This is an updated version of this story that follows the fortunes of a young boy who is cruelly tortured by two wicked women during the closing stages of Queen Victoria’s reign in 1898.

This story was known as Aunt Roberta’s Ward but someone with a similar storyline has objected and it has been changed to the more appropriate title of The Inheritance. I have taken the opportunity to clean up the story, removing many grammar and spelling mistakes. Ó Elaine. Email elaine.w@btinternet.com

 

The Inheritance

by: Elaine

 

CHAPTER 1 - Arriving

The drive from the coast had not taken as long as he’d thought. The two mares and carriage had covered the distance from Berwick Railway station in good time. On the way he’d wondered what he would find at his new home in the Scottish Borders.

The house was a large mansion house set in the lower slopes of the Lammermuir Hills that he’d heard all about from his father.

On their arrival the horses sensing home snorted and kicked at the gravel impatiently with their hooves as they waited for the old gatekeeper to come out and slowly open the large ornate cast iron gates wide. As the driver flicked his whip to start the horses into motion again, Lewis could at last look out onto the vast lawn that stretched out in front of him.

‘I wonder if I am I going to like it here,’ thought the young 14-year-old who faced an uncertain future as he looked in awe out of the window. As Lewis caught his first sight of the large family ancestral home of Winton House he could hear his father’s description of the dark rooms and the huge grounds coming to life.

The coach crunched along over the wide decorative drive paved with Lanark red chips. On the edges of the expansive lawns there were stone posts that seamed to indicate the length of the long drive. As the coach and horses walked up the driveway it led to a large oval area outside the front of the house.

Made of weathered smooth red and yellow sandstone, the house was large and in the middle of the front lawn there were several mature beech trees and he smiled when he saw several red squirrels running around collecting the beechnuts.

He marvelled at the ornate pointed stonework, the large patio and the grand double stairs leading up to the front door. The carriage stopped on the large courtyard area in front of the building and Lewis eagerly stepped down for the first time onto Scottish soil.

‘This place is enormous, there must be forty bedrooms here,’ thought Lewis as he looked at his surroundings.

Lewis’s mind flashed back to the past 6 months that had brought him to this spot in the world. Homeless and now without any family he’d made his way from India where his family had died in some terrible plague. His father’s regimental commanding officer had made arrangements for him to be sent home to his next of kin; Miss Roberta Hamilton, his father’s elder sister who stayed in the big house that was

The Hamilton family had long been one of the biggest landowners in the area with several thousand acres on the southern slopes of the desolate sheep country of the Lammermuirs. Their income had come from sheep, grouse shooting, fishing, forestry and arable farming. The estate was no longer actively managed like before with much of the estate rented to tenant farmers. The annual income though was still considerable and Lewis expected that he would ultimately come to inherit this vast estate.

Lewis had not travelled alone from India; his mother’s maid, Helen had accompanied him. Lewis being a young gentleman helped the young girl from the carriage despite her lowly station. The two had struck up a close friendship on the long journey back from the Indian frontier to Scotland.

Helen stepped daintily onto the deep red gravel on the driveway with Lewis’s assistance and was also surprised to see the size of the building that stretched before her. "To think that your late father gave all this up to join the army," she whispered to Lewis.

"Your poor late mother had something to do with it, I’m sure it’s because she never saw eye to eye with your Aunt," she continued.

At that point Helen’s words stopped as she caught a glimpse of the woman she expected to be Lewis’s Aunt Roberta. She was walking carefully down the wide steps onto the patio landing with her floor length, tight skirts held up by her long white hand.

"That’s your Aunt Roberta, your father’s older sister, and she stayed here to look after your grandparents, and now that they’ve died she just lives here alone with just a female companion. When we were in India, I heard that she was always unhappy and isolated here. I don’t know if she’s ever had a husband either," said Helen.

His unsmiling Aunt Roberta

"She looks very unhappy," said Lewis. "Maybe I can cheer her up a little."

Some servants descended the worn stone steps to greet young Lewis’s arrival. Two young handsome footmen bowed and stepped forward to help with the luggage from the carriage while Lewis stared at the face that stared ominously back at him. His aunt stood taking in the view before her and then turned away to go back indoors.

As she turned, she elegantly raised a thin white hand to replace a strand of greying brown long hair back into place after the autumn breeze had pulled it out. Lewis caught sight her features harsh and unsmiling as she walked.

"She looks a real old battleaxe," whispered Lewis to Helen. He then bounded up the stairs towards the front door and followed her inside leaving the men to carry his few possessions up the stairs with Helen.

Once inside he was ushered into the drawing room where his aunt was staring out of the window.

"Now then young man, I hope you are well," she asked without taking her eyes off the hills in the distance. Then she turned and Lewis was able to study her closely. The face he knew but he took in her swan-like neck around which was wrapped a stiff black collar highlighted by a beautiful cameo brooch. Although he smiled at her as he approached she seemed to look past him into another time and place. She seemed not to accept his presence as he walked towards her.

Instead of being confident, she nervously put both her arms under her small bosom and then realising that wasn’t seemly put her hands down onto her hips where they accentuated her incredibly small waist. She wore in a figure hugging ruby red dress that showed she was in keeping with the latest London fashions. The skirt certainly looked narrow and restrictive with only the tips of well polished laced boots showing out from the hem.

Lewis heard Helen’s footsteps beside him and she spoke first, "Ma’am this is Master Lewis, your late brother’s son."

"So I see I’m your Aunt Roberta," she replied curtly, "You will find this place much more difficult than the easy life of the East Indies."

"With respect Aunt the life in India was anything but easy, as the loss of my dear family testifies. I’m very pleased to meet you, having heard very little about you from my late dear father." He said quietly and nervously holding out his hand in the hope that his Aunt would accept it.

Instead she continued to hold her hands on her hips and stood before him tall and straighter than ever. "Before you stay at this house I want it to be known from the outset that anything other than exemplary behaviour will be punished severely. I have just come out of mourning for a dear friend and I will not tolerate rumbustious behaviour from young people. Do I make myself clear?

"Yes Aunt Roberta," he said pulling his hand back disappointed in her negative stance.

"I repeat I will have no outrageous behaviour here. If you can behave then we will tolerate each other’s presence eventually. In any event, since you are my brother’s son, I will give you shelter and food provided you obey me implicitly. Do you understand?"

"Yes Aunt Roberta," he replied simply feeling let down and stunned by her attitude. He’d half expected that his closest relative in the world would have given him a warmer welcome given his recent double loss of his parents. She looked like she wanted a better response than that from him so he added. "Th-thank you!" He stammered tentatively.

"Did you know that your father eloped when he met your mother?"

"No Aunt." He replied.

"Yes he gave all this up," she said waving her hand in the air before replacing it on her hip. "He left me to look after this estate on my own and it hasn’t been easy. You may not realise this but your father married beneath himself. He should never have left here and joined the army, I hope that you don’t carry the unsavoury traits of your family," she continued.

Lewis, was angry at these adverse comments about his parents and already secretly hated his new found relative. He hunched up his shoulders and shrugged as if to say it wasn’t his fault. That incensed his aunt further who shouted. "Your father was in the army, but it seems the military didn’t rub off on you did it? Did you ever watch the soldiers stand to attention?"

"Yes Aunt Roberta, I did," he said feeling intimidated straightening his shoulders as best as he could only for her to shake her head at his efforts.

"I have engaged a governess for you and I hope that you will learn to take orders from her at all times so that you will complete your education. She must be obeyed at all times."

Lewis felt timid in the midst of this strict femininity and he looked at Helen for support. This didn’t go unnoticed to his Aunt.

"You are?" she asked Helen.

"My name is Helen Yule Ma’am," she replied and then curtseying.

"What was your position in Calcutta Helen?"

"I was the personal maid to Mrs Hamilton, Master Lewis’s mother," she said confidently.

"I have no need of a personal maid but I’m sure that the Butler James will find you something to do, so report to him," she said dismissing the young woman.

"Yes Ma’am, thank you Ma’am." Helen replied feeling grateful she at least had employment.

"I will introduce you to your Governess now," said his Aunt. "Follow me."

As his Aunt minced along in her tight skirts, Lewis following close behind was able to watch her move and wondered what possessed her to dress in such a ridiculous restrictive fashion. Women wore tight skirts and corsets during this period but this costume bordered on the eccentric. On entering the hallway, he went ahead and bounded up the stairs two at a time and was immediately scolded by his Aunt who had to negotiate each step carefully holding her skirt hem with both hands for fear of tripping.

"If I catch you running in the house again, you will be severely reprimanded," she cried from midway up the grand curving staircase just as he reached the top.

He waited for her and extended his hand that she declined and they soon entered what appeared to be a large children’s nursery with a rocking horse, various toys including balls and dolls. There was a large doll’s house near the window.

"This is Lewis," his Aunt said to the woman, "this is your new governess, Miss Jane Renton."

"I am pleased to make your acquaintance Miss Renton," he said bowing slightly.

"I am pleased that we meet at last Lewis. I hope that you will learn to behave and not be disobedient while I try to complete your education," she replied from the comfort of her chair. "Your Aunt has told me of your recent loss, however I want you to put that in the past and to give me your complete obedience at all times. Any insolent or bad behaviour will be severely punished. You will I fear find me very strict on the subject of bad behaviour."

"Yes Miss Renton," said Lewis who cast his eyes over her quickly. She was in her early twenties and had a country air about her as though she had been brought up on a farm. Her ruddy cheeks giving some indication of some previous outdoor country girl existence. That was in the past though because now she looked every inch a lady with a figure to match. Her impressive breasts were enhanced by what was another slender corseted waist.

Her dress in contrast to Aunt Roberta was cream in colour with lace embroidery hiding her well-developed chest. She wore a tight six-strand pearl necklace choker that kept her head erect and she played with a long single strand that ended in her lap. She wore dainty high heel shoes that peeked out of her equally restrictive skirts. Like Aunt Roberta she looked rigid, held no doubt by the confines of a tight corset that must have gone from her chest to the top of her thighs.

The combination of the tight dress, waist and the small bustle proved to be irresistible to Lewis who stared at the figure before him.

	The combination of the tight dress, waist and the small bustle proved to be irresistible to Lewis who stared at the figure before him.

"It’s rude to stare Lewis, I will not tolerate that sort of behaviour in my presence," Miss Renton suddenly surprising him with the strict tone of her voice.

"In future, you’ll only speak when you have been given permission or if you are asked a direct question," she replied again raising the tone of her voice. She looked at Aunt Roberta who smiled with approval. Lewis was about to reply but then stayed silent.

"Good. If you wish to speak you may raise your hand and wait until I have given permission. Now I am sure you must be tired after your journey and I will show you to your bedroom."

Lewis meekly followed already hating both women and secretly vowing to have some fun before the day was out. They led him into the room adjoining the nursery and it was of obvious feminine appearance with pink walls and curtains and frilly bedclothes and on it there was a frilly satin nightshirt.

Lewis was surprised to be led into this bright gaily-painted room and decided that some mistake had been made. Remembering he raised his hand and on seeing this, Miss Renton and gave him permission to speak.

"Please Miss Renton, this is a girl’s bedroom, I cannot sleep in here," he said politely.

However Miss Renton and his Aunt had other ideas and informed him that this would be his bedroom from now on because it was so close to both the nursery that would become his classroom and to his Aunt’s private rooms.

At last they left him alone after showing him around the room. In the two large wardrobes there were many pretty dresses and many pairs of female shoes on the floor. The large chest of drawers, he discovered contained many items of female lingerie.

He began to unpack his trunk when there was a small knock at the door. He opened it and was delighted to find Helen, dressed now in a crisp, new maid’s uniform, her waist now much thinner in keeping with the rest of the household and she quickly said. "Lewis I have been told to help you settle in and to escort you around the building. I have been kept on as a maid on this floor so we will see a lot of each other."

"That’s wonderful come on in," he whispered. He closed the door and hugged and kissed her close. On the long journey they had become very close and he was genuinely pleased to see her again.

"Master Lewis, you must not do that again, if your Aunt suspects that you and I are this close, I will be dismissed from her service."

"I just wanted to show that you are still my closest friend and that I just want to remain your friend," he said.

"That’s good, I like that but please no more displays of affection or I will be banished from here, " Helen said anxiously moving her large eyes.

With that the two friends went exploring around the great house. They looked in all the rooms to find that most of them were covered with dustsheets or were empty.

Some though were still being used and Lewis was relieved to find the dining room because he was famished. They continued the tour and found a small room along the corridor from Lewis’s bedroom. However this was locked and they were unable to gain entry.

On their way back to his bedroom, Lewis ignored his previous instructions and ran back the last 20 yards to his room and crashed straight into Miss Renton who was stepping out with some of his clothes.

Walking on her high heels and her hands full, she was unable to keep her balance and fell awkwardly to the ground, landing in a heap at his feet. Lewis promptly helped to get back on her feet but the damage was done. She demanded he get back inside his bedroom and remove his trousers. He did and then she returned with a cane complete with curved handle, so commonly used by teachers for instilling discipline at that time.

"Please bend over that chair," she commanded pointing at the chair beside the dressing table.

"Please Miss Renton it was an accident, please don’t beat me," he pleaded without success. "I’m sorry Lewis but you were told not to run in the house and that is what you were doing. If you hadn’t done that, this punishment wouldn’t be necessary would it?" She continued. "Now bend over or it will be worse for you."

Soon Lewis’s bottom was tender from the six strokes of the cane he received. Miss Renton inflicting great pain on his rear despite her small stature. Lewis stifled back the tears in an attempt to show some manliness.

Not impressed by this stiff upper lip, Miss Renton said, "Go ahead and cry, I know it must be hurting. Your Aunt wants you to dress for dinner, I have your suit here," she said pointing to the blue velvet suit with lace shirt on the bed.

Lewis rubbing his rear went over to it and then looked dismayed. Remembering the rule he raised his hand and Miss Renton gave permission for him to speak.

"Why do I have to wear these clothes?" He asked.

"Because your Aunt has instructed that you wear them, do not dawdle and get changed," she replied.

"But this looks like something a sissy would wear, I have my own clothes that came from India," he replied. "Can’t I wear them?"

"Your Aunt has ordered that you wear only what she provides, all your own clothes are to be burnt because she fears that they may be harbouring some of the infection. I am afraid, you are to be dressed the way she wishes from now on. Helen would you help prepare a bath, use the special bath salts you’ll find in there."

Helen scurried away to prepare Lewis’s bath and Miss Renton said. "Please take all your clothes off Lewis and place them on that chair."

Lewis reluctantly decided that he had no option and started removing his tweed jacket, his plus fours and his detachable stiff collar and shirt. He was still in his long johns and vest when Helen came back in to say that his bath was nearly ready.

Helen ushered him through and helped him into the steaming bath that smelled strongly of lavender from the bath salts. Miss Renton watched as Lewis soaped himself and washed all his smooth hairless body. Helen then started to wet his hair and then to wash it. His hair was long for a boy at that time and had not been washed or cut for some time. Because he had not washed his hair, it was greasy and he was able to conceal its long length somewhat.

Helen commented, "Master Lewis you should be ashamed your hair is in a terrible condition, this wash should really help." She took the big bar of sweet smelling soap and started to give his hair a much needed clean.

He yelled when the soap went into his eyes and was reprimanded by Miss Renton. "You are such a baby Lewis, I swear you should have been a girl."

When that was done he was given a liberal sprinkling of lavender scented talcum powder and was led back into the bedroom where he started sneezing. Miss Renton though never eased off and soon the two women started his dressing for dinner.

First on was a pale blue silk undershirt with lace trimmings followed with a creamy coloured cotton blouse that had rounded collars in a most female style. Next came a dark blue velvet jacket while on his legs, a pair of thin knee high cotton stockings were rolled up his legs. Garters were placed at the top and concealed within the stocking to hold them up. He could feel the garters biting into his legs just under his knee but he didn’t complain. He reckoned that he would have them rolled down at his ankles shortly anyhow.

Up his legs they then drew up a short pair of matching knee length blue velvet trousers that were pulled up to his waist and were then tied tightly with a contrasting red velvet sash. The final indignity was a pair of slip on shoes with a gold buckle. These shoes had a 2" high square heel and were dark brown. He stepped into them and although they were a little tight he found he was able to walk in them using smaller steps.

"There now, you are sweet smelling, clean and almost presentable for dinner," said Miss Renton. "What do you say?"

"Thank you, Miss Renton," he said but he felt very odd dressed the way he was.

"Be on your best behaviour, your Aunt is looking for the slightest sign of trouble from you and if that happens you will be severely punished. That’s a warning you cannot afford to ignore," said Miss Renton.

Wisely refusing to speak until she offered. Lewis nodded his head several times.

"One final touch, we have forgotten," said Helen who smiled and pinned a small red carnation to the collar of his jacket

Miss Renton then took a hairbrush from the dressing table and swiftly brushed his hair several times until it shone. She looked at him closely and then decided to back brush it slightly before doing it again in the normal direction.

"You have such pretty hair," said Miss Renton. "It is almost long enough to be styled like a girl." Taking a hoop she tied it into a ponytail much to the horror of the boy. "Right now you are ready," she said.

Lewis definitely felt ill at ease, these clothes and hair style gave him a less than masculine appearance, he still thought that he was obviously a boy but somehow in his eyes he looked ridiculous when he caught a glimpse of himself in the dressing table mirror.

He walked behind Miss Renton as they made their way to the dining room. He marvelled at her fine scarlet coloured, velvet evening dress and her dramatically shaped waist. Her skirts afforded her only limited movement and she walked quickly despite the short steps that her dress allowed.

At last he entered the great dining room and was shown to his seat by one of the servants. He stood waiting patiently until both his Aunt and Miss Renton were seated before taking his own seat. Neither woman made any comment on his manners.

While his elders were dining on Scotch broth and braised steak, Lewis was somewhat disappointed to find that his fare was less substantial with a plate of thin onion soup followed by a single slice of roast chicken, a few potatoes and some green salad. He also had a cup of some evil tasting herbal tea to drink instead of his favourite Ceylon tea.

Like most growing boys Lewis liked eating and decided to ask a question. He raised his hand.

"Yes Lewis," said Miss Renton.

"Please Miss Renton, why can’t I have the same to eat as you? I don’t like salads."

"Because Lewis I think that you need to lose a little weight, you seem to have gained a little puppy fat on the long journey and that needs removing," said Miss Renton. His Aunt just continued eating.

Lewis continued eating in silence. He was quickly finished while the ladies continued picking at their food taking small bites and eating slowly. In the event neither lady finished her meal leaving copious amounts on their plates that Lewis would have devoured given the chance. He was told to drink his tea that they said would help improve his health.

After the meal, Lewis still tasting the bitter brew on his tongue was taken back to his room by Miss Renton who helped strip off his clothes and then put on a satin night-dress. It was open at the neck with ornate patterns over his chest area. The chest area he noted had room for expansion and it had long sleeves that buttoned at the cuff while it was long enough to reach the ground.

He was about to raise his hand, when Miss Renton spoke. "From now on you will be wearing silk and satin night gowns to bed, they are so much warmer and nicer than silly cotton pyjamas."

He raised his hand.

"You may speak Lewis," she said.

"But I never usually wear anything to bed. In India it was too hot, I like sleeping that way now," said Lewis who caught Miss Renton wearing a frown.

"How disgraceful," she cried. "That sort of behaviour will cease and will not be tolerated here."

He nodded. Lewis was determined to remove the smooth nightdress as soon as his governess had left the room.

She took out his pony tail and then quickly brushed out his hair. "In a few days, we will see about putting some curls in that lovely long hair of yours," she remarked softly before turning her voice sharply, "now get into bed."

She turned down the oil lamps and left the room leaving Lewis alone in the dark with his own thoughts for the first time since he arrived. He decided to ditch the nightdress straight away and quickly divested himself of it in an act of rebellion, throwing it on the floor.

He got up and walked to his trunk where his cotton pyjamas were kept and was astonished to find that it was empty. His other smaller trunk was also empty. As his eyes adjusted to the gloom, he looked in the wardrobes and drawers he could find nothing remaining of his old clothing. Only dresses, skirts and more dresses.

Lewis was too tired to look any further and went back to his bed dreading to think what he would be wearing if all his clothes had been destroyed. Slipping between the cool cotton sheets his long day started to tell and he soon fell fast asleep.

 

 

CHAPTER 2 - A Bad Boy

 

He awoke as the light streamed in through the open window to signify a new day. It was late September and dawn broke at about 6:30 am. Though he had no idea it was that early, he got up and looked around his new room.

His search confirmed his worst fears that there was not a stitch of his own clothing left in the room. He got up and went to the water closet and found that he was cold. He reluctantly put on the nightdress again to keep warm and then sat down in front of the window and looked out.

He caught sight of his reflection in the window as he watched the sun slowly rise above the horizon. His long straight hair, he decided was in desperate need of being cut as it hung around his face. The emerging sight of the hills and woodland landscape below filled him with joy as he longed to get out and explore the area like all boys love to do.

His reverie was broken when he heard the door opening behind him. It was his maid Helen who held in her hands what was to be his outfit for the day. It turned out to be a white sailor suit complete with a ribbon covered straw hat and short cotton trousers. She also had a white blouse and a white silk vest.

"Good morning, Lewis," she said.

"Good morning," he replied suddenly happy at seeing the pretty little maid who he now considered to be his closest friend.

She rushed over to him and put her hands through his now soft long hair and said, "I like your hair now it’s clean, though it’s a little long for a boy. It does look soft though and much less formal than most men wear it."

They were chatting quickly about their long journey together and their happier times in India. Helen had always liked the young boy and she was very keen to ensure that no harm befell him. "I hope that we can remain friends," she said.

"Right now it seems you are the only friend I have," he said honestly. "Please do not become beastly to me like Miss Renton or my Aunt."

"You know I care deeply about you, but I will have to follow orders just like you," she replied. "I’m just happy that we can still be together. I had thought that we would be kept apart and I’m happy I will be with you most days."

	Helen smiled after telling Lewis that she would still be nearby

"Me too," he said and he reached over and kissed her tenderly on the cheek.

"Master Lewis!" she said sounding shocked. "you must not do that! There would be the devil to pay if we are caught."

"I notice that your waist is much thinner now, does it hurt to have a waist so small?" He asked in a concerned tone.

"It did yesterday but it’s not so bad today. Your Aunt insists that all her female servants wear their corsets tight and I’m to be no exception. The Housekeeper has given me instructions to get my waist down to 20" by the end of this year. I’m only 22" now so it’s going to be difficult."

"How do you move? How do you breathe? How can you do anything?" He asked concerned remembering the tight stays his own mother wore.

"With great difficulty, but it does add something to my figure, don’t you think?" she replied sounding pleased at the way her waist dipped in.

"I suppose so," he said holding her by the waist and kissing her again. His penis began to get erect, a fact not unnoticed by the pretty maid.

"Master Lewis, please control yourself," Helen cried. Obviously flattered that despite her lowly station he still found her attractive.

"I can’t," he declared, "I’ve always found you very pretty."

"If you do not behave, I’ll not be allowed to stay here in service," she reminded him but was obviously very flattered.

"I would like to make love to you," he declared suddenly.

"We can’t, you’re just a boy, your voice hasn’t even broken yet," she added. Suddenly she gave him a peck on the cheek back and playfully slapped his bare behind. "Come on we have to get you dressed."

Suddenly their early morning chat was abruptly interrupted by the appearance of Miss Renton who was wearing an oppressive black dress. She glanced at both to silence any further conversation.

"Now today, is the first day of your education, we will start slowly and carefully. If there is anything that you do not understand then please let me know," the governess stated simply and continued. "Any infringements or bad behaviour will be punished no matter how slight, is that clear?"

"Yes Miss Renton," Lewis whispered.

"Get cleaned up and Helen here will help you get into your new clothes," she added.

Lewis felt a bit self-conscious wearing the long satin nightdress as he walked to the bathroom and wondered what Helen must think of him for wearing such a feminine garment. He did his business and began to wash. He was interrupted in his teeth brushing by both Helen and Miss Renton entering.

They quickly robbed him of his covering and the two women who worked silently quickly dressed him. The first item was not unlike a girl’s chemise made of silk. It fitted him loosely and this was followed by another loose fitting lilac coloured blouse. The top of the sailor suit was fitted next while Helen asked him to raise his legs while she rolled a cream coloured cotton stocking up each one.

A pair of silk pantaloons were then pulled on and they fitted loosely about his crotch. The cold room had already shrivelled up his testicles and penis against his lower abdomen. The final item though was the most shocking to his senses as they fitted a pair of matching culottes to his slim waist. The appearance was not unlike a skirt.

"Why do I have to wear such girlish clothes? I’m a boy," he suddenly said.

"Who gave you permission to speak?" Shouted Miss Renton such that Helen who had returned to tidying up in the bedroom could hear her clearly.

"I am sorry," he said and he raised his arm.

"The damage is done, I warned you about this, put on your shoes and fasten the buckles and come with me," the young woman was obviously very angry.

She led him outside to his room and then to his Aunt’s living room where she was sitting reading the morning newspaper. She was sitting without slouching, her back not touching the back of the chair.

Miss Renton waited until Aunt Roberta gave her consent to speak and then told what had happened. "I see, you know you must not speak without asking permission, what have you to say for yourself?" His Aunt said addressing the boy.

"I did not mean to cause offence, Aunt. It is just that I feel that these clothes are not suitable for me. They give me the appearance of girl but I am not. I am a boy," said an obviously concerned Lewis.

However his Aunt calmed him by agreeing. "Yes Lewis, you are correct these are feminine garments. They are all we have, because your clothes had to be destroyed. I did not want you to wear those clothes from India a minute longer as they may have contained traces of the disease that killed your parents. So you see the clothes you are wearing are necessary."

"It will be some time until I can get to Edinburgh to buy some new clothes, so I suggest you put up with this for the time being," she added.

"Don’t any of the servants have anything that would fit me?" He asked.

"Servants clothes! I will not have you dressing in servants clothes!" She said truly stunned by what he had said. "Now before I become really angry, go and have breakfast and obey all of Miss Renton’s commands without question. She has some important lessons for you."

Lewis munched on his bowl of porridge and sipped another cup of that revolting herbal brew wondering where all this humiliation would end. He was soon to find out.

 

 

CHAPTER 3 - The Schooling Begins

After breakfast, he was led back to the nursery that had been converted into a classroom with the simple addition of a single desk and chair in front of a large pedestal style blackboard. For the next three hours the Lewis was grilled over his understanding of the Scottish education system’s adopted three R’s (Reading, Writing and Arithmetic). Miss Renton was forced to come to the conclusion that although he was intelligent his knowledge was not as good as it should or could be.

He was allowed a break and given a light lunch with his usual herbal tea before Miss Renton continued again in the afternoon when she started to give him basic tuition in writing.

At about two they had another break when Miss Renton decided that he should have his hair washed and styled. He was led back to his bedroom where Helen was waiting. His hair was washed again and the maid started working on his hair. Rather than give him the severe haircut he had expected, Helen started to layer his hair taking his hair in sections and trimming the split ends that he had in abundance. When she had finished he was then shocked to find her apply a whole set of hair rollers with special attention given to the front of his head.

"There now, you are finished, come back in a couple of hours and I will remove them," Helen said applying a hair net before curtseying with a smile concealed by her hand.

Feeling somewhat embarrassed, Lewis headed back to the classroom with an extra thin scarf tied under his chin. He found it diffficult to concentrate on his lessons as his hair started to dry. Miss Renton pursued any sign of absent-mindedness and he was asked to write the letters of the alphabet again and again. He was finally given simple arithmetic exercises to do until 4:00pm.

All this time, Lewis marvelled at how Miss Renton could stand to attention in her severe skirts and corset while Lewis was beginning to curse the tightness on his legs of the garters holding up his stockings.

Allowed out at precisely 4:00pm he went back to his bedroom, and he found Helen was waiting to remove his hair curlers. She quickly got to work and he soon had a glorious head of curly hair.

After she’d brushed and styled it, he got up and just flopped down on his bed. He noticed the nightdress hanging up again beside his four poster bed. He also noticed that it was turning into a fine warm sunny evening after an overcast day of mist and fine drizzle.

He quickly decided to go exploring outside despite being dressed the way he was. He pushed his socks down to his ankles and rubbed the back of his legs where the garters had cut in and left a mark. He headed quietly and quickly down the stairs.

He exited the house via a side door and went into the large ornamental garden. He could see some men working about 100 yards on his left cutting a large juniper hedge but he walked quickly down a gravel path towards a door in the middle of a high wall. He tried the door and was relieved to find it open. The door immediately gave access to the surrounding countryside.

A narrow muddy path stretched out before him and despite the late evening sunshine, Lewis decided to walk briskly to keep warm in his thin clothes. Lewis could hear his shoes squelching underneath his feet; his smooth leather soled shoes were not providing much grip in the gooey mud. He was slowly but surely becoming spattered.

However it was not until he came to the burn (a small stream) that he came to grief. Letting his youthful enthusiasm get the better of him, Lewis jumped from the path to the side of the water. While he was expecting a solid piece of ground. He was disappointed to find that he sank right up to his knees in black peaty mud.

Trying to pull himself free, he lost one shoe and most of his clothes were now completely covered in the clinging smelly stuff.

He extricated his shoe and managed to get back to the path but he was now in a fine old mess and was dreading his return back to the house. It would be dark in an hour’s time so he decided to press on with his exploration.

Meanwhile notified by the gardener of his departure through the gate, his Aunt was monitoring his activities and progress from the house using a large telescope that came into the family from the Napoleonic Wars. She could see quite clearly that he was in a mess but made no attempt to get him back.

Lewis’s attitude hardened when he realised the damage was done. He climbed trees made green with the day long rain; he climbed fences and ripped his clothes on the barbed wire. His face and hands were dirty but he was happy. He was keen to show that he was a boy and hang the consequences.

Just before the sun dipped back below the horizon and the light started to fade, he decided that it might make sense to get back and try and clean up before supper. He quickly made his way back to the gate in the wall only to find it locked. The wall was high and had shards of broken glass on the top, so the he was left with no alternative but to go back to the main gates of the estate.

This involved a long hike along the side of the wall through some dense undergrowth and back along the road until he came to the main gates. It was almost dark when he knocked on the door of the gate house and was answered by an old smiling man who seemed to be still eating.

"I am sorry to disturb you, I was wondering if you could let me in please," said Lewis watching the old man continue to swallow his chewed food.

"And who may you be that you require entry dressed and looking like that?" The gatekeeper asked referring to Lewis’s soiled, dirty and androgynous dress.

"I am the future heir of this estate, sir," said Lewis disappointed that the man did not recognise him.

"Oh yes and I’m the lady of the house," the old man sneered, "now be off with you."

At that moment, his frustration was relieved when he saw the sight of Miss Renton marching down the drive walking as quickly as her black dress would allow. She had a face like thunder and it was obvious that Lewis was the centre of her wrath.

She shouted loudly from 50 yards to avoid the strain of taking those additional steps, "Gatekeeper let Louise in, immediately."

"At once miss," he shouted back.

Lewis was quickly inside and started walking back up the long drive. It wasn’t the fact that he had just walked over 3 miles that made him walk slowly to Miss Renton who was standing before him with her hands on her slender hips. It was the look on her face and the small horsewhip she held in both hands that made him go slowly towards her.

When he was within a few feet, he stopped and bowed his head much a like a dog does when he is being scolded.

"Where have you been? You naughty child, you have been so naughty I have had strict instructions from your Aunt to punish you so severely so that you will never ever do that again," she said spitting venom with each word.

"What do you intend to do? You won’t use that whip on me will you?" He replied.

"No the whip is too good for you, get back up to the house and wait for me in your room. Do not dawdle," she said as he started to walk away from her. When he was about ten yards ahead, she shouted another instruction. "Get stripped and get into a hot bath."

On the way back, Lewis looked over his shoulder at the slowly disappearing Miss Renton and was happy that she could not keep up with him. He was not so happy though when he saw the equally grim faced features of his Aunt waiting for him by the top of the patio stairs.

"You have a lot to learn about manners and responsibility I think," she said with no hint of a smile. "If you think we have been hard on you these past two days, you are about to see what hard really means. You will I’m sure come to regret this evening’s foolish behaviour. Now get to your room and wait for Miss Renton and myself. We will attend to you shortly."

 

 

CHAPTER 4 - Punishments

 

Lewis ran back to his room and quickly shed his mud-covered clothes. He noticed that they were now badly soiled and he was genuinely pleased that he would never be able to wear them again. He put them in a large straw laundry basket and started to draw his bath.

He put in some bath salts to conceal the sweat and putrid peaty smell that still clung to his legs and arms. He scrubbed himself clean and washed his hair. He was quite startled to find both his Aunt and Miss Renton standing watching him when he had finished.

He dried himself using the big towel that was hanging up and went through with both women to the bedroom holding it in front of him in a small show of modesty. Both women were in determined mood and it was clear that they were angry with Lewis for his little escapade.

"Stand now Lewis," shouted his Aunt loudly as he sat on the bed. "You have been a very bad, so bad that I will not allow any recurrence, is that clear?"

"Yes Aunt Roberta," said Lewis his mouth dry. "I’m sorry."

"You have ruined an expensive set of clothes. You go missing without telling anyone where you have gone and despite your declarations to the contrary, you show little remorse or any feeling of contrition," she said with venom in her mouth. "Miss Renton and I have come to the conclusion that you will have to be tamed."

"Why? I’m sorry that you’re both angry at me, it won’t happen again," said Lewis seizing a chance to get in a sentence as his Aunt drew in a shallow breath.

"You’re right it will not happen again and starting from today we will make sure of it. Miss Renton and I have decided that from today that you will become Louise. Henceforth you will dress and act as a girl at all times until we decide that you can be trusted again."

Lewis’s mouth opened wide and he tried to speak but was interrupted by Miss Renton. "You will dress and deport yourself as a girl from now on. You will become Miss Louise Hamilton until we say otherwise," she reinforced.

The words almost failed to emerge from his mouth. He was stunned as Miss Renton directed him to the clothes that lay on the bed. "I will not wear such clothing," he cried. "I’m a boy not a girl, my name is Lewis not Louise," he said as tears started to stream down his face. The realisation that these women were going to have their way suddenly hit him hard and he was visibly upset.

"Stop crying," said his Aunt. "You are acting just like a little girl!"

"Not yet but he soon will be," added Miss Renton holding up a pair of silk pantaloons that were soon pulled up his legs.

"Tell me, Louise, have you ever worn a corset?"

Lewis said snivelling. "No, Aunt Roberta, never. Please don’t call me Louise!"

Aunt Roberta’s nostrils flared and her lips became even thinner at that last remark. "Well you had better get used to both because you will be called Louise and you will be wearing one all the time now. That will stop your wandering away from here."

"But Aunt I am a boy, boys don’t wear corsets," said Lewis in a pleading whining tone in between a whole host of tears.

"After today, you lost the right to be a boy. From now on you’ll be my niece Louise, is that clear now?" Asked Aunt Roberta.

"No!"

His Aunt came over and looked straight into his tear stained eyes, holding his chin. "Oh but yes. I will not have you acting like an uncommon lout; you will be dressed and trained to act like a young lady from now on. There will be no more discussion," she said and Lewis could see that she meant it.

With that she carefully wrapped the corset around his quivering frame and did up the front facing hooks on the busk. He was quickly turned and the pair started tugging hard on the laces at his rear. Lewis being a smallish boy already had a 26" waist and soon the women’s efforts brought that down by three inches.

"There now, that is just the start," his Aunt told him. "You will be corseted 24 hours a day from now on and that should calm your wayward spirit. Soon we will start your waist training in earnest and you will be able to wear the prettiest dresses now."

Lewis had no way to reply, the corset was biting into him hard and he could only take shallow breaths as his body continued to adjust to the constriction.

"Please Aunt," He eventually managed. "I don’t like this."

"You should have thought of that when you decided to act like a silly little boy. Well I can assure you that those boyish days are over now. Tomorrow Miss Renton has my permission to begin giving you lessons in the female graces."

"But Aunt, please I promise I’ll be good, I wont do it again." He whined again but it was having no effect.

His Aunt was determined, "I’m sorry Louise, my mind is made up, you have had the chance now it is over."

"Aunt I’ll not be bad again, I promise, I promise," cried Lewis still pleading and when it became apparent that this was having no effect on either lady he turned and dropped on to his bed in a fit of almost uncontrollable hysteria.

"With your permission, your ladyship," said Miss Renton. Lewis’s Aunt quickly gave it and she went to the hysterical child. "Stand up and pull yourself together, you’re crying just like a girl. You can either go into dinner tonight dressed as an elegant young lady or as a young girl. What will it be?"

"Neither," replied Lewis defiantly. "I don’t want to wear girl’s clothing."

"In that case you will have to wear what we decide," said Miss Renton holding up the hanger with his first female clothing.

Lewis still crying got to his feet and both women proceeded to dress him in the clothes designed for a 14 year old girl. Over the corset was placed a full-length underskirt and then several more underskirts before they pulled his new dress out of the wardrobe. It was very becoming with pretty shade of golden brown, with trimmings of black velvet, the sleeves were a salmon pink that puffed out above his shoulders and that tapered to a tight fitting cuff at the wrist. The dress hem came to about mid calf on his legs. He was forced to wear a pair of dark silk stockings held in place with elastic garters and a pair of tightly laced high-heeled boots fitted with a 2" heel.

A pair of short tight kid gloves were drawn up either hand. A pink pinafore was placed on him and tightened at the back. His wet hair was quickly reset and a large bonnet decorated with flowers was placed on his head.

Although still sobbing slightly and rubbing his tear stained eyes, Lewis had calmed down somewhat and it was obvious that the softness and feel of the material was starting to have an effect on him. He eventually stopped crying and although sullen, dried his eyes with a lace handkerchief given to him by Miss Renton.

A very unhappy Lewis after he is forced to dress in female clothing

With an arm each, both women quickly led him to the dining room where they seated him down between them. They gave him a plate of broth and he was soon relishing the hot soup. He soon found though that he could not eat more than half the bowl and a slice of bread because of the tight corset. He tried a few more mouthfuls but had to give up, his stomach seemingly full.

"Have you lost your appetite?" Teased his Aunt knowing full well the real reason.

"Please Aunt, I cannot swallow any more it’s this corset that stops me." He said pushing the handle of the soup spoon against his now inflexible stomach.

"You will find that this will assist with your diet, you will only be able to eat little and often from now on," she smiled. "Isn’t that right Jane dear?" asked his Aunt of her accomplice.

"Yes Roberta, he’ll learn all there is about being a woman now," she purred like a cat hovering over a bowl of cream.

After the meal was over, the two women and the petticoated boy retired to the drawing room where coffee and other refreshments were served. Both the women watched with some amusement as Lewis minced through in front of them. His dress came to above his ankles but the long line of his new corset had the effect of keeping his thighs together and he could only take small steps. While the women drank their coffee, Lewis was again given his usual herbal tea.

"She walks quite well," said his Aunt behind him, "but I think you should concentrate on movement with her tomorrow. I want her to flow and glide across a room rather than just walk as she is doing just now. She should give the impression that she has always been female."

Asked to remain standing, Lewis was considered too young to take coffee like his two supervisors and he was also given a glass of lemonade. While the two women sat erect, Lewis was forced to stand and could not achieve any relief from the relentless pressure on his waist.

Again the conversation centred on him. Both women watching him moving uncomfortably from one foot to the other as he tried unsuccessfully to relieve the strain on either ankle. He lifted each foot off the floor in turn and found that by straightening his foot out flat could he obtain some form of relief. This however only increased the strain on the other foot.

"I think that Louise would look nice in higher heels," said Miss Renton with further mischief in her face.

"Yes that would be lovely, we can get the town boot maker to make her a special pair," his Aunt agreed. "He does such delightful work, don’t you think?" added Aunt Roberta showing her latest tightly laced boot fitted with a fashionable 3" high heel.

"Oh how lovely, I need a new pair too, perhaps he could make me a new pair?" enthused Miss Renton.

"Then it’s settled, we will go to the town tomorrow," said his Aunt.

Lewis raised his hand and he was given permission to speak. "Aunt I can’t possibly go into town dressed like this," he said pointing to his new clothes.

"Why ever not? Miss Renton and I will take you to the few good shops that we have, we can have afternoon tea and scones at the tea shop before returning here."

"But Aunt I’m a boy I’ve never worn girl’s clothes such as these outside. It will be so obvious, that I’m a boy in girl’s clothes."

"Yes you have a point Louise, tomorrow you’ll need some changes made to improve your appearance and I think you might be able to borrow a pretty hat of mine that will help."

With that the conversation moved on to other matters such as the latest Paris fashions with both women chatting excitedly through the latest fashion catalogue that had arrived in the post that day.

Soon the drinks were finished and Lewis was relieved to be led back to his bedroom. Miss Renton proceeded to help Lewis out of his new finery, making sure that they were all correctly hung in his wardrobe.

"Don’t you like pretty clothes, Louise?" asked Miss Renton.

"Yes but only on women not on me," he said still sullenly in reply.

"I have a feeling you will change your mind quite soon," she said as though she had something or some plan on her mind.

In a few minutes he stood with only his corset and bloomers remaining. Miss Renton helped him strip off so that he was naked except for his corset. He modestly covered his private area but Miss Renton scolded him.

"There is no need to cover up, I lived on a farm with four brothers and your little thing doesn’t need to be covered up, now does it?" She asked.

"No I suppose not," he replied suddenly anxious to get into her good books again.

"Louise I would like you to drink this before I do your hair and I lace you into your sleeping corset. Your sleeping corset will not be so tightly laced and only I must remove it in the morning. Is that absolutely clear?"

"Yes it is and what is in this drink?" Lewis asked suspiciously sniffing the golden coloured brew.

"It is a sleeping draught designed to make you sleep Louise," he could feel Miss Renton becoming softer towards him. He decided that maybe having a good night’s sleep would help him get through this ordeal and that the women would relent in the morning. He swallowed the brew in one gulp.

Soon she helped him to change his clothing and got him ready for bed. His tight day corset was removed in favour of the less restrictive sleep corset. This did not cover so much of his body but still nipped in his waist tightly. She then helped him put on his satin nightdress to wear and the material was very soft to the touch.

She could see him move his hands over his waist and she smiled. "Do you like this Louise? It is satin, just one of the exotic materials we girls get to wear."

He was though, becoming very tired as the draught kicked in. He was helped into bed where he soon started to feel drowsy. Miss Renton tucking him in tightly with the thick quilt and sheets. He watched her leave the room and turn out the oil lamp with heavy eyes. He was soon fast asleep.

The next morning, his bladder very full, Lewis was woken by the sunlight streaming in through his open window and the two sources of pain that racked his body. He got up or at least tried to and then he felt the increased pressure and constriction of that sleeping corset that seemed to split him in two. He tried to rise but found that his now rigid torso would not allow it. He eased himself sideways, slowly and carefully putting down one leg and then the other onto the ground. Using the bedpost and the bedside table for support, he lifted himself up onto two legs.

On returning from his toilet, he noticed that both his ankles and his calf muscles were hurting and it suddenly made sense to walk on tiptoe back into his room. He put his hands to his waist and tried to move the garment about but it was tightly tied He then tried to find the laces. He found them but no amount of tugging or pulling would loosen them.

He reached behind himself in a bid to loosen the knots but they proved impossible to reach or undo. He tried looking backwards into the mirror and saw that they had been well tied in several complicated knots. Then he remembered a sharp looking letter opener and a pair of embroidery scissors on the dressing table and decided that he would be able to find what he needed.

He felt the pain in his sides and ribs and slowly shuffled over to the dressing table and quickly slashed the laces. The pressure relief was instantaneous and he was able to draw a welcome deep regular breath for the first time in nearly 12 hours.

Then a new pain hit him. He sagged back towards the bed at the waves of pain from his expanding rib cage and his waist assaulted his brain all at once. He managed somehow to get back into the bed and fell fast asleep with the discarded corset now down on the floor beside the bed.

 

 

CHAPTER 5 - A Trip to the Town

 

A few hours later, he was woken by the presence of his friend Helen who looked into his blinking eyes. "How are you feeling this morning, Lewis?" she asked.

At that Lewis moved forward and they embraced. Helen realising suddenly that his corset was missing, said, "Lewis what have you done, your Aunt and Miss Renton are due here at any moment."

"I cut the laces, was that so wrong?" He asked. "I had to get out of that thing it was cutting me in half."

"Yes but that is going to make them very angry indeed. Quickly try and get up we have to get you dressed."

Lewis tried to rise but found the pain in his waist was still unbearable. "I can’t," he said. "My stomach feels on fire."

"Where did you put your corset?" she asked now desperate to save her charge from further punishment.

"It’s still under the bed I think," he replied.

She retrieved it just in time to find both stiffly attired women walk into the room. Aunt Roberta had on her usual black dress and her severe hairstyle, while Miss Renton had produced a lovely dark red morning dress to match her longer tresses. She looked radiantly happy on entering but that mood quickly changed on noticing the damaged corset in Helen’s hands.

"What has happened?" she asked as she rushed over to inspect the damaged item.

"I’m sorry ma’am, Miss Louise removed it herself during the night," said Helen unhappy about reporting such facts to the two female tyrants.

"Just who do you think you are?" shouted Miss Renton at Lewis.

"I’m Master Lewis Hamilton," said Lewis quietly, calmly and confidently. Inside he felt pure terror mount inside him.

This threw Miss Renton into an uncontrollable rage that Lewis knew would leave him worse off then ever before.

"You are no longer Lewis, you are called Louise now and I expect you to remember that. Why did you take your corset off? You were expressly forbidden to do so."

"I was in such pain, I couldn’t sleep," said Lewis hoping that would gain some much needed sympathy. It didn’t work because, Miss Renton walked over to a drawer and pulled out a longer and more sinister corset that was dark red in colour.

"You will be sorry, Louise, get up please, here Helen help me with this." She said as she approached the bed.

Lewis slowly rose and this new corset was attached around his tortured torso again. This item was fiendishly simple and it went from his chest down past his hips. Soon the lacing began and Lewis was instructed to hold still while the laces were tied off. Finally three small padlocks were inserted and clicked shut.

"There now, there is no escaping from this corset and you will have to wear it for at least the next 24 hours."

Lewis looked at his tight waist now at 22" and tried to catch his breath but the constriction on his rib cage was causing him real problems.

"Please I feel very faint can I sit down?" asked Lewis still unwisely hoping for sympathy.

None came as he looked at Miss Renton’s constricted waist and the high, full bust that couldn’t possibly be natural. Her steel rigidity suggested there was something preventing her from bending even a little.

Now Lewis observed that he could see vertical lines of stitching and boning through the thin tight fabric of his Aunt’s bodice. He could just hear a faint creaking in rhythm with the rise and fall of her rapid breathing. It looked extremely uncomfortable, exactly the thing he had wanted to avoid when he refused to lace.

"You can try Louise but you will find it difficult. You will find that there is no give at all in that garment and you will have to sit carefully if you can manage it all," Miss Renton said suddenly less angry.

"Why do I have to wear this? It’s simply not comfortable. Are you comfortable Aunt?" He asked trying to catch his breath after the exertion of speaking.

"Of course I’m not comfortable," Aunt Roberta said contemptuously. "That is not the point. The point is that every young lady has a duty to look her best and since you are a young lady now, then corset wearing is a necessary requirement. If a young lady starts at the right time and applies herself properly, or if her family make her apply herself, she can achieve marvellous results. You are just the right age to start achieving a really good figure."

Lewis was too bewildered and stunned to say anything for a moment. When he had recovered his composure he said "But, Aunt Roberta I am not a girl or a young lady. I’m very sorry, but I don’t want to wear a corset, and I most certainly don’t want to tight-lace! I am a boy remember."

Aunt Roberta turned around and set off for the room door with those rapid tiny steps, every line of her legs coming clear as each one strained against the fabric of the long tight skirt.

On reaching the door, she looked back and she said, "What you want or don’t want is quite immaterial, child. I am your guardian and until you reach twenty-one you will have to follow my instructions. From now on you will learn to deport yourself as a young girl. In my eyes you are no longer a boy. Come with me Helen."

She opened the door and vanished into the hall. Lewis looked round at Helen, who had been listening from a respectful distance throughout the conversation. The maid shrugged her shoulders and left. He then looked at Miss Renton who looked determined to take his feminisation as far as possible and she already had his clothes for the day in her arms.

"Now come here Louise," she said.

Lewis reluctantly moved back towards her again on tiptoe, Miss Renton commenting, "look your new shoes are already changing the way you walk, how delightful."

Soon Lewis was covered in a new cream coloured dress that came below his ankles. It was edged in attractive red piping and had a slight bustle at the rear to accentuate his bottom. He was taken to his dressing table and sitting on the edge of the chair, Miss Renton decided that his hair needed some fresh styling work. Expertly his hair was well brushed, curled and pinned up. She turned her attention to his eyebrows again and plucked until he was missing all of the long hairs. Their shape had also been changed with the formation of a now distinct high tapered arch.

Finally a small pretty matching hat belonging to his Aunt with small plumes and feathers was pinned onto his hair. The thin net veil was drawn down over his face. He could smell his Aunt’s sweet perfume as the veil was drawn over his chin.

	Louise is made ready to go out with Aunt Roberta's hat

On his hands a pair of tight light-brown thin leather gloves were fitted and these went up over his wrists to meet the tight dress material on each forearm.

Finally his boots from the previous night were laced up and he was helped up onto his feet again. Before breakfast Lewis was drilled in how to walk, how to stand and how to turn. He was made to practice again and again until Miss Renton was satisfied.

At around 9:30 the pair went into breakfast where Lewis ate some porridge and was given more of the herbal tea to drink. For the next hour, he was given instruction on how to go up and downstairs and he was soon to learn that the hem of his skirts should be picked up or else he would end up at the bottom in a disorganised heap.

After 11:00 his Aunt arrived at the top of the stairs. She wore her coat and she walked gracefully past him. He watched with his bottom jaw open watching as she floated down the stairs.

"Louise, it is most unladylike to stare."

"I am sorry Aunt Roberta, you look so graceful walking down the stairs," he said.

"Let’s get moving we have the carriage waiting for us outside," she replied.

Both he and Miss Renton collected their cloaks from the two servants in the hall and walked briskly towards the door. Lewis noted with some pleasure that he could walk a little faster than his governess could because of his much less restrictive skirt.

They walked into the morning sunlight and then descended the long stone staircase to the gravel drive. Lewis daintily holding the hem of his skirts carefully high just as he had just been taught. The footman helped all three ladies into the carriage and the driver wasted no time in getting underway. The resulting jolt caught Lewis unawares and he was sent sprawling, his legs flying through the air. He grasped his waist from the shock that this sudden start had placed on his torso.

"I am so sorry Aunt, I was not expecting that and I am not used to sitting like a woman," he explained after smoothing down his skirts and hoping that his Aunt would not lose her temper again.

"Yes you will find it somewhat different," She replied suddenly smiling at the boy’s misfortune and expression of seemingly genuine expression of regret. "You will find that you must sit erect and not slouch back, you must learn to hold on tightly in a coach too."

The rest of the journey proved uneventful and as the clock sounded noon they found themselves in centre of the local market town. In the high street there was a small collection of shops with the bootmaker and the dressmaker conveniently located side by side. The carriage stopped and Lewis had to restrain himself to avoid jumping down on to the ground. He was reminded by Miss Renton that he had to wait now for the driver to attend to their dismounting from the carriage. He waited patiently and was quickly escorted down the folding steps first onto the flagstone pavement.

As he turned to watch both the other women dismount, he felt that everybody’s eyes were on him and he suddenly felt very self-conscious. It was a breezy day with a slight chill in the air and Lewis could feel the cool air blowing between his legs.

Soon they were inside the bootmaker’s shop. His Aunt was obviously a favoured customer because the shop owner immediately came over and started showing her the latest fashionable styles.

"I don’t need anything myself," she said. "But I do need several pairs for my niece here."

"Yes Miss Hamilton, I will just measure her foot if I may," he said.

Lewis sat on the hard wooden bench and the man quickly took off his tightly laced up boot. He then took out a tape measure and pronounced that he had several styles available in Lewis’s size. The first pair was a brown leather boot not unlike the pair he had been wearing except that the laces went from his toes to half way up the middle of his shin. They also had a pointed heel again about two inches high.

Lewis watched in disbelief as he laced up the soft leather boots. He could feel his foot being compressed though, as the laces were done up and then tied around his legs. The man helped the pretend girl onto his feet and he was at once very unsteady. The thinner heels making walking a much more difficult activity.

Eventually, Lewis walked slowly up and down the shop. He could feel his toes begin to hurt and the lack of ankle movement both combined to make walking very painful.

"Lift your hem Louise, let me have a good look at your new boots," said his Aunt.

The young boy dutifully obliged and she then asked, "How do they feel?"

"Very tight and very uncomfortable," said Lewis now beginning to suffer from sharp pains across his toes.

"Good, we will take those then," she responded. Lewis gave a look of despair at the ceiling, a gesture not unnoticed by Miss Renton.

"Thank you Miss Hamilton," said the shopkeeper.

The next pair he brought were again the latest high heel shoes. Again with a pointed toe and a 3" heel, these were much more like slippers than shoes.

"These are based on the latest evening wear from Paris," said the shopkeeper opening the box. He withdrew a little to let both women see the shoes on Lewis’s feet. Lewis relieved to have the tight-laced boots removed was surprised how comfortable the slippers felt until he stood up.

He tried to walk but found the pressure on his feet almost unbearable and his ankles now at a more pronounced angle really began to hurt. He was forced to take very small steps to retain his balance while turning at the end of the shop required a steadying hand against the wall. Obviously in some discomfort he approached the seat and he was then directed to go around again by his Aunt.

On returning a second time, he was asked to sit by his Aunt who was looking quite pleased. "We will take this pair too, wrap the boots, Louise will wear these home now."

Lewis gave a pained expression but could say nothing against the proposal of his Aunt. They watched as his governess chose a pair of brown lace boots similar to his but which went to just above her ankle.

The shoes paid for, the three ladies taking their packages departed and headed for the dressmakers next door. They entered and were soon looking at rolls and rolls of material of lace and coloured satins. Aunt Roberta deciding that a new lemon coloured satin dress would suit Miss Louise perfectly. She picked up some dress patterns and chose a new full-length style with a tight skirt and an attractive ribbon decorated bustle. The dress also featured a tight neck with a high collar that would come up to the chin of the wearer. There were ruffled sleeves on the shoulder tapering to tight-buttoned cuffs at the wrist. The pattern also called for a 20" waist, a fact that did not go unnoticed by Lewis.

"Can you send over Bertha to take measurements with which to make the dress?" asked his Aunt.

"Yes she can come over later today and start, Miss Hamilton," the shopkeeper exclaimed.

"No in a few days time would be perfectly reasonable," said Aunt Roberta. "Oh and I would also like three pairs of elbow length gloves please," she added. "Do you have them in black?"

"Yes, Miss Hamilton," said the shopkeeper rushing off to find the box that held them.

"Very nice," said Aunt Roberta when she had looked at them closely. "Could you please add them to my account."

"Yes, right away."

The three headed out of the door and walked along the sunlit street to the tea shop where they were soon served with teas and fruit scones. They ate a little of the delicacies and drank the tea. Soon Lewis was beginning to get a build-up in his bladder.

"Aunt I really need to go to the toilet," Lewis whispered.

"Yes my dear you may go and attend to it, do you need any assistance?"

"No Aunt Roberta," said Lewis who was relieved to be out of their sight for a minute or so.

He entered the water closet and closed the door. Breathing a sigh of relief he tried to pull up his dress and found that it would be easier to sit as a girl than try to stand on these heels he now wore. Sitting though didn’t come any easier either because of his corset and he was soon having difficulty directing a flow of urine into the bowl.

The result was that the inside of his dress was spattered with liquid and he had problems getting back on his feet again. His feet began to throb from the unnatural position they were forced into.

Fluffing down his dress, the boy felt the wet patches against his skin and groaned as the stiff corset bit into the loose skin in his back.

"God how do I get out of this?" He muttered making a futile gesture at his waist in a bid to relieve the pressure. He knew he would have to improve his behaviour to get out of this hated corset. He decided that he would try and be as helpful and as pleasant to the women as he could now. He also wondered if he would still be attractive to Helen dressed like this. He had come close to seducing a couple of times in his cabin on the long voyage home.

On returning to his seat the two women chatted away about the unseasonable weather and then spotted a friend and a younger companion coming into the shop. As they came over, Lewis was attracted to the girl and rose naturally to allow her to take his seat. His sudden move was met by a violent kick on the leg from Miss Renton that told him that on no account must he move.

They were all formally introduced with the lady, Marjorie Kynoch and her daughter Rosemary sitting next to the forlorn Lewis. He felt attracted to Rosemary who he learned was just a few months older than he was. He also learned that they lived some 10 miles east of their house and the older women had been friends for many years. He found out that Rosemary was enjoying the last few weeks of her summer holidays before returning back to boarding school in England.

"I wonder if we could be friends until you leave?" he asked as softly as he could.

"I would love that," she replied after learning that he had just arrived from India. The girl quizzed him on all the latest fashions and whether the Indian girls wore corsets with their saris.

"I never wore one until I came here a few days ago, they take some getting used to," said Lewis futilely pressing his waist with both hands.

"You poor thing, my mother has just been measuring me up for my own ones today and I hope to start wearing them soon. I’ve heard that it’s hard to begin with," she declared pointing to her still trim 24" inch waist.

"My Aunt has intentions on getting me down even tighter than this," he said with a weak smile. "She has also purchased me some new shoes, with very high heels. I am not used to such footwear and they pinch my feet terribly."

"Can I see," she lisped.

"Yes," he said and Lewis reached down and with some difficulty removed the shoe from his foot.

Keeping the item below the table, Rosemary exclaimed, "I wish my mother would buy me a pair of shoes like that, you are so lucky."

Lewis felt the exact opposite but smiled and agreed much to the delight of Miss Renton who was listening to the conversation.

Rosemary continued. "You really must come and stay the night with us."

Lewis thinking that might be a good way out of escaping his Aunt’s clutches suddenly agreed and asked Miss Renton if that might be possible. She whispered back that she would discuss the matter with his Aunt but added there would need to be a marked improvement in his behaviour first.

"If you make progress and learn to behave, we will see," she said as they returned in the carriage to the Hamilton family home.

When they arrived, Lewis waited patiently until the other two ladies hampered by their skirts disembarked first and the house footmen carried all the packages into the house. The coachman helped Lewis disembark and he struggled in his new shoes to go up the stairs without the throb in his feet being transmitted up his legs.

When they entered the house several servants attended to them taking the lady’s hats, gloves and cloaks. That allowed the ladies to go upstairs to their private apartments unhindered. Lewis now confined to small mincing step was told to go to his room to freshen up and to report to his Aunt’s room in 15 minutes.

He did as he was told. On reaching the comfort and privacy of his room, he immediately kicked off his new shoes and started rubbing his aching feet through the stockings. His corset made that difficult but not impossible. After five minutes, Helen arrived with his new boots and gloves and began putting them away. She sorted through his clothes in the wardrobe.

"You have lots of fine clothes to go with this new footwear, you are such a lucky girl, Louise," she smiled at him.

"Oh no not you as well," he groaned at her as he tried to lay back and ease the discomfort he felt in his waist. "You know my name is Lewis. Not you too!"

"Just teasing," she said, "though you are becoming a very pretty and presentable creature."

"I don’t want all this prettiness I just want to go back to being a boy," he said with despair.

"I told you, your Aunt was strict but I had no idea she would resort to this type of punishment," she replied.

"Helen, what on earth am I to do?" He cried with real sorrow and Helen put a hand on Lewis’s shoulder.

"There’s really only one thing you can do," she said. "You have to obey her. You’re her responsibility now under the law, and there’s very little you can do to change it because there’s really nobody else who might take you on. I would suggest that you make more effort to be as good as possible and to obey each command as best you can."

From outside in the hall Aunt Roberta shouted, "Louise! Are you coming girl or are you going to stay in there gossiping with the servants?"

"I’m coming, Aunt!" he cried back.

As he hurried outside to the hall, Helen said behind him, "don’t worry too much, Lewis. I’m sure that she wants to get rid of you so she can continue her cosy relationship with Miss Renton."

"I’ll look forward to that day," Lewis said under his breath as they came into the main hall. "I look forward to it!"

Aunt Roberta kept her word about starting at once as they moved into the main living room. "Now we must get to work. I noticed that your movements and mannerisms and were sloppy today and we must take some steps to stop you becoming recognised. Sit here."

Lewis sat. "Most unladylike Louise!" Aunt Roberta exclaimed. "You should not lean to the right or left when you stand up or sit, hold yourself straight pull your shoulders back, and do it slowly. Try again and this time put your hands under you as you sit to stop your pretty dress becoming ruffled."

Lewis tried again and again, his ribcage groaning under the confines of the hated corset.

"That’s a little better," his Aunt grudgingly admitted, "but it’s still not good enough now we will have to see you walking."

Lewis still wearing his new high-heeled slippers walked slowly up and down the long living room.

Aunt Roberta groaned, "I’ve never seen anything less ladylike in my life! Even the servants walk better than you do! You are going to need some lessons. Even as a boy, you couldn’t walk with dignity, and now as a lady you will have to learn to walk with elegance. Walk slowly, turn your toes in, move your hips more, and take much, much smaller steps!" Lewis, tried to follow them, but only succeeded in making himself look strange and nearly fell.

"You are quite hopeless," his Aunt said with authority, and rang the bell for a maid. "A new longer dress with a fishtail skirt will help. In the meantime, you won’t be going anywhere until you have much improved. You must walk around the room with a book on your head: until you make one complete circuit of the room without dropping or touching the book. Helen!"

She spoke to the maid who was told to take Lewis back to his room and to find a full length slim skirt. Lewis continued to mince out of the door and along the corridor back to his room. When Helen was inside he closed the door and then put his arms around her thin waist. He then kissed her softly on the lips.

"Louise, we mustn’t you are just a baby. We can’t do this," she said responding to his kisses. Soon the pair of them were walking closely together over to the bed. The pretty maid continued to work on her charge but mainly to remove his garments.

"Call me Lewis, I may look like a girl but I am still all man enough for you," he laughed.

Helen liked to see him so happy, kissed him again and then helped him undress from his shoes, stockings and day dress. Soon all he had on was his tight lingerie. She grabbed his erect penis and started rubbing up and down his small shaft. Within seconds he was coming all over her hands in a wonderful release of cum.

"Helen, thank you so much, I need to repay you for that," he said.

"No payment is necessary, it just proves that you are somebody special. Come we must get you dressed for dinner in accordance with your Aunt Roberta’s instructions," she said as she attached six garters to the bottom of the corset. Then she pulled up a pair of dark cotton stockings up his legs and attached the tops of each of the garters.

A pair of silk pantaloons were pulled up his legs and he felt the frills and small ribbons down each leg. Around his waist she tied a small padded bustle. He was going to ask why but he knew the answer would follow soon enough.

A full series of tight underskirts went on next with the crowning glory a full cream coloured evening dress with red edging at the skirt bottom. This skirt was so much tighter around his legs and walking in this creation was going to take some real effort. His new high heel evening slippers were again placed on his feet and Helen helped him onto his toes by taking both his outstretched hands.

"Helen this is impossible, how can I be expected to walk in this?" he asked pointing to his body.

"Hush, I have to do your hair now," she took his hand and he shuffled over to the large dressing table. She carefully brushed his hair to avoid losing his curls and tied some red ribbon bows on either side. She used hair grips to tie everything in place and Lewis was stunned when he saw the effect that had been created.

"You look just like a woman, Louise," she said looking at him in the large glass mirror.

"I may look like a girl but I am still a boy under all this," said Lewis with some bitterness in his voice.

"Your Aunt also said that you can wear some cosmetics tonight and I have some rouge and face paint for you," she said.

The rouge made his cheeks rosy red and gave him a healthy glow, she applied a little colour to his lips and trimmed his eyebrows much to his consternation. She attached a pair of clip on cameo earrings to his ear lobes to match a larger cameo brooch she pinned under his chin.

"Now you are ready, here is your fan," Helen said.

"I don’t want a fan," he said. "Why do I need a fan?"

"Because there will be some male company tonight and you should look as demure and mysterious as possible," Helen declared.

"Men here tonight! I can’t go dressed like this, I’ll be a laughing stock," he cried looking worried.

"Hush Louise, look at yourself and tell me what you see, do you see a boy?"

"No," he replied.

"Do you see a boy dressed as a girl?"

"No," he replied.

"Do you see a pretty young girl then?"

"Yes, I am pretty but I don’t want to be," he replied honestly.

"Look on it as a game of deception, they see before them a girl, only a few people know that Louise is in fact a boy. All the servants think that you were too much like a tom boy when you arrived, Lewis. Even dressed as a boy, you looked quite feminine in appearance with that long hair, high pitched voice and soft face. They know that your Aunt is training you to be more ladylike. Perhaps you might decide to become an actor after all this is over," she said smiling.

"Certainly not an actress," he said. "I am ready."

"Let me help you up," she offered her arm and he was soon teetering on those high heeled shoes again. They still hurt his feet but he was becoming used to that now. What he still wasn’t prepared for was the constriction of the skirt. He found himself wanting to trip as he walked.

"No you will have to take even smaller steps now. You don’t have the experience to walk to the maximum allowed by the dress, you must always walk within that distance," she advised and then proceeded to instruct him.

"I see, so I shouldn’t stride so far?" He asked suddenly anxious to avoid the embarrassment of falling flat on his face.

"Try it and see, I will walk beside you," she said.

"All right," he replied. He set off and soon found that he was more in control but that his progress across the room was painfully slow. "This is maddening having to walk so slowly," he commented when they reached the door. "I must be moving six inches and no more with each step."

"Yes I know but you will become used to it," she replied. "It should be done gracefully and slowly. A lady never hurries."

"I do not ever want to become used to this, I want to be a boy again," he replied.

"Louise, you must stop that at once. Now take my arm and I will help you to the dining room, here take your fan and your shawl," said Helen still with some sympathy in her voice.

Lewis turned and caught her by surprise with a large kiss on her mouth. She stood back and said, "do not do that again."

"Why not I love you dearly," he replied. "Will you come to my room later?"

"No I cannot it would not be good for you or me," she replied.

Soon they were entering the large dining room and Lewis was shocked when he noticed two men standing next to a blazing log fire. They quickly strode forward and waited until he proffered his gloved hand to them where upon they kissed his fingers. Lewis was taken aback by that but also secretly excited. They introduced themselves as the Doctor Alasdair Jones, the local doctor and the Reverend James Wright, the local parish minister and that they were pleased to make her acquaintance.

Lewis noted that the doctor was in his mid thirties and looked quite handsome. He was clean shaven and did not sport any fashionable beard or moustache though his hair was well cut in the severe fashion of the time. The cut of his suit suggested that he had some wealth behind him.

The minister on the other hand was in his later years. He wore his ministerial garments complete with dog collar, breaches and a long black coat. He had long bushy sideburns and his short hair was grey.

Lewis started to feel nervous that he would be detected when in came his governess Miss Renton. She was dressed in a beautiful purple evening gown and she radiated femininity at the two men. Her ornate bodice sparkled in the bright candles as she clutched her open fan in her right hand.

Soon the four of them were standing by the fire waiting for the entrance of Aunt Roberta who strode into the room looking extremely pleased with herself some ten minutes early

"Gentlemen, I am so sorry to have kept you waiting, thank you for coming I hope these two lovely ladies have kept you well occupied," she said.

‘Gone was the austere uncaring image of the past few days,’ thought Lewis. It had been replaced by a more radiant Roberta who looked vibrant and happy.

"Yes Miss Roberta, they have indeed, Miss Louise tells me she has just moved here to stay with you," said the minister.

"Her parents died several months ago in a dreadful illness and as I am her next of kin, Louise will have to spend the remainder of her childhood here with us. Already as you can see, she is no longer a child but is becoming rather, a very pretty young lady," said Aunt Roberta smiling at the direction of Lewis.

"Yes I see that, I agree she is a very pretty young woman now," replied the minister looking at Lewis who was fluttering his fan.

"Fortunately there are not to many opportunities to meet with the young men around here," said Aunt Roberta. "Although I hope that she will have the chance to meet some when she attends church for the first time on Sunday."

"Will Louise, be schooled locally," asked the doctor looking at her carefully. Lewis was hiding his face slightly with his fan and cooling himself against the ferocious heat of the log fire.

"No Jane here will act as her tutor during her time with us, she is a fully qualified teacher and is experienced in a number of female disciplines such as cooking, embroidery and knitting." Aunt Roberta replied. Lewis winced. "She is also an expert horse woman, and we hope to school Louise in the finer points of horse control."

"We came by carriage today, but perhaps we might ride out over your grounds one day soon," said Doctor Jones who was still single and obviously very attracted to the young Louise.

"I would like that," said Lewis from behind his fan after receiving a disapproving look from Aunt Roberta.

"She needs some lessons yet but hopefully you might be able to guide her towards taking part in one of the local hunts, Doctor Jones," said Roberta. "I have just purchased some new saddles and they need to be used regularly to keep the leather subtle."

"Of course you ladies will be riding sidesaddle or aside, wont you?" Asked the minister with a smile.

"No lady would dream of riding any other way," Aunt Roberta said in reply.

At that point the butler entered and indicated that the dinner was ready to be served. Aunt Roberta led the small party with Miss Renton taking the ministers’ arm while Doctor Jones assisted Lewis through to the large 20-place dining room. Lewis thought, ‘I hope that I don’t stumble now.’

A group of servants controlled by the butler quickly served the meal and soon the conversation was flowing between the two men and the two older women. Though not fully involved in the conversation, Lewis was brought into the discussion from time to time when the subject of ladies fashions were considered

The food was excellent but in keeping with his new station, Lewis could not eat all of the roast chicken, sprouts and potatoes on his plate. He could only look on like the other two women as both men wolfed down their meals.

After the meal, the party retired to the library where some sherry and port were drunk. Lewis had to be content with a little lemonade. Though he was thankful to be able to remove the bitter taste of that herbal drink they insisted he take. He noticed how oddly the doctor looked at him as he drank the remedy.

The night was over and Lewis was escorted slowly along the corridor towards his bedroom. Once inside he kicked off his painful high heel shoes but try as he might he just could not reach the fastenings on the rear of his tight dress. Having worn his corset for over 12 hours it was crushing him now and he could only dream about its removal from his body. However none of that would happen if a maid didn’t come in to get him out of his dress.

He tried to sit back in the lounge chair beside his bed but his bustle at his rear prevented any chance of any comfortable relaxation. He had to sit bolt upright and so he decided to retrieve his shoes. He put them back on and waited demurely until a maid came into the room. He sat on the edge of the chair and suddenly found that he was growing hard inside his skirts. The reason was simple he had caught sight of himself in the dressing table mirror. His hands were on his lap in front of him clasped together and he looked so demure and feminine.

He could not believe it but he was staring at a beautiful girl. He was dressed in the high fashion of the era and he was incredibly excited with what he saw. His reverie was suddenly broken when Helen knocked and came into the room.

She helped him remove his outer garments and led him still wearing his corset and shoes towards the bathroom. His penis remained embarrassingly erect and Helen thought that his turn-on was for her and not for the garments he’d been forced to wear.

"Lewis, I should be flattered," she said as she sponged him down beside the sink, "do you want me to relieve you of your little problem?"

"Yes." He simply stated.

"Come then," she said softly and the pair went through to the bed.

He managed to lie down on the bed and she took off her knickers and lay down beside him. She stroked his erection with her hands and teased his nipples. He was keen to kiss her and did so. Soon their tongues were sharing the same mouth. His mouth.

Obviously keen to work fast, Helen mounted the boy’s strong erection and lowered herself slowly until she was fully aboard. He moved slightly and she sat back with her legs bent beneath her.

Just then, there was a noise at the door and both were startled to see his Aunt Roberta enter. They froze like startled rabbits caught in the lights of powerful lantern.

"Just what is the meaning of this behaviour?" she shouted.

 

 

CHAPTER 6 - The Training Continues

 

Lewis didn’t sleep well that night; his Aunt had left him in bed with his ears ringing. Helen his only friend in the world had been instantly banished from the room and he presumed that she would be dismissed his Aunt’s service.

His Aunt and Miss Renton who’d heard his Aunt’s scream had announced that he would be severely punished for the intimacy with Helen. She just told him he would find out soon enough what his punishment would be. The only clue given to him was that it would be appropriate.

His corset didn’t help his attempt to sleep, it cut into his torso and no matter what he did he could not stop trying to find a satisfactory position to lie in. It was catching his skin at each end, on his rib cage and again on his rear. The small padlocks could be felt on his back and he couldn’t sleep on his side.

He was also very worried about what the future might bring. He was suddenly worried that he might be beginning to like the prospect of dressing up in female clothes. He hated the way his Aunt and Miss Renton had been treating him since his arrival. He desperately wanted his manhood back.

Time and time again he went over in his mind his predicament and there seemed no way out of it. He was slowly being feminised and he didn’t have the strength or the ability to stop it. He was sure of one thing his display of manly sexual ability the previous night would not go unpunished. He was also sure that he was going to be severely punished.

As dawn broke, he got up and padded over to the bathroom wearing his heels to save the pressure on his still sore calf muscles. He also found it slightly easier to sit but only because he was becoming used to the relentless pressure of this garment that circled his body from his hips to above his chest.

On returning to bed, Lewis found it easier to get to sleep this time and was fast asleep when his Aunt’s maid Mary came into help him dress. When she found him a little reluctant to rise, she went to fetch another girl and they proceeded to help him out of bed. On rising from the bed they saw that he wore nothing but his corset and a pair of bloomers that helped conceal his sex.

He blinked his eyes, and saw the two maids standing beside him trying to help him onto his two feet. Mary was at least a couple of inches taller than Lewis. She wore the regulation maid’s uniform of long black dress and starched white apron and frilly cap and had a strong Cockney accent. Her waist was thin. At least 20" and no more thought Lewis; her hair had been piled up on her head and was pinned up with that cap. In contrast the other maid called Georgina with small and stocky being no more than five feet 2 inches.

"Your Aunt says that we can remove your corset now, Miss Louise," said Mary.

Lewis lightened up on hearing the welcome news. "Really? How marvellous."

In reply the Mary, said, "Yes but she insists that you wear your usual corset to 22" now, and she has decided that you will wear the longer dresses in that wardrobe." Mary pointed to the large wardrobe in the corner that contained more adult items.

"Oh no," said Lewis under his breath.

He was trapped and he knew it, no male clothes, no shoes, and no relief from the blinding pressure surrounding his waist.

The maid undid the three small padlocks and slowly eased the laces on the long corset slightly. When the garment fell away, Lewis realised that he must have become adjusted to the constriction because he did not feel the same pain that usually occurred when he was released.

She quickly removed the garment and placed a cream satin coloured corset over his waist. Then Mary and Georgina started tightening the laces with Lewis holding on to a corner of the four poster bed.

"Hold still while I measure you," said Mary. "Oh good 23" just a little more Louise."

"Oh no! That’s too much I can’t breathe as it is," cried Lewis straining visibly.

"Come on child, raise your arms up here," said Mary and he reluctantly raised his arms to hold on to the bed post above his head

With some effort they managed to draw in a little more and she tied off the laces. The effect of this corset that went to above his hips to just below his nipples was to spread what little fat he had upwards and downwards giving the semblance of a small cleavage and wider hips. As Lewis dropped his arms he struggled for breath and started to panic. He felt faint as Mary tied the laces tightly behind his back.

Mary started to tighten Lewis's corset

"I can't breathe," he said still panicking and seemingly unable to take in any air.

"Take smaller breaths, blow out like this and raise your arms again," said Mary who showed him what to do. She panted just like a woman in labour.

"Thanks, it’s better now," he replied with his arms still above his head.

"Sit here," said Mary pointing to the side of the bed. Lewis gingerly sat down still taking small panting breaths through his mouth.

Both maids now worked quickly and soon had him fitted with garters and stockings, a full-length satin petticoat and a new dress from an impressive array held in the wardrobe. The dresses’ small fitted bustle stuck out from his rear and he found it difficult to sit when the girls started to do up his hair and face. He put his hands against his waist and could feel no give at all in the material. He was like a beetle or a crab with soft inner covered with a hard rigid outer shell.

They fitted black fingerless lace gloves over his hands and tied a matching lace choker tightly around his neck, the lace cutting into his chin and maintaining an erect stance in his head. They brushed his still curly hair and pinned it up and back onto his head. Out of the side of his eyes he then saw something that made him fear what was going to happen next.

Using a small piece of wood, Georgina was holding something that looked like a long darning needle in the flame of a methylated spirits burner. His suspicions were quickly confirmed as they first pierced his left ear lobe with the red-hot needle.

"Owh," yelled Lewis as the needle went through sealing and cauterising the wound. "What are you doing?" He asked trying to put up a hand in defence.

"Keep your hands down, we are just piercing your ears as your Aunt has ordered, so hold still while we do the other one," she replied.

"No I don’t want that," cried Lewis who put his hand up to his ear to protect it.

"Come on don’t be a baby, every girl has their ears pierced nowadays," she said. "Look even us," she added showing Lewis her own small gold studs that decorated her ears.

His reluctance continued and both girls needed to pull his hand away from his ear. He relented and once gain felt the searing and smell of burning flesh in his nostrils. Then he could feel the tug on his earlobes as the needle was withdrawn to be followed by the insertion of two large pendant earrings that were then screwed behind his ear. He looked in the mirror and moved his head and could see them dangling against his neck, shining like stars against his white covered neck.

"Your Aunt insists that you wear earrings at all times now," Mary said.

They tied on ornaments into his hair including some small flowers and then they finally applied a little rouge and powder to his face and some oil to his dry lips.

"Come your Aunt is expecting you for breakfast," Mary added.

Aunt Roberta looked unhappy at his appearance, "You’re late for breakfast, so you will just have some herbal tea this morning. It will improve your figure if you do not eat so much."

Lewis’s jaw cracked when he yawned nervously. "I’m sorry I’m late.

"Most unladylike Louise, cover your mouth with your hand or your fan when you yawn in my presence. In future you’ll rise like the rest of us and go for breakfast at the same time. As you can see Miss Renton and I have already had our breakfast."

He could see the remains of two small kippers on their plates.

"Yes Aunt, I see that," he said.

"Along with every other misdemeanour you have committed since you arrived here, you are sorely trying my patience."

Lewis sighed. "I’m am truly sorry for what happened last night, Aunt. May I ask what has become of Helen?"

"She has been punished for what happened." His Aunt replied.

"How? What have you done to her?" Asked Lewis worried that she may have come to harm.

"She has been sent to work in the kitchens for a month and I have asked that she be given the lowest job in the kitchens. If she fails to abide by my rules again she will be instantly dismissed." His Aunt said now visibly holding the hand of Miss Renton.

Lewis took some consolation that his beloved Helen was still close but now he had no one turn to when the screw would be turned again on his diminishing manhood. He sat as gracefully as he could, but as a boy, he had no idea how to cope with the restriction in his skirts and how to use his hands to ensure that he didn’t just plop down on the red upholstered seat.

"Oh no! Do that again," his Aunt commanded. "This time place your hands under your skirts and sit down slowly. Use your legs to control your descent into the chair."

"Yes Aunt," his face flushed with straining against the tight corset.

He sat down again and although she made a remark about him requiring more feminine training, he was allowed to sit and again drink his bitter tasting herbal tea.

"Aunt Roberta, can I ask what is in this drink, it tastes and smells most bitter?" Lewis asked.

"It is special herbal tea prescribed by Doctor Jones. It is designed to eliminate the poisons that infest your body," said his Aunt. "It does not matter that it tastes unpleasant, you will be drinking nothing else from now on. The Doctor has prescribed this for you and I intend to see that you take it."

Lewis shuddered both at that last statement as much from the bitter aftertaste that invaded his mouth as the dark warm liquid was swallowed. Lewis grudgingly drank the cup and then asked to be excused.

"You may leave the table, Louise," said his Aunt. "Be here at 12:30 sharp or you will not get any lunch. Miss Renton will be taking you for classes this morning."

Lewis slowly rose. He carefully walked around the table and headed towards the door. He turned his head and was proved right when he observed two pairs of eyes had followed his every move out of the room. Outside, he walked much faster, at least as fast as the impossible tight dress allowed. He almost fell over a couple of times as he caught the hem with his high-heeled boots.

He remembered Helen’s previous instructions and picked up the hem of the skirt slightly with his hands and he took much smaller steps. He eventually entered his room and uncaringly plopped down on the dressing table chair. He put his hands in his head and cried. Real tears rolled down his painted face leaving impossible trails down his cheeks.

He shook his head and felt the long earrings strike the side of his neck. He took a lace handkerchief from inside the small bag attached to his wrist and dabbed his eyes gently. When he looked in the mirror he resolved that he was going to win this game he was being forced to play. His lessons would start in 15 minutes and Lewis was determined to be ready, he would try to accommodate their plans. More than anything else he just wanted to hold his dear Helen in his arms again.

He rose and went to do his toilet and found that he needed several minutes to lift his tight skirt and petticoat clear. He could not stand for fear of splashing the restrictive garment and sat on the water closet as he had done earlier.

His was just about to rise when Miss Renton entered. She said, "A lady never forgets to wipe herself when she has been seated on a water closet."

Holding his skirts in his hand, Lewis wiped his penis with a piece of toilet paper, and then adjusted himself to smooth everything back in place. He decided to ask Miss Renton a question that he knew would shock her and raised his hand as high as he could in the tight sleeves of the dress. She nodded her consent.

"Miss Renton, if I am to be forced to wear skirts all the time, I would like to learn how to move and act like a lady now. The last thing I want or need right now is for someone to recognise that I am a boy."

"So you have decided to act sensibly at last," she said lightening somewhat. "Well if you are serious let us get moving to the classroom."

Lewis decided to act normally and was soon directed on how to move about the classroom. He was told to walk in certain ways, putting one foot in front of another. He was told to walk down a line of chalk in the floor backwards and forwards. Up and down, up and down, although it was difficult at first, Lewis mastered the art of walking slowly and carefully.

She then asked Lewis to move in and out of some chairs in an effort to show how to change direction in tight skirts. He was also shown how to grasp the hem of his skirts for ascending stairs, and how to stand and be seated. He was instructed to sit erect and not slouch, an obvious trait made less difficult by that stiff corset. Then they went back to walking up and down, this time with Lewis wearing a book on his head as he moved slowly and gracefully along the long corridors.

Miss Renton then took out two long lengths of ribbon and tied them tightly around Lewis’s skirt at knee level and at mid thigh so that he was restrained to impossibly small steps. This he found very disturbing, but Miss Renton claimed it did wonders for his walk.

"That was much better Louise," said Miss Renton almost smiling as she removed the ribbons. "You will find that the latest London fashions will be even tighter than that dress and you must be able to enjoy a dance with a handsome man never mind walk."

Happy at being praised for once, Lewis had never thought about how he would react if a man held him in a dance. "Thank you, Miss Renton, may I sit now? My feet are beginning to smart from these tight boots," Lewis continued. It was nice to be praised, or at least not criticised, for a change.

"I have a better idea," she announced after looking out of the window. "Let us go for a stroll outside. The weather is splendid today and we have such beautiful gardens here. It seems a pity not to walk through them on a day such as this."

Despite the pain in his waist and feet, Lewis tried to be cheerful; he would have to stay on his feet a little longer. They descended the stairs and picked up a pair of parasols to keep the sun at bay.

"Come child," she indicated the way to a double ornate glass panel door overlooking the side garden and through which Lewis had gone on his sojourn outside the garden walls.

"Yes Miss Renton," he replied softly.

Escorted by Mary, the pair descended the steep stone steps carefully. Miss Renton explained the garden layout and then they set off on a slow stroll around the gardens. The gardens were mainly set to lawn but were surrounded by sweet smelling miniature box hedge. There were lavender and roses in abundance such that Mary was despatched back to the house to fetch a basket and some scissors so they could be picked.

Quickly she returned and Lewis was given the task of helping Miss Renton select the required blooms. Soon the basket was full to overflowing and still they carried on with their stroll. Lewis’s feet felt as if they were on fire! He couldn’t remove the source of the pain and he tried to maintain an even temper until Miss Renton continued walking away from the house when they reached a junction in the network of garden paths.

"Miss Renton, I fear my legs and feet are not used to this yet, may we please sit here in the shade a moment?" he asked in a demure a manner as possible.

"Yes that would be nice," she suddenly relaxed. "Mary, if you please, could you go to the house and bring a pitcher of lemonade and some glasses please. Remember to bring some of Miss Louise’s herbal remedy too."

"At once Miss Renton," she replied and she scurried off back the way they had come carrying the flowers.

"Today, I sense a big change of heart from you Louise. I know this will not be easy for you, but today you have impressed me greatly with your willingness to learn. That will not go unreported when I speak to your Aunt at lunch."

"Oh thank you Miss Renton, I have decided to try very hard today. I would like to amend my ways and to ask for forgiveness," he replied hoping they would stop this cruel punishment.

"Because you have been so good, we will do some flower arranging this afternoon and then we will see about starting your horse riding lessons. I must say that after last night I thought that wouldn’t have been possible but this morning you have shown some compliance. If you continue, you’ll find that apart from some discomfort you will find that life will be much more agreeable. I think that you are starting to behave like a respectable young lady now and not the impossible street urchin that you once were. Moving gracefully in a skirt like this is quite an art. You have to be skilful just to move at all."

The arrival of drinks stopped the conversation and Louise watched carefully as Miss Renton measured some green liquid from a blue glass stoppered medicine bottle into her glass. The lemonade was then poured on top and some small pieces of ice were added.

Anxiously waiting to be handed his drink, Lewis was thirsty from all the morning’s activities and needed no second bidding to take the glass from Miss Renton. She watched with a smile on her face as Lewis consciously took small sips despite his thirst.

"That is much better," he said smacking his lips from the bitterness and acidic tastes in his mouth.

They sat in the shade sipping their drinks until Miss Renton declared that they should continue their walk back to the house. Feeling rested, Lewis felt more comfortable as they passed the perfectly flat croquet lawn, the many varied flowering shrubs and ornamental trees.

Lewis decided to seize the initiative and caught his mentor’s attention. "Please Miss Renton, I have so enjoyed this morning in the garden with you. Would it be possible to have this afternoon’s lessons out of doors too?"

"I’m afraid not Louise, all your lessons will be with your Aunt. I have some personal matters to attend to and she has kindly agreed to teach you more in her apartment," said Miss Renton.

"Oh," was all poor Lewis could respond

They walked back into the house and Mary brought the flowers and several vases into the classroom.

"We have half an hour until lunch so we will make some flower arrangements for the dining room table now," said Miss Renton.

The vases were filled with water and Miss Renton showed Lewis how to cut each stem and place it correctly with regard to its neighbour. Soon they had three colourful displays with Lewis was strangely proud of his efforts and he hoped that his Aunt would be impressed.

With the help of Mary, each girl carried a vase display through to the dining room where they were placed on the table and beside the serving dishes. Miss Renton and Lewis waited patiently alongside the table. He moved from one foot to the other as the boots prevented any straightening of the severe angle of his feet.

Suddenly his Aunt rushed in quite excited. "How has the morning gone?" She asked impatiently.

"Very well," said Miss Renton. "There has been a change of attitude by Miss Louise today."

"Oh yes?" quizzed Roberta.

"Well Louise has not needed any punishment and her progress in walking and demeanour has been astonishing. We walked in the garden and picked some flowers and then arranged them, there you see the results of her craft in these vases."

"Splendid," cried Aunt Roberta, bent down to smell the fragrance of the roses and then added, "wonderful, I am impressed."

"I have news for you Louise, you remember the good Doctor Jones from the other night, well it seems that he is quite taken with you. He would like to teach you riding this afternoon and I will arrange that now I have Miss Renton’s report," his Aunt Roberta beamed.

"Thank you Aunt," said Lewis scared and thrilled at the same time that he would have male companionship again soon.

"He is willing to teach you how to ride side saddle, having helped his sister become a first class rider."

"I have never been on a horse before never mind side saddle," said Lewis.

"I will have Mary lay out some riding clothes for you to wear," said Aunt Roberta. "Let us have lunch and eat while it is still hot."

Lewis ate some of the home-grown courgette soup and politely refused some of the bread that he knew would leave him struggling to eat any more food. He was able to eat the full bowl of soup and he washed this down with more of his herbal remedy.

"No, Louise your table manners are still deplorable," said Miss Renton.

"What can I do to change things?" he asked determined to show his new interest.

"Take a small amount in each spoonful, do not fill the spoon to overflowing because you will run the risk of spilling some on your pretty embroidered bodice and skirts," she replied.

The main course was more difficult and Lewis found it difficult to eat more than a couple of pieces of stew and he left most his lunch on the plate. How he ate his food was seized upon again by Miss Renton.

"Make sure that you take smaller mouthfuls and make sure that it is well chewed before you swallow," she said softly to him. It was more like advice rather than as a command.

"Excuse me Aunt, I don’t like to waste food but I fear that I cannot eat any more," said Lewis quite frustrated at leaving the food.

"Your corset training will benefit from the reduced food intake, never fear," she replied.

He could see that his Aunt and Miss Renton were struggling to eat much of their lunch too. Miss Renton, seemingly quite content to sip small amounts of water in between small mouthfuls of food.

By half past one in the afternoon all three rose from the table. Lewis asked to be excused and was told to meet his Aunt in 15 minutes back in the classroom.

Lewis went back to his bedroom and found that a full riding costume was lying on the bed. There was a top hat with veil and full skirts that would enable side-saddle riding. Completing his toilet, Lewis went quickly back to the classroom and found himself alone.

He wandered over to the window and looked out. Down below near the front of the building he could see the carriage. Miss Renton and his Aunt were talking together. He saw his Aunt stoop forward and kiss his governess on the lips before helping her into the carriage.

Lewis was shocked by what he saw; this was no light peck on the cheek by two women showing affection towards one another, this had been a passionate embrace and kiss. Perhaps this might explain the bond between them. They were lovers!

Learning his lessons, Lewis sat in a very graceful manner on his chair and awaited the arrival of his Aunt. He crossed his legs at the ankles, smoothed his skirts, tucked his legs back and closed his eyes. The small bustle prevented any contact with the back of the chair and he sat feeling the fine clothes and constriction on his body.

His reverie was broken when his Aunt entered and he immediately rose to his feet as gracefully as he could. His act of politeness did not go unnoticed but his Aunt was keen to let him know the error of his ways.

"Louise, now that you are a girl now, there is no need to rise whenever I enter like you once did in your past life. Though I will expect a curtsey when you are standing, there is no need to rise unless I request it. Is that clear?"

"Yes Aunt," he said about to sit down again.

"Now you are stan