by Susan Heywood
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robert Pemberton answers an advertisement in a contact magazine. The resulting changes to his life are the stuff of dreams.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISCLAIMERS AND COPYRIGHT INFORMATION
This is a work of adult fiction, drawn from my imagination. There are no deliberate references to anyone who has ever lived, is alive now or who has passed on.
There is some language that could be termed offensive and the story contains a few scenes of explicit sex. If either of these is upsetting to you, then you are advised to look elsewhere for your entertainment.
It is a given that the reader is entitled to hold my or me beliefs: offence is not intended. Characters are given the appropriate name and pronoun depending upon which gender they present.
This work is copyright of the author. No reproduction in any form, except for personal perusal, is permitted without express permission.
----------------------------------------------------------
Chapter One
“Robert James Pemberton, why can’t you hurry in the mornings? School days are the best days of your life, you know.”
~Yeah, right, Mum, so the rest of my life isn’t going to be worth living? ~
Thus was the essence of my youth. I hated the daily journey to that institutionalized brutality called school. Your typical Mr. Invisible, I was average in all respects, right down to my geeky glasses. Except I wasn’t average in that I wasn’t interested in sport, girls, sowing wild oats, fighting in gangs, swapping dirty stories, or any of the other things that normal adolescent boys are supposed to do.
“Music and reading?” My dad asked. “What sort of hobbies are they for a healthy teenage boy? Join in some sports; get some exercise.” The Colonel I had dubbed him. If he had risen above the rank of sergeant I’d have been amazed. Still he had been in the army — English Civil War I reckoned — must have grown the moustache then.
My peers seemed concerned only with “who won the match” or “that smashing bird over there.” As a matter of self-survival I became quite adept at fiction, the re-telling of stories from my imagination.
Also along the lines of stopping the bullying I had got myself a girlfriend.
~ A girlfriend? Ha! ~
Carol was a friendly girl who lived a few doors away. She was about my age and reasonably pretty, but not stunningly so, which didn’t bother me at all. Carol and Angela, her younger sister, were content if I simply sat and read a newspaper, while they played house around me. This ruse allowed me to keep their company without the usual relationship overtones. In truth I would have liked to have had a much different relationship with them — at least, Lisa would.
Lisa was the sister that not even my own parents knew about. Our thoughts were identical. A make-believe sister, or even an imaginary twin, is common for an only child, but Lisa was different. She was a prisoner who dared not be seen.
She would have loved to have been able to join in, really join in, the games that Carol and Angela played. She would have adored a doll to dress and push around in a pram. She would have loved to play nurses, house, and so on. Lisa envied Carol’s long hair, lovely clothes and school uniform. Nothing would have suited her more than to go swimming, have other girls with whom to go to school, discuss boys, fashions, what they would do at the weekend — all the usual girly things.
These, however, were the stuff of my youthful dreams. Real opportunities for Lisa were virtually non-existent and fraught with danger.
***
Lonely and frustrating years passed, but the day I joined Kennedy & Wise, my life started to run out of control. I’m not complaining, merely observing. It certainly wasn’t anything to complain about.
Unlike my parents and school mates, Kennedy & Wise didn’t seem to be concerned with appearance or hobbies. They wanted accuracy. I was an accounts clerk, a job I enjoyed very much, perhaps because I could mainly work alone. I even gained the necessary courage and confidence to change my glasses for contact lenses. This initially caused some comment, but another subject soon grabbed the headlines and the matter of my eyesight, or lack of it, was filed in the dustbin of the mind where it really belonged.
Mostly, of course, Lisa was much more interested in what the other women wore: their clothes; make-up; perfumes; heels; how they walked; girl talk and so on and I ended up completely tongue-tied when the matter of relationships arose. It’s doubtful if my excuse of being between girlfriends was really believed.
I could be found during most spare moments at the local library. I decided that, as this amounted to free entertainment, I might as well make use of it. As a result of my reading, I learned a lot about Lisa. I also learned something I didn’t want to know — I could never afford to do anything to help her achieve her life’s ambition.
My knowledge of the business and my work experience grew; this brought more responsibility and a small rise in pay. All would possibly have carried on like this had it not been for the arrival of a new Finance Director.
Miss Harriet Armitage was introduced to every member of staff as we stood in line to greet her. I was mesmerized by her commanding manner. She was by no means masculine looking, but had that indefinable air of someone who was quite accustomed to instant obedience.
If I had to guess her age, I would have said that she was in her late twenties and she towered above me by a good few inches. She had a physique, and purposeful agility of a tigress, that any self-respecting netball team would kill for. Her short, straight, brown hair, white roll-neck sweater, midnight blue trouser suit and low-heeled shoes conveyed an impression of femininity, but with no sign of softness.
Indeed she was clearly used to getting her own way; her personality and presence saw to that. She neither needed nor wore make-up. Her faint smile and firm grip on my hand seemed to paralyze my whole body. I felt her eyes bore right through me, almost laying my soul bare. She greeted me in her mellow contralto voice and continued to look at me as I tried to stammer a response.
Making her acquaintance changed my life. I felt myself in the presence of someone who could have absolute power over me and for whom I would do anything in the world.
~ Her slave? Why not? I just want to serve this woman and do anything for her. I’ve never felt anything like it in my life ~
When she had moved on to the next person in the line, I spent a few moments trying to catch my breath. Nothing before in my life had ever had such an impact upon me as that first meeting. Only later was it pointed out to me that I alone had responded to her greeting with the word “ma’am.” I nearly bowed but just restrained myself.
~ Should I curtsey? Now where on earth did that thought come from? ~
I’d have been in deep shit if I had curtsied — but for some strange reason a curtsey didn’t seem at all incongruous.
***
That next weekend I spent the day in the nearest big city where I relaxed for a few hours in the one of the specialist bookshops that catered to my tastes. I liked to buy Lisa a magazine every now and then and would have purchased some lovely clothes had it not been for the problem of storage at my lodgings. At least a magazine could be slid down the back of a drawer.
Back in my room, I was drawn to one particular, intriguing advertisement:
Prof. lady seeks TV or TS for bookkeeping and other clerical tasks, also var. household duties. Sincere applics only, no drag queens, posers or time-wasters. All clothing provided. Discreet accommodation in secluded area. Reply to Box 431.
Excited and frightened I was somehow driven to respond: it was an opportunity which Lisa would not let me pass up. I didn’t see any risks; rather I didn’t want to see. All that mattered to me was the possibility of achieving my life’s ambition to become the graceful, feminine and intelligent woman that I should have been at birth, had my genital defect not indicated otherwise. I wrote straight away, before my courage failed me. I considered using a Box Number for replies but eventually just appended my own name and address. After posting the letter I fell to wondering about the professional lady and where she lived.
After about a month with no reply, I decided that I obviously wasn’t the right applicant and dejected, resolved to forget about it.
The very next day, a Friday, I was summoned to Miss Armitage’s office.
~ Oh shit, a director. Now I’ve got to tell old Cummings, my line manager, and I bet he’ll give me the third degree. ‘What have you done? Why can’t you be more careful,’ ya da, ya da, painful. How do I know what I’ve done? ~
I immediately started shaking but, rather than cause myself more trouble by delaying, I went up to the executive suite and shyly approached June, Miss Armitage’s secretary.
She gave me a quizzical look. “Do sit down; Miss Armitage won’t keep you long.”
I sat down on the edge of a chair, my heart thumping. I assumed that I must have made some dreadful mistake; after all you weren’t summoned to a Director’s office without good reason. Most minor problems would surely have been handled by Mr Cummings.
Eventually June’s telephone rang once. “Yes, Miss Armitage . . . “Certainly, Miss Armitage.” She replaced the handset. “Please go in.”
I got up from my chair and kept a watchful eye on June. She was clearly mystified as she watched me hesitantly walk towards that office door. She kept frowning and glancing over to me as if questioning my right to be there.
I timidly knocked on the door.
A voice commanded, “Come.”
I quaked in my shoes as I gingerly opened the door and entered, closing it behind me.
The office was a fairly large room containing the usual trappings of a Director who, at that moment, occupied a huge leather chair behind a vast expanse of mahogany desk. Bookcases lined one long wall and sat on a carpet done in a sumptuous shade of blue with a small pattern reminiscent of an ancient Greek pavement I’d seen in a book. An imposing array of modern technology occupied a purpose-built workstation set in an alcove to the left of the desk.
Once again Miss Armitage’s attire was female without being in any way feminine.
I was struck by the power of this woman. I stood quite still, except for the thumping of my heart.
“Good morning, Robert.” She greeted with that slight smile I had noticed when we were first introduced. “Please sit down.” She indicated a chair in front of the desk.
I carefully sat on the front edge of it wondering if I should speak, but my brain would not respond. Normally I would avert my eyes if she looked my way while walking in the office but today I had no choice but to look directly at her.
“You recently responded to an advertisement in a contact magazine.”
My heart skipped a beat, or was it two, facing utter devastation. I burst into tears, not knowing how she knew, just seeing the horrible ramifications.
~ My world has collapsed. My lodgings take a large part of my income and were an easy walk to the office. Now what will I do? How do I get another job? Why did I have to answer that advert? ~
Accounts clerks were two a penny and I had no illusions about the difficulty of finding work. In addition, I would have to go back and live with my elderly parents, which didn’t appeal to me.
“Stop your crying!” she commanded and rose from her chair. She opened a drawer in the desk and took out some tissues, which she handed to me.
With a massive effort of will I pulled myself together but rested my head on my hands.
“It is very simple,” she said, “I advertised, you replied. If your application is serious, then I shall conduct a proper interview.”
~ Why on earth did I have to put my name and address on the letter? ~
I nodded and then started to cry again.
She got up, came around to my side of the desk and stood beside me.
I was in full flow and jabbering “Please don’t sack me, ma’am.”
Suddenly she knelt beside me, put her arm around my shoulder, and gently asked, “Do you have a femme name?”
~ Femme name? How on earth could she know about femme names? ~
I slowly turned to her and my eyes widened with astonishment. “L.....Lisa, m.....ma’am.” I blurted out, almost automatically.
“Very good, Lisa Pemberton. Will you trust me?” In that one sentence she had re-christened me.
I was at once shocked, confused, delighted and petrified. I didn’t know why I felt the way I did but my whole being wanted only to serve this amazing woman. “Y…Yes, ma’am”
She helped me dry my eyes. “I need to know more about you. I have your employment and academic records -- and from my observation you appear to be very suitable for the work that I have in mind. Please, now, take your time and tell me as much about your past and your wishes for yourself as you can. You may be interested to know that I have been observing you for some time. Do you believe in fate, Lisa?”
Without waiting for an answer she went on. “I suppose the odds against your even reading the advertisement must be almost impossibly high. For you to have actually responded must surely be fate. Having seen how you relate to other staff here, especially other women, I have long had my suspicions that you would be the ideal person for me. You have simply saved me the trouble, and possible embarrassment, of asking you directly.”
Little by little she drew out my complete history. Finally she asked if I knew my dress size, shoe size and a few other things. I had no idea so just told her what sizes I was in male clothes. At last, after nearly two hours in her office, she was satisfied.
She gave me a card. “Good. Come to my house at ten o’clock on Monday morning and we can discuss it then. Here’s a map.” I nodded, and she concluded by saying, “Now clear your desk and leave. Please ask your manager to come to my office immediately. If anyone asks, you know nothing.”
I looked and felt as though I had been wrung out. I stumbled back to my desk, which I cleared and passed the message to my manager.
“Are you in trouble?” he asked.
“No,” I answered, “I’ve just been told to clear my desk and leave.”
I ignored all other questions and left.
~ How am I going to get through the weekend? ~
My head was thumping, my thoughts all jumbled and my hands shaking. Not only that but my landlady, surprised to see me this early in the day, asked what was wrong.
“I was sent home,” I replied.
“Have you been sacked, then?” she asked, no doubt anxious about her rent and possibly also wondering if her next tenant would be as quiet and reliable.
“I wasn’t well; and I was just told to go home early,” I stammered, and went to my room.
Chapter Two
I had spent a puzzled and anxious weekend in the solitude of my room, sleeping only fitfully and eating even less than my usual meagre appetite allowed. I had taken the precaution of setting an alarm clock even though I was an early riser.
Dressed in my tidiest shirt and trousers, I arrived with plenty of time to spare. Miss Armitage’s home was in a suburb of the same city in which I worked and had my lodging. I had no difficulty finding the large, detached and secluded house, with it curved drive and privacy hedges. It looked to have been built in the early twentieth century, and seemed well maintained.
I checked my watch for what must have been the hundredth time that morning, and then rang the doorbell at precisely ten o’clock. The door opened and I looked up into the face of a strikingly beautiful woman who, I guessed, would be in her early twenties. She smiled, pleased by something, and beckoned for me to enter.
I didn’t register all her features, but noticed that her long, curly golden hair was gathered away from her face behind a white headband. She walked in front of me in a black and white outfit that might have been a uniform. I couldn’t help but notice her large breasts; her outfit emphasized all of her stunning curves.
I dared not do anything but glance quickly at her, while she showed me into what she called “the drawing room.”
“I’ll inform my mistress of your arrival.” She glanced back at me with her enchanting eyes while she left the room.
Miss Armitage entered the room a few minutes later; and I was again mesmerized by her ability to overpower me. Her cream polo shirt was topped by a stylish black trouser suit. Low-heeled shoes again reinforced the masculine image she portrayed at work. Her hands were well manicured, but with no trace of nail polish. She again wore no make-up and her hair appeared as though she had just had a very mannish haircut.
She held out a hand to help me stand. “Hello, Lisa, I’m so glad that you could come. I think you will find my offer interesting; and I hope that we can come to a suitable arrangement.”
~Lisa.~ I pinched myself to make sure that I was awake. ~Ouch.~
“This is Jennifer, my maid and housekeeper.”
The woman who had admitted me had come back into the room, all the while carefully examining every detail of my appearance. Taking my hands in hers she smiled. “Hello, Lisa, I’m very pleased to meet you and I do hope that you will want to join us. I am so looking forward to helping you settle in and working with you.”
I had hoped I would see Jennifer again soon but was just as tongue-tied with her as I had been with the mistress.
~My relationship with Miss Armitage will obviously be strictly business but my reaction to Jennifer is another matter entirely. I already feel drawn to her in a way that causes my heart to do the emotional equivalent of a double back-flip somersault ~
The electricity between us broke when Jennifer addressed her mistress. “Shall I bring refreshments now, ma’am?”
Nodding her assent, Miss Armitage dismissed Jennifer.
She curtsied as she left the room.
Miss Armitage turned her attention to me. “Sit down, Lisa.”
I responded immediately to Miss Armitage order and sat expectantly on the edge of the chair that she had indicated.
She again smiled slightly, sitting opposite to me.
I trembled while feeling puzzled, yet excited.
~She had again used my femme name - no wonder I’m excited! Hang on, though; things like this just don’t happen to boring, obscure people like me, do they?~
I had great difficulty concentrating on what she was saying, because I hadn’t recovered from that delicious all-over tingle caused by the touch of Jennifer’s hands upon mine.
“Well now,” Miss Armitage said, who seemingly had not missed the significance of my inattention. “I wish to employ an Assistant.” She emphasized the word “Assistant.”
~What sort of assistant? Doing what? ~ I daren’t speak.
“In addition to being Finance Director of Kennedy and Wise, I also run my own business, a first class accounting service for successful businesswomen. My business has grown somewhat of late; and Jennifer has neither the inclination nor aptitude for the work, hence the need for someone to join us.”
“But. . . . Wh. . .why am I here?” I stammered.
“That’s very simple. My experience with you tells me that you’ll make an ideal assistant. You’re loyal, hard working and obedient -- and, what’s more, you’re no macho type.”
~ Macho type? Wouldn’t it amaze my father if I found a position by lacking a macho attitude? ~
“But wh. . .what ab...bout...?”
At that moment Jennifer returned with a tray of morning coffee and delicate home-made pastries.
“Jennifer has been with me for many years. I have briefed her on your background and the type of work which you will be doing for me. Jennifer will be helping you with what we will call your ‘domestic arrangements.’ ”
~ Domestic arrangements? What on earth does she mean? ~
She continued, apparently without noticing my look of worried puzzlement. “I, of course, shall supervise the work you do for my business. But I will also take a great deal of interest in other aspects of your life with us.” She apparently sensed that I was still worried. “There are no men in this household. I intend there will never be any. You’ll therefore be expected to adopt a totally female role.”
My heart leapt and I fought to control my growing excitement.
~A female role? Is she joking? I hope not~ The advertisement wasn’t a ruse.
She went on. “We are confident that, with our help, you will suit our requirements admirably. I know that your clerical work and bookkeeping are of a suitable standard. Your studies at evening classes have neither gone unnoticed nor been wasted effort. I have watched you practicing at lunchtimes when you thought that you were unobserved. The work here is well within your capabilities and, I am sure, you will quickly pick up the other aspects of the position. You will, in effect, be my personal assistant.”
~She wants Lisa . . . not Robert. Can I deny Lisa this opportunity? Would I ever want to do so? No -- on both counts ~
“Jennifer, please bring me my briefcase.” She opened it and took out a chequebook. Miss Armitage looked over to me. “I will make out a cheque for four weeks’ rent; and you can take it with you. Collect your belongings and bring them here this afternoon. Oh, and sign these.”
I looked at her questioningly.
She frowned slightly. “I can see by your face that you would like to take this post. Am I correct?”
“Yes, YES,” I whispered. My whole body quivered with anticipation, but at the same time had reservations.
~There surely has to be a catch; things like this are the stuff of dreams ~
Her puckered brow turned to a radiant smile. “Very well, you will resign your employment with Kennedy and Wise with effect from Friday last. You start with me today. Sign your letter of resignation as Robert, your new contract of employment as Lisa and leave the dates blank. We will deal with the official change of name in due course.”
I pinched myself again. ~Yes, I’m still awake ~
Eagerly I took the pen Miss Armitage offered me and signed my names at the bottom of both documents. I realized after I had done so that I had been commanded, not invited, to sign. I also realized that this was the first time I had ever signed myself as Lisa Janice Pemberton. Acting out of trust or expediency, I did not read the documents before signing them.
To Be Continued
My grateful thanks go to Angela Rasch for her advice and her editing skills; she has helped turn my writing into a story.
Eagerly I took the pen Miss Armitage offered me and signed my names at the bottom of both documents. I realized after I had done so that I had been commanded, not invited, to sign. I also realized that this was the first time I had ever signed myself as Lisa Janice Pemberton. Acting out of trust or expediency, I did not read the documents before signing them.
That very afternoon I said goodbye to my landlady. “I’ve left Kennedy and Wise for another position; and I’ve been invited to share accommodations with a new colleague.” I gave her the cheque to cover four week’s rent.
She scowled. “I’ll be wishing you good luck then; you’ve been a model tenant, who it’ll be hard to replace.”
~ A model tenant? I had been quiet and paid my rent every Friday. Shame I couldn’t have been a different kind of model ~ I suppressed a giggle.
I returned to Miss Armitage’s house and rang the bell.
The door opened and Jennifer once again greeted me. This time she wore a blue blouse with long, full sleeves, buttoned cuffs and fashionable scarf around her neck. The blouse had been cut to show her ample bust to perfection; and I couldn’t help staring at her in rapt admiration. Her black pencil skirt emphasized her hips. Her barely-black stockinged feet were slipped into black patent three-inch high-heeled court shoes. She had a gold chain around her right ankle, a gold watch and bracelet — and gold hoop earrings dangled from her pierced ears. Her blonde hair, free of its headband, tumbled in curls around her shoulders.
~ If only I could look half as stunning as she does ~
“Hello,” she said, giving me a brilliant smile as I entered the house. “I’m really glad that you’ve agreed to join us. I’ll show you to your room; and you can have a bath and change into something more suitable. Then I can run through a few details -- what you might call the ‘house rules.’ ”
I watched every movement of Jennifer’s lovely body as I followed her upstairs to a large room at the top of the house.
She motioned with her hand. “This will be your room.”
I gazed open-mouthed. The overtly feminine room had Egyptian cotton bed linen, pink satin bedspread, drapes and frilly curtains around the dressing table. Soft lighting revealed itself at the touch of a button. The dressing table top had been arrayed with all manner of lipsticks, powder, mascara, perfume, make-up pencils, and so on. One door, on the wall opposite to the one we came in, gave access to the bathroom, another led to a dressing room.
“Now that you’re here we can make some final adjustments to your wardrobe, although many of your clothes should fit without alteration. Since your response to the mistress’ advertisement we have had a few weeks to prepare for your arrival. The final details you gave on Friday morning completed the picture. I do hope that you’ll be happy with us.”
She again held my hands, and then kissed me on the lips.
Chapter Three
Apart from a rare peck on the cheek from my mother or an aging aunt that was the first time anyone had kissed me and I was shaken, yet I responded instinctively. I had no experience with girls and no idea of what to do. When I had previously thought about it I supposed that I would have a relationship with a man, because all my life I wished to be female. I was unsure of what was happening even though the logical alternative would be a woman.
I had concluded that as a woman I couldn’t have any sort of relationship with another woman. Naively, I had never heard anything other than what was covered in playground gossip; which didn’t include mention of anyone being a lesbian.
Faced with a new reality I felt utter confusion. Jennifer’s kiss turned all my ideas on their head, because I found myself being drawn to her as to a magnet.
Very quickly her proximity caused me to relax; and I unconsciously wound my arms around her neck. I felt the passionate ecstasy that a woman gets when she is one with her lover and responds to a kiss.
“My, oh my!” Jennifer said, laughing, while we finally, and reluctantly, detached ourselves from each other. “Very interesting indeed!”
~She’s been testing me to see how I would react - and it seems that she may well have liked my reaction ~
I was breathless when she finally let go.
Her head slightly tilted to one side and a small smile played on her luscious red lips.
~Why would someone as lovely as Jennifer; want to kiss plain old me? ~
My mind was occupied with my thoughts and I missed the significance of the smile.
She grabbed me by the arm and started stripping me. “The sooner you get rid of that awful stubble the better,” Jennifer said as I removed the last of my clothing and put on the robe that she had given me. “It was like kissing a hedgehog!”
I was disappointed, thinking I had made a good attempt at shaving that morning.
Just then a stern voice from behind made me freeze. “Bring her to me in the drawing room at eight o’clock this evening and ensure that my instructions have been followed to the letter.”
Jennifer curtsied as Miss Armitage marched out of the room. She then led me into the bathroom and ran a bath, pouring in a generous helping of perfumed oils. “Get in and soak.”
The pleasant and relaxing atmosphere of a warm, scented bath caused me to daydream about Jennifer’s breasts and being kissed again by her.
Suddenly she entered the bathroom wearing a white overall and carrying a safety razor and a wet/dry shaver. She proceeded to twice lather my face and shave me. She then lathered my whole body and shaved it clean. Finally she had me stand, dried me, creamed and powdered me and gave me another long, white, satin wrap and some heeled mules.
The satin felt good against my hairless skin as I tied first the inside ribbons and then the belt.
Back again in the bedroom, she manicured my nails and applied polish. “They will grow in no time at all and we can shape them properly.” She also treated my toes.
She applied moisturizer to my face and then, when my toes and fingernails were dry pronounced, “Time to get you into some new clothes.”
I look at where my male clothes had been, but they were gone.
“Have you ever worn a corset?”
“N…No.”
“Well then, I have laid out some clothes for you which should reinforce your new female status and will help to give you the feminine figure that I’m sure you’ve always desired.”
~What else does she have in mind? Bondage? Pain?~ I shivered at the thought.
Jennifer misinterpreted my actions. “We’ll soon have you dressed so you won’t be so cold.” She produced a long lace-up corset.
I caught my breath. ~What a beautiful garment!~ It was made of heavy satin, well boned with six strong suspenders hanging from the bottom. My joy knew no bounds as I helped her to fit it around my waist.
“This is especially designed to give you more rounded hips and bum and offers somewhere to put your boobs.” Jennifer smiled as she popped a pair of silicone breast forms into the bra part of the corset. “Not as big as mine, but satisfactory for now. Hold onto the foot of the bed while I pull the laces in tight.” She yanked until I could hardly breathe -- then she stopped, looped the laces around my slender waist, and tied them off.
~Just as well she quit when she did or the top half of my body may have fallen off. Nice figure though. . .Lisa ~
“You’ll soon get used to wearing the corset. We’ll tighten it regularly until you achieve your ideal waist size.”
Jennifer had me sit on the edge of the bed and she took up a pair of white silk stockings which she rolled onto my legs, then clipped them to the suspenders of the corset.
~ My goodness, how slim they make my legs look.~
I stood for a moment pointing my foot out like I had seen other women in department stores do when they were trying shoes on and loving the sight of them. ~ “Other women.” My mental state is changing already, but there’s a long way to go.~
The only thing that spoiled my appearance was a joke between my legs that was soon covered with a pair of panties and white silky knickers. Strongly built, like a pantie-girdle, they had a sort of absorbent pad inside the crotch.
“What’s that for?”
“It’s a sanitary towel. We don’t want you soiling your new underwear now, do we? Other women of your age have periods and wear a towel. You will wear one all the time to help remind you of your new status. It will also help to flatten your oversized clitoris.”
~Information overload!~
After shaping my eyebrows Jennifer started on the other items which adorned the dressing table top. Foundation, powder, eyeliner, eye shadow, blusher -- all used with consummate skill. I couldn’t see what was going on as I had my back to the mirror but noticed its subtle fragrance as each item was opened and applied to my face. Before adding lipstick Jennifer reached over and took up a shoulder-length, curly, auburn wig, which she placed on my head, and then styled.
She led me by the hand to the dressing room, where she found a long white petticoat, with several layers of skirt, which she popped over my head.
The touch of the fine material thrilled me as it slid down my silk-clad legs.
Then she took a long white dress out of the wardrobe.
My eyes nearly popped out of my head when I saw it. In my dreams I had imagined myself wearing such a Truly Scrumptious dress. I had seen one like it numerous times in the film “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” some years before and sat glued to the screen whenever Sally Ann Howes appeared, as the character Truly Scrumptious. I had purchased the video and played it whenever I had the opportunity just so that I could see that wonderful dress. And now, it was mine to wear. Thank you Ian Fleming, for writing the children’s book the film was based upon.
It was white as snow, full-length, and very tight in the waist. Jennifer undid the long back zip and helped me into it.
I felt a tremendous thrill as the long skirt fell to the floor.
When Jennifer zipped me up I found that the dress fitted perfectly. My padded hips and bum, together with the layers of petticoat, caused the dress to flare out at just the right places and ensured that it was a very good fit. I felt totally feminine.
She placed a satin sash around my waist and tied it with a large floppy bow at the back. She had me sit on the stool while she fitted white satin three-inch heeled shoes onto my feet.
I had never before worn anything as utterly feminine as that underwear or as beautiful as that dress. Nor had I ever had the pleasure of feeling my feet in ‘proper’ shoes. She squirted a lovely perfume behind my ears, and then fitted me with pearl, cluster clip-on earrings. A matching pendant was placed around my neck and formed a vee which pointed unquestioningly to my new cleavage.
Finally she showed me how to gather my skirt, turned me around, and led me to the long mirror. I nearly fainted, overwhelmed by the sight in that mirror.
~ My goodness, she looks absolutely stunning ~ Then I realized that it was me. The combination of hair, make-up, a beautiful dress, and “real” shoes could do wondrous things to a girl. ~And that waist, and those hips . . . Wow!.~
There was nothing of the old me in that vision of pretty loveliness.
All at once the wave of sexuality that had slowly but steadily built over the last few hours reached its point of no return. My body took control from my mind, resulting in a huge, all consuming event that left me stunned and speechless.
I had previously brought myself to a climax when dreaming of wearing women’s clothing. On those occasions I had always imagined myself as having a woman’s genitals and that a penis had been inside me. The thing that puzzled me most, however, was that I never ever imagined myself making love with a man but only with a woman. ~Perhaps I am a lesbian. At least now I know why I was made to wear a sanitary towel.~
Jennifer stood away a little and watched. She said nothing, merely smiling dreamily to herself.
I somewhat recovered my composure and looked with troubled focus at Jennifer.
She came over and took my arm to steady me. “Are you okay now, Lisa?”
I was thrilled at being called Lisa at last, both by the mistress and now by this beautiful woman, towards whom my feelings of gratitude knew no bounds. ~Was it just gratitude or the seeds of something else?~ I smiled at her and was again surprised when she kissed me lightly on the cheek.
“Mustn’t smudge your lipstick now, must we? I would get into trouble with the mistress. By the way, you look absolutely divine.” With that she led me out of the room and, as I was unfamiliar with skirts and heels, she helped me down the stairs and into the drawing room. She showed me how to curtsey. “The mistress will expect it and you mustn’t forget to do so.” She taught me what to do with my hands, how to sit, how to stand, walk, and many other things that had my head reeling.
At precisely eight o’clock Miss Armitage came into the room. I curtsied as I had been taught, then, once again, my mouth dropped open as I took in the sight before me.
Harriet Armitage wore a denim long-sleeved shirt, denim trousers and brown leather boots. They were not male clothes for they were a perfect womanly fit, rather than the ‘if it touches, it fits’ approach that men’s clothes always seemed to have. The shirt was unbuttoned to show a hint of small but well-formed breasts which Miss Armitage clearly had no wish to hide, as her bra just peeked through the gap. She also wore a large gold Rolex watch on her left wrist and a chunky gold chain around her neck. Her short hair shone in the subtle lighting of the room. Again she neither needed, nor wore, any make-up.
“My word, Lisa, what a transformation. And that waist! Really Jennifer, I congratulate you. Well, Lisa, did you enjoy your initiation into our household?”
I nodded dumbly and bobbed a curtsey.
“Splendid!” cried Miss Armitage, clapping her hands. “Before we go any further I will tell you that you will henceforth be known only as Lisa. There will be no further reference to that other name by which you used to be known in your former life, nor, for obvious reasons, will you ever again be referred to as ‘HE’ or ‘HIM’.
“Now, you may be wondering about the nature of the clothes that you are wearing. I like to see my girls in beautiful clothes, such as soft feminine blouses, long skirts, often long dresses when they’re off duty. The more feminine looking, the better I like it. As this is your first night with us I thought that you would love that adorable white gown. Am I right?”
“Y...yes, ma’am.” ~Will I ever feel as wonderfully feminine as I do tonight?~ To know that I was to spend several hours in my heavenly clothes made me feel enchantingly happy; and a deep glow started to creep up my body.
Miss Armitage spoke again. “It is time for Jennifer to go up and change, and then we will all sit down for a quiet evening and get to know each other. Please sit, Lisa, that upright chair would be more suitable for you, as you are wearing a corset.”
I curtsied again and did as I was bid.
Lounging on one of the settees Miss Armitage smiled, seemingly very pleased. “Lisa, you are a lovely girl and will surely be an ideal addition to our household. You’re obviously both eager to learn and please.”
Miss Armitage then proceeded to tell me her astonishing plans for my future. After thirty minutes I was in a total whirl, trying to get my mind around all the many things that were to happen. My mistress first told me that I would be regularly treated by Jennifer and a beautician to waxing, electrolysis, manicure, pedicure, eyebrow shaping, and trained in the use of make-up. Jennifer would teach me the skills of homemaking, cookery, sewing, dressmaking, deportment, speech, colour and style ... the list went on and on.
When Jennifer came back into the room I was once more treated to the sight of this beautiful woman in another outfit. Her long, sleeveless dress was the palest mint green. At her neck she wore a stylish chiffon scarf. The dress was well fitted and did nothing to hide the swell of those wonderful breasts, her tiny waist and her full hips. She wore white shoes with four-inch heels and her shining golden hair was piled high onto the crown of her head and adorned with a sparkling tiara. A beautiful gold rope-chain necklace with a large cameo pendant matched her gold pendant earrings.
~Will I ever again see Jennifer looking so beautiful?~ On impulse, and without thinking, I stood, hugged her, and whispered, “You look enchanting. What a beautiful dress.”
Jennifer smiled and took the chair next to me. “I’m impressed by the apparently natural way that you’ve slipped into feminine ways, mannerisms, and speech patterns.
“I already knew that women use different words,” I said. “Words like enchanting, gorgeous, heavenly and so on slide easily and naturally into a woman’s vocabulary.”
Jennifer took my hand in hers and squeezed it reassuringly as if to say “you’re doing well” - but she didn’t let go!
Miss Armitage smiled. “In addition to finding a good, reliable assistant for my business enterprise, it appears I’ve found an ideal companion for Jennifer.”
When Jennifer nodded, ever so slightly, I blushed.
“It is time” Miss Armitage told me, “to explain the nature of your duties and the timetable of the household activities. Jennifer usually spends her mornings doing the housework: shopping, cleaning, washing, ironing, etc. After which she changes out of her work clothes and does some dressmaking or other activity. She absolutely adores keeping house, cooking and dressmaking. In fact she made those beautiful dresses that you are both wearing.”
I squeezed her hand to let her know I appreciated her handiwork.
Miss Armitage continued. “In order to put you in the correct frame of mind for work - I will show you the office tomorrow morning. You will wear clothes appropriate to a personal assistant in business. It might be a skirt suit, blouse and skirt, a day dress in the summer, and so on. Jennifer will select what you wear each day because she knows how I would like to see you dressed. I’m sure, however, that her choice of clothes will always make you feel feminine and at the same time will teach you what colours and styles will most suit you. In the evening, as you’ve seen, you’ll change into something appropriate. In addition, I frequently entertain guests and you’ll be required to assist Jennifer with her role as hostess for those functions. Your exact duties will be explained later, but I am certain that you will also enjoy that aspect of life in this house.”
I was intrigued, but certain sexual feelings were again starting to get the better of me. ~I hope my mistress will soon finish so that my embarrassment will not show.~
“I can see that you are feeling some excitement as a result of wearing that delightful dress, Lisa. . .and no doubt also at the prospect of living and working in a female role.”
I blushed fiercely under Miss Armitage’s gaze.
“Don’t worry,” she said. “It comes as no surprise to me. Very soon, of course, medication will deal with your feelings. Meanwhile, Jennifer will look after you.”
Jennifer rose and took me in her arms.
It seemed incredible that this wonderful pleasure should be mine after so many years. The delight at again being enfolded in the embrace of this beautiful woman, to smell her fragrance and to press against those breasts sent thrill after thrill through my body to enhance the shock waves already overtaking me.
I lightly kissed her as a ‘thank you’, and then turned to my mistress, curtsied, and spoke in a still shaky voice. “Thank you, ma’am. I am very grateful to you both and I will do my very best to please you.”
“I know you will, my dear,” Miss Armitage said while she rose from her chair and took my hands in hers. “Jennifer, you may bring supper now, and then we will all retire. We all have a busy day ahead of us.”
Jennifer returned to the room a little later bearing a supper tray, but I was too excited to eat or drink anything. I was still overwhelmed by the transformation that had taken place in a mere half-day.
“You need to take these pills each day,” Miss Armitage said, handing them to me. “They’re hormones that will be indispensable to your change.”
~I wonder where she got them? Are they safe? What effects should I expect to see, and when? I must talk to Jennifer about them ~
A little later Jennifer helped me to prepare for bed. I bathed and was shown how to dispose of and replace my sanitary towel, which I obviously had to wear at all times. I was shown how to don a lighter corset, more suitable for sleeping, and a beautiful long-sleeved white satin night-dress. I removed my make-up and replaced it with a night moisturizing cream.
Jennifer then tucked me in and kissed me goodnight. My mother hadn’t bothered with a goodnight kiss but this kiss wasn’t at all motherly.
I became excited yet again when I felt Jennifer’s tongue exploring my mouth. Before I had time to fully respond, she smiled, and then turned out the light and left me, closing the bedroom door. I settled down contentedly in the luxurious cotton sheets and thought again of Jennifer, while drifting off.
The next morning at seven I was awakened, like Cinderella, with a gentle kiss. I had slept well, feeling totally at peace for the first time. Following a visit to the bathroom, during which I washed and thoroughly shaved, I began the intensive treatment that was to change my body forever.
Jennifer massaged special oils into my body and applied moisturizer to my face. Then she gave me another hormone capsule which I washed down with a glass of water. This, she explained, was a twofold assault on my maleness. The massage and oils worked to develop a smooth skin; and the capsule was a hormone concentrate, which would help me to develop a female shape, skin texture and so on.
~What if the capsule is poisonous?~ I laughed to myself. ~Surely they didn’t go to all this trouble just to do away with me? I really must have a serious conversation with Jennifer very soon about the ultimate result of all this treatment ~
I was then prepared for the task awaiting me that morning.
Jennifer wore her black and white outfit; this consisted of a white V-neck blouse with long sleeves, over which she wore a black pinafore dress. It had a tight waist and straight, knee-length skirt. It clearly had to have been specially made in order to fit so snugly around her ample bosom.
~Ah, one of Jennifer’s interests is dressmaking. It could be one of her own creations. ~
Her black tights and black two-inch heeled court shoes showed her lovely slim legs to perfection. Her hair was once again gathered into a white headband.
“Today you will be dressed for your first day at work,” Jennifer explained with excitement. “A tight-laced corset, knickers and honey-coloured stockings are to be the regular foundation for your clothing. I’ll help you again with your make-up, but this time I’ll tell you what I’m doing and give you little tips so you can do it yourself in the future.”
With Jennifer’s help I finished dressing. As I put on my blouse and did up the buttons I finally admitting to myself that I had arrived as a working girl getting ready for my first day at the office. ~I want to look pretty for my new boss.~ My mid-calf length pencil skirt, in a stunning burgundy colour, appeared to be the height of office fashion. It zipped and buttoned at the waist and had a matching lined long-sleeved jacket.
Jennifer again fitted the curly, auburn wig to my head and brushed it out. Small stud earrings, a fine neck chain, watch, bangle and rings completed the jewellery.
I watched in open-mouthed wonder as she picked out a pair of black patent shoes from the cupboard.
“Try these for your first day; the mistress will just love them!”
~That’s all very well, but the heels must be at least four inches.~
“I’ll never walk in them,” I protested.
I obediently put them on, however, and then looked at my reflection in the long mirror.
~The extra high heels help give my legs a lovely feminine shape ~
Again a feeling of warm excitement washed over me; and I started to cry with joy at the thought that it really was me looking back from that mirror.
~Not a photo or poster, but me, Lisa!~
Jennifer held out her arms.
I gratefully flung myself into them, sobbing with delight, feeling intoxicated by her nearness and fragrance, our lips finding each other like magnets. The two of us were locked in a passionate embrace made all the more sensual by the feeling of Jennifer’s hands gently caressing my body through the satin blouse. No words were spoken or needed as we revelled in the joy of each other’s company. The practicalities of a relationship were of no consequence at that time, save that each found the other attractive and wanted to share.
After what seemed like hours, although only a few minutes, Jenny, as she insisted on being called, whispered, “We’d better repair our make-up, the mistress will be expecting us and woe betide us if we’re late!”
I dabbed perfume onto my pulse points, put on and buttoned the matching burgundy jacket and we went downstairs, with Jenny again helping me to negotiate the perilous route to the drawing room where Miss Armitage was waiting for us.
“Ah! Good morning, girls.”
“Good morning, ma’am,” we replied. I experienced another warm glow at being addressed as a ‘girl’. To curtsy in the skirt and shoes that I was wearing was impossible, so I just bobbed a little.
Miss Armitage didn’t seem to pick up on it because she continued. “You look delightful, Lisa, and I love the shoes; very suitable for your first day in the office.”
I glanced at Jenny and we exchanged knowing little smiles.
“This morning I will introduce you to the work that I require to be done every day. I know that you can type and I am aware that you use shorthand; I have watched you in the office, practicing at lunch times. I think you will be putting those skills to good use in my employ.”
After breakfast, she took me to the office. It had a modern feel to it, including a state-of-the-art computer system.
“You already know most of your duties from your previous employment. There are a few differences in the procedures that I use and we will go through these later. Meanwhile I would like to test your secretarial skills.” She indicated a pair of office chairs.
I sat straight-backed upon one of them. I marvelled at how easy it was to sit upright and then realized that this was due to my tightly-laced corset.
She handed me a shorthand notebook and pencil, and then taking the other chair, started to dictate. “To Messrs. Brookes & James, Solicitors. The address is on file. For attention of Ms J. Smithson. Dear Ms Smithson, I acknowledge receipt of your letter. . . .”
She dictated slowly at first so that I could keep up, and then waited while the letter and envelope had been typed.
It unnerved me to be examined by my mistress, but I persevered and completed the task. All seemed satisfactory, so after dictating a further four letters, she showing me the other documents awaiting attention and ensured that I knew my way around the computer. “I shall leave you for a while. Jennifer will prepare refreshments at lunchtime and you may have your break together. I’ll return later to sign those letters.” She walked out and left me to begin my work.
When she had gone, I marvelled for a moment at my transformation and complete change of lifestyle. On Friday morning, just four days ago, I had been a nondescript male accounts clerk. Now I was a female Personal Assistant living in the same house as the beautiful Jenny and the enigmatic Miss Armitage.
The next day was more or less a repetition of the Tuesday; and I made good progress. I was also getting used to the four-inch heels.
Having completed our work for the day, Jenny and I went upstairs to change ready for the return of our mistress.
“You may wear this tonight.” Jenny held up a stunning dress in a delightful peach colour. It was ankle length with a high round neck, tight waist, long back zip and short puff sleeves. It clung to every curve of my tight-laced body and was teamed with white four-inch heeled sandals.
I was breathless with excitement as I contemplated that dress.
~No time to waste, though.~
Jennifer helped me complete all the same preparations of the previous two days. Adorned with a long white chiffon scarf and gold jewellery I waited while Jenny finished her own transformation.
Jenny had worn her favourite pale green satin wrap, which couldn’t hide a generous cleavage and very well rounded hips.
~I wonder if green is Jenny’s favourite colour? ~
Thus I was totally unprepared for the vision that entered the room some minutes later. She was wearing a beautiful blue version of the same dress as I had on, blue that matched her eyes. With harmonising heels and her hair once more piled regally on her head Jenny looked absolutely stunning.
She turned her back to me. “Zip me up, please, darling”
Thrilled by her endearment I lovingly eased the zip upwards to join the two halves of the dress together against her gorgeous body. I just couldn’t resist giving Jenny’s neck a quick kiss.
She quickly spun toward me. “Last make-up check, and then let’s go downstairs.”
~Am I a lesbian in all but genitals? Or is there some other explanation that has so far eluded me? All I know for certain is that I’ve fallen head-over-heels in love ~
The next few days and evenings were very much a repeat of the previous two. My life became a constant round of office work and getting to know the others in the evenings.
One afternoon a week a beautician visited the house and attended to my every need; it seemed as though I’d always had professional care for my hair and beauty. Later, when my experience and confidence had grown, I delighted in accompanying Jenny to an actual salon for an afternoon’s pampering in the hands of their experts. Nothing was ever said about the kind of treatment; and I wondered whether they had been forewarned about my status. Certainly we were welcomed equally as valued clients deserving the best of attention and total discretion.
My winter daywear was inclined to be warm colours and styles. Miss Armitage clearly liked certain outfits because she kept glancing at them approvingly while we were working together.
“You look especially lovely this morning, my dear,” she would say, and I would feel a delicious shiver travel down my spine.
One day, when I had been with them a couple of months, she came to me. “I will be entertaining some guests this evening and I would like you to assist Jennifer. She will show you what to do.”
At about three o’clock Jenny interrupted me as I was bringing the filing up-to-date after finishing my day’s work. She had returned from her shopping trip and was wearing a three-quarter length red wool coat and carrying black gloves and matching handbag.
“Come upstairs for a good bath and shave. I’ll show you what to do to get ready for this evening. All we really have to do is welcome the guests.”
Shaving was becoming less time-consuming.
~ It must be my daily cocktail of medication; I really ought to ask about it, but I haven’t the courage ~
The guests consisted of a number of Miss Armitage’s female clients and their partners -- again all female. They were of various ages and wore their success and wealth for everyone to see. Clothes, jewellery, make-up and hair all combined to spell the word ‘rich’.
Mind you, Jenny and I looked and felt like a million dollars in matching pale blue mini-dresses and strappy silver high-heeled sandals. With Jenny’s blond hair in waves below her shoulders, and my auburn curls, we both looked stunning. Still, I was a little anxious, so Jenny gave my hands a quick squeeze, said I looked gorgeous, and made a kissing sound as she hugged me and we touched cheeks.
I couldn’t help but feel vulnerable in my mini-dress, because I hadn’t previously worn anything so short and was naturally self-conscious.
Jenny put me at ease and let me into a little secret. “Our little dresses are not only to make us feel good,” she whispered with a whispered giggle, “they’re also meant to give the guests something to ogle.”
“You can’t be serious,” I gasped.
“Sex sells,” she said treating me as a co-conspirator, “and you look sexy, which will please our clients tonight.”
She showed me how to dispense drinks and snacks and then wait on the guests as required.
I noticed more than a fair amount of scrutiny and tried not to let it bother me.
Shortly after Miss Armitage entered the room one of the guests raised her voice. “Come on then, Harry, and tell us where you found her.”
~Harry? Ohhhh --- Harriet.~
“Yellow Pages, dear!” “Harry” joked and firmly resisted any further questioning, for which I was extremely thankful.
~ I really don’t want my life history aired in front of these women.~
After a few casual comments about my “nice” legs and “sweet but shy” smile the conversation turned to mainly finance matters. To my intense relief, I was largely ignored, except of course when a glass needed a refill. My “status” appeared to have been neither questioned nor discussed, which intrigued me.
~Do they know? Had they been forewarned? Life in this household is becoming more puzzling by the day.~
Toward the end of the evening, after all the courses had been served, all the plates and dishes cleared and the guests settled with yet more drinks I offered a comment. “I think that I’ve done quite well.”
Jenny beamed. “You’ve been brilliant, darling . . . and you look absolutely stunning.”
With a few minutes to ourselves once the bulk of the chores had been done we took advantage of the opportunity for a little girl-talk about the guests, clothes, make-up and other things that mean something only to those doing the talking.
~I’m getting a little confused and not a little hurt.~
I had the distinct impression that, despite our obvious early feelings for each other, Jenny was inexplicably keeping a distance between us. I had not yet raised the questions that had overwhelmed me since my arrival, but merely savoured the intimate moments as they arose, and let Jenny make all the running. The effects of Jenny’s training, and my natural feminine side was now controlling all my thoughts, fears, actions, mannerisms, likes and needs. I had been driven to the point where only a relationship as a woman would give me the fulfilment I needed so much. That relationship really had to be with ‘my’ Jenny.
~I can’t bear the thought of losing the one whose love I most desire.~
I constantly dreamed of being loved by Jenny, but couldn’t see a solution to my conundrum.
~How can I become a woman while loving my beautiful Jenny? Do I still want to be a woman, if Jenny makes me feel the way I do?~
I knew full well the trouble was that I wanted to be made love to by Jenny, with me, Lisa, as the passive partner.
~What sort of a mess have I found myself in? And what am I to do about it?~
To Be Continued
My grateful thanks as always go to Angela Rasch for her advice and editing.
Robert Pemberton answers an advertisement in a contact magazine. The resulting changes to his life are the stuff of dreams.
~How can I become a woman while loving my beautiful Jenny? Do I still want to be a woman, if Jenny makes me feel the way I do?~
I knew full well the trouble was that I wanted to be made love to by Jenny, with me, Lisa, as the passive partner.
~What sort of a mess have I found myself in? And what am I to do about it?~
One Friday evening after dinner, while the three of us were sitting in the drawing room, Miss Armitage looked at me. “You’ve worked hard, Lisa, and are fitting in here well. You’ve been for short walks around the block, but you need to start getting out more. Tomorrow you’ll go shopping with Jennifer. I suggest you go to the Grand Centre in town by bus; it will be good experience for you. Jennifer has a list of items that we need.”
While I was keen to make my first big outing in public, I was anxious about being read and letting down both Jenny and Miss Armitage. I bathed and shaved with meticulous care, then put on my laced corset. As usual I was a little breathless afterwards; it was a relief to sit while Jenny attended to my make-up. I had been doing my own for some time but was quite happy to leave it in her expert hands for today.
As it was almost mid-winter, Jenny suggested that I wear warm separates, teamed with a camel-coloured full-length single-breasted coat with fur trimmed collar. Jenny again wore her red wool coat. Taking up gloves and shopping bags, and after a final check in the mirror, we headed for the bus stop.
I was very excited but also very nervous as my heels clicked on the pavement. It felt strange but delightfully thrilling to be on my first major public outing, even though there was hardly anyone about and we were only going shopping. I was shaking a little when we boarded the bus.
Jenny giggled and whispered conspiratorially, “Well here we are, your first shopping expedition, enjoy!”
I relaxed quite a lot during the journey, particularly when I realized that no one was taking any notice of me. After all, in a bus full of women with shopping bags, two more just didn’t stand out at all.
Having arrived at the shopping centre we slowly wandered around the various stores, just to give me some breathing space and allow my nerves to settle a little.
“Don’t worry, darling” said Jenny. “I’ll do all the talking. You only have to turn on that sweet smile of yours in order to charm the shopkeepers into submission.”
I was worried, but knew that Jenny would not let me get into difficulties.
There were no problems; and at about noon Jenny said, “My feet are killing me; I’m in urgent need of coffee and a sandwich.”
I felt good sitting with Jenny in the café and quickly I relaxed and enjoyed the experience.
At a carefully selected table in a quiet corner Jenny was able to continue my education, explaining how to deal with situations I might meet. After lunch, and a visit to the ladies’ room to repair make-up, Jenny said, “There are some more things that we have to get, and then we can have another look around the clothes shops. I rather took a fancy to those gorgeous blue strappy sandals in ‘Belles’ and that dress you liked will be simply ideal for the office. I’m sure Harry won’t mind us spending a few pounds, particularly as we will all benefit. We’ll also visit the department store beauty counters so that you can learn how to test and choose make-up and fragrances. You never know, we might get a free make-over.”
I was puzzled by the reference to “Harry.”
~It sounds disrespectful for Jenny to refer to our mistress by her nickname.~
Unfortunately the opportunity to ask Jenny about it slipped by as I was pulled through the bustling shopping centre towards the boutique and perfumery.
Eventually tired but happy, we staggered back to the bus stop, our arms laden with not only the items on our shopping list but also gifts for Miss Armitage. We also had two free makeovers and a lot of new makeup and I had a delightful new fragrance.
Chapter Five
It was the last day of February and snow covered everything with a white blanket. Icicles hung from gutters, pipes, window sills, and railings; and all around was a magical land where hardly anything stirred.
I had been dreaming of a Valkyrie - who looked a lot like Miss Armitage - riding the wind and scooping me up to take me away to a world where I wore a beautiful white dress and spent all day being kissed by a woman who looked a lot like Jenny.
Suddenly I was awake, not sure what had disturbed me, but with eyes trying to pierce the night. I sat up, shivered, and then reached for my wrap. Fumbling for the bedside light I finally found the switch and turned it on. I could locate no obvious sign of anything that could have disturbed me, but still my sleepy eyes scanned the room. When I scanned the room for a second time, I noticed a long bulky parcel on my dressing stool; it had definitely not been there when I retired for the night. Female curiosity would not let it stay there until dawn. I slowly got out of bed, shivering again as I went over, took up the parcel and again snuggled under the covers. I found the little card attached to the top that simply said, ‘Happy Birthday to our Darling Lisa’.
~How did anyone know the date of my birthday?~
After a little thought it finally came to me. Miss Armitage had my personal details from Kennedy & Wise.
~Kennedy & Wise ~
That seemed a lifetime ago. I was no longer keen to be reminded of those days and gave a little shudder, pulling the bedclothes higher. I remembered the parcel and reached out for it, eagerly tore the wrapping paper, and then gently undid the box. I removed the contents and held it up to the light of the bedside lamp. Then clutching it to me, I burst into tears.
That was how Jenny found me when she came into the bedroom to wake me. Again in her green satin wrap, she was just about to plant her usual morning kiss upon my tousled head when she noticed that I’d been crying.
Not just crying but breaking my heart, if the truth be known. Stirring slightly, I turned and my tummy flipped when I saw her gazing down at me with a worried look on her face.
She quickly sat down on the edge of the bed, took my hand and held it. “Lisa, darling, are you ill?”
I shook my head.
Perhaps thinking that I had not liked my new doll, Jenny made to take it away, but I held it all the more tightly.
“No! No! P...Please don’t take baby Caroline from me! She’s s...so b...beautiful,” I wailed. “I’ve never had a little g...girl of my own before. She’s so b...beautiful, with such lovely eyes and a sweet f...face and gorgeous clothes. Even C...Carol would not let me p....play with her dolls when we were ch.....children. I am such a lucky girl, being here with you and the mistress. I just d....don’t know what I’ve done to deserve this, I really d....don’t!” I was engulfed in a flood of tears.
“Well . . . your hormones are working.” Jenny laughed gaily.
She bent down again to comfort me and I could take no more.
Moving swiftly I threw my arms around her neck and pulled her down onto the bed. All my pent-up emotion went into that kiss and the tearful convulsions that followed. I had rarely, if ever, felt so desperately in need of loving as I did then.
Jenny responded by holding me tightly against her while I sobbed my little heart out. She continued to hold me until I ran down. Finally she asked, “Tell me why you were crying.”
I pulled myself together just a little and said, huskily, “I already love my little girl so much.” I hugged Caroline to me. “I’m crying because I will never be able to have children of my own . . . real children. I’m also sad because . . . I’m hopelessly in love with you and know that I can never be yours.”
Jenny bit her lip.
~I’m in for it now ~
“There, I’ve said it! I’ve been trying to face facts for ages. Now you’ll tell the mistress and she’ll throw me out, and it serves me right!” Another bout of sobbing racked my body as I again buried my face in the pillow and gave in to my emotions.
I heard a slight sound, turned over and through tear-filled eyes looked up - and saw Miss Armitage. Petrified with the shock of seeing my mistress looming over me, my heart missed a beat.
She picked up the dressing stool, slowly put it down beside where Jenny sat, rested upon it and regarded me with her little smile. “Well! Happy Birthday, Lisa! It was supposed to be, but we seem to have upset you a little. No, don’t try to speak; I overheard most of what you said. Perhaps we’ve been, what you might call, victims of our own success because we really do care very much for you . . . both of us. We need to consider your future with us somewhat earlier than we had at first thought.”
~CONSIDER MY FUTURE?~
“Oh please, ma’am, don’t send me away! I’ve never been as happy as I am here and I couldn’t bear to be parted from you.” By then I had released my vice-like grip on Jenny’s neck, and clutching the doll, turned my face away.
Miss Armitage gently stroked my curly auburn hair and, kissing me gently on the cheek. “Lisa! Lisa! Sssssh! We have absolutely no intention of sending you away.” She spoke with such gentleness that it almost took my breath away. Harriet Armitage cuddled me until my crying had again subsided.
Then, with her arms around both Jenny and me, she spoke softly. “I think the time has come for us all to have a little talk. We completely failed to anticipate the difference that you would make in both our lives when you came to live with us. We also had no idea that you would immerse yourself so quickly and completely into the female role to which you were obviously destined and which we had planned for you. Clearly things have now come to a stage where we must be completely honest with you. You have more than fulfilled our hopes and dreams for you and now we need to discuss where we go from here.”
I pulled away from Miss Armitage and regarded her with puzzlement. “You keep saying ‘WE’ and ‘US’. What exactly is going on? I thought that Jenny worked for you as I do.”
“Yes,” replied Miss Armitage, “Jennifer really is my housekeeper but the situation is more complex than that. It appears that now is as good a time as any to properly introduce you to Miss Jennifer Armitage.”
Chapter Six
My face was still wet with tears but I was thunderstruck by this revelation. Over the next minute or so a number of emotions crossed and re-crossed my mind. I felt confused because my Jenny and the mistress were related, angry at their deception and my unwitting involvement in some devious scheme of their own, puzzled by the nature of their relationship and afraid that I would still be put out on the streets. All this wasn’t helped by the fact that it was still early in the morning.
Harriet Armitage defused the situation a little. “Look, you two, forget the work this morning, we need to talk. When you’re ready, come down to the drawing room. I’ll make coffee and we can sit and discuss this. Don’t bother to dress yet; let’s get everything straightened out first.”
The three of us gathered in the drawing room. I had brushed my lengthening hair into some semblance of order, but Jenny had not yet bothered and looked as though she had been pulled backwards through a hedge. She still looked stunning to me and I regarded her with curiosity, tinged with all sorts of other emotions - including love. All of us sipped strong black coffee.
At last Harriet spoke. “Lisa, both Jennifer and I have confessions to make and it would be easier if you didn’t try to speak until we finish. You might want to put your coffee on the little table there as what you are about to hear may cause you to spill it. I don’t want to have to deal with burns and scalds as well as. . .well, other things.”
I shivered a little, still suffering from the effects of the birthday present, the shock revelation about Jenny and an awful feeling that the news that I was about to receive was going to be unpleasant. Over my nightdress I wore a long, quilted, satin dressing gown which effectively came down to my ankles, but still I shook. I had never before been with these two ladies in this state of undress, but even the sight of my Jenny in nothing but her green satin wrap, together with the mistress in red silk pyjamas, didn’t distract me on this occasion from what Harriet Armitage was about to say.
Before she allowed Harriet to speak, Jennifer looked at me, her eyes bright with love. “My darling Lisa, if I had thought, and could have avoided it, I wouldn’t have put you through all this. It just wasn’t fair, either to you or to Harry. I’m leaving Harry to tell you about us, as I don’t think that I could get through it all without breaking down. I just want you to know that I love you very much. Oh, yes, I’ve tried to tell myself that it wasn’t true, because I wanted to spare you the pain of finding out about me. You may recall a number of occasions when I tried to be distant with you, but I just couldn’t resist you, sweet Lisa. Every time you turned those eyes and that smile upon me I just melted; all my resolve evaporated. And so, here we are. I’m sure that, after hearing what Harry has to say, you will want nothing more to do with either of us, especially me, but I want you to know that I have never before met anyone like you. I love you with all my heart.”
~What can possibly be so wrong if Jenny loves me? What is her dark secret, which has kept me at arm’s length for so long?~
The events of the morning seemed to be happening almost in the third person. I was trying to fit all the pieces of this giant jigsaw together, but was getting nowhere fast and the banging inside my head was definitely not helping.
Then Harriet Armitage took up her story. “Our tale is quite complicated and I hope that, at the end, you will feel able to forgive us the little deception which we have played upon you. We both love you very much - in our own ways - and have only your happiness at heart.”
I stole a glance at Jennifer but she sat still, almost frozen like a statue, save for a constant, almost silent sobbing. Yet it seemed that her face wore an expression of utter relief.
Harriet went on. “As you may by now have worked out, I am Jennifer’s sister. All through our childhood we both had different feelings from those of other children and subsequently spent a lot of time in each other’s company. I was always the tomboy, climbing trees, playing football - in fact that’s when I was re-christened ‘Harry’ . . . and I eat, drank and slept mathematics. Jennifer was more interested in classical music, art and fashion. This got her into all sorts of trouble at school, but she survived, mainly thanks to my protection. Being quite tall I could successfully threaten most of the boys. Those who still persisted in being silly got their ears boxed or kicked somewhere most unpleasant. My sports agility made me too quick for them to be able to retaliate. After a good mauling they usually left us alone.
“Eventually I went to university to study accountancy. Jennifer went to college, where she studied art and fashion and was, surprisingly, treated very well. She then came back home and looked after the house for us while I finished my degree. I returned home to her for weekends and holidays; and we never lost the thrill of being in each other’s company, sharing our little secrets. It was always in our grand plan that, after I achieved my degree, I’d start clawing my way up the business ladder, while Jennifer cut all ties with the past and lived with me looking after our home. I was twenty one when our parents died and left us this house; she was nineteen. Jennifer and I love each other dearly and have always known everything there was to know about one another. I hate housework and Jennifer loves it. We adopted the ‘mistress/maid’ ruse to help you adjust to your chosen role but, honestly, you just took to it like a duck to water.
“Now you may be thinking that there’s nothing particularly unusual in what you’ve heard so far, but there is one small detail that I have yet to tell you. — Jennifer was once my brother.”
To be concluded
My grateful thanks go to Angela Rasch for her advice and her editing.
Robert Pemberton answers an advertisement in a contact magazine. The resulting changes to his life are the stuff of dreams.
Part 4
“Now you may be thinking that there’s nothing particularly unusual in what you’ve heard so far, but there is one small detail that I have yet to tell you. -- Jennifer was once my brother.”
I could hear a faint voice. Gradually it came closer until it was directly above me. Someone was crying. Slowly I opened my eyes. Harriet bent over me, administering first aid.
Jenny sat with her head in her hands, sobbing and repeating over and over, “My dearest darling Lisa, I’ve hurt you so much, I’m so sorry!”
“Wh....where am I? Wh....what happened?”
Harriet motioned for me to be still. “You fainted. It seems that our little family secret was too much for you. Just lay there while I fetch you a blanket.”
Ignoring Jenny, who was still sobbing uncontrollably, Harriet left the room.
Gathering my thoughts, I looked at Jenny. “Darling Jenny, don’t be so hard on yourself. You’re still the same person that I’ve been in love with since the day I arrived; and your revelations haven’t changed my mind. I do need to know more about you. So far all I know is the beautiful woman that I see before me. I still can’t understand how you can in any way be male, although this may solve the mystery of why I love you as I do.”
A few moments later Harriet returned, helped me to a sitting position and wrapped a blanket around my still trembling shoulders. She sent Jenny off to dress and prepare some food. Her ability to command the situation had not deserted her.
~Perhaps she knows that if Jenny stayed, she would bring us all down with her misery ~
It was quite late in the morning and none of us had eaten since last night. Whether or not we had an appetite was another matter entirely, but at least it kept Jenny occupied for a while.
Harriet sat down alongside me and took my hand. “It must be all of fifteen years since I’ve seen Jennifer in anything remotely resembling male clothes. I’ve almost forgotten what ‘he’ once looked like. She has been dressing as often as possible, since she was about eight years old. When she couldn’t dress as a girl, her clothes were androgynous. She played with nothing but dolls, nurse’s outfits, toy kitchens, and so on. I had Sindy, Barbie, you name it, all the girlie toys I pretended were for me. Whenever Christmas or birthdays arrived, Jennifer and I would retire upstairs, giggle a lot, swap presents, often swap clothes and have a great time. Being two years older and female made me about the same size as Jennifer during our childhood, although I am now a few inches taller.
“It didn’t bother me in the slightest that she preferred girls’ clothes, as I preferred boys’ clothes - and you’ve probably already worked out that I’m a lesbian. What I found difficult to understand at first is that, although Jennifer adores dressing and living as a woman, with a woman’s hobbies and so on, she would never have anything to do with boys and has always been on the lookout for some sympathetic female who could be a ‘wife’ to her. I suppose that, as she suffered ‘the childhood from hell’ I shouldn’t find that so surprising.
“Finally, she has found her special someone in you, but feels that you would no longer want her when faced with the truth. She told me that when she saw you in that white dress on your first night with us. She fell head over heels in love with you! Even though she knows that you were born a male, she cannot think of you now as anything other than female and is absolutely mad about you.”
I was speechless. ~All these months of anxiety over my feelings for Jenny. What a thrill to hear that Jenny feels the same way about me after all. BUT WAIT A MINUTE! How on earth am I to be a ‘wife’ to Jenny? Both of us were born male and no amount of breast enhancement, fine clothing and make-up can change that inescapable fact.~ My bright new world seemed to become tarnished before my very eyes and I looked downcast at this latest obstacle to my happiness.
In Harriet’s eyes, however, I saw a deep and genuine sisterly love.
~If there is a way of resolving this dilemma, then Harriet Armitage will be the person to find it.~
Chapter Eight
“Please, ma’am.” ~I can’t bring myself to call Harriet by her first name despite having been asked to do so on several occasions this morning.~ “I do love you both very much and will always want to work for you and do my best to please you. You’ve been so very kind to me and have treated me like one of the family. I will always be grateful for that kindness.
“I am puzzled though. I just can’t believe Jenny is in any way male; it just doesn’t seem possible. Anyway, if she is male, how can she want me for a partner? I also have male bits and I’ve never been attracted to males. And what would happen to us if we were to get together? How could we continue to live and work here with you?”
“My dear Lisa,” Harriet said gently, “you have brought joy and light to the lives of both my sister and me. Let me explain a few more details that I hope will answer your questions without raising new ones.
“Jennifer is indeed male and has a full set of functioning male bits. One of the reasons we wanted a person who was seeking feminization was so that you wouldn’t find her too odd, if you found her out.”
~I’d always wondered ~
“She also has breasts --thanks to silicone implants -- lovely skin, and a gorgeous figure, which owes itself mainly to tight lacing from as early an age as she could get away with it. Like I said, she has been hoping for a companion who would be an equal partner in an unusual relationship. Also, she simply loves all housework and would wish to continue that aspect of life as a woman whether or not she were to have a partner. Again, she is very much in love with you. You know, don’t you, what the medication that you have been taking these past months is doing to your body?”
“Well. . . .” I hesitated. I had meant to have a talk with Jenny about the effects of the medication but hadn’t plucked up the courage to do so. Still, I did have a fair idea.
“You are being chemically castrated. Your genitals have shrunk to a small insignificant appendage and no longer give you any feelings, do they?”
“That’s right,” I hesitantly replied. “And my body is changing shape, my skin has become softer, and my clothes fit much better.”
“This chemical castration,” Harriet explained, “can be partly, and sometimes completely reversed, simply by stopping the medication. If you wish to continue and go the whole way it involves an operation to exchange your male bits for a set of female-looking ones. The operation is complicated and expensive . . . and you would have to undergo assessment. You will have no trouble convincing the consultant psychiatrists and surgeon of your suitability as a candidate for the operation. Jennifer and I will be with you every step of the way to love and support you.”
My memory flashed back to my childhood and the sensationalized newspaper headlines about someone who had just such an operation. I also remembered my research at the local library. I could feel tears welling up in my eyes and hardly took in what Harriet was saying. I could see one huge, frustrating obstacle. “But that operation is so expensive, I couldn’t possibly afford it.”
“Sssh, my pet,” Harriet said gently. “I’m going to let you into another little secret. You’d better sit down as what I am about to tell you could cause a repeat performance of this morning’s ‘Nine o’clock Show’.” Harriet gave a little laugh, obviously hoping that the humorous reference to my earlier fainting spell would lighten my mood a little.
It didn’t work but I did sit down.
Harriet continued. “Over the past months you’ve worked very hard, you do not have extravagant tastes and have spent very little on your occasional outings with Jennifer. Had you been any other employee I’d have had to pay you a salary, which would have also involved me in overheads such as National Insurance and Income Tax.
“I don’t pay you a salary — and you were probably so engrossed in all the other things going on in your life that you never gave the subject of a salary any thought, did you? In fact, the document that you signed when you joined us isn’t a contract of employment at all. It’s a statement on your part that you are merely a guest in this house. As such, you will expect no remuneration whatsoever, apart from your board and lodging. If I’d given you a chance to read that document, my dear, it might have opened your eyes a little. But we couldn’t have you fretting about all our ideas and plans, could we?”
I gasped.
~ What IS going on? ~
Harriet smiled. “Anyway, enough of this prattling. What I’m trying to tell you is that, although you are not receiving a regular income from your work, a sum of money in lieu of a year’s gross salary is in a high yield account, in your name, with the Central Building Society. Business has been good as many of my friends are willing to pay top dollar for a woman to do their accounting. The balance of your account today stands at, give or take a few pence, thirty thousand pounds, enough to complete all the treatment you’ll need, when you need it. So, what do you think of that, Miss Lisa Janice Pemberton?”
I staggered in my chair, if that is possible.
~Thirty thousand pounds? Not only can I have the operation that I have all my life desired, but also it would be fully paid for ~
Gradually a smile started to spread across my face and then I leapt at Harriet. Losing all inhibition and forgetting my previous reticence when dealing with my mistress, I flung my arms around her neck and started kissing her. “Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you! I can hardly believe it; I’m going to be a woman. I’m going to be a woman! Oh, how wond. . . .”
My joyous chanting tailed off as I caught sight of Jenny, standing by the front door and wearing a dark grey skirt suit over a white satin blouse. Over her right arm she held a long, black, fur-trimmed coat. In her left hand were her black gloves and a handbag. By her feet was a suitcase.
“Wh.. .where are you going,” I asked, in a very small voice.
“Now that you are to have your anatomy sorted out you won’t want me so I’m leaving,” Jenny said tearfully, as she turned to go.
Chapter Nine
“No! No!” I wailed. I quickly unwound myself from Harriet’s neck and ran towards the door. “How can you leave me now? Don’t you love me anymore?”
“Its better this way,” Jenny said slowly, “You’ll soon forget me when you have found a real man to love, someone who will treat you as you have always wanted.”
At this, I realized that my whole world was about to collapse around me: I squeezed past Jenny, and then stood between her and the front door. Drawing myself up, I looked her in the eyes. “All right then, tell me that you don’t love me and I will let you go. I just cannot believe that you would walk out on me . . . unless you no longer love me.”
“I’m right, you know,” Jenny cried. “You would quickly find me an embarrassment and a liability, someone who would hold you back. You’re very beautiful and deserve more than I could ever give you.”
“Tell me that you don’t love me!” I repeated, this time more firmly.
“I’m right and I. . .I. .. .” She broke down in a torrent of tears.
“No, my darling Jenny,” I said softly, “I know what and who I want and it is you, and has been you since my first day here. Remember when you kissed me? I had no idea what to do because I had never been kissed, really kissed by anyone before. But you held me, and I knew then that I would never want to let you go. But if you can honestly tell me that you don’t love me then you may leave.” I then held out my arms to her and with a huge effort of will, smiled at her.
Jenny’s resolve crumbled. She dropped her coat, gloves and handbag and moved towards me.
I grabbed her and hugged her so tightly that she must have been in fear of bodily injury.
Both of us were crying, but very soon our lips met and silence, accompanied by a slightly audible, sensual moaning, took over.
After a few minutes there was a polite cough and we found Harriet standing in the drawing room doorway. “I’m sorry to interrupt this little battle, but I’m famished. Is there the slightest danger of something to eat around here?”
Jenny was the first to recover, her training and sense of duty bringing her round. “Yes, ma’am,” she sniffed, but it sounded more like “I suppose so, if you must.” Reluctantly she let go of me.
I stood breathless after such sensual kissing.
Jenny took off her jacket and turned towards the kitchen.
Harriet took my arm. “Phew, that was close! You’d better do something to ensure that Jennifer doesn’t have second thoughts about going. I don’t think that I could cope with a repeat of that little episode.”
***
A short time later, Jenny carried the lunch into the drawing room and set it down on a little table.
I stood at the bottom of the stairs where neither of them could see me.
“Where’s Lisa?” Jenny asked.
“Gone upstairs for a few minutes,” Harriet said. A mild argument soon ensued about whose fault the morning’s revelations had been.
I laughed at their antics and they both turned towards me, their collective eyes nearly popping out of their collective sockets.
My dress, which neither of them had seen, was a stunning hyacinth blue, with a flattering lace-trimmed scoop neckline and short sleeves, it had an all-over floral pattern in a slightly lighter shade of the same colour and a mid-calf length crinkle pleat skirt that swirled sensuously as I walked. My legs were encased in sheer silk stockings and on my feet were white ankle strap sandals with the highest heels that I could find. My now shoulder-length curly auburn hair shone and my luscious glossy full lips held a little smile, which was aimed straight at Jenny’s heart. I know that I looked a knockout and the other two were completely lost for words.
I was first to break the silence. My eyes flirted with Jenny’s. “Well! Now I’ve got your attention would you please pour me some coffee?”
Jenny did so, although her hand shook so much that there was little chance of all the coffee going into the cup.
Very slowly, I went over, sat on her lap and proceeded to shower her with kisses. Turning to Harriet, I winked. “Would you please excuse us for a while? Jennifer and I have some unfinished er. . .um. . .conversation to attend to.”
Harriet stood at once. “I can take a hint. I’ll be in the study. There’s enough work to keep me busy for at least a couple of hours.” She picked up her lunch, stuck her nose in the air, sniffed haughtily and walked out.
“What was all that about?” Jenny asked.
“It’s simple,” I said with a smile. “You and I have a decision to make, but before we do that, there’s something I need to tell you. Unzip me, please.” I turned my back to her and bent down.
Her hands shaking slightly, Jenny slid down the zip of my dress and it dropped to the floor, revealing a little white satin slip which showed off my developing breasts.
I got off her lap. “Now, stand up.”
“What?”
“Stand up.”
Seemingly puzzled as to what I had in mind, Jenny stood facing me. I slowly knelt down in front of her, put my hands behind her waist and unfastened her skirt.
“Please don’t. . . .” Jenny said without much conviction, offering nothing in the way of resistance.
I gently lifted her pretty, lace petticoat and saw matching panties and a basque, the suspenders of which were clipped to the tops of barely-black stockings. Pulling down her panties, I found that everything which Harriet had described that morning was completely true. My mouth formed an ‘O’ as I saw for the first time the sign of my lover’s true sex.
Jenny started to breathe a little more quickly.
For what seemed like minutes but was, in fact, only seconds, I was motionless - mesmerized. I knew that I had at last found my true love. Then, as though someone had suddenly turned on a switch and flooded my mind with light, I knew that I must have her.
~ One day I’ll be truly fulfilled as a woman, but for now I know what I must do ~
Jenny made no sound.
Moaning slightly, I made love to her in the only way I could; my actions sent delicious tingles shooting through me from head to toe. What it did to Jenny I could only imagine.
She shook slightly as I became more confident -- my whole body at a pitch of heightened tingling sensitivity.
I sent her wild with my attentions.
“I love you, my darling Lisa, I love you, I love you. Oh yes! I long for the day when I can truly possess you. Oh yes, that’s fantastic! Oh, yes, yes, yes, YES!”
It was blissfully over. I rested my head against her corseted tummy, closed my eyes and let out a slow sigh of contentment.
We remained like that for several minutes, locked in embrace, one standing and one kneeling, lost in the afterglow and our deep love for one another.
I pulled Jenny down on top of me and snuggled gratefully into the warmth of her arms. We gently kissed breasts, lips, cheeks, throats, necks, hair; anything that we could reach without letting go of each other. Eventually, though, we both ran out of energy and just stretched out in utter contentment.
“Dearest darling, did you have something to tell me?” Jenny asked
I giggled. “Did you not receive my message?”
She sighed contentedly. “Yes, my love, I did.”
Some time later Harriet poked put her head round the door of the drawing room. Jenny, wearing nothing but her basque, stockings and a very self-satisfied smile, was fast asleep on one of the sofas. I was almost wearing my white satin slip and was enfolded in her arms with my cheek resting upon her left breast.
Harriet gently lowered herself into a vacant chair and sat gazing lovingly at us.
“At last,” I said quietly so as not to disturb my love, “we are really together, united in a plan so bizarre that only someone who loves us both so very, very much could possibly have conceived it.”
Harriet nodded and she and I smiled at one another as I closed my eyes.
THE END
My grateful thanks, as usual, go to Angela Rasch for her advice and her editing.