Anything You Can Do...

Here's a short, two page comic commission for author James Craft that I completed last night, just in time for Valentine's Day.

(another) Intervention

Dear Readers,

this is yet another variation on the theme where a powerful lady sees something more in the hero's casual cross-dressing and is determined to set things right for everyone. Although this particular one evolved from one of my Scenes from Family Life, it has been stripped of the father-son interaction, so it can be enjoyed by everyone ;)

Hope you like it!

Rosie.

School, Siblings and Other S***

I don't think I ever posted this pic here.  It was a commission for fellow artist Fraylim whose feminization art I've admired through the years while perhaps feeling a bit intimidated by their talent at the same time.  I worked really hard on the last book I illustrated, and the little feedback I saw was mostly positive, but I also saw one comment from some insensitive individual who said that the publisher should have gotten Fraylim to illustrate it instead.   Well, I was flattered someone like Fraylim would want to commission me and I was determined to bring my A-game to this piece.  

For this commission, Fraylim wanted a before & after type of piece featuring their character Stuart/Stacy from a mostly unrealized series of theirs called School Daze.  Stuart is a shy, stereotypical nerd whose aunt takes it upon herself to make him more popular at school.  Naturally, she decides that the most effective way of accomplishing this is by transforming her wallflower nephew into an attractive girl.  The rest of the details were left up to me. 

Another Pink Xmas

It's been so long since I've posted anything, I almost forgot how to do it.  This is not a new drawing; I did it almost a year ago, not quite in time for Christmas of 2016, but here it is now.  I can't think of anything else to say about it.

Manhattan Marriage

Didn’t realise it’s been so long since I posted something. It’s coming up to Bea’s second anniversary on Christmas Day and he would not be pleased. I thought I had better post something before I get a visit from the Ghost of Christmas Past.

I did not have time to write something new so this will have to do, I posted this elsewhere so some readers may have read it before.

The story is not based in the present but in a more elegant period somewhere between the 30’s and 50’s.

Have a good and safe Christmas.

Carrie 

A Manhattan Marriage

By

CarrieP

 The tears came. At first these came as short bursts of sobbing which then quickly progressed to more prolonged weeping. 

 It had been a particularly trying afternoon for William but then again this was now true of every afternoon or to be more precise it was true of every day.

No man should have to go through this torture he said to himself as he dried his eyes avoiding the mirror as he did so although he knew this was ridiculous as he would eventually have to fix his make-up. He finally composed himself and tried to gather his thoughts.

Of course I know I shoulder some responsibility for this dreadful situation. I was far too naive, mesmerised by the glamour and glitter of Sophia’s wealth and position. Yes I was too gullible, he continued to berate himself as he looked down at the full length housecoat of the softest velvet in a most delicate shade of peach and felt another sob rise from within. So foolish, so stupid how could I have been such an idiot.

 These were the thoughts that ran through his head as he looked around the large bathroom of his mother in law’s spacious and elegantly appointed Manhattan apartment. This outpouring of frustration and emotion had become a daily occurrence and like every other aspect of his recent life it seemed powerless to control. Much as he hated to admit it this utter lack emotional control was a particularly feminine quality and one he seemed to be incapable of subduing.

It all happened so fast but how did I allow it get to this stage? he said quietly as he finally plucked up the courage to look at himself in the mirror and recalled the early days of his relationship with mother and daughter.

The van Horne’s were an old and extremely wealthy New York family and mesmerised not only by this wealth but also the social influence of Sophia and her mother he was flattered when he received an invitation to dine with them. He was smitten from the very start and although he felt Mrs van Horne was a little bit overbearing he reasoned this was from the perspective of protecting her daughter from gold diggers and this he thought entirely reasonable. In the subsequent weeks, seduced by their gilded lifestyle, he was inexorably drawn into their orbit. Soon all three became inseparable and it was not long before he was invited to stay with them on a permanent basis. Their luxurious apartment in Manhattan and their large house in the Hamptons made it impossible to refuse and he quickly became used to their opulent way of life. From the beginning Mrs van Horne was very generous to their new companion, fussing over him and lavishing him with expensive gifts as well as opening accounts in the most exclusive stores. He often wondered how he lived without such luxury and not only that but he now had the added bonus of having an attractive woman as a girlfriend. It didn’t take too long before Sophia’s mother made it known that she would welcome him as a son-in-law and also made it abundantly clear he would benefit greatly from a union with her daughter.

It was only now dressed as he was that he realised he should have been more circumspect in this new relationship when he remembered what Mrs van Horne said on one occasion. 

“He is such a darling boy Sophia, not a bit macho or aggressive like those other men you have dated.... and those high cheek bones and delicate features.... there are quite..... ”

She paused for moment before exclaiming,

“Feminine. It’s almost as if..... ”

“Mother!”  Sophia said brusquely cutting off her mother, giving her a glare for good measure” You’re embarrassing William.”

“Oh I don’t mean to, you’re not embarrassed are you darling?” her mother replied calmly as she acknowledged her daughter s interruption by stroking his face gently.

He was extremely disconcerted by her remarks but was too flustered to say anything. Mrs van Horne continued,

 “ and.....  he has such wonderful possibilities.”

Those words should have woken me up. he said to himself bitterly.

 The wedding was hastily arranged and was an extremely low key affair just the three of them and a city hall official as Sophia had to leave for Europe on a prearranged trip for the cultural foundation which the family’s wealth funded. A pathological fear of boats prevented William from accompanying his new bride although looking back on it now he wasn’t sure if he was even asked.

“This is most irregular, a husband should always be at his wife’s side. Seasickness is an extremely poor excuse for not escorting my daughter abroad.” she snorted indignantly when he told her of his phobia and only Sophia’s reasoned argument that she would be unable to concentrate on her mission if she also had to look after him eventually calmed her mother.

“Think of it as a quid pro quo Mother.” Sophia said on the dock as she boarded the liner.

“What!” her mother replied sharply.

“Well you’re not losing a daughter you are gaining a son.” Sophia answered.

“Mmm...Quid pro quo, you say.” her mother repeated in a thoughtful voice.

“Perhaps it’s all for the best.” Sophia said to William as she kissed him gently on the cheek “Mummy will need the company when I’m gone and there is so much to arrange for the wedding reception on my return, I’m sure you will be a great help and comfort to her.”

“Don’t worry Sophia.” her mother assured her daughter, William could see her demeanour had changed considerably.“I will take very good care of him as I always do. Isn’t that right William?”

“Yes of course Mrs van Horne.” he answered a little nervously.

“Oh come now, no need to be so formal dear boy, we are family now.” his mother in law said as she slipped her arm under his and drew him close, so close that he could feel the wiring in her large brassiere.”You really must address me as Mummy. That will be part of our quid pro quo, don’t you agree?”

He did not answer but she pulled him sharply to her and arched her eyes in an inquisitorial manner. A reply was expected – the correct reply. He felt extremely uneasy but did not want to cause an argument just as Sophia was leaving.

“Yes ...Mummy.” he said softly.

“Wonderful. I’m so relieved you two are not arguing. ” Sophia chirped as she kissed her mother and climbed the gangway.

“Quid pro quo, dear boy, quid pro quo.” his mother in law said as she led him away.

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

 “I thought I should remind you...........” a voice interrupted his recollections. Anna his mother in law’s loyal and trusted maid  appeared, a smile forming at the corner of her mouth, her eyes scornfully scanning the figure in a lady’s housecoat, before belatedly  adding in a tone dripping with mockery “....Sir. Miss Sophia will be telephoning from Paris very shortly.”

He winced at the glaringly obvious expression of ridicule in her voice. Only a few days ago he would berate her, a mere maid, for such insolence but now dressed as he was and knowing that she would report any such outburst to her mistress he knew it was best to ignore her scornful manner and try to maintain some semblance of dignity.

“Thank you Anna” he said trying to sound as authoritative as a man could to whilst wearing his wife’s clothes.

“Would...sir....like some help with his make-up?” the maid asked as she entered the bathroom and unnecessarily rearranged the already neatly folded towels. “Madam will be home shortly and I’m sure she will wonder how your make-up became so smudged.  She went to so much trouble applying it this morning I really think she will not be pleased to find your face in such a state.”

He looked in the mirror and saw she was right, his tears had cause his mascara to run and the tissues he used to dry them had ruined his immaculately made-up face and through the blotches he could see his faint masculine characteristics trying to emerge. His mother in had warned him on several occasions to ensure his make-up was always kept in perfect condition and he knew she would not be pleased to find his face in such disarray. Such was his anxiety about displeasing her he quickly agreed to the maid’s suggestion.

“Yes.... I suppose you are right.” he reluctantly conceded.

The maid smiled as she stood to one side and silently gestured he return to the bedroom and without having to be told he walked to the dressing table holding up the long housecoat so he would not trip.

“As sir will have to dress shortly I think it would save time if you removed your housecoat before I retouch your make-up.” Anna said.

He could not see the point of this request but the last few days dressed as a woman had destroyed his confidence and without questioning her he timidly complied. He unbuttoned the housecoat and she took it from him and placed it in on the bed.

“Is that Madam’s new Dior corselette?” she said as she ran her hands over the heavy black satin material stretched tightly over his buttocks.

His embarrassment and vulnerability prevented him from answering, he could only nod his confirmation. Anna continued “it really gives you such a wonderfully feminine figure but ... if sir will permit me... I think your straps need a little adjustment.”

He remained silent as she turned him around, he could feel her warm breath on his neck and her groin pressing hard into his plump behind as she altered the corselette’s brassiere straps to her satisfaction and then gently stroked his arms. It took him a few seconds to break free of the tight hold she had of him, Anna merely smiled at his feeble attempt to shake off her grip, she finally let him go and he quickly moved to the dressing table.

 “I hope you don’t mind me saying ...sir” she said as she applied the cream to his face “you have such fine features, high cheek bones, full lips, expressive eyes and long lashes. And Madam’s hairdresser told me your hair was a pleasure to work with....that perm really suits you and it only took two hours under the dryer. Maybe next time she will bring you to the salon and you can have your nails done at the same time. ”

He visibly winced but remained silent, this could not possibly be true. He had already done everything Sophia’s mother asked – and more so there was no reason for him to continue to wear women’s clothing.  Anna was so loyal to her mistress he did not want to say what he really felt because he knew this would be immediately reported back and would only antagonise his mother in law. He remained impassive hoping she would discontinue this line of conversation but his reticence only enthused her.

“I mean .. ” she said as she now applied a smokey shade of eye-shadow “...it must make it so much easier for you.” He was afraid to ask what she meant and held his tongue but it didn’t matter as she clearly considered it a rhetorical question. She noticed his reluctance to engage in the conversation and persisted in the one sided exchange.

“Now that you have had a few days wearing such beautiful clothes you probably feel more comfortable in skirts and dresses, and Madam’s gorgeous corselette gives you such a womanly figure you probably will not want to return to wearing men’s boring clothes.  She told me you have been such a great comfort and support to her while Miss Sophia is away she has purchased an entire wardrobe especially for you. She really has such excellent taste in clothes, wait until you see what she has bought for you. You will look simply stunning.”

He could not believe his ears, this was some cruel joke on Anna’s part.

“W..what!”  he almost screamed.

The sound of the phone rang in the bedroom.

“Excuse me sir.” She said unfazed by his outburst and left him with his mouth open “that will probably be Miss Sophia.”

“No, this can’t be true.” he said out loud “I’ve done everything she asked.”He was still trying to process what Anna had said as the maid returned.

“Miss Sophia is on the line from Paris....sir” she said.

At last he said to himself as he gathered the heavy skirts of his housecoat and rushed to the bedroom. Once Sophia hears what I have done to indulge her mother’s wishes she will soon put a stop to this nonsense.

“Hello darling.” Sophia’s husky voice crackled down the phone line “The voyage was quite pleasant, no bad weather and we arrived on schedule. Paris is wonderful, we really must come here on our honeymoon, you and Mother will absolutely love it. She sent me a telegram telling me how marvellous you have been, she is so impressed with you.”

“Oh Sophia...”he interrupted her, his voice almost breaking with emotion “it’s dreadful your mother has kept me in your clothes since the day after you sailed.”

“Calm down darling, don’t get too hysterical.” Sophia said in an unruffled tone “Yes dear, she telephoned me earlier but just as she was about to explain the line broke down, she said something about my wedding gown.”

“Yes..yes.. that’s how it started.” he blurted “your dressmaker wasn’t aware you had left for Europe and arrived the morning after you sailed with several bridal gowns that you wished to try on before deciding which one you preferred. Your mother said she would like to see them modelled before choosing one.”

“Oh that’s right, I trust Mother’s judgement completely she has such wonderful instincts when it comes to these things. She is a ........” his wife said but did not get to finish the sentence .

“She said that as you and I were almost a similar build … and I should.....” he interrupted her, his voice began to quiver and he stifled a tear “...wear them for her. I refused but she and the dressmaker insisted saying time was of the essence and they really must see the gowns modelled before you returned.”

He could no longer hold back the tears and he began weep.

“Your... mother and Anna......”he sobbed “practically ....forced me into one of the gowns”

“Oh darling ...such a brave boy.” she said encouragingly “I know we are a similar build but you are a little bigger than me particularly around the torso....how did...?”

“They.... made me wear...... “he snivelled “....one of your mother corselettes.”

“One of her black Dior ones I suppose or perhaps it was the new Spirella with back lacing?” Sophia asked in a strangely calm tone.

“The Spirella.”he replied “it was horrible they laced me in so tightly, can you telephone her and tell her....”

“Are you still wearing it?” she interrupted him and brushed aside his request.

“No.... she put me in her Dior corselette today, said it would be more comfortable” he answered distractedly then desperately tried to persist with his request he  blurted  “but can you.....”

“Oh that’s better.” she said continuing to ignore his pleading “her Dior is certainly tight and figure reducing but it is more comfortable than the new Spirella. I hated it when she insisted I wear it, it is so constrictive but it does give one a glorious shape, don’t you think?”

This talk of the merits of women’s foundation garments was making him quite agitated.

“Please darling” he began to insist “can you telephone her she wants to keep me in women’s clothes until you return. It is just awful and most humiliating.”

“William I asked you a question.” Sophia said an annoyed tone in her voice.

The last thing he wanted was to make her angry.

“I… suppose so…” he was forced to reply

“Yes they do give a girl a wonderful shape” Sophia said in a reassuring voice, before adding “Darling I know it’s difficult but try to stay calm.You must understand Mother and I are rarely separated, being an only child she and I have an extremely strong bond. Now that you have married me she considers you even closer than a blood relation,  she views you as the second child she never had. Of course the fact that we have- through sheer luck- similar facial features only strengthened this intense emotional connection and when she saw you in the bridal gown she probably saw me. You must know just how emotional mothers get when they see their daughters in bridal gowns.”

“But...”William tried to interrupt but Sophia ignored him and continued,

 “She was terribly upset when she found out I had to leave for Europe and I know she berated you for not coming but deep inside she was glad, your presence meant I was still with her and she took great comfort in that. In our brief conversation she said she could not manage without your phenomenal help and support.”

“But I can be of comfort and support to her without ...without...dressing in your clothes.” he appealed “it is so humiliating having to wear skirts and blouses. She even insists I wear make-up.”

“Of course she does. Every woman wears make-up and I’m sure it makes you more presentable otherwise you would probably look too masculine. ” his wife answered “please darling ....for my sake just indulge her for the time being. I know this is difficult for you darling but you have been absolutely wonderful so far. It’s only for another week or so and it would break her heart if you did stop now. It means so very much to Mother.”

“But ...I...” he began to protest.

Sophia quickly interjected.

 “Don’t forget ......she is extremely generous and you will find you will be greatly rewarded for your kindness.”

“But darling..” he said and suddenly heard a hissing on the line, hitting the cradle with his fingers he frantically exclaimed  “hello  ....hello   Sophia are you there....”

The line went dead.

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

 “Good afternoon Madam, shall I take your coat also?” Anna said as she took her mistress’s stole.

“No Anna, I am not staying long I have a meeting with my ladies club. They are simply dying to meet my son-in-law.” Mrs van Horne replied checking her appearance in the hall mirror before turning back to her maid “and how is our protégé progressing?”

“He is a little upset again Madam, he keeps fidgeting with the straps of his corselette, tugging at his garters and I have to remind him to keep his heels on at all times.” Anna answered “I’m afraid he still has not come to terms with his ....his...”

“Feminisation?”  Mrs van Horne said “I believe that is the correct term. He is such a darling boy, obviously does not realise he is far too pretty to strut about in pants like most men. Good heavens with skin like porcelain, small waist and those delicate features when he wears pants he looks more like Katherine Hepburn than Humphrey Bogart and the sooner he realises that the better.  He looks so much better in skirts and so much like Sophia, it’s almost like she never left.”

“ Yes Madam, he does seem to lack rugged masculine qualities.” Anna agreed “and  the ...ahem...the .. er.. ...protuberance in his chest area certainly does give him a slightly feminine silhouette.”

“Yes those two small but wonderfully distinct feminine mounds are apparently why he wears – or used to wear- loose fitting shirts.”Mrs van Horne said as she refreshed her lipstick in the mirror “All the more reason he should be wearing a proper brassiere. Don’t you agree Anna?”

“Of course Madam.” her maid concurred “In fact I have noticed his posture has improved since he has been wearing one. And if I may say so Madam, he does have quite shapely legs.....for a man.”

“Yes he does, doesn’t he? And those grey seamed stocking are perfect on him.” Mrs van Horne agreed “And his attitude has improved greatly, he wasn’t as compliant when I first met him, however as he gradually came under my influence and I established my authority over him his manner changed considerably.  It was quite subtle at first of course, he didn’t even know it had happened but after a day or two I knew he would make the perfect male companion for me and an ideal husband for Miss Sophia. You see Anna, society ladies like myself and Miss Sophia require only the outward or superficial presence of a male, but as you know very well, that is exactly what it is – a charade. Males are in fact mere window dressing- trophy husbands for ladies like us. Of course the best way to ensure they do not get ideas about any macho behaviour is to gradually dress them in pretty feminine clothes. This engenders those wonderful qualities of obedience and submissiveness in the male thus making him – as I have said - the perfect companion and husband.”

“I think there is no doubt he will make Madam a most suitable companion.”Anna said “but he does seem a little agitated at the moment. He was crying in the bathroom earlier.”

“Oh that is a good sign Anna.” Mrs van Horne chirped a broad smile spreading across her face “it means he is coming to terms with his new circumstances, albeit reluctantly. It may also mean he has a more feminine streak in him than we thought, after all what kind of man is so easily persuaded into wearing a bridal gown and then his wife’s trousseau.”

“Yes Madam it was wonderful to see his masculinity fade under your persuasive arguments.” Anna said “I just wish Miss Sophia was here to see it.”

“Yes but it will be worth it she will have a perfectly trained wife when she returns in a few weeks.” Mrs van Horne replied. “Now go fetch the dear boy I think he may need some reassurance and his poor masculine ego may need a little massaging.”

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

“Ah, there you are ......my beautiful  son-in law.” Mrs van Horne gushed as William perched on his four inch heels minced his way into the drawing room.

“Oh Mrs van.....”he bleated.

“Now, now William.” she gently chided him “I thought we agreed how you should address me. And while you are at it do so in the correct manner that befits ladies of your social standing.”

The young man stopped and hesitated, he could feel another layer of embarrassment envelop him but he knew he would have to comply with her wishes otherwise there would be a prolonged conversation which he would lose anyway. He swallowed hard and saw Anna, who had positioned herself behind her mistress, smile triumphantly. He hated this form of address as much as he hated his new clothes.

“Good afternoon .......Mummy.” he said quietly.

“Can you speak up William, you are not a schoolgirl meeting the headmistress.” his mother –in-law rebuked him.

“Good afternoon ....Mummy.” he repeated in a louder but still meek voice.

“Much better.” Mrs van Horne said approvingly, her voice more gentle now. “Now come and greet me the way we agreed, in a more affectionate manner.”

Hours spent in high heels under Anna’s supervision now became second nature and he moved across the room in a distinctively womanly gait and embraced his mother-in –law, kissing her on the cheek in an unmistakably feminine fashion.

“Now tell Mummy what exactly is upsetting you?”Mrs van Horne asked in her most soothing voice.

“It’s just that.... well....”he said haltingly almost afraid to say the words “....these clothes, Sophia’s clothes....it’s just ....not right ... I mean I should have my....”

“Ah yes my darling I think I understand.” his mother-in- law gently interrupted his babbling “you feel you should have your own clothes to wear.”

“Exactly!” he blurted and   now that he could see she was in good humour, he thought it a good idea to add ingratiate himself to her........“Mummy.”

He could see she was thinking over the idea and he decided to press his case.

“You see Mummy I think I have worn Sophia’s clothes long enough.” he began tentatively as she settled herself on the couch and listened to him intently “I know you miss Sophia and that is very understandable, she is your only daughter after all and I know you feel closer to her when you see me dressed in her clothes but I’m sure I will still remind you of her if I can wear my own clothes.”

He allowed his mother in law to absorb his argument before continuing.

“I will still be the same person and..” he decided to play what he considered to be his trump card “ like Sophia I will always be devoted to you.”

“Of course you are right dear boy, I should have seen it sooner.”Mrs van Horne said “I suppose it was intolerable of me to ask you to wear Sophia’s clothes. I see my mistake now, how foolish of me and thank you for bringing it to my notice. Of course you should have your own clothes.”

William breathed a sigh of relief. At last she understood.

“Tomorrow we will go to the most exclusive stores in New York and buy you an entire wardrobe of new clothes.” she exclaimed excitedly “you can have anything your heart desires, Chanel skirts, Doucet blouses, Schiaparelli and Dior have the most wonderful ball gowns this season. And of course we simply must get you your own lingerie and foundation wear. Sophia and I always go shopping together but I never thought I would be able to do this with you.”

Suddenly he felt a lightness in his head and his legs became weak, he began to tremble at the knees. His mouth opened but no words came out.

“Oh this is the most wonderful news.” his mother-in-law exclaimed in a most excited voice and she stood up and embraced her speechless son-in-law, “and if we have enough time we can get you a new hair-do, oh..yes... and of course your nails, maybe even get your ears pierced.  There is so much to be done, isn’t this thrilling? Oh dear you look pale.... is it all the excitement?”

“I....I.....I think..... I need to sit down.” he spluttered.

Intervention

Dear Readers,

This story was meant as another of my 'scenes from family life' series, where lots of family members witness the feminization of one of the members, and even get feminized themselves in the course of the story. However, as I realize that father-son feminzation stories do not blow everyone's skirt up, I re-wrote the story to a more conventional setting. Beside the feminization itself, I wanted to explore the feeling of being trapped in the good intentions of someone who just wants what's best for everyone.
I present both versions, so that you can pick the one you like. Or, better yet, read both and tell me which one you like best.

Hope you like it!

Kindly,

Rosie.

Relative Interference - A (Very) Short Story - and illustration

 I haven’t contributed to the blog for quite some time – a bit shamefaced about that as Dave and Rosie have been keeping it going between them.

This is a very short story I’ve posted elsewhere so some readers will have read it before.

It’s a small contribution but hopefully readers will enjoy it.

Carrie 

Relative Interference.

By

CarrieP

“I’m afraid I have some bad news William.” Mrs Sophia Dearlove addressed the young man in front of her and patting the seat next to her on the couch added “please sit down.”

The young man immediately knew there was something seriously wrong as he had never before been invited to sit in his employer’s presence.  He looked nervously at Miss Grayson the housekeeper and his immediate superior before taking such a liberty, sitting down in Mrs Dearlove’s company would be deemed quite a serious faux pas for a member of the domestic staff. However Miss Grayson nodded her approval but given his position in the household he was still reluctant to do so.

 “It’s quite all right William.” the housekeeper reassured him “you may sit next to the mistress.” 

It had now been several months since Mrs Dearlove had first met him at the orphanage where he had spent the previous six years. She was attending a charity event and afterwards as he had served her and her glamorous female companions’ coffee she had engaged him in conversation. He clearly remembered how he blushed when she remarked how delicate and feminine his features were, an opinion that was endorsed enthusiastically by her friends. Miss Parker the orphanage’s matron noticed the group of women talking to the young man and joined them. Mrs Dearlove quickly established that the young man would remain in the orphanage’s care for another two years, something the boy was deeply unhappy about as Miss Parker was a petty tyrant and now that his education had come to an end she was using him as unpaid labour. He recalled how his heart raced as Mrs Dearlove asked if he would be interested in a position in her household.  Given Mrs Dearlove‘s power and influence with the orphanage’s Board of Directors Miss Parker had to agree when William quickly agreed to her offer. The position was as a houseboy and despite some initial apprehension by the exclusively female domestic staff he had been treated reasonably well as the sole male.  The work wasn’t too hard and Miss Grayson the housekeeper was far kinder than Miss Parker, apart from a few misdemeanours for which he had received a mild punishment he had been very happy. Until now.

With all this coursing through his mind it was with a great degree of nervousness that William crossed the deeply carpeted floor to join Mrs Dearlove on the couch.

“William, my mother will be staying with me for a few months and ....”Mrs Dearlove said softly, almost apologetically “...well....she has some unusual ideas regarding male domestic servants.”

William looked at his employer with a quizzical look, Mrs Dearlove took a sip of her tea then continued,

“You see she has had several bad experiences in the past with butlers, footmen etc. and will not employ a male servant. Such is her aversion that she will not even stay in a house that has a male servant. So you see my dilemma.....unfortunately I will have to send you back to the orphanage.”

“Oh Madam ...please not that.” the young man pleaded.

“I’m so sorry William but there is very little I can do about it.” she answered sympathetically.

“Please Madam.” he implored now almost on the verge of tears at the prospect of being returned to the orphanage, “I’ll keep out of her way, stay in the kitchen, the garden...anything.”

“I’m afraid that would not make any difference.” she replied in a regretful voice.

“Please...Madam....”he was begging now and slipped off the couch onto his knees.

Miss Grayson bent down and whispered in her mistress’s ear.

“Oh I don’t think the boy would agree to..... that Miss Grayson.” Mrs Dearlove answered her housekeeper, “But...” she hesitated “... with his features, those wonderful high cheekbones and those beautiful long eyelashes perhaps he would  pass.”

William sensed   there was a suggestion of a lifeline, he would grasp at any straw that was offered as the very thought of being returned to the orphanage was enough to make him weep. Anything would be better than that.

“Stand up dear boy.” Mrs Dearlove said and rising to his feet both women examined him closely “yes...yes.. if mother is any way reasonable I think it may be a solution.”

“Turn around William.” Miss Grayson ordered and he quickly complied “Yes Madam he certainly has possibilities and I’m sure if he was given some intensive training perhaps Madam’s mother would be willing to consider the idea.”

William didn’t know what they were talking about but felt that whatever it was there was no doubt Mrs Dearlove seemed very enthusiastic and positive, even Miss Grayson seemed more animated than usual. He sensed there may be some hope of resolving the issue and while they were engaged in their conversation William considered his own situation. There were many advantages to working for Mrs Dearlove, he was treated much better and life in this house was easier than the orphanage, the food was also better and there were fewer restrictions. Of course he was still a servant but at least his uniform of a white jacket and black trousers appeared more casual than that of a maid’s uniform. In this outfit he imagined he could have been mistaken as a visitor to the house but no one could mistake a female servant as there was a strict uniform code for Mrs Dearlove’s female servants , blue or grey dresses in the morning and a black one in the afternoon  with the regulation white apron and cap of course.

“William!”  are you listening?”  Mrs Dearlove said in an exasperated voice, interrupting his thoughts. He looked at her blankly.

“Miss Grayson believes there may be a solution to our little problem.”Mrs Dearlove informed him as she looked at her housekeeper “ a trifle unusual but my mother may agree.”

“That’s wonderful.” William blurted, barely containing his excitement “what is it?”

“As my mother’s objection is to male domestics, you will be dressed as a housemaid.” Mrs Dearlove exclaimed, clasping her hands to her bosom with excitement and smiling at him expectantly. “you have such delicate.... almost feminine facial characteristics, a little make-up and a light colour lipstick would work wonders.”

“And with the correct foundation garments your figure would be transformed into a more girlish figure.” Miss Grayson beamed, delighted with her solution.

William thought he was hearing things.

“A housemaid?” he repeated incredulously.

“Yes, yes” Mrs Dearlove declared in an exhilarated voice “Isn’t it a wonderful idea? Mother could not possibly object.”

“I would have to dress as a....a... housemaid? A... girl?” he asked still unsure that he had heard her correctly.

“Yes of course, it’s the only way we could keep you here.” Mrs Dearlove replied her voice now losing patience with his questions.

“Well.....I.....it’s just that...a housemaid....”he stammered not knowing how to respond to such an outrageous suggestion.

“Yes it is unusual I suppose.” Mrs Dearlove said “but there is no alternative I’m afraid. I suppose it was too much to ask but I really thought you were happy here but I do understand it is not every day you are asked to dress as a girl. Such a pity I think you would have been a great addition to the staff. But it is your decision.”

So many thoughts were running through his head and he barely noticed Mrs Dearlove had retreated to the couch looking extremely disappointed.

“While you are packing Miss Grayson will call a cab to take you back to the orphanage.”

Those last two words sent a shiver down his spine, Miss Parker the matron would view his return from such a prestigious establishment as Mrs Dearlove’s  as a personal insult and he knew she would make his life miserable.

“I...I...”he spluttered

“Yes?” Mrs Dearlove said.

“I.. didn’t mean to... be disrespectful Madam.” he babbled as he struggled for the words.

“Yes?” Mrs Dearlove repeated her eyebrows arching ever so slightly.

“I mean I would like to stay.” he finally blurted.

“As a housemaid?” she said as she elegantly crossed her legs and fixing him with her large grey eyes added, “ and....wearing the appropriate uniform?”

He looked at Miss Grayson who still held the telephone in her hands and felt anything would be better than returning in disgrace to Miss Parker.

“Yes Madam.” he mumbled.

“Please speak up boy I can barely hear you.” she said and he could hear the irritation in her voice, the last thing he wanted was to get her angry.

“Yes Madam I would like to stay .....as.....your... housemaid and I will wear the appropriate uniform.” he blurted and as the words left his mouth he could feel a wave of shame wash over him.

“Excellent, Mother will be here soon so we had better get you into your new uniform. Miss Grayson,will you locate something in his size and meet me in my bedroom.”

William was still in a fog at what he had just agreed to and mindlessly followed Mrs Dearlove up the staircase to her room. In the months he had been in her service he had never been in Madam’s bedroom as Miss Grayson felt it would not be proper to have a male enter the mistress’s bedroom.

“Stand by the bed.” she instructed him as she went to the mahogany tallboy “and take off your clothes.”

As he began to slowly remove his shoes Miss Grayson entered with various items in her arms.

“Oh do hurry William Madam’s mother will be here shortly and we don’t want her to find we have a male servant in the house.” she said in an urgent voice and turning to Mrs Dearlove said “I think these will fit him Madam, they are your former lady’s maid’s uniform, although they may be a little bit tight.”

“I’m sure once he is in this his new uniform will fit wonderfully.” she said returning to the bed and held up a long pale blue satin corset with long laces dangling from its eyelets.

William by this time had stripped to his shorts and gasped as she held it up to his torso, the full implication of agreeing to her proposal was finally beginning to emerge in all its horrible reality.

A corset I have to wear a corset he cried to himself.

“Yes dear boy” she said noticing the shocked expression on his face “I’m afraid wearing restrictive corsetry is among one of the many sacrifices we ladies have to make to make ourselves presentable.......and now as part of your new life you too will endure a similar experience.  It may seem like torture at first but wearing such a garment has wonderful benefits, enhancing ones figure and promoting excellent posture for a girl. There is also a very practical reason for wearing the corset, to get into your new uniform you will need a little help to shape your body. And this is the very thing that will achieve the perfect shape.”

The boy felt a surge of terror rising up from within but despite this he knew he had to tread carefully to avoid arousing her ire.

“How long will I have to dress as a maid Madam?” he asked as diplomatically as he could.

“Oh only for mother’s visit, then you can revert to your normal uniform.” she answered absentmindedly as she untangled the corset’s laces.

Well, I suppose it could be worse. he thought, consoling himself that his humiliation would not last long.

“A few months at the most.” she added as she unravelled the last knot

A few months!  The words shook him now realising he would have to dress like this for such a lengthy duration.

 “Your shorts.” Miss Grayson snapped, indicating him to remove them and handed him a satin dressing gown.

“But..I ...you can’t mean.” he spluttered.

“I am quickly running out of patience, or would you prefer me to do it.” Miss Grayson said in a tone that left no room for any misunderstanding of her intentions.

After putting on the dressing gown he quickly slipped down his shorts, Miss Grayson held up a white satin panelled long legged girdle against the dressing gown trying to judge his size.

“This should fit.” she said and abruptly handed it to him, he looked at her blankly.

“What are you waiting for?” Miss Grayson said, a slight irritation in her voice as she commanded him “put it on....now.”

He turned his back to the women and under cover of his dressing gown he stepped into the heavy garment, struggling to pull it up.

“Oh dear there’s one of those horrible male bulges Miss Grayson.” Mrs Dearlove sighed pointing to the offending bump between his legs.

“Oh I’m sure I can fix that.” her housekeeper answered and without warning she grabbed the top of the boy’s new girdle and to his astonishment pulled it down leaving his totally exposed, paralysed with a mixture of shame and fear.

 “As I suspected..... nothing too large.” she said in a contemptuous tone as she viewed his flaccid penis before snapping “Open your legs boy.”

Stunned, he silently and meekly obeyed her instruction and in an instant she had pulled his member down and tucked it tightly between his legs.

“Now close them tightly and pull up your girdle.” she ordered, he looked down and saw there was practically no male bulge, any sign of his manhood had disappeared.

“Much better Miss Grayson” Mrs Dearlove said as she ran her hands over the now smooth and even satin material and slipped it between his legs and letting her hand linger momentarily she gently rubbed his hidden bulge which caused him to emit a slight groan. She ignored this and turned her head to Miss Grayson and added  “I would hate to have any unsightly lumps in case Mother wishes to inspect him.”

“Perfectly understandable Madam.” Miss Grayson replied.

She released him and nodded to her housekeeper, “Carry on Miss Grayson.”

 Mrs Dearlove watched as Miss Grayson sat him at the dressing table and showed him how to roll up stockings and attach them to the girdle’s garters and after he had finished she marched him back to her mistress who wrapped the corset around him and  as she tugged at the laces he felt his torso compress causing him to gasp.

“Yes it does have that effect, hold on to the bed post.” Mrs Dearlove said as she waited for him to grab hold of the bed post before resuming her task, he groaned once more as she tightened the stays.

“Oh don’t be such a baby.” Miss Grayson said sharply.

“Do you know William...” Mrs Dearlove said as she gave a final jerk to the laces “this is my mother’s corset, she gave it to me when I was about your age and was going through a tomboy phase. She insisted I wore it day and night for weeks, she said it would instil a more feminine attitude in me.”

She knotted the laces tightly, turned him around and inspected her handiwork before running her hands over the nipped in waist of her skirt and said

“And as you can see it really did work. There is nothing like a good corset to enhance one’s femininity.”

“Now my darling boy, how many petticoats would you like to wear?” she said.

“Petticoats?” he answered still trying to recover his breath.

“Yes I really want you to look your best when Mother arrives.” she said enthusiastically as Miss Grayson arranged several items on the bed.

“I... don’t  ... I mean  I...”he stammered barely comprehending what was happening.

“Yes..petticoats.” Mrs Dearlove explained as if talking to a child “you really will have to look as feminine as possible if you are to convince my mother  your intentions are honourable.

“I think Madeline always wore four under this particular uniform, Madam” Miss Grayson helpfully pointed out to her mistress referring to Mrs Dearlove previous lady’s maid.

“Yes, dear Madeline” Mrs Dearlove sighed at the mention of the name and turning to William said “an excellent lady’s maid I trained her myself...to a very high standard.”

William had heard the servants speak of Madeline and how glamorous she always looked and how obedient she behaved.

“Is four acceptable to you William?” Mrs Dearlove asked the bewildered boy who now unable to speak merely nodded. “Excellent , I think the silk and taffeta ones Miss Grayson, the ones with the deep frilled hems.”

In a daze he felt the soft fabric being pulled up his stockinged legs and watched them as they settled the petticoats over his now uncomfortably reduced waist, in a matter of moments they had slipped the heavy duchesse satin black uniform dress over his head and carefully arranged the skirt over his petticoats. Mrs Dearlove pulled back his longish fair hair into a knot at the back securing it with hairpins and placed a frilled lace cap on his head to which she attached more pins to keep it in place. Meanwhile Miss Grayson was busy slipping his arms into a starched white frilled apron which she tied in an ornate bow at the back. The youth was still quite disorientated as Miss Grayson applied some light make up foundation to his face.

“Pucker your lips William.” she instructed, meekly he obeyed as she covered his lips in a delicate shade of pink lipstick, both women stood back to view the result of their labours.

“Madam should really change as I believe your mother is due to arrive in a few hours.

“Oh! is that the time?” Mrs Dearlove said glancing at the clock “Yes I suppose I’d better change. Something conservative I think, you know how Mother is Miss Grayson.”

“Yes Madam.” The housekeeper said deferentially. “Perhaps the grey silk shantung and the pearls Madam’s mother sent from India?”

“Excellent suggestion!” Mrs Dearlove said “you fetch it and the boy can begin undressing me.”

As they were speaking William caught a glimpse of himself in the large ornate dressing mirror, it took several seconds for him to realise that he was the feminine figure in the formal maid’s uniform staring back. Still not quite believing his eyes he moved his body ever so slightly and the petticoats peeking out from under the dress of the girl in the mirror swayed. He was horrified at the sight but at the same time could not take his eyes away from it. So mesmerised by the reflection he did not notice that both women had stopped talking.

“I see your new maid is quite taken with her new uniform Madam.” Miss Grayson laughed.

“Yes he does seem to like it.” Mrs Dearlove agreed as she and Miss Grayson approached him, “I find that pretty boys are no different from girls Miss Grayson. Put them in a delightful dress and they behave just like a girl. Isn’t that so William?”

The boy hung his head in shame, this was the most humiliating experience of his short life. Miss Grayson began fussing with the skirt of his uniform.

“You were correct Madam he has made the transition from houseboy to housemaid quite easily.” she said “once he is trained properly he will make a wonderful addition to the staff. Madam’s mother will barely notice.”

“Oh dear just look at the time Mother will be here shortly I’d better hurry. William you may as well begin your duties now, unzip me.”

The boy just stared at her blankly.

“Oh I see your confusion you thought you would be put to work as a house or parlour maid. Well Miss Grayson and I have been discussing that and I think that as you are dressed in a lady’s maid’s uniform you may as well be trained as a lady’s maid. Of course when my friends come for morning coffee or afternoon tea we will have you in attendance, my friends simply adore pretty servant girls. Now do hurry up ....like a good boy.”

She turned her back to him as Miss Grayson busied herself in her mistress’s closet retrieving her change of dress. William in his new three inch heels minced his way across the room and began unzipping her dress. She pulled it down over her breasts and it slid to the floor leaving her standing in her pale blue satin slip. She stepped from the dress and looked at him quizzically.

“Well don’t just stand there.” Mrs Dearlove said as if speaking to a five year old “you are a maid.... pick it up and lay it on the bed, then fetch me a steel grey slip from the tallboy, the third drawer down. Oh dear you really are slow so I will remove my slip this time. Now run along and try to be quick I haven’t all day.

Miss Grayson returned with a beautiful grey silk shantung silk creation and laid it on the bed.

“Yes he is a bit slow Madam.”Miss Grayson said as she helped her mistress with her slip “and rather ungainly but once we get him trained properly I’m sure he will make an excellent servant girl.”

“Yes and hopefully Mother will approve.” Mrs Dearlove said as they both watched her new male maid return with her slip.

“Approve of what exactly my dear!” A voice boomed from the door as its owner looked at the uniformed maid and as she sailed gracefully into the room she added “you never told me you engaged a new lady’s maid....and such a pretty one. Come here girl and let me have a look at you.”

“Mother! How delightful to see you.”

William felt his knees weaken.