Estate Agent's Dilemma
By Sylvia Who?
1) My 'Initiation'
Robert Hart is my name and seven years ago I went into
business as an estate agent in the village of Shere on the
South Coast of England, employing two part time ladies, and
operating from a former village post office store. Attached
to which I have a self contained bachelor pad which suits
my present needs.
Three years ago an interloper set up in competition with me
just a few doors away, strangely enough run by Charles
Bentall, a shifty character with whom I had the misfortune
to go to the same prep. school.
Fortunately both businesses have prospered, until quite
recently that is, but the current economic situation meant
I was going through a lean patch, but since many of the
properties in my extensive portfolio had yielded good
returns, I felt I had adequate reserves to survive the
downturn.
How Charles was faring I had no idea, and although we meet
socially we have only 'crossed swords' business wise on the
odd occasion, and also engaged in a certain amount of good
natured horseplay in our efforts to put one over on the
other and I felt I was ahead in this respect.
Currently the most prestigious property on my books is "The
Oaks", a ten bedroom pre war Lutyens design set in ten
acres of land half a mile outside the village. The absentee
owners of the fully furnished property, and who were in no
particular hurry to sell had given me sole agency, which
had recently expired. The owners were now requesting an
early sale, a request which so far I had successfully
parried for reasons best known to myself.
I had just shown prospective purchasers over the property
and since it was a beautiful spring afternoon, I had walked
from the office meeting the clients on site. I declined
their kind offer of a lift back to the office, and having
waved the clients out of sight, disappeared back into the
house.
Making my way upstairs, I unlocked the door to the master
bedroom and slipped the keys back into my jacket pocket as
I entered the room and closed the door behind me. I went
through into the dressing room and from the hanging space
and the dressing table drawers collected together a
selection of clothes which I carefully laid out on the king
sized bed.
I hastily stripped my clothes off in a pile on the floor
and went into the en suite to enjoy a luxurious bath
finally emerging powdered and perfumed to prepare for a
pleasurable afternoon one of many I had spent in 'The Oaks'
over past six months evenings and weekends included.
I started on the slow, methodical task of dressing 'the
lady of the house' beginning with tucking away in my silk
thong. I slipped my smoke grey tights over my smoothly
depilated legs, silver grey satin slip, French knickers and
bra, and of course, my indispensable breast prosthesis.
A grey, 'fortuny' style pleated mid calf dress slipped
easily over my slim body, and finally I cocked my toes into
a pair of two and a half inch heeled court shoes in pink,
to match my pink accessories and handbag. Having spent
another fifteen minutes completing my 'face job' and
brushing out and adjusting my golden tresses over my head,
I felt totally satisfied with the result as reflected in
the full length mirror to which I was inexorably drawn.
"Everythings perfect," I ruminated, glancing round the
room, "But not quite!" So my daintily clad foot snaked out
to kick my discarded clothes out of sight under the bed. My
thoughts now turned to a hand painted china tea service
downstairs, "now for a nice cup of tea!"
Now swathed in silk I picked up my pink clutch bag and
trotted off to the kitchen. Eventually I was seated
comfortably by one of the windows in the lounge sipping a
hot, strong, cup of Fortnum and Mason's Earl Grey and
contemplating the indelible impression left on the rim of
the cup.
Up until now, my life had been interesting but perhaps
rather lonely as I had pursued perfection in my 'alter ego'
to the exclusion of other, more social pursuits. I felt
that being an only child with older parents who left me
mostly to my own devices before shuffling me off to
boarding school at the age of 7 had some bearing on my
insular, somewhat selfish attitude to life. Now at the age
of 28, I felt life was sweet as it was, I could see no
reason to effect a change in my current lifestyle. That
might happen later on, perhaps but not just now!
Ever since I was small boy I had always fascinated by
female clothes. Although I had always avoided the odd
opportunity of playing girls parts at my minor public
school. However, I had studied girls of my age, such as my
cousins and their friends. Their movements and mannerisms,
conversation and most of all their mode of dress but these
observations were mostly at a distance and these
impressions were unwittingly stored away in my
subconscious.
After puberty I had enjoyed the company of the occasional
girl friend but I never felt interested in proceeding
beyond the 'heavy petting' stage, preferring to leave much
to the imagination. I seem to feel at ease in female
company and found it easy to communicate and empathise with
their lot.
Having left school and qualified as a surveyor, I was able
to establish my estate agency business with a small
inheritance from my parents and I had been operating for
about two years when the event that drastically changed my
life took place.
I was showing a middle aged couple round a fully furnished
property which had come on the market following a road
accident in which the both owners had been killed. I hadn't
gone into details why the house was for sale, and we were
in the principal bedroom when the wife opened the wardrobe
to reveal the deceased couples' clothing still in situ she
remarked upon the excellent dress sense of the owners.
She took a black sheath dress out of the wardrobe, still on
its hanger and draped the garment across her body as she
moved to the full length mirror to admire the result, but
her squat, portly figure ruined the effect and she giggled
good naturedly at her reflected image.
As she turned to return the dress to the wardrobe, she
commented to her husband that the dress would look much
better on me with my slim build than it would on her, and
to make a point draped the garment in front of me and
remarked, "Young man, you really do justice to that dress!"
"Yes my dear, but we are trying to buy a house, not teach
this young fellow dress sense."
Her husband then took the dress and hung it back in the
wardrobe, while his wife, probably a little worse for an
alcoholic lunch, giggling more and more, plunged into the
dressing table drawers pulling out the contents, as she
cavorted about with various unmentionables. She took out
wisps of silk, nylon and lace of the most intimate nature
as any sense of decorum was dispelled by her raucous
laughter.
I was at a loss as to what to do next in the face of such
coarse behaviour as the husband chased his errant wife
round the bed, which she then dived across to outflank him
and return to the task in hand. The distribution of the
remainder of the contents of the dressing table all over
the bedroom!
Eventually it took a sharp slap across the face to bring
the woman back to her senses. She promptly burst into tears
as her husband put his arm round her shoulder mumbled
something about the family problems they were suffering
lately and allowed me to escort them back to their car
where he apologised for his wife's distressing behaviour
before driving off out of my life.
This turn of events left me in a quandary, since I now had
the thankless task of clearing up the mess left in their
wake. I returned to the bedroom and surveyed the display of
feminine lingerie draped about the room. There were
stockings and tights, slips and nightdresses, bras and
various other items totally alien to me all over the place.
That is apart from seeing photos in girlie magazines and
they were spread over chairs, dressing tables, or in untidy
piles on the carpet or pushed under the bed.
Picking up a peach coloured satin slip I cleared a space on
the bed and did my best to fold it reverently and return it
to the drawer. I then selected a white lacy girdle type
thing, which for some reason or other, didn't seem to want
to be folded in half not at the waist at any rate, as it
kept springing back to its former shape!
I took my time over each garment I chose to pick up, and
handled these delicate belongings with the extreme tips of
my fingers, almost fearing they might be highly charged
with electricity, or might jump up and bite me it was a
very strange feeling!
As I glanced across at the wardrobe door, I could still see
the black sheath dress hanging inside and I recalled the
remarks of my recently departed visitors when I was seized
with an irresistible compulsion. From the scraps of
underwear still lying around the room, I made a careful
selection before stripping off my masculine clothes, and
then, with some difficulty, replacing it with feminine
attire finishing off with the little black dress.
I tried to fit a pair of high heeled shoes on my feet, and
after a struggle settled instead for furry mules. One look
in that mirror and I was hooked for life as familiar
stirrings formed an unsightly bulge which rather spoiled
the overall effect that I had created!
2) Caught!
After my first encounter I began to read about, and with
increased confidence, equip myself with suitable
accoutrements, such as wigs, false breasts, cache sex and
high heels which would fit. These were all readily
obtainable from mail order houses.
I became fastidious in my shaving habits, even becoming
adept at removing my stubble with beeswax a painful
process, but most effective and undetectable with or
without makeup; not that I ever ventured out.
I preferred instead to spend my time keeping the clothing I
had 'borrowed' clean and in good repair as well as enjoying
the compliments from clients for the spotless condition of
my 'special' sole agencies of which I normally managed to
have two or three on the books.
I spent less and less time in my own flat, preferring
instead to become the 'lady of the house' in some highly
desirable residences, which meant keeping two, possibly
three fridges stocked up with food.
Moreover, I had accumulated a complete wardrobe of female
clothing at home, having purloined the choicest selection
from my clients, which was surreptitiously reflected in a
substantial reduction of agency fees to compensate for my
wicked, wicked ways! Of course, on many occasions the
client's clothes did not fit, which was another good reason
for accumulating my own wardrobe at home.
***
My reverie was abruptly disturbed by the sound of vehicles
fast approaching up the private drive, so I quickly rose
from my armchair and crossed to the window where from
behind the curtain I could see two cars, one driven by of
all people, the infamous Charles Bentall!
I realised that the owners must have instructed Charles to
assist in the sale of their property, but had failed to
inform me of their decision. I panicked and rushed my cup
and saucer into the kitchen and hid the evidence, together
with a still warm kettle under the sink. Then I went over
to the kitchen door and then waited for the voices in the
hall to drift towards the sitting room so that I could make
a quick dash for the master bedroom and hide under the bed.
My plan was thwarted as Charles led his prospects up the
broad staircase to inspect the rooms on the upper storey
while I waited on tenterhooks for the party to return
downstairs as I thanked my lucky stars that my clothes were
no longer on display in the master bedroom.
Fifteen minutes later the party returned downstairs and
disappeared into the lounge, as I made an undignified dash
for the stairs in my high heels and hurried along to the
master bedroom. But an unladylike expletive escaped from my
lips as I turned the handle only to discover that the door
had been locked, and the realisation dawned that all my
keys were in my jacket pocket!
"What the devil does 'the lady' do now?" I pondered as I
went over to plonk down on a window seat overlooking the
garden to await Charles's departure. Charles claimed to be
a family man and made quite a fuss of his three daughters,
and he had a beautiful wife. But he was believed to be the
most outrageous womaniser for miles.
I had known Sarah, his long suffering wife ever since we
were children, and foolishly I had even introduced the two
of them at one of my teenage parties. After they married
and started their family, I was invited to be godfather to
their first child, since I was a Sunday school teacher at
the time. As a result I kept in touch with the family for a
while, after they moved away, sending them cards and
presents at Christmas and birthdays but after Sarah had
twins, for some reason we seemed to lose touch. That was
until about two years ago when they moved into a rambling
Victorian pile, a stone's throw from 'The Oaks'.
I had always admired Sarah from afar, and pitied her
involvement with Charlie boy and the way in which he
appeared to treat her. Their three girls went to a prep
school run by two eccentric, but charming middle aged
sisters with some peculiar ideas on education but they
produced some good results with their young pupils.
I heard footsteps on the gravel drive and crossed the hall
to watch the cars drive away leaving me to figure out how
best to handle a rather complicated situation. I glanced at
the time on my tiny diamante wrist watch half past two!
"My staff will lock up at five if I'm not back," I muttered
to myself, and having dismissed breaking down the door,
muttered "I must find a change of clothing somewhere, I
daren't venture out in these 'glad rags'. Better search the
other bedrooms."
So I began searching the house, but apart from some
children's clothes in another bedroom I was unable to find
a single stitch suitable for my purposes.
As I came out from the end room in the east wing and
glanced along the corridor, I was staggered to find a man
outlined against the light from the hall window.
"Who, who.. are you? What do you want?" I squeaked hoarsely
along the darkened corridor and with faltering steps
advanced to confront the intruder.
"Robert? Or is that Roberta?" A familiar voice echoed down
the hall.
"Charles! You scared the life out of me!" I exclaimed with
a sigh of relief, forgetting for a moment about my assumed
identity as Charles waddled towards me, a grim smile on his
fat face.
"My Dear you look ravishing in that get up and that's
exactly what I would try to treat you if I wasn't aware of
who, or what, you are!"
I staggered back with the realisation that my arch enemy
now held me in the palm of his hand! My cover was well and
truly blown!
"How long have you known and does anyone else know?" I
whispered as Charles allowed his piggy eyes to roam freely
from the golden tresses of my blonde wig to the tips of my
pink heels, as he rubbed his hands together as if in
anticipation of some great event.
"I've known for some time now and I've been looking forward
to catching you 'in the flesh', as one might say. Sarah
knows too then she is a bit kinky and thought nothing of
it."
Knowing she was aware of my guilty secret was the last
thing I wanted to hear, I thought a lot of her, not that it
would help the situation now but it did explain the
conspiratorial look she gave me on the most recent occasion
when we happened to meet in the local supermarket.
Charles beckoned towards the stairs, "I think we should go
downstairs and make ourselves more comfortable while I
decide what's to be done with you."
But jokingly I suggested. "Well Charles, you have rather
caught me with my trousers down, so perhaps you can unlock
the bedroom door, and allow me to change back into my own
belongings before we go back down?"
"I don't recall seeing any male clothes in the room."
Without thinking I replied, "they are hidden under the
bed."
I suspected I would regret my gaffe as Charles laughed in
triumph. "But my dear lady, a charming creature like you
doesn't want to wear course, rough trousers like me, I
would much rather you continue wearing knickers, and in any
case, you must permit me to savour my moment of victory so
bloody well do as you are told!"
The rasping interjection appeared to confirm my worst fears
for my future.
"After the run around you have given me in the past don't
imagine you will get away from this situation that easily,
and, am I going to have a ball!"
Charles grasped me firmly by my bare arm and escorted me
downstairs into the lounge where he pushed me
unceremoniously into an armchair while he plonked his fat
frame down on the arm rest alongside.
His earlier, threatening tone had now moderated, so I tried
a more chummy approach to resolving my difficulties, as I
suggested that there was no malice intended in our previous
exchanges.
Unfortunately Charles again reddened angrily. "What about
the time I sold the suicide's house and took the
prospective buyers along for one final look before they
signed on the dotted line? I cheerily told them the history
of the previous owners only to find the bathroom splattered
with fake blood when we arrived! The wife was hysterical
and you cost me the sale."
I tittered quietly behind my gloved hand as he continued.
"And what is more, the clients called the police and your
little prank nearly ended up with me inside!"
I giggled loudly at this revelation and upon regaining my
composure replied, "Well I do recall that on one occasion
you changed some of my site boards from 'Hart' to read
'Fart', while on another you did leave a condom laid on a
note saying 'Hart was here'!"
Charles let forth a belly laugh, "Well, it should have read
'Hart was Her'!"
In a moment he was serious again as he glanced at his
watch, dismounted the arm of the chair and remarked, "I'm
quite peckish after all the excitement, I think I will take
you out for a meal."
With this suggestion ringing in my ears, I stiffened and
pointed out that the fridge was well stocked with fresh
food and I could easily prepare a 'cordon bleu' dish rather
than venture out. An oily grin spread over his stupid face.
"Robert you should have heard of my reputation when it
comes to a 'bit of skirt' especially one as classy looking
as you!" He was now virtually drooling in expectant
anticipation, "You should know by now how I like to display
my conquests and in your case nothing will stop me from
showing you off in public!"
My heart skipped a beat at such a uninhibited compliment
from my worst enemy, and I visibly paled.
"But Charles, someone might recognise me in the street!" I
wailed, in anguish, but he just chuckled, rubbing his podgy
hands together with glee. "That's hardly likely my dear
from where I'm standing and you must know I couldn't afford
to take such a risk at least if you are daft enough to
parade around in women's clothes and be found out you may
rest assured I won't be around at the time!" He licked his
lips nervously, "But just to be on the safe side I will
assume you to be your fictitious sister Roberta should
anyone remark on the similarity."
3) My first Outing
Charles waddled over to the window reveal and retrieved my
pink clutch bag from where I had left it in my frantic
haste to avoid discovery, and then came back, and handed it
over to me.
"I spotted that the minute I walked in here and that's how
I knew you were in residence. That and the unlocked door to
the bedroom of course! Now get your skates on and let's go
and have something to eat I'm famished!"
His command prompted me to stand up, but my trembling knees
buckled at the imminent prospect of my first trip out of
doors thus dressed, trapped in my 'glad rags', as I plonked
down in the armchair again. "Charles, I think I am going to
be sick!" I cried, retrieving my lace handkerchief from my
bag and holding it to my mouth.
But with eyes blazing, Charles strode over to where I was
slumped, took me by the shoulders and shook me violently.
"Now pull yourself together girl you are coming and that's
that!"
I suddenly felt weak and ineffective following the shaking
I had received so docile as a lamb I stood up and was led
out to his Ferrari. There Charles opened the door and
gently helped me into the passenger seat and quietly said,
"Now that wasn't too bad, was it?"
But I was in no fit state to respond, feeling helpless and
vulnerable and incapable of any positive action as I shrank
into a shell of self imposed indifference. My mind was now
a complete blank and I was hardly aware of the next few
minutes as Charles disappeared back into the house. After
locking the front door, he loaded my suitcase into the boot
of his car, jumped into the driving seat and handed me the
keys to 'The Oaks', but held my flat keys aloft for me to
see before putting them away in his pocket.
I collected my thoughts enough to remark dryly, "No need to
ask what's in the case, but what about the keys to my
flat?"
He patted my nylon-clad knee. "I think I'll keep hold of
those for the time being Roberta"
"Actually I'm Denise when I am dressed like this!" I
replied smugly."
He grinned at my foolish observation. "Roberta I called
you, and Roberta you shall remain!" He replied menacingly
as he started his car and roared off down the drive. During
the five miles trip to Annabells, an exclusive private
dining club popular with the fast set, Charles picked up
his car phone and sent a telegram using my name to inform
my staff that I would be away on business for a few days.
He then rang Sarah and related to her the events of the
past hour, and informing her that after a meal he would be
driving me back to their residence where 'Roberta' would
baby sit for his three daughters while he took her out for
the evening.
"So put your best gear on old girl," was his parting shot
as he put down the phone.
"Last time I took her out was two years ago" he announced
glibly "Tonight I really have something to celebrate and
all my 'spare' is tied up so she will have to do!"
With this pronouncement I was appalled at the prospect of
ever again being able to face Sarah as a man. It seemed
Charles had virtually crushed her spirit and was well on
the way to crushing mine, and what is more as the result of
a self imposed wound which would never heal!
I asked him, "how can you treat such a wonderful person as
Sarah in such a disrespectful way?"
"I hardly think you are in a position to question my
morals, do you?"
In my current emasculated state I promptly dived back into
my shell. I spent the rest of the trip composing myself for
my enforced 'coming out' in one of my regular daytime
haunts. So I breathed deeply and sat as comfortably as it
is possible in a sports car wearing a seat belt. My nylon
clad knees were tightly pressed together, my head lay on
the cushioned neck support while my bare arms rested gently
by my sides, allowing my gloved hands to toy idly with the
pink clutch bag nestling in the skirts of my lap.
When Charles stopped the car, he eased his portly frame out
of the driving seat, waddled round and opened the door for
me to step out. I hesitated for a moment, but the look on
his face convinced me there was no going back, so I undid
the safety belt, swung my legs round as elegantly as
possible.
Placing my high heels firmly on the tarmac before carefully
easing myself out of the vehicle and on to my feet with the
assistance of my escort's ample arm. Arm in arm we walked
the twenty paces or so to the entrance where we were given
an effusive greeting by Jules the 'maitre d'hotel'.
"Monsieur Charles welcome to you and your charming friend!"
Charles beamed. "Jules, this is Miss Roberta Hart, she is
the sister of that silly bugger of an estate agent you get
in here from time to time!"
Jules leaned forward and the hours of private lessons came
into play as I gracefully extended my slender arm as his
lips gently brushed the back of my hand.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Mademoiselle, your brother has
much to answer for, denying my establishment such a
beautiful guest!" I blanched at such a genuine and
heartfelt greeting, since I knew Jules meant every word of
what he had said!
"Thank you Jules, you are most kind, I hope my brother's
opinion of Annabells lives up to my expectations."
My little speech, delivered in a softer, huskier voice
impressed even little me and it certainly pleased Charles
as he squeezed my hand encouragingly as Jules led us over
to my favourite spot, a table overlooking the river. Any
fears I had of being recognised were forgotten, as the
occasional glances from the other male diners were directed
at my long, shapely, legs.
I left the choice of food and wine to Charles, but he
gallantly ordered up one of my favourite meals for the two
of us, although I was too preoccupied with the bind I was
in, and just picked at the food on my plate.
Our small talk centred around our school days so I asked
him how he had ended up getting so fat. "You always kept
yourself in the peek of condition, at school a total
success on the sports field, a consummate actor, who always
played the leading girl's part in the school plays
something I could not, and would not, do!"
His eyes twinkled merrily, "Yes, I certainly pulled the
birds when I appeared on stage in drag, I was always the
centre of attraction and although I'm quite plump now, I
will soon be putting that to rights! But why should you
worry your tiny head? Pretty one you are the centre of
attraction for now not me!"
From the look of determination in his eyes I knew he meant
all he had just said, even though I involuntarily shuddered
with delight and embarrassment in equal measure. After the
meal was over as we sat drinking coffee and sipping our
liqueurs, I tentatively asked, "I suppose you bring all
your girls out here Charles?"
"Oh no my dear, only the special ones, like you!" He
reached across the table and placed his podgy hand over
mine, which I withdrew as though stung and he spluttered an
apology.
"I hope you aren't getting ideas Charlie boy, I'm not that
sort of girl!" I grinned wickedly at my choice remark, but
he stopped sucking on his cigar and laughed uproariously.
"If you think I am wining and dining you with that in mind,
you can forget it! When you net a prize fish you don't fry
her bacon, and you my lovely have something very special to
offer!"
His reply was quite a shock, "What do you mean by that?"
He smiled benignly, "That's for you to find out Roberta,
but not just yet, and in any case, since we may be seeing a
lot more of each other in the future, we should try to get
along better, don't you think?"
"Not if I can help it you smarmy bastard!" I replied icily
and sharp as one of my stilettos found its mark under the
table.
As his face registered the pain as he forced a smile,
"That's my girl I like the ones with loads of spirit."
Charles wasn't the type of guy to make idle threats, but I
couldn't see what else there was he could do to me now, I
had assumed his moment of glory had passed, but from his
last remarks he had other plans in the pipeline.
"I must go to the loo, Charles."
"Make sure you use the proper door," was his parting shot
as he took a final puff on his cigar and stood up as I rose
to leave the room.
'Well he certainly knows how to treat a lady,' I thought to
myself privately as I sat in the loo and reviewed the days
events and contemplated an uncertain future. There was
little doubt that although Charles was a prize slob, he had
pulled out all the stops to make a favourable impression
but to what end?
I suddenly realised that he still held the trump card,
since he was my one and only protector, and held my fate in
those substantial hands of his! His telegram to my ladies
had made sure of that! Since I only had the clothes I was
standing up in, and my stash of female finery back at 'The
Oaks', and no access to money, transport, or even my own
flat, what was I to do?
He was quite right he was still in control like it or not!
What my future would bring only time would tell! But I will
make that bastard wait, and having wiped myself with some
paper, and stood up and brushed my dress tidily back into
place, I exited the stall, and taking my make up bag from
out of my handbag, I took an absolute age redoing my face!
Charles had already settled the bill when I rejoined him at
the table as his look of alarm and despondency was replaced
by a broad grin of relief.
"I thought for a while that you had done a runner, but
without any money I don't think you would have got far my
dear!"
"That's not quite like you Charles. Surely you should know
by now how long it takes a lady to do her toilet? That's if
you go out with any of course!" Charles was lost for words
at my cool response as I settled back stylishly into my
chair, legs crossed at the ankle, my hands in sweet repose
in my lap I gave myself a silent pat on the back, 'had I
made that creature crawl?'
On the trip back to the Bentall residence, Charles began to
outline his forthcoming plans for my future. He couldn't
see much to be gained from public exposure of my
proclivities, since it would force me out of business, and
my client base was too valuable for that, and in any case
another competitor would only come along to restore the
status quo!
So he hinted at giving me back the keys to my flat ,
dropping me off at 'the Oaks' and forgetting all about my
quaint hobby, but he soon closed the door on that idea why
should he let me off the hook when he had so much to gain
and he wasted no more time in outlining his nefarious plan!
Yes, Robert would have to go he was to disappear once and
for all into the closet to be replaced by the delightful
Roberta as she took over as a full time residential Nanny
to his three girls.
"Charles! You must be joking! I can't be a Nanny, I haven't
been trained."
"Now listen here girl! Sarah say's you are an ideal child
carer, after all, you did babysit for us when Abigail was a
baby; and not many bachelors could change a nappy the way
you did! I was never any good at it myself; and you even
volunteered to do the ironing while we were out. Although
Sarah was mystified as to why you took so much tender
loving care over her frillies! Now we know!"
"But your girls are older now, they are not babies any more
and they don't really need a nanny!"
"So what! You were a Sunday school teacher for several
years, and are used to keeping older kids in order! Anyway,
you will also be an au pair and able to help Sarah round
the house."
"More like a skivvy, you mean? No thanks very much!" I
blurted out with anger and frustration.
Charles slammed on the brakes and screamed to a halt at the
side of the road and turned on me, eyes blazing. "Now
listen here pansy," he yelled "You will listen to me
without interrupting, and do exactly what I say from now
on. Otherwise I will dump you out on the road here and now
in your sissy clothes, if that's what you really want! Do
you understand?"
With my heart pumping with fear and trepidation, meekly I
replied, "Yes Charles I understand!"
Having cleared the air to his satisfaction, he slid the car
into gear and we continued the journey home with Charles
outlining his plans for my business. And as to my business?
He generously offered to let me retain a 25% stake, with
Charles taking on the remaining 75%. As to my flat? All my
girlie clothes would be moved into his house, while all my
male clothes would be dumped, and my flat would then make a
nice little pad in which Charles could entertain his
'guests' and avoid some extortionate hotel bills! In
exchange he would undertake never to disclose my dark, dark
secret to another living soul, otherwise it would be open
season with me as the prime target for every local
newspaper hack.
"But that's blackmail!" I bleated, but he just looked over,
placing his hand once again on my bare knee, mentally
daring me to move it.
"That's right girl! Clever isn't it?"
Privately I had to agree! "But I am puzzled about how you
found out about these and how long have you known?" I
asked, gesturing to my female clothes. "I have always been
so careful."
He braked to avoid a squirrel and then continued, "Not
careful enough, I discovered your guilty secret after I had
taken instructions from Colonel Smythe to sell 'The Oaks'.
It was a week ago when I was walking home from one of my
late night dates and I saw a light in one of the upstairs
windows. Naturally enough I came up the drive to
investigate, so finding your car round the side of the
house was intriguing since you had always seemed such a
straight laced bloke!
"So I couldn't resist creeping up the outside fire escape
and peeping through the half open curtains. I must say your
surprise guest was quite stunning. I was most impressed as
she stood there in her sexy white basque, see through slip
and lacy topped nylon stockings, back combing her long hair
in a full length mirror. While I was positively drooling at
the free leg show, so of course I hung around waiting for
you to appear so that I could enjoy the climax."
I blushed to the roots at the thought of Charles in his
role as peeping Tom standing outside on that balcony and
drooling over seeing me in my ladies undies. As I lapsed
into an uncomfortable silence, preparing myself for my
forthcoming confrontation with Sarah, Charles rattled on
with his story.
"After half an hour it was damned cold out on that balcony,
I'm telling you while this bird inside the room sat down at
the dressing table and did her face job before settling
down in a chair to do some reading. Of course it was the
phone call that gave you away!"
"Oh yes," I replied dreamily "My calls were being
transferred, so I could hardly disguise my voice then,
could I?"
"It was quite a shock with this bloke's voice coming from
this lovely creature, especially when I realised I
recognised the voice I couldn't get off that balcony fast
enough and I fell down the last few stairs properly winded
I was!"
I giggled out loud at the thought of Charles scuttling down
the fire escape in the pitch black and ending up in a pile
on the ground. "Well, you got what you deserved!" I replied
blithely.
"And so will you my girl, come on out you get!"
4) Twin Trouble
It was getting dark as we pulled up outside Charles's house
and were soon crunching across his drive when the front
door flew open and into view rushed Sarah and her three
daughters, Sarah in slacks and a top, while the three girls
were dressed ready for bed.
"Roberta it's so nice to see you again after all this
time!" Sarah came up and pecked me lightly on the cheek
before turning to introduce me to my ten year old god
daughter, Abigail, and the identical twins, Patricia and
Samantha.
"Darlings, this is Aunty Roberta and she is going to
babysit, while Mummy and Daddy go out for the evening."
"It's lovely to see you girls. My! How you've grown
Abigail!"
Although the three were friendly enough I could tell they
knew more about me than I would have wished! Charles then
ushered me into the lounge leaving Sarah to put the
children to bed while Charles continued to spout about my
future, but I was otherwise engrossed, thinking about Sarah
upstairs with her young charges.
Eventually she reappeared dressed in a sleeveless yellow
and white polka dot dress with a dropped waist, wide black
belt and black accessories, while beneath the full skirt
peeped layer upon layer of black net petticoats. So I was
very glad I was well tucked in 'down below', thus hiding
any incriminating bulge!
Sarah took me into the kitchen and showed me where
everything was. Then well out of earshot of Charles she
quietly whispered, "It's cruel of Charles to take advantage
of you in this way, he has much to answer for himself but
perhaps us girls will be able to put one over on him when
the time is ripe!"
I shrugged my pretty shoulders and smiled down into her
face. "I don't mind what he does to me in the least Sarah,
as long as I can spend some more time with you!"
But Sarah backed away, a troubled look on her face, turning
to respond to the clarion call from the other room, "Come
on old girl we haven't got all night!"
I was rewarded with a wistful smile as Sarah grabbed her
coat in the hall and disappeared through the front door and
out into the night to join an impatient Charles now seated
in the car. I waited about fifteen minutes before creeping
upstairs to find out where the children were bedded and
found that they were all sound asleep, Abigail in one
bedroom and the twins in a double bed in the other.
They looked so sweet lying there and cuddling each other. I
returned downstairs, went into the kitchen, poured a glass
of milk and went back into the lounge to settle down and
watch the television. It was about an hour later, while I
was curled up on the settee watching the news, that I heard
a noise on the stairs. I got up and I found two frightened
twins in their pink nighties standing in the hallway with
tears streaming down their cheeks.
I hurried across, crouched down, and taking one child in
each arm soothed them quietly as they rested their little
heads on my shoulders and gently ran my fingers through
their long, shining tresses.
"There, there darlings, what on earth is the matter? Tell
Aunt Roberta." In between gulps Samantha announced
"Patricia has wet the bed, and she has wet my nightie as
well!"
Patricia then chimed in "But Aunty Roberta I didn't mean
to, it just happened!"
"Tut tut girls, if that's all it is don't worry I did it
myself when I was a little girl your age."
Having calmed them down I took them into the lounge, sat
them together on the settee in front of the T.V. and went
off to find clean linen in the airing cupboard. Then I went
upstairs, stripped the bed, remade it and then went to
fetch the two girls back upstairs. Taking them into the
bathroom to help them into clean nightdresses, where we
were promptly joined by Abigail. But as I lifted Patricia's
soiled nightie up and over her head I made an amazing
discovery!
As the little girl looked down at the little protuberance
she shyly turned away and asked, "Aunty, do you have one of
these, down there?"
I staggered back with surprise as the three 'girls' grinned
cheekily, amused by the look of shocked horror on my
scarlet face, knowing that I too had been found out, but I
recovered sufficiently to hide Patricia's little secret in
the folds of a clean blue cotton nightdress.
"But, but who told you that, darling?"
"Our mummies told us, but don't worry, the twins and I are
good at keeping secrets!" Abigail's reply had me pondering
whether Samantha was also concealing a secret, so it was a
relief to find she was perfectly normal, for a girl that
is!
The girls then asked if they could come downstairs again
just to watch the end of the wild life programme I had been
watching, so I reluctantly agreed as they snuggled down on
the settee around me to hear the arguments put forward for
and against rearing endangered species in captivity.
"Does your Mummy and Daddy take you to the zoo?" I asked
the trio and Patricia pulled a face and said "But we don't
have a D... ouch!" He let out a little squeal as Abigail
cut in, "We went to Longleat last year with Mummy and Aunty
Janet."
I decided to curtail further questioning since one of my
ladies was called Janet and was in charge of my office in
my absence. Although I had no inkling of any collaboration
with the Bentalls, if it was one and the same person it was
worrying and I could check it out later once things got
back to normal.
When the programme finished I lost no further time in
bundling a happy trio back into their beds, giving them all
a 'night night' kiss and retreating downstairs to recover
from delayed shock after finding Patricia's little secret!
'So that's what Charles meant when he said Sarah was a bit
kinky,' I ruminated, finally resolving to raise the matter
with Charles when he returned home, and with such evidence
perhaps he didn't have me in such a bind as he thought!
Unfortunately, Charles was in no fit state to discuss
anything when they arrived back at about midnight and Sarah
and I both struggled upstairs with him and bundled him on
to the bed.
"Don't you two sleep together?" was my innocent enquiry as
he lay spread-eagled across the single bed.
"You should know his reputation by now," was Sarah's sharp
reply. "I've slept in the spare room for the past five
years, but if you want to sleep with him Robert, please
carry on be my guest after all, he seems totally besotted
by you!"
I suddenly felt wobbly at the knees. "But I'm only a guy in
a dress?" I pleaded as she gave me a withering look.
"Get real girl! Go take a good look in the mirror! Any stud
worth his salt would get the hots for a nice looking chick
like you, and try to get you to drop your knickers,
especially with a voice like that! I could even fancy you
myself!"
Her barbed reply was more than I could have hoped or
expected, but I responded in kind, "I don't bat for the
same side, since I'm not a girl, and in any case there is
only one person I would drop my knickers to! I have also
discovered that one of your twins isn't a girl either, so
Charlie boy doesn't hold all the trumps!"
Sarah turned away and I suddenly felt cheap and nasty, and
while she struggled to undress her husband, I discreetly
disappeared downstairs and into the lounge. I suddenly
realised that with Charles out cold, I could easily go
upstairs to recover my keys from his suit pocket, so I
trotted to the foot of the stairs and then hesitated.
Logically I could march upstairs and put my life back
together again, using his car keys to retrieve my suitcase
from the boot of his car, changing into my male clothes and
returning to my 'normal' life. But I also knew that such an
act would project me back into the wilderness instead of
the possibility of remaining in close proximity to Sarah
for the foreseeable future. With my mind in turmoil I took
the illogical choice, and in my newly discovered role as a
'stuffed doll' returned instead to sit mutely and patiently
on the settee in the lounge, my hands in sweet repose in my
lap.
When Sarah finally reappeared, having first checked the
children, she made her feelings quite clear. "I suppose I
will have to run you home?"
"That's impossible since my house keys are upstairs in
Charles's room, but perhaps you could run me over to 'The
Oaks'?"
She looked down at me and shrugged her shoulders in
disbelief. "That's only just down the road, surely you can
walk that short distance, even in high heels, and in any
case what sort of wimp are you? Go and get your keys from
upstairs this minute! They are on his dressing table and
then we can sort this mess out!" She snapped, and that's
when I snapped as I started to cry.
Me cry! As for the first time in my life I cried and cried
and cried, so Sarah came over, sat on the settee and
cradled me in her arms. "There, there, you silly goose,
come on now dearest and let me blow your nose and you will
feel much better, after all, your problems are solved when
you go and get those keys, and things can then get back to
normal!"
My reaction was to burst once again into floods of tears as
I gulped, "But, I don't want things to go back to normal.
Umm, I would much rather be your children's Nanny and be
close to you than going back to being a dull old estate
agent."
"Come on now Roberta, blow your nose and dry those pretty
mince pies of yours, you are ruining your make up, and I
will then run you back to 'The Oaks' in my Galaxy!" Sarah's
next remark as she wiped my eyes with her hanky showed she
had read, and accepted the situation perfectly. "After all,
we can't have a vulnerable young lady out walking after
dark, can we? I will lend you one of my coats and in the
cold light of day after a good nights sleep we can decide
what you and I really want to happen, and meanwhile we will
leave your flat keys where they are."
Sarah gave me one more hug and led me into the hall where
she helped me into one of her coats. Then she wrapped her
car coat round her shoulders as protection against the
chilly wind outside, before we linked arms and made our way
out to her car for the short trip to 'The Oaks'. I knew
only too well that we had taken the first steps towards
revitalising our humdrum lives, having irreversibly
dictated the way forward by choosing to leave our tenuous
future in the hands of my arch enemy!
5) Secrets shared
We arrived back at 'The Oaks', and as Sarah followed me
towards the door, she visibly shivered in the biting wind.
"This is the first time I have seen this place close up;
It's an eerie place for sure, Roberta, let's go in
together." So I unlocked the door, stepped over the thresh
hold and groped for a light switch. "There, that's better,
come on in Sarah, let's go and have a coffee."
Having removed our coats we trotted out to the kitchen,
where a steaming hot drink soon warmed us, as we sat
opposite each other across the breakfast bar, our nylon
clad legs enmeshed, and rubbing gently together, out of
sight, but not out of mind, for me that is!
Sarah asked me how I found out about Patricia, so I related
the bed wetting episode which she said hadn't happened
since they were toddlers.
"But why did you dress Patrick as a girl?"
Her eyes twinkled merrily, "I might ask you the same
question! But it all began when they were three until then
they were dressed exactly the same in pretty matching
dresses with ribbons in their long, fair, curly hair, they
made such an adorable looking pair of twin girls and were
always mistaken as such!"
"It was Charles who insisted that Patrick should be shorn
of his curly locks, and despite both twins heart rending
protests we began to dress him in shorts and shirts. Both
twins went down with psychosomatic illnesses and it took
six months until Patrick's hair had grown to a reasonable
length again before they showed any sign of recovery. We
had constant fights to keep him in trousers and by the end
of most days he was once again in a dress with the
connivance of both of his sisters.
"It was on medical advice that we reverted to the status
quo and both twins have thrived ever since but of course we
couldn't send him to school as Patrick, so he has always
been called Patricia ever since. We have from time to time
tried to put him back into pants, but without success."
Sarah then asked me how many times I had ventured out
'dressed' and when I told her this was my first time she
was astounded at how convincing I was as a girl. She told
me I had a light, seductive lilt to my voice, mannerisms
and dress sense worthy of a top model, and even reasonably
good looks, for a man that is!
She offered to give me some make up lessons, since she felt
I needed some more practice with the eye liner.
"Well I have spent hours and hours practising you know!" I
spluttered embarrassed at her compliments. I then
volunteered parts of my life story to date which I could
never disclose to anyone else, and when I had finished,
Sarah asked me what my plans were for the future, and
whether I would wish to be a woman full time.
"I'm afraid at the moment that decision is in Charlies
hands and yours of course!"
Sarah leant across the table and gently touched my hand as
she murmured, "If you have changed your mind, I can bring
the keys to your flat with me when I come back early
tomorrow?"
An enquiry I chose to leave unanswered. "Do you have to go
tonight?" I asked, plaintively, as Sarah rose from her
seat, but she didn't answer as I accompanied her to the
front door and retrieved her coat but as I opened the front
door, she allowed our lips to touch briefly before
disappearing into the night.
As I undressed down to my undies and sat at the dressing
table, removing my tired old layer of make up, I began to
analyse the past day's events. I had been left with much to
ponder over particularly the pleasurable feeling evoked
from the tender touch of those rose tinted lips upon my
own. Sarah had embraced me before, many years ago, but in
those days a peck on the cheek was as much as I was allowed
to savour so was her reaction a hint of what was to come?
And what about Charles and his nefarious plans for my
business and for me in the effeminised role of nanny to his
three 'girls'? How would he react if Sarah and I were to
engage in 'hanky panky' of our own and were found out? What
would the children think?
It was several days earlier that Sarah had been told of his
plan, but had failed to dissuade him from his goal of
almost total dominance and subjugation of my business
affairs and me. He'd even made preliminary arrangements
with his solicitor he was so sure of his ground. Even
judging that I would not risk exposure, but not just simply
for personal and business reasons, but in his view more for
the sake of the old school tie, since our old prep school
was only just down the road!
His arrival at 'The Oaks' with local clients had even been
pre-planned. He'd connived for two sets of would be buyers
to be available to view the property, directing one pair to
call at my offices claiming we had a joint agency. Because
I was taking responsibility for showing people round, so he
was well aware of my movements in the early afternoon.
He had even asked his secretary to ring Janet in my office
to confirm the viewing on behalf of the client and who had
made all the arrangements just in case I became suspicious!
So it came as no surprise for him to find me dressed up to
the nines and so was able to take full advantage of the
situation. For him to arrange for Robert's 'demise', having
it in mind for the steadfast Aunty Roberta taking over his
place that was a role Sarah even knew I was well suited
for. After all, my cooking skills were legendary, so
provided I was prepared to adopt the role of au pair or
nanny then I was her man!
Having removed my flimsy underwear and washed my stockings
out in the bathroom, I completed all the other necessities
of a well brought up young lady. I slipped into a fresh,
clean, full length satin nighty in pale lavender, and slid
comfortably between the sheets. Although I drifted off to
sleep I still hankered after the companionship of half an
hour ago.
6) My trip to the village
The following morning was Saturday, and I woke at about
seven after a restless night, tossing and turning, my mind
in a turmoil as to what was the best thing to do.
I put on a flowered housecoat and took my soiled linen
downstairs, loaded it into the washer/dryer before settling
down for a light breakfast. My eyes were drawn to the
telephone as I debated whether to make that call to Sarah
to restore my life more or less to the way it was before.
Knowing only too well that my life could never be the same
again, I just sat at the breakfast bar placidly eating my
cereals seemingly perfectly happy to accept my fate and all
that might bring good or bad!
The car drawing up outside soon brought me back to earth
with a bang, but it was the comforting crunch of Sarah's
sandals on the gravel, followed by her gentle voice on the
security intercom that greeted me as I pressed the catch to
let her in.
"I'm in the kitchen," I called, and moments later she
appeared in the doorway looking as desirable as ever.
"Come on girl! Aren't you dressed yet? We have a busy day
ahead of us!" Sarah was dressed in an ankle length straight
sleeveless cotton dress, printed all over with huge yellow
and orange flowers, and brown flatties on her feet. She
trotted over and rewarded me once again with a tender kiss
on the lips, to which I again resisted from reacting too
strongly, contenting myself with taking her hand in mine.
"Did you bring the keys?" I blurted, then wished my tongue
had been cut out as Sarah made a play to take something out
of her shoulder bag and my heart involuntarily sunk. But
from the look on her face I realised she hadn't.
"But you never rang so I left them at home, after all
Roberta, that is what we agreed wasn't it? But I will go
and fetch them if you like? His lordship won't surface
until well after lunch after the skinful he had last
night."
"Umm. I would rather you didn't do that Sarah, if you don't
mind, so I would much rather we go upstairs so that I can
get dressed, and you can help me with my make up."
She gave me such a look of triumph that I began to question
whether I was doing the right thing perhaps she was behind
Charles's elaborate plot all along! After all he wasn't
particularly well endowed with the grey matter, even though
he seemed to score trumps elsewhere! After all I heard
there are some wives who get a terrific buzz out of knowing
their menfolk sleep around they say it does their ego the
world of good!
Sarah led the way and she trotted up the dog leg staircase.
She turned right on the landing, and made her way into my
bedroom, where she perched on the edge of the unmade bed
while I went through to wash and dress in the bathroom,
having first selected my underwear from the dressing table.
I had a pink satin bra and belt, matching lace edged slip
and French 'knicks', falsies and melon nylon stockings.
While Sarah made small talk through the half open door.
"Pretty in pink!" she giggled as I returned to the room
giving a low wolf whistle at my choice of lingerie as I
blushed profusely, having left my housecoat behind the
bathroom door. Sarah had remade my bed and suggested I sit
at the dressing table while she applied some of her make up
to my face.
"I don't think you need much blusher darling!" She remarked
dryly as she attacked my skin with relish. "By the way I
owe you an apology on behalf of the twins."
"How come?" I asked. "All three were perfectly behaved and
no trouble at all!"
She was now applying eye liner to the rims of my eyes.
"Patricia didn't wet the bed last night. It was very
naughty of them but they deliberately wet their nighties
with warm water from the bathroom tap and then used a wet
sponge to create a pool in their bed. I gather they wanted
you to know their little secret and in return share Aunty
Roberta's so I think you may now consider yourself one of
the family!"
"Saucy little monkeys! So all that crying was faking just
wait until 'Aunty' sees them again!" I laughed out aloud at
their clever ruse.
"I also told them you might be their full time nanny and
Mummy's new companion, and they were ecstatic at the news."
"I think that depends upon you Sarah?" I replied, with a
barely concealed sigh. By now she had competed my eyes with
a touch of eye shadow and mascara, and was applying a lip
liner.
"There now, Roberta, just a smidgen of blusher to those
rosy cheeks, and a dab of my lipstick to finish the job."
Having finished with my face, she carefully fitted my long,
blonde wig in place, and vigorously combed it out. She took
a pale pink set of false nails out of her handbag, as well
as some adhesive and an emery board and began lightly
sanding my own nails. Applying some adhesive she fixed the
false nails in place.
"But I have never worn false nails before! Isn't it rather
early in the day?"
"It's never early enough for you precious! After all you
have a lot of catching up to do!"
"Amen to that!" I whispered quietly as she smiled serenely.
"How do I look?" I asked her, seeking her approbation.
"Like every man's wet dream!" Sarah replied jokingly, but I
certainly didn't enjoy the joke one bit!
"Don't always be so serious, lighten up!" She chided as I
fiddled around undecided what to wear, but she went over
and selected a powder blue gingham two piece suit with a
straight, knee length skirt with a small slit at the back,
and a short sleeved jacket with lapels and three buttons
down the front.
As I slid into these garments with Sarah looking on I felt
so happy that my audience on this occasion was not pouring
scorn on my efforts. So I told her of the time I was caught
by my father, many years ago, having purloined a collection
of my cousins cast-offs.
He insisted I complete my transformation into a little girl
wearing a yellow satin party dress with short, puffy
sleeves, liberally supported with net petticoats, (which I
absolutely adored), and matching frilly panties. As he
stood watching, he ridiculed me with every name under the
sun before cruelly depositing me on our front doorstep of
our terraced house for over an hour to give all the
neighbours something to gawp at! My best friend just
happened by and dashed home to get his camera, and took a
whole reel of photographs, but he wasn't my friend after
that!
"Well young lady, at least this time around you do have the
choice! By the way, we are going into Shere before I take
you home, so stand still while I choose some costume
jewellery for you to wear."
It suddenly dawned on me that my moment of truth had
arrived!
"But, but its broad daylight out there!" I replied
anxiously.
"No buts you have already been out with Charles."
"That wasn't to the village though I don't think I can go
through with it this time!"
"Chickening out already are we? lost your nerve!" she
sneered.
But I drew myself up to my five foot something and blurted.
"No I haven't. Come on then Sarah let's get on with it."
Sarah put an opal necklace round my neck, an opal ring on
my finger, with matching clip on earrings, spritzed me with
Chanel number 5 before I replaced my fluffy mules with
black platforms with two inch heels. I then felt the need
to steal a kiss from Sarah;
"Not now darling," she countered. "We will spoil our make
up!"
So with Sarah as moral support she drove off to the village
to pick up a few groceries for lunch from the village shop,
while I sat in the passenger seat tingling with excitement
and anticipation of things to come! Sarah parked the car in
the 'Green Man' car park and having got out and locked her
door, Sarah walked round and opened my door.
"Come on now Roberta, time to face your public!" as she
leaned over and unfastened my seat belt.
"Sarah you are an angel," I whispered and while she was
still leaning over me I gave her a strong passionate kiss
full on the lips to which she momentarily responded in
kind!
Then she breathlessly pulled away and gasped, "That's
enough of that!" She yanked me out of the vehicle and
slammed the door behind me. She then looked at my skirt.
"You had better hide that with your handbag!" and I glanced
down to find my skirt protruding in a most unladylike way!
In my haste to get into my undies, I had forgotten to tuck
myself properly out of sight, so I had no choice but to
'clip clop' awkwardly across the car park towards the
village shop alongside Sarah. I tried to hide the prominent
bulge in my tight skirt with a hardly adequate handbag,
holding the handles daintily in my hands as it hung and
swung to and fro in front of, and about level with my
midriff!
Sarah was greeted by Miss Jones from behind the counter,
and as the two exchanged pleasantries, I realised I was on
nodding acquaintance with the other three female shoppers
present in the shop. However thankfully they were engrossed
in making their purchases, while I stood quietly and
impassively in the background my male symbol slowly
subsiding out of sight, fortunately concealed by my
handbag. Then Sarah brought me abruptly into the game!
"Oh by the way Miss Jones, this is Miss Roberta Hart, she
is the sister of our rival estate agent."
With five sets of eyes now focussed on me I nodded an
acknowledgement at the old lady as she peered at me through
her glasses.
"What do you think of Shere Miss Hart?"
"Err! Oh very nice indeed!" I replied quietly and
hesitatingly, but somewhat unconvincingly in a squeaky
voice much higher than usual, so I thought it as well to
throw them a few more crumbs. "I particularly like the
flower arrangements in the church!"
I had struck a soft spot that pleased the old dears no end,
and they smiled contentedly at my riposte! "You are so much
like that nice young man Like him, a bit on the lanky side,
but much prettier of course!"
"I agree", cut in Miss Davis, and then sniffed "I don't
approve of the nail varnish though!"
"You old 'fuddy duddy' Rachel Davis, it looks very nice
dear!" In the face of such undivided attention it was my
turn to sense a feeling of elation as Sarah grinned
cheekily from behind the cans of baked beans!
"Where is your brother by the way? I'm surprised he isn't
here to show you off!"
"Tut tut Gwen! I expect she would prefer to be shown off by
her boyfriend not her brother!"
"Umm. actually I don't have a boyfriend." And then "Thank
goodness," I muttered quietly to Sarah.
"Actually Gwen, Mr. Hart is away on business, it just so
happened that Charles and I are looking for a Norland's
trained nanny, and Robert mentioned his sister might fit
the bill, so she is staying with us to see how she gets on
with the children!"
By now Sarah had made her purchases, and having said our
goodbyes, we made our way to the door and out into the
sunshine.
"Bravo! Roberta, you passed the test with those four old
crows with flying colours! Now lets go and have a coffee."
So having deposited the shopping in the car, we were
comfortably seated in the 'Green Man' while George the
barman served us strong black coffee. He of course gave me
the once over at the same time, prompting Sarah to make the
briefest of introductions before urging him on his way so
that she could get down to more serious business.
"I managed to get George to agree to a more equitable three
way split in a partnership agreement he wants you to sign."
Her suggestion fell on deaf ears as I pressed ahead with an
agenda of my own, "Do you think I am doing the right thing,
Sarah? Seeing as I am doing this for you!"
Sarah looked troubled: "Please don't say that Robert. It
has to be your own free choice and for your own reasons,
not conditional upon what I may think, say, or do
afterwards, so just sleep on it!".
Sarah paid the bill, and we made our way outside. "It's
time for your ultimate test! Time for you to be introduced
to your brother's staff young lady!"
I looked at her in shock; "I can't possibly do that Sarah!
They will recognise me for sure!"
My protests fell on deaf ears as she took me firmly by the
arm and marched me across the street towards my office. We
paused briefly to look in Madame Sasha's lingerie window,
and eye ball the delicious selection of foundation
garments, pointing out two or three items which she felt
would look good on me, rather than the down market
selection I was wearing at the moment.
"Where did you buy your lingerie from, Roberta?"
"Oh, mail order from the Sunday magazines." I replied to
which she sniffed, "You will be buying them from here in
future young lady! From now on we must have you looking,
and feeling righ