Corsets and Boots: Part Eight
Chapter Fifteen
Work
We returned to the shop, after our honeymoon, to find that two batches
of completed garments had been delivered by the factory and were
overdue for dispatch, so we had to roll up our sleeves and start
packing them at once. I almost wished that we had accepted Gerald's
offer to mail the orders direct to the customers while we were away;
but I preferred to deal with this part of the business myself so that
I could deal with any special instructions.
Many customers were most insistent that their garments should be sent
to a Post Office Box Number, or to a secure accommodation address, and
I went to great lengths to ensure that no mistakes were made. I
inspected each individual item, and checked it against the original
order before dispatching it, so that I could be sure of giving the
customer my Personal Guarantee of Satisfaction with every confidence.
We had also received a large number of new orders asking for garments
from stock, as well as several requests for fittings. I was very
pleased with the way the corsetry business had increased, because it
confirmed my belief in the value of offering our male customers a
specialised and understanding service. I could always remember how
Dorothy had given me so much pleasure, simply by listening to me, and
knowing how to help me.
We adopted similar methods, when we dealt with our customers; either
personal, or mail order; and it was gratifying to be able to set them
at their ease by the application of a little understanding. If I
appear to be unduly stressing this aspect it is because I place a
great value on it, and may take up some more time and space to discuss
it at greater length later on.
We decided that we ought to attend to our own needs; and, in a way, we
became our own customers. I recall that we were in our favourite
position one evening; feet up; holding hands; seated in front of the
fire and quietly enjoying each other's company.
Dorothy opened the discussion:
"Darling; you remember how good you were about helping that first man
with his fitting?"
I replied:
"Yes. I was afraid I might do something stupid, and make a fool of
myself, but that fitting was much easier than I thought it would be,
and once I had managed to overcome my nervousness I quite enjoyed
doing it."
She went on:
"Well; I've been thinking. Do you still want to go on working in the
business, now that we are married? After all; you only did it to help
me out, at first; and we've done so well since then that it frightens
me sometimes. Look; I know I'm putting this badly; but what I mean is
this - do you want to go back to your Insurance job, or do you want to
carry on as we are?
I won't try to influence you in any way, but I would like to know your
opinion."
It seemed to me to be a rather silly question; because, for the first
time in my life I had found true happiness, but I tried to give it my
full consideration, and replied:
"I know some people thing it is strange, but I've always been
interested in corsets since I was ten years old, and hoped that, when
I grew up, I could find myself a good job in the corset industry. I
did try, but there were so many obstacles, which made it all very
difficult for me. I wanted to join a corset making class at our local
night school, but I was told that men could not be admitted. I became
friendly with a home consultant corsetiere, who could see that I knew
a lot about corsets, and was very keen. She thought there was nothing
wrong about it, and put my name forward for consideration by her firm,
but again I was told that I could not be accepted.
"I once told you that I answered an advertisement for the post of
Sales Representative with one of the larger corset manufacturers, but
all I received was a short letter of rejection. I thought it must have
been because I was a man, trying to break into a woman's world; but
it's obvious that there are some male reps; look at Gerald, for
instance. I know he is part of a family business, but he seems to be
well known and liked wherever he goes."
Dorothy replied:
"I know of several different travellers who called here over the
years. They were all men; but nobody seemed to mind. They always took
care to ensure that the shop was empty before they came in; and Mummy
or Daddy dealt with them up here in the flat; but apart from that it
was all quite normal."
I continued:
"That was the job I would really have liked, but I had to start as a
trainee electrician. I didn't like the work, and that's why I went
into the Army. I think I was looking for an adventurous life; like my
fictional Hero. Some of the training was interesting, but most of it
was time wasting. I only started to work for the Insurance Company as
a way of making some money to live on, and earn my keep at home.
I wasn't very keen on the Insurance job, and I don't want to go back
to it again.
"I think I can safely say that I am doing exactly what I want to do;
now. I was very worried at first, in case I did something stupid and
caused you a lot of unnecessary trouble or expense. And then I was
encouraged when the money started to come in.
"I could be quite happy to continue like this, and I have a lot more
ideas that should help to expand the business. So the answer to your
question is a definite 'Yes;' if you will have me. My chief worry is
that I don't want to appear to be making a take-over. It's your shop,
really; your Mother and Father built it up, and I would like to see
you make a success of it. I think there is still a good future in
corsetry, and I feel sure we should make money if we continue to cater
for male and female customers who have special needs."
Dorothy broke in, to say:
"But, Dearest; it's not My shop, now; it's Ours; don't you see that!
We could change the name, if you wished; make it L & D Ashton. What do
you think? That name has a nice ring to it."
I demurred:
"No, love. I see no reason to change it; it's always been W & A Mason,
and it's well known by that name; so why change it? It would mean
wasting all our present stocks of stationery and letterheads, and that
seems an unnecessary expense. No; you run the shop under its present
name, and do ladies fittings; I'll carry on with the linen rounds in
the van; and do the men's fittings up here by appointment. In that
way, it remains your business, and then if anything happens to me you
can still support yourself."
"Don't talk like that!" she protested. "Don't you see; you are my
Strong Support! I like having you round me. I appreciate your
strength, and the way that you hold things together."
After a pause, I went on:
"Talking of Strong Support; something else has occurred to me. I think
we ought to set our customers a good example, and 'Dress the Part.'"
She gave me an interrogative look, and waited for me to continue.
"About your corset; have you ever been fitted for it? You know; really
measured and fitted, I mean; with a frame, like the one we use on our
customers."
Her faced cleared:
"Oh, I see what you mean! But, no; I've never had a proper fitting. As
I told you, Mummy laced me into my first one, and I think it was a
stock model. I know that when she tried again after my illness it was
definitely from stock, because it was still in the box. All I have
done since that time is to change to a smaller size, as my figure
became trained. Gerald's range goes down to twenty one inches, so his
smallest size is just right for me.
"I'm happy with the model that his firm makes because it supports me
well; it's fully lined and has rustless boning. I can wash it, and I
don't get any marks on my skin from the ridges where the bones come,
like you do with an unlined garment. Nowadays, whenever I want a new
one I just have to make sure that I have one in stock, and re-order
another to take its place. But you know, you are quite right; I've
never been fitted, and I've often thought that the general styling of
this one could be improved, here and there."
And then, she gave me an unmistakable look of invitation:
"How about it, Dear; would you like to give me a fitting?"
"I'd love to!" I enthused.
"And then perhaps you could do the same for me; if you wouldn't mind."
"Of course I could." she replied. "In fact, I'd like to, very much."
And then; impetuously: "Shall we do it now?"
I said: "No, love; it's a bit late now. Let's do it when we have more
time. If you think of any changes or new ideas, perhaps you'd let me
know."
"All right." she agreed. "The same goes for you."
And on that pleasant note, we went to bed.
**
We chose a quiet weekend, for the fittings. I made sure the sitting
room was warm and comfortable; Dorothy went into the bedroom to
undress, and came back wearing her dressing gown and slippers. She
gave me her sidelong look; unfastened her dressing gown, and let it
hang open at the front. She eased it off her shoulders; letting it
slowly fall to the floor; and stood revealed in only her corset. I
immediately became violently aroused and moved towards her; eagerly;
putting my hands upon her waist. She could see my need; but she
grinned at me; put both her hands on my chest and pushed me away.
"Steady on, love;" she cautioned. "I was only teasing you. I know
exactly how you feel; but this is meant to be a fitting - not a
seduction. Come on, now; business first, and pleasure afterwards - all
right? Tell you what; it might help if I strip off completely and you
put on your white coat."
She was quite right. Donning my white coat made me feel much more
detached and assured, so that when she returned, totally naked, I was
able to look at her quite dispassionately. I asked her:
"Do you wear anything under your corset; you know, a vest, chemise, or
whatever?" She replied: "No; I always wear it next to my skin, because
I prefer it that way. I generally keep three of them on the go. One
on; one in the wash; with another in reserve. In that way they last
longer, and wear better; and of course it's much more hygienic."
I passed her the small frame, and said:
"Here you are; this should be the right size for you. Will you put it
on."
She said: "No; you're the fitter. You do it."
She raised her arms, and I wrapped the frame around her; fastening the
front clasp, while she wriggled to settle herself comfortably; raising
her small breasts slightly, as she did so. I began to adjust the
lacing at the back; following my usual routine, working slowly upwards
from the bottom edge; making sure the fit was perfect, and trying to
keep everything at an even tension. I did not lace her too tightly at
first, but concentrated on effecting a firm and smooth line.
She stood patiently, looking at herself in the mirror, as I began to
tighten the upper half; and once again lifted and eased her breasts
slightly. I paused, and asked:
"Do you wear a bra?"
"Not normally;" she answered. "I have one or two, of course; but I
usually find that the upward thrust of the corset firms up my breasts,
and gives me all the support I need. What do you think; should I wear
one?"
I hesitated: "Well; it really has to be your choice. For myself, I
like to see a small waist most of all; but I must admit I like to see
a well supported bustline, as well. Tell me; how does it feel now?
I've tried to keep all the laces at about the same tension at the
back. Do you want me to tighten it anywhere?"
"Oh yes, please." she replied. "All the way up. I like it much tighter
than that."
I re-adjusted the back lace; pulling it tighter as she requested; then
tied a knot, and we both had a good look. Working to her directions, I
adjusted the different small laced sections, and moulded her hip line
until it was smooth and rounded. She sat down, and stood up several
times; and then bent forward. After she had done that she carefully
bent over to left and right, as far as she possibly could. This had
the effect of moving the frame slightly, and bedding it in. Following
her sequence of movements, we were able to make further slight
adjustments around the waist and hip area, until the fit was once
again perfect for her.
When we began to work upon her rib section I took the greatest care to
ensure that she was able to breathe freely; adjusting the upper small
laced sections, and sculpting her to a smooth line. She performed
another sequence of sitting, standing and bending, and I noticed that
the upward thrust of the corset had caused both her breasts to firm
up, and become full and rounded. I had to concentrate really hard
after that, to prevent my feelings getting the better of me.
She sat for a few minutes, to accustom herself to the various
sensations.
"You know; I like this." she said. "It's really quite a different
feeling altogether."
"Can you explain?" I asked, and she went on:
"I have become so used to a stock garment over the years, that I've
stopped thinking about it. I like my waist to be the size it is, and
I'm accustomed to the various minor discomforts. You know what I mean;
sometimes it pinches a bit; and no matter how I try, I often seem to
get a few creases at the waist during the day; and they can be very
painful.
But now; look - no creases!"
She ran her hands up and down the material:
"Go on; you try it, and tell me what you think."
I did as she suggested; running my hands over her; and experiencing a
terrific sensation! If I was not careful, I was in danger of
disgracing myself again!
I concentrated hard, and eventually asked her:
"How does it feel now? Have we got a good fit?"
She had a good look at herself in all the mirrors, and finally said:
"I like the general line; it's very good. I like the shape it gives
me; but it still doesn't feel as tight as my usual one. Will you put
the tape measure round me, and check my waist."
I took a careful measurement; and told her:
"It's exactly twenty inches, over the frame; so if we allow for the
extra thickness of the material, I'd say that your next to skin waist
measurement is about nineteen inches."
She was quite definite:
"I'd like it to be tighter.
Can you make my waist about two inches smaller, and see how it looks
then."
"Well; it's your decision;" I said, doubtfully.
"If I can fully close the laces at the sides of the waist, that should
make you two inches smaller. You'd better hold on to the handles, this
time. And please tell me if it hurts."
I carefully drew the edges together on either side of her waist, and
knotted the laces firmly. Dorothy once again repeated her standing,
sitting and bending movements, and said:
"Oh yes; I like it now. It's a lot better; much more comfortable in
every way. It's a perfect fit, and I feel really well supported,
everywhere."
I checked her waist again, and it measured exactly eighteen inches,
over the frame.
The measuring frame is a useful device, which allows for infinite
variations of measurement and style; but it is a functional and
practical garment; and in no way is it fashionable. Dorothy's body had
been moulded to a beautifully smooth line, both above and below her
waist; and the waist itself was noticeably smaller than before.
Unfortunately, the frame, with all its different laces; buckles, and
dull cloth, did not give the same finished effect as plain white and
smooth satin corset cloth.
We decided to take a full set of measurements, and enter them on a
form.
I asked her:
"Do you want to make any changes to the height, above and below the
waist?"
We made a few minor modifications to the height and depth, until she
was completely satisfied, and then I measured her again. I wanted the
finished garment to be perfect in every detail, so we spent some time
discussing various matters of a technical nature. The type and
positioning of the boning; the laces; the spacing of the lace holes,
and we positioned the six suspenders where she wanted them.
We looked at samples of different materials; eventually ordering a
total of six identical garments; each with the same measurements, but
in a variety of different materials. It was partly an experiment; so
that we could check the various cloths for wear and washing qualities;
and it also ensured that Dorothy could have a selection for everyday
use, and one or two for "Best." I particularly remember the one that
was made of pale blue figured satin. It never failed to arouse me when
she was wearing it - and she knew it!
At the conclusion of a satisfactory fitting, I loosened the frame, and
released her. I laced her into her every day corset; and then she came
to me.
It was a most satisfying day - in every way!
**
We had a chance to do my fitting a few days later. I stripped off my
clothing; Dorothy became the fitter, and fastened me into the frame. I
was bigger than she was, and we found the larger sized frame to be the
most suitable. She drew in the laces at the back, and I began to feel
all my usual feelings of satisfaction as the tightness increased. She
followed my procedure of starting at the lower edge, and working
upwards; tightening the laces gradually, until we had obtained a near
perfect fit over my hips.
The moulding of my chest and ribs took somewhat longer, and at one
point I began to have difficulty with my breathing. We had a short
rest, while we thought about it. Dorothy said:
"Here's an idea! Daddy used to do it. Raise your arms over your head;
as though you were trying to shake hands with yourself; that's right.
Now, reach up as high as you can, and stay like that."
I followed her instructions, and stood with both arms stretched
upwards. I felt as if I was lifting myself out of the top of the
frame. She adjusteded the laces again, and my breathing became much
easier, so she began working on my waist.
"Reach up again," she said, "and this time, try and pull in your
stomach muscles as well."
I sucked in my stomach, and she pulled hard on the laces several
times, and then knotted them.
"Now, let yourself slowly relax." she ordered.
I sank gracefully down, and the frame braced and supported me without
any constriction or painful pressure. There was only a blissful
comfort and support, and I was held firmly and securely, like an egg
in an egg cup. I followed Dorothy's example of standing, sitting, and
bending; finding that it helped to settle the frame in position, and
allowed us to make a few more minor adjustments.
I had a good look at myself in the mirror, and was pleased with the
final result. I told Dorothy so, and asked her:
"What's my waist measurement now? It looks much smaller than usual."
She put the tape around my waist, and replied:
"Would you believe - Twenty Three Inches."
"But that's impossible," I protested. "I can't be that small."
She re-checked the measurement, and confirmed:
"No doubt about it; see for yourself."
"I can't see the tape." I complained, so we went and stood closer to
the mirror until I could see the figures for myself, and, sure enough,
she was right!
"But it feels so good!" I exulted. "Marvellous! The last time I came
anywhere near this, it was so painful it nearly crippled me."
Dorothy remarked, in her usual practical way:
"Ah, yes. But that was some time ago, and you were obviously overdoing
it, then. You must remember that, nowadays, you are used to being
tightly corseted; and although this is a good effort, it's nowhere
near as much as the reduction you tried to manage on that first
occasion."
We had a last look, and made a few more slight adjustments, before
Dorothy finally recorded all my measurements. I was quite happy to
stand and admire myself while this was going on, and in spite of the
numerous knots and buckles, and the odd dangling length of lace. I was
very impressed with my newly moulded contours; rubbing my hands over
the heavy cloth, and trying to visualise myself in the smoothly
finished corset.
Dorothy had chosen blue as her favourite colour, but I had always had
a preference for black, so I insisted that she listed it as one of my
choices. We enjoyed a short and most enjoyable period of "Free
Expression," once the measurement forms had been completed, before
finally going to bed tired, but happy.
**
Gerald was about a week later than usual, when he made his next call
upon us. It transpired that he had been very interested in our order
for two suites of six identical garments, and he had gone to great
efforts to personally supervise their manufacture, because he had
realised that they were for a special purpose. His senior and most
experienced staff had done the work, and they had been at pains to
ensure that each garment was perfect in every way.
I was both surprised at this special attention, and grateful to
Gerald. Dorothy invited him upstairs for a cup of tea and a chat, and
we told him about my idea of "Dressing the part." He agreed with us,
and remarked that he had often been surprised at the way that some
corset shop owners seemed to neglect their own figures. I remember him
insisting:
"If you are in the business of figure training, you should always be
prepared to set your customers a good example."
That caused me to think back to the enormous woman, standing behind
the counter of the first corset shop I had visited, and I fully agreed
with him!
Dorothy said that her mother had always worn a tight lacing corset,
but her father never did. In fact, he held strong views about the
whole subject of corsetry, and could never understand why it was all
so secretive. She told us:
"When Mummy first started the corsetry department, it was meant to be
a 'Ladies Only' shop. She had a curtained fitting cubicle at one end
of the shop, and some heavy net curtains over the window, for privacy.
When ladies called, she would give them a choice of three or four
garments to try on in the cubicle, and she was always ready to help
with their lacing, if it was necessary.
"One day, a man came in the shop, and asked if he could buy one of the
corsets in the window."
She grinned at me, with her sidelong look:
"He was obviously very nervous, and when Mummy shouted 'Be off! Or
I'll call the Police!' he ran away like a startled rabbit. Mummy
complained to Daddy that night, but his main concern was the loss of a
possible sale. He told Mummy that he could see nothing wrong with a
man wanting a to buy, or wear a corset, and he thought she was making
too much fuss about nothing.
"They had a long talk about it, and in the end Mummy compromised. She
agreed to sell corsets to men, over the counter, but still refused to
let them try things on in the shop. It later became obvious that men
wanted fittings, just like ladies, so she made Daddy deal with them.
He opened his own men's department, and was eventually able to build
up a good, regular clientele.
That was when he started to use a measuring frame."
She turned to Gerald, and asked:
"Did the frame come from your firm?"
"Oh yes." he replied. "My father, and your father knew each other very
well, and I remember Dad saying to me when I first started: 'Look
after Mason's; we don't want to lose them;' which brings me to my next
point. I've brought some of your latest order with me, including all
your new 'Specials.' They're in the back of the car; I'll go and get
them."
For some odd reason, I felt strangely touched by his special
attention.
I put my arm around Dorothy, and said:
"Isn't that nice of him. I wonder why he did it?"
She gave me a peculiar look, and was just about to answer, when Gerald
returned. He was carrying two neatly wrapped boxes, and he also had a
nice bunch of flowers for Dorothy. I could see that she was delighted,
and left her dealing with the flowers, while I went with him to unload
the rest of our order. After a round of mutual good wishes, he said
his farewells, and went on his way, leaving us to open our boxes.
Gerald's girls had really excelled themselves, and had made perfect
examples of the corset maker's art. Dorothy examined her pale blue
one, and held it up against herself. It was a beautiful garment, and I
could not wait to see her wearing it. My special black one was
spectacular to look at, but proved to be impractical for regular
everyday wear, because it could be seen through such outer garments as
white shirts. I could, and did wear the white corsets on a regular
basis, and although Dorothy liked to see me in the black one, we
decided to keep it for use on our 'Special occasions.'
By sheer coincidence, we were able to enjoy our first special occasion
that very weekend. Dorothy was up and about, and I was still lying in
bed; thinking pleasant thoughts. She came into the bedroom in her
dressing gown, carrying two mugs of coffee; placed one mug down on my
bedside table, and sat on the edge of the bed, sipping from the other
mug as we talked about little inconsequential things. She was
obviously in a good mood, and it pleased me to see her like that. It
only seemed to be a short while since she had been so worried about
whether she could carry on running the shop. I was happy when she was
happy, and it made me feel good just to be able to share the pleasant
interlude.
"You look pleased with life, love." I remarked.
"Is it something special - or is it just a 'good to be alive' day?"
To my surprise, she replied:
"No; it's more than that. It's - Oh! Don't you see? You silly thing! -
It's you!"
I immediately sat up in bed; nearly spilling my coffee in the process;
with all my defences poised and ready to snap into place:
"Me! - Why; what have I done?"
"Oh; you are funny," she laughed. "Don't you ever take any credit?"
I looked very puzzled, and she went on:
"Yes; I am pleased with life; and don't you understand - I owe it all
to you."
She seemed to be making a lot of fuss about nothing, so I remained
silent, and waited for her to develop her theme.
She suddenly stood up, and I knew she was about to say 'Something of
Great Importance.' by the way she was bracing herself up.
It came forcefully:
"Look! I'm not getting through to you; am I?"
She took a deep breath, and then:
"All right, then; consider this:- There I was; all at sea; a Damsel in
Distress; like a lost sheep in a fog. Up to my ears in debt; worried
out of my mind; running around in circles, and climbing up the wall. I
was all alone; by myself; with no-one to turn to, when the shop door
opened, and, like a bolt from the blue, you walked in."
She paused for breath:
"In the wink of an eye, you put on your shining armour; girded up your
loins; picked up the reins; seized the Bank Manager by the horns;
steamrollered over him like a whirlwind; stuck your finger in the
dyke; bailed out the sinking ship; struck while the iron was hot;
tightened the main lace; spliced the mainbrace; left no rolling stone
unturned; steered the whole show back on to the straight and narrow
rails, and made a clean sweep with a new broom of a different colour!"
As an example of pure mixed metaphors, her whole outburst took some
beating; but at last I began to understand. Feeling very subdued, I
countered:
"You know; I never thought of it like that. You were so good to me;
helping me the way you did; so it seemed only natural for me to try
and help you."
She made a sudden gesture of exasperation, and stamped her foot on the
thick bedroom carpet; which proved to be somewhat ineffective in her
soft bedroom slippers.
"Oh; you stupid man!" she exclaimed. "Won't you ever understand? You
are a good business man, and that's the reason why Gerald made his
special effort. He has suddenly realised that we have become a
valuable connection again, since you came to live here, and we are
well worth looking after. When things were at their blackest, I hardly
saw him at all. I don't know how I can ever repay you; I really
don't."
I remained sitting in the bed; turning her words over in my mind;
never having thought of myself as being anything special. Until I met
Dorothy, my life had been one long continued round of frustration and
disappointment, and things had only recently started to become more
bearable. I thought she was making too much fuss about the whole
business, but was not in a mood to argue. I decided, instead, to take
the fullest advantage of the situation, and asked her:
"Will you do something for me, please."
She replied, willingly:
"Anything at all, love - if I can."
"May I, please, have a look at you in your new blue corset. It looked
so lovely when you unwrapped it; and I'm just panting to see you with
it on."
She gave me her special smile, but did not speak. Still smiling, she
walked to the dressing table, took out the blue corset, unwrapped it
from the tissue paper, and held it up against herself.
Her usual practice in a morning was to rise from the bed; reach for
her corset; wrap it around herself, and, with a few quick movements,
adjust and knot the laces. It was a daily ritual which never failed to
arouse me.
On this occasion she excelled herself! Her whole performance; and that
describes it perfectly - her whole performance was carried out in slow
motion, and she was almost like a professional strip-tease artiste -
in reverse! She slowly wrapped the corset around her body, and
fastened the front busk with a regular series of sharp clicks. She
wriggled. No - this was much more than a wriggle; it was a slow,
infinitely seductive twist and sway! Still smiling, she went gliding
across the room, turning to stand facing me, with her back to one of
the long mirrors, and began to lace herself into the lovely corset.
There was no haste. She pulled slowly; steadily; moving her strong
fingers; taking up the tension, and picking at the laces in an even
sequence. Her movements could have been set to slow and sweeping
music, and the more she pulled, the more I became aroused. My desire
was like a raging fire inside me, and I struggled to contain myself,
until she finally stood holding a lace firmly in each hand; turned to
face the mirror; looked back over her shoulder, and smiled at me -
exactly like the woman in the picture on the London escalator! She
said, simply:
"Help me."
I jumped from the bed; took the laces; pulled hard, and she swayed
against me so that our bodies touched. I knotted the laces; put my
hands upon her waist; and she slowly turned to face me, with the
invitation:
"Come on - Big Boy! Take me!"
I Was - and I Did!
*****
Chapter Sixteen
Play
One night, just before bedtime, Dorothy raised a question. She had
spent the evening engrossed in a book, and I had assumed that it was
just another of her 'Nice Romances.' She came and sat by me and held
my hand, so it was obvious that we were about to have another of our
exchanges of confidence. She began:
"That was a very interesting book; and it's made me think.
Darling; I know you like wearing corsets, and you once talked about
trying high heels.
Do you think you might be a Transvestite?"
I was puzzled by her question, and asked:
"That's a new one on me, love. What does it mean?"
She explained:
"A Transvestite is a man who likes to wear women's clothes - or it can
be the other way round; but it's usually that way round; if you see
what I mean. Have you ever worn women's clothes?"
I replied: "No; I haven't; although I must admit I've often wondered
what it would be like."
Then, to my surprise, she said eagerly:
"Would you like to try wearing some of the things that women wear?
It might help you to know."
I answered: "I certainly wouldn't object to trying it; just once; if
that's what you really want.
Of course; I shall need your help."
"I'll be glad to help you." she replied.
And then it started to occur to me just what I was about to let myself
in for, and I began to have second thoughts about the whole business.
"But; what about clothes? You're much smaller than me, and there's no
way I can get into anything of yours. And, while we are on the subject
of size; what are your measurements now that we have the new corsets?"
She answered; "Nowadays I have a thirty six inch bust; nineteen inch
waist, and about thirty six inch hips. As you know, I can make my
waist smaller if I want to, but I'm comfortable all day at nineteen
inches."
"Well, there you are then!" I argued. "I must be at least forty inches
round my chest and hips; and even with a struggle, the smallest I can
make my waist is twenty two inches."
She lapsed into her 'Professional voice:'
"Oh; I'm sure it's possible to reduce your waist still more, if you
want to. But, never mind that for now; here's what I'd like to do, if
you will agree. I'll see if I can borrow some suitable outer clothes
in your size from Mrs. Renfrew at the Dress Agency; it doesn't need to
be anything special at first; and I know we can provide all your
underwear from our own stock in the shop."
She was becoming very enthusiastic; counting off the various points on
her fingers, and I decided it was time to call the meeting to order
before the whole business became completely out of control. I
protested:
"Now, wait a minute; please be serious. Nobody with an ugly and
masculine face like mine can ever be made to look like a woman!"
She rode over my objection:
"Don't you believe it! I know where I can get hold of a wig; and with
that and some make-up you'll be really surprised what we can do to
you."
She seemed to be doing her utmost to persuade me to dress in women's
clothes, in spite of my natural and obvious reluctance, and she was
becoming so keen and insistent that I decided to please her, by co-
operating. I was quite sure that I would end up looking completely
ridiculous dressed as a woman, and the whole business would turn into
a totally embarrassing fiasco, but I wanted to do my best for her.
A few days later, she told me that she had everything ready for our
first attempt, and we arranged to set the next weekend aside to do
justice to the experiment. I visited the barber and asked him to cut
my hair shorter than usual; then had a close shave to make my face as
smooth as possible.
Dorothy asked me to put on my black corset, and when I protested that
the colour would show through a women's thinner outer clothes, she
retorted: "Oh no it won't! Not when I've finished with you. Go on,
please; I do like to see you wearing it." So, once again, I agreed,
just to please her, and she opened the proceedings by lacing me in
very tightly. The corset was new and stiff, and, My Word! How She Did
Pull! When my waist was firmly packaged, she handed me a white long
line brassiere, and a small white pantie girdle, ordering:
"You must put these on, now. I want you to have a good and well shaped
figure."
I tentatively put my arms through the shoulder straps of the
unfamiliar brassiere, and she said:
"Stand still, a minute; and let me hook you up."
She stretched the elastic; fastened the long row of hooks at the back,
and then offered me two soft and dry bath sponges; saying, with a
grin:
"This is the best I can find for a bosom, for now! Put one into each
cup, and let's have a look."
I stuffed a sponge into each cup, and she went on: "Bend forward a
bit." She re-positioned the sponges slightly, and pulled the bra down
at the back, until the shoulder straps felt tight; "Now straighten
up." She surveyed me, carefully: "Oh yes; that's rather good, I think.
Certainly it will do for a first attempt. How does it seem to you?"
It seemed distinctly odd to me; having two totally alien protuberances
at the front! The brassiere cups appeared to be larger than Dorothy's
more natural bosom, and they were well filled, but when I tentatively
lifted both my 'Breasts' they did not have the correct 'Feel;' because
there was no life about them. Nevertheless, Dorothy had expressed her
satisfaction, and this was only going to be a 'one-off' as far as I
was concerned, so true realism was not essential.
I carefully stepped into the pantie girdle, and pulled it well up. It
fitted tightly everywhere; around and under me; coming up to the
bottom edge of the brassiere, and allowing me to pull the six
suspenders on my black corset through the holes for the legs and let
them dangle freely.
I moved across the room to have a look in the mirror, and was very
surprised at the change in my general shape. The girdle caused my
genitals to become flattened and tucked neatly away, and the padded
brassiere gave me a realistic looking, if rather rigid, bust line. My
small waist, and the tightly fitting foundation garments all combined
to give me a convincing reproduction of a typical shapely feminine
silhouette.
Dorothy had been correct in one respect, because the white brassiere
and girdle combined to effectively conceal my black corset, and it was
a most intriguing and interesting experience.
"Now, come away from the mirror." she ordered. "I don't want any more
peeping until I have finished with you."
I carefully put on a pair of fully fashioned, dark nylon stockings;
taking my time, and making sure that both seams were arrow straight,
and all the suspenders were properly secured and adjusted. Dorothy
handed me a very pretty white nylon slip, with a dainty lace top and
thin shoulder straps; saying, unnecessarily:
"It goes on over your head."
I had watched her, as she dressed, every morning, and knew what I had
to do. I pulled the slip down, smoothed it out, and stood for another
inspection.
She said, encouragingly:
"Very good, so far. Now then; what's it to be; a frock, a jumper and
skirt, or a blouse and skirt? I'm not sure what's going to be the best
for you."
She showed me a pale blue, round necked woollen jumper, and a straight
grey skirt, similar to the outfit she had been wearing when we first
met, and said:
"You'd better try these, first."
I pulled the jumper over my head, with rather an effort, and pushed my
arms into the tight sleeves. After I had managed to pull the jumper
down to my waist, I picked up the skirt, and was going to put one leg
into it, as I did with my trousers, when Dorothy stopped me:
"No; again, it's better over your head, and down."
I did not find it to be better,. My bosom got in the way, causing the
lining of the skirt to ride up, and turn everything inside out. I
could not see what I was doing because of the overhang of my bosom,
but eventually managed to fasten the waistband of the skirt, and pull
up the zipper at the side of the skirt. Feeling distinctly
uncomfortable, and conscious of the two protruding mounds at the front
that were now sharply outlined by the tight jumper, I again waited for
her opinion and was not at all surprised when she shook her head.
"Oh no. That won't do at all. I can see the outline of your bra at the
back; that jumper is much too tight over your bosom, and it looks all
wrong on you."
I struggled to take off the jumper and skirt, and then examined her
next offering. This was a dark green satin blouse with a neat mandarin
collar, and long sleeves which buttoned at the wrists. Next came an
accordion pleated black skirt with an elasticated waist. She helped me
to button up the front and cuffs of the blouse, and the pleated skirt
slid over the slippery satin of the blouse to give a much better fit
around my waist and over my hips.
Dorothy nodded her approval:
"Oh yes, that's more like it. Wait a minute, you need some sort of
belt." She opened a drawer; took out a wide elastic belt, and clipped
it around my waist, saying, as she did so:
"Now comes the tricky bit. Try these on."
'These' were a pair of classic black court shoes, with very high
heels.
I took one look at them, and protested:
"Now, be reasonable! I'll never be able to walk in those! How high are
the heels?"
"Only four inches." she replied. "The same as my best ones." She
continued, in mock protest: "It was you that suggested high heels; I'm
only trying to help." But she grinned as she said it.
I forced my feet into the shoes, but they were much too tight for
comfort. The high heels gave me another peculiar feeling, causing me
to become much taller and making it very hard for me to stand up
straight without bending my knees. I wobbled around unsteadily, and
had to hold on to the back of a chair for support and keep my balance.
"Oh yes! Takes some getting used to, doesn't it?" she chuckled. "Now
you have some idea what us real girls have to put up with." After a
short pause, she went on: "Are you ready for the wig? Here you are;
this is the front."
She held up a loose bundle of hair; opened it out with her hand, then
turned it slightly, and I could see that it was very similar to her
own hairstyle in shape and colour, with long, straight fair hair at
the back and sides, slightly curling inwards at the ends, and a short,
straight fringe at the front. She handed it to me, but it was a very
strange and unfamiliar thing. I made a complete mess of putting it on,
causing her to exclaim, irritably:
"Oh no! Take it off! Here - let me do it."
She reached up, but I was too tall, in the high heels:
"Oh; sit down a minute."
I sat in an upright chair, and she held the wig in both hands. She
raised it high, and placed it on my head; almost as if she was
bestowing some great honour upon me. She picked up a comb and gave the
wig a few deft strokes; patting it here and there with her hand and
saying, with satisfaction:
"There! That's much better. Stay there a few minutes longer, and I'll
do your make up."
She unfolded a white cloth, and draped it around my shoulders in the
same way that the barber had covered me, to protect my clothes when I
had a haircut. I smoothed my skirtdown over my knees, and tried
sitting with my knees together as most women seemed to do. It was a
very unnatural pose and difficult for me to sustain; with the high
heels only making it worse.
Dorothy put a small tray on the table. It held several glass jars and
small metal tubes, some brushes, and other unidentifiable objects, and
reminded me of a party game I had played as a child, where I had been
required to memorise as many of the objects as possible as the tray
was slowly passed in front of me.
She began to apply a series of thin creams and unguents to my cheeks,
chin, and neck, using a small pad; her fingers, and once or twice, a
brush. It was most unpleasant when she was working around my eyes,
because my early experience in hospital had left me very sensitive in
this area, and I had to ask her to stop because it soon became
unbearable. She wanted me to put on some long false eyelashes, but I
had to refuse because the suggestion made me want to cringe. She could
see that I was unhappy, so she turned her attention to my mouth, and
applied some lipstick; thickening and reshaping my thin lips. She
handed me a small piece of tissue paper, and told me to apply it to my
lips and pat it carefully. It stuck to me, and when I pulled it off, I
could see the outline of two lips; like a kiss, on the paper.
Dorothy dabbed me with a powder puff, and then stood back and examined
me. She appeared to approve, but kept me in suspense by refraining
from comment. She gave the wig a few final strokes with a brush, and
after giving me a thorough inspection, said:
"Right; now for the final test. Stand up; walk across to the mirror,
but you mustn't look at it until the last moment. When you are close
to it, I want you to turn towards it; then you can look at yourself.
Can you do that?"
I nodded my head, conscious of the long hair tickling my cheeks,
followed her instructions and struggled to my feet. I walked with
difficulty towards the mirror, but remained out of the direct line of
sight until the last moment; then I turned and looked.
A tall, fair haired person; undoubtedly a woman; looked back at me,
curiously. She had a rather sulky expression on her face, and a most
ungainly stance; standing with her hands dangling loosely down by her
sides; legs apart, with both feet awkwardly turned outwards, and one
shoulder held higher than the other.
Dorothy walked into the mirrored picture. She was smiling and neat;
standing with legs straight, knees and ankles together, and both hands
clasped in front of her. The tall woman straightened herself up, and
assumed a similar pose and expression. It was bizarre! As if two
sisters were standing side by side! Dorothy asked the tall woman in
the mirror:
"Well? Do you like it?"
The tall woman's mouth moved, and my deep voiced words came out! "I
don't know; it doesn't seem right, somehow."
"Well I like it!" she enthused. "Oh yes! I do like it! It's like
having a big sister."
I was aware of a most peculiar hollow feeling inside me. I had no
brothers or sisters, and it looked so odd, seeing the two of us
together. I began to imitate Dorothy in every way, consciously
adopting her general stance, and copying her small involuntary
movements. She seemed to assume a new authority, and began to issue
instructions:
"I'd like you to stay like that, and keep it on for a while. Go into
the kitchen and put on an apron. You can make us a pot of tea and some
sandwiches."
I turned from the mirror and staggered towards the kitchen, off
balance in the high heels. She tied an apron around my waist; standing
and watching me as I prepared the food. For some unaccountable reason,
I set a tray, with a clean tray cloth, and put out Dorothy's 'Best
Pots.' My sandwiches were cut in dainty triangles, and were far
removed from the massive slabs I usually made. I finally brewed the
tea and carried the tray into the sitting room.
Dorothy sat down, and made me wait upon her, like a lady's maid. I had
to pour out her tea, and offer her the plate of sandwiches. Then she
told me to sit down, and we talked about the whole experience as we
drank the tea, and nibbled the sandwiches. I found that I was
chattering animatedly, and making what was little more than small
talk. I was not a bit like my usual self; feeling like an unmanly
stranger, and not altogether happy in this new role.
Dorothy said, rather apologetically:
"It may seem a bit odd, and I can't explain why it gives me so much
pleasure, but I honestly do like seeing you dressed as a woman. I'm
quite pleased with these first results, but I think we can make some
improvements to your clothes and your general appearance, and add to
the realism. Do you think you could do it again; if I found you a
better choice of clothes - just to please me. It's like making a new
friend."
I replied, reluctantly:
"Well; at first I wasn't at all keen on the idea, but I can see that
you like it very much, and after all you do dress to please me, so I
can't really object if you want me to dress to please you."
After a pause, I went on:
"I'm going to have to make a few changes, though. I'm not at all happy
like this."
"Go on, then." she offered. "Tell me what you have in mind."
"It's these shoes that are the problem. They're much too tight, and I
can't bear tight shoes. I like the high heels, but I'd prefer to
practise walking in them for a while, until I become more accustomed
to them. I nearly tripped and dropped the tray just now. I'm sorry, I
can't wear these much longer. If I'm going to do this, I have to be
comfortable, and it has to feel right. Tight corsets, yes; but tight
shoes, no! You can choose whatever clothes you like, and I'll wear
them whenever you want me to, but only if my feet are comfortable; how
would that be?"
"The shoes are no problem," she replied. "I should be able to find you
a size larger, and it might be better if the heels were lower, at
first. Do you think that would help you? You could wear them until you
become used to them, and then gradually work up to a higher pair of
heels. You have well shaped legs, for a man, and your feet are bigger
than mine. This means that you have the length of foot to allow you to
wear heels that are even higher than mine; and to my mind most legs
look more shapely in a high heel."
She was doing everything possible to please me, in order to gain my
full co-operation, so, in my usual devious way, I sought to turn the
situation to my advantage:
"Do you know what I've always fancied?"
She shook her head.
"I'd like some boots. You know; knee length, and high heeled, lace up
leather boots. I don't know why. Call it a secret desire, if you like;
it's something I've always wanted to try. I think they would give
better support to my ankles, and if they were really closely fitting
they would probably help me to become used to high heels. But I know
it's a stupid idea. For a start, they would be far too expensive, and
really the expense isn't worth it, so please forget about it."
We continued talking for a little longer, but my feet were becoming
increasingly uncomfortable and I was unhappy; so I took the shoes off;
wriggled my toes gratefully; put my bedroom slippers on, and spoilt
the whole effect! Thick and manly carpet slippers look altogether
wrong on smoothly nyloned legs, so I eventually changed back into my
own clothes.
The changing of roles; from man to woman, or vice-versa, is only
satisfactory if it can be done properly, and if you can be smart and
well dressed. It needs your full co-operation and concentration.
Anything less than that, such as simply putting on a skirt; or
applying thick layers of make up, and roughly padding your body is a
most unsatisfactory way of doing it. It might be acceptable as a
comedy act, in a carnival procession or a similar kind of group
occasion, but it is totally unsuitable for serious role reversal. You
must really 'Live the part,' and try to act like a woman all the time.
It is difficult, but it can be done.
Over the years, we had several male customers who were only happy when
they were wearing women's clothes all the time. Some of them had the
advantage of feminine shaped features, and were small of stature. They
could often go anywhere and walk around in public, without anyone
being aware of their true gender. A few of them, to my certain
knowledge, could and did spend the greater majority of their lives
living as women.
Then there were the others, who, like me, were taller, and quite
obviously more masculine or dark shaven, who found it facially
difficult to look like a realistic and convincing woman. I was happy
to welcome them into my fitting room, and always treated them with
sympathy during their fittings, because I could relate to their
specific needs, and the difficulties they had to face.
In spite of all my doubts, that first occasion had been an interesting
experience, and I was happy with my efforts because I knew I had given
pleasure to Dorothy. It soon became apparent that she had enjoyed it
even more than I had realised - as I was shortly to find out!
**
The next phase began about two months later, and it happened to
coincide with my birthday. We always tried to make special efforts
about the marking of anniversaries, such as our birthdays and
Christmas. Our presents were meant to be useful and surprising,
because this gave pleasure to Dorothy and appealed to her romantic
nature. She certainly managed to surprise me, on this occasion! She
had been acting rather mysteriously for about two weeks; often leaving
me to look after the shop while she "Slipped out for a few minutes."
When I woke on my birthday, she kissed me; said: "Happy Birthday," but
that was all. There was no sign of a present. She went to make
breakfast, while I washed and dressed, and then I went into the
sitting room and found a long, gift wrapped parcel reposing upon my
chair. Full of curiosity, I opened it.
It contained a pair of boots!
It does not seem quite right to describe boots as being 'Lovely,' but
it is the only suitable word. These most certainly were lovely! Black;
made from a supple leather, and lacing all the way up the front. The
lace holes were closely spaced, and had small black eyelets. The toes,
though narrow, were nicely formed and pointed. The heels appeared to
be more than three inches high, and were gracefully tapered. As far as
I could tell, the boots would be about knee high on me. They were very
well made; shaped to the ankles and calves of the legs, and had a
glossy sheen.
Dorothy popped her head around the door:
"Well?" she enquired.
"They're lovely!" I enthused.
"Where did you find them; and, more to the point; will they fit me?"
"There's only one way to find out." she replied, and left me to it.
I went into what had originally been my bedroom, removed my outer
clothes and dropped them on the bed, hooked my suspenders on to my
corset, and carefully put on a new pair of black nylon stockings. I
quickly slipped into my longline bra and breasts and then chose a
blouse and short skirt, to show my legs off to better advantage. I put
on my wig and then set about lacing up the boots. Loosening the laces
was not enough, and it proved to be better if I removed the laces from
some of the topmost holes, to give me enough width around the ankle
and foot.
I pointed my toe; pushed my foot into the right boot; eased it on, and
began to re-thread and tighten the crossed laces, finding, to my
delight, that it was very comfortable around my foot and ankle; so I
laced it all the way up the leg and knotted the laces. Then I tucked
the surplus and dangling lace inside the close fitting top of the
boot.
I repeated the process with my left leg, and, once again, it was a
perfect fit.
I stood up.
This was good - very good!
The boots fitted closely to my legs, and rose to just below my knees
at the front and back of my legs. The heels were definitely high, and
seemed to be almost as high as my first pair of tight high heeled
shoes, but the boots themselves were a much better fit around my foot,
making it easier for me to stand comfortably without any unpleasant
pressure on my toe joints, and, as I had expected, they supported my
ankles very well.
I had been unsteady and wobbly in the shoes; but the boots seemed to
spread the load; making me feel much more stable and confident. In a
way, it was the familiar and comfortable support that my corset gave
to my body, but now it was my feet that were feeling the benefit.
The full combination of laced corset and laced boots was unbelievably
pleasurable!
The dictionary description of pleasure is 'Satisfaction; delight;
sensuous enjoyment.'
And that is precisely what it was!
I heard Dorothy moving around in the other bedroom, and walked in to
show myself to her. Walking in the boots proved to be much easier than
the shoes, and I moved with a new ease. Dorothy noticed me in the
mirror, and turned to face me with a great deal of interest. I don't
know how it happened, but suddenly we were on the bed together, and I
was lying on top of her!
A short while later, she said, dryly:
"Happy Birthday; you seem to be enjoying it!"
I withdrew, and lifted myself from her, and said, apologetically:
"I'm sorry; I didn't intend to start celebrating it quite so early."
"Oh, don't apologise," she said, rather breathlessly.
"I'm glad you like them, because I like them too."
It was a weekday and I had a busy schedule, so I rather reluctantly
removed the boots; changed into my working clothes and went on my
rounds. Before I left, and while I was enjoying my daily session with
my hands upon Dorothy's waist, I asked her:
"How did you manage to get such a good fit?"
She replied:
"I took a pair of your shoes up to Mr. Hetherington, the shoe
repairer. He doesn't make boots, but he knows a man who does; so he
used your shoes as a pattern and handled it for me. It was as simple
as that." As a parting shot, she said: "I think it's about time we
tried to transform you completely; I'd like that. Perhaps we can have
another Special Occasion, before long, and you can put everything on."
**
Her gift of the boots had given me a great deal of pleasure, and I
wondered if I could do the same for her. It was worth going to some
trouble. Perhaps I could anticipate our next Special Occasion, and try
and transform myself without her knowledge and give her a pleasant
surprise. I thought about her black tailored suit and how it had
impressed me so much, and decided I would try and find something
similar that would fit me.
I called at several second hand clothing shops in the course of my
daily rounds, and eventually managed to find a navy blue jacket and
matching skirt. The jacket fitted me across the shoulders and allowed
room for a bosom, but both it and the skirt were loose at the waist.
The styling of the jacket was generally the same as Dorothy's, but the
skirt was straight and knee length, with two concealed pleats at the
front.
Both garments were first dry cleaned, and then taken to a small shop
that specialised in tailoring and alteration work. I had the jacket
and skirt re-styled to my measurements, and when the work had been
done drove to a quiet spot, climbed into the back of the van, and
tried both garments on. The limited facilities allowed me to judge
that, in each case, the fit was now quite good. I managed to find a
hat, that went rather well with the suit. Dorothy's hat had been
small, and close fitting; whereas mine was more like a feminine bowler
hat, with a curly brim.
I quietly assembled all the other articles of my wardrobe and packed
them into a suitcase; checking that I had my black corset; brassiere,
breasts, and pantie girdle. I still had the wig; the nylon slip, and a
neat white satin blouse, and some briefs that Dorothy had later
provided. The addition of the suit; the boots, and a new pair of
stockings, meant that I was now fully equipped.
Now came the 'Brilliant Master Stroke!' I had seen several
advertisements for a new shop, in a nearby town, where they apparently
specialised in providing all the requirements for female
impersonators. I loaded my suitcase into the van, and at the first
opportunity, set off in search of the shop; driving past several times
and making a preliminary survey, rather like the shopping expeditions
of my younger days.
The shop window was well filled, and had been arranged to display a
wide variety of feminine outer clothes and undergarments. At first
sight it could easily have been mistaken for a conventional ladies
outfitters, but there were several banner advertisements pasted around
the sides of the window, giving an indication of the true purpose of
the premises. I opened the door and went in; immediately being taken
rather aback. Dorothy was a model of neatness, and kept all the corset
displays in our own shop to a minimum. I always left that to her,
although she often asked for my opinion.
This shop contained what could only be termed a 'Profusion!' Well
filled rails of female clothes stood in rows, and all the walls had
been shelved and racked. The racks contained a truly astonishing array
of specialised items, and I became quite overwhelmed by it all;
spending a long time browsing, and moving from rack to rail and back
again.
I quickly found the corsetry section, and was to some extent on my
home ground. The wide choice of high, and very high heeled shoes
presented no problems, and the underwear was very attractive; ranging
from the conventional to the exotic. There was a good selection of
realistic and differently styled wigs, in a variety of colours.
Stockings; jewellery; cosmetics, and even a small, but well filled
library of specialist transvestite publications. I wished I could have
spared the time to have a closer look at them all!
There were some very, to me, strange items, that had been apparently
designed to disguise masculine genital characteristics and enhance the
shape of the body in the genital area. Many of these were both
interesting and surprising, and I found it hard to accept that some
men would go to such lengths to alter their whole appearance. The shop
was quite busy at times, with people disappearing into the changing
rooms, and then coming back again dressed in a variety of different
outfits. I honestly believe that, given time and money, it would have
been quite possible to walk in as a man, and walk out as a woman;
perfect in every respect.
The advertisement that lead me to the shop had specified that 'Help
and advice' was offered, and this was what I wanted most of all. My
transformation was meant to be a short term exercise and I had my own
clothing, but I now wanted to enlist the aid of the experts and
possibly add some convincing finishing touches.
I explained my problem to the "Lady" who was in charge of the shop,
and she was very understanding; showing me into a changing room, where
I was able to exchange my everyday clothes for my female outfit. I
laced myself into my black corset, and then put on the brassiere and
pantie girdle. A long line brassiere is not the easiest of things to
fasten at the back, so I put it on back to front, fastened the hooks,
and then pulled it the right way round; pushed my arms through the
shoulder straps, adjusted the cups to the correct position, and
inserted the sponges. I continued dressing, and was pleased to find
that the skirt and jacket were now a much better fit, and nicely
outlined my waist.
I finally put on my boots; laced them tightly, and was almost ready.
The shop staff looked me over, and suggested that I should try some
medical prosthetic breast forms in place of my dry sponges. These,
upon close examination, appeared to be made from some kind of rubbery
substance, and were coloured or tinted in a natural flesh colour. When
inserted into my bra, they gave me a much more realistic shape;
immediately improving my bust line; softening it, and making it feel
more fluid and alive, so I purchased a pair.
Then they suggested that I might like to try several different wigs
for effect, and offered me a selection. I discovered that an auburn
coloured wig with longer and shoulder length hair added a great deal
to the general feminine illusion, changing my facial appearance
considerably, and the shop staff were quick to agree with me, so I
bought the wig.
They finally helped me with my make-up and hat, and then subjected me
to a critical inspection.
They used a clever sales technique, and showed me some cheap costume
jewellery; pointing out the obvious advantages of wearing a selection
of these essential feminine accoutrements. To emphasise the point,
they adorned me with a necklace; a brooch, and a pair of clip on
earrings. Two realistic finger rings with coloured stones were added,
and then the staff went to great lengths to flatter me, and praise my
appearance, so I bought the jewellery.
They told me that no woman was complete without a handbag, and then
sold me one!
Somebody produced an interesting set of coloured stick-on finger
nails, and before I could protest, glued one firmly to my left index
finger. I let them attach a set of nails to one hand, and then
compared that hand with the other. The hand with the red and pointed
fingernails was undoubtedly slimmer and more feminine, so I bought the
fingernails as well!
I thought it was time to leave the shop, before they had any more
bright and costly ideas, so I thanked them for their help; packed my
male clothes into the suitcase, and, greatly daring, walked back to
the van.
**
Upon reading this section again, I find that I have tended to gloss
over an important episode, and make it seem almost commonplace. I
think it is well worth devoting some time and space to a certain
amount of self analysis; because, now that I look back I can recall
that I was plagued by a peculiar mixture of emotions; all brought on
by the nerve wracking nature of my earlier shopping expeditions. I was
now much older, and financially secure. I was also more self-assured,
because Dorothy had done much to restore my lost confidence. In spite
of this, I was still conscious of a return of my old feelings of
apprehension and trepidation when I entered the specialist shop.
I had seen other men making a careful survey of our own shop, and I
knew they must be suffering the same sense of nervousness and doubt
that I once had. The principal worry would have been the possibility
of being recognised, or of meeting a familiar face when entering or
leaving the shop. We had gone to great lengths to perfect our approach
to this problem, by adopting a smile and using words of understanding.
It worked wo