As The Dream Fades free porn video

As the Dream Fades This is the 4th part of my ongoing story about Peter and Sally, a young married couple who were in danger of drifting apart before a series of challenges forced them to reconsider their needs and drives. It follows on from "My Wife's Fantasy" and "Now it's my Turn" Parts 1 &2. In order to get the full impact of the story, I would urge you to read the earlier sections. However, for the benefit of those who want to start reading here, I trust the following summary will be helpful: Peter was in danger of loosing the affections of his young wife Sally as a result of his boorish, chauvinistic behaviour. He is profoundly shocked one night when Sally effectively offers him an ultimatum: let her take the dominant role in their relationship for a period of one month, or their marriage is over. Not wishing to loose Sally, Peter agrees and Sally proceeds to humiliate him by forcing him to adopt the persona of an effeminate crossdresser. She takes him to stay in Manchester's Gay Village. To the surprise of both of them they discover elements of their sexual nature that neither had suspected before. Peter comes to love dressing as a woman and being used sexually by both men and women. For her part, Sally discovers she is both bisexual and a latent dominatrix. They return from Manchester greatly changed. On their return home Sally acknowledges that Peter has more than met the terms of her fantasy; she now offers to indulge one of his. Peter opts to see whether he can become sufficiently convincing as a woman to live the role 24/7. He returns to Manchester and, with the help of a she-male friend Cindy, is fitted with very realistic prosthetics. He enjoys experiencing sex both as a woman and as a she-male before returning home to Sally. He finds Sally depressed and despondent. More rampant chauvinistic behaviour at her place of work is making her life a misery. Between they cook up a plan whereby Peter, as his alter-ego Patricia, gets a job with Sally's law firm as a lowly filing clerk. Eventually they manage to show up the bad behaviour of some of the firm's partners in front of a major client and leave the firm with their heads held high. Needing to make a living, the two of them set up new businesses; Peter as a freelance engineering consultant and Sally as a provider of paralegal services; both businesses thrive. However in order to set up his business, Peter has to put Patricia away and revert to his male persona. This depresses both he and Sally until she has the inspired idea of engaging "Patricia" as a new Associate and allocating her clients who have never met Peter in his male guise. They put this idea into operation and, as the previous episode comes to an end, everything seems rosy for the young couple. Now read on: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx As I have said previously, life is good and gets better! Within a few months of going freelance both Sally and I had more business than we could handle. Increasingly Miranda, our Office Assistant, had to take on legal cases of her own, leaving me to manage everything to do with my engineering consultancy. I didn't resent this as it was great to see Miranda and Sally blossom in their new roles. After years of being treated as menials by the legal partners they had worked for, they really thrived as they put their skills to practical use on their own behalf. Not surprisingly their self-confidence soared. They became very close friends, which pleased me as, increasingly; I had to spend more time on the road keeping up with the demands of my clients. For me, the growth in new business meant that I was able to allocate "Patricia" as the designated consultant for more clients and to enjoy, once again, exploring my feminine side. To be honest I was surprised just how quickly Patricia became an accepted part of the business. In my field of engineering, female engineers were a rarity. Maybe that was why Patricia was welcomed as a breath of fresh air. She soon earned herself a well deserved reputation as someone who could be trusted to deliver projects on-time and on-budget. The one fly in the ointment concerned those clients who knew me as "Peter". When working for them I, naturally, had to remain in male role. This necessitated regular switches of wardrobe and appearance. Constantly having to change my hairstyle and make sure all traces of "Patricia" were removed before appearing as "Peter", became a major chore in my life. I took to keeping two suitcases permanently packed, one full of Peter's things; the other for Patricia. (Needless to say, Patricia's case was by far the larger!) Eventually the inevitable happened and I muddled up one of my bookings, turning up dressed as Patricia when I should have been there as Peter. Fortunately I realised my mistake before I passed Reception and, as the girl on the desk did not know me, was able to speak on the telephone to the person I was due to meet and explain that Peter was sick and that I, as Patricia, had dropped in on the way to another client to explain that Peter would ring when he was recovered to make another appointment. I got away with it but it was a close call and I realised I would need to rethink how I organised my working life. Then I had a stroke of luck. I had, as Patricia, just completed an assignment for one of my newer clients. Before I left, the CEO asked me to join him in his office. He poured me a glass of a very nice white wine and we sat down in a pair of armchairs across from each other. I was conscious he was admiring my shapely, crossed legs, which today were sheathed in a shiny pair of mink-coloured tights, teamed with cute pair of gray, sling-back shoes which were a new purchase and which I adored. I smiled inwardly; I loved being admired as an attractive woman. Geoffrey, for that was the CEO's name, cleared his throat and took his gaze off my legs. "Well Patricia" he started, "I just wanted to say how pleased we are with the work you have done for us recently; so pleased, in fact, that I would like to put a proposition to you." Clearly this was going to be a serious business conversation, not just some casual chat over a drink, so I put my glass down and sat forward. "I was wondering whether you would be prepared to join the Board as our Operations Director. It would be a part-time appointment so shouldn't interfere too much with your other work, although I realise you might have to reduce the number of your clients somewhat. We would like your help in reviewing our current operations and developing a strategic way forward for our company. I can promise that you won't be disappointed with the remuneration package we could offer." He passed me a document and sat back in his chair whilst I scanned its contents. He was right; I was very impressed with what he was proposing. "I like the look of this very much" I responded. "Clearly I will need to take this away and discuss your proposal with my partners. However, I can say that I, personally, am very attracted by this opportunity." We chinked glasses and then Geoffrey took me out to lunch. Over lunch we talked more about his plans for the company and the role I would have in bringing them to fruition. The more we talked, the more enthusiastic I became - although I took care not to reveal my excitement! Not only was this a very good business opportunity, it would also enable me to live as Patricia for extended periods of time with the bother of switching back to "Peter". We arranged that I would consult my colleagues - (ie me!) - and made an appointment for the following week when I would give Geoffrey my response. Geoffrey's factory and offices were located near Manchester Airport and, whilst working there, I had been staying in nearby Wilmslow. (I don't like using Airport hotels for more than the odd night; too much noise of people coming and going all the time!) It had been my plan to stay on for one more night and to travel home in the morning. However, I was so excited to tell Sally about Geoffrey's offer that I decided to set off at once and surprise her with my news. I got back to our town about 9pm and called into a local "open all hours" store to buy a celebratory bottle of champagne. I let myself into the house and was about to call out to let Sally know I was home, when I heard noises coming from upstairs. The sounds were indistinct and I couldn't make out any words. I was confused and concerned; were we being burgled? I slipped of my heels and grasped my bottle of champagne by the neck. If there was a burglar upstairs, this would make a handy club and to hell with the consequences! I crept, quietly, upstairs. The noise was coming from our bedroom. As I approached the door I suddenly realised what I was hearing; it was groans of sexual excitement. I put the bottle down and gently pushed the door ajar. My eyes were greeted with the sight of my wife, Sally, sitting astride our assistant, Miranda, giving her a good "seeing to" with a strap-on dildo! They must have heard my gasp of surprise as both heads suddenly swivelled towards me. Sally's jaw dropped. "Oh my god Peter" she exclaimed - (her shock causing her to revert to my real name, even though I was standing there wearing a skirt suit and make-up!) "We didn't expect you back until tomorrow." "Clearly" I responded, drily. "Well I must say I didn't expect this as my homecoming greeting. I'll go downstairs whilst you two sort yourselves out and get decent." I went downstairs and poured myself a large scotch - clearly we wouldn't be drinking celebratory champagne this evening! After a few minutes Sally and Miranda came into the lounge. They were both wearing dressing robes and, like any woman would, had tidied their hair and refreshed their lipstick. They sat down and I poured them each a glass of wine from a bottle they must have started earlier. "Well I'm not going to get angry about your indulging in extra-marital sex" I started, "that would be hypocritical given that we have both enjoyed many different sexual partners over the last few months. Casual sex will never break us up, but I have to confess I am surprised to discover you with Miranda and in our own bed. That is getting too close to home, if you pardon the pun!" Sally came over and sat beside me, taking my hand in hers. "Darling" she said "I am so sorry but you are right, this is something different from casual sex. Miranda and I are in love. What with you being away so much and Miranda and I being very busy with our own business, neither of us has had much time for sexual release. Now as you know, since I discovered I am bisexual, I have enjoyed exploring my lesbian side. One evening, after a long hard day, Miranda and I were sitting quietly over a drink when I felt an overwhelming desire to kiss her. I did so and she returned my caresses with equal pleasure. It just went on from their. At first we both treated it as a bit of fun, but recently we have come to realise it is something much more serious." She started to cry. I put my arms around her and looked across to Miranda. She nodded her head, silently, acknowledging the truth of what Sally had just told me. "It's not that I don't still love you" Sally continued, dabbing her eyes with a lacy handkerchief. "I do; and with you I get the best of both worlds, a male and female partner. It is just that I have this deep need to fully explore my love for a woman." Well this was a bit of a bombshell and, for a few minutes, we all sat quietly, alone with our thoughts. Eventually I broke the silence. "Well this situation is clearly going to upset a lot of things between us. I think we should all go to bed and sleep on it. We will talk more in the morning. Oh, and Miranda, I think you should return to your own flat tonight although I guess you had originally planned to stay over." Miranda nodded sadly and went upstairs to get dressed. Sally and sat silently and, when Miranda had left, went upstairs to bed. Without the need for discussion, Sally entered our bedroom, whilst I turned into our spare room. I undressed, cleaned off my make-up and slipped into a clean nightdress. Not surprisingly my brain teamed with unanswered questions and I found it hard to get to sleep. Eventually I did drift off, but tossed and turned and did not get a good night's sleep at all. When I awoke, I slipped on a robe and pair of slippers and went downstairs. Sally was already up and was sitting at the kitchen table with a cafeteria of coffee in front of her. She poured me a cup. "I'm sorry to have landed us in this mess love" she said sadly. Sally clearly hadn't slept well either and her red eyes were a testament to the fact she had been crying a lot. "I won't pretend it doesn't matter" I replied "but we have both been a rollercoaster emotionally for the last year and I guess something was bound to snap sooner or later. I'm sure we can find a way to work through this current mess." Sally smiled wanly. "That is very generous of you. I don't want to lose you but I must establish whether I am truly bisexual or a lesbian in denial." I then went on to explain how I too was driven to see just how deeply my female persona was entrenched in my psyche. "And I think I can see a way how we can both find out who we truly are without having to take any irrevocable steps at this stage." Sally was suddenly all ears and leaned forward excitedly. I then explained about Geoffrey's offer that I take a seat on the Board of his company. "If I take this appointment, it would mean my living away from home for much of the time over the next few months anyway" I explained. "It will also be a true test of whether I can sustain myself as a woman as I would need to be female 24/7 in close proximity with colleagues on a daily basis. Even before I discovered about you and Miranda, I was very tempted to take the position. Now I think I definitely should. Miranda can then move in here and the two of you can see whether you are truly in love and need to become a permanent partnership, or whether she and I are both necessary components of your life." Sally burst out crying with tears of joy that I had found a way forward that might avoid our having to part; it didn't take long for me to join her and that is how Miranda found us a few minutes latter, sitting with our arms around each other with tears rolling down our cheeks. We quickly calmed her fears and brought her up to speed with what I had just told Sally. Then there were three of us in a group hug, experiencing a major crying jag! Eventually we calmed down. Miranda went into the downstairs loo to wash her face and repair her make-up. Sally and I took the opportunity to retire upstairs, shower and dress. I dressed casually in a pair of brown trousers, a camel cashmere jumper and a pair of low heels. I took the time to brush my hair and put on a little light make-up. On returning downstairs, I found Sally had been somewhat quicker than me and the two girls were preparing something for us to eat as no-one had fancied breakfast earlier. We sat over breakfast and talked about the implications of my broad plan. We agreed that I would take up the appointment with Geoffrey's company and rent myself an apartment somewhere in the Manchester area. "I am sure Cindy won't mind my staying with her for a few days whilst I find myself somewhere to live" I announced. (Cindy is a close she-male friend who had already helped me enormously with my transformation from "Peter" to "Patricia".) "It is for you two to decide whether Miranda moves in here or stays in her own flat. I won't interfere in any way with the arrangements you make to explore your relationship. Similarly you must both promise not to question any choices I might make. We won't contact each other on any regular basis but will know that each is there for the other if something desperate happens. I suggest we try out these new arrangements for the next twelve months. I know that seems an awfully long time, but I believe we all need to give ample time to establishing who we truly are what we each want from the rest of our lives. In that context, the investment of one year now doesn't seem unreasonable." The two girls readily agreed. "We could briefly review progress once every three months and, at the end of the year, meet up to see where we have got to and how our feelings for each other may have changed." This was all risky stuff, but I could see no alternative and the other two girls, after a brief conversation together, agreed with me that they could see no other practical way forward. Accordingly, I rang Cindy; explained the situation; and accepted her immediate offer to come and stay with her that very night. I went upstairs and packed all Patricia?s things into three large suitcases. I didn?t take anything of Peter?s; I wouldn?t need them. If Sally chose to throw them out, so be it. The three of us took a tearful farewell of each other and, having loaded my bags into my car, I drove over to Manchester. Cindy was waiting for me as I rang her bell. She ushered me into her living room and gave me a big hug. ?I?m so sorry to hear about you and Sally? she said, ?you must tell me all about it. Are you OK?? We sat down and Cindy poured me a glass of our favourite chardonnay. I filled her in with more of the details of my situation than I had been able to give her over the phone. She was thrilled that I was going to be a near neighbour for several moths and immediately suggested I stay with her. I thanked her but refused. In my new role I might have to entertain colleagues at home and it would be better if I had a place of my own. However, I assured Cindy I was looking forward to spending time with her and maybe, on occasion, helping her in her work. (For those who don?t know, Cindy works as a transvestite hostess with an escort agency and, on previous visits to Manchester, I had, from time to time, taken part in some of her escapades ? with great enjoyment I might add!) Cindy gave me the name of some of the better letting agencies in Manchester and I spent some time on my laptop seeing what properties they had on offer. In the end I selected three possibilities and booked appointments to view the following day, on line. By now it was bedtime, so we both turned in. The following morning I rang Geoffrey and said I was minded to take up his generous offer and join the Board as Operations Director. We arranged to meet for dinner that evening and talk over the fine detail of my new role in more intimate and comfortable surroundings. I then set off on my flat viewings. The first two apartments, although nice, weren?t quite to my taste, but the third was just right. It was on the top floor of a converted Victorian commercial building in Whitworth Street in the centre of the City. From my point of view the flat had the added advantage that it was just across the road from Manchester?s Gay Village. I knew my way round the clubs and restaurants there and if I ever got lonely I wouldn?t have far to go to find like minded friends ? if you get my drift! Having signed the necessary papers and paid the deposit, I arranged to move into my new apartment the following day. I then returned to Cindy?s and set about getting ready for my dinner with Geoffrey. What should I wear? This was tricky; I wanted to wear something pretty, but this was a pseudo-business meeting so I would need to appear professional and not too ?girly?; difficult! In the end I settled for a peach coloured silk suit. The loosely flowing skirt fell to mid-calf and the long jacket, worn over a camisole, was generously trimmed with lace on the lapels and pockets and was fastened with four large gold buttons. With my gold court shoes and a matching clutch bag and pearl jewellery, I decided I looked both attractive and professional; job done! Making sure I arrived no more than five minutes later than Geoffrey, I joined him in a small, elegant restaurant off St Anne?s Square. Geoffrey rose and, taking my hand, seated me across from him. ?I took the liberty of ordering champagne? he announced, ?I assume you drink it?? ?Just try me? I laughed in reply ?it is my favourite tipple!? He poured me a glass and we toasted my new role. Geoffrey did seek my opinion before ordering for the two of us and this pleased me. It implied that he recognised women had their own views and opinions and that he wasn?t like the chauvinistic managers I had worked with previously ? (indeed one of which I had actually been!) We had a very enjoyable meal, chatting comfortably and getting to know each other better. Over coffee we talked more seriously about my new role and agreed that I would start the following Monday. Geoffrey told me a little about my fellow Directors and suggested a plan of work for my first week that would enable me to get to know them and become familiar with their areas of responsibility. Having completed our business we sat back to finish our coffee and Geoffrey asked if I would like a liqueur. I said I would prefer a brandy, at which Geoffrey smiled. ?A woman after my own heart!? he said. ?They serve a particularly good Armagnac here; we will each have a glass of that.? Our drinks came and we relaxed even more into each other?s company. After a short while Geoffrey leaned towards me and said, in a low voice; ?you are amazingly convincing. If I wasn?t a crossdresser myself I would never have guessed you weren?t a genuine woman.? I shot up in horror; how had I given myself away; was this the end of my aspirations to join his company? Geoffrey put his hand on my arm and, gently, pushed me back into my seat. ?I?m sorry? he apologised. ?I didn?t mean to startle you and I hadn?t intended to say anything tonight, but we are getting on so well together I thought I would bring things out into the open. I have suspected that you weren?t everything you presented as for some time. As I said, I would never have guessed were it not for the fact that I too like to wear women?s clothing. So you see I know only to well just how brave you are in pursuing your career as a woman. We both know that transgendered people don?t get an easy ride in today?s society. Oh, at a superficial level things are much better now than they used to be, and socially it is now possible to go out dressed without risking being beaten up ? particularly here in Manchester, which has to be one of the most tolerant places in the country. But it still isn?t easy for a transgendered person to make their way in the commercial world. I have therefore always tried to encourage diversity within my businesses and, in fact, you will find that all genders and sexual persuasions are represented in my workforce. Some of your colleagues also enjoy dressing, so you should feel at home with us very quickly.? My mind was racing, but I managed to calm myself and respond to Geoffrey?s revelations in an even voice. Without going into all the details of how I had come to adopt my feminine persona, I did explain that I was now living full-time as a woman but that I wasn?t, as yet, thinking about transitioning. For his part, Geoffrey told me that he was married and that his wife, Georgina, was totally supportive of his dressing. He chose to be ?Geoffrey? at work but, when at home, spent much of his time as ?Sylvia?. ?When you have settled in, you must come over for a meal, meet Georgina, and see me in all my glory!? he smiled. ?But I can?t hold a candle to you. You are totally convincing. Even now I find hard to accept that under that beautiful outfit you are actually a man.? I was flattered by his remarks, but still worried that he had ?read? me so easily. I urged him not to make my true gender public knowledge at work. ?It is hard enough for any woman to make a career in engineering consultancy? I explained ?and that is the barrier I am trying to overcome. My plans could be ruined if everyone viewed me as one of your ?special cases?.? Geoffrey promised he would respect my wishes, and we rose to leave. Geoffrey?s explanation had, to some extent, put my mind a little more at ease and we parted on good terms. As he handed me into my taxi Geoffrey kissed me lightly on the cheek. ?I?m really looking forward to working with you? he said. ?I am sure you will do a lot for the company professionally and, on a personal level, I think we shall become good friends.? I thanked him for a lovely evening and for having been so frank with me. I sat in the taxi on my way back to Cindy?s with my mind teaming with all sorts of thoughts about what the next three months might hold for me. Of course, as soon as I was alone with Cindy in her apartment, I burst into tears. Cindy asked what the matter was and I explained how I had been ?read? by Geoffrey. ?If I am outed on my first day? I sobbed, ?what is the point of trying to see whether I can live for a woman for a whole year. The whole thing is already a farce!? Cindy hugged me, shushing in my ear and gently calming me down. ?It isn?t disastrous? she said, once my sobs had subsided into mere hiccups. ?Geoffrey was only able to spot your true identity because he is a crossdresser himself. Why don?t you go and have a chat with Claude and Marjorie? ? (the professional make-up artists who had helped me with my transformation on a previous visit to Manchester.) This was good advice and I promised I would ring them in the morning to make an appointment. ?Now its time for bed? announced Cindy. ?Don?t forget you are moving into your new home tomorrow!? I had forgotten. The events of the evening had quite driven my imminent house move out of my mind. Accordingly, I thanked Cindy profusely for being such a good friend; gave her a peck on the cheek; and retired to bed. Surprisingly, given all the excitement, I slept soundly. The next morning I awoke early; showered and got dressed in tee-shirt, jeans, knee-hi hose, and trainers. Before loading my suitcases into my car, I rang Claude and arranged to see him the following day. It did not take long to load up as, knowing I wouldn?t be staying long; I had only taken essential items out of my cases. I was excited by the prospect of setting up my first home as a woman and Cindy was nearly as enthusiastic as I was. We drove over to my new apartment block and parked the car in the basement garage. Grabbing cases in each hand, we staggered to the lift and I soon found myself inserting my key in the lock. Cindy was delighted by my choice. ?It?s a fabulous apartment? she exclaimed ?and we will have it looking appropriately feminine in no time at all.? We quickly checked the inventory I had been given by the agents against what was actually in the flat, and then made a shopping list of essential items I would need to buy immediately. These included such feminine essentials as an illuminated make-up mirror, hair-care products, cotton wool balls, a cloths dryer for my ?smalls?, and, of course, several vases for flowers Only after we had covered these essentials did we turn our attention to such mundane things as groceries and wine! Fortunately Cindy knew the whereabouts of a large supermarket just a little way out of town and by lunchtime we were busy putting all my purchases away in their proper places. We paused for a sandwich and celebratory glass of wine before getting back to making up the bed and sorting out my dressing table. ?My? dressing table; I could hardly believe it. As I stood looking down at the array of make-up products; my small collection of jewellery; and drawers filled with bras, panties and hose, it struck me, perhaps for the first time, what a commitment I had taken on. For the next twelve months use of these feminine accoutrements would be my daily task. To be honest, I was just a bit daunted by the prospect. At about five pm, Cindy reminded me that she would have to go as she had a booking with one of her regular clients that evening. ?When you have settled in I hope you will be willing to join me on a few amorous adventures? she teased, ?after all, you seemed to enjoy yourself last time you were in Manchester and Stephen, for one, keeps asking after you! (Stephen was a lovely man who had taken Cindy and me racing at Aintree and with whom I had first experienced sex via my false vagina.) I assured her I was looking forward to joining her as a part-time escort in the not too distant future, but that, for the next few weeks at least, all my energy would need to be devoted to my new job. When Cindy had left, I poured myself another glass of wine from the already opened bottle and relaxed on the sofa in my new lounge. I kicked off my shoes and curled my feet up underneath. As I sipped my drink I felt a warm glow of pleasure seep through me. For good or ill, and whatever the outcome, I was now installed as a professional, career woman with my own apartment and a new job that was going to last for at least the next twelve months. The following morning, I took great care with my clothes, make-up, and hair. I was going to consult Claude about my ability to pass as a woman and I, therefore, needed to look my best. After showering, I started with my make-up whilst still wearing my robe. I took care not to go over the top, but ensure I had a flawless day-time look. Having checked that all my prosthetics were firmly attached, I then strapped a white suspender belt around my waist and carefully rolled sheer, nude stockings up my legs. Fastening the clips, I stepped into a pair of white, lacy panties and then slid my arms through the straps of a matching bra. Reaching behind me, I fastened the bra and adjusted my breasts until they sat comfortable in the cups. Looking through my, limited, wardrobe, I chose a navy blue and red patterned blouse that had long loose sleeves, and tied in a floppy bow below my cleavage. I slid a navy, pencil skirt up over my hips and zipped it up at the back. Smoothing my skirt over my thighs, I stepped into a pair of plain, navy court shoes with a four inch heel. For jewellery I chose a simple gold- link necklace, large stud earrings, and a gold wristwatch. Pausing only to slip on a little red jacket, I checked that I had transferred everything I might need into my navy leather handbag and stood in front of the mirror to give myself the final ?once over?. I was pleased with what I saw reflected back at me. In the mirror I saw the image of an attractive, modern, business woman; just the look I was seeking to achieve. I took the lift down to the garage, got into my car and set off for Claude and Marjorie?s house in Chorlton-cum-Hardy. I rang their doorbell and was welcomed into their home as an old friend. After we had got through the usual pleasantries and I had brought them up to date with what had happened to me since we last met, I explained my current dilemma to them. Claude asked me to stand and walk round the room. Both he and Marjorie gave me a critical evaluation. ?Well I think you make a very attractive woman? Claude said at last. ?I think you would pass as a woman in most circumstances. There are a few masculine hints about you but, to be honest, these are pretty much unavoidable given that you are, in fact, still a man with some prosthetic female additions. I think you were only ?read? because Geoffrey, as a practising crossdresser himself, is attuned to recognise such clues. There isn?t anything Marjorie or I can do to eliminate these few remnants of your masculinity. However, if you really want to take your transformation to the next level, I can give you an introduction to medical friends who work in this field. Last time I mentioned it, you declined my offer. Do you now want to take it up?? I thought hard. My previous refusal had largely been because I didn?t want to do anything that might upset my relationship with Sally. However, circumstances had now changed and maybe it was time to think again. ?There is no harm in having a consultation? Claude continued, as if reading my mind. ?No-one will force any cosmetic changes upon you and at least you will then know what options you have.? I had to agree with him and Claude immediately got on the phone to his friends. Having explained my situation to them, it transpired that, as a favour to him, they could juggle their diaries and see me that very afternoon. I nodded my acquiescence to Claude and he quickly booked me two appointments. Claude explained I would be seeing two people; a Dr Muriel Johnson, who specialised in sexual reassignment cases and Mr Philip Murray, a plastic surgeon. The two of them ran a very successful private clinic in Alderley Edge. I thanked both Claude and Marjorie profusely and promised to keep them informed of my decisions. I was on an adrenaline-high as I drove over to Alderley Edge. I was moving into uncharted waters but, as Claude had said, I was only exploring what might be possible, not committing myself to anything. The clinic was situated in a large Victorian, gothic mansion in beautiful wooded grounds. The receptionist was expecting me and I was immediately shown into a consulting room. Both Dr Johnson and Mr Murray were there and they asked me to be seated. After establishing basic facts about whom I was and my medical history, Dr Johnson gently led me into talking about why I wanted to present myself as a woman. She was a very skilled questioner and, in no time at all, I found myself pouring out the story of my last twelve months and the way a simple challenge had become something much more serious. During this initial conversation, Mr Murray sat back in his chair and said nothing. I was, however, conscious of his gaze on me and I realised he was monitoring my movements and gestures and evaluating them against some male/female spectrum. After about an hour of careful probing and questioning, the two doctors asked me to return to the waiting room whilst they consulted each other. I did so and sat, nervously, until called back into the room. ?I think we can help you? said Dr Johnson. ?You are not yet committed to full sexual reassignment but clearly have a very strong need to go part way along that path. Philip here can make some relatively minor adjustments to your body that will make you almost undetectable as a man. I can prescribe a course of drugs that will further enhance your femininity. Nothing we would do at this stage would make it impossible for you to subsequently return to life as a man, but that is not to say what we would do is totally reversible. Some things can be reversed but others would be permanent. If you did decide to revert to the masculine role in the future, you would have to accept you would have a somewhat androgynous appearance.? They then went on to explain what changes they thought might work for me and gave me a detailed synopsis to take away and consider. We made an appointment for me to return one evening the following week to discuss my considered reaction to their proposals. I thanked them and returned to my car. I drove back to Manchester deep in thought. This was a major step I was considering taking, and only I could decide. This wasn?t something I could ask others about. Well I had a week to mull things over and before then I had the challenge of my new job to consider. Hopefully things would emerge and become clear over the next seven days! I tried, reasonably successfully, to put the issue of body modifications out of my mind over the weekend and to concentrate on preparing to take up my new role with Eurotech ? (the name of Geoffrey?s company). I spent most of the time going through various papers Geoffrey had given me and by the Sunday evening I was fairly familiar with the structure of the business and the names and responsibilities of my new fellow Directors. I put my papers away about 7pm and poured myself a large glass of wine. I took this into the bathroom and sipped it gently whilst immersed in a relaxing foam bath. Wrapping a towel around my breasts, I bent over the hand-basin and washed my, by now quite long, hair. I return to the bedroom with my hair in a towel turban and spent the nest three-quarters of an hour drying and setting it in gentle waves. (I really enjoy living as a woman, but you do have to set a lot of time aside in order to look your best!) When my hair was completely dry, I carefully donned a hairnet and slipped into my night things. Before getting into bed, I went through my wardrobe selecting what I would wear the following morning. I was going to be an object of interest as the ?new girl? joining the Board, so my appearance was of crucial importance. I finally settled on a soft pink blouse teamed with a knee-length, navy blue skirt-suit and medium heels. I was after a crisp, professional look that was also feminine and not too severe. The next morning I awoke early and took my time over dressing. My make- up had to be subtle but distinct; my hair gently brushed out and my suit checked for any lint or fluff. Finally I was ready and, making one last check of my handbag, I exited the flat and went down to my car. The security-man on the gate had clearly been told to expect me as he made no difficulty in admitting me in my temporary pass and smiled as he said, ?welcome to Eurotech Miss Leverson?. (Leverson is my real surname and I had decided to forgo my married status in this new role.) I parked my car in an area reserved for senior executives and made my way to Reception. There I was greeted with another warm smile and shown up to the Board Room. My fellow Directors were all assembled to meet me and Geoffrey introduced me to each in turn. I sat and listened as he then chaired the fortnightly Board Meeting. (It was time for me to listen and learn, not speak!) The Board Meeting finished with lunch and, over a buffet meal, I was able to circulate and talk to most of my new colleagues on a more personal level. Then in the afternoon it was down to work. A member of the Human Resources team had be delegated to show me round and introduce me to whoever I wanted to speak to. She turned out to be a charming woman of about my own age who?s name was Fiona. We seemed to hit it off immediately and I enjoyed a very relaxed tour of the factory and offices, meeting various departmental managers and arranging when it would be convenient to come and talk to them in depth. Eventually Fiona took me back to the office which was to be mine. ?We thought you might like to appoint your own PA? Fiona said. ?In the meantime we can loan you one of our HR Assistants to look after you pro temp.? This was very thoughtful and I thanked her kindly. I had hardly sat down at my desk when the phone rang. It was Geoffrey asking me to pop into his office for a drink and quick de-brief on my first day. I was able to reassure him that I had already gained a good overview of their operations. (As a Consultant, I had learned long ago how to extract the salient facts about an organisation in a very short space of time!) We finished our drink and I said good might and drove home. I won?t bore everyone with a blow by blow account of the next couple of months. Suffice it to say I spent most of my waking hours either at the factory or pouring over my computer at home, as I set about producing a Board paper outlining options I had identified which might provide scope for development. I did have a little time to myself and one evening, a week after my first appointment, I once again found myself being shown into a consulting room to meet with Dr Johnson and Mr Murray. I greeted them with a warm smile and took my seat opposite them. ?I have read your suggestions very carefully? I started ?and, although I do have some questions, I have decided to proceed broadly in line with what you recommend. Both looked pleased and asked me to outline any concerns I had. I explained I was really excited about the prospect of having implants fitted so that I would have breasts of my own, but that I was concerned over press reports I had read which indicated some implants had a tendency to fail. Mr Murray ? ?please call me Philip? ? reassured me that the technique they used was, as near as any surgical procedure could be, failsafe. He explained that a small incision would be made each armpit and a small former inserted. Over a period of about a week a special fluid would be pumped in until my breasts had reached the appropriate size. In this way the skin on my chest would be slowly stretched without loosing its elasticity. The particular solution they used was in no way similar to that used by the manufacturers of products that had recently been the subject of bad press. Dr Johnson ? ?Muriel, please? ? chipped in at this point and said that before they undertook any such operation, I would receive treatment to kill off the hair follicles on my body so that I would have smooth, feminine skin. ?We wouldn?t want you to have to shave your beautiful new breasts now, would we?? she joked. Having been reassured about the procedure to be used for my breast implants I then questioned the two of them about the removal of my lowest ribs ? to create the high, feminine waistline ? and the liposuction ? to reduce my tummy. Philip explained that fat deposits removed from my waist would be reinserted into my bottom and hips to help create a more rounded silhouette. ?I shall also be starting you on a regime of strong female hormones? Muriel interjected. ?This will also have the effect of stimulating hip, bottom and breast development.? The other surgical procedures they were recommending were of a more cosmetic nature; a bit of work on my nose and jaw-line; a little tuck at my brow to slightly widen my eyes; and some adjustment to my trachea and vocal chords to raise the register of my voice. ?This only leaves outstanding the most feminine cut of all? Muriel continued, ?the removal of your testicles and penis and the creation of a vagina. As we discussed previously, we don?t think you are mentally ready to take that step.? I hastened to agree with her. ?Tell me about the long term effects of the hormone treatment you are proposing? I asked. ?Well?, Muriel continued, ?in addition to developing your secondary feminine characteristics it will undoubtedly cause your testicles and penis to shrink and you will no longer be able to achieve a natural erection. However, as we will not be chemically castrating you permanently, if we were to discontinue the hormone treatment, over time your body would revert to a more masculine profile and there would be some re-growth of your penis. You would never again be ?over-endowed? but you could function sexually as a man once again.? ?What about love- making in the meantime?? I asked. ?I can?t say I have ever been thought ?large? in that department, but I have had no complaints from lovers.? ?If we proceed down this route? Muriel explained, you will functionally become a she-male, with the outward appearance of a woman but with residual male genitalia. You can take a male lover up your backside and I can proscribe a variant of Viagra which would enable you to will yourself an erection sufficient to please most women. Each dose would enable you to perform over approximately a twelve hour period. However, these are extremely strong drugs and you should not use them more than twice a week. Also, whilst on the hormone regime, you would be sterile. So I would advise you to donate sperm to our bank before starting treatment.? This all sounded satisfactory and, taking a deep breath, I signed the necessary forms authorising the doctors to start work transforming my body. I had thought long and hard about taking this step and had come to the conclusion that I could never again bear the thought of returning to a totally male lifestyle. If, at the end of the day, Sally and I decided to stay together as man and wife, I would reverse as many of the procedures as was possible and live with the consequences of appearing effeminate. ?Right? said Muriel, ?we might start straight away. Lift your skirt and drop your panties and tights and I will insert a slow release hormone capsule under the skin of your bottom.? I did as she requested and felt the prick of her needle as I started down the path towards substantial feminisation. I adjusted my dress and sat down again ? a bit gingerly; the injection had hurt! ?I suggest we wait a few weeks before proceeding with any surgery? Philip said. ?We need to see how your body reacts to the hormones first and then we can make final judgements about how much surgery you will require.? This suited me as the next few weeks would be fully taken up with work and there was no way I could schedule myself time off for surgery. We set another appointment for eight weeks time and Muriel wrote me a prescription for additional hormone tablets, to be taken on a daily basis. As I have already said, the next two months were extremely busy for me and I had little time for socialising. I did manage a couple of meals out with Cindy, at which she expressed her support and admiration for the step I was taking. She had had breast implants, but had steered clear of any hormonal treatment, preferring to be recognisably a man/woman mix. Eventually I completed my report and sent a copy up to Geoffrey, prior to my presenting it to the full Board the following Monday. Geoffrey rang me. ?Its very good Patricia? he started, ?I had no idea there were so many opportunities out there for us. You have certainly come up with a report that will require the Board to take some difficult decisions. Why don?t you come over to the house at the weekend and you can take me through your suggestions one by one, so that I am fully briefed and prepared before the Board Meeting?? I readily acquiesced and we arranged that I would drive over to his house on the Friday evening, prepared to stay until late Sunday, if necessary. On the Friday I packed an overnight case before driving into work, making sure I included two or three smart dresses. I would be meeting Georgina, Geoffrey?s wife; for the first time and I wanted to make sure I looked my best! Geoffrey rang me at lunchtime to say that he was leaving the office early and would see me at his house later. I didn?t get away until about 6pm as I was busy putting the final polish to my presentation for the following Monday. Geoffrey and Georgina lived in a beautiful house on a ridge overlooking the Cheshire plain. It was a fairly modern building ? I estimated some twenty years old ? so that the garden was stocked with lovely, mature trees and shrubs. I drove up to the front door, to be greeted by a charming lady who introduced herself as Georgina. She must have been about ten years older than me, but had retained her figure, being slim, elegant, and beautifully dressed. I mentally checked over the clothes I had brought with me and breathed a sigh of relief that I had, at the last minute, indulged myself and purchased a fantastic McCarthy frock, even though it had cost me the earth! Georgina greeted me with a warm smile. ?Welcome to our home Patricia. I trust we will be seeing a lot of you. Geoffrey speaks very highly of your work and is clearly delighted you have joined the company. Now let me show you to your room so that you can freshen up.? She ushered me upstairs, into a charming room, decorated with lovely floral wallpaper and overlooking the rose garden. ?Do come down when you are ready? she announced. ?As it is a balmy evening, we will have pre-dinner drinks on the terrace.? I used the bathroom; freshened my make-up and slipped out of my work clothes and into a ?little black dress?. I had decided that a woman can never go wrong with an LBD and had packed a very pretty one. It was quite tight fitting, with a skirt that fell just above my knee. It was long sleeved and had a row of diamantes running from the neck to under my armpits. It was quite low cut and displayed my cleavage to advantage! I teamed it with silver, peep-toed shoes, a silver clutch bag, and quite an elaborate silver necklace. My earrings were heavy silver hoops. I looked at myself in the mirror and decided I would pass muster! Picking up my bag, I went downstairs and made my way out to the terrace. Georgina was sitting with a tray of drinks at her side. Another woman sat across from her. ?I don?t think you have met Sylvia? Georgina announced. I held out my hand and suddenly realised that ?Sylvia? was in fact Geoffrey, dressed as his alter-ego. ?Sylvia? rose with a smile. ?I couldn?t resist surprising you? she said, ?although I did warn you that I was another crossdresser.? We embraced in feminine fashion, air- kissing to avoid messing each other?s make-up. Sylvia was indeed lovely. Clearly Geoffrey was an experienced dresser. She was wearing a summery, white cotton, scoop-necked blouse and a matching, mid-calf skirt. Her trim waist was emphasised by a broad white belt, and she was wearing white court shoes with a medium heel. (Mine, I was pleased to note, were at least one inch higher!) Georgina poured me a glass of champagne and we sat in the evening sun chatting easily together. After our drinks we went into the dining room, where Georgina presided over a splendid summer supper. When we had finished our meal, Georgina tactfully retired. ?If you will excuse me, I will you ladies to discuss business over your liqueurs,? she announced as she left. ?Do you feel uncomfortable discussing business with me dressed liked this?? enquired Sylvia/Geoffrey. ?Not at all? I replied. ?If you feel more at home as ?Sylvia? that?s fine with me.? We then got stuck into a detailed discussion of my paper. Geoffrey really impressed me with the speed at which he got to grips with my recommendations, some of which were quite complex. He asked perceptive and really probing questions and it wasn?t until the early hours of the morning that we finally rose to retire to our beds. ?That is a really good piece of work? Sylvia announced. ?There are just a few areas, as we have discussed, that would benefit from some amplification. Once you have made those changes, I will be more than happy for you to present your paper to the Board on Monday. You have already justified my appointing you.? The next morning I awoke having had a peaceful nights sleep in the most comfortable bed I could remember. The sun was shining; and I spent some minutes admiring the view of the beautiful garden. Geoffrey and Georgina had made themselves a truly wonderful home. I came to the conclusion Georgina was not the sort of lady to loll around the house in tee-shirt and jeans and that I would need to dress casually but smartly! Accordingly I picked out a pair of tailored, dark brown, linen trousers and a pretty embroidered blouse, which I wore with a pair of medium heeled sandals. I made sure my hair was in place and my make-up discrete but appropriate for the time of day. On descending to the hall, I was pleased to discover I had made the correct decision. Breakfast was laid up in the dining room, where Georgina and Geoffrey were sitting sipping a cup of tea whilst waiting for me to come down. Georgina was wearing a light blue, shirt-waister dress and looked immaculate. Geoffrey was dressed as ?Geoffrey? in tan slacks and a crisply ironed check shirt with a heather-mix tie. A blazer hung over one of the unoccupied chairs. ?I?m sorry ?Sylvia? isn?t able to join you for breakfast? he smiled, ?but I have a few chores to do in town, so I trust you will excuse me.? I apologised for keeping them waiting and explained how much I had enjoyed looking at their garden in the morning, summer sun. ?Well I know you have a bit of work you need to do this morning? said Geoffrey, ?but why don?t you aim to get that finished by lunch-time. I should be back shortly after one and we can then spend the afternoon in the garden. I hope you like swimming and tennis as the weather forecast is set fair and it would be a shame to waste the opportunity.? ?Well I do enjoy tennis? I responded, ?but I don?t have any kit with me, nor have I brought a swimming costume.? ?Don?t worry; I?m sure we can find some things to fit you from either Sylvia?s wardrobe or mine? Georgina interjected. We sat down to a breakfast of fruit, yogurt and croissants washed down with a choice tea, coffee, or juice; all very pleasant and not too filling. After breakfast Geoffrey rose, put on his blazer, and announced he was off to town. I helped Georgina clear the table and load the dishwasher. ?Now you will want somewhere to work quietly? she said, showing me into a pleasant morning room. The sun flooded the room with light and a big bowl of freshly cut flowers scented the air with their perfume. Georgina indicated a writing desk where I could work and left me to it, saying ?just shout if you would like some coffee mid-morning.? I went upstairs to collect my papers and laptop and was soon ensconced making the adjustments to my paper that I had agreed with Geoffrey the previous evening. I was soon engrossed in my work and the time flew by. Eventually, at about 12 o?clock I finished, saved my revised paper, and sat back, stretching the muscles in my back that had tightened up whilst I had been bent over the computer. I wandered through to the kitchen where Georgina was reading the newspaper over a cup of coffee. She looked up and smiled. ?As you hadn?t called for coffee, I looked in on you about an hour ago but you were so absorbed in your work you didn?t hear me and I decided to leave you to it. Are you ready for a cup now?? I admitted I was ready to kill for a cup of strong black coffee, so Georgina poured me one and we took our cups out onto the terrace. As we sat down, Georgina gave me a critical ?once-over?. ?You really are very convincing? she mussed. ?If Geoffrey hadn?t told me you are genetically a man I doubt I would have recognised the fact ? and I am, as you know, married to a man who loves to wear women?s clothing, so I should be more attuned than most women in reading a crossdresser.? I thanked her for her compliment and our conversation turned, inevitably to my reasons for cross-dressing and how I had come to develop my look. I explained I had only discovered I was a transvestite some fifteen months earlier and outlined the challenges Sally and I had set each other. Georgina was entranced by my story. ?So when you were a child you never felt you were really a girl in a boy?s body?? she enquired. I replied that until Sally had taken me to Manchester for the first time, I have never for a moment doubted my masculinity. ?Well you have certainly come a long way in a short time? Georgina sighed. ?Sylvia would give her eye-teeth to be able to live as you do, but we are too well known locally for her to risk dressing away from the privacy of our own home.? As it was by now approaching 1pm, Georgina announced it was time she set about preparing lunch. Of course I offered to help and, as Georgina heated the soup, I laid up place settings on the terrace and opened a bottle of homemade lemonade. Geoffrey arrived home a few minutes later and we were soon all seated round the table enjoying a light lunch. ?We don?t want to be playing tennis on a full stomach? he joked. We can make up this evening for the lack of alcohol now!? Lunch was soon over and all three of us quickly cleared away and went upstairs to change. After a couple of minutes Georgina knocked on my door and came in with an armful of clothes. ?I?ve sorted out a few things for you to try? she said. ?I?m sure you will find something that fits. They are mostly Sylvia?s, but I have found an old tennis dress of mine that is bit big for me now that looks to be about your size? Thanking her profusely, I waited until she had left the room before spreading the clothes over my bed. I started with the swimming costumes. I swiftly discarded the bikini, even though it was modestly cut and very pretty. Even for me this was a step too far at this stage! I settled on a simple, teal-blue, one-piece suit that was cut low on the back and high in the leg. Looking critically at myself in the mirror, I noted that even though I had lost a lot of weight recently and had eliminated my ?beer belly?, my waistline was still a little broad without the benefit of a corset to pull it in. Still I was reasonably happy with what I saw and it would be good to get in the pool on a hot summer?s day like today. Turning to the tennis dresses, I swiftly realised that Georgina and Sylvia must be serious players. These were not some crossdresser?s fantasy tennis dresses but the real McCoy! The panties weren?t smothered in ruffles of lace; rather they were serious sports shorts that came well down my thigh. However they were extremely comfortable to wear. I also noted with pleasure that Georgina had thoughtfully included a sports bra with the rest of the kit. Although my silicon breasts did not move as freely as real one would, they did jiggle about as I moved and I knew I would play better tennis with the support a proper bra would provide. The dress that fitted best was a classic, simple thigh-length, one-piece trimmed with pink edging at the neck, armholes and hem. I found a pair of white ankle socks with a matching pink trim and a pair of trainers that were very nearly my size and, although a bit snug, would not hurt my feet out on court. I pulled my long, auburn hair into a tight, high, ponytail and held it in place with a pink scrunchie I also found amongst the pile of clothes. Pausing only to pick up my borrowed swimsuit, I hurried downstairs and out onto the terrace. Georgina and Sylvia were already changed and waiting for me. Both were wearing very similar outfits to the one I had on. We complimented each other on our appearance and then hurried down to the court. Sylvia handed me three racquets. ?Let?s knock up a few balls and see which of these suits you best? she suggested. So that is what we did and I soon found a racquet that felt comfortable in my hand. We played tennis for about an hour and a half. I quickly found that my assessment of Georgina?s and Sylvia?s skill was correct and, although I am not a bad player, I was hard put to give them a decent game! We took turn and turn about, playing singles matches. I ruefully though that had we had a fourth person present, I might have made a better showing at doubles, but as we didn?t have another tennis playing transvestite to hand, this had to remain an unrealised dream! Still it was great fun and by the time we finished playing we all had a healthy glow and were looking forward to a cooling dip in the pool. Changing our sweaty tennis kit, for swimming costumes we were soon plunging into the pool. Sylvia admired my choice of costume, saying how much that particular colour suited me. Both of the others had also chosen to wear one-piece suits so I did not feel out of place. It so happens that I am a particularly strong swimmer and I really enjoyed the opportunity to plough up and down the pool until I had completed some 20 lengths. This really worked the ache out of my muscles and, as I bobbed up in the shallow end where Georgina and Sylvia were playing about, my smile must have shown just how much I was enjoying myself. It was good to be able to demonstrate that whilst the two of them might be much better than me at tennis, in another sport I could show them a clean pair of heels! We spent a very happy half hour in the pool before climbing out and towelling down. ?You two work on getting a bit of tan? suggested Georgina ?whilst I make us a pot of tea.? As she went into the house Sylvia produced a tube of sun-block. ?Better safe than sorry? she announced. ?It is one thing to end up with female tan-lines, but quite another to get sun-burnt!? She proceeded to rub lotion into my back and legs whilst I attended to my face, chest and arms. I then returned the service for her. It was somewhat erotic anointing, and being anointed by, my CEO and I felt a slight twitch in my tightly constrained cock! Georgina returned with a tray of tea and we sipped this before stretching out on loungers for a quiet relax in the warm sunshine. Eventually Sylvia announced it was time to clean up and get changed for dinner. Reluctantly I climbed off my lounger and the three of us went up to the house. I showered in my en-suite bathroom and washed the chlorine out of my hair. I enjoyed sitting at the vanity table, drying my hair whilst looking at the garden change colour in the setting sun. It was very romantic and I felt a pang of disappointment that Sally wasn?t there to enjoy it with me. I then reminded myself that she and Miranda were probably having a high old time together and were almost certainly not thinking about me! We had decided to dress formally for dinner in order that we could show off our party frocks, so I was pleased I had decided to bring two long dresses with me. I spent some time agonising over which of the two to wear, before settling on a navy-blue, mid-calf number. It was, if I say so myself, a very pretty dress. The bodice, down to mid-thigh, was smothered with tiny sequins that sparkled in the light. At the thigh, this part of the dress ended in an asymmetric jagged line, below which the dress fell away in folds of loose chiffon. This spaghetti straps ran over each shoulder and a matching, long-sleeved, see-through, chiffon bolero completed the ensemble. I wore sheer, barely-black tights and medium-heeled blue pumps with a little bow at the back. Blue plastic bracelets adorned my wrists and a simple silver chocker encircled my neck. Matching silver, hoop earrings shone through my hair which I wore down and brushed into a full mane. Sylvia was poring champagne when I entered the drawing room. She had also chosen a mid-calf length dress in black with bright pink trimming from the knee down. She wore it with a lacy shrug and very pretty steel and garnet necklace and earrings. Georgina joined us a few moments later. She had clearly decided to let the Sylvia and I take the limelight for this evening and had opted for a very simple full-length black silk dress that fell elegantly from her shoulders to the floor. She carried a very pretty embroidered silk shawl to put round her shoulders as the evening air cooled. We all made the right noises about each other?s outfits before sitting down to a delicious meal. We took our coffee and liquors on the terrace and I was very grateful of Georgina?s offer of a wrap to drape round my shoulders. All in all it had been a lovely day and as we sat there in the dusk, Georgina encouraged me to repeat what I had told her earlier about my crossdressing history for Sylvia?s benefit. I willingly did so; to many envious oohs and arghs from Sylvia! When I had finished, Georgina asked whether I had any further ambitions regarding my transformation. I decided to take them into my confidence and told them of my visit to the clinic and the advice I had been given by my two doctors. ?I will just need to wait for a window of opportunity before undergoing the surgery? I explained. ?The actual operations are apparently not too major and healing should be quite swift. However there is nothing that can be done to reduce the time it will take for the inevitable bruising to go down.? ?Well? said Sylvia ?why don?t you book yourself in for as soon as possible after you have made your presentation on Monday? You have worked more than full-time for the last two months, although your contract is only for a part-time commitment. You are due some time off and, anyway, the Departmental Managers will need time to work through your recommendations and translate them into specific action plans. You can come back when you have recovered from your surgery and receive their plans before we, as a Board, take the final decision as to which direction we finally pursue.? This was a very generous, and sensible, suggestion to which I readily agreed. I retired to bed that night very excited about the prospect of taking the next steps on the road to full femininity in the very near future. The next day, Sunday, we all arose quite late and spent the morning lazing over brunch and the Sunday papers. It was a real treat to have the time to read them properly! After lunch I made my farewells to Georgina, thanking her for her generous hospitality. She replied by hoping that I would come and stay again. Apparently I had prov