All spellings English (British)
Please read parts 1,2,3 & 4 first

John has become Susan due to a combination of circumstance beyond his control but his new friend Karen has fallen for the girl she thinks she sees. Today they are to be Victorian maids at a church fete.

 

Lakeland V             by: Amanda Walker                Amanda@bitsmart.com

 

The day of the fete dawned and Karen came to collect Susan, they had decided that tracksuits would be the most suitable wear and they were soon on their way. Their Aunt’s were very pleased about their helping out and had promised to attend to see their girl's costumes.

There was a bit of chair and table shifting to do once they got to the vicarage so the tracksuits were a good idea. Finally they were ready to get into their dresses and associated corsets, stockings and of course those boots. They went carefully down the stairs and presented themselves ready for work.

The event started at 10:30 and people gradually began to arrive. The girl’s were complimented on their appearance and began serving drinks to people on the lawn. They were surprised at the attention they received. Many of the older ladies were reminiscing about their days in service and how the youth of today wouldn’t stand for such things. Their aunts arrived and were very complimentary about their uniforms and stood proudly admiring the girls and pointing them out to their friends.

The vicar had swings and a roundabout at the end of his garden and the smallest children were playing there while the adults enjoyed the stalls selling homemade cakes and sewn and knitted items.

The girls had been on their feet for two hours and were beginning to get stiff from the unfamiliar clothes especially the boots.

"These clothes, how did ladies stand them?" asked Karen

"I know, I’m constantly short of breath, and I feel like I’m in a cage." Replied Susan, although she didn’t mention that she was still getting used to wearing conventional female wear.

"I can see you are a bit tired ladies, take a five minute break. I’ll cover for you," said the vicar's wife. So they sat down at the end of the garden and watched the children play.

"You look absolutely gorgeous today." Said Karen.

"Not looking so bad yourself." Susan smiled as she replied. "I’d love to give you a big kiss right now, but I don’t think it’s the done thing between serving wenches!"

"No I think the master and mistress would chain you to the range and whip you to save your soul!" replied Karen.

"Ooh! What a delicious thought. Perhaps we can try that later."

"Where are your Victorian values my girl? I think it’s you that needs the scolding!"

The vicar came down to see them with a large happy looking gentleman in tow. They had stood up and curtseyed before they realised what they were doing.

"How lovely you two are getting into the part aren’t you! May I introduce Mr Greatorex, he owns Winster house just up the valley from here." Again they curtseyed smiling giggling at the way they were behaving. He took each of their hands and kissed them in a very gallant manner.

"Such charming young ladies" he said

"Mr Greatorex is having his own party this week and was wondering if you two would be free this Friday to wait-on while wearing these uniforms? My wife has agreed to loan them, you will be well paid and I’m told a donation to the church funds will be forthcoming. I’ll leave you to think about it, let us know later."

With that the two men left to talk to some of the other guests.

"Well what do you think?" asked Karen.

"I’m not sure, I don’t know this man. I presume the vicar thinks he’s OK so that’s good."

"Oh yes the family are well known around here. Stinking rich and he has two gorgeous sons. I’m prepared to share them with you!"

Susan thought for a moment and felt a little sad. Her friend couldn’t see her as the boy who loved her and she couldn’t bring herself to tell her the truth. She felt she would lose her if she did.

"Susan what’s wrong?"

"Oh nothing, yes lets do it, it will be fun."

"I’m sorry did you think I would prefer the boys to you? You are still my most special friend but I do still like boys, we both do, remember the French boys. Is that OK?"

"Yes fine." Replied Susan. It wasn’t fine at all, how could she resolve this situation?

They had had their five minutes and as they stood to return to work there was some agitation in the crowd.

"Has anyone seen my little boy." Cried one of the ladies. "He’s only 3, I can’t find him anywhere!"

Just the Susan saw the boy who had climbed over a stile at the end of the garden and was on the road.

"I’ll get him don’t worry "she called as she hitched up her skirts and ran as fast as she could in this get-up.

She reached the road and started to catch up with the toddler, who was laughing happily at the game of chase. Only as she picked up the excited child did she see the van coming around the corner.

Susan screamed, then everything went black.

 

 

© 2000
The above work is copyrighted material. Anyone wishing to copy, archive, or re-post this story must contact the author for permission.