A Devious Plot free porn video

Author's note: One of my favourite author's writes under the name of carriep. carrie writes on this website but also on her own blog which can be found under carriep 56. Carrie is currently writing a wonderful story, in chapters, called A Very Victorian Education. While my story is different, I borrowed a couple of carrie's ideas and also wanted to use the same setting of the late Victorian era with the wonderful clothes the ladies wore. A warning to prospective readers is that there is not much sex in what follows. A Devious Plot Prologue The girl hurried along the dark street glancing anxiously behind her periodically. It was cold with a sharp wind and she pulled her shawl more tightly around her. The streets were deserted, with the shops having closed some time earlier. She had seen a man who appeared to be following her earlier and had tried to lose him by increasing her pace at corners, but he remained about 20 yards behind her. She entered an area where the streets were not lit and she tried to go even faster. It was then that her pursuer struck. With a few swift strides he had caught up to her and grabbed her arm. She tried to scream, but he quickly put a dirty hand over her mouth and began to drag her into an adjacent alley. She tried to struggle but he cuffed her with his free hand and hissed at her to be quiet. The girl was terrified and her fear plus her attackers stench, a mixture of stale beer and weeks of not washing made her feel faint. "Let her go," came a sharp voice at the entrance to the alley. Roughly the man flung his victim to the ground and turned to confront the intruder. He saw a slender young man, no more than 19, in evening dress, black cape and top hat and carrying an elegant walking cane. The girl watched in horror as her attacker drew a wicked looking knife from inside his coat and advanced towards the young man yelling obscenities. "Tut, tut," said the young man as though regarding a minute speck of lint on his coat. He lifted the cane and grabbed the shaft, twisted it and withdrew a long blade that glinted in the low light. It was a very high quality sword stick, manufactured to exacting standards by Wilkinson Sword Company. Although of light weight it was unusually strong and razor sharp. With a movement almost too fast for the eye to follow the young man flicked out the blade slashing his attackers wrist. The knife fell to the ground and the young man kicked it into the darkness of the alley. The sword was now at the thug's throat and the young man drew it lightly over the skin causing a fine trickle of blood to seep down his neck. With the sword still in place the young man moved closer and suddenly ripped a vicious punch into the thug's unprotected abdomen. As the man doubled over the youth kicked him hard between the legs causing him to collapse onto the ground writhing in agony. Another kick fractured at least 2 ribs. The girl was by now trembling and whimpering on the ground. Her rescuer stepped forward and politely raised his hat. "Good evening Miss, I am so sorry that you were the victim of such an atrocious attack and also to have to witness such unfortunate violence. However that is the only language creatures like that understand." He reached down and extended a hand. "Please allow me to assist you in standing; take your time, you have had a horrible shock." With his help the girl was able to stand although she felt very shaken. "Please take my arm young lady and I will guide you home." "Oh thank you sir I'll be alright now," the girl stammered. "Young lady you have had a very nasty experience; I insist on escorting you home; do you live far away," he asked kindly? "It's about half a mile. I'm so sorry to trouble you sir." "No trouble at all young lady, consider it my pleasure," said the young man airily. The girl leaned heavily on his arm as she limped along. "Are you much hurt my dear?" "I think I twisted my ankle when he pushed me to the ground, but I'll be alright once I get home." "Unspeakable swine," muttered the young man. He went on in a gentler tone, "You know it is not safe for a young lady to be out night in this part of Oxford." "Oh I know sir; it's just that it was an emergency. My Dad has been quite ill lately and today he got worse. The doctor came and prescribed some medicine, so I had to rush out for it. They took longer than expected to make up the medicine so that's what made me late." They passed into properly lit streets and he looked closely at the girl. She appeared to be about 16 and was very pretty although her face was masked by the obvious pain she was feeling. "It's in this street here sir," she said as they turned into a street with terraced houses. About half way along he could see that a door was open and a woman was standing anxiously outside. "Katie, is that you," she called her voice filled with anxiety? "Yes Mum, I'm okay thanks to this gentleman." Between the two of them they got the girl up the front steps and into a parlour where they lowered her gently into an arm chair and the young man placed a stool under her injured ankle. At this point the girl broke down in convulsive sobbing and as her mother comforted her the young man related the details of her ordeal. 'Unfortunately your daughter was the victim of a despicable attack by some low life. Fortunately I was able to intervene before she suffered too much at the hands of the brute, but she has had a nasty shake up." The girl calmed down and her mother was able to talk more to her rescuer. "I can't thank you enough for what you did for Katie sir; we are forever in your debt." "Madam I was only too pleased that I could have been of assistance. Your daughter was telling me that your husband is unwell, so this must be a very trying time for you." "It is that sir. My Jack came down with some awful problem last week and the doctor doesn't know what it is. We are at our wits end. With Jack so ill and not able to work we are in a real fix. I rent out rooms here, but that doesn't provide enough without his wages." "Has your doctor called in a specialist?" asked the young man. "I wish we could but we just can't afford the fees. We just hope this new medicine Katie got will help." The young man thought for a moment and then he took out a small note book and pencil. "Perhaps I can help," he said. "Tomorrow one of the top physicians in Oxford will call here and examine your husband." He raised his hand to quell her protest. "Don't worry, there will be no charge; he is a friend and owes me a favour. Now just give me your name and address and I'll send him a note tonight." The woman was beside herself with gratitude but eventually she managed to say, "It's Mrs. Gladys Palmer, 62 Fanshawe Road." She gripped his arm and said, "I just don't know how to thank you sir, we will never forget this. I just wish there was a way of repaying your kindness." "Well you never know," said the young man and he politely took his leave and vanished into the night. Lady Isabelle At Home Lady Isabelle Montague was looking forward to her afternoon "At Home," with unusual interest. Normally these events were such a bore; something one did to keep up appearances, but this one was different. She had recently met someone that she had not seen for several years at a garden party. She had known Alice Soames at school, they had been debutantes together but after a few years they lost touch with each other. They had never been close but Lady Isabelle occasionally found Alice's company useful if there was no one else of higher rank to associate with. Lady Isabelle later learned that Alice had gone overseas but had recently returned. The main reason that Lady Isabelle wanted to reconnect with her old school friend was that she was a cousin of the Enderby family. The Enderby's had owned a country estate that bordered on that of Lord Montague, Lady Isabelle's late husband. Lord Montague had died in a hunting accident 7 years previously leaving Lady Isabelle and their daughter Caroline to manage without his overbearing presence. It had not been a happy marriage, after all Lady Isabelle was not a happy person. She was vain and superficial, with a mean streak that was thinly covered by upper class manners. His Lordship had been little better; pompous, frequently drunk and almost always disagreeable. It was no surprise that they only had the one child, a daughter named Caroline. She had been a disappointment since birth because she was not a boy and neither parent had shown a lot of interest in her. Her upbringing had been mainly at the hands of governesses and boarding school. As adjacent property owners they had fairly close social ties. Sir Robert Enderby had got on with Lord Montague tolerably well, which was better than most people and Lady Isabelle and Lady Rose Enderby saw a good deal of each other without ever being really close. The Enderby's had one son, James who was the same age as Caroline and formed a close friendship. During summer holidays they were always together exploring their estates and the country around them. Things changed when Caroline and James were 12 years old. A relatively minor boundary dispute, which should have been settled amicably, was allowed to escalate and resulted in court action with the decision going to the Enderby's. Lord and Lady Montague regarded this as a humiliating loss and perhaps driven by this, Lord Montague rode recklessly at a local hunt and died of a broken neck when trying to jump an unjumpable fence. In a typically unreasonable reaction Lady Montague laid the blame for her husband's death squarely at the feet of the Enderby's and Caroline was immediately refused any further contact with her friend James. Lady Montague continued to feed her grievance, which was only partly diminished by the tragic death of Sir Robert and Lady Rose in a boating accident a few years later. Her interest in seeing Alice Soames was due to her hearing a rumour that Alice had been appointed the trustee to the Enderby estate until James came of age in 2 years. "Maybe I can create a little mischief which might spoil the wretched boy's prospects," she thought. Her natural nastiness was further fuelled by her long held grudge and jealousy of the financial superiority of the Enderby estate. At 4 pm Miss Soames carriage stopped outside Lady Isabelle's Belgravia home and she was assisted down by her footman. One of Lady Isabelle's parlourmaids opened the door just as Miss Soames approached it. As the house was now occupied by just Lady Isabelle and her daughter, the position of butler had been terminated and it was an all-female household. The maid curtsied respectfully and conducted Miss Soames through to the elegant sitting room where Lady Isabelle was waiting. "My dear Alice," cooed Lady Isabelle. "How lovely to see you, I am so glad that you were able to drop by; we have so much to discuss." Alice Soames glided across the thickly carpeted floor accompanied by the delicate rustling of her dress and petticoats. The two women embraced gently and then both sat facing each other on a pair of arm chairs near the large bay window that looked out onto the park opposite. Alice arranged the skirts of her dress carefully around herself and smiled at her hostess. They made some polite small talk for a few minutes before Lady Isabelle rang for tea. "You remember my daughter Caroline?" she asked. "Of course Isabelle, how is the dear girl?" "Well that is quite a story," replied Lady Isabelle with a slight frown of displeasure. "I simply cannot understand modern girls and the ridiculous ideas they come up with. You simply will not believe what she has been up to." Alice gave an encouraging expression and Lady Isabelle sailed on with her tale. "It turns out that she wishes to train as a doctor and practice medicine in the east part of London. Have you ever heard anything so appalling?" "Good gracious," exclaimed her friend in well simulated horror. "And if that were not bad enough she started wearing men's clothes." "Surely not?" managed Alice. "It led to a dreadful scene when I found out. The girl is quite headstrong and as stubborn as a mule. I had to come down on her very hard indeed I can assure you." "Oh Isabelle how dreadful for you; I do hope that you managed to bring her to her senses." Lady Isabelle gave a short bark of laughter. "It was a very trying time, but I finally solved the problem by packing her off to a very refined finishing school in Oxford and I was only able to do that because a number of ladies in my circle, whose daughters are friends of Caroline, sent there girls there with her to make up a private class." "My, how fortunate," exclaimed Alice, "And was this strategy successful?" "It appears to have been," replied Lady Isabelle cautiously, "at least it got her out of those dreadful trousers she started wearing and there has been no more talk of this doctoring nonsense. But I tell you Alice, I will not rest easy until the girl is safely married." "Oh Isabelle you are so strong and masterful," said Alice admiringly, "I do wish my problems could be solved in such a decisive manner." Lady Isabelle was dying to know more about Alice's problems, desperately hoping that they involved her ward James Enderby, when there was a discrete knock at the door and a maid entered with the tea. After the maid had set out the plates and tiny sandwiches and poured the tea Lady Isabelle waved her away, but then remembered something. 'Gladys pray have Miss Caroline join us," she ordered. "Very good Mam," said the maid, dropping into a respectful curtsey. Once the maid had closed the door behind her Lady Isabelle turned expectantly to her friend. "You were about to tell me of your problems Alice dear," she prompted. Alice sighed before launching into her tale. "Well Isabelle as you may know I have been appointed the guardian of my poor cousin's son, James Enderby, I believe you know the boy?" Lady Isabelle made a pretense of remembering some unimportant detail before allowing her face to brighten. "Oh yes the Enderby's had the estate next to ours before Charles tragic hunting accident." "That's right," confirmed Alice. She sighed again before continuing. "He was such a dear boy when he was little, but you know how it is with young men; he has become simply dreadful since he went up to Oxford a year ago. Getting in with the wrong crowd, drinking gambling and goodness knows what else. I am at my wits end trying to decide what to do about him. If he were a girl I could ship him off to the same finishing school you sent Caroline but of course he is a boy and they can be so impossible. I really don't know how I'm going to manage for the next year he's under my care." Before Lady Isabelle could reply another knock at the door signaled the arrival of Caroline. She was a tall, strikingly handsome girl of 19, dressed in a fashionable tea gown. Lady Isabelle made the introduction and as Caroline smoothed her dress, her mother said, "Caroline dear, Miss Soames was just telling me about her ward James Enderby and what a wretched young man he has become. Poor Miss Soames is quite beside herself." Lady Isabelle then proceeded to give her daughter a detailed and exaggerated account of her wards shortcomings. Caroline turned to Alice with an interested look on her face. "I believe you used to play with young James when you were children and we had our place in the country," said Lady Isabelle. Caroline gave a little laugh. "Oh yes James, I haven't thought of him in ages. Yes we did play together quite a bit." She paused and started to giggle. "What on earth is so funny Caroline?" asked Lady Isabelle with some irritation. 'Oh sorry," said Caroline suppressing her laughter. "It's just that I think I enjoyed our play better than poor James." "And why is that?" asked her mother. Caroline giggled again before saying, "Well I was rather naughty towards the poor boy." "Do go on Caroline," said her mother impatiently. "I hated being a girl," cried Caroline. "I hated having to wear long dresses and not being able to run, climb trees and play in the streams like a boy. Anyway one day when I was feeling especially annoyed James and I got into a wrestling match; it was just for fun really, but I found that I was stronger than him. Girls grow faster at that age and I was bigger than James. I managed to pin him to the ground and I suddenly found myself saying that because I had beaten him he had to wear my dress and be a girl, while I would wear his clothes and be a boy." "Caroline, you didn't," cried her mother, her voice a mixture of shock, horror and delight. "I did," said Caroline proudly. "I soon had him dressed in my petticoats and dress while I wore his shirt and trousers. It was wonderful; I was able to climb trees, swing on branches and run through the woods while he could only watch." "I do hope you only did that once," said Lady Isabelle severely. "Oh no," replied Caroline without a trace of shame. "After that we would meet every day and I made him wear my dresses and be the girl. I threatened to tell everyone I knew if he didn't obey me. I had such fun. Sometimes I would pretend to be a brave knight who had to rescue a lady, so I would tie poor James to a tree in his pretty dress and then fight the dragon so I could rescue my lady." "Very unsuitable," trumpeted Lady Isabelle. "I suppose that is where you got the awful idea of wearing men's clothes." "Maybe it was," said Caroline wistfully. "It was such fun; so much better than these stupid dresses," she continued bitterly. "Caroline! Don't you dare talk like that, you ungrateful girl. After all the trouble I took sending you to Miss Pinker's school to help refine you." Caroline pulled a face but did not answer. "You see what I mean Alice," cried Lady Isabelle turning to her friend. "Girls these days, really!" Caroline began to engage Alice in conversation to stop her mother's tirade and they chatted for a few minutes while Lady Isabelle seemed lost in thought. After a few minutes Alice turned to her friend and said, "Isabelle dear you seem very quiet, is something wrong." A smile began to spread across Lady Isabelle's face. "Oh no Alice nothing is wrong, in fact I think everything maybe very right. I have just had a marvelous idea that may solve all of your problems." Alice Soames looked astonished. "Really Isabelle, whatever is it, oh do please tell?" she asked. "Well," said Lady Isabelle smugly, "why don't we have young Master James live here with us for the next year or so until he comes of age and then he would be totally out of your hair?" "But he would never agree to that," protested Alice. "Oh I think he would if he was invited around for a dinner party." "But he would never agree to stay after the dinner," persisted Alice. "Oh I'm sure he would," insisted Lady Isabelle, "because by the morning he would no longer be Master James, He would be Miss James or more properly Miss Jane." Alice and Caroline stared at her in astonishment for a long time. Enjoying her moment of triumph, Lady Isabelle continued. "After the meal we would slip a powerful sedative into his brandy and when he became unconscious we would move him into one of the bedrooms, undress him and put him into a nightgown. When he woke in the morning his clothes would be gone and he would be dressed as a girl where he would remain for the next year or so. I believe that a year in petticoats would tame any young male with reprobate tendencies." "Oh it sounds too good to be true," said Alice. "It does sound like fun," said Caroline beginning to smile. "I would love to play with him again just like we used to when we were children." They all thought about Lady Isabelle's plan for a few minutes, until Alice eventually said, "But how would you keep him as a girl once the sedative had worn off? You may have been able to overpower him when you were children Caroline but he has become much stronger now. What would prevent him from simply walking out, even dressed as a girl? I don't think you would be strong enough to stop him," said Alice regretfully. "Yes that does present a difficulty," said Lady Isabelle thoughtfully. "It's such a marvelous plan," said Alice, "surely there is a way to make it work." "Let's all think about it for the next few days and see if we can't come up with an idea," said Lady Isabelle, not wanting to let go of her wonderful idea. At that point Alice glanced at the clock and realized that she needed to leave. "Let's be in touch as soon as one of us has an idea of how to solve this temporary setback," said Lady Isabelle brightly. Further Developments of Lady Isabelle's Plan As soon as Lady Isabelle and her daughter were alone she vigorously voiced her frustration. "Agh I could scream," cried her Ladyship! "I simply must have that Enderby brat in petticoats; it would be such a wonderful revenge over their dreadful family. I have always wanted to take a wayward male and turn him into a sweet, submissive young girl and doing it to him would be doubly satisfying." She paced up and down in frustration while Caroline watched her with a slightly amused expression on her face. Lady Isabelle stopped pacing and looked at her daughter in annoyance. "Caroline how can you sit there some calmly at a time like this?" "Mother, how can you be so vengeful to a poor boy that has never done you any harm?" "No harm," shrieked Lady Isabelle, "that dreadful family is responsible for your poor father's death." "Nonsense Mother, James had nothing to do with Father's death; he was drunk and tried to jump something that was beyond him." "What a wicked thing to say; I might have known I would get no support from you Caroline." "I didn't say I would not help Mother, in fact I think I can solve your little problem, but I shall want something in return." "And what would that be?" demanded Lady Isabelle with suspicion. "Let me first tell you how I might help," said Caroline. "As you know Mother, before you so perversely put a stop to it, I have a special interest in medicine." Here Lady Isabelle interrupted her daughter. "Really Caroline that was a most unsuitable hobby. Imagine a young lady of your class rubbing shoulders with the under classes with goodness knows what diseases." "Mother do you want to hear my idea or not," said Caroline with annoyance? "Yes please tell me." "Well in my study of medicine I came across a drug, which I believe originated in the vetinary world. They use it on stallions that are too frisky and it has the effect of not so much calming them as robbing them of over half their strength. Well I have heard from a medical friend that there is a version that works on humans. It would mean that if given to someone, like say James, he would be completely unable to resist being overpowered by even a delicate woman." Lady Isabelle was not so much interested as positively agog. "You mean that if we gave some of this drug to young Enderby he would be unable to resist me dressing him in petticoats?" she asked incredulously. "Oh you would easily be able to restrain him with one hand," said Caroline. "Would this be harmful? I would not want to poison the boy; that would defeat the purpose and cause a scandal," said Lady Isabelle, leaving no doubt that she considered the scandal a much worse event than an accidental poisoning. "Oh no, it is quite harmless and there are no long term consequences. When a man stops taking it his strength would return in about 6 months." "Can you get some?" asked Lady Isabelle desperately. "I dare say I could, but as I say I need something from you in return." "And that is?" snapped Lady Isabelle. "Well for a start I want you to immediately stop trying to get me married to that awful Freddie Bolsover." "But he would be such a suitable match," protested Lady Isabelle. "A suitable match for you Mother, but not for me. The man is a nincompoop and a lecher and I would slit my wrists rather than marry such a creature." "Caroline I despair of you. You will be 20 in 3 months and are still not engaged." "Mother I have no wish to be engaged to someone of your choosing. If I marry it will be for love." "What sentimental hogwash," declared Lady Isabelle. "So I take it you do not want to go ahead with my plan," sighed Caroline. "I didn't say that," replied her Ladyship anxious not to lose her burning ambition to humiliate the Enderby's. "Perhaps young Bolsover is not the ideal husband. Very well I am prepared to have a moratorium on getting you a husband if you can procure a suitable supply of this marvelous medicine." "Okay Mother I shall hold you to this agreement." "When can you get it?" asked Lady Isabelle anxiously. "Within a week I expect," replied Caroline casually. Barely able to contain her excitement lady Isabelle immediately dashed off a note to Alice Soames informing her of the good news. Notes flew back and forth between the two ladies and eventually a date was set for the dinner, in which young James would accompany Miss Soames to a small private dinner party in two weeks. "What shall we call our new guest; it cannot be James?" asked Lady Isabelle. "How about Jane?" replied Caroline. "Why Jane?" asked her Mother. "Well, his names are, James Alexander Nelson Enderby," replied Caroline. It took a few moments for Lady Isabelle to make the connection, but when she did she giggled in delight. "Jane it is then," she said. Lady Isabelle became more practical. "She will need to borrow your dresses and petticoats until we can get Miss Finch to make her some of her own. We will do that in the first week and have her fitted for corsets. Oh Caroline this is so exciting." "She is welcome to all of them; I just wish I could wear his," replied Caroline sorrowfully. Lady Isabelle ignored this remark and prattled on with her plans. "She is going to need a ladies maid to get her dressed and to educate her in being a lady. Perhaps you could share Annie with her." "She could have Annie to herself if I were to wear trousers," said Caroline but Lady Isabelle pretended not to hear. "Caroline I have just had a marvelous idea," cried Lady Isabelle. "Not another one," replied Caroline drily. "Now I want our new girl to be really reminded that she is wearing women's lingerie every moment of the day," said Lady Isabelle enthusiastically. "If she wears the usual pantaloons over her stockings it may feel like normal underwear. I am going to get Annie to shorten her pantaloons to the top of her thigh. Of course we will put extra lace on them, but the point is she will then feel her stockinged legs rub against her inner petticoat with very step she takes. It will be a delightful torment for the poor boy, I mean girl." "So instead of pantaloons they would be panties?" inquired Caroline. "Well yes I suppose so," said Lady Isabelle doubtfully. The next two weeks were especially busy with Lady Isabelle bustling round making all kinds of arrangements for the new adventure. When she received a formal note from Alice Soames advising that she and James would be pleased to dine with them on the Saturday evening Lady Isabelle could barely contain her excitement. Lady Isabelle's Dinner Party At 7pm a carriage stopped outside Lady Isabelle's house and a young man alighted. He quickly walked around to the other side and assisted Alice Soames out of the carriage. He was a little over average height with a slim build. His fair hair was longer than the fashion, ending just below his collar and his face, which looked almost delicate, had shown no signs of growing facial hair. "Thank you James," said Alice Soames. She took his arm and together they made their way up to the front door. James was dressed in formal evening wear and Alice was a dark blue satin gown with a very full skirt which swept the ground. They were met by the same parlour maid who had greeted Alice on her previous visit. James smiled at her as she took his top hat and exchanged a few pleasantries. The maid guided them through the stately hall to the sitting room, where she opened the door and bade them enter. "The Mistress will be with you directly Madam and sir," she said and curtsied before leaving. Another parlour maid was present and she came forward to offer them cocktails. They had just started to sip them when Lady Isabelle made her splendid entrance. Her Ladyship was wearing a magnificent formal gown of dove coloured silk and her regal progress across the room to great her guests was accompanied by the soft hiss of her petticoats. "Alice how nice to see you again," she said, before turning towards James and saying, "And you must be James; what a fine looking young man you have become." James bowed politely and Lady Isabelle resumed her greeting. "I am afraid our evening may prove a little dull for you James. I had invited two other couples but sadly they had to cancel at the last moment. It will just be Alice here, my daughter Caroline and me. I do hope you will not be too disappointed to spend an evening in such feminine company." "I am honoured to have such delightful ladies for company," said James graciously. Lady Isabelle smiled to herself and thought, "Just wait young man, you will soon be a charming young lady yourself." The 3 conversed for a few minutes before Caroline swept into the room. She was magnificently gowned in a dark blue tiered dress with a d?collet? neck line. Around her smooth white throat was an expensive string of pearls. "James may I present my daughter Caroline but of course you two are already acquainted although that was some years ago." James bowed formally and Caroline executed a delicate curtsey. "Caroline, how wonderful to see you again, you are even more beautiful than I imagined." Caroline blushed appropriately and acknowledged the compliment with a smile. The conversation resumed for a few more minutes before one of the maids returned to announce that dinner was served. James offered his arm to Lady Isabelle and they all made their way through to the dining room. During dinner Lady Isabelle led the conversation and at first much of it centered around fashion. After a few minutes she checked herself and turned apologetically to James. "How thoughtless of me talking of dresses my dear, it must be terrifically boring to a young man like yourself." "Oh no Lady Isabelle I find your conversation quite stimulating," replied James gallantly. Caroline barely suppressed a snigger, Alice smiled knowingly and Lady Isabelle beamed approval. "Not as stimulated as you will be tomorrow, my dear, when you will be wearing them," thought Lady Isabelle. After the last dish had been cleared away Lady Isabelle rose as a signal to the other ladies to retire to the drawing room. "I am sorry that you will be by yourself for a while James," said Lady Isabelle, "but I hope you will enjoy a glass of brandy as we ladies retire to the drawing room." With a soft rustle of skirts the 3 ladies made their exit and James reached for the brandy decanter. As soon as the three women were safely inside the drawing room they all broke into excited giggles. "Is everything prepared?" asked Alice eagerly. "Oh yes," assured Lady Isabelle, "in a few minutes he will start to feel very drowsy and before he becomes completely unconscious Annie and Doris will assist him into one of the upstairs bedrooms where they will remove his unsuitable garments in exchange for the new panties Annie designed and a pretty nightdress. He will sleep for several hours and when he wakes we will have our sweet girl." This caused a fresh round of giggling. "I am so looking forward to having our dear Jane share the drawing room with us after dinner on future nights," said Caroline. "What about the special potion that will enfeeble him?" asked Alice. Caroline laughed. "He already had it with his wine at dinner. Even now our little guest's strength is ebbing away." Lady Isabelle clapped her hands and exclaimed, "How wonderful!" The Next Morning As the sunlight began to stream through the bedroom window James found himself begin to stir. It took several minutes before the fog in his brain cleared sufficiently for him to focus. He stared with incomprehension around the unfamiliar room and wondered how he had possibly got there. The shock came when he pulled back the covers and stared at the pretty nightgown he was wearing. Before he could react the bedroom door opened and in sailed Lady Isabelle, Alice Soames and two maids. "Ah you are awake my dear?" simpered Lady Isabelle. "I trust you had a pleasant sleep?" "Lady Isabelle, what is going on? Why am I in this bed and why am I wearing a ladies nightgown?" The four women approached the bed and James hastily pulled up the covers. "Well my dear, the answer is that you are going to be our guest for the next few months. Your poor guardian here has found your behavior simply intolerable ever since you went to Oxford; carousing, reveling and being quite disrespectful to women. She was at her wits end and came to me for help. After some thought we realized that the cause of this disgraceful behaviour was doubtless the appalling influence of your male society. The only solution was to remove you from this toxic environment and immerse you in a sweet feminine environment. My dear we are really doing this for your own good. A few months in petticoats, living as a lovely girl, will work wonders and I really believe that you will come to love this life so much that you may never want to go back to the dark society of the male." Lady Isabelle looked at James, who had listened to this speech with growing amazement, and smiled benignly. "Lady Isabelle, this is simply outrageous," spluttered James, "I demand that you return my clothes immediately." "Your new clothes are in the wardrobe and Annie and Doris will help you to dress in them as they may be somewhat unfamiliar," continued Lady Isabelle calmly. "I'll not remain here any longer," cried James, "even if it means walking out of here dressed as I am." "Oh dear," said Lady Isabelle regretfully, "I had hoped that you would be more reasonable. Annie please hand me that sash," she said pointing to a pretty blue sash on a chair. As James stood up his knees buckled a little as he seemed to find it an effort to stand. Lady Isabelle swept forwards and taking his arm effortlessly turned him round and pulled his arm behind him. She swiftly tied one end of the sash to his wrist and then reached for his other arm. James tried to resist but Lady Isabelle pushed him forward so that his body lay across the bed. Taking his other arm she lashed his wrists together rendering him completely helpless. "I'm sorry to have to do this my dear Jane, but as I have said it is for your own good. We have given you some special medicine that renders you weak and compliant and you will remain on it while you are here; a sweet submissive girl." James body began to shake with convulsive sobs. Lady Isabelle waited until they had subsided and then she gently raised him up and turned him so he was sitting on the bed. "Now Jane you are going to live here as a girl. The sooner you accept that the easier it will be for you." "Cousin Alice why are you letting her do this to me," said James imploringly? "Dear Jane, it is for the best. Try to be a good girl," said Alice gently. "Why are you calling me Jane; why are you calling me a girl?" "Because you will be a girl for the next few months until you have learned your lesson. You can't be called James if you are a girl so you need a girl's name. Caroline said your initials spelled out J A N E, so we thought that would be a lovely name. Now if you behave and really accept your femininity you will be back in trousers in no time," said Lady Isabelle giving James a gentle hug. Of course this was a lie as she had no intention of allowing her new captive to escape back into trousers. James made a feeble attempt to free himself before slumping forward into Lady Isabelle's arms. "Are you going to be a good girl Jane and do as we say?" James slowly nodded. "Say it," Lady Isabelle insisted. "I'll be a good girl and do as you say," whispered James. "Louder dear we can't hear you." James repeated the dreaded words in a louder voice. "Good girl' said Lady Isabelle crisply. She turned to the two maids and said, "Kindly bathe Miss Jane and dress her in the manner of a young lady of class; do her hair and makeup. When she is ready present her to me in the morning room where we will take breakfast." With this she turned on her heel and swished out of the room with Alice, leaving James in the care of the two maids. "If you promise to be good Miss Jane I will untie you," said Doris with a smirk. "I'll be good," said James weakly. "Good girl," said Doris, her voice edged with contempt. She undid the sash that bound James wrists while Annie was running his bath. James was allowed to bathe in privacy but Doris took away his nightclothes after he was submerged beneath the soapy water. "Wrap a towel around you when you are dry Miss Jane and come out here so that Annie and I can dress you in your new clothes," said Doris with false friendliness. Meanwhile in the Morning Room Lady Isabelle, Caroline and Alice were having a leisurely breakfast while they waited for their new guest. "I can't believe how well everything went," said Lady Isabelle excitedly. "She was as weak as a young bird; it really was no effort overpowering her thanks to your wonderful medicine Caroline. How often must she take it?" "Every two days will be sufficient," said Caroline. "And Mother don't forget your promise regarding marriage." "Of course not dear," said Lady Isabelle airily. She then became serious. "Now ladies, we have to plan Jane's first day. She will need dresses of her own; I should think at least a dozen. That is no small expense Alice; will that be a problem?" "Oh no," replied Alice. "The Enderby inheritance amounts to a very considerable sum and I am able to draw on it for essentials such as clothing quite generously." Lady Isabelle felt a little surge run through her when she heard the words "very considerable sum," and she determined to find out just how considerable. Her own finances were much more precarious than her extravagant lifestyle suggested and already there was a stirring of an idea in the dark recesses of her mind. However she was careful to hide this, so she said, "Excellent, we will take her to Miss Finch after breakfast to be measured. The sooner we can get her into her own dresses and petticoats the better. Oh yes and she will need corsets so we'll get her measured for them as well." She sighed and said, "I would love to be there when Doris and Annie put her into her first dress, but unfortunately it would not be proper." "That's never stopped you before Mother," thought Caroline. The subject of their conversation emerged a few minutes later from the bathroom and Doris handed him a clean pair of the newly designed panties and both maids turned their backs as he put them on. Doris produced a garter belt which she fastened around his waist and then directed him to sit on the edge of the bed while silk stockings were rolled up his legs and attached to the belt. Annie handed him a silk chemise which came to the middle of his thighs. "Now Miss Jane it's time to get you into your first corset," said Doris trying unsuccessfully to hide a smirk. "Take hold of that lacing bar and we'll soon give you a girlish figure you will love." Doris made sure that the corset was uncomfortably tight before tying off the laces. "Now your petticoats Miss," said Annie spreading out the garments neatly on the floor so they formed a full lacy circle. Taking James hand, Annie carefully guided his feet into the center of the pile and began pulling them up one by one and tying them off at the waist. "I've slid them through your corset Miss so they can't come undone," said Annie helpfully. Meanwhile Doris had brought over a dress from the wardrobe and held it up for James to see. It was dark blue satin with white frilled tiers on the skirt and also on the three quarter length sleeves. "This is one of Miss Caroline's favourites, but I'm sure she would love to see you wearing it, Miss." Doris and Annie carefully lowered the dress over James head and Annie began to do up the buttons at the back. "It's a lovely fit Miss," she said after she finished. They sat James on a chair and while Annie arranged his hair into a more feminine style Doris applied some powder to his face and some lipstick. "We'll be able to do more with your hair when it grows longer so that will have to do for now," said Annie apologetically. James stepped into a pair of ankle boots with a modest heel and Doris fastened them securely. "Come and look at yourself in the mirror Miss Jane," said Doris guiding him across to the full length mirror on the wardrobe. James gasped in amazement at the figure staring back at him. All traces of male had been vanquished in favour of an attractive looking young woman. "You do make a pretty girl Miss Jane, much too pretty to ever be a boy again," gushed Doris. "The Mistress will be so pleased. Now hurry along and we will take you to her." With Doris on one side and Annie on the other, like a pair of warders, James was guided out of the bedroom to the main staircase. "Hold your dress and petticoats in one hand Miss Jane and step carefully down," said Annie solicitously. Once at the bottom of the stair Doris led the way to the Morning room and knocked on the door. A voice called out, "Enter," and Doris announced, "Miss Jane Your Ladyship," and James was given a little push into the room. James moved a little awkwardly across the room towards the three ladies seated at the breakfast table. They stared at him in wonder. "Oh my goodness," exclaimed Lady Isabelle, "Jane you look a perfect picture of sweet femininity. Do give us a little twirl so we can better admire your dress." James obliged and the ladies clapped daintily. Caroline smiled and said, "Jane dear you simply must keep that dress, it looks so much better on you than me." This remark caused James to blush furiously. "Jane my dear you must be hungry," said Lady Isabelle with false sincerity. "Now before you sit down there is one little thing we would like you to do. When you enter a room with ladies present the polite thing to do is a graceful curtsey. Caroline will show you how." Caroline obliged and James did his best to copy the gesture. "I can see you will need some practice Jane, but very commendable for your first attempt," said Lady Isabelle in a patronizing manner. James sat himself awkwardly due to the tight corset and voluminous dress and petticoats. Alice poured him a cup of tea and he began to nibble on a piece of toast, thinly covered with marmalade. "Now Jane," began Lady Isabelle brightly, "We have an exciting day planned for you. I know how keen you will be to get your own dresses and petticoats, so after breakfast we are going to visit Miss Finch's emporium, where we will get her to take your measurements. Then you can help choose the different types of dresses you would like and the material. Doesn't that sound wonderful?" James gave a ghastly smile and nodded weakly. Lady Isabelle was now in full flow and continued. "Of course you will need corsets, so that will be another place to visit. We use an excellent corsetiere called Miss Clamp, who will be able to make you some lovely corsets. Nightdresses and petticoats will come from Miss Finch, who is quite the expert on petticoats. You can learn a lot from her Jane, so you will need to pay close attention when we are there. If we have time we will get you some new shoes and at the end of the day I have a special treat for you. I won't tell you what it is so as not to spoil the lovely surprise." By the time the gale, that was Lady Isabelle, had finally blown itself out and she was temporarily silent, James had finished his breakfast. He found that wearing a corset reduced his appetite, or maybe it was the prospect of the day's events. "All done Jane dear?" asked Lady Isabelle brightly. "Now we can go on our adventure; I'll have Doris call the carriage." It was time for Alice to take her leave. "Be a good girl Jane and I expect you will be back in trousers before you know it." "Of course she will," said Lady Isabelle mendaciously. A Visit to M Finch Dressmaker The carriage house was a few streets away so by the time the three women had freshened up it was waiting at the door. James who had previously leapt in easily felt humiliated to be partly lifted in by the coachman. "All part of being a lady Jane, just enjoy the attention," said Caroline smiling at his discomfort. After about 15 minutes the carriage pulled up outside a regal looking establishment in Knightsbridge with the name, M. Finch Dressmaker, in guilt lettering above the door. When they opened the door a young shop assistant hurried forward to greet them and curtsied. She recognized Lady Isabelle and after seating them on a comfortable couch went quickly to fetch Miss Finch. James looked around nervously. He seemed to be immersed in a sea of femininity which he felt engulf him in its silky folds. The large interior of the shop was filled with ladies parading in elegant gowns while others watched and commented. Miss Finch appeared moving in the manner of a proud ship of the line in full sail. She was a tall, thin, prim looking woman of about 50 who always seemed to have an air of disapproval about her. However on seeing Lady Isabelle, her face creaked into a smile. "Lady Isabelle how wonderful to see you," she simpered. "And who is this delightful young lady I see with your charming daughter." Lady Isabelle cleared her throat and said in a conspiratorial manner, "This is Miss Jane Enderby who is in my charge while she undergoes a little remedial work. Jane is, how shall I put it, a work in progress, that is to say, she requires thorough feminization to curb her unfortunate male upbringing." "Ah," said Miss Finch knowingly. "This sounds like a very wise course of action Lady Isabelle. Dresses and petticoats are an excellent way to tame egregious male behavior. Now I suggest that we take this young, er lady's, measurements and then we can look at various styles. I assume that you are looking for something very feminine?" "As feminine as you can create," boomed Lady Isabelle. "Come with me young lady," said Miss Finch crisply. "And we will soon have you measured for some lovely gowns." She beckoned to an assistant and said, "Ethel take this young lady into salon 1 and take her measurements. When you are done you may give her a dressing gown as she will be trying on several dresses." While James was suffering the embarrassment of being undressed and measured Miss Finch was showing Lady Isabelle and Caroline various styles of dress. "A tiered look with lace flounces is very feminine," said Miss Finch helpfully. "Excellent," replied Lady Isabelle. "I think a good full skirt that moves prettily and requires a deft touch to control would be very suitable; satin and silk of course." "Oh I do so agree," said Miss Finch breathily. "How many dresses were you think Lady Isabelle?" "Oh I should think at least a dozen," said Lady Isabelle casually. "House dresses, tea gowns, evening wear, a lady has to look her best." Miss Finch gave a little quiver of excitement as 12 dresses was a very lucrative order. At this point they were rejoined by James wearing a long covering robe. He was just in time to see one of Miss Finch's assistants modeling one of the dresses Lady Isabelle had selected. "Is that not a beautiful dress Jane, it would look lovely on you," said Lady Isabelle as the assistant went gliding past in a long gown of gold coloured silk. "Yes Lady Isabelle," replied James in a very low voice. Miss Finch had an assistant gather some samples and ushered them back to Salon 1. This was much larger than a dressing room. It had a seating area, a raised dais and ample room to promenade. Another assistant appeared with an armful of petticoats. Miss Finch smiled wolfishly at James. "A question for you my dear; what do you consider humanities greatest invention?" "The wheel?" James guessed tentatively. Miss Finch trilled a little laugh. "Useful no doubt, but in my opinion our greatest invention is the petticoat." This last word was spoken with a reverence normally reserved for the scriptures. "The petticoat elevates women to a level that mere men can only wonder about. It helps give women poise, elegance, mystery and when used correctly, complete mastery of men. It is no wonder men fear its power." Miss Finch had worked herself into such a passion that her face became flushed and her breathing quickened. With an effort she calmed herself. "I have written a small monograph, some mere 200 pages, on the petticoat and would be happy to make a present of a copy to this young person to mark her entry into the great realm of femininity." Lady Isabelle could barely contain her delight. "How very kind of you Miss Finch; it will prove an invaluable resource and inspiration for our young friend. Jane you must thank Miss Finch suitably." "Thank you Miss Finch, I am sure I will enjoy reading it," said James timidly and he curtsied hesitantly. Miss Finch beamed her approval. "Lady Isabelle, allow me to give a demonstration of the power of the petticoat to transform this young person into gentler pastures." She selected a long silky garment from the pile her assistant had brought in. "Come here my girl," she gestured to James who shuffled forwards. "Lift your foot dear; good, now the other one." James felt the soft fabric slide up his stockinged legs and a little shiver ran through him. When it reached his waist Miss Finch tied it off expertly. "Now walk to the end of the room my dear." As James started out he found that his gait was severely restricted. The petticoat was narrow and only allowed a short stride. There was a constant sliding against his stockings which James felt disturbingly attractive. 'This petticoat is the foundation stone, so to speak," lectured Miss Finch. "It allows the outer petticoats to work their magic." Next she selected a bulkier garment that rustled as she brought it forward. James was helped to place his feet inside and the petticoat was once again drawn up and tied at his waist. Miss Finch resumed her lesson. "This petticoat is the orchestra as it were. It has layers of taffeta which give that delightful rustling sound one hears when a lady moves. Of course," she added seriously, "the lady has to learn how to play this delightful instrument," and here she gave James a stern look as though his deficiency in this area was a grave one. "Finally we have the outer petticoat; and this is the beauty of the team. Its sole purpose is to look pretty." Once it was in place they all admired the pretty flounces and hem, gorgeously adorned in fine lace and gold thread. "Walk again my dear," ordered Miss Finch and Lady Isabelle gasped in pure delight at the sight of James parading in this elaborate ensemble. "Miss Finch," she exclaimed, "you have surpassed yourself. This is exactly what I had envisaged for dear Jane. This will make things so much easier for her to embrace her new position." "Now let us try that while wearing one of the dress styles that you have selected," said Miss Finch. James did not remember selecting any dresses but he did as he was told. The gold dress modeled earlier by an assistant was lowered over his head and fastened at the back. The heavy silk added significantly to the dresses movement as James walked up and down, something that Miss Finch commented on to her audience. "Do you hear the delightful rustle of dress and petticoats? Oh it is so like the gentle playing of the string section of an orchestra, while the click of heels on the wooden floor adds the percussion." Miss Finch's words had a strange effect on James. He began to feel a certain rhythm of his dress and petticoats as he moved and he was forced to admit that the feeling was really quite pleasant. "She moves very clumsily," said Lady Isabelle grumpily. "That can be changed," replied Miss Finch; "With the correct instruction Miss Jane will be able to provide sweet music with her dress and shoes." Lady Isabelle was interested. "Where could we obtain such instruction?" "My sister, Miss P Finch, conducts classes here twice a week and we could easily enroll Miss Jane." "Excellent," cried Lady Isabelle, "we will certainly do that. You would love that would you not Jane?" James reluctantly agreed. Eventually it was agreed that Miss Finch would make 12 dresses and 9 petticoats. She insisted that James keep the ones he had modeled. "I will send them over piece by piece as they are finished," Miss Finch promised. James thought that his ordeal was finally over but then Miss Finch produced her crowning touch. "I have something here that I think will interest you Lady Isabelle. It would perhaps be most appropriate for someone such as the young lady under your supervision. I call it the contemplation dress." "Intriguing," said Lady Isabelle. "Pray how does it work?" "Allow me to demonstrate," said Miss Finch as she dispatched an assistant to fetch the garment. She returned carrying a velvet dress in a rich plum colour. James carefully held his petticoats as he stepped into it. Miss Finch began to pull it up his body and then instructed James to put his arms through the sleeves, which came down to just above the elbow. To his surprise he found that the arms had been firmly sewn to the body of the dress and so his arms were effectively pinned to his side. James could still move his hands, but then Miss Finch drew attention to the sewn in belt hanging from each side of the back of the dress. She quickly pulled his hands behind his back and deftly looped each belt around his wrists before tying off the belt in a large neat bow. James tried to struggle, but Miss Finch's work had been very thorough and he was completely helpless. Indicating her handiwork Miss Finch said, "Now any young lady wearing such a dress has ample time to contemplate her faults or transgressions; hence the name." Lady Isabelle was ecstatic. "Miss Finch we must have one! It will be an invaluable aid to Jane's development as a young lady." James looked at Caroline and saw that her eyes shone with excitement and she wore a happy smile. "Perhaps Jane could wear it home?" she suggested. However Lady Isabelle demurred. "Much as I like your suggestion Caroline I fear that depriving Jane of her arms on an outdoors excursion might result in an injury." Caroline looked disappointed but was forced to concede the point. James was finally helped back into Caroline's dress that he wore to the shop but he kept on the new petticoats. Just as they were leaving Miss Finch's emporium Miss Finch herself ran after them and handed a leather bound volume to James. It was titled simply "The Petticoat" by M Finch. James mumbled his thanks accompanied by his best curtsey. 'Wonderful bedtime reading," observed Lady Isabelle. "Now a little refreshment I think before we visit Miss Clamp the corsetiere." Lunch consisted of tea and some delicate sandwiches. "Not too much Jane dear as you will be trying on corsets." The visit to Miss Clamps was less eventful than the one to Miss Finch. Despite her name Miss Clamp was a round smiling woman who fussed over Jane like a mother hen. She tut tutted at James misfortune at having been born a boy, but assured her that the new corsets would cause her to relish her new position. 3 Corsets were ordered and they were able to depart without any delay. Lady Isabelle consulted the elegant timepiece she kept in her bag and said, "I fear that we will not have time to get Jane shoes today, but we do have time for her surprise." She produced a black silk scarf and tied it around James head as blindfold. "I don't trust you not to peek you naughty girl," she said teasingly. "And we don't want to spoil your lovely surprise." The carriage eventually stopped and James was assisted down from the carriage and guided by Caroline and Lady Isabelle. James could hear some whispered conversation and then he was led to a chair and was pushed down into it. Some cold liquid was spread over his ear lobes and then he heard of voice say, "Hold on." At the same time he felt a sharp pain in first his right ear and shortly after his left. As he was recovering from his shock the blindfold was removed and he was looking into a mirror and at 2 dangling earrings. "Aren't they lovely Jane," gushed Lady Isabelle. "You have been such a good girl today that I wanted to get you a little present." "They do look very pretty," said Caroline who seemed delighted with all the changes James had undergone. James felt in a state of shock during the drive home. Things had escalated so quickly that he seemed constantly uncertain as to how to respond. Part of him felt craven for having appeared to have collapsed so completely in the face of Lady Isabelle's strategies and part of him felt overwhelmed emotionally and physically. Once they arrived home Lady Isabelle summoned Annie and directed her to change James dress to a tea gown and deliver him to the sitting room for afternoon tea. The tea gown was a little looser in design and allowed easier movement but there was no letup in the bite of the corset. Following tea James was allowed to return to his room for a short rest. He had found the day unusually taxing and when he lay down on the bed to rest he quickly fell into a deep sleep. He was shaken awake an hour later by Annie announcing that it was time to dress for dinner. This time the dress was of a formal nature; royal blue and sleeveless with a train that skimmed over the floor when James moved. He remembered to curtsey when he entered the sitting room where Lady Isabelle and Caroline were gathered, which pleased Her Ladyship. After some general conversation one of the maids announced that dinner was served and James and Caroline followed Lady Isabelle through to the dining room. "How nice to have a dinner where only ladies are present," beamed Lady Isabelle. "We can be a little more relaxed without any gentlemen present." James winced a little at this remark but tried not to show it. "I do hope you enjoyed your day Jane dear," said Lady Isabelle. "I fear it may have been quite taxing for you as you are quite unused to our little ways and customs." "I think Jane did splendidly," said Caroline enthusiastically. "And I do love her new earrings." James smiled and bowed his head politely in response. After dinner Lady Isabelle rose and said, "Well ladies shall we adjourn to the sitting room for coffee?" James rose and carefully maneuvered his dress as he followed Lady Isabelle out of the dining room. They talked for a while over coffee and then James found himself beginning to yawn. Lady Isabelle was immediately solicitous. "Oh dear Jane you must be exhausted poor girl. Off you go to bed and get a good night's sleep for tomorrow will be very busy but in a different way. I'll send Annie up to undress you." Annie first removed James dress and then untied his petticoats. He sighed with relief when she removed his corset and he found himself relishing the relief of being put into his nightdress. Less than one minute after his head touched the pillow he was deeply asleep. Meanwhile in the sitting room Lady Isabelle and Caroline were planning his next day. "I am surprised how easily Jane is accepting her feminization; I expected more of a struggle," said Lady Isabelle. "That is probably due to the effects of the medicine," replied Caroline. "Well," smiled Lady Isabelle, "Tomorrow is another day entirely." And they both giggled. Day Two in Skirts James felt himself shaken awake at a disturbingly early hour. "Get up girl, you can't lie around in bed all day like a lady of leisure," said Doris in a cross voice. Before he could fully comprehend what was happening James found himself being stripped of his nightdress and stepping into a pair of full length bloomers. "What is going on?" he asked. "None of your lip girl; my job is to get you dressed and down to see Mrs. Parker, the housekeeper, double quick." Still in a daze James found himself stepping into petticoats; not the silky variety he had worn the day before, but rougher cotton garments. Next came a long black cotton dress and finally a long white apron was fastened around his waist with a large neat bow. Finally a frilled mob cap was pinned to his head and after carefully scrutinizing him Doris declared herself satisfied. "Follow me girl and be quick about it," snapped Doris and James scuttled after her. Instead of taking the main staircase he had used the previous day Doris led him to a back stair that descended down below the main floor to the servant's quarters. She stopped outside a closed door and knocked discretely. "Enter," came a voice from within. James was pushed forwards and into the presence of Mrs. Parker. In the absence of a butler the housekeeper was the highest ranking servant, who all the others answered to. They were a breed used to being obeyed. She regarded James suspiciously. "Where are your manners girl, you are supposed to curtsey to your betters and on this floor that means everyone." James hastened to comply. Mrs. Parker rolled her eyes. "Call that a curtsey girl, do it again," she barked. James second effort must have been a little better because she changed the subject. "Right as a new girl to service, you will start at the bottom as a scullery maid under the cook, Mrs. Tovey." She glared at James, "Well girl what are you waiting for, get along with you to the kitchen and start work and I'm warning you, I had better receive good reports from Mrs. Tovey or you will catch it from me later." Fortunately James remembered to curtsey before he left and hurried off to find the kitchen. "You must be the new girl," said Mrs. Tovey glancing around from the stove where she was stirring a large pot of porridge. "Grab a bowl girl; you have 10 minutes to eat your porridge before the rest of the staff get here. You will be serving them, so look lively." James had a sense that he had better eat while he could so her wolfed down the hot porridge and was just finishing as the rest of the staff arrived. "Got a new girl I see Mrs. Tovey," said a short grey haired woman. "Hope she's better than the last." Mrs. Parker snorted. "Can't be much worse. Come on girl get Miss Trimble her breakfast." James hurried across to the table and delivered Miss Trimble's breakfast plus a quick curtsey. "Better manners than the last one," observed Miss Trimble. Altogether James served 8 women for breakfast and as soon as they had left the kitchen, Mrs. Tovey started him on washing the dishes and scrubbing out the pots. No sooner than one task was completed than Mrs. Tovey found another so there was no let up. James was required to scrub the kitchen floor on his knees with soapy water and a scrubbing brush and once that was done Mrs. Tovey had completed breakfast for Lady Isabelle and Caroline so there were more dishes and pots to clean. Just when James expected to get a break, preparations for lunch began. After lunch James was given a short break and he had only been sitting for a few minutes when he saw a very young girl struggling with a large laundry container out in the corridor. He immediately jumped to his feet and went out to help her. The girl looked to be about 14 years old and was very thin and frightened looking. James helped her load the washing into a large copper tub which needed filling with buckets of warm water. Once this was completed Mrs. Tovey came looking for him and his break was over. Somehow he managed to get through the rest of the day and after all the washing up and cleaning had been finished Mrs. Tovey dismissed him. Doris then curtly bade him follow her to his bedroom. They climbed up to just below the roof by narrow back stairs and along a dark corridor. Finally Doris flung open a door and pointed inside. "Here's your room girl, get some rest because you start again at 5 am. There's a nightdress in the wardrobe and a clean uniform and apron. You dress yourself tomorrow and you'd better look presentable." She pulled the door closed behind her and left James alone. The room looked quite bleak. There was a narrow bed with a thin mattress and two worn blankets. The nightdress lay on the lumpy pillow; it was a rough cotton fabric, quite unlike what he had worn the night before. He was just about to get undressed when there was a knock at the door. He opened it and recognized one of the parlour maids that he had served breakfast that morning. She looked to be about 17 years old. "I'm Maisie, junior parlour maid and I saw you at breakfast. My sister is Minnie the scullery maid. Minnie told me how you had helped her this afternoon with the laundry and I came to thank you. It's the only time anyone here apart from me has been kind to her. I know you are not a real girl and I don't know why the mistress has you dressed like this doing a maids job, but I want you to know that you have made a friend in me and in Minnie. I'll do my best to stick up for you if the others get too nasty. What is your name?" "I go by Jane," replied James. Maisie stuck out her hand and said, "Get some rest Jane, I will give you a wakeup call in the morning," and with that she departed. James Continues Life Below Stairs It seemed to James that he had barely lain down before he felt himself shaken awake. "Jane its 5.00, time to get up," said Maisie. James hastily dressed and hurried out to the kitchen where the same routine as the previous day was repeated. Mrs. Parker made sure he took his medicine with his breakfast. Day 2 felt a little easier because at least he had some familiarity about the routine. Once again he found some time to help Minnie with some of the more physical of her tasks. After the work day was over and he had retired to his small cheerless room there was once again a knock at the door. It was Maisie and Minnie each carrying a mug of cocoa and one for him. "We thought you might like some company," said Maisie. "I would very much," replied James. "Please make yourselves as comfortable as you can in this little room." They all sat on the bed and began to talk. James gave some brief details about why he was in the position he was, but declined to go into too much detail. Maisie explained that she had been in service since she was 14 and now Minnie was the same age and had just started. They were from a poor background and when their parents could no longer afford to look after them they had started work as servants. It sounded a very bleak future for the girls and James heart went out to them. "If you could be anything whatever in the world what would it be," he asked? "I'd love to be a teacher, especially with small children," said Maisie at once. "Me too," whispered Minnie. "What a wonderful career choice," said James, "I wish you every success." Maisie laughed bitterly and said, "Ain't going to happen though is it?" "Well I'm sure it won't be easy," replied James. "You don't understand Jane, neither Minnie nor I can read or write. We were the last of 8 kids and our Mum and Dad couldn't afford to send us to school. We were lucky to get taken on here. It's the first time either of us has had more than one dress.," said Maisie sadly. "Well I'll have to teach you to read and write," said James in a matter of fact tone. Maisie's eyes went wide with astonishment. "You'd do that for us?" she said in wonder. "We'll start right now," said James firmly. "Do you know where we can get pencil and paper?" "There's lots in the kitchen," said Maisie, "I'll just nip down and get some." She was back soon after carrying several sheets of plain wrapping paper and a couple of thick black pencils. "Perfect," said James and began to teach them the alphabet. They left an hour and a half later with a completed alphabet each and a firm commitment to return the next night. Once again at 5.00 James was woken by Maisie and after dressing he hurried down to the kitchen. After a quick breakfast James served the other servants as usual. However when he began to clear the dishes Mrs. Tovey stopped him. "Mrs. Parker wants to see you girl, so off you go." James was feeling nervous as he knocked on Mrs. Parker's door. He was told to enter and he remembered to curtsey as soon as he entered. Mrs. Parker looked up briefly from her desk and said, "I'm putting you with Maisie today, she will show you what to do. You'll find her on the main floor so off you go girl and do a good job." James curtsied and went quickly down to the main floor where he found Maisie in the sitting room. "I'm glad you are with me today Jane. We have lots to do so I'll show you what's needed." James first job was to clean out the hearth and lay a new fire. This was dirty work, so when he was finished Maisie had him repeat the same thing for the other 3 rooms that would see use in the morning. "This way you only have to change your uniform once," said Maisie. They spent the rest of the morning cleaning and dusting. On one occasion James came face to face with Lady Isabelle and remembered just in time to curtsey. Lady Isabelle gave no indication of having noticed him at all. The rest of the afternoon was just as busy, but James did not complain as he found the work much easier than the first two days when he was a scullery maid. That night Maisie and Minnie once again came to his room and they did another hour or so of work on the alphabet. By the time they finished both girls had made significant progress. The next morning started the same way as the other 3, except that James did not have time to eat breakfast. Doris stopped him before he could grab a plate. "Follow me girl," she snapped and immediately headed off upstairs. James found himself back in his former room but before he could ask any questions Doris ordered him to remove all his clothes and get into the bath. She came in and quickly washed his hair and then left him to finish bathing. Once he was dry she handed him the panties and camisole he had worn on the first day and once he had them on she lashed him into a corset. His new petticoats were next and when Doris brought over his dress she had a smirk on her face; he soon saw why. When he slid his arms inside he realized that it was the contemplative dress he had worn at Miss Finch's. Doris did up the last button and then said, "Hands behind you Miss Jane, wrists crossed." Quickly Doris tied his hands securely behind him and finished with a neat bow. She made a fuss of readjusting his skirt and petticoats before leading him over to a full length mirror. "What a pretty girl you make Miss Jane; the Mistress will be so pleased to see you all neat and helpless," she gloated. She then guided him out of the bedroom and down stairs to the morning room where she pushed him into a chair. Reaching into the pocket of her apron, she produced a wide pink ribbon and quickly tied James ankles together before leaving the room. James sat there for about an hour before 2 parlour maids came in and began laying out breakfast. Neither of them looked nor spoke to James, they just finished their work and left. A little later James heard the door open and then the rustle of skirts moving towards him. "Oh look Caroline it's our dear Jane come to join us for breakfast; how nice," said Lady Isabelle in a sugary tone. "Don't get up Jane; oh I see you can't," as she lifted James dress and saw the ribbon securing his ankles. "Doris did not have to go that far, as I am sure you have no intention of leaving. Caroline please untie Jane's ankles so that she may join us for breakfast, although as you are wearing that dress one of us will have to feed you, but that will be fun," she said with a giggle. She considered for a moment and said, "I suppose we could untie her hands Caroline, what do you think?" "She looks so vulnerable like that, so very sweet," replied Caroline. "Yes you are right," agreed Lady Isabelle. "And the line of the dress and the pretty bow effect would be spoiled, so I think we will just leave you all tied up sweet Jane and then you can enjoy your breakfast without any distractions. Caroline please help Jane into a chair at the table so we can begin." Caroline assisted James to rise and then held a chair for him at the table and slid it in place, before sitting herself. Lady Isabelle delicately buttered a piece of toast. "Marmalade or honey Jane dear?" she asked solicitously. "Marmalade please," replied James. Lady Isabelle held the toast to James lips while he took a few small bites. "Tea dear Jane?" she asked. "Yes please Lady Isabelle." A cup was poured and again Lady Isabelle held the cup so that James could take a few sips. Breakfast continued in this fashion with both Lady Isabelle and Caroline chatting brightly and James doing his best to be agreeable. After Lady Isabelle dabbed James lips with a serviette she sat back in her chair. "Well Jane, do tell us how you enjoyed your little adventure in service? It really is a different world is it not?" "Very different Lady Isabelle," replied James drily. Lady Isabelle became serious "The thing is Jane it is time for you to decide how you would like to spend your time with us. As I see it you have two choices. You can continue your budding career as a maid or you can be up here training as a young lady. Now it's a big decision so I don't want to rush you. You are after all wearing your contemplation dress; maybe you would like to sit here for a while thinking it over; what do you say?" James swallowed and said, "I would like to train as a young lady please Lady Isabelle." Lady Isabelle looked concerned. "Are you really sure Jane? It is a big commitment and there is so much to learn. Perhaps you would be better having another 2 weeks with Mrs. Tovey so as not to rush a decision." James looked alarmed. "Oh no Lady Isabelle my mind is quite made up, I would love the opportunity of training as a young lady and I promise to work hard," he said hastily. Lady Isabelle beamed. "Well dear if that is what you really want, then a young lady you shall be. There is so much for you to learn, but that is the exciting part isn't it? What do you think, Caroline?" "I think Jane has made the right choice," said Caroline smiling happily. "Well in that case Jane you shall start today. I have a note from Miss P Finch indicating that she can see you today for a two hour training session so I'll just drop her a line to say you will be there." She rose from the table and went over to a writing bureau where she penned a quick note. "I'll just leave it on the hall stand so that it can be taken around immediately," she said leaving the room for a moment. Caroline seized the 15 seconds her mother was out of the room to stride quickly over to James, still helpless in his chair and kiss him very hard on the lips. James Slides Further Down the Slope Into Femininity Lady Isabelle returned and said, "Caroline if you are not too busy perhaps you and Annie could accompany Jane to her lesson. That way we have a second opinion on what she needs to practice. Also you had better have Annie put Jane into a different dress for her session with Miss Finch." "I'd be pleased to mother," replied Caroline. James cleared his throat nervously. "Yes Jane dear, do you have something to say?" asked Lady Isabelle. "Well," began James awkwardly, "Since I am now training to be a young lady I wondered if it might be possible to have my own maid. I'm grateful for the help Annie and Doris have given but I feel bad that I am taking them away from their important duties." Lady Isabelle had not been expecting this and it took her by surprise. "Well you do surprise me Jane. Actually that is a very good point. The trouble is lady's maids are not easy to find as they tend to stay with one lady." "I was thinking of someone currently on your staff who might fill in on a temporary basis." "And who might that be?" asked Lady Isabelle with interest. James again cleared his throat. "There was a very young girl called Minnie who has just started in your service and I thought that she might be able to help me." "But she has no training," protested Lady Isabelle. "I would mainly need her for getting me dressed and undressed and perhaps helping with my hair. I am sure she could take advice from Annie for the more difficult problems, instead of Annie or Doris having to do it all." Lady Isabelle pondered this for a moment and then said, "Caroline, what do you think?" "I think it is an excellent idea. Annie was just saying to me that she feared that her care of me might suffer if she had to help Jane as well." Lady Isabelle relaxed and smiled. "Very well then, I will have Mrs. Parker send her up immediately. We can see what sort of job she does getting you dressed Jane." She paused for a moment and then said, "Jane you have impressed me. This shows that you are taking your feminization seriously; I am pleased." James flushed with pleasure and sat at the table waiting for Minnie. It took a few minutes because Minnie had to change into a clean uniform, but eventually she arrived looking nervous. She curtsied and stood in front of James looking down at her feet. "Minnie I am so pleased that you agreed to help me," said James kindly. "Don't be alarmed but I am wearing a special dress which does not allow me the use of my hands. It is Lady Isabelle's idea for helping me develop as a lady. You will have to guide me back up to my bedchamber before it can be removed." "Yes Miss, thank you Miss," said Minnie curtseying again. With Minnie's help James got back to his room without incident. Once there she quickly freed his hands and began to undress him. "Don't be nervous Minnie I will never put you in an embarrassing position regarding my state of undress. I will put on my innermost garments behind the screen." "Thank you Miss," said Minnie gratefully. For a girl with no experience James was surprised at how deftly Minnie was able to lace his corset and tie his petticoats. They selected a lavender coloured dress with a full skirt that Minnie felt would move well during James lesson. Once he was dressed they both waited by the front door for Caroline to accompany them to Miss Finch's shop. "Thank you very much for asking for me Miss, I'm ever so grateful. I won't let you down Miss." "I know you won't Minnie. Don't forget to tell Maisie that our lessons continue tonight." Just then Caroline joined them and led the way out to the waiting carriage. When they arrived at Miss Finch's shop they were escorted to a private salon at the back of the building. When Miss P Finch appeared James was surprised to find that she was not at all like her sister. Rather than an air of disapproval she was almost giddy with excitement. "How wonderful to meet you dear child; I have so much to teach you and we are going to have great fun. Now let's get you into a different dress." "But we thought this would work," protested James. "Too light too airy; you need something with a little more heft." She clapped her hands and when an attendant appeared she gave her some rapid instructions. The attendant appeared carrying a heavy silk dress of a deep burgundy colour. Miss Finch began unbuttoning James dress and helped him out of it. James felt embarrassed as Miss Finch closely examined his petticoats. "My sister made these; they will do very well." She soon had James fastened into the new dress. "Now walk to the end of the room and back." She scrutinized James as he walked. "No, no," she called, "you are moving like a guardsman. I want you to glide across the floor like a dancer; small delicate steps." James spent the next 30 minutes practicing under Miss Finch's watchful eye. "You must practice at home Jane by putting a small enamel bowl on your head filled with water. Your aim is not to spill the water, but to move without producing the merest ripple in the water," she said earnestly. "Here I will show you." Miss Finch filled a small bowl to the brim with water and set off across the room. James and his companions gasped in astonishment as the water remained perfectly still. "Miss Finch that was wonderful," said James in admiration. Miss Finch beamed with pleasure and became even more passionate about passing on her knowledge. She taught James how to sit gracefully and to sweep the skirt of his dress around him in a perfect circle like an expert card player fanning out a pack of cards. "The key dear Jane is to make it look the most casual act in the world, like a young girl tossing a handful of small pebbles into a pond." James found Miss Finch's enthusiasm quite infectious and he realized that he was really enjoying the lesson. When it ended he gave Miss Finch his best curtsey. "Thank you Miss Finch you are a wonderful teacher and I have learned so much." "You are a very good pupil Miss Jane and I look forward to seeing you again tomorrow." When they got back home Lady Isabelle was delighted with how the lesson had gone. "I can't believe how well this is working. I am beginning to think that perhaps I can make this transformation permanent. Oh what a delicious revenge, as the wretched Enderby boy becomes a swishy young lady!" she chortled to herself. Over lunch Caroline suggested that James begin ballet lessons. Lady Isabelle clapped her hands in delight. "What a wonderful idea Caroline, that will be a perfect way for Jane to improve her movement and poise. It will compliment Miss Finch's lessons admirably. I know," she said, "after lunch Jane, we will go out and buy you a pretty tutu and other lovely dance clothes. There is a very good dance academy also in Knightsbridge where we can register you for private lessons. Miss Finch in the morning and ballet lessons in the afternoon will make you the perfect young lady in no time." James could feel the momentum driving him into femininity surge powerfully. What should he do; attempt some resistance or go with the flow and see where it took him? After lunch Lady Isabelle ordered the carriage and she, Caroline and James set off in search of dance wear. Their first stop was the dance academy where they met with good fortune. The academy had a shop selling all types of dance wear on its premises. They also learned that due to a late cancellation one of the instructors was available for a private lesson immediately. "What a stroke of luck Jane! Let's find you the prettiest tutu and ballet shoes and Caroline and I can watch your first lesson," cried Lady Isabelle. When James emerged from the dressing room in his new fluffy tutu Lady Isabelle was beside herself with delight. "Oh Caroline look at our sweet Jane. I am so glad you suggested this. It is only a week and already she is so feminine; why even now there is hardly a trace of maleness left." Caroline was too busy staring at James to reply. The lesson covered the basic positions and moves and it seemed to the two watchers that James did very well. After the lesson Caroline went and helped James dress while Lady Isabelle spoke with the instructor, a petite French woman, Madame Rives. "I think your charge has talent and with enough practice she can become most competent." "I am so pleased," said Lady Isabelle, "I will see that she practices at least an hour every day." When they got back to the house James begged to have a rest before tea and Lady Isabelle graciously agreed. "Caroline, you don't think this is too taxing on our girl do you? She has been robbed of so much strength by your wonderful medicine, but I would hate to overdo things." Caroline reassured her mother. "Oh no Mother, the medicine will only rob her of raw strength. Ballet is all about light movements. If they are practiced often she will lose even more strength, especially in her arms." "How splendid," cried Lady Isabelle. Minnie woke James just before tea. "Your new dresses have arrived Miss and Her Ladyship wishes you to wear one of the tea gowns." Minnie chose a loose fitting gown in soft pink which almost touched the floor in front and had a short train at the back. The sleeves and the edging at the hem were of a very fine golden lace. "You won't need a corset with this Miss and only two petticoats," said Minnie as she proceeded to dress James. When James entered the sitting room Lady Isabelle and Caroline were already present. Remembering his morning lesson he curtsied demurely and sat on the edge of an armchair and almost casually swept the skirt of his dress into a neat circle on the floor around the chair. "Bravo Jane, you are becoming quite ladylike," praised Lady Isabelle. After tea Caroline read a book and Lady Isabelle did some needlework. James walked casually over to the piano and began to softly play Moonlight Sonata. He really did play well, which did not escape the notice of his audience. Caroline put down her book and Lady Isabelle paused in her needlework. When he finished the piece Lady Isabelle sighed and said, "I do so love Mozart" James gave a little secret smile. "Actually it's Beethoven," he said. Lady Isabelle became flustered. "Yes of course," she said and resumed her needlework. Dinner required another change of dress and this time Minnie put James back into a corset and added the third petticoat. The dress was new. It was a rich forest green, sleeveless with a daring neckline and very much met the approval of Her Ladyship. After dinner James asked to retire early, claiming fatigue and a slight headache. When they were alone Lady Isabelle said, "That gown looked very becoming on Jane. What a pity we could not find a way to give her breasts, then there would be no return to being a man." "Actually," began Caroline and then stopped. "There is medicine for that?" asked Lady Isabelle in excitement. "Oh yes, there is a special cream, which when massaged into the breast tissue will stimulate growth in a man," replied Caroline. "Can you get any?" demanded Lady Isabelle. "Well it won't be easy," replied Caroline cautiously. "I could try, but I will want something in return." "And what might that be this time?" "I should like to resume wearing men's clothing on occasion," replied Caroline coolly. Normally this idea would be completely unacceptable to Lady Isabelle, but the thought of tormenting James further by having Caroline dress as a man in his presence was a very strong one. She pretended reluctance before giving in and saying, "Very well Caroline, you can wear trousers around the house, but not outside or for dinner." Meanwhile in his bedroom James was once again teaching Maisie and Minnie who had managed to get to his room unobserved. Over the next 3 weeks James continued his daily classes with Miss Finch and his ballet instructor. Miss Finch was pleased with his progress and began to teach him little tricks such as showing a brief tantalizing flash of petticoat when he sat and on occasion while walking. "It's one of a lady's little weapons, subtle but deadly," declared Miss Finch. It certainly had an effect on Caroline who became quite flustered when she observed James use it. Madame Rives too was pleased with James and had progressed him to some actual dance routines. All this training showed in his general deportment which began to resemble a refined young lady. "Caroline I really think it is time we exposed dear Jane to some social interaction outside our family circle; what do you think?" "Why don't we start with having some of my lady friends round for tea? It can be a sort of coming out party for Jane. I think that the 6 girls I was at Miss Pinker's with would make for a very jolly party and they will be very discrete." "An excellent idea Caroline; shall we say next Tuesday? I will leave it with you to arrange it with Mrs. Parker. Jane can wear one of her new dresses and show off some of the ladylike skills she has acquired." James seemed a little alarmed when Caroline told him the news. "Jane you can't remain in hiding here indefinitely; sooner or later you have to let other people see you." "But what if they see I'm not a girl?" Lady Isabelle laughed. "Jane dear of course they will see you are not a girl. You can pass at a reasonably close distance but any woman who is in your company for a few minutes will know that you aren't a real girl; you will just have to get used to it." The rest of the week passed with James busily engaged in his lessons and practicing. Tuesday morning found him nervously pacing the sitting room in anticipation of the tea party. "Jane since this is a kind of coming out party for you we will bring you in when all of the guests have arrived; that way you can make a grand entrance," said Lady Isabelle just before sending James up to get dressed. Minnie helped James out of the tea gown that he had worn in the morning. "Sorry Miss but the corset has to go back on and the extra petticoat." "How about I wear 4 petticoats and no corset?" suggested James hopefully. "Sorry Miss but those are Her Ladyships specific instructions." James sighed and took hold of the overhead lacing bar while Minnie methodically laced him into his corset. By now James hair had grown to a length which made it easier to style in a feminine manner, which Minnie did, adding a pink bow as Lady Isabelle had demanded. "Her Ladyship specially asked me to put you in this dress Miss," said Minnie holding up an ivory coloured gown with delicate coffee coloured lace at each of the 3 tiers and hem. James dutifully raised his arms above his head allowing Minnie to lower the dress over his head and shoulders. She finished buttoning him up and stepped back to admire the effect. "You look lovely Miss; please don't be nervous, everything will go really well." James gave a tight smile and said, "Right Minnie let's get this over with. Please help me downstairs and then there is a little mending and cleaning of two of my dresses that I would like you to do." Minnie knocked at the sitting room door, opened it and announced, "Miss Jane." James took a deep breath and stepped into the room. He gasped in surprise at the scene that greeted him. Instead of the 6 lady friends of Caroline he had been expecting there were only 3 young women and 4 young men all standing around in small groups chatting. James felt a surge of panic until one of the men turned towards him and he saw to his relief that it was Caroline dressed in a man's suit. "Jane," she cried, "let me introduce you to our guests," and she began to take him around the room. She took him by the arm and led him over to a young man and woman deep in conversation. When they turned towards him James almost laughed. The "man," was just like Caroline, a young woman in a similar suit to Caroline's. She was also sporting a very fake moustache. "Jane, may I present Harry and Lady Violet." Harry grinned and bowed stiffly while Lady Violet and James exchanged curtseys. The same scene was repeated with the other guests. The 4 women pretending to be men appeared to be relishing the role, especially Caroline. One of the maids handed around flutes of Champagn and Caroline called for attention. She made a little speech marking James first appearance in a public event and everyone raised their glasses in response to the toast. James found himself surrounded by the group all of whom wanted to get to know him better. "What a beautiful dress Jane, you must be thrilled to be wearing it," said Cecily, a dark haired beauty in a crimson gown. "Thank you Cecily," said James blushing slightly, "I am very lucky to have such a pretty gown." "Wouldn't you rather be wearing trousers?" asked Harry in a pretend gruff voice. James smiled sweetly and said, "But Harry however would I get trousers on over my petticoats?" This caused a burst of laughter from the group after which James felt himself begin to relax and start to enjoy himself. He realized that Caroline's friends without being cruel were enjoying gently teasing him and he decided to respond in a positive manner. "Jane dear wouldn't you rather be a boy than the delicate young lady we see before us?" asked George, wanting to continue Harry's theme. George's real name was of course Georgina and she was also dressed as a man. "Oh no sir," responded James, "if I was a boy, as you suggest, I could not possibly wear this beautiful dress and attract the attention of a handsome young man such as yourself." "Maybe Lady Isabelle will keep you as a girl," said Violet, "You are so suited to becoming a young lady, it would be such a waste if you were to revert to being a boy." James smiled graciously and replied, "I am sure that Lady Isabelle can be relied on to act in my best interests." At this, Caroline was not completely able to stifle a snort of laughter. Lady Isabelle had hired Caroline's former music teacher to play the piano and she began to play as Caroline informed everyone that it was time for dancing. The 4 couples gathered in the center of the room, chairs were moved to create space and the dancing began. First there was a quadrille where James found himself partnered with Caroline. Fortunately Madame Rives had given James a couple of lessons in the type of dancing a young lady could expect at a social event or ball and he was able to delicately hold up his skirt with one hand revealing his pretty petticoats below. This sight was not wasted on Caroline whose breathing noticeably quickened. The quadrille was followed by a cotillion and then The Handkerchief Dance. As the 4 ladies moved together, James was aware of the delightful collective rustling of their dresses and petticoats. He tossed his handkerchief daintily and was not surprised that Caroline was the one who grabbed it, although she had some competition from her 3 rivals. After a short break for refreshments they were called back onto the dance floor for a waltz and Caroline immediately took James hand and led him out. Because of the extra effort of managing his dress he was glad that Caroline was leading and he found himself leaning in to her for her support. Caroline's wide smile and her little grunts of pleasure indicated that she was enjoying this very much and James was surprised to find himself feeling quite submissive towards his partner. As the dance was ending Caroline bent her head forwards and whispered, "You little minx, you've got me all hot and bothered." James merely smiled and batted his eyelids slightly. At the end of the party James curtsied to each of his guests and thanked them for coming and they all promised to return the favour in the near future. They agreed to take it in turns to play the role of men, but insisted that James remain in skirts. Caroline scowled at the prospect of having to wear a dress, now that she had so recently been allowed time in trousers. Lady Isabelle was delighted with the success of the party. "You did wonderfully well Jane, dear; I think that you will have no problem attending the opera in 2 weeks with Caroline and me. It will be your first time out in society as a young lady so I know you will be excited." James looked bashful and curtsied. "Thank you Lady Isabelle, you have been very kind; first giving me that lovely party and now saying you will take me to the opera." His eyes became misty and he dabbed at them with a lace handkerchief. Lady Isabelle smiled graciously and said, "You are welcome my dear. You are becoming such a sweet girl." She managed to hide the sheer exultation she felt at James words. "This is better than anything I could have hoped for; he is completely under my control," she thought while mentally hugging herself. On James next visit to Miss Finch she greeted him warmly. "My dear Jane you will be pleased to learn that I feel you are ready to learn the music of the petticoats." Miss Finch had James change into a different dress and as soon as he did so he could feel the contrast; the rustling sound was more pronounced. "The dress has a thin lining of paper taffeta," explained Miss Finch, "The paper taffeta in your second petticoat is a little thicker and thus makes a different sound. Now try walking and you will see what I mean." James listened hard and was surprised at actually hearing different tones. "Now Jane, walk a little quicker and hear the difference again." James smiled at his teacher and said, "I would not have believed it Miss Finch. When I glide as you have taught me my skirts sound like fallen leaves moving in a breeze, but when I hasten it sounds like a young girl walking through a forest of fallen leaves." Miss Finch clasped her hands and beamed in delight. "You have captured it exactly Jane, you clever girl. Oh I do hope Lady Isabelle keeps you in skirts, it would be such a waste if you went back to being a man, you are born to be a girl." Miss Finch then showed James little subtleties such as swaying the hips as he walked to alter the sound. "You have a lot to practice young lady," said Miss Finch. "Now off you go and I will see you tomorrow." During the carriage ride home James could sense Caroline looking at him wolfishly. Over lunch Lady Isabelle had a surprise announcement. "I have an appointment this afternoon with the family lawyer; some tiresome stuff about money, but unfortunately it has to be done. I will be quite late as I plan to drop in on Miss Soames. I suggest that you two girls take a walk in the park, after you have rested, as it is such a lovely day, but make sure you take Annie or Minnie with you." James looked across at Caroline but she averted her gaze. James and Caroline both retired to their rooms as Lady Isabelle prepared to leave. James had only been lying down for about 15 minutes when there was a tap at the door and Minnie entered looking apologetic. "I'm very sorry Miss but Miss Caroline has asked me to bring you to her at once." "That's alright Minnie, just help me with my dress and I'll go right away." Minnie looked very uncomfortable. "Sorry Miss but she insisted that I put you into your contemplation dress and tie your hands. It's not right Miss, but I have to do as I'm told." "Don't fret yourself Minnie; you must do exactly as Miss Caroline says, I'm sure she has her reasons. Now let's get me into that dress." Minnie soon had the back of the dress buttoned and James felt his arms pinned to his sides. "Please put your hands behind you Miss, I won't tie you too tight." "No Minnie that will only get you into trouble. Please make my bonds very secure and end in a pretty bow." "Very well Miss. There, is that all right Miss." James struggled against his bonds but could not loosen them. "Yes Minnie that is quite secure, thank you. Now you had better take me to Miss Caroline." Minnie knocked on Caroline's bedroom door and a voice from within called, "Enter." Caroline's voice called from the bathroom, "Have a seat on the chaise lounge Jane, I'll be right out." James sat carefully on the low seat and took a deep breath. "Well this is a nice surprise," said a voice from behind him. He felt Caroline's hand on his cheek stroking it gently. She moved round in front of him and he saw that she had removed her dress and corset. She was still wearing her petticoats and her chest was only covered by her thin chemise. She bent down suddenly and kissed him hard on the lips. When she broke away she slid her arms out of her chemise letting her breasts escape. She pushed them into James face. "Kiss them," she commanded and as he did so she began to sigh. "Jane you've been teasing me for 5 weeks, you little vixen, with your swishy skirts and demure looks, but now I have you all to myself; my pretty little prisoner. And Jane this time there is no escape, no gallant knight to come to your rescue." She stood up and lifted her petticoats James gasped when he saw that she had removed her pantaloons and he found himself starring right into her beautiful pussy. "Kiss me Jane, kiss me down there," she said huskily. James began to kiss her softly and she whimpered. Gradually he brought his tongue up against her vaginal opening and began a slow lick. Caroline felt herself start to tremble and then stiffen as James tongue found her clit. She grabbed his head forcing herself harder into his face and the intensity of his licks became more intense. When her climax came it shook her to her very core and she collapsed on top of him pining him to the chaise lounge. She lay for several minutes without moving but when she did move it was decisively and with speed. She pulled up James dress and petticoats and almost tore off his little panties. She was then astride him ramming his very stiff penis inside her and covering him completely in her petticoats. "Just remember," she hissed, "your place is under my petticoats and never forget it." She rode him with a wild fury and when they climaxed together it was even stronger than the first for Caroline and like an explosion for James. Again they lay silent for a while. When Caroline sat up she looked down on James and smiled. "Oh Jane, I love it when you are helpless, you look so sweet; maybe I should keep you like this all day." "It would look strange in the park," observed James. Caroline giggled and got to her feet and untied his hands. "I think you should wash your face, dear Jane, before we go out and clean your teeth. When you finish I had better bind you again or Minnie will be suspicious and of course we must keep up appearances in front of the servants. Please wear one of your new walking dresses, probably the white one, which will be cooler. Minnie can come with us and I will give Annie the afternoon off. I will meet you both in the hall in 20 minutes." She then rang for Minnie and when she arrived Caroline said, "Minnie please put Miss Jane in her white walking dress; she will need 3 petticoats and her corset." Minnie curtsied and guided James out of the room. In addition to the required dress Minnie handed James a parasol which every lady would carry during a walk in Hyde Park. When they arrived in the hall Caroline was there waiting for them. James was surprised to see that she was dressed in a man's suit and was holding a top hat. Caroline grinned and said, "I thought that I would leave the pleasures of Hyde Park in petticoats to you dear Jane. You can listen to the music of your skirts that you enjoy so much, without competition from me." Minnie opened the door and James took Caroline's arm as she conducted him down the steps and out into the street. Lady Isabelle does some visiting and plans to draw her net more tightly around James Lady Isabelle had gone by carriage to the office of her family lawyer, Mr. Hardie in Lincolns Inn. She was shown immediately into his office on the ground floor. Mr. Hardie rose from behind his desk and came forward to greet his guest and conduct her to a comfortable arm chair. He was a tall gloomy looking man with a severely receding hairline which he was unwise enough to try to conceal with an unfortunate comb over. "You wished to see me on a matter of some importance I understand," said Lady Isabelle pursing her lips. "Yes indeed Lady Isabelle," replied Mr. Hardie tapping nervously on the desk with his pencil. "Well, out with it man," cried Lady Isabelle, "don't beat about the bush." Mr. Hardie cleared his throat nervously and began. "It concerns the rather delicate subject of money Lady Isabelle." "Well what about money? Surely that is something I leave in your hands?" At last Mr. Hardie came to the point. "Lady Isabelle I have been telling you for some time now that your financial situation is somewhat precarious and in the last month it has got suddenly worse." "How can this be?" asked Lady Isabelle incredulously. "The short answer is that for the last 3 years your expenditure has significantly exceeded your income." "But you told me that you had secured a loan on favourable terms to remedy this situation." "Hardly remedy Lady Isabelle. The loan was a stop gap measure to keep you afloat, so to speak, until you were able to find a more lasting solution." "So what has changed?" demanded Lady Isabelle. "The party who made you the loan has himself experienced a financial setback and needs repayment within 60 days." "Outrageous; surely that is illegal?" "Unfortunately for you he has every right to demand payment within that time. The law is on his side." "Damn the law," cried Lady Isabelle banging the desk with her parasol. Mr. Hardie jumped and then did his best to placate his client. "I can of course continue my attempts to find another investor, but in this current climate of uncertainty that does not seem likely." "Well Mr. Hardie what is the alternative?" "In a word Lady Isabelle: sell." "Sell," echoed Lady Isabelle, "sell what pray?" "Your home in Belgravia would fetch a good price and you also have your country estate, although the price of land in the country is not what it was," explained Mr. Hardie as he spread his hands expressively." "Out of the question," snapped Lady Isabelle, "You will have to do better than that." She rose majestically and swept from the room. At the door she paused and said, "I sincerely hope Mr. Hardie that you contact me within the next 10 days with a more realistic solution." Mr. Hardie sighed and began tapping his pencil again. Despite her imperious manner at her lawyer's office Lady Isabelle felt an unaccustomed anxiety as she was driven away to her meeting with Alice Soames. Money problems always vexed her but this one seemed serious. "If only I could get money out of that dammed Enderby child," she thought. As the carriage passed through the London streets the vague idea that had dimly seeded itself in the back of her mind some days ago began to grow and by the time she reached Alice Soames house she knew what her next step needed to be. "And how is my ward James behaving himself?" asked Alice when she and Lady Isabelle were seated in the drawing room enjoying tea and dainty sandwiches? Lady Isabelle giggled and said, "Oh my dear Alice, James is now completely Jane. She is becoming a very sweet, submissive young girl, just as we hoped." Lady Isabelle then gave a detailed account of James total feminization. Alice sighed and said "Oh Isabelle you are so wonderful; I knew that if anyone could turn that boy around it would be you. Do you think he is cured?" Lady Isabelle appeared to consider this carefully before replying. "The trouble is Alice, that if he goes back to being a boy just now, he may well revert back to his old behavior or even worse." Alice gasped in horror. "That would be dreadful," she said. "What do you suggest?" Lady Isabelle appeared to make a decision. "I believe that he, or rather she, should be kept in petticoats permanently, under strict female control. As a girl, he is so sweet to have around; as a boy, well you know what I mean." "But how could we do this?" asked Alice. "Alice we must find him a wife, a wife who will take complete charge and keep him in petticoats all the time." Alice's face broke into a smile. "What a simply splendid idea Isabelle. So James, sorry I mean Jane, would really become the wife in the marriage and obey her 'husband,' is that correct?" "Exactly my dear Alice," said Lady Isabelle triumphantly. Alice's face fell. "But where would we find a strong woman who would take Jane as a wife? Most girls want a strong masterful husband." Lady Isabelle looked smug. "My daughter Caroline is a strong young woman," she said. Alice gave a sharp intake of breath. "But would she marry Jane?" Lady Isabelle smiled grimly and said, "I think I will have the means to persuade her." Alice clapped her hands in delight. "Oh Isabelle this is simply perfect." Lady Isabelle preened a little and then became serious. "Now Alice when is it that Jane, because that is who she is now, comes of age?" Alice thought for a moment and then said, "It is just under a year that she will gain complete control of the entire estate." "And how much will that amount to?" Alice thought for a moment before saying, "I believe it runs into six figures." Lady Isabelle almost fainted and took a moment to compose herself before continuing. "Then we must move quickly," replied Lady Isabelle. "If she comes into all that money before she is married she could revert back to being James." Alice shuddered and said, "Goodness that would never do; just when we are so close to keeping her in petticoats." "I think it best if we can make her Caroline's wife in the next couple of months. We have much to do, but it is so vital to have her firmly under the control of her husband/wife and mother-in-law well before she comes into the money." "She will get a sizeable increase in her allowance if she marries before coming of age, but she will not be able to touch the capital," explained Alice "That won't be a problem," declared Lady Isabelle, "she will need a much larger wardrobe and because the newlyweds will live with me, where I can assist Caroline in her training, there will naturally be upkeep expenses to the household." "Well naturally," said Alice. Lady Isabelle rose from her chair. "I will be in touch Alice and thank you; this is very exciting." During the drive home Lady Isabelle's mind was whirling with various ideas and strategies which gradually coalesced into a firm plan of action. As soon as she got in she went straight to her room and began writing letters. A Night at the Opera "Now I want you two girls in your best dresses," said Lady Isabelle on the afternoon of the opera. "This production is one of the highlights of the season and I want you both to look stunning. Off you both go to get ready. I have given instructions to Annie and Minnie and they know exactly what to do." James started with a long relaxing bath in heavily scented water. He started to feel a little drowsy until the water cooled and he quickly got out of the bath. After drying he put on a robe and went through to the bedroom where Minnie was waiting. First she helped him with his silk stockings and attached them carefully to the belt. Next came his special panties followed by a silk chemise. "Time for your corset Miss," she said. James groaned slightly but obediently took hold of the lacing bar and held his breath as Minnie pulled him in tightly. "It will be easier if you sit Miss so I can get your first petticoat on," said Minnie as she knelt before him with the silky garment. James felt the usual shiver of excitement as it slid up his freshly shaved legs. Minnie then held open the second petticoat and James stepped inside. Minnie expertly tied it off at the waist. He heard the rustle as Minnie held up the next petticoat and this time lowered it over his shoulders. He was expecting the dress but Minnie produced another taffeta petticoat. "Her Ladyship wants you to wear four tonight Miss, she said they will make a lovely sound in the theatre." Once the last petticoat was in place and secured Minnie lowered the ivory silk dress over his head and buttoned it up at the back. "Lovely Miss Jane, just lovely," said Minnie. "Thank you Minnie, you are a dear girl," said James as he admired himself in the long mirror. With the extra petticoat the dress swept out emphasizing his narrow waist. Minnie carefully brushed James hair and tied a pink ribbon at the back. She then helped him with his makeup and after checking everything carefully said that he looked beautiful. She then handed him his long gloves and his evening wrap. "You are all ready Miss, I hope you have a wonderful evening," she said as she curtsied. When James went into the sitting room he found Lady Isabelle and Caroline there waiting for him. They were dressed in a similarly elegant manner. "Jane dear you look lovely and you do too Caroline," she hastily added. James blushed and Caroline scowled. "You two will be glad you have taken so much trouble with your dresses," said Lady Isabelle, "Because I have booked up a box, which means you will both be on display." This fact did nothing for James nerves. The carriage dropped them off at the entrance of the opera house and they joined the queue of people at the front door. All the men were in evening dress and the women all wore their finest dresses and jewelry. They made their way up to the second level and Lady Isabelle signaled to a passing waiter who handed them each a tall flute of Champagne They stood chatting for a while until they heard a bell chime This was the signal for everyone to take their seats. As James looked he saw in front of him a river of silk and satin and the familiar rustle of dresses and petticoats as the ladies moved to take their places. Once they entered the box both James and Caroline received a shock. Standing there were two young men and it was clear that Caroline recognized one of them. "Mr. Bolsover," she gasped. "What are you doing inside our box?" Freddie Bolsover was a pudgy young man with plump damp hands and a perpetual smirk on his face. He extended his hand to Caroline who took it reluctantly. "Lady Isabelle kindly invited us as your escorts," he said unctuously. He then extended his hand to James who took it even more reluctantly. "Allow me to introduce Captain Turnover," he said indicating his companion. Captain Turnover proved to be a tall thin specimen with a rather ridiculous toothbrush moustache and protruding teeth. "Charmed ladies, simply charmed," he brayed, managing to produce a fine spray of spittle as he did so. Neither James nor Caroline thought they had seen anyone quite as repulsive before, although Bolsover was a close second. "Well let's take our seats shall we," said Lady Isabelle brightly and took her place at the end of the row thus forcing James and Caroline to sit next to their repellant escorts. All through the first act James felt Captain Turnover moving a little closer to him and although he edged away the Captain kept up his pursuit. Looking over he saw that Caroline was having the same problem with Mr. Bolsover For once James was glad of the voluminous skirt which at least acted as a barrier between them. When the curtain fell to indicate the interval Bolsover and Turnover both leapt to their feet and went out into the foyer to get drinks. "Mother you promised not to bring that repulsive man near me again; why did you do it?" she cried furiously. "Well I thought that you have been with ladies too much recently and would benefit from the company of some gentlemen," replied Lady Isabelle innocently. "He is not a gentleman and I do not wish for his company," stormed Caroline. "Now dear do not spoil the evening," said Lady Isabelle placidly. "It's already spoiled," replied Caroline sulkily. Just then the men returned and James and Caroline had to endure another hour and a half of silent torment. When the curtain finally fell for the last time James and Caroline both breathed a collective sigh of relief. Bolsover made a strong bid to prolong the evening by going out for a late supper, but Caroline anticipating this, cried off claiming a fierce headache. She was silent and truculent in the ride home so Lady Isabelle chatted to James. "I do hope you enjoyed the evening Jane," she said. "Thank you Lady Isabelle it was lovely," he replied timidly. "And I bet you enjoyed the attentions of the gallant Captain Turnover," said Lady Isabelle teasingly. James blushed and mumbled something inaudible. Once they got home James excused himself and went straight up to bed. Lady Isabelle wanted to talk to Caroline but she stormed straight off to her room and refused to speak. The Next Day When James awoke he found Minnie there with his breakfast. "Good morning Miss, Lady Isabelle sent me up with your breakfast as she wanted to meet with Miss Caroline." She placed the tray on the bed and plumped up the pillows. James settled back to enjoy this unexpected relaxation. The meeting between Lady Isabelle and her daughter was anything but relaxing. "Mother I cannot believe what you did last night; you promised me that if I assisted you with Jane you would stop pushing Freddie Bolsover onto me." "That was then, this is now," said Lady Isabelle enigmatically. "And just what is that supposed to mean?" demanded Caroline. "It means my girl that you need to get married. I saw Mr. Hardie during the week and he is most concerned about our financial state. It seems that your father did not invest wisely and we are now suffering the consequences." "So your plan is to marry me off to someone I despise to rescue you financially?" asked an enraged Caroline. "That's very unfair, I'm thinking of the family name. Everyone must make some sort of sacrifice," declared Lady Isabelle. "So the family name is more important than my happiness is it?" asked Caroline bitterly. "Caroline I will not discuss this any further. You are still under my control and I insist on you marrying." "Mother I have no intention of marrying some nincompoop who will want to control every aspect of my life. I want to be an independent woman." "Well if it is not Freddie Bolsover I don't know of anyone else who would take you on the terms you just described." "Then I'll stay single," said Caroline defiantly. "You will marry," shouted Lady Isabelle. There was an uneasy silence for a while as Lady Isabelle appeared to be thinking. "Alright Caroline I will take you at your word. There is someone you can marry who will not control you, who in fact would be totally controlled by you." Caroline looked at her in astonishment. "And just who might that be?" she asked. "James Enderby," said Lady Isabelle triumphantly. Caroline gazed at her Mother in disbelief. "James," she cried, "don't you mean Jane, the boy you have been feminizing? Do you expect me to marry a man you have put into skirts?" "Would you rather Freddie Bolsover," snapped Lady Isabelle, "because trust me Caroline you will marry one of them." Caroline clenched her fists and glared at her mother. Lady Isabelle decided to adopt a different tack. "Look Caroline," she said in a more conciliatory tone, "I recognize that this has come as a shock to you, but just think for a moment. You have a strong independent streak and do not want to be controlled by a man. If you married Jane you would not be getting a husband you would be getting a wife, who would obey you. Finally and perhaps for you most importantly, once married you would be free to study medicine, which you have been nagging me to allow for years." Caroline was silent for a long time, then she said, "Do you mean it about allowing me to study medicine?" "My dear Caroline once you are married I legally lose all control over your life; you would be able to do as you wish. You would naturally live here and while you are at medical school Jane, as my daughter-in-law, would be with me; that way I can continue to supervise her development." "But what if Jane refuses to marry me?" she asked. "She won't," answered Lady Isabelle grimly, "I can assure you she won't." "Very well then Mother I will do as you wish and ask Jane to be my wife." Lady Isabelle let out a shriek of joy and rushed over and hugged her daughter. "I will see Jane next and explain to her what is going to happen. Caroline I think it would be appropriate to show Jane exactly how things will be when she is married. For this reason I want you to dress in the very clothes that he wore here to the little dinner party which saw him begin his journey into femininity. I will send for you when it is time to propose. Here you will need this," she said handing Caroline a small box. Caroline opened it and saw that it contained a beautiful engagement ring. For the first time in their meeting Caroline smiled as she left the room. James had been relaxing in bed reading the newspaper until finally he decided that it was time to get up. He rang for Minnie but was surprised to find that it was Doris who answered his call. "Where is Minnie?" he asked. "Minnie is not available Miss," said Doris with a smirk and making sure that she emphasised the word Miss. "Lady Isabelle sent me to dress you. She wishes to see you right away in the library." Feeling puzzled James arose and allowed Doris to begin dressing him. She took obvious delight in lacing the corset especially tight. She put James into one of his more formal dresses instead of a more relaxed morning dress and when James questioned this Doris gave a sniff and said, "Those were Her Ladyships instructions. Now if you'll follow me Miss Jane I'll take you to Her Ladyship." James suspected from Doris' smug tone that something was afoot but he could not guess what. Doris led the way to the library and knocked and when she heard a response opened the door and announced, "Miss Jane Your Ladyship." She turned to James and still smirking gave a mocking curtsey. Lady Isabelle was seated at a large desk apparently busy reading some papers. She looked up with a half-smile and said, "Good morning Jane, please be seated," she said indicating a straight back chair to one side of the desk. James sat, carefully arranging his dress in a pleasing manner. Lady Isabelle put down her papers and fixed James with a penetrating stare. "Jane you may recall that a few weeks ago you begged me to let you train as a young lady while you are under my care?" "Yes Lady Isabelle," replied James, not sure where this was leading. "Well Jane I am disappointed to learn that you do not seem to be living up to your side of the bargain." James was surprised and said, "In what way have I disappointed you Lady Isabelle?" "Jane I have received a very disturbing report from Doris that you appear to be entertaining two of the female servants in your room at night; your trainee maid Minnie and her sister Maisie. What do you have to say about this shocking affair?" James swallowed hard and said, "I was teaching them to read and write, Lady Isabelle." If he had said that he had been teaching them to make explosive devices Lady Isabelle could not have looked more shocked. "Did I hear you correctly Jane? Did you indicate that you were educating them?" "That's correct, Lady Isabelle." She looked at him incredulously. "Jane do you have any idea how dangerous and irresponsible such an action is?" James looked surprised and said, "When I learned that neither girl could read or write I felt that I had to do something to help them." "Jane I never heard anything so outrageous. Putting such ideas into the heads of the lower classes can have a very destabilizing effect on society and also could cause considerable damage to the girls themselves. It will almost certainly lead to them developing ideas above their station." She regarded James with a severe expression. "Jane you do realize that I shall have to let the girls go? I will also be forced to review your position as a young lady in training." James was horrified. "But Lady Isabelle you can't let them go; they have done nothing wrong," he cried in anguish. "Jane, how can I possibly retain them when you have so foolishly interfered in their natural order? Why they could easily infect the other servants with these dangerous ideas." "Punish me if you must Lady Isabelle, but I beg you not to dismiss Minnie and Maisie," pleaded James. "Well your punishment Jane will have to be that you return to the servant's quarters and work under Mrs. Tovey for the duration of your time here. I must say that she was rather lenient with you last time on my instructions. I could make no such accommodation this time." James looked stricken with horror, mostly about the fate of Minnie and Maisie. "Lady Isabelle is there nothing I can do to change your mind?" Lady Isabelle regarded him for a long moment. "You see Jane here is my problem," she said. "I undertook to help change your reckless behaviour to help my dear friend. We thought that a spell in petticoats might make you a better person and I really felt that you were making progress until this incident arose. I gravely fear that once out of my control you will revert back to your wild ways, which would be a tragedy." "Lady Isabelle I will do anything to make amends," pleaded James. Lady Isabelle was silent for a long time, apparently deep in thought. "Jane I can only think of one alternative to the action that I have outlined and that is that you remain in skirts permanently." James started to speak but Lady Isabelle raised her hand imperiously to stop him. "You need the control of a strong woman who will keep you from straying back to your old disgusting ways. In short Jane, you need to be married to a woman who will insist that you remain in petticoats and take on the role of her wife; someone who will keep you strictly controlled." She spread her hands and said, "The choice is yours Jane and I will only make this offer once; either you marry my daughter Caroline as her wife, or return to the kitchens and say goodbye to Minnie and Maisie." She folded her arms and stared at him. James was unable to meet her gaze. "If I agree to marry Caroline would you spare Minnie and Maisie?" "Well," said Lady Isabelle judiciously, "if you agree to become Caroline's wife the whole dynamic would naturally change. Although bound by your 'husbands' wishes you would have a certain latitude, as a lady, in terms of who you might engage as your ladies maid. If your decision were to employ Minnie in that capacity and to enlist the help of Maisie in preparing for your wedding then of course I would have no objection. However you would need to bear the financial burden of employing them, as naturally I will need to find replacements." James appeared to make a decision and took a deep breath. "In that case Lady Isabelle I would agree to become Miss Caroline's wife and remain in petticoats if that is her wish." A wide smile spread across Lady Isabelle's face. "I think you are making a very wise decision dear Jane. I shall look forwards keenly to having you as my daughter-in-law and continuing to guide you along a path of sweet femininity. To tell you the truth I have been somewhat disappointed that Caroline never showed any interest in the finer things of being a lady. As my daughter-in-law I believe that you will be able to fill that void in my life. I look forward with eager anticipation to shopping trips, dress fittings and having you accompany me to all sorts of ladies social outings." And she smiled in the manner of a crocodile. "Now that you have come to your senses I will send Caroline to you in order that she may make her proposal." Lady Isabelle rang a bell which was answered by Doris. "Doris kindly ask Miss Caroline to join us." Doris curtsied and withdrew. A few minutes later Caroline entered and James was astonished to see that she was wearing the very clothes that he had worn when he entered Lady Isabelle's house for the fateful dinner party. Lady Isabelle smiled triumphantly. "I see you are surprised Jane to see your former clothes being worn by Caroline. This is to remind you that from now on your future lies within the realm of petticoats and you will not wear such garments again." James nodded mutely. "Excellent," cried Lady Isabelle, "in that case I shall withdraw to the corner over there and allow you two young people to conduct your necessary business." So saying Lady Isabelle moved to a corner and pretended to be engrossed in a book on ancient footpaths of medieval England, while all the time listening hard to what transpired between James and Caroline. Caroline moved stiffly across the room and stood in front of James. "Jane would you do me the honour of becoming my wife?" James blushed and looked at the hem of his dress. "Yes Caroline, I would be honoured to be your wife," he whispered. "Mother, Jane accepted my proposal," cried Caroline. Lady Isabelle gave a whoop of triumph and rushed over and congratulated her daughter and then placed a chaste kiss on James cheek. "This calls for a celebration," she cried and rung for one of the maids to bring a bottle of Champaign and three glasses. "I propose a toast to the newly engaged couple," said Lady Isabelle raising her glass as Caroline placed the engagement ring on James left hand. "My dear girls, this fills me with such happiness. It is not every day a mother keeps her daughter and gains a daughter-in-law." She then became more serious and said, "Now girls we have much to do because this wedding should take place within the next month, before the weather becomes more uncertain. Tomorrow we will sit down and plan what needs to be done." Preparations for a Wedding "Girls I have made up a list of what needs to be done and we shall see if you have anything you feel needs to be added to it," said Lady Isabelle as the three gathered the next day in the library. Lady Isabelle cleared her throat and went on. "Now because this wedding will be, how can I say it, less conventional, I feel that it should be a small and very private affair and should take place here in our home. Also because dear Jane is wisely renouncing her former male existence, I feel strongly that the guests should only be women; do you agree?" Caroline and James both nodded. "Excellent," cried Lady Isabelle, "I am so glad that you both agree. The attendance of any male would be a distraction for poor Jane. Caroline you will naturally wish to invite some of your close friends and Jane if there is any lady that you wish to invite I am sure we can accommodate that wish. I suggest that you girls give me your list by tomorrow." "What about who would perform the ceremony Mother?" asked Caroline. Lady Isabelle tapped her teeth with a pencil and said, "I have thought about that Caroline. As I say your wedding is somewhat unconventional. It will of course be legal because you are of course a woman and technically speaking Jane is a male. However many clergymen would balk against marrying a man wearing a wedding dress and a woman, as the husband, in a man's morning coat. However the Reverend Durchley, although he has become a little infirm, is still quite capable of conducting the ceremony and I am sure that he would not notice any little irregularity. Jane there is also the question of your dress. I assume that you would like Miss Finch to make it?" "Oh yes Lady Isabelle that would be wonderful," said James enthusiastically. "Excellent," said Lady Isabelle, "We shall go there tomorrow, although naturally Caroline you will not be able to come. This is something between the bride and her Mother-in-law, eh Jane?" "Yes Lady Isabelle," said James quietly. "Now, now Jane, no more of this Lady Isabelle," she said with a twinkle in her eye. "I think that from now on you should call me Mummy." "Yes Mummy," squeaked James. "Good girl," cried Lady Isabelle jovially, "I just know that we are going to get along famously." Lady Isabelle thought for a few moments and then said, "Now two more items. I should of course like to accompany Caroline down the aisle as any mother would but Jane have you given any thought as to who you would like to lead you to down the aisle to be handed over to your "husband?" "I was hoping that you might do me that honour Mummy," said James nervously. Lady Isabelle was astonished and her face flushed with pleasure. "Why you dear girl I would be delighted to accompany you into your new life; how lovely of you to ask." And she stepped forward and kissed James gently on the cheek. "Jane you will need at least two bridesmaids; have you given that any thought?" "Yes Mummy, I should like to have Minnie and Maisie as my bridesmaids." Lady Isabelle frowned for a moment and then her face cleared. "Well I am a little surprised dear Jane, but if that is who you really want then I will of course accept the wishes of the bride. We will get Miss Finch to make the bridesmaids dresses for Minnie and Maisie as well." Lady Isabelle smiled brightly at Caroline and Jane and said, "Well girls I think that will do for now. I will send a note to Miss Finch informing her that you and I Jane will visit her tomorrow to start the arrangements for your dress; oh this is so exciting!" As James was leaving the library he saw Annie and asked her to send Maisie and Minnie to his room. When they arrived they both looked wretched. "That old bag Doris said we were being let go for having you teach us to read. Is it true Miss?" asked Maisie in a truculent tone. James nodded. "Yes Maisie it's true that you won't be working for Lady Isabelle any more." Before he had chance to continue Minnie burst into tears and Maisie put her arms around her to try to calm her. "I was going to say that you won't be working for Lady Isabelle anymore because you will be working for me," said James with a smile. "You may not have heard that I am to marry Miss Caroline but I am, and I insisted that you continue as my ladies maid Minnie and you Maisie will help with the wedding preparations and beyond." The two young girls looked at him in shocked disbelief. "There is more girls; I shall want both of you to be my bridesmaids. If you would agree I would be very grateful." This time both girls burst into tears, but this time they were tears of joy. "I can't believe it Miss, I must be dreaming; Minnie pinch me," said Maisie in disbelief. "It is true girls and you will both be going to Miss Finch's later this week to be measured for your bridesmaid dresses." They both screamed in delight and rushed to envelope James in crushing hugs. "We will also find a way to continue your lessons," said James and was promptly attacked again. It took a long time for Maisie and Minnie to calm down but eventually James was able to send them back downstairs for their dinner break. The next day Lady Isabelle and James took the carriage to Miss Finch's emporium. They were greeted by both Miss Finch's who gave James excited hugs. "Dear Jane," enthused Miss M Finch, "I will make you the most gorgeous dress any bride could imagine. Do you have any idea what sort of style you would like?" "Oh we were thinking of something deliciously feminine, weren't we Jane?" "Yes Mummy," said James meekly. "Lots of lovely lace, frills and flounces," insisted Lady Isabelle. "Of course Mummy," said James. "We will also make you new petticoats Miss Jane," said Miss P Finch. "And I will give you special lessons in walking as a very special bride." Miss Finch promised to call James as soon as she had put together some ideas for the dress and also arranged to see Maisie and Minnie for their measurements the next day. "We are planning on having the wedding in 3 weeks," said Lady Isabelle, "Will that give you enough time to make all the dresses?" "Oh yes," said both Miss Finch's together. When they got back to the house Caroline had an announcement. "My friends that I invited to the tea a week or two ago want to invite you Jane to a special brides party before the wedding. This time they will all be wearing dresses and I'm sure they will give you lots of lovely presents." "Will you be there?" asked James. Caroline laughed and said, "Oh no, I'm the groom and the party is just for the bride." "How lovely," said James uncertainly. "It will be in 2 weeks, just one week before our wedding," said Caroline with a smile. Caroline then showed her mother the guest list that she and James had prepared. As promised it was quite small. Lady Isabelle ran her eye down the list and then looked up. "I see you have invited Miss Pinker; how very nice. I am sure she will be surprised in one way but delighted to see what you have made of Jane. Who is Miss Rose Fair?" "Oh Rose is a dear girl who works for Miss Pinker. She was of great help while I was in Oxford." "The Miss Finch's are here, that's nice," said Lady Isabelle. "Who are Gloria and Katie Palmer?" "They are friends I met in Oxford," said Caroline blandly. "Of course we will add Alice Soames; dear Alice; such a friend and really she started all this off, thank goodness." The next day they received a note from Miss Finch announcing that she had some drawings she would like them to see and would they also bring Maisie and Minnie for their measurements. Maisie and Minnie were very excited as they had never travelled in the carriage before and they had a hard time keeping still, much to Lady Isabelle's annoyance. They were greeted by Miss M Finch who conducted Lady Isabelle and James to her studio while an assistant took Maisie and Minnie off to be measured. Miss Finch showed them her design ideas. "You can see that the dress is arranged in three tiers with 4 inches of the finest lace along the edge of each tier and the sleeves will end at the elbows in an explosion of lace," she explained. "The dress will be of pure silk with a satin lining so it glides easily. Now here is the extra touch," she said gripping James arm. "Your petticoats will be double lined so that the inside will feel as wonderfully smooth as the outer layer'. She became so excited that she had to stop for a moment to take a few deep breaths. "Your inner petticoats of will have a layer of paper taffeta sandwiched between layers of silk. My sister has tested it and it makes the most delightful rustling sound I have ever heard." She sat back and looked at James and Lady Isabelle expectantly. "Miss Finch this sounds simply wonderful," cried Lady Isabelle. "Don't you think so Jane?" "Yes Mummy, I think you have outdone yourself Miss Finch," replied James with genuine admiration. They decided that the bridesmaid dresses would be less extravagant with just a single layer and only a little lace at the hem. Miss Finch suggested a pale blue which Lady Isabelle thought very suitable. Miss Finch promised to have the first fitting available for Jane and the bridesmaids within a week. Lady Isabelle took one look at Minnie and Maisie almost bouncing up and down in their excitement and gave them both their bus fare home. "I'm not riding with those two again," declared Lady Isabelle grimly. "It will be difficult enough for the passengers on the bus." The next week was very busy for everyone with all the preparations for the wedding and so James and Caroline were hardly able to spend any time together as Lady Isabelle always seemed to be present. Although the guest list was small, Lady Isabelle still wanted the wedding to be memorable, so great attention was paid to the details. The next week James and his bridesmaids were called in for the first sitting and this time Maisie and Minnie travelled by bus. James thought that the dress was as beautiful as Miss Finch had described and Maisie and Minnie were thrilled with their dresses and became even more excited when they were promised new petticoats. They returned a few days later for the final fitting and Miss Finch declared herself satisfied with the result. Lady Isabelle was ecstatic. "Jane you will be a simply beautiful bride. Why, I declare that after wearing this dress you will never want to wear trousers again." She smiled and said, "And my dear I will see to it that you never do wear trousers again. Won't that be wonderful Jane, my little petticoated daughter-in -law to be?" Miss Finch promised to have the three dresses delivered at the beginning of the next week in lots of time for the wedding. Miss P Finch promised to accompany the dresses and to give James a special lesson in his bridal walk up the aisle. It was the afternoon of James bridal party which was to take place at the home of Lady Violet. Minnie spent a long time getting James ready. She brushed his hair at least a hundred strokes and arranged it so that it framed his face. She applied his makeup and a delicate touch of pink lipstick. After he was laced into his corset three petticoats were added and although not of the same volume of James bridal petticoats, they certainly gave a very pleasing rustling sound whenever he moved. The dress was pink satin, layered with cream lace trim. "Oh you look like a real girl," sighed Caroline when she saw him. "My friends will be so pleased." She gave him a quick hug and whispered in his ear. "Jane you are making me so hot. Just the thought of you in a wedding dress is driving me mad. I can't wait to get my hands on you." James gave her a shocked look and said, "Really Caroline, please remember I am a young lady." Caroline giggled and reached down and slyly pinched James bottom making him jump and squeal. "Oh Jane you have become just so wonderfully girlie," said Caroline giving way to another fit of giggling. When James carriage arrived at Lady Violet's house the footman lifted him down and offered an arm which James took, using his other hand to lift his skirts. Just as they reached the door it was opened by a solemn looking butler who conducted James through to the ballroom. "Miss Jane Enderby," he announced in a deep bass voice. There was an excited rustle of skirts as 6 young ladies hurried forwards to surround James and shower him with chaste kisses. "Jane dear you look just lovely," trilled Lady Violet. "Do come over to the sitting area and tell us all about the dress you are going to wear when you marry dear Caroline." James felt himself swept along in a river of taffeta and silk to the seating area in front of some French windows. He spent some time describing the dress and what it felt like to wear with the newly designed petticoats. "Oh I must get Miss Finch to make me some," sighed Harriet, who had been Harry at the previous party and was no longer wearing a moustache. Champagne was produced and Lady Violet proposed a toast to James. "To dear Jane, welcoming her to our sisterhood where she will always have a place," she said. This was greeted with cheers from the others and blushing from James. The ladies had thought of some games to play which included designing a wedding dress from old newspapers, string and paste. "I think I'll wear Miss Finch's," said James when it was finished. In another game the chairs were all moved and James was blindfolded and had to touch one of the other young ladies who of course rushed about the room in great excitement. With only the sounds of their skirts to guide him James was singularly unsuccessful in his pursuit. His vain attempts were accompanied by a great deal of shrieking and laughter from his friends. At the ladies insistence James played the piano and after tea and refreshments it was time to open presents. James received a necklace, some lovely earrings, hair brushes, a petticoat and a very beautiful nightdress from Lady Violet. "It's for your wedding night dear Jane," she said and everyone giggled. Gradually the party came to an end and the 6 ladies gathered around James for more hugs and kisses. "The next time we see you dear Jane you will be a bride," said Lady Violet as they said goodbye, "I can't wait to see you as Caroline's wife." They embraced and James said quietly, "Thank you Violet for all your support I will never forget it." The day before the wedding the Miss Finch's brought the dresses over and Caroline had to be sent out of the house so she could not see them. When James, Maisie and Minnie had all modeled them Miss Finch declared herself satisfied and then her sister spent an hour with James rehearsing his walk down the aisle. When the evening arrived Lady Isabelle banished James to his room with Maisie and Minnie. "It's unlucky to see the bride the night before her wedding," declared Lady Isabelle. She had Annie bring them dinner and the three sat around a small table eating it together. "Can I ask you a question Miss?" said Maisie. "Of course," replied James. "That old bag Doris said the only reason Minnie and I weren't let go was because you agreed to marry Miss Caroline. Miss, I have to know, did you marry her just so we could keep our jobs?" James smiled and said, "No Maisie that wasn't the reason I agreed to marry Miss Caroline, but I must say it did help." Maisie eyes filled with tears. "No one has ever been kind to us before in this house or anywhere else for that matter but you really care about us and you have treated us with real respect and kindness. We worry about you Miss, we don't trust the Mistress, but we'll do anything we can to help you won't we Minnie?" Minnie nodded. James took hold of both their hands. "Don't you two worry everything will be okay." The Wedding It was the morning of the wedding and just like the night before James was kept away from Caroline, although Lady Isabelle did come by to check on him. "Feeling nervous Jane dear?" she asked solicitously. "Yes Mummy I am nervous." "Don't worry everything will go well and before you know it you will be a wife," declared Lady Isabelle. The wedding was scheduled for 11 am and so immediately after breakfast Minnie and Maisie began to get James ready. After a bath his hair was done and his makeup applied. He sat for a while in his chemise and panties while Minnie and Maisie got dressed. They became even more excited when they had their dresses on and they strutted up and down for several minutes just relishing the feel of their dresses and petticoats. Finally they stopped and laced James into his corset and then began tying on his petticoats. When the three were in place Maisie and Minnie carefully lowered the dress over his head. As James slid his arms into the sleeves and Minnie brought the dress up onto his shoulders James felt as though he was entering a different world. Minnie started to do up the buttons at the back. "Last one Miss," she said and James had the feeling, as the button fell into place, that a door had closed on his old life; a one way door. "I'm really a bride," he thought and a shiver ran down his spine. He began to walk up and down the room practicing what Miss Finch had taught him. As he walked he fancied the petticoats were calling to him as they swished. "You are a girl, you are a girl." He was interrupted by Lady Isabelle who came to say that the guests were all assembled and Caroline was waiting at the altar. Minnie carefully pinned James veil into his hair and brought it down to cover his face. James turned around to check that Maisie and Minnie were holding his train and then with a deep breath he set off towards the staircase. The tight inner petticoat ensured that he walked slowly, but for James it almost felt as though he was walking on a treadmill as the journey to the top of the stairs seemed to go on and on. Eventually he reached the top step and carefully holding up his dress with his left hand he started down. He was glad that he had spent time over the last few days practicing this descent, as a stumble and fall would be dreadful. However he managed it with the minimum of effort and the maximum of grace. Once at the bottom he waited for Maisie and Minnie to catch up before beginning the short walk to the sitting room where the service was being held. The three glided to the sitting room door where Lady Isabelle was waiting. "All ready Jane?" asked Lady Isabelle in an almost affectionate tone. James nodded, a parlour maid opened the door and the procession made its way into the room at the same time as the piano began to play Bach's exquisitely beautiful "Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring." James would never forget the walk to the altar. It was only 30 feet away but it seemed to stretch into infinity. In the distance he could see the altar with the gorgeous flower arrangements around it. He could see Caroline standing waiting for him with a beaming smile on her face. She was wearing his suit, but had had some alterations done so that it fit her perfectly. He was conscious of the guests staring at him in wonder and he could hear his dress and petticoats sing their captivating song. Eventually he reached the altar and stood beside Caroline facing the vicar. Lady Isabelle had not lied when she said that he was old; in fact he looked ancient. He was stooped, with a few strands of white hair trying unsuccessfully to cover a bald pate and his eyes had a faraway look. He appeared confused at James arrival and just stood staring at them until Caroline nodded. "Dearly beloved," he began in a quavering voice, "we are gathered here to witness the marriage of this man Caroline to this woman James." Caroline shook her head vigorously and he hesitantly started again. "A marriage between a man and a woman is a solemn affair. If anyone has reason why these two should not be wed speak now or forever hold your peace." The silence went on for a long time and just when it seemed that the Reverend Durchley had fallen asleep he resumed. "Caroline Montague," he said, looking at James, "do you take James Enderby as your lawfully wedded bride?" "I do," said Caroline loudly. "And do you James Enderby," he said now looking at Caroline, "take Caroline to be your lawfully wedded wife?" "I do," said James firmly. "Then I pronounce you to be married and you may kiss the bride young man." There was cheering from the guests as Caroline lifted the veil and gave James a long sensuous kiss which caused delighted murmurs through the room. James never wanted the walk up the aisle holding on to Caroline to end. "I wish I could be a bride forever," he thought and began to cry. He looked at Caroline and saw that she too was in tears as were many of the guests. Once outside the room Caroline and James stopped to sign the registry, their first official act as newlyweds. Meanwhile the guests began to gather together and talk excitedly about the wedding. There were glasses of Champagne, which everyone took, so they could toast the newlyweds. There was a sudden silence which marked the entrance of the bride and groom. This was quickly followed by a surge forward of Caroline's young friends. They gathered around James admiring the dress and saying how pretty he looked. James blushed in embarrassment much to Caroline's delight. "How does it feel to be a blushing bride?" asked Harriet with a grin. "It's just the most wonderful feeling in the world," replied James enthusiastically, "I almost wish today would never end." Eventually Caroline and James managed to extricate themselves from the little knot of excited girls and went round greeting their other guests. The Miss Finch's were both effusive in their praise of James and Caroline. "Oh Jane you make such a lovely bride. I am so proud that you are wearing my dress," said Miss P Finch. "Your entrance was perfect Jane, I do believe that you are my finest ever pupil. It is so refreshing to find someone who truly loves petticoats," gushed her sister. A slender woman of about 40 was standing with a very large young woman, who was over 6 feet tall and powerfully built. "Miss Pinker we are delighted you could come and bring Rosie with you,"" said Caroline. Miss Pinker smiled warmly and gave Caroline and James discrete kisses on their cheeks. Rosie however engulfed James in a crushing bear hug and lifted him completely off his feet. "You do look lovely Miss Jane," she said in her broad Somerset accent. "Not Miss any more Rosie," said Caroline putting her arm around James, "My wife is officially a Mrs." They talked for a while until James noticed Maisie and Minnie by themselves in a corner. He went over and took each by the arm. "Come on I want to introduce you to some of the guests," he said as he led them back to Rosie and Miss Pinker. "Miss Pinker and Rosie I am very pleased to introduce you to my two beautiful bridesmaids Maisie and Minnie." Maisie and Minnie blushed with pleasure and Miss Pinker politely shook hands with the girls. Rosie was not really into polite handshakes and she hugged both enthusiastically and told them how pretty they looked. Next he introduced them to Gloria and Katie Palmer. Katie was about the same age as Maisie so they found that they had much in common. Alice Soames approached and told James show lovely he looked and how proud she was of him. They talked for a while until Lady Isabelle called for everyone's attention to announce that lunch was served. With James and Caroline leading the way all the guests moved slowly into the dining room. It was richly decorated with flowers, especially at the head table where James and Caroline sat, flanked by Lady Isabelle and Alice. Maisie and Minnie could not suppress their grins as they were served by some of their fellow maids who did not look very pleased to be doing so. Lunch was a sumptuous affair. Soup was followed by a fish plate and then lobster, shrimp and a selection of cold meats together with a delicious salad. Strawberries and ice cream concluded the meal. When the last plate had been cleared away Lady Isabelle tapped her glass to get everyone's attention. "Ladies it is now time for the speeches, which in keeping with this wedding may not follow the usual course." Lady Isabelle's Speech "Ladies thank you for joining me in the celebration of the marriage of my daughter Caroline to Jane, who is now my daughter-in-law. It is a lucky mother who in one stroke retains a daughter and gains a daughter-in-law." She turned to James and continued, "Dear Jane you have made such wonderful progress since you came within my sphere, so to speak. From the gauche and disagreeable youth, who first entered this house, you have become a quite lovely girl. To have you now as my daughter-in-law is beyond my wildest dreams. I am confident that under the firm, unyielding, but kindly control of your spouse and mother-in-law you will continue to develop the fine, but demanding arts of femininity. It won't be easy Jane but the rewards are immeasurable. While I can't keep Caroline from wearing those disagreeable men's clothes I am comforted by the thought of you properly dressed as a lady. Don't worry Jane," she said wagging her finger and giving a little laugh, "I promise to protect you from any attempt Caroline may make to put you back into trousers." The guests tittered self consciously and Lady Isabelle turned to her audience raised her glass and said, "Ladies kindly charge your glasses and drink a toast to the happy couple." This was greeted with polite applause and cries of, "The happy couple." "I now call upon my daughter Caroline, as the groom in this special relationship, to address you." Caroline's Speech "Ladies thank you for your presence on the greatest day of my life; for today I have married someone that I love with all my heart." Lady Isabelle looked a little surprised at this revelation, but did her best to hide it under a small cough. "I am going to tell you the story of how I met my true love and why I feel so fortunate that our love has ended in marriage." As Caroline spoke James mind drifted back to the day 7 years earlier when they first met. It was a summer day which makes the English countryside come alive. Caroline Montague had escaped the clutches of her strict governess and was exploring the wooded area that bordered her father's estate and that of their neighbours, the Enderby's. Caroline was making her way along a woodland path she had not explored before when she was startled by a voice from above calling a greeting. She looked up and saw a boy about her own age sitting on the broad branch of a tall beech tree. "Hello," said the boy, "I hope I did not startle you." "Not really," replied Caroline coolly, "I was unaware that we had tree dwellers in our woods." The boy laughed and bending down he grasped the branch and effortlessly swung himself down to the ground. They stood face to face and the boy extended a dirty hand. "I'm James Enderby and I live next to your estate." Caroline smiled and shook his proffered hand. "Caroline Montague," she said, "I'm pleased to make your acquaintance." "It's funny you should mention tree dwellers," said James "Because I have built a tree house in these woods; would you like to see it?" "Very much," replied Caroline and followed James along the path. They went for some minutes before crossing a low fence that marked the boundary between the two estates. A little further on James topped under a large oak tree and pointed upwards. Through the leafy branches Caroline could make out a platform about 30 feet up with a canvas canopy overhead. "Would you like to come up?" asked James. "I would very much, but I'd never make it in this dress," said Caroline ruefully. James thought for a minute and then said, "Look I've an idea; if you can come back tomorrow I'll bring a rope ladder which I am sure you could climb. We could have a picnic up there. You can often see foxes and other woodland animals from up there." Caroline's face broke into a wide smile. "Oh James I'd love to." They arranged to meet at the same time the next day. On her way back home Caroline had the foresight to pick some wild flowers to present to her governess as a means of justifying her absence. They met at the same place the next day and soon they stood at the foot of James special oak tree. "Just a minute and I'll climb up and let down the ladder," he said and swarmed up the tree with easy grace as Caroline watched with obvious envy. Moments later a sturdy rope ladder dropped from above and Caroline began to cautiously ascend it. With James steadying the ladder Caroline soon reached the platform which was surprisingly spacious. James offered a hand and hauled her up so she could sit with her legs dangling over the edge. James reached behind him and produced a leather knapsack which he opened to reveal 2 bottles of ginger beer, some bread, cheese and a couple of apples. They sat together in companionable silence enjoying their picnic until Caroline gave a sad sort of sigh. "What's the matter?" asked James with concern. "Oh nothing really," replied Caroline, "it's just that I feel a little sad. This is so wonderful, but if my family and governess knew they would be appalled. I'm being groomed to be a young lady and young ladies don't climb trees." "They can," said James firmly. Caroline laughed and said "It's not so easy when you are wearing a dress and petticoats." James was silent for a long time. Eventually he said cautiously, "Caroline this may sound strange, but would you like to wear my clothes and explore the woods." Caroline burst out laughing and said, "Are you serious?" "Of course," he replied. "There's nothing I'd like better," Caroline replied. "Right," said James jumping up. "We are about the same size, let's turn our backs and exchange clothes." Caroline stared at him in amazement. "You really mean it don't you?" "Of course I do," he said turning his back and taking off his shirt and trousers. It took Caroline a little longer to remove her dress and petticoats but when it was done they bundled up their clothes and passed them over. Caroline was soon wearing James shirt and trousers. "I'll have to help tie your petticoats James," she said and with his back still towards her she soon tied the two petticoats around his waist and helped him on with the dress. When they were done they looked at each other and laughed. "Right Miss James, let's climb down and explore the woods. Would you like a hand," she asked teasingly? "I'll let you know," he said and began to climb gingerly down the ladder. By contrast, Caroline now dressed in trousers went down the tree quickly and was waiting at the bottom when James finally arrived. "Not so easy is it?" she asked with a grin. "It's very different," replied James. "Come on Miss James," laughed Caroline running on ahead, "let's explore." They crossed streams and explored many paths with Caroline in the lead and James struggling to keep up in his unaccustomed skirts. Finally they ended up back at the oak and Caroline reluctantly decided that it was time she went back home. Before they changed back Caroline gave James a big hug. "James I've never enjoyed myself so much, thank you for a wonderful afternoon." "Would you like to do it again?" asked James shyly. "Oh I couldn't subject you to petticoats again," said Caroline. James looked at the ground and shuffled his feet. "Actually I kind of liked it," he said hesitantly. Caroline stared at him in amazement. "I know it probably sounds really strange," he said, still unable to meet her gaze. "For one thing I really like seeing you enjoy yourself, but I kind of like the feel of the skirts when I move." He became very red in the face and said, "You probably think I'm some sort of real sissy and won't want anything to do with me again; I'm sorry." Caroline enveloped him in a huge hug. "I think you are simply wonderful and I'd love to see you again and I'd love to exchange clothes with you again." For the rest of the summer they met whenever they could and frequently James would let Caroline wear his clothes while he played the role of the girl. Over the course of the next 2 years they kept in close touch and to both their surprises they continued their cross dressing adventures. One day 2 summers later they were sitting again in the tree house. James was wearing Caroline's dress and she suddenly put her arm around him. "James do you have any idea why you like to wear my dresses?" she asked. James thought for a long time before replying. "It's complicated," he finally said. "I'm listening," replied Caroline. "Well part of it is that I love the feel of skirts and petticoats moving against my legs," he said. "But that's not all it is. I realize that as a male I enjoy an enormous privilege, especially as my parents are wealthy. Girls and women seem to me to be denied the opportunity of really being themselves; they are always constrained by society." "Go on James," said Caroline encouragingly. "I'm always expected to be the leader and sometimes I feel like I would like to be led. Wearing dresses makes me feel kind of vulnerable, but almost in a good way, like it's a challenge. Does that make any sense?" "I think so," said Caroline slowly. "I certainly feel the frustration of having to conform to society's position on women." "What would you like to do if you really could?" asked James. "I'd love to study medicine and be a doctor," said Caroline immediately. "What's stopping you?" asked James. Caroline gave a bitter laugh. "You must be really na?ve James. For one thing my parents would never allow it and for another, women can't get admission to medical schools." "That's really dreadful," said James with feeling. "Caroline you would make a wonderful doctor and it makes me angry that you are denied the opportunity because you are a girl." "Thank you James that means a lot to me," said Caroline giving him a warm hug. A few months later the dispute arose between the Montague's and Enderby's and Caroline was never allowed back to the country estate. During Caroline's speech there had been absolute silence in the room and Lady Isabelle looked shocked. Caroline took a deep breath and resumed her tale. "James and I still kept in touch. We would write to each other in secret. He used the name Jane because of his initials and he learned to write with a girlish hand so no one would suspect. One day I got a letter from him saying that he was going to Oxford to study and wondered if there was any way we could meet. I had heard about Miss Pinker's school and I got together with some of my closest friends, who I am delighted to see here today. Surprisingly we were able to get our parents to agree to enroll us at Miss Pinker's school for the next year. I was able to persuade you Mother to let me visit there to get a feel of the city and you agreed, as long as I took Annie. Once we got there I met James at a restaurant and swore Annie to secrecy. I'll never forget that day as long as I live," said Caroline as her mind began to drift back to that day in Oxford 2 years earlier. The restaurant was small and dimly lit and it took Caroline's eyes several seconds to adjust. As she began to look about her she felt a hand on her arm and suddenly James was pulling her into a passionate embrace. They quickly kissed and then James led Caroline to a table for two in a secluded alcove. They waited until the waiter had taken their order and then James began to speak. "Caroline I have a plan, it's a crazy plan, but it might just work and if it does you will be studying medicine during the next intake." "James that's impossible, I'm going to be at Miss Pinker's with my friends; it's all been arranged." "Caroline," said James urgently, "two questions; one can you trust Annie and two, can you trust your friends?" "Yes to both," said Caroline firmly, "They are all completely loyal." "In that case this could work," said James. "I don't understand," said Caroline shaking her head. "It's quite simple," said James, "I will enroll at the medical school as James Enderby, but you will take my place. You have worn men's clothes many times and with some help from an old theatre friend of mine you could probably pass as a young man." "But I'm going to be enrolled at Miss Pinker's and there is no way that you could pass as me," protested Caroline. "I won't need to," replied James, "I'll be going as me." "James you are not making any sense," cried Caroline. "Listen carefully," said James and he proceeded to outline his plan. When he had finished Caroline gazed at him in wonder. "James you would really do this for me?" she asked. "Caroline I love you; I would do anything for you." "But you'd be giving up so much; a whole year at Miss Pinker's." James grinned wickedly. "A whole year in dresses and petticoats with your delightful friends; I think I can do that." Caroline rose quickly and threw her arms around James. ************************************** At this point Caroline stopped. She took a quick look at her mother who was sitting with her mouth open in utter disbelief. "And now," said Caroline with a smile, "i is time for someone else to take up the tale. I call on Miss Pinker to continue this story." Miss Pinker rose from her seat, coughed gently and began to tell her story. Miss Pinker's Story Miss Pinker the founder and Principal of The Pinker Academy for Young Ladies was in her office, when one of the maids entered and said that a Mr. James Enderby was here to see her. She reached into her desk and pulled out a file marked Enderby, opened it and re-read the letter inside. Dear Miss Pinker I have heard from very good authority about the excellent work you do in refining the education of young ladies of breeding, to ensure that they may confidentially take their place in good society. I have also learned that on occasion you are willing to extend these services to wayward young men who would benefit from a firm female hand. Just such a person is my young nephew James Enderby by who has sadly slipped into overweening male arrogance and degeneracy, to the consternation of his family. I am convinced that an education in petticoats would work wonders and instill a gentler disposition in the youth. As he is under 21 and subject to my authority I am prepared to transfer that authority to you at the Pinker school. I enclose his measurements, obtained from his tailor and would be obliged if you could furnish him with the necessary, skirts, dresses, petticoats and undergarments suitable for a young lady. If you are agreeable to this arrangement please reply by return of post and I will send him to you under the pretext of delivering some sensitive material. Yours sincerely Lady Isabelle Montague "Please show the gentleman in Mavis," she said. The door opened and a young man entered. He was slim and fair haired and a little above average height. He gave Miss Pinker a friendly smile and bowed politely. "Miss Pinker I am pleased to meet you, my name is James Enderby and I come on an errand from my aunt, Lady Isabelle Montague." Miss Pinker rose majestically with a rustle of skirts and came forward to greet him. She was a tall, slender woman with a commanding presence which contrasted with her friendly manner. "Mr. Enderby it is so good of you to come, do please make yourself comfortable," she said pleasantly indicating a comfortable looking arm chair facing the fireplace. Miss Pinker took a similar chair, sat demurely and faced her guest. "Mr. Enderby I have some important business to discuss with you which concerns your aunt and a letter she has sent me," she said tapping a file she held on her lap. James looked surprised but before he could respond Miss Pinker looked at him apologetically. "Oh dear, the fire seems to have died down a little, would you be so good as to give it a poke please?" James reached for the poker and was astonished to see that it was bent at a right angle. "Oh dear," repeated Miss Pinker, "However can that have happened? Mr. Enderby you look to be a strong young man, do you think you could possibly straighten it for me?" The poker was a formidable piece of steel and despite James best efforts he could make no impression on it. "What a nuisance," said Miss Pinker and she rang a small bell. Presently the same maid who had greeted James appeared. "Mavis please send Rosie in, I'm afraid that the poker has become bent again." Mavis curtsied respectfully and departed. Moments later the door opened and one of the largest women James had ever seen entered. She was over 6 feet tall and very powerfully built. She was not dressed as a maid but instead wore a plain dress and her hair was pulled back and pinned. She was a handsome woman with a broad, open face, rosy cheeks and a friendly smile. "You wanted me Miss Pinker?" she asked in a pronounced Somerset accent. Miss Pinker greeted Rosie warmly. "Rosie I'm sorry to bother you but unfortunately the poker seems to have got bent and we do so want to stoke the fire. Could you please help?" "Yes Miss Pinker, I'll attend to it now," and so saying she picked up the poker and without apparent effort straightened it. "Will that be all Miss Pinker?" she asked, glancing at James. "Yes thank you Rosie; I'll call you if I need anything else." Rosie departed and Miss Pinker smoothed her skirt and regarded James in a benign manner. "Rosie is a dear girl who has been with me for the last 4 years. She comes from a farming family but after the unfortunate death of her father in an accident they lost the farm. I am glad to say that I was able to help her and she certainly is a great help to me. Now where were we," she asked; "Oh yes this letter from your aunt." She paused for moment before leaning forward and lowering her voice. "Mr. Enderby I understand that you have not yet reached the age of majority, is that correct?" "Yes I'm 19," replied James. "Quite so," responded Miss Pinker, "and as such you are still under the direction of your guardian, in this case your aunt." James nodded his understanding and Miss Pinker continued. "The thing is Mr. Enderby; your aunt has indicated her distress at what she considers inappropriate behavior that you have recently developed." Her face expressed concern and momentarily lost its friendly smile. James looked embarrassed and fidgeted in his chair. "Mr. Enderby your aunt has expressed the wish that you spend some time with us in order to, how shall we say, learn a gentler path. Mr. Enderby do you know the nature of the school I run here in Oxford?" "I understand it is some sort of finishing school," replied James hesitantly. "It is indeed a finishing school; but Mr. Enderby, it is a finishing school for young ladies; young ladies whose families want them to demonstrate the very epitome of femininity when they enter society." "But," said James in a confused tone, "if it is for young ladies what am I doing here?" Miss Pinker reached forward and laid a hand on James knee. "Because my dear boy for the next 8 months you are going to be trained as an elegant young lady," said Miss Pinker gently. "But that's impossible," spluttered James. "Challenging yes," admitted Miss Pinker, "But not impossible." "I won't do it," cried James. "I'm sorry my dear but you do not have any say in the matter; you see your aunt has signed over complete authority to me for the next 8 months. We can of course force you physically, but I find that approach most distasteful," and she said as she pursed her lips. "But why is she doing this to me?" cried James in anguish. "She wants to help you be a better person my dear and it really does work." "I don't want people laughing at me," said James sulkily. Miss Pinker looked shocked. "Oh my dear boy, that will never happen in my school. There is a form of punishment called petticoat discipline which humiliates boys or men by belittling them when they are wearing ladies clothing. It is a despicable practice," cried Miss Pinker hotly. "What is going to happen to me?" asked James now seemingly resigned to his fate. Miss Pinker stood and gently pulled James to his feet. She put her arms around him and spoke gently and soothingly. "For the next 8 months you are going to be Jane; that is the name your aunt has chosen for you. You will be a girl; you will be dressed as a girl and treated like one in every way possible for someone not born a girl. My school prides itself on producing graduates who have reached the very pinnacle of femininity. You dear Jane will be part of this year's intake and when we have got you properly dressed I will take you to meet your classmates. Jane I implore you to make this easy on yourself." There was a long silence and then Miss Pinker said, "Are you going to be a good girl Jane?" James nodded miserably. "Do you promise?" "Yes Miss Pinker," said James, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'm very glad to hear you say that Jane," said Miss Pinker sincerely and she reached over and rang her bell. This time it was answered by the towering figure of Rosie. "Ah Rosie, this is Miss Jane and she will be joining our new class. Please take her to her room, bath her and dress her suitably to meet her new classmates. When you are done please bring her back to me." "Certainly Miss Pinker," said Rosie. "Miss Jane please come with me and I'll get you ready." She led the reluctant James out of the room, up a flight of stairs and along a broad corridor. She stopped at a door and opened it revealing a prettily decorated bedroom with a very large wardrobe and a comfortable looking bed. Rosie shut the door and locked it and pocketed the key. "You aren't going to give me any trouble are you Miss Jane?" asked Rosie with a hint of menace in her voice? "No Rosie, I promised Miss Pinker I would be a good girl," said James quietly. "I'm glad to hear it Miss Jane. Now I'll run your bath while you go behind that screen and take off all your clothes and I mean all. You will find a dressing gown on the chair which you can put on. Come through to the bath when you are ready." After Rosie had washed and dried James she led him back into the bedroom and handed him a pair of pantaloons and a silky garment like a dress. "This is a chemise Miss Jane, go behind the screen and put these undergarments on." When James emerged Rosie took him over to the wall where a rail was attached at above shoulder height. "Hold onto that Miss Jane and I'll put you into your corset. Don't worry I won't make it too tight for your first time." When she had finished and James felt the constriction he wondered what a tight corset would feel like. "Now your petticoats Miss Jane," said Rosie. "A young lady like you should wear three. They are very important as they help you walk like a proper lady, they make a lovely sound as you move and they look very pretty, although you never show them to a gentleman unless, and this is very naughty, you want to tease him." Once these were attached James felt his maleness completely erode. Of course Rosie was not done and she produced a pale gold silk dress which she lowered over his head and began to button up at the back. When she was done she began to rearrange his longish hair into a more girlish style and finally added a little powder to his cheeks and some pale pink lipstick. She then brought him to a full length mirror and allowed him to look. James was stunned at the transformation. Staring back at him was a nervous looking young girl who was really pretty. "You look very nice Miss Jane," said Rosie without a hint of mockery in her voice. "You are going to fit in very well with the other young ladies. Now before I take you back to Miss Pinker I am going to teach you how to curtsey. It is a gesture ladies do to show respect and will please Miss Pinker very much; now watch me and copy." After a few attempts Rosie said, "That will do for now Miss Jane, but you will receive proper lessons in curtseying in our deportment classes. Now come with me and remember to hold your dress up a little as you go down stairs; I don't want you to trip." Before leaving the room James turned to Rosie and said, "Thank you for being nice to me Rosie, I do hope that we can be friends." Rosie smiled and said, "Well Miss, we shall have to see. I always believe that friendship is something that has to be earned," and with that she ushered him out of the room. James made it down stairs and Rosie knocked on the study door and opened it in response to Miss Pinker's command to enter. "Miss Jane to see you Miss Pinker," said Rosie. James swished into the room and did his best to execute an acceptable curtsey. Miss Pinker looked at him in delight. "Oh Jane you look wonderful and thank you for the curtsey it shows very good manners. Now come and sit here while I go over a few of our rules." They sat for the next 30 minutes while Miss Pinker outlined the school curriculum plus the "code" as she called it. The "code" was the standard of behavior expected of all the students. "This will be hard for you dear Jane and of course we will all make allowances for the shock of your new circumstances and the disadvantages of never having lived as a girl. The main thing I do expect is that you will always do your best; is that clear Jane?" "Yes Miss Pinker," James replied. "Excellent," said Miss Pinker crisply. She glanced at the clock and said, "The girls are about to have their tea in the drawing room; now would be a good time to introduce you to your classmates; I am sure that you will become good friends." She led James along a hallway and opened a door to a large room with French windows that gave access to a beautiful garden. James saw 6 young women dressed in a similar manner to himself, drinking tea, talking or reading. At their entry the room suddenly became quiet and all eyes were immediately on James. "Girls I want to introduce you to your new classmate, Jane, who will be studying with you this year. Jane this is Cecily, Violet, Georgina, Harriet, Elizabeth and Emily," she said introducing each girl. As each was introduced she curtseyed and then offered a polite handshake. James did his best to reciprocate. "Now girls as you know Jane is somewhat new to our ways and will need all our help and encouragement as she embarks on this exciting adventure. I know I can rely on you to make her welcome." And with that Miss Pinker swept out of the room leaving James standing in the middle of a group of young attractive women. As soon as the door closed the group advanced on James petticoats swishing, completely surrounding him in a sea of femininity. As they closed on him, James was subjected to warm hugs from all of them. "Oh James," cried Emily, "we cannot believe what you are doing for our friend Caroline; you must be the most wonderful man in the world and we love you for it." All the girls echoed Emily's greeting and James felt very moved by their support. He felt tears pricking his eyes and needed to dab at them with a lacy handkerchief. "Thank you so much for your kind support," he said, "it means a lot to me to be included in your sisterhood and I want to reassure you that I will take my lessons here very seriously. I must say I feel it to be a great honour to become a girl for the next 8 months. I know that I will learn a lot that will make my life infinitely richer and I hope in return I may be able to teach you something from my life. Just one thing though; from now on I am Jane and you must think of me as a girl." This little speech was greeted with enthusiastic approval from everyone. "Now Jane come and have tea and we will tell you all about life here at Miss Pinker's," said Harriet as she took James hand and led him over to an Ottoman next to the tea table. For the next hour James enjoyed the delightful company of his new friends. Over the next 2 weeks James gradually began to settle into life at Miss Pinker's Academy. He kept his promise to take all the lessons seriously and to try his best. The classes included deportment, social manners, music, dancing, drawing, sewing and French, which was considered a most appropriate language for young ladies. Importantly they were also given intensive lessons on ladies fashion and what was acceptable in society. James favourite classes were those of deportment, where the girls were taught to move in an especially graceful manner and the subtleties of managing and arranging their beautiful skirts and petticoats. Their instructor smiled at the girls and said, "Ah girls the true genius in this art is a Miss Finch from London," and she shook her head in admiration. They were frequently taken on outings to many of the wonderful cultural features of Oxford, plus the beautiful countryside. Evening plays and theatre were also part of the syllabus and on these occasions Rosie was pressed into service as a very effective protector. Once when some drunken louts threatened the girls she took matters literally and very effectively into her own large hands. James was surprised that there seemed to be very little discipline from Miss Pinker or her staff and when he commented on this, Violet informed him that Miss Pinker was so nice that no one wanted to disappoint her. It was shortly after this that James was called to Miss Pinker's office to see her. She was seated behind her desk and had some papers in front of her. "Ah Jane," she said after James sat in front of her, "I just wanted to say how pleased I am with your conduct. You have certainly kept your word about trying your hardest. I am also very impressed at how you show such respect to not only me and my teaching staff, but also the servants. I am sure your aunt will be delighted at your progress." James rose, curtsied and thanked Miss Pinker for her kind words. She rang for tea and they continued to chat for a while, but James could tell that something was bothering her as her usual enthusiasm seemed to be diminished. As they finished their tea he cleared his throat politely. "Yes Jane?" asked Miss Pinker enquiringly. "Miss Pinker you and your staff have been very kind to me and I would like to return some of your kindness," he began awkwardly. Miss Pinker looked surprised. "Whatever do you mean Jane?" she asked. James looked at his feet and cleared his throat again. "I'm sorry Miss Pinker if this seems very rude of me, but I can tell that you are upset today; please tell me what is wrong?" Miss Pinker looked astonished and tried to deny any problem but finally with James gentle persistence she sighed. "You are very perceptive Jane and you are also correct. There is a problem that may threaten the very existence of my school. It was necessary to borrow money recently to finance some of the improvements we have made here. Unfortunately returns have not been quite what I expected and now the bank has sent a letter requesting full repayment of the loan, which I am unable to do." She paused and her composure was momentarily shaken a little. "May I see the letter?" asked James gently. Miss Pinker silently handed it over. James studied it carefully for a few minutes and then rose gracefully, curtsied and said, "Thank you for tea Miss Pinker, I think I should return to my studies," and he turned towards the door taking the letter with him. "Jane, my letter," began Miss Pinker. "Miss Pinker I insist of taking care of this for you, it would be my great pleasure." "But Jane it is a thousand pound," gasped Miss Pinker. "And I may never find a worthier cause to spend it on," replied James and with a gentle smile he left the room. Later that evening when he had retired to his room there was a knock on his door. He was surprised to find Rosie standing there. She quickly stepped forward and before he could react she flung her arms around him and pulled him into a crushing hug. "I just heard what you did for Miss Pinker," she said her voice breaking with emotion. "You wanted to be my friend; well Miss Jane you will have my friendship for as long as you live." A week later James was called once again into Miss Pinker's office. Silently she handed him an envelope and when he opened it he saw a receipt for one thousand pound from the bank. He smiled as he handed it back and only then did he notice the tears in Miss Pinker's eyes. "I can never thank you enough," she managed to say. "Yes you can," replied James and proceeded to tell her about Caroline and the deception they had practiced on Lady Isabelle When he finished she said, "Your secret is safe with me." "There is a little more," he said and then explained about his plans for Caroline's enrollment in medical school together with his need to borrow Rosie from time to time. "That will be no problem," she said. *************************************************************** Miss Pinker looked around the room as she finished her story Lady Isabelle's face was alternating between ghostly white and an unhealthy looking puce colour. She tried to speak but only a few spluttering's emerged. Miss Pinker smiled at the audience and said "Now I think it is time you heard from the star of this wedding, which of course is always the bride." James Tells his Story James stood and looked about the room at his friends. "Thank you all for coming to see me marry my true love Caroline and especially thank you Mummy for making this day possible," he began. This time the word Mummy was spoken with a distinct note of mockery which Lady Isabelle could not help but detect and she ground her teeth in frustration until she remembered that she still held all the aces and apart from the disgraceful deception on the part of her daughter nothing had really changed. Jane was still in skirts and almost certain to remain so and she would ensure that her new daughter-in-law was even more firmly under her thumb. However looking at Jane now standing confidentially before the guests, a flicker of doubt gnawed at her until she forced it away. "I need to tell you something of my life before I met Caroline and how things changed after," James began. "I had an unusual upbringing, in that my mother and father were both unconventional. It is normal for the man to be firmly placed at the head of the household and his wife is expected to obey him. My parents were not like that as my mother was just as much the leader as my father. On the occasions when my father was too busy with running the estate and family business, it was my mother who would take me for adventures. She instilled in me a love of the outdoors, especially the mountains. My parents took me climbing and again it was my mother who was the better climber and did most of the leading. To do this she would dress as a man and was capable of doing all the things a man would do. Far from feeling threatened by this my father positively encouraged her." James paused for a moment to sip some water before continuing. "So I grew up seeing women as strong figures, assuredly the equal of men." This caused a gasp of surprise from part of the audience. "It was for this reason," continued James, "that I was so moved, when I first met Caroline, at her frustration of being confined to skirts and never allowed to roam free. When I offered to change clothes with her it was done with a wish to see her enjoy some of the adventures I had grown up with. What I did not anticipate was how I would fall in love with wearing skirts and petticoats. For me it was never something weak and sissyish, because my mother dressed that way and she was so adventurous and strong. I just loved the feel of these wonderful garments moving against my legs and I also loved it when Caroline took charge and I could play the lady in our games. From my father I got a love of fighting. He came from a military background and he trained me in all different aspects of combat. I am highly proficient with a sword, a fair shot and especially adept at close quarters with boxing and a number of the Oriental martial arts. I never used these skills to bully anyone, quite the reverse; I despise bullies. However I do get pleasure in standing up for those who are vulnerable. During my first year in Oxford there was concern about the number of attacks on women, sometimes for robbery and sometimes for more despicable purposes. I decided to do what I could to help, albeit in a small way, and so I took to the streets at night to patrol some of the more dangerous city streets. I would wait for a woman walking alone and discretely follow her to ensure that she arrived home safely. As a result I was able to prevent a few attacks. One such incident stands out, which was the case of young Katie Palmer, who I am delighted to have, along with her mother Gloria at my wedding. The Palmer's have been very kind to Caroline and me and we both value their friendship. And so," he continued, "I am this strange blend of the masculine and the feminine. For the first 15 years of my life the masculine held sway but for the last 2 years I have been able to give free reign to the feminine and I have loved it." He looked adoringly at Caroline and bent down to kiss her tenderly on the lips. "I will now tell you a little more about our ruse for getting Caroline into medical school. I knew that I would be unlikely to have any difficulty in enrolling in the medical programme at Oxford, so I did that under my own name. Fortunately it was not necessary to appear for an interview; once my credentials were examined I was accepted. Some of Caroline's friends, and I am happy to say, now my friends, were enrolled at Miss Pinker's Academy, so it was not difficult for Caroline to suggest to her mother that she too attend. The problem was dealing with the letter Lady Isabelle would write to Miss Pinker. Here we were able to obtain help from an accomplice in the form of Annie, Caroline's maid. She was able to intercept any letters to and from Miss Pinker and substitute our own. Fortunately I am able to copy most handwriting styles and so I wrote the letter purportedly from Lady Isabelle, or should I say Mummy." At this point James turned towards his mother-in -law and gave her a sweet smile and was amused to see that she was glowering like an over worked furnace. "I had arranged with Mrs. Palmer to rent a private room at her house for Caroline, while she was in medical school. It was there that Caroline came on the day before she was due to start medical school. I was waiting for her and find it hard to describe the feeling when my darling girl and I embraced. We quickly exchanged clothes and I can describe how it felt when she fastened the last petticoat and buttoned up my dress; I felt as though I were in heaven. I will not say what happened between us in the next few minutes, but it was wonderful. Finally I wrenched myself away from Caroline and tearfully wished her luck for the next day. Rosie had been waiting for me upstairs with Mrs. Palmer and she accompanied me back to Miss Pinker's." At this point Lady Isabelle could not restrain herself any longer. She jumped to her feet and rang her little bell furiously while yelling, "Stop, stop this terrible speech!" Moments later Doris appeared and Lady Isabelle cried out, "Doris, Miss Jane is unwell, take her to her room, put her in her contemplation dress and stay with her until I come." Doris strode towards the head table with a huge smirk on her face; she never made it. A very large figure intercepted her and grabbing her by the scruff of her neck lifted her off the ground and carried her to the door. "If you ever touch my Miss Jane, I won't just throw you out of the room, I'll throw you out of the window," snarled Rosie. She opened the door and none too gently deposited Doris out into the hall before slamming and locking the door. "Sorry for the interruption Miss Jane," she said glaring at Lady Isabelle. James looked once again to Lady Isabelle, who was sitting as though turned to stone. "Oh Mummy please do not distress yourself, otherwise it will spoil this lovely wedding you have taken such trouble to arrange." To Lady Isabelle the word Mummy, delivered in such a mocking tone, felt like the sting of a thousand scorpions. She felt that somehow her careful plans were unraveling, but she couldn't quite see how; surely she was still in control. James then resumed his story. "I was anxious all week as I waited for news of how Caroline was managing in the medical school. We were able to meet at Mrs. Palmer's on the Saturday and I was very relieved to find that no one had questioned Caroline's identity. She had cut her hair short and used bandages to bind her breasts, while her lack of facial hair was put down to her youth. With Miss Pinker's blessing and help, I was able to visit Caroline two or three times a week. Rosie would accompany me and I was always in skirts. These visits were a great comfort to both of us. While I was immersed in a world of femininity my darling Caroline was cast into the unfamiliar world of men. She could not relax her guard for one moment or her true identity would be revealed. This was very stressful for her and the fact that she succeeded in not only avoiding detection, but also obtaining high pass marks are a wonderful testament to her strength and character. I am immensely proud of her. For me life at Miss Pinker's Academy was increasingly enjoyable and I genuinely loved my time as an elegant young lady. It gave me a marvelous insight into the mysterious world of women and I would not have missed it for anything. While my path was much easier than Caroline's, I still felt the need to work hard and get as much from the unique opportunity as possible. The teaching staff treated all the students with patience and respect. In my case I was never subjected to any humiliation and I cannot speak too highly of the professionalism of the Academy and I am eternally grateful to Miss Pinker and her staff for all they taught me." At this point James looked over to Miss Pinker and Rosie, both of whom were beaming with pleasure. "I am continually distressed by the way society treats women, often regarding them as mere possessions of their husbands or fathers. I determined to try to change these perceptions and again thank Miss Pinker for her support and encouragement. Three times a week I was allowed to conduct a special tea time session with my classmates during which I led discussions on philosophy, politics and social reform. Our philosophical discussions focused on ethics and logic, so that all my classmates became skilled at dissecting arguments to uncover their flaws. As a result I am confident that my friends will be better equipped to challenge many of the restrictions placed on women. I am also bothered by the feeling that women are by nature frail fragile creatures that must be treated like fine china, lest they break. Most women in the more leisured classes rarely exert themselves and as a consequence lack physical strength and endurance. This is not as nature intended as you have all seen by the little demonstration Rosie gave. So with Rosie's invaluable help I developed strength classes once a week and am pleased to report that all my classmates are capable of pulling themselves up on an overhead bar and perform squats while piggybacking a classmate. A common phrase which I abhor is "helpless woman." I was determined that the women in my life would be anything but helpless. Rosie of course I did not need to worry about; she could best the great majority of men in any struggle. However for my dear friends who accepted me into their sisterhood, I held special lessons in self-defense and by the end of our year together they became very capable of looking after themselves." At this point Lady Isabelle gave a quiet snigger as she recalled how James strength had been so severely shorn by the medicine Caroline had provided. James noted this and merely smiled. "And now," he said, "it is time to give thanks to my guardian, Alice Soames, without whom I would not be standing here today as a blushing bride. Dear Alice, Caroline and I are indebted to you for the part you have played in this little drama." Lady Isabelle looked bewildered. "What on earth are you talking about you silly girl? This wedding has clearly gone to your head." James smiled sweetly and said, "Oh Mummy do you really not understand what has happened?" The Truth is Revealed James took a sip of wine and gestured to Caroline to stand beside him, which she did. They held hands and James began again. "Ladies and Mummy," he said, "Caroline and I had a dream, a dream which we thought would never come true. The two things we really wanted above all else was to marry and for Caroline to pursue a career as a doctor. Now we knew that was something Lady Isabelle would never agree to so we hatched this devious plot." He looked at Lady Isabelle and his voice which had previously been light and lilting now took on a hard quality. "The one thing we could count on Mummy," and here the word Mummy was laced with contempt, "was your greed and malice. We knew that you would not be able to resist the thought of feminizing me as your helpless little ward and then when you learned the extent of my inheritance, to gain control of it. Of course the only way you could do that was by bringing me into the family where I would be permanently petticoated and completely under your control." Lady Isabelle had a look of horror on her face as she tried to digest this news. She tried to speak but for once nothing came out. "Of course our plan would not have worked without the help of Alice, in fact I do not know where I would be without Alice. When my parents were killed so tragically I was completely devastated and it was Alice who was there for me. She supported me and gradually got me back on my feet. Caroline was of course a great source of strength, but she was unable to be with me because of the constraints of her parents. I will never forget what Alice has done for me. Alice could you please tell us all your role in this affair?" Alice Soames stood and faced Lady Isabelle. "Isabelle, it did not take much persuading from Caroline and James to join their little intrigue. Although we had not met for several years, until recently, I still remember our school day quite clearly. You seemed to enjoy playing with me, much as a cat does with a mouse, sometimes appearing to be friendly and other times making snide remarks and put downs about me to your snobbish friends. Oh yes I fully understood that I was a convenience for you and I came to despise you for it. Of course there was never any problem regarding James behavior; he always treated me with respect and consideration. I recall the day a few months ago when you invited me for tea. You made things so easy by railing against your daughter that it was then a simple thing to describe my supposed problems with James. It was at this point, as we had planned, that Caroline would enter and casually mentioned how she had feminized James when they were children. I knew you would jump at the chance of getting some sort of twisted revenge on the Enderby name by feminizing their only child. After that when we met again I played up the extent of James inheritance and the fact that he would receive a generous amount of it if he married. You fell for it all Isabelle, hook, line and sinker." These last words were delivered in an especially mocking tone. By now Lady Isabelle's face was a mask of fury. "Alice Soames," she snarled, "you were always a pathetic little trollop, but I'll have the last laugh, you see if I don't." She reached inside a bag at her feet and produced a medicine bottle which she brandished. "This medicine, which my daughter provided, still renders this little sissy as weak as a kitten I can still put him in his contemplation dress and spank his bottom any time I wish. And my dear Jane I ensured that you consumed some in the soup, which I put in while you were looking the other way." There was a stunned silence in the room. James reached out and gently took the bottle from Lady Isabelle. "I fear you may not have given me enough Mummy," he said. He opened the bottle put it to his lips and drained it. There was a horrified gasp from the room. "There that should do the trick," he said, "let's see how well it has worked." He got up gracefully and signaled to Minnie to hold his train and made his way over to the mantelpiece. The mantelpiece was high and had a raised metal rail running along it. Reaching up he grasped it in both hands and effortlessly pulled himself up. To drive home the point, he then did it with first just his right arm and then the left. "Oh Mummy it doesn't seem to be working," he said regretfully. He took a sniff of the bottle and said, "Funny it smells like some rose hip syrup mixed with water. Dear Mummy, I have been assiduously keeping up my strength by exercising at night. I found the lacing bar very helpful and of course the ballet classes you so thoughtfully provided have been wonderful at maintaining my fitness; thank you so much. Lady Isabelle turned to her daughter and said, "Caroline what is going on? You said this medicine would make him as weak as a child." Caroline looked scornfully at her mother and said, "Oh mother how could you be so na?ve? Of course there is no medicine that could have that affect. It was a complete fiction, just like the breast cream you hoped would give James a fully developed bust." "You betrayed me," screamed Lady Isabelle. "My own daughter, my own flesh and blood and you betrayed me." When Caroline spoke it was with a coldness that sent a chill through the room. "I betrayed you?" she asked in disbelief. "Mother you betrayed me the moment I was born and you looked between my legs. As soon as you knew I wasn't a boy you and Father ceased taking any interest in me. I was brought up by a series of nannies, governesses and school mistresses, only occasionally seeing you and Father and never for long and never with any affection. The first time I found a real friend, James, you and Father banned me from seeing him; all over some stupid dispute that you and father allowed to escalate." "They dragged our good name through the courts," shrieked Lady Isabelle. "Nonsense Mother," snapped Caroline. "I have done some investigation of the affair and it is perfectly clear that Father was in the wrong and tried to bully Sir Robert just because he was a "Lord." And while we are on the subject of betrayal Mother, just remember how you did your best to prevent me from achieving my dream of becoming a doctor." "Ladies don't become doctors," screamed Lady Isabelle. "Well this one does," said Caroline coldly. She continued her denunciation of her mother. "Mother you did your best to get me married to that despicable Freddie Bolsover; even after you promised not to if I helped you. Finally Mother and this is the worst betrayal of all, I learned that in the event that this grotesque plot of yours with James did not work, you were planning to ship me off to some awful convent where I would be a prisoner, until I agreed to your hideous demand to marry. So Mother if you feel betrayed then you may have some tiny sensation of how I feel with regard to you." At this point Caroline sat back down, put her head in her hands and began to sob. After comforting his wife James stood and once again surveyed his audience, most of who were in a complete state of shock. "My story is nearly told," he said. "I just have a few more words for you Lady Isabelle. You thought you were humiliating me by putting me in petticoats and dresses, when in fact I relished every second. Everything you did which you thought would degrade me only added more pleasure. You took me to the finest dress maker in London and the finest teacher of the art of wearing petticoats and dresses. The Miss Finch's were two ladies I had longed to meet and you made it possible. The most difficult thing for me was preventing myself from laughing and giving the game away. Fortunately I took acting classes in school and they helped me to maintain this charade. I have had to fake clumsiness in the feminine arts since being under your control, whereas of course Miss Pinker made me highly proficient. Finally by supposedly forcing me into marriage with your daughter you gave me the greatest gift you could possibly have bestowed. You thought that you had woven a very clever web to ensnare me, but in doing so you enabled us to deploy a much more devious plot to defeat you with devastating effect. I have taken legal advice on this whole matter and there is a definite possibility that your actions, Lady Isabelle are illegal and therefore could be subject to judicial action. However, I think that whatever the courts would do to you is nothing compared to you having to live with the fact that you have given me everything I desired through your own twisted malice. Although you will be estranged from your only child perhaps you can find comfort with your soul mate in malice and misery, your maid Doris." At this point Lady Isabelle was overcome with the enormity of her own creation and fled from the room howling in despair. "Don't feel sorry for her," said Caroline, "she really is a nasty woman." "Now for happier items," said James. He looked at his two bridesmaids, both of whom wore shocked expressions, partly due to the certainty that there employment with Lady Isabelle had certainly terminated. "Minnie and Maisie you are no doubt anxious as to what the future hold for you. Lady Caroline and I are shortly departing to Paris on the 3 o'clock boat train from Victoria Station, for our honeymoon. We expect to be in France for about a month. I will travel as a lady under Lady Caroline's name while she will be James Enderby. I won't need a maid," and he smiled as he saw their faces drop, "I will need two maids and you two will accompany us and serve in that role." Maisie and Minnie stared at each other in disbelief and James went on. "Your duties will be very light and you will have ample time to enjoy yourselves for perhaps the first time in your lives and to practice some of the French I have taught you. You are both dear girls and you deserve someone to make a fuss over you. Please go now to my room and change out of your bridesmaids dresses and pack them in my trunk along with my new dresses and petticoats from Miss Finch. Of course you will need to leave out a travelling dress for me and help me into it when I am finished here. Maisie and Minnie got to their feet looking completely dazed but James was not finished. "Girls, if you look to one side of my wardrobe you will find two new dresses in your sizes. Miss Finch made them for you to travel in. When we get to Paris Lady Caroline and I plan to take you out to buy you both completely new wardrobes." This proved too much and both girls burst into tears and rushed at James and enveloped him in joyous hugs. When he at last managed to entangle them he said, "Girls I am not quite finished. When we return from France you will both come and work for Lady Caroline and me as ladies maids. The job will only be part time, because the rest of your time will be spent in school. If, as I suspect, you do well, then you will train to be teachers." For a few moments Maisie and Minnie were too stunned to move but eventually they gave loud shrieks and buried James once again in satin embraces. James looked at the two young girls with great affection and said, "Go now girls and get yourselves ready and pack my clothes; Annie has already taken care of Lady Caroline's. Rosie will go with you to carry the trunks and ensure that you do not suffer any obstruction from Doris." Still shrieking in delight Maisie and Minnie rushed from the room followed by Rosie who was smiling indulgently. James and Caroline stood before their guests holding hands. "Dear friends we want to have a last drink with you before we leave," said James. "When we return we will live in Oxford while Caroline completes her medical training and after that, well we have not fully decided. We will be husband and wife; sometimes I will be the husband and sometimes the wife, whereas Caroline can be whomever she wants. One of our plans is to open a school for underprivileged children to give them a better start in life. Lady Isabelle was appalled when she found that I was teaching Minnie and Maisie to read and write. She said that this would give them ideas above their station, or some such nonsense and was prepared to cast them adrift like vegetable peelings from the kitchen. You can all guess where girls with nowhere to go end up and it is not a pretty place. What a waste of human potential! The poet Robert Browning said "Man's reach (or woman's reach, I say) should exceed his grasp," and that is the principle that Caroline and I intend to live by. Now charge your glasses and drink to a time when all can look to a future with optimism." This toast brought loud cheers from the guests and Caroline and James found themselves surrounded in a sea of satin and silk being congratulated on all sides. Paris James and Caroline returned to James' room where Maisie, Minnie and Annie were waiting. Maisie and Minnie were already changed into their new dresses and they quickly helped James into a travelling dress and carefully packed his wedding dress into one of the trunks that Annie was to take on to Oxford. Caroline looked in James trunk to check its contents. She called Minnie over and said, "There is still some room in here so I want you to pack Miss Jane's contemplation dress; there may be occasions when I will find it necessary for her to wear it." James blushed and Minnie and Maisie giggled as the packing was finished. Rosie appeared and effortlessly carried their trunks and cases down to the front hall. Two carriages arrived and Annie and the luggage bound for Oxford took one and headed off to Paddington Station. Caroline, James, Maisie and Minnie took the other to Victoria Station to catch the boat train to France. When they arrived at the correct platform Minnie and Maisie began to look for the Third Class carriages. "Where are you two going?" asked James. "We are looking for our carriage," answered Maisie. "Well you won't find it in Third Class, you silly girls," said James smiling. "You two are travelling First Class; I have reserved a compartment for the four of us." Minnie and Maisie could only gasp in astonishment. Shortly after they were settled in their private compartment the train pulled out of the station. Maisie and Minnie kept staring out of the window in wonder at the passing scenery. They could not keep still in their excitement, but unlike Lady Isabelle, James and Caroline found this both gratifying and endearing. "We will get into Paris quite late, so we will go straight to our hotel. You girls will share a room, but you will have your own beds," explained James. "Tomorrow we will first buy you both new clothes and then we can all visit the marvelous sights of Paris." Maisie had tears in her eyes. "Why are you doing this for us Miss Jane?" she asked. "Well the most important reason is that you are dear girls and Lady Caroline and I are very fond of you. Another reason is more complicated. I was born rich, with every advantage being a rich male can bring. You were born as two poor girls in a society where everything is against you. I just want you to experience some of the pleasures that Lady Caroline and I have almost taken for granted. Now just promise me that you will enjoy yourselves," said James in a pretend stern voice. Maisie and Minnie giggled and said, "We promise." The rest of the trip went smoothly and fortunately the boat crossing was done on calm seas. By the time they reached Paris and their hotel, it was late so they ate in the hotel dining room before retiring to their rooms. As soon as the door closed Caroline grabbed James and pinned him up against the wall, kissing him fiercely. She pulled away and began to lift the skirt of his dress as she stared into his eyes. "I love you so much," she said. "I love you as James my husband, but for the next month I am going to love having you as Jane my sexy wife. Now my darling wife undo my trousers and we will consummate our marriage." James slowly undid the belt Caroline was wearing and then began to unbutton her trousers. He let them fall to the ground and helped her out of them. He then did the same for her undergarment and she was standing there naked below the waist. "Quickly my shirt," gasped Caroline urgently and James hurriedly complied, allowing her breasts to fall free. She then pushed him back until he fell on the bed and she climbed on top of him. She looked down at him lovingly as she lifted the skirt of his dress and his petticoats. "A mother's advice to her daughter at this particular time is to close her eyes and think of England," she said. "What are you thinking about my gorgeous wife?" James smiled as Caroline thrust his erect penis inside her. "Wicked and wonderful thoughts," he said. "And none of them involve England." 5 Years Later Lady Isabelle pushed aside her half eaten dinner as she sat alone in the dining room of her house in the Bayswater district. Although a fine house, it was a far cry from the opulent surroundings she was used to. Reality had finally forced her to sell her mansion and move to a more economical abode. She really did not need a large residence because her life was now fairly solitary; just her and the smaller staff and the occasional social engagement. Her extravagant soirees were a thing of the past. She was not a happy woman. Caroline put down her stethoscope and smiled at the small boy who was holding up his shirt so she could listen to his chest. "Well young man you are certainly sounding better; two more days and I think you can go back to school," she said. The boy looked disappointed and said, "Can't it be three days Dr. Montague?" "Oh all right, you can have an extra day." "Thanks Dr. Montague I'm sure that will make a big difference," he said as his mother took him out of the consulting room. Caroline's nurse came in and said, "That was the last one doctor, you head off and I will lock up." Caroline sighed with relief. She loved her work but she always relished going home and spending the rest of the evening with James, her beloved James. At that moment the object of her love was kissing another woman, a very large woman and the kiss was a chaste peck on the cheek. Rosie and James had been out patrolling some of the seedier areas of Oxford. They had discretely shadowed a few women safely to their homes without incident. "Word must be getting round Rosie; there were no stalkers to be seen," he said. Rosie gave James an affectionate hug and even though he was wearing evening dress she still said "Good night Miss Jane, see you later in the week," and she walked up the short path to Miss Pinker's Academy and let herself in. Three years ago James had gone into partnership with Miss Pinker. While she continued to run the same refined finishing school for young ladies they had expanded operations to include schooling for the less privileged children of Oxford. When James got home he was pleased to see that Caroline had not yet arrived. He called out to Minnie, who was still working as Caroline and James ladies maid, at least until she completed her teacher training. 'Minnie, please help me get changed so I can greet Lady Caroline when she gets back." Minnie appeared promptly, curtsied and said, "What will it be this evening sir." "It's Miss Jane this evening Minnie, I think I'll wear my light blue silk dress, it's one of Lady Caroline's favourites." He quickly removed his evening wear and Minnie hung it in one of the smaller wardrobes in the main bedroom. Deftly Minnie laced up his corset and had him step into his petticoats. As the last petticoat was attached James gave a sigh of deep satisfaction. Minnie buttoned up the dress and James hurried downstairs and got to the front door just as Caroline was entering. He cast his eyes downwards and curtsied respectfully. "Welcome home husband," he said. Caroline's face lit up and she stepped quickly forward to embrace James. "It's been a long day; I am so glad to be greeted by my dear wife when I get home," she said. "Your wife will be here whenever you want her," replied James as he buried his face in her neck. Arm in arm they walked together along the hall with James skirts and petticoats rustling seductively. Back at Miss Pinker's an evening class of small children was beginning to wind down. Maisie sat on a low stool and carefully spread her skirt out around her. "Tell us a story please Miss," said a small voice. "Very well children, just one before you go," said Maisie. "Once upon a time there were two sisters who were very poor," she began. A little girl piped up, "Does this story have a happy ending Miss?" Maisie cast her mind back just over 5 years and said, "Yes Lizzie, this story has a very happy ending."