Rainpower.

A New Start

Mark looked at the neat cottage set in a secluded position off the country lane down a rough but maintained stone track. The track was slightly inclined toward the wide valley below but was in fact a dead end serving only one other dwelling a little further along the track but not in sight of the cottage. He felt a curious slight tingle as he walked down the track, not unpleasant , more of a thrill he wondered as to its cause - No power lines visible .The estate Agent had said the cottage was in good repair and had a good view of the valley and Mark was pleased to see a neatly tended front garden, a small lawn, neatly trimmed bordered with camellia and rhododendron shrubs, acidic soil he thought to himself. There was an open porch framing the front door which would provide shelter from the elements when removing muddy boots and wet coats.

Mark notice that the intensity of the tingle had increased, still not unpleasant, in fact slightly and inexplicably erotic. The sensation vanished as he opened the door and entered. He cottage proved to be everything he had hoped for, a spacious kitchen diner, a utility room, downstairs loo, a good sized lounge complete with wood burning stove and a small study. In the lounge there was an oil painting of an attractive middle aged woman clad in what appeared to be a raincoat, somewhat unusual in that it was left and a curious choice of garment for a painting.

The lounge was covered at the back by a large Victorian style conservatory, accessed by folding doors . There was a large Persian rug covering much of its tiled floor and Mark thought it a little strange that such a valuable item had been left , something to discuss with the agent but he was more than happy if it was deliberate as it would add to the comfort .He was pleased to note that the triple glazing of the conservatory continued on to include the roofing and that there were a couple of good sized radiators fed from the oil fired central heating boiler. He would be able to enjoy the view of the dale from here in all seasons. The garden at the rear of the house was large but thankfully laid to lawn and again bordered shrubs and small trees hence low maintenance. A large double garage was set to one side of the house so both car and garden maintenance tools would be easily accommodated - Mark had hoped to need a sit-and-ride garden mower!

3 bedrooms, 2 with en-suite facilities and a family bathroom provided excellent accommodation even though Mark had few thoughts about entertaining guests. Pondering his options Mark thought that this offering was by far the best he had seen and met his needs in every particular including his desire for privacy. Leaving the cottage he hastened to his car, experiencing again the peculiar thrill which diminished gradually as he reached the end of the track to where it was parked. He managed to get a phone signal ,no small feat in this remote Shropshire setting, and contacted the estate agent. He negotiated a satisfactory price, a few percent below asking and began making further calls to put the purchase in motion.

Solana

Several weeks later Mark was moving his few belongings in and arranging his newly purchased furniture, white goods , AV system, computer and bedding. Unbeknown to him he was being scrutinised by his neighbour, she was puzzled that it was a man who was moving in, she was convinced that the wards she had put in place would deter men and ensure that only a most suitable and compatible lady could own the property. Thus intrigued she determined to visit the newcomer and see what was afoot. Now Solana was not a youngster by any means but neither was she 'over the hill', a lady of a certain age, sophisticated and attractive and well able to gain information when she needed to. She understood from the postman that her new neighbour was from the West Midlands and from all of the deliveries ascertained that he was comfortably off. Solana, for that was the lady's name waited a few days to let Mark settle in and then paid him a visit one morning, bearing a wicker basket containing jars of her honey, damson jam, a bottle of cider and an aged bottle of Shropshire's notorious damson wine .

She knocked on the door and waited. A slightly dishevelled young man came to the door, obviously part way through his morning's ablutions - shaving cream still evident on his face and a hastily donned dressing gown partly covering him from shoulders to knees but showing glimpses of a hairless chest. His legs were also bare and sparsely covered in fine blonde hair.

"Hello", she said "I'm Solana Stanton, your neighbour. I've come to introduce myself and bring you a few rough home made things."

"Oh Thank you very much" said a somewhat nonplussed Mark, he had noticed the nearby cottage but not seen anyone so had surmised it was someone's weekend retreat. " Please come in and excuse the mess. I'm Mark Priors."

"How are you settling in " queried Solana
"Tolerably well," answered Mark, " Most of my goods and chattels have arrived and I've managed to get most things squared away but I haven't really managed to have a good look around the neighbourhood yet or work out the best places to shop, eat and drink.

" Well Ludlow is a pretty town with a famous castle, a couple of good supermarkets, excellent restaurants although the Michelin stars have fled to the bright lights of the city and they were damned expensive anyway . There are lots of good pubs in the town and nearby villages plus a microbrewery in the town. " said Solana in her best travel guide mode. " If you like, I'll give you a tour and we could perhaps get a coffee or something stronger. " she offered.

"That's very kind of you but I wouldn't want to put you to any trouble" responded Mark.

"Absolutely no trouble at all, I'd be delighted to be seen around town with a handsome young man. It would do my reputation a lot of good to say nothing of my self esteem." Chuckled Solana

Mark blushed and then gallantly responded "It would be a real treat for a geek like me to be seen with such an elegant lady but it must be my treat."
Solana smiled at the complement and said " I'll leave you to your 'squaring away', Shall we say Friday for the grand tour, We'll go in my car, it's better suited to these roads than yours, 10:00 be ok? "

Mark hurried upstairs to complete his 'toilet' and got dressed, all the while thinking about his attractive visitor. She was certainly older than him but time had been very kind to her and he estimated her age at early forties, 'flirty forties' at that. He must remember to ask her about the painting.

Solana's Cottage

Late on Wednesday afternoon , Mark decided he had done enough squaring away and decided to go for a jog along the bridleways and footpaths he'd noted on his ‘Explorer' OS map of the area. He planned a circuit and saw that it would pass Solana's cottage on the return leg. He dressed in his running gear, shorts, singlet and cross country running shoes and set off, forgetting to check on the weather forecast, after all the afternoon was mild and partially sunny. Mark found he was a little out of shape for the route he planned and by the time he got to Solana's cottage, he was pretty fatigued. Solana was working in her garden and spotted Mark's arrival and his condition. Knowing the weather signs intimately, she recognised that this was the opportunity she had been waiting for and intercepted the tired runner.

“Hello Mark, you must be worn out from your run, please come in and have a cooling drink with me, “ she invited.

Mark needed no persuading, exhausted and a little dehydrated as he was. “ Oh! Thanks” he said, I'm not at the level of fitness I thought I was and brief rest and some fluids would be most welcome if It’s no trouble."

“No trouble at all” replied Solana leading the way into her cottage, through its porch and hall into a spacious kitchen. “I think a Lucozade with ice would be restorative you need after all that energy you’ve burnt up. “

Mark nodded his thanks and was quickly presented with an iced version of the drink he associated with convalescence after childhood illness, quite forgetting that it was a glucose based energy drink. He gratefully drank some of the cooling liquid and felt refreshed very rapidly. Having regained his composure he looked around and complimented Solana on her lovely cottage.

Solana beamed with pleasure at the remark and offered to show Mark around if he felt sufficiently rested. Mark accepted the invitation to view the property, hoping to get some new ideas on improving his own cottage.
Mark was entranced with the building and told Solana so. He had also had noticed a painting of Solana very similar to the one left in his home in which she was also wearing raincoat so intrigued by the coincidence, he commented, pointing at it, “There is a painting very like that in my cottage and I wondered who it was and why the raincoat of all clothes. “

Solana smiled enigmatically, “ That would be a painting of Bethany Middleton, the previous owner of your cottage. She and I had the paintings done by a friend and local artist. We thought that we would celebrate the rather wet climate we have here in South Shropshire by posing in our raincoats. “

Mark absorbed this information and went on “ What happened to Bethany? “
Again Solana smiled and briefly stated “She moved on, but she still visits occasionally “

“Perhaps you could give me a forwarding address and contact number so that I can send the painting and the Persian rug she left in the conservatory onward to her,“ requested Mark.

“That won't be necessary, I'm sure that you will see her very soon, “ was Solana's puzzling reply. She then went on having noted the darkening sky in the West, “Would you care to stay for dinner Mark? I’m having Goujons of Cod with new potatoes and French beans, and there will be more than enough for us both “

After making the usual polite noises about being a nuisance and not being properly dressed, Mark's stomach growled and gave the lie to his demurral so he acquiesced but said that he would need to pop back to his cottage for a shower.
“No need, “ replied Solana, “There is a shower here in the downstairs bathroom and I'll pop your clothes in the washing machine for a quick wash and dry. They won't take long and I'll get you a robe in the meantime. “

Again Mark acquiesced and followed Solana to the bathroom. She gave him some privacy whilst he stripped and then handed him a towel and a black silk kimono with a chrysanthemum decoration taking away his sweaty running gear using the door as a modesty barrier. After his shower, whilst towelling himself down , Mark found a hairdryer and thought ‘ why not use it to dry my longish hair, I'm sure Solana won't mind.’ Unconsciously, because of the additional volume the hairdryer had given his hair, Mark brushed his hair into a rather feminine/androgynous style.

Transformed

Solana then busied herself preparing the meal whilst Mark made himself useful setting the table and opening the bottle of Chardonnay he had been directed to find in the fridge. When Solana glanced over at Mark she was struck by how girly he looked and couldn't resist commenting “ Well look at you Miss, very elegant”

Mark blushed but realised Solana was only pulling his leg so went along with jest quipping” Oh this? Just something I threw together but without my foundation garments I fee quite naked”

This was too good an opportunity to miss so Solana immediately replied “Just follow me young lady, I'll soon put you right.
A bemused Mark followed Solana into a bedroom where she began locating items of female apparel and soon laying on the bed were silk panties, a pantie corselet, stockings, petticoat, summer dress and a Hermes scarf. Mark was lost, what was happening here? He found himself submitting to Solana as she expertly began to dress him, his member became ‘interested’ as the silk panties and elastic top stockings were rolled up his legs but that quickly faded as the extremely firm corselet was pulled into position forcing his testes and, strangely, his penis back into his groin. The sensation, however, was not uncomfortable and Mark was weirdly thrilled by the smooth appearance of his crotch. Swiftly the petticoat was drawn over his head and rapidly followed by the light summer frock.

“A little make up to complete the ensemble I think” mused Solana and proceeded to apply a light liquid foundation, a little eye shadow, eyebrow pencilling in Mark's light brows, applying mascara to his longish lashes, a light pink lipstick completed her work. Mark's beard was light and he had shaved that morning so the transformation was perfect. As he beheld himself in the dressing table mirror, Mark was bewitched and all manner of suppressed thoughts from the past went through his.mind.

“Feel adequately dressed now Mark? “ prompted Solana breaking him from his reverie
Recovering himself, Mark, joked “No shoes! “
Solana smacked her temple and rummaging in bottom of a wardrobe located a pair of light strappy sandals with a small heel, presenting them to Mark saying “ Would Modome like these? “ and bending down set Mark's admittedly small feet into the sandals, adjusting the straps to fit comfortably. Offering Mark her hand, she helped him to stand, after an initial wobble, Mark was confidently walking and luxuriating in feel of skirts swishing around his nylon clad legs. He turned to Solana and asked “Why am I doing this? “
Solana smiled and replied “Because I wanted you to and I was sure you would enjoy it. “

A little nonplussed, Mark was about to deny it but heard a sort of ethereal giggle and then realised that he loved it, so much so that he seriously began to question if he would like to stay this way forever.

Magic?

Solana suggested that they eat outside in the little garden summer house with walls that had been removed for the good weather period. Mark acquiesced and brought out the Chardonnay in a cooler and two large wine glasses. The food was excellent and the locally produced ice cream was delicious. Conversation between them flowed easily and Solana explained to a rather sceptical Mark that the area around them was full of magic.

“It certainly is magical in the sense of beautiful but I don't believe in the otherworldly definition, “ stated Mark.
“Hmm! Replied Solana, “Tell me, when you first came down our little track, did you not feel something resisting you? “
Mark was intrigued “ Well, I did feel some kind of tickle or thrill a bit like that which you feel near High voltage power cables but not exactly resistance. “
Solana smiled “ That was the magic of the area, assessing you and finding no threat let you pass on, had you been other than you are, you would not have been able to walk down the track. “

“What do you mean? Other than I am? “ demanded Mark.

“Mark you are a feminine soul,” explained Solana “ I don't mean that in the sense that you are effeminate but that you are essentially female. Look how you have taken to being dressed and how you busied yourself helping with the meal making sure everything was just so, you are a nurturing being. “
Mark was completely taken aback by this, his male ego felt affronted but this was immediately quelled by his inner voice telling him, hadn't he always been mother's little helper? Dusting, cleaning helping prepare meals, baking and even sewing, a guilty pleasure he had almost forgotten. His absent father was the reason for this argued male Mark, life in the forces was demanding and his premature death had ended any normal male role model. Nonsense! came back the inner core, you had always been sensitive, empathic and loving, preferring girl’s company to that of boys and their rough games.

Solana could see this debate being played out in Mark's mind as clearly as though it were on television and saw the victory of Mark's inner voice.

“Shall we have coffee and brandy? “ she suggested
Mark immediately offered to make the coffee having spotted the hexagonal Italian stove top coffee maker leaving Solana to find the brandy and ‘get some thing’s from upstairs.
Mark brought a tray of coffee out to the summer house and Solana swiftly followed with the Brandy but over her arm she carried 2 lovely Pashminas, one of which she draped over Mark's shoulders to protect him from the cool of the evening. Mark found this such a lovely gesture and the feeling of being cared for enhanced his already heightened feelings of femininity

Esoteric History

Solana continued to expand upon the esoteric nature of the locale, how the Romans had brought the cult of Cybele to England and how, after their retreat, the religion had clung on in this small, remote spot. Cybele ‘s influence, being a goddess of the hot dry middle East, had weakened as the English climate became wetter and Shropshire being in the damp West was not ideal for the goddess but during the late 19th Century and early 20th Century the discovery of new impermeable materials encouraged by the goddess and under her guidance had enabled astonishing improvements in surgical outcomes, hygiene , transport, machine efficiency and weather protection. A side effect foreseen by the goddess had been the amazing sensuous quality of the new materials encouraging a harmless but very erotic fetish. These factors and the careful strategic placement of manufacturers expanded the goddess' influence in her new incarnation as Sussura from her retreat in the French Pyrenees and outward to this tiny isolated hold out. This development was such that Sussura was now a defacto rain goddess and growing in power.

Mark knew a little of the cult of Cybele, that it had not been welcomed by the Romans as its priests emasculated themselves in a sacrifice to her and henceforth wore female attire but they had just about tolerated it, fearful of offending a deity. He felt a cold shiver as he contemplated his own situation and again heard the voiceless giggle.

“Would the paintings of you and Bethany clad in Rainwear have anything to do with this cult? “ questioned Mark.
“Oh yes, very much so” answered Solana, “Bethany and I had travelled to France as students many years ago and found peace, tranquillity and indeed a religious ecstasy when we went to the Pyrenees and discovered quite by accident the small town of L'Eglise de Sainte Sussura which was the locus of all this advancement. We stayed there until just before WW2 when we were instructed by the goddess to return to England to stiffen the nation's resolve to resist the Nazis. She foresaw the fall of France and knew the only hope for Europe was for Britain to maintain the struggle as a refuge and fighting platform for forces of the defeated nations and to hold out until the greater might of the US and USSR could be dragged into the conflict. What we accomplished and how we did it is a secret never to be told but the goddess have us the power we needed. “

Mark was stunned ‘how old were these women?’
“Don't look so shocked Mark” smiled Solana “The power of the goddess is great and she has selected you to be an instrument of her benevolent intentions “

At this point lightning flashed, thunder rolled, and a heavy rain began to fall on the small summer house. As quickly as they could they gathered up their dinner things and made a dash for the cottage. Their speedy retreat spared them a soaking and further brandies soon had them warmed. “”I think Sussura heard us and wants to demonstrate her power” quipped Mark.

“It’s a good thing she has a sense of humour” responded Solana “Zeus in his heyday would have thought nothing of frying us for that remark”
After all he had heard, Mark was not at all sure that Solana was joking.
Solana then spoke seriously to Mark “ How do you feel about all this? do you like being thought of as female? Does it feel right to you? “

Mark pondered this, once more having the internal debate and again it was the inner voice that won the day. “Solana, I confess that I am overwhelmed by all you have told me and my credulity is strained but I feel very comfortable in this persona and think I would be very happy to stay this way. In fact I've been thinking that ‘Mark' is no longer an appropriate name for me and I would be very glad if you would call me ‘Susan' from now on. “

Solana looked very pleased and suggested “Tomorrow’s trip into town looks like being a full on girly shopping excursion then? “
“I only hope I can keep up with you” replied Susan
“Better get some rest then, “ smirked Solana” I'll fetch you a waterproof to keep you dry on your walk back home, Oh! and some boots. I'll put your clean running gear in a carrier bag”

Solana returned with some close fitting black rubber riding boots with a small heel and over her arm was a silky rustling dark green rubberised cape.She helped Susan into the sensuous garment buttoning her up and fixing the large hood with ties in a neat bow under her chin. To complete the look she gave the hood a pleasing turn back. Susan shivered with pleasure as the smooth material slid over her arms which were restricted by the cape in a thrillingly submissive manner.
Solana noted the reaction and said “ I could bind your arms behind you if you wish to complete the feeling”
Susan shyly responded “ That would be lovely but I fear that on the rough track and this ankle length cape, I might fall and have a heck of a job getting back up”
Solana laughed “ Another time then? “
“Maybe! “ grinned Susan

Ensconced in the cape and boots, her carrier bag safely out of the rain under the whispering, swishing material, Susan was ushered out into the deluge which beat down heavily onto the hood and shoulders of the cape but failing to gain ingress. Thus caparisoned she made her way back to her cottage delighting in the wonderful garb and the drumming of the rain, hearing once more the ethereal giggle. Once at the porch of her cottage she shook off her mackintosh imprisonment and removed her boots leaving them to dry on the clothes hooks and boot rack it featured. In the cottage, Susan regretfully removed her feminine attire, folding it neatly for return to Solana then reluctantly donning a T shirt and boxer shorts climbed into bed, promising herself that it would be last time she wore such uninspiring nightwear.

Sussura Manifests

Sleep came quickly to Susan, overwhelmed, no doubt, by the events and revelations of the last few hours. The sleep was not dreamless however, It seemed to Susan that she was clothed once more in the cape, though this time naked underneath it and she entered her conservatory where the Persian rug has been drawn back to expose a tiled pentacle with candles burning at each of its points. Seemingly guarding the pentacle were the figures of Solana and Bethany both similarly caped. They looked at Susan expectantly who then heard instructions enter her mind ‘7 words of power repeated 7 times after due preparation and she will appear before you demanding a new sacrifice’ and words which she spoke aloud
“Aintab alnasi huna yatlub mutabieak hudurak alan
Aintab alnasi huna yatlub mutabieak hudurak alan
Aintab alnasi huna yatlub mutabieak hudurak alan
Aintab alnasi huna yatlub mutabieak hudurak alan
Aintab alnasi huna yatlub mutabieak hudurak alan
Aintab alnasi huna yatlub mutabieak hudurak alan
Aintab alnasi huna yatlub mutabieak hudurak alan “

A blue glow began to form in the centre of the pentacle which slowly took the form of a beautiful olive skinned woman dressed in the most sumptuous blue silky cape, hood thrown back to display her luxuriant, lustrous black hair. In one hand she bore a golden sickle shaped knife and in the other a golden chalice. Susan was drawn inexorably towards the woman contained in the pentacle, she knew exactly what was expected of her but felt no fear. Susan accepted the golden knife from the glowing figure and swept aside the skirts of cape to reveal her manhood. With a swift stroke she severed her phallus, scrotum and it’s contents which the goddess deftly caught in the chalice. There was no blood and the wound closed immediately.

“Welcome, daughter! “ exclaimed the deity
“Welcome sister” intoned the two servitors.
At this point a rush of wind blew out the candles, the glowing figure vanished and Susan fainted.

Awakening

Awakening in her bed next morning Susan recalled the dream and immediately her hands raced to her groin, her move was hampered by two moderate swellings on her chest but when she reached her objective she found no male parts, instead there was a moist opening!

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.