STRANGE WORLD by Geneva
A dissolute English nobleman incurs the anger of an Italian Contessa and
is changed to a woman by her book of spells. Through suffering and war a
new life is made and love is found.
The secondary character of Anna in this story is the main character in
my earlier story, "Nun so Lovely".
At least the wine and the food had been good. Inwardly fretting at the
boredom and Conte Roberto's dronings, I watched as my wife Catherine and
my sister Ophelia talked animatedly with Roberto's wife, the Contessa
Anna. After dinner I had tried to make conversation to Roberto, but he
knew nothing about cards, horse racing, or the hounds, or shooting, or
anything a gentleman ought to know, at least back in England. Instead he
seemed far more interested in talking about his former university
professorship, or Italian politics, or the running of his estates, as if
the doings of his servants or other employees were any of my concern.
Through the corner of my eye I looked the Contessa Anna up and down. She
must have been in her fifties, but was quite well preserved. She would
have been quite beauty when she was young. Even now she was a good
looking woman and her hair showed only a trace of gray. Compared to her,
both Catherine and Ophelia looked downright dowdy and plain. A painting
of her with her seven daughters hung on the far wall. Like her, they
were all beauties. As none were mentioned, I gathered she had no sons to
carry on the d'Assandro name. I also learned that Roberto's father, the
late Conte Ricardo, had been quite influential in the politics of the
area, a tough and capable, if authoritarian, administrator. Unlike his
father, Roberto's interests did not appear to lie in that direction,
although politically advantageous marriages had been arranged by Ricardo
for the six older daughters. The Contessa laughed when she told me about
it. I gather she was not unhappy with the marriages. She told me that
she had been one of the Montefiores, an influential family in Parma.
I watched the youngest daughter, Sylvia. She was not yet married and
often dined with us. She was fourteen, a pretty little thing, with dark
hair, sparkling eyes and full lips. She was nicely shaped too, showing a
woman's figure, and a seductive walk. She was easy on the eye.
Roberto was quite fluent in English, thank goodness. I had never
bothered to learn much of any foreign languages. Ophelia and Catherine
had learned some Italian in preparation for our trip, but as the
Contessa was very fluent in English they conversed in that. They seemed
to have become good friends and the d'Assandros were hospitable. For me,
the boredom and inactivity were getting annoying and I wanted to be off
again on our travels. Our carriage had broken a wheel some days ago near
the d'Assandro estate and, while it was being repaired, the d'Assandros
had invited us to stay with them . I suppose it was because we were also
nobility. Actually the women had become good friends so our invitation
had been extended.
Ophelia and I were twins. People told us we were very alike in
appearance, both tall, fair complexioned, and with dark auburn hair.
Perhaps we were alike, but I was the man, and thus the one who had
inherited our father's title and estates. She would be dependent on me
until she got a husband. Our parents had left her money in their wills,
but had given me its control as long as she was unmarried. So the longer
she remained a spinster the better it would be for me. I felt fairly
safe as she was a bit dowdy, and had not attracted any serious suitors.
Catherine had also brought money to our recent marriage. In fact, it was
that money that had persuaded me to marry her, so I was now pretty well
off. Unfortunately she too was a plain thing. Occasionally I wondered if
she was worth even the considerable amount of her dowry. At least I
could now indulge a taste in gambling, and even contemplate setting up
my own stable.
Soon after our marriage her parents had suggested a European tour for
us. This suited me well. They even offered to pay for it and at least it
would also get me away from them for a spell. I was less happy when they
suggested that Ophelia accompany us. I suppose they thought they were
being generous. Although I knew my sister would be a nuisance, she and
Catherine appeared to get on well together, and I agreed. The two women
could also console each other while I went out in solitary pursuit of
various pleasures. We had started in France, then Switzerland and were
now in Lombardy.
I had only been abroad once before, when I was about twenty. This trip
was boring so far, but I'd had a good time previously. My parents had
sent me to Paris for a tour of the museums and galleries, but I was
completely bored with the cold marble statues and soon found my way to
places where there were warmer bodies to sample.
I remembered meeting a Russian there, Nikolai Pavlovich Vorontsov, son
of a Russian noble. Nikki, as I called him,was a good companion and we
sampled many taverns and brothels together over several weeks. He spoke
excellent English. He said he had spent much time in England as a boy.
He was a powerful man, black bearded and well muscled , with much body
hair, but unblemished except for a U -shaped scar on his left shoulder.
I laughed when he told me he had fallen off a horse onto a sharp rock.
Unfortunately, our exploits ended with my father's final illness, when I
had to leave for home.
The next afternoon I excused myself and took a walk round the d'Assandro
estate. I was wandering around the stables looking at their horses when
I disturbed a girl, one of the maids, feeding the horses. She was slim
and pretty, about sixteen or so, and smiled at me nervously. I beckoned
for her to come nearer and she did so. She was nicely shaped, even
voluptuous. She would be a bit of a diversion. At my own estate I had
occasionally waylaid some of the village girls. I had paid no heed to
their objections. I could use them in however way I wanted if their
parents were my tenants. I had bumped into another of the Contessa's
serving girls earlier that day. I even managed to get my hand on her
soft breast before she wriggled free and ran off.
This girl struggled in my arms as I bent to kiss her. Then I heard a
noise behind me and I saw a groom glaring at me, a pitchfork in his
hand. I released the girl, straightened my clothes and left as if
nothing had happened.
The next morning only Catherine and I breakfasted with the Contessa. She
said Roberto had departed early that morning for some long consultations
with some or other groups on Italian politics and would be gone some
weeks. Ophelia was absent too. Catherine said that she was indisposed,
so I supposed she was having one of her monthly spells. I listened only
half heartedly to the women's talk. Catherine seemed nervous for some
reason and once or twice I caught the Contessa staring at me with a
calculating look. I wondered if she fancied me, but her eyes seemed too
cold. Eventually I went outside for a stroll in the sunlight and to
smoke a pipe. Who knows? I might come across some other girl.
No such luck, but when I returned indoors and climbed the staircase the
Contessa was waiting for me at the top. "Sir Jeremy," was all she said
before I took her in my arms and planted a kiss on her lips. After all,
her husband was away.
Somehow she wriggled free, but she beckoned me into a side room, giving
me a sweet smile. "Sir Jeremy, I have here a nice wine, would you like
some?"
It looked like the Contessa was amenable to my attentions and I wanted
to get to business, but some wine would be a nice preliminary, and I
downed a glass when she poured it. It was a lovely dark red colour. "It
is a special wine, from our own vineyards too," she said. She smiled at
me seductively and I barely was able to pull her into my arms when I
felt dizzy, and all went dark.
I awoke, my head feeling heavy. When I shook it to clear it and tried to
sit up, I found I was tied hand and foot to a chair. As my head cleared
more I discovered I was completely naked. I was about to call out, when
the Contessa appeared before me.
"What is going on?" I spluttered. "Untie me at once."
"You are a despicable person, Sir Jeremy. You are rude and uncouth. You
are dishonest. You think of little besides gambling and drinking, yes,
and whoring. You treat your wife with disdain. Your marriage vows mean
nothing to you. You use her and the money she brought to the marriage
abominably. You treat your own sister like a pariah. You have shown no
concern at all for her welfare and future happiness, yes, and you have
even been lusting after my daughter. I saw it in your eyes. You tried to
molest two of my servants in the same day. You even tried to force your
attentions on me! You are running down your estate and inheritance. You
are a worthless specimen. But I intend to put a stop to that. You will
never do these things again. I may even reform you and set matters
right."
She reached over to a low table, lifted a small package, untied a
tasseled cord and folded back some silk wrapping on a small book, only a
few inches square. I was puzzled. The book looked like nothing at all,
dirty and stained, with only a score or so pages of wrinkled paper with
a stained and mildewed yellowish cover of some kind of hide. It hardly
merited its expensive wrapping.
I glared at her. "What of it? How I lead my life is none of your
concern. Also, I am an English nobleman and not to be spoken to in that
way. I advise you to untie me at once. I warn you. I am not without
influence."
She ignored me and carefully turned over the pages of the book. I was
too well bound to move my head to look at the writing. She called out
and to my surprise Catherine entered the room. She looked at me
apprehensively. "Catherine," I demanded. "This woman is insane. Make her
release me."
Catherine wiped a tear from her eye and shook her head. "I am sorry,
Jeremy. I have taken as much as I can from you. Now Anna has offered
Ophelia and I a solution to remedy how you treat us."
"How I treat you? Are you mad? I may do as I like. You are my wife and
must obey me. Get me away from this stupid Italian woman."
The Contessa's eyes blazed and she slapped my face. I had been slapped
by women before. If they were whores I made them suffer afterwards. The
others became more compliant when I threatened the future of their
husbands or brothers. This slap stung and she spat in my face. "You
piece of vermin. I will tell you what will happen. This book contains a
spell, which I am about to read. It will have the effect of making
Catherine more beautiful. It will have little effect on me as I have
used it many times before."
I was puzzled. This talk of magic spells was nonsense, but even if it
were true, what she had said did not sound like a punishment. I would
certainly appreciate it if my wife's appearance improved. It might make
her more bedworthy.
"But you," she continued, "it will have the greatest effect on you. You
will become unconscious and fall into a coma. You are young and healthy
and should survive. If you do, you will have been transformed into a
woman, a pretty one too. I would prefer to transform a miserable
character like you into a hag, but I do not have a spell for that. As a
woman, you will be given your sister's identity. Yes, you will take her
place. Then you will no longer be in a position to make unwanted
advances to women, or to carry on the ruination of your estate." She
examined my features. "You see, you are twins and you look fairly alike
just now so I think you will look just like her when you awake."
I spluttered. "This is nonsense. There cannot be two of us. What of my
sister?" She gave a humourless smile and I felt cold when I realized the
answer.
She nodded. "I see you have anticipated another spell in this book."
Just last night I gave your sister a spell to read that makes a woman
into a man. The book also has spells to reverse the effects of these. Of
course, you will never be allowed to use one. Your sister's spell worked
well and now she has become a man. In fact, her appearance has become
very similar to yours, even close to your height and build. So she will
be well set to take your place. In effect, you and your sister are going
to change places. Then you will perhaps experience what your sister has
at your hands. More likely though, as she is a kinder person than you,
she may treat you better than you did her, undeservedly, I think.
"She should be able to use your clothes and you her's. So instead of
jacket, trousers, shirt and other man's clothing, prepare yourself for a
woman's life in skirts and gowns, corsets, camisoles, petticoats and
stockings. Don't worry, Jeremy, we will make sure you get used to them.
We will also make sure you learn women's work, like housework,
embroidery, and sewing. You will be trained to become a well behaved,
demure and polite young woman. You know, if you wish to be married at
some future time, you must be prepared."
"Catherine," I screeched, "you cannot allow this to happen. I am your
husband, you must obey me."
"Jeremy," she shook her head sadly, "you have never been as a proper
husband to me. Since our wedding you have treated me with disdain. On
the other hand, your sister and I have always liked and respected each
other. We have discussed this over several days with Signora Anna since
she offered her services. Your behaviour yesterday was the last straw.
Now perhaps your sister, your former sister by now, can be a better and
more attentive husband to me than you ever were. I expect we will have a
good life together."
"This is utterly stupid nonsense," I howled. "Release me!"
"Be quiet," said the Contessa, "or I will gag you. Catherine, are you
ready?"
Catherine sat down beside me. Her face was pale and she swallowed. I
pulled against the ropes ineffectually. Then I took hold of myself and
sat quietly. What these stupid women were proposing was nonsense. There
was no such thing as magic. At some point they would have to release me
and then I would take my revenge. This was a poor joke.
"By the way, the yellow cover on the book is human skin. It is needed
for the spells." The Contessa folded back the pages of the book and
began to read. The sounds made no sense. They did not correspond to any
language I knew. It only took a minute or so then she closed the book
and looked at me. I felt a swell of triumph. Nothing had happened to me.
The so-called spell was obviously ineffective, as I had thought. Still,
I could not fathom what the purpose was in their charade. "You silly
woman," I said. "You see that your supposed spell is useless. What now?
Are you going to call for a wizard to help you?" I laughed.
The Contessa shook her head. "It will not take long for it to start.
Your sister has now completed her transformation, but she is still in a
coma. It will be a day yet before she, now he, wakes." She emphasized
the 'he'.
It was a summer day and the room was hot. I was perspiring. I struggled
with the ropes again. The women were watching me intently. Catherine was
only wearing a sort of loose robe, not her usual daytime attire. Then it
seemed that the room grew colder. I felt a small shiver, almost
immediately passed.
The Contessa had seen it and a small smile passed her lips. "Did you
feel a shiver, Jeremy? That is the first sign that the spell is
working."
I did not like the sound of that, but I struggled in my ropes again. I
grew hot with the effort, but then another shiver took me, stronger this
time.
"It will do you little good to struggle. I have tied you too well. When
you are unconscious I will untie you. I do not want your changing body
to be hindered by the ropes."
I began to shiver more. I thought it might be because of the sound of
the woman's cold implacable voice, but my body began to shake and my
teeth chatter. Panicking, I struggled more but the room began to dim
about me. I was now shaking continuously. I cried, "help," brokenly, my
voice tailing away, and I knew no more.
Someone was shaking my shoulder and I heard a voice, but I was in too
deep a sleep to make out the words or speaker. Yet it was more than a
sleep, more like a deep drunkenness. My head hurt and I felt thirsty and
nauseated. I wanted to drift back into the fog and sleep. I felt a
tumbler of water at my lips and I had to drink, half spluttering. My
mouth did not want to obey my befuddled brain . More water touched at my
lips again then I jerked as I felt cold water thrown over me. I cried
out feebly. I was on my side and my body seemed awkward and sore.
I was shaken again and I tried to open my eyes. They filled with tears
when I finally pried them open, gasping at the pain and the light.
Through my tear distorted vision I saw the Contessa and a man behind
her. I blinked when I saw that he looked very like me. I shook my head,
wincing at the pain in my temples and wiped my hand over my eyes to
clear them. I stared at my hand. For some reason it looked smaller and
slimmer. Even my arm was slimmer and smoother.
I realised I was still naked. Then, when I put my hands to my groin to
cover myself, I immediately found that something was terribly different.
I clutched myself and found nothing! Bewildered, I looked down and tried
to shout out. What I uttered was a scream, in a woman's voice. Right in
my view , on my own chest, were two apple sized female breasts, each
tipped by a large pinkish areola and prominent nipple.
Moaning in increasing terror and confusion I bent down to look between
my legs. I saw nothing other than some hair. All my male anatomy was
missing. Instead, as I probed downwards with my strangely slim fingers,
I discovered folds of flesh, and nestled within, a tiny but sensitive
part nub and below it, an opening with soft raised margins. I knew what
they were, the parts of a woman. My penis and scrotum were gone
completely!
I screamed again in a shrill female sound. When I tried to get to my
feet my aching muscles would not obey me and I sank back. I tried yet
again but this time the Contessa's hands held me down. Weakly I
struggled against her. "What has happened?" I cried. "What have you
done?" Then I remembered what she had told me the night before, or was
it longer? The terror must have shown on my face.
"Yes, I see you remember what I told you. Your own body also tells you
what has happened. You are changed, as I said you would be. A woman's
body and life are now your lot. Accept it. The faster you do the better
it will be for you. "
"Never," I screamed. "I will resist you. I will call the British
legation. I will summon the authorities. You will be jailed."
She gave a contemptuous laugh. "You have an exaggerated sense of your
own importance, and who would believe you? They would only find a mad
foreign woman.. Besides, who would you say you were?" She gestured
behind her. "See, I have the earl right beside me, in perfect health."
She stood aside and I just gaped at the figure. It was a man, dressed in
my clothes. I could have sworn I was looking in a mirror, he looked so
like me, or at least how I had been.
"Who is that?' I gasped. Then I remembered what she had told me earlier.
"Ophelia?"
The figure shook his head. He spoke in a resonant male voice."No, I was
Ophelia. Now you will be. I am now to be Jeremy and I will take your
place. That should not be too difficult as I know most things about you.
After all, we are twins. I am familiar with our late parents, our
upbringing, our relatives, the estate and the servants. I know your
friends, or at least the respectable ones. Your other disreputable
friends, with whom you frequented the gambling dens, taverns and
brothels, I don't know, neither do I wish to. So I will take your place.
Catherine and I are very fond of each other and I am sure we will come
to love each other as a man and a woman. Now you will have my past
identity, that of Ophelia, my spinster sister."
"Catherine? Where is she?"
"She is right here." The Contessa brought Catherine forward. At least it
was like Catherine, yet a different one, with subtle changes in her face
and her figure. Her eyes even sparkled with life. She who had been so
plain, was now a very pretty woman. I gaped at her.
The Contessa gestured to Catherine. "Yes, the spell makes women
prettier, but of course it has the greatest effect on men."
I looked down at my body. "But my hair is too short, and look, I have
hair on my chest, yes, and on my face. My story will be believed and
your perfidy will be obvious."
The Contessa leaned over me." There is no way that your story would be
believed. The is no such thing as magic, they tell me." She pulled at
the hair on my chest between the breasts. It came away easily, apart
from a few wisps, with barely any resistance. She stripped more hair
from my arms and legs. It barely stung as she pulled it off.
"See, your heavy male hair is breaking off at the roots. Only fine
female hair is left. Within two to three days you will have only the
hair patterns of a woman. The hair on your head is a bit short, but that
is the only thing. We will let it grow. " She gave me a smile, but with
little friendliness in it. "You will be more fetching with long hair, in
a woman's style."
I shook my head in frustration, trying not to cry again. I wondered why
I was crying so much.
"Now first things. You will keep yourself clean. Always! Just now you
smell of stale sweat. Today, because you are weak from the spell, I will
have my maids wash you. After that it is your responsibility, and I warn
you, anytime you are not as clean as is proper for a lady, you will be
beaten. It will be the same with your clothing. You will be neatly and
properly dressed in women's clothing at all times. Repeat offences will
lead to severe punishment.
"Now look at your face." She held a mirror to my face and I squinted in
it then gasped. A woman's face looked at me. It resembled my sister's
face, but with big red blotches.
"I am diseased," I screamed.
"Your complexion is only blotchy. That is normal with this spell. In a
day or less it will be much improved. Actually you should be happy. The
spell has made you into a beautiful woman. As I expected, you now look
very like Ophelia, as she was, so there will be no problem in assuming
her identity. Perhaps you are even prettier. Your beauty will either be
a trial, or a great benefit, depending on how you conduct your future
life. Enough of this, you smell too much."
She clapped her hands and in seconds two serving maids entered and I
heard rapid orders in Italian. I cowered from them but the women easily
lifted me from by bed. I was too weak to resist them as they forced me
down on a chamber pot. I struggled against my bursting bladder but I
could not stem the flow into the pan. Afterwards, they led, or half
dragged me, into another room and, not gently, plunged me into a tub of
warm water and began to wash me. I wanted to struggle but the water was
pleasantly warm and I smelled of stale sweat and worse.
I sniffed at the scent of the soap, a faint feminine perfume. The
Contessa noticed. "Yes, that is a rose scented soap. Don't you think it
will make you smell nice and feminine?" They lathered my hair and soaped
all of my body. I gasped at the strange new intimate sensations. They
lifted me from the bath and rubbed me dry with a coarse towel. One
combed my hair and I winced when the comb caught a tangled part. "Yes,
you will also brush your hair, a hundred strokes each night." A woman's
nightgown was pulled over my head, but by that time I was past caring.
My body still hurt and I felt very tired.
"Are you hungry, Ophelia?" asked Catherine. I ignored her. I was Sir
Jeremy, not Ophelia. The Contessa repeated the question more pointedly
and I shook my head. The thought of food made me nauseous.
The Contessa held a drink to me. "Well, Ophelia, if you are not hungry I
think you can have another rest. Here, drink this." and she held a cup
to my mouth. I drank it and felt it warm my stomach immediately. "That
is a draught of laudanum in some wine. It will make you sleep. When you
wake again we will begin your training." I barely remember being put
into a bed and I must have fallen asleep.
When I woke again I felt better until I remembered the events of the
previous days. Surely it was a dream. I sat up with a start and knew
right away that it was true, when I felt the weight of two real breasts
at my chest. I felt at them, testing their firm but soft texture and
testing between my legs. I whimpered with despair.
I was alone in a small room. Lying in a chair, snoring gently, was one
of the women who had washed me. I had barely raised my head when she
snorted awake and looked at me. She called out and in seconds the other
maid also arrived. They hauled me to my feet and one of the maids pulled
the nightdress off me. She pointed to a bowl of water, a cloth and some
soap. A voice behind me said, "You have slept another full day. Wash all
of your body, especially between your legs. Remember what I told you."
It was the Contessa.
Sighing, I washed myself completely. The room was slightly cool and with
horror I saw the nipples on the female breasts becoming rigid. I
especially flinched when I washed the sensitive parts between my legs. I
am sure that she wished to make me fully aware of the changes in my
body.
She stood me in front of a long mirror. I had tried to avoid looking at
my body but now it was right in front of me. The Contessa held my head
so that I had to look. My mouth gaped open with shock.
The mirror showed a young woman, very like my sister in appearance, but
with some of my previous features, subtly changed. She was a beauty.
She, I, had now lost all male pattern hair on her face, chest, arms and
legs. Even at her groin there was only a small tuft of dark auburn hair.
The blotchiness had gone and her complexion was flawless. The skin on
her body was smooth, very fair, with just hints of bluish veins. Her
long neck was set on pretty shoulders. Her arms were slim and smooth. On
her chest sat two pert breasts, each tipped with pinkish brown areolas
and nipples. Her waist was narrow, emphasizing her female hips and
slightly rounded belly. Her legs were long with slim thighs, calves and
ankles. Even the feet were small and high arched. She was beautiful, but
I shuddered.
"Turn around," Anna ordered. "Look at your rear as well."
"No, I cannot," I faltered, afraid of what I glimpsed in the mirror,
"That cannot be me."
"Yes it is, and always will be. Now turn around. You have to get used to
your new body. Why, you may even begin to like it."
I groaned inwardly when I looked at my new buttocks and hips. There was
no doubt that they were a woman's. They were generous, swelling out from
my narrow waist, but in proportion to the rest of the body. I shrank
inwardly. I had a residual hope that I might escape and get back to
England dressed as a man. Now there was no way that the figure before me
could ever be satisfactorily disguised.
"Yes, are you pleased? You are a real beauty. Now if we could only
modify your ugly character to match. However, it is time you were
dressed." She threw down a bundle of clothes.
I recognised some as my sister's. "Never, these are my sister's. I
cannot wear these," I complained and then yelped. One of the maids had
whipped a stick over my buttocks.
"That is for protesting. Your sister has no further need of them. You
do. Put them on. We will help you. You will need someone to help you
dress, with your corset certainly."
"No!" I cried, and then howled again as I received two strokes of the
rod, this time on my thighs. Whimpering, I reached out to the women's
clothing and shuddered. I knew how women dressed, of course. I was
married to Catherine, and I had seen various strumpets in different
states of undress. I had even helped more than a few to undress.
Trembling I picked up a pair of drawers, pulled them onto my legs and
tied them round my waist. Anna handed me a fine linen chemise and I
pulled it over my head, blushing.
"Sit down. Your stockings next." These were fine cotton and I obediently
sat down when I saw Anna holding the stick. My thighs still stung from
where I had been hit before. One of the maids bunched up one of the
stockings into a ring. I shivered when she slid it over my foot and up
my leg. She fixed a garter around it just below the knee and repeated
with the other stocking. I did not recognize my own feet. These were
small and delicate looking.
She handed me a corset. I looked at it and shuddered at the stout fabric
with its rigid bones. I threw it down, then screamed as I was struck
three times. I began to cry. One of the maids pulled it around my waist
and fixed the front hooks. She had barely finished when the other began
to pull at the rear laces. I grunted with each pull, the boned garment
compressing my waist and stomach, the top pushing up my breasts in the
chemise until I was gasping. I could only take short breaths and looking
down I saw the breasts heaving alarmingly. "You will suffocate me," I
screamed through my tears.
"Far from it. That is what women wear. You will get used to it, more or
less. Corsetieres usually recommend taking a girl in gradually over
several months, but, as we do not have the luxury of time, you must
suffer a little. Eventually you will find that a properly fitting corset
is only snug, rather than tight. You will always be aware that you are
wearing one but you may come to rely on it, and think of the nice slim
waist it will give you."
I felt faint with the unrelenting pressure. "Please slacken it," I
gasped. "I beg you."
"Why Ophelia, that is the first time you have spoken like a lady. You
said 'please'. Keep it up. We will make a civilized woman of you yet.
But, no, just take short breaths. Your body is not used to it yet. You
should feel grateful that we are helping you.
"Now, these are your petticoats. You will need these to hold out your
skirts." I allowed the maid to fix them round my waist and I was
surrounded with rustling fabric. My face was red with embarassment.
"Finally, your gown. This is one of your former sister's." I remembered
her wearing it, a dark green checked material in a fine cotton. I
stepped into it and felt a maid do up the various fastenings.
"That is a very modest neckline," said the Contessa, "almost too
conservative for Italy. We will have to go through your sister's clothes
and see what needs modified. You are as tall as she was but just a bit
slimmer. I will give you some of mine too." She looked me up and down.
"Already no one would ever believe you were once a man." I tried to pull
away from her but she held my arm. "In the meantime we will work on your
behaviour and deportment, starting today. Ah yes. I almost forgot. Sit
down, Ophelia. Let me see your ear."
"What are you going to do?"
"Never mind." She rummaged in a box and I thought that it would be some
ornament. She took my right earlobe firmly and I screamed when I felt a
jab of pain followed by a sting as she pushed something in. I squealed
and when I looked in the mirror and saw I was wearing a earring. The
maids held me to stop me jumping to my feet. "Hold still, or it will be
the worse for you," and she caught the other ear. Another jab of pain
and my other ear was pierced. She pushed me in front of the mirror.
"See, I have given you pretty dangling earrings, very feminine." I
shivered when I felt them brush against my neck.
I burst into tears. Facing me in the mirror was a woman who was almost a
double of my sister as she had been, but more attractive. Dangling
earrings hung from her ears. She looked very feminine. The only thing
wrong was her hair. It was much too short.
The Contessa must have read my thoughts. She ran her fingers through my
hair. "Yes, your hair needs some attention. Well, I suppose you will
have to wear a cap or something indoors, and when you are out you will
be wearing a hat anyway . It will take more than two years to get it a
reasonable length. A good thing you wore your hair long for a man." She
stood back and examined me. "Sit down and let me see your feet."
I floundered into a chair, my movements awkward, suddenly aware of the
restrictions of my corset on my movement and posture. I could barely
bend and had to sit bolt upright in the chair. The Contessa parted the
layers of gown and petticoats and pushed one of my sister's slippers
onto my foot. "Just about right, perhaps a bit large but that will not
matter for today. Now the other one." The slippers were made of soft
embroidered leather.
"Something else." Anna took a small bottle and dabbed a liquid behind my
ear. "Just a trace of a scent. A nice floral one. Don't you like it?"
I did not care. I was totally overwhelmed by the changes. Then some
perfume touched my fresh ear piercing and I drew in my breath at the
stinging.
"Hush now. You make too much fuss. I suppose, Ophelia, you will be
wanting something to eat?"
I nodded. I was beginning to feel fairly hungry. I suppose it was
several days since I had eaten. The Contessa gave a quick order to one
of the maids and a tray appeared with some fruit, two small pieces of
rye bread and some butter. I looked at it in disgust. "This is not
enough. I eat much more than this." But I barely finished the bread and
one piece of fruit before I was filled. The stupid corset limited how
much I could eat. I complained about it.
"So? Surely you want to keep a nice slim figure?"
I certainly did not, at least the woman's figure I had been given. The
Contessa gestured for me to rise. Struggling against the rigidity of the
corset I did so. If I had been in a low chair I might not have needed
help to rise. Even so I was dizzy and I swayed. The Contessa caught me.
"Steady. You should rise more slowly, in a ladylike manner. Now, I want
you to walk back and forwards across the room."
My control broke at her continual ordering and the discomfort of my
clothing. "Do it yourself," I snarled. "I want to rest." She lifted my
skirts and smacked me across the legs with the rod. Four times. I
screamed.
"You will do as I say. Now walk across the room. Hold yourself upright.
Head high! Shoulders back!" It took several more smacks with the rod
until I was walking to her satisfaction. The tears were streaming down
my cheeks in humiliation and frustration.
"Now try sitting. Sit down and get up again. Try to do it gracefully."
This time I had better control of my balance and she gave a slow nod.
"Yes, you are beginnng to learn, but remember to keep your skirt and
petticoats under control. You have to sit on the edge of the chair and
hold your back straight."
It took several tries before she was satisfied. Next she had me pick up
objects from the floor. I could barely lean over and had to bend my
knees, and somehow push aside the skirts to see where I was reaching. My
protests earned me several more smacks with the rod.
I ate alone for lunch that day too, and the afternoon was spent in more
practice, and manouevring in and out of doors. The wide skirts of the
crinoline made it amost impossible to do so without a display of
petticoats. By the late afternoon my legs and thighs were sore and red
with blows.
"Enough for now," she snapped. "You can have a rest before dinner.
Undress as far as your corset. Keep that on but lie on your bed. I will
come in later to help you . I have a nice silk dress, a wide necked
style that should be just right for you. Then you can show your new self
off to Catherine and Jeremy. Stand still and I will help you out of your
gown." I was too tired to care and allowed her to unfasten my gown. She
even untied the petticoats. I heard her lock the door as she went.
Sighing relief I sank back onto the bed as easily as the rigid corset
allowed. I fumbled in the back to untie the laces but they were tightly
knotted . I began to cry again. This was a strange world, my mind
trapped in a strange body, the body trapped in strange clothing and the
body, I, was a prisoner of this mad Contessa . I dreaded the humiliation
ahead of me, to be presented in my changed form to my wife and sister,
or former sister, as a woman, dressed in her own female clothing, even
her underclothing. The Contessa would be vigilantly watching me too. But
I was too exhausted to think much further about it and I fell asleep.
I heard the door open and I struggled out of my sleep. The Contessa
entered, followed by a maid carrying a pale pink lacy garment. "Up!" she
ordered. "Time you got dressed for dinner tonight. First, wash your face
and arms. Remember what I said about keeping clean." She pointed to the
wash basin with its scented soap and I hurried to wash.
"Here, I have a pretty dress for you. However, it has a wide neckline to
show off your shoulders. So that chemise you are wearing will not do. I
have another here, so we will need to take your corset off first. Stand
up."
The maid fumbled at the back and I found blessed relief as the laces
slackened. She unclipped the front hooks and the garment slid off me.
For the first time in hours I was able to breathe freely. I felt loose
and free so much that I did not object when they lifted the chemise off
me and handed me another. Its narrower wide-set straps sat more at the
top of my arms than on my shoulders.
The maid clipped the corset on me and pulled on the laces at the back,
again tightening the corset to a rigid grip. "Now, some petticoats to
fill out your skirt. In a week or two we will try you with a crinoline
cage. You will find it so much lighter than layers of petticoats." They
tied the crisp linen material round my waist.
"Here is the gown. It is one that I used to wear " Its silk was much
lighter than the one I had worn that morning. I shivered at the rustle
of the material. It was such a feminine sound. In no time they had it
fastened on me. I looked down. The exposed tops of my breasts heaved in
the wide neckline of the gown despite my smaller breaths.
"And now a pretty necklace." She fastened a gold chain that had belonged
to my sister round my neck. The stone at the front matched my earrings.
"Now your hair. I will do it up for you." She fussed for few minutes and
used innumerable pins. "There, I have gathered your hair. It is nowhere
near a proper chignon, but it will do." She stood back to look at me and
gave a faint nod of satisfaction. " I must say, you look almost elegant.
Here is an ornament to wear in your hair and draw attention away from
its shortness."
"Let me check that you are ready for your big debut." Again she looked
me up and down." My, you do look pale." In truth I felt faint, not only
with the corset, but apprehension at meeting Catherine and Ophelia, who
they now called Jeremy, my former sister.
"Please, I beg you. Let me eat here. I cannot be seen like this."
The Contessa seized my arm. "My goodness, yet another piece of
politeness, But no, you must come with me. You must accept what has
happened and accept a woman's life. You will return to England soon."
I shuddered. To live a woman's life, with its restrictions, its
complicated clothing, the household duties, be married as a woman, to
have a man enter me, pregnancy, childbirth and raising dirty squalling
infants. I felt disgust. Never! I shook my head. I would resist them.
"Let me look at your face." She shook her head slightly. "You are too
pale. You need a little help with cosmetics."
"But that is for prostitutes and courtesans!" I exclaimed.
"Ah, already you are thinking like a woman, but don't be silly.
Respectable women often use a little discreet help as well." She took
some boxes from a vanity below the mirror. "Now, a faint wipe of rouge
on your cheeks, and perhaps a little eye shadow and just a faint
colouring for your lips. Hold still! It won't kill you. Yes, that is
much better. Now you look less like a corpse. See!"
She pushed me in front of the mirror yet again. The pretty young woman
looked like a portrait in her dark green dress, showing off her creamy
shoulders. Her face now had some colour. Her dark auburn hair shone. Her
jewellery complemented her colouring and her green eyes seemed large in
her pretty face. The only thing wrong was her ezxpression. Her eyes were
dull and fearful, with still a trace of red from crying. She looked like
a worried doll.
"It is time for dinner. I dare say you will be getting hungry."
The Contessa gripped my arm firmly and propelled my reluctant feet along
the passage and down the stairs leading to the dining room. I felt
panicky as this was my first time out of the room where they had
inflicted the spell on me. I gripped the polished wood rail tightly as I
took the curved staircase. I could barely bend because of the corset and
I could only guess where my feet were because of the crinoline. I
breathed a sigh as I reached the foot of the stairs. A maid at the
dining room door held it open for us and the Contessa almost pushed me
in, my wide skirts brushing the door jambs. She was right behind me to
stop me retreating. I stared at the man sitting beside Catherine. He
looked very like how I had been. He was even wearing some of my clothes.
"Jeremy, Catherine," said the Contessa, "I would like to present the new
Ophelia." She held my head up so that I had to face them. I was shaking,
but I had the satisfaction of seeing Catherine's mouth drop, and a brief
flash of envy pass over her eyes. The man, the one whom they now called
Jeremy, the one that had been my former sister, stared at me. A slow
smile took his face.
"Ah, my dear sister," he emphasized the last word, "how nice to see you.
You look quite becoming. I hope you are feeling better now. I must say,
that gown really suits you."
"Well? What is it a lady is supposed to do now?" the Contessa demanded.
Flushing with anger, I made a small curtsey as she had taught me. "Thank
you, dear brother," I replied sarcastically. I kept an impassive face
but my mind was filled with fury.
Jeremy took my hand, kissed my cheek and led me to a chair. He even held
it for me to sit down. I struggled to keep my balance as I did so.
Whether they enjoyed my humiliation I did not know, but I kept an
impassive face. Inwardly I was seething. These people had betrayed me,
with the help of that witch the Contessa.
The Contessa took a place opposite me to observe my behaviour. I watched
both her and Catherine as they ate, copying them and trying to eat as
gracefully as I could. The food was good and I had my appetite back, but
I ate only small portions, and slowly. The Contessa gave me a brief nod
of approval.
As a man I had often dominated conversations, but now I was too
resentful of the others and unsure of myself. I only listened, giving
brief answers if spoken to. The Contessa made a few brief comments on
the world situation. It appeared that the British and French were now
allies, and going to help the Turks fighting against the Russians, in a
place called Crimea. I had only briefly heard of it. Somewhere in
Eastern Europe, I believed. With this talk of war I wondered what would
have happened to Nikki. It looked as if our countries would now be
enemies and yet he had been a good companion. I remembered he had said
something about taking up a military career.
With relief the dinner ended and I got up to head back to my room. I
wanted away from them, but Catherine caught my arm. "Ophelia," she said,
" I am sorry what has been done to you, but you were becoming
impossible. You were a disgrace to your ancient family name, and you
were running the estate down. Now you can start with a new slate. Please
let me help you. In the beginning I tried to love you. I tried to be a
dutiful wife, but you were cold and mostly ignored me. Nevertheless I
wish you the best." She embraced me but I struggled away from her. Back
in my room I broke down and cried at my helplessness.I did not resist
when a maid undressed me for bed.
I woke up in the middle of the night. The sleeping corset I had been
fitted with was supposed to be more comfortable but still I tossed and
turned, until at last I gave up and stared at the ceiling. I was now
completely dependent on the new Jeremy. I would only get back my
inheritance If I had access to the book to change back. The Contessa had
said that it contained reverse spells. By some means I would have to
force the Contessa to disclose its whereabouts. But then, if the reverse
spell's effects were like the first, I would be helpless for a day or
two. I was no further ahead with any plans when I finally fell asleep.
I was walking in the garden some days later when I saw a solution.
Growing along a wall was a large clump of a plant that I had heard
contained a poison, a slow acting one. If I used it to poison Jeremy and
Catherine, the Contessa would be forced to bring the book out to save
them with one of the spells. Then I might be able to get my hands on it.
I pulled off some leaves, and in my room crushed them into a flagon of
wine. After several hours I poured the liquid off into another small
bottle I had taken from the kitchen.
The next evening at dinner I offered to help the maids with the food,
and brought out the dessert wine glasses. I poured some wine, but added
some poisoned wine to two glasses which I placed in front of Catherine
and Jeremy. All was set.
My heart was thumping during the meal. When it was finished we would sip
the sweet dessert wine. "I have an idea," said the Contessa. "Let us
drink our wine out on the terrace." She put the glasses onto a tray and
carried them outside. My heart gave a lurch. Now I no longer knew which
ones were poisoned!
"Ophelia, why don't you give a toast?" asked the Contessa. "You have
improved so much."
"To the health of all." I stuttered and waited for them to drink. The
Contessa held up her hand. "Ophelia drinks first," she said. When I did
nothing she repeated it louder. "Drink!" she commanded. By now Jeremy
and Catherine were staring at me.
"Why, Ophelia, we are waiting for you. Is there something wrong?"
I put the glass to my lips and pretended to sip it but she forced it to
my lips. "A large drink!" As I jerked my hand from her the glass fell
and shattered. I sank to my chair. Jeremy moved to help me but the
Contessa held up her hand. She took me by an earring and pulled me back
up. "You wretch! Did you not think I was observing you? She has poisoned
the wine," she announced to the others. "You had better pour it all
out." The news was met with gasps by Jeremy. Catherine's face went white
and she began to weep.
"A good thing I was suspicious of you," the Contessa snapped. "I am
tempted to make you drink all of your vile brew and then we would be
done with you."
Still grasping ing my earring she pulled me indoors and down a flight of
stairs into a small room. "You will stay here for a week, with only
bread and water. This old dungeon is a fit place for you. But first, so
you don't dirty your clothes..... "
I screamed and kicked as clothes were removed, leaving me only in my
corset and short chemise. A maid held my arms while the Contessa seized
my wrists and fastened them together behind my back with manacles. My
frantic struggles were no match for the two of them. She forced a metal
collar round my neck and I felt the cold metal at my bare skin. I
screamed as it clicked shut. The collar was fastened by a stout chain to
a ring set in the floor. The chain was too short even to allow me even
to rise above a crouch. She slammed the stout door and I heard it
locked.
It was not yet dark and I looked around my cell. It was lit by a small
high window, and bare of any furniture except for a chamber pot. I
jerked at at the chain but it was too well fastened and I only hurt my
neck. I fumbled at my back to untie the corset laces but my hands were
too clumsy in the manacles. I would not be able to untie the knots and I
could not force the tight front corset clips. I was confined in it for
as long as they left me. I screamed in despair and wept.
I barely slept that night with the pain from my bruised ear and my
turbulent emotions. These changed from anger to terror to resignation
and finally to contrition. In the morning I was cold and sore. I heard a
noise and looked round to see the Contessa at the door. In her hand was
a tray with a small loaf of bread and a bowl of water. She placed them
on the earthen floor and stood over me.
"Please, I am sorry. What I did I was very wrong. Please forgive me."
She looked at me stonily. "I am glad you are sorry, but a week in here
will reinforce the lesson." She turned and left me and I cried helpless
tears. I was hungry and thirsty, but with the chain and manacles I had
to lap at the water on my knees like an animal, and nibble at the bread.
I shivered all of the following night in despair. When the Contessa
arrived the next morning I pleaded with her.
"Please," I said dully. "Let me out. I will do anything. Please do not
keep me here " She stood over me and I put my mouth to her hand and
kissed it. "I will be good. I will be obedient."
At these last words she flinched and shut her eyes momentarily, as if in
remembered pain. She took a deep breath. "Good, Ophelia, " she said
softly. "I will release you but your future behaviour must be
impeccable."
From then on I conducted myself as carefully and demurely as I could. I
sat down, I rose, I walked as gracefully as I could. I applied myself to
learning sewing, needlework and other female skills. I answered politely
when spoken to. I no longer made any objections to female clothes. At
least I had clothes and they were clean. I washed myself thoroughly each
morning and I took care to dress neatly. I brushed my hair carefully
each night.
Meeting with the others was still awkward. The Contessa supervised me
vigilantly, but it was as if she now had some sympathy for my feelings.
Her admonitions were much gentler and there was no further sign of the
rod. It no longer mattered. My spirit was broken. I would do anything to
avoid being confined again.
At breakfast about a week after my release Jeremy waved a piece of
paper. "This is a letter from Tom Eckerby, who was left in charge at the
estate. I think it is now time we went back. The affairs of the estate
need my presence. So, Catherine and Ophelia, you must prepare to leave.
Anna, thank you for your hospitality." He looked at me. "Thank you also
for what your have done for my sister."
My stomach contracted at the news. I would have to be careful in talking
to any friends of my own or the former Ophelia in case I said anything
inconsistent.Also, Once away from the Contessa I could no longer have
any hope of getting the book.
After two days we said our goodbyes to the Contessa. My resistance had
ended. I had accepted that I was irrevocably changed and I must accept a
life as Ophelia, with all of its difficulties and adjustments.
"It has been an interesting few weeks. I expect it will have beneficial
results," the Contessa said. She kissed and embraced Jeremy and
Catherine, then faced me. She lifted my chin. "Ophelia, I have been
harsh with you, but it was necessary. I wish you well in the future. You
were headed on a course that was disaster for you, ruination for your
estate and distress to all of your family. I have given you a new
chance. It will work if you totally accept your new life.
"I should warn you too, that the spell will soon affect your mind. Just
now you feel a man trapped in a strange body, but gradually you will
start thinking like a woman. You are beautiful so you will easily
attract men. You will certainly not like it at first. The remnants of
your male character will resist, but eventually you will start to be
interested in men and to want their attention. Also, I remind you that
you are a woman in all ways. Your body will experience a woman's cycles.
Yes, you will have your periods, as they are called. Accept them, have
courage, and you will become happier in your new body. You could even
bear a child."
"What would you know of it?" I shook my head sadly.
She took my arm and looked deeply into my eyes. "Ophelia, you are not
the first to be changed, nor, I dare say, the last. I remember a young
man called Edoardo, who was accidentally changed. He schemed to change
back, and the book was even in his possession but various circumstances
prevented his using it. Finally he accepted the woman's body, her life
and her potential. 'She' even was obedient and accepted an arranged
marriage. It was happy and eventually she became a mother. Maybe you
will too."
"Where did the spell book come from?"
"I obtained it from a Gypsy woman. I think she was Hungarian, but these
people move around. The language of the spell is not Hungarian, although
the instructions are in German. I think it is from an ancient language.
Maybe it is not even a language. By the way, the book is not in my room.
It is hidden away. Do not think to find it."
"What else is in the damned book? More evil spells?"
"Watch your language! It is not seemly in a woman, especially one of the
nobility as you are. It has more spells certainly, but most are for the
good. There are spells to heal injuries, birth defects, poisonings, and
so on. Even the one I changed you with works for the good." She gave a
faint smile. "After all, it allowed us to put a dissolute wretch like
you were onto a better path."I began to sob and she embraced me. Jeremy
and Catherine looked on, a trifle awkwardly at the display of emotion.
The trip back took us many uncomfortable days, usually travelling about
a hundred miles each day in a series of jolting coaches, out of Italy
and into France, and then north to Calais. Finally a ferry took us
across a choppy English Channel to England. It was strange but welcome
after all of these months to hear English spoken again. Another coach
took us to London where we were to stay overnight. By that time we would
be finished with horse drawn coaches as a newly built railway line was
in place to get us home.
Eventually we arrived back at the estate and, as usual after a trip,
were met by all of our servants, lined up in order of precedence on the
entrance stairs. I trembled as we alighted from the coach.The servants
were familiar with us and would spot anything out of place. First,
Jeremy was formally welcomed by our butler and then by all of the other
staff who dutifully bowed or curtseyed. I saw some look at him
cautiously and I recollected some of my past behavior and treatment of
the servants prior to leaving on the trip. Catherine was next. The
servants greeted her with open pleasure. I gathered she had been a
popular and respected mistress. At my turn I was welcomed by each , but
I trembled, continually waiting for suspicion or recognition, but none
came. One of the servants even complimented me on my looks and I
breathed easier. I had not been recognized.
One of the female servants led me to my room. "See, we have kept it as
you left, Miss Ophelia. Apart from dusting it," she added hastily. "Is
there anything else you require, Miss Ophelia?"
"No thank you, Jenkins," I replied.
"Then I will leave you, Miss Ophelia. Just call if you need anything."
I looked round the room. It was only slightly familiar as I had rarely
been in it before. I had left its decoration and furnishing to to the
former Ophelia. It was filled with various pictures and ornaments. My
heart sank when I opened one of the wardrobes and saw it filled with
various women's outfits, most in dull colours and old styles. A shelf
held all types of hats, most still in their boxes. I opened a drawer in
a chest. It was filled with women's undergarments, and a lower one was
the same. I would have to get used to all of these. I fingered the heavy
wool of one of the outfits. It was perhaps fit for an English winter but
much heavier than the selection of the Italian clothes I had aquired
from the Contessa .
I took the outfits out and looked at each critically against the light.
I shook my head. All were heavy and ungainly, at least compared to what
I had seen in Italy and Paris. My sister had possessed a very
conservative, even dowdy taste in clothing. In fact it was little wonder
that she had been still unmarried. Now her identity had now been thrust
on me.
The thought of being with a man filled me with horror, and a bleak
restricted life awaited me unless I was married. I would probably be
fated to life as a pale wraith floating on the fringes of a family. I
sat down and thought about the dilemma and my future. I shuddered at the
thought of being a spinster aunt to Jeremy's family, then ending my days
in some back room. To get a life of my own I needed away from these
surroundings. But how? Little work was available for single women. I
might become a governess, but then I would almost be a servant. Also,
looking after someone else's children did not appeal to me, and the
position would only last as long as the children were small. Eventually
I would have to look for another position, and so on, until I was too
old. I saw no way out.
I had been back a week before I had a woman's bleeding period, my first.
I was disgusted with the mess and humiliated when I had to seek
Catherine's help, but she was only sympathetic. She did not gloat over
my plight.
As the summer wore on to Autumn, the social season began, and one day we
received an invitation from a neighbour, a ball invitation requesting
the pleasure of our company. Catherine was excited. "This is the first
occasion of of the social scene. It will be nice to chat with our
neighbours and catch up with their news. Ophelia, you are invited. What
will you wear?" I shook my head. "I do not want to go."
"Nonsense, You are a pretty woman and will have a wonderful time."
But I was adamant. I had no desire to show myself off or see any of the
neighbours. So, while Jeremy and Catherine threw themselves into the
social scene, I kept to myself. I received a number of social
invitations but I declined them all, pleading illness or indisposition.
I even kept out of the way when there was a ball at our own mansion.
Catherine and Jeremy tried in vain to persuade me. I had no taste for
the social scene and avoided it all of that year and over the following
summer. I was a recluse, but I wanted it that way.
In late September of the next year I was sewing a quilt, alone in my
room, when Catherine entered. "Ophelia, may I speak with you?"
"Of course," I said. I knew from her face that she had something serious
on her mind but I resolved to be hard and non committal.
"Ophelia, Jeremy and I are worried about you. You do little outside the
house. You seem to have have lost your spirit. It is another social
season and you should get out."
I shook my head. "It is the one who is now my brother who is
responsible. He appropriated my life and left me his." My tone was more
sad than angry. I was just weary, perhaps bored.
Catherine took me in her arms. "Yes, I know. I regret it was necessary,
but our estate is now doing well and we have good investments. But as
for you, surely you have to make the best of things and look to what you
can make of your future. What is ahead of you, Ophelia ?" She repeated
what had been in my own mind.
"You are an attractive woman. You should be making an exciting life.
Jeremy and I have been invited to another ball. You refused all
invitations last season, but please change your mind. Why don't you come
along with us. Please? You could get a lovely new ball gown. I am sure
you would enjoy getting out to a ball. I am going to get a new gown too.
However, I may only be able to wear it once or twice this season. " She
held her hands over her belly. "I have something to tell you. I am
expecting, by about two months."
My mouth dropped. "Congratulations," I stuttered. If Jeremy had died I
could have inherited the estate and the title, but now that an heir was
on the way that was unlikely. Yet I did not feel upset nor jealous of
Catherine. "That is wonderful news indeed. I shall look forward to being
an aunt."
She gave small giggle. "Ophelia, when you were a man and my husband, you
may have often neglected me, but when you did make love to me you were
forceful and masterful. You left me satisfied. With the new Jeremy, it
took some time. He had to learn many things."
"Catherine, I find this conversation bizarre, but I wish you happiness.
However, I am glad to see that the new Jeremy is now satisfactory."
She gave a wide smile and my heart softened to see her so happy. "When
is the baby due?" I asked.
"Not for about seven months, I have only found out. I have now missed
two periods and I can feel my breasts more tender. Now Ophelia, about
your gown, and the ball. Surely you must come."
I wondered how it would feel to have a child growing inside me. She
sounded so happy that I allowed myself to whisper, "Yes."
Catherine gave a squeal of delight. "That will be wonderful. Now we must
make sure a pretty woman like you is properly outfitted for the ball.
Yes, you should have a new gown, and everything else too. Yes, I'll
speak to Jeremy about it."
When she left I sat down heavily, wondering what I had let myself in
for. I finally decided that I must cancel, but by then she had called
one of the local dressmakers. I had only agreed to go to a ball. Now it
seemed as if an avalanche of femininity was released on me.
The dressmaker pointed out that waists were even more nipped in this
season and she was emphatic that tighter styles were absolutely
necessary. I shook my head but she dismissed my objections for a new
corset. "Lady Catherine, Lady Ophelia, your waists are nicely slim
already, but with a little help, they can be the slimmest in the
county."
Catherine shook her head. "Not much for me, I am afraid. Perhaps after
the baby is born. But you Ophelia, there is no reason for you not to." I
remembered the torture of my first corset but any of my protests were
dismissed .
A new corset arrived some days later, a heavy pink silk garment,
embroidered with deep red flowers and fitted with dark red laces. I
lifted it apprehensively. The garment was rigid with bones and would
hold me mercilessly. I held on to a bedpost and grunted as a maid
steadily tightened my laces and finally tied them at my back. My waist
was pulled in but I was amazed at the different feel of my new garment.
It pinched my waist more but I was almost blushing at the snug,
protected feeling, and the intimate way it lifted my breasts. "There,"
the corsetiere beamed with pride. "Ah, Miss Edendale, now you look so
pretty."
My breasts were now heaving up and down but the discomfort of the new
corset was not as bad as I had thought. I turned this way and that in
the mirror, approving of the way my slim waist emphasized my bust and
the flare of my hips. I smiled. "This is lovely. It is almost
comfortable."
Catherine smiled at me. "Yes, Ophelia, and now you have such a pretty
figure."
Only a few days later Catherine and I, in our new corsets, were being
meticulously measured for gowns by the dressmaker while her assistant
took notes. I had not thought getting new gowns would be so much fuss or
complicated, with the discussion of styles, colours, materials and even
accessories. The latest London magazines and even a few from Paris were
strewn over the floor. I was a bit bored and hardly listened to the
dressmaker's suggestions.
Some days later I stood in my new corset, and petticoat over my
crinoline cage for the last fitting of the gown. The dressmaker proudly
unwrapped it. I had not paid much attention to styles when I was being
measured. Now, when she unwrapped the gown and slid the silk over my
shoulders, I was taken aback to see my shoulders totally bare and more
than half of my swelling bosom as well. The dressmaker beamed at me. "Oh
Miss Edendale, you will be the belle of the ball. You will be attracting
all the men."
I gathered that Catherine also approved, but I was mortified. I felt
half naked, and, looking at myself in the mirror, I knew my decolletage
would make me the centre of attention. True, the dress, in a pale mauve
silk, was lovely. It was an off -the -shoulder style,