…. Very nice, don’t you think so Greta.” Frau Kirchen said examining the youth in front of her.

“Yes Madam, very macho. I’m so used to seeing him in his uniform I barely recognised him.” The maid said, he thought he heard a hint of a snigger in her remark but couldn’t be sure, “it’s a little chilly this morning Madam perhaps he should wear gloves. I hope you don’t mind but I thought these would complement his outfit perfectly.”

She produced a pair of kidskin gloves a shade or two lighter than his jacket with a small  but prominent silk rose on the back of each glove.

“What an excellent idea Greta.” Madam said clearly delighted as she handed them to the boy who pulled them on. Greta helpfully assisted drawing them past his wrist, there was a gap of two or three inches to the sleeves of his jacket. Greta encouraged by Frau Kirchen’s reaction then produced a box.

“Perhaps Madam would consider this to complete his outfit.” Greta said and from the box she produced a cloche hat with a silk rose attached to the hat’s satin band.”

Robert cringed as Madam placed the hat on his head and stood back to take in the boy’s new accessories.

“Wonderful suggestion Greta, it really does complete his ensemble.” she said.

“I’ll just freshen you up before we leave, this is a special fragrance I’ve had my perfumer blend for you.” Madam said as she took a perfume bottle from Greta and sprayed him liberally, she gave him a coquettish smile as she showed him the bottle, looking into his eyes she inhaled deeply and read from the label, “‘Apron and Cap’ - a scent for the superior lady’s maid, subdued yet undoubtedly  feminine.”

He squirmed and lowered his eyes but she placed her fingers under his chin and raised his head.

“‘Cap and Apron, Subdued but undoubtedly feminine’.” she repeated and smiled sweetly, looking directly into his eyes she added “It will be a reminder of your position, we don’t want you getting too cocky now that you’re wearing trousers, now do we? Cocky, how ironic”

Both she and Greta tittered at the remark, Robert cringed.

“No Madam.” he answered thinking there wasn’t much chance of that dressed as he was.

“Excellent, the documents you will need for your interview are inside.” she said and his heart sank as she handed him a large quilted double handled handbag and headed for the door where Greta stood holding it open, looking at the now bewildered and confused youth with gleeful look on her face.

“My, you do look handsome.” she said as he approached her.

Well maybe I don’t look that bad. he said to himself acknowledging her compliment with a smile  as he passed her.

“I just love your Fendi handbag I’m sure all the girls will be so jealous.” she giggled, the fragile confidence he had felt stirring was immediately nipped in the bud.  

He followed his mistress to the waiting car and knew that once they arrived at their destination she would be the only thing standing between him and exposure to public ridicule. As the car pulled away from the house his sense of helplessness increased and he realised he was now even more  dependent on her than ever. Smiling benevolently at the feminised boy beside her, Rozamund Kirchen thought exactly the same thing.