Wet Weather Companion,
Introductions.
Looking around the stalls at the community jumble sale, James was struck by the number selling clothes. Although this wasn't the objective of his visit, one stall in particular caught his eye, it had a number of old rain coats on hangars and they seemed to be of the vintage his grandmother wore. You know the ones, thin fabric coated with rubber on the inside and often without a supplementary lining, taped on the seams to seal them. The slightly elderly lady stallholder noticed James' interest and engaged him in conversation by describing them to him “ They belonged to my companion, Dorothy, who passed on recently, she loved them and always said that Atkinsons made the best, most attractive and durable macks. “
James was nibbling the bait “ Atkinson’s! Really! My grandmother swore by them, I remember walks with her on the hills and being caught unprepared in a downpour, she wrapped me up in her mack and kept me snug and dry whilst she got soaked, I always get a warm glow after that whenever I see one. “ James blushed at that point, realising he had probably revealed a little too much.
The lady smiled gently, “Don’t be embarrassed, it is really sweet that you have such good memories of your grandmother. Let me introduce myself, I'm Lily Dalton. “
James, of course, felt obliged to respond “ I'm James Knowbury .“
For some reason she couldn't quite identify, Lily wanted to encourage the young man further and asked him “What are you doing here James? A jumble sale seems an unusual place for a young man like you, it’s usually young mums and old hags like me.”
“Oh! I'm about to move into the area and I'll need a few bits and pieces to equip the flat I've got my eye on. I'm on a tight budget so I thought I might pick up some serviceable things relatively cheaply here, “ replied James.
A thought passed through Lily's mind so she persisted in her best imitation of Queen Liz, “What do you do? “
James laughed “ Nothing exciting your Majesty, I'm just a newly qualified accountant and I've taken a junior position with a local firm “
“Hmm! “ Said Lily “my old company in Foxhampton could have done with you, perhaps they wouldn't have gone bust! “
“Ooh! “ Exclaimed James, “I come from Foxhampton, What was the name of the company? “
“It was Daltons, the department store, taken over by some corporation or the other and bankrupted by their shady workings” replied Lily.
“That was a disaster, a focal point in the heart of the city with fabulous art deco facades, everybody shopped at Daltons and now it’s falling into ruin“ commented James sadly.
Lily agreed with his sentiments but had shaken the dust of that city off many years ago when her family sold the business.
The thought began to crystallise “James, I know we have only just met but an idea has occurred to me. Since Dorothy's passing, I've been rattling round in my house and I just wondered if, rather than rent a flat and have the bother of equipping it, you might consider renting my self contained guest annexe ? I wouldn't want a lot of rent. You don't have to decide until you've seen the place and if you can wait to help me to pack up you can follow me and we can visit it together. “
“ That would be great but I'm afraid that I have no transport, I can't afford a car at the moment and I got here on the train. If your place is a distance from town and has no bus service then I'm afraid I will have to decline your generous offer,“ replied James.
Lily thought furiously “ There are no bus services but Dorothy had a moped which she used to get around and it should be in pretty good order and taxed, so if you have a licence to drive a car you can ride it legally. Dorothy had a helmet, gloves and wet weather gear knocking around somewhere. We can arrange insurance easily and it will be very cheap. “
James was overwhelmed “ That would be fantastic, as a teenager I used to knock around on one of those over the pit bonks in Foxhampton (Note:- banks of spoil from the shallow bell pits out of which coal was mined in the Black Country) and yes I have passed both my motorcycle and car driving tests. “
“Right then” said Lily “we'll drive over together, if you don't mind giving me a hand to pack this lot up and pack it in my Land Rover? “
“Not all” enthused James.
At Lily's
Lily noted how carefully he helped her to fold and pack away all her offerings and the slight tremor as he dealt with the macks. In no time at all, the stall was cleared and the two of them carried the boxes of clothes out of the hall and loaded them in to Lily's ex army long wheel base Land Rover. Soon the characteristic starting rattle and cloud of blue diesel smoke announced they were on their way.
Lilly’s house turned out to be a rather grand old farmhouse set in a few acres of land and the guest annexe was a modern barn conversion offering a well equipped kitchen/ dining room and lounge area, utility room with washing machine, dishwasher, fridge freezer and sink, a cloakroom whilst upstairs there were 2 spacious bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. The views over Corvedale out to Wenlock Edge and Long Mynd were spectacular. James was just awestruck “ Lily, I can't possibly afford this, you could let it as a Holiday home for £1000 a week or more! “
Lily smiled and responded “ James, I don't want strangers disturbing my privacy, I've taken a liking to you and I certainly don't need the money, as you can see I'm pretty well off, my family owned Daltons and selling it left us with a healthy and we’ll managed portfolio of investments.
James capitulated but came up with an idea to repay Lily in some small measure “You know the macks you had on your stall, why don't you sell them on ebay, there is a very strong market for proper mackintosh Rainwear on there?
Lily was struck by the young man's eagerness to help and decided to play dumb!. “ I don’t know anything about this eBay wotsit, is it something to do with computers and the Interthingy? “
James smiled at Lily's naivety, “Well yes it is, it’s an auction website where people can advertise things they wish to sell. You take digital pictures of the items and upload them to the site together with a description of them, sizes , material and such, set a minimum price then put them in the appropriate category so that people with an interest can see them and bid for them within a set period of days.
Lily played along “I suppose they take a fee for this, Is it expensive? “
James shook his head “No just a nominal charge to give access to a large market place, much larger than the local jumble sale, giving what I suppose economists would call near ‘Perfect Competition ‘. “
Lily laughed at this and said that she would think about it.
“Let’s go and have a look at this moped, “ she suggested and led James to a large barn containing lots of farm equipment. Lifting a tarpaulin she exposed a moped. It was an ancient NSU Quickly with pedals to start it and assist on hills! There was fuel in the tank and the tyres looked to be in good condition so James wheeled it out of the barn. Turning on the fuel tap and ‘tickling’ the tiny carburettor James stepped through the frame and sat on the saddle. He then pushed off and began pedalling after a few yards the engine burst into life with a small cloud of oily blue smoke, the heady aroma of 2 stroke. The small machine performed beautifully and Lily looked very relieved as a triumphant James returned from his spin around the farmyard.
“Wow! That was fun” he exclaimed. “Just a little bit of fettling, and she'll be fine, thank you very much.”
Lily was delighted and stated “ Dorothy was riding it every day until a few months ago and I guessed it would be ok. Come on let’s put it away now and get some refreshments. “
Lily led the way to the farmhouse kitchen, a large gabled roof affair with exposed oak beams, and dominated by a very large, well worn heavy table. She put a kettle on the hob of the inevitable oil fired Aga and began putting 3 spoons of loose tea leaves in a large Brown teapot commenting “I much prefer to use proper tea rather than tea bags and then use a strainer when pouring. I think the tea tastes better and I enjoy the ritual – perhaps I have some Japanese ancestry! . How do you take your tea James? “
“Milk, no sugar please” came the response as James was looking in wonder at the expensive yet pleasingly rustic kitchen, someone clearly had an eye for design!
Having poured the tea Lily began to probe James on his background, “Tell me about yourself? it’s clear that you loved your grandmother. “
James collected his thoughts wondering how much of his life story to tell Lily who was obviously a very warm hearted individual.
James' Story
"Quick potted history - My parents were lecturers in anthropology at Foxhampton Polytechnic. They spent most of their vacations on field trips to remote places or delving into historical archives for first hand reports on the lifestyles of native societies. I was sent to a boys' boarding school at the earliest opportunity and spent the hols with Nana at her cottage not far from here on the other side of Long Mynd near Bishops Castle. As I said to you earlier she loved walking and we spent much of our time tramping the footpaths of the Shropshire Hills. I hated school but managed to get good ‘ A’ levels and got into Cambridge to study maths. I was fortunate with my tutors and also got the opportunity to do choral work which I thoroughly enjoyed. I left there with a first and was recruited as an Accountancy trainee by a big International Audit/Consultancy firm. I despised the way they operated and turned a blind eye to corrupt practices but I kept my head down until I qualified as a Chartered Accountant and then left them much to their surprise to join Ventnors,, the Stockbrokers in Ludlow. “
Somewhat surprised, Lily exclaimed ” Ventnors, that is the firm who look after my portfolio, I shall be very interested to know what you think of them. “
James replied, “They seem like a solid, if perhaps a little old fashioned, firm but that is what attracted me after the slick double dealing of the big boys. I'll be happy to give you a more informed report after I've been there a while. I should perhaps keep your status as my landlady under wraps in case a conflict of interest arises. “
Lily thanked James and then said “Fortunately the Barn's address is separate to that of the Farm so the connection won't be obvious and Ventnor's have no input to the running of the Farm estate. Now tell me more about your boarding school experience, which seemed to have been difficult for you. "
James began” Well, the school was one of those old fashioned, hearty sports oriented places, dominated by the ‘rugger buggers’. As you can imagine from my build, rugby would not be my thing and I suffered a lot of bullying as a result. I was lucky in that there was an enthusiastic English and drama faculty headed, unusually, by a woman, Miss Henley, and she fixed on me for some reason to participate in the frequent school plays. Unfortunately, again because of my build, I was always chosen for female roles, which I didn't mind as such but inevitably added to the bullying. I managed to face down most of the ragging but occasionally had to fight which again wasn't my forte and resulted in visits to matron for running repairs. I made sure however that my opponents did not emerge unscathed and that did make all but the most brutal antagonists think twice before escalating confrontations. Miss Henley did take action to reduce the bullying and her penalties were quite effective, making the thugs take subsidiary female roles and miss their games to rehearse. She was very diligent in preparing her actors for female roles, deportment, voice, mannerisms, stage and day make up, taking chosen ones out on ‘field trips' dressed as women to get the full experience! I guess that, silly as it sounds, those were the highlight of my otherwise rather grim schooldays. "
Lily was moved by James' experience and touched by his naiveté. “Did you play any games at school? “
James responded “ I avoided the contact sports but played tennis, badminton and did some competitive swimming.
“Well that's great, “ replied Lily “because we have an indoor tennis court and a swimming pool in one of the old barns, so no excuses for not keeping fit. Dorothy and I used both facilities frequently and were members of a ladies only tennis club. From what you said of your acting experiences, I'm sure I could get you in” she said teasingly though watching James closely.
James laughed but did colour slightly.
“Let's have a celebratory drink to cement our arrangement” suggested Lily. What is your poison?
James confessed “ I'm not a big drinker, I only ever drank my Nan's country wine and even at Cambridge I only drank tonic water.
“Gosh!” Exclaimed Lily “that must have been tough “I think it's my mission to widen your experiences, so I'm going to add a Gin to you usual tonic. We’ll go into the sitting room and get comfortable having our drinks. Lily led the way into a smaller room furnished with deeply buttoned leather armchairs each with a handy small table arranged around a large fire which was still smouldering from the previous evening.
“James, would try and put some life back into that fire whilst I pour our drinks, there's a dear” requested Lily.
James did as Lily had asked whilst Lily poured a stiff Gin and Tonic for them.
“Great job with the fire James, thank you” as they each relaxed in the comfortable armchairs luxuriating in the heat from the fire.
Further Revelations
Lily waited for James to consume a good part of his strong drink and then began questioning him further about his relationship with his Nana, sensing that there was much more to their relationship than James had already revealed.
“So you spent your long summer holidays with your Nana, that must have been a bit stifling in a remote cottage with an elderly lady? “
“Not at all “ responded James, ” We had a great time,” as the drink took effect his inhibitions faded and he felt he could confide in this generous woman. “I told you of the incident with the downpour and Nana's mack, well when we got back we found that my parents hadn't packed any waterproof clothing for me so Nana decided to send for a raincoat from a mail order company she used. When it arrived there must have been a mix up because it was a girls mack , one of those single texture cotton lined with rubber ones, complete with attached hood. Nana was upset because the returns process was lengthy and complex so I said it was ok, I' d wear it rather than miss out on our walks and besides if I wore shorts and one of Nana's berets then at that age no one would be any the wiser. Nana was thrilled and so our walks were saved. "
"As time progressed Nana wanted to go into town with me to do some necessary shopping and as it was raining the mack was going to be essential but she worried that with my shorts and shirt I wouldn't pass close inspection so she asked tentatively if I would mind wearing a dress ( she had some of my mum’s old clothes). I thought about it and although a bit reluctant I agreed so that Nana wouldn't be embarassed and I'd get to see town. Nana was ecstatic and rushed upstairs to find a suitable dress . Well when she came down she had not only a dress but a slip, knickers ankle socks and girls shoes. I felt I had little choice but to put the whole ensemble on, then Nana began to mess with my hair putting slides in it to make my longish hair look girly. I was shocked when I saw myself in a mirror, I was a girl! “
“Our shopping trip into town passed without incident except that when she met any of her friends they were all pleased to meet her granddaughter and when asked my name in the newsagents I spotted the girls' comics ‘Bunty' and ‘Judy' and said I was Judy , rejecting Bunty as a rather silly pretentious name. Once I was established as Judy Knowbury it stuck, no going back and from then onward until I went to Cambridge and Nana sadly passed on, every visit to her lovely cottage I became Judy with Nana ensuring that my girl persona had age suitable clothing from my mother's wardrobe which always included a mack in various styles and materials but my favourite being those Atkinson ones. “
Lily was held spellbound by James' tale and thought more about what James had said “So from age, what 9 to 18 ? you dressed as a girl whenever you were at your Nana’s.
James interjected “7 actually”,
Lily continued “ So from age 7 to 18 you spent your holidays as Judy Knowbury, how did you stop you maleness from showing, I mean I know you are slight of build and less than average height for a man but still ? “
James confessed “Nana took me to see a “wise woman” who lived in a remote cottage further into the hills, she took one look at me and said. “I know exactly what SHE needs” and proceeded to make up a potion which she instructed me to take once a month from age 11 onward. She also ensured that I knew how to concoct the potion myself and I have been taking it ever since. The wise woman rather strangely predicted that one day I would return to her for further instruction! “
“Heavens! “ exclaimed Lily “ I take it that you haven't yet made that visit? “
“Oh no! “ laughed James “ I haven't felt the need and I rather doubt she is still alive. “
James heard an ethereal giggle but Lily appeared not to have hear
Macked!
Lily decided to try her wiles with James' inhibitions lowered by being unused to alcohol.
“James you mentioned that you could help me to sell those mackintoshes you saw at the jumble sale, I've got a digital camera and there's a fairly modern desktop computer in the study. “
James responded “They really need to be modelled, just put on a coat hanger does not do them justice. “
Spotting her opportunity Lily replied “ Oh dear, I'm a bit too tall for them, Dorothy was more petite, a bit like yourself James. “ Then after a brief pause “ I don't suppose you would model them would you James? It would be such a help. “
James was trapped between desperately wanting to wear them but not wanting to appear odd. Thinking quickly he tried to wriggle out by saying “ They wouldn't look right over my clothes. “
Lily was ready for this “ That's no problem, I' m sure that Dorothy's clothes will fit you” and knowing the next objection, quickly added, “There's lots of unused make up in her bedroom, I'm sure that with your stage experience you can get by. Let me show you up to her room and you can transform. “
James really was stuck but also thrilled to have the perfect excuse for wearing his favourite garments so he let Lily lead him upstairs to Dorothy's bedroom.
Lily opened the door to the bedroom and showed James where everything was, explaining that she hadn't had the courage to clear all Dorothy's things away. James was doing his best not to appear too enthusiastic but very nearly betrayed himself completely when he found a collection of beautiful satin panties gathered at the leg with frilly lace and lined with rubber!
Lily spotted the reaction and explained that Dorothy had a slight incontinence problem but rather than wear usual protection she had these custom made by a small business in North Shropshire. I believe that the owner used to work for Atkinsons and she and her sister in law have a thriving business making these and traditional rainwear. (refers to ‘Elderly by Choice’)
James just managed to stop himself from asking for their contact details! He desperately fibbed “ I have a bit of a problem myself would it be too much to ask if I could wear a pair if these to protect the clothes? “
Lily smiled inwardly “ No, not at all, Dorothy would be delighted that they were used by someone in need rather than thrown away. Oh! There is something else that Dorothy had which you may find of use, she was very self conscious about her small bosom and made use of these inserts in her bra's to gild the lily so to speak, “ pointing to a drawer containing pairs of small breast inserts. James thanked Lily but made no further comment which somewhat surprised Lily.
Lily left James to dress and went back downstairs to pour herself another Gin and Tonic, thrilled at the success of her extemporary ruse and keen to see what James' transformation would reveal. Such was her anticipation that she almost forgot to get the required digital camera.
After 30 minutes or so James made an entrance, and what an entrance! He was clad in black satin calf length mackintosh with a full skirt , fluffed out by a crimson silk party frock underpinned by a layered petticoat. The hood was down but a sweet rain bonnet covered a dark blonde , pixie hairdo with silver highlights. Red stockings descended into black patent leather 4” stiletto heels. As for his visage, James had contrived to convey a rather attractive woman of a certain age, a contemporary of Lily herself.
Lily was entranced and rushed over to James giving him a passionate kiss on his lips. After an initial shock, James responded in kind. Lily broke off after several minutes and realising what she had done began to apologise profusely to the somewhat bemused James. “I'm so sorry James, I really don't know what came over me, you just look so desirable. “
James smiled gently, “Lily, I loved every second of it, it's a good job you let me wear those special pants, I'm a bit moist. “
“Ohhh!” Said Lily dreamily, “Me too” and then realised what she'd said and blushed scarlet.
Photographed.
The next half hour or so was spent with James being dressed in all of the macks which Dorothy had owned and it was an extensive collection of the delightful garments. James was unable to conceal his delight in wearing them despite his best efforts. Lily was delighted by James reaction and found herself becoming entranced by this curious young man. The pictures she took showed James/Judy to be a very confident model, displaying a range of feminine moods from brazen through coquettish to delectably shy. At the end of the session James reluctantly divested himself of the last raincoat though the heat of the fire must have been making him somewhat uncomfortable. Between them they carefully folded the macks and carried them back to hang in Dorothy's wardrobe, Lily noting the pangs of regret on James' face as they were tidied away and she resolved that she would not sell them though she did not inform James of her decision.
James then moved to the dressing table to remove his make-up but Lily stopped him “Oh please don't get changed James, you look so sweet and comfortable. “
James stopped “Are you sure, Lily? I mean I confess I love being dressed like this and have always felt happier in mature lady roles. “ James blushed deeply having made the confession.
Lily clapped her hands and laughed” How delightfully tactful you are to avoid the description “Old lady””
James' blushes deepened “No, no that isn't what I meant, it's just that because of my grandma I'm very much in sympathy with older women. “
Lily laughed even more “ James, when in a hole, stop digging! “
James smiled and conceded but then asked “ what if someone comes? “
Lily thought rapidly “I don't think I'm expecting visitors but if someone should come, You are James' aunt , helping him to settle in, erm! I know - Jennifer Aston. We can't call you Judy Knowbury in case someone remembers you with your grandma.
“Wow! Exclaimed James, “ You are so clever, were you a spy once? I will be 3 people in one, a sort of Unholy Trinity.
Lily laughed again and then turned serious “Have you ever thought of transitioning? “
James thought for a moment and replied “I suppose I have but it is such a big step and this area, which I love, is pretty conservative plus I'm just starting in my professional career, “then grinned “ There's always the wise woman. “
“Oh yes” said Lily half seriously, “Can you remember her name and where she lived? “
“Hmm! Possibly “responded James and again he heard that strange ethereal giggle which Lily once more appeared not to have noticed.
