The Importance of Being Juliette                      by Elaine

 

This story involves the enforced feminisation of young boys over the age of 16, it should not be read by minors and none of the characters are based on anyone living or dead. This story was based on an idea kindly provided to me by Kim from the Orient who just happened to read my biography on www.fictionmania.com. My thanks go to Rhonda Wagram who cast her eyes over the first rough drafts. As usual she also made some very useful suggestions on how the story should develop. A very kind Frenchman also helped with the French grammar. He knows who he is but prefers to remain anonymous.

This is dedicated to all those that wanted a follow up to Aunt Roberta's Ward one of most popular stories on Fictionmania. The story is set in Victorian Britain and involves tight lacing, corsets and the restrictive fashions of the time. Anyone wishing to make comments a welcome to e-mail me on Elaine.W@cwcom.net. See the bottom of the story for details of my other work here on Fictionmania.

So far all the comment has been extremely favourable to the story line and the era in which it is set. If anyone has any real gripes please let me know. The story will finish at the end of the school term but if there is sufficient interest then the Story of Leila and Juliette can continue.

 

Chapter 1 - The French Mistress

Julian Smythe had been sent off to boarding school at a very early age. His parents were constantly abroad with his father working for the British diplomatic service in embassies all across Europe. Depositing their only son in a top boarding school to ensure his education was the neatest solution to their problems. After a period of melancholy, Julian quickly settled and adjusted into school life.

He had always resented his parent's decision to send him away to school for three long terms each year but when he became a senior, he decided that he was finally going to enjoy himself.

At the start of the first term, Julian's ideas of fun would often clash with those around him, from the masters to classmates to playing field ground staff. If fun was to be had by playing practical jokes to ease the unhappiness of being away from his family then Julian practised it.

Julian's pranks had led him to visit the headmaster's study several times to receive the cane. His efforts in his studies were also not particularly brilliant and in languages where his parents hoped he would excel, he was uninspiring. Needless to say, his parents were concerned and had given the headmaster carte blanche to use what ever methods he deemed fit to ensure that Julian did much better.

However despite all his punishments and black marks, 16 year old Julian carried on much as before. He was always the prankster; the classroom comic who was always creating mayhem in whatever class he attended.

Although life in English boarding schools was anything but pleasant, the rigid discipline of the earlier days of Victoria's reign had relaxed a little in 1897. At that time the school still used corporal punishment amongst its weapons to insure against unruly or rowdy behaviour amongst the boys. A few years earlier, the school had been amongst the first in the country to channel that boisterous behaviour towards more fruitful endeavours.

As a result, Crawley School located just an hour west from London by train, had won countless trophies on the sporting field from rugby championships through to cross country running. They were the team to beat at cricket and the newly emerging game of football (soccer); although several pupils including Julian considered such activities were not worthy of their attention.

It had been the academic reputation of Crawley in its teaching of foreign languages that had settled Julian's parents in the choice of school. His father's fluent ability in German, French and Spanish having put him in great demand in the foreign office. The school devoted considerable efforts in promoting the arts amongst the boys, with painting, pottery, music and drama all part of the curriculum.

The academic excellence coupled to success on the sports field had given the school a reputation for providing young men for careers in the army, financial institutions and other areas of public life. Indeed the school had rapidly established itself as a source the best-educated young men in the country.

Founded in 1852, the school set in just under 300 acres of park land and pasture were acquired after the former owner had incurred huge gambling debts.

Now that he no longer belonged to the Junior School, Julian could feel the prospect of corporal punishment from the senior prefects and teachers diminishing. That easing of pressure was just what he wanted as he set out to enjoy what remained of his scholastic life.

He also missed his two sisters and his parents. His sisters were installed at the nearby girls' school and unfortunately kept in the same rigid and cloistered manner as himself. He would try to see them regularly but such were the demands on his time that he could not speak for long over the school wall.

Unlike most of his contemporaries, Julian was of slight build, no more than five foot seven in height and he was just 120lbs in weight. He had short dark hair and always had an impish grin across his freckled face. Indeed his face was similar to that of his younger sister June and their Aunt Joan had commented on how alike the two children were when she visited them both during the mid-term holidays.

Despite the country's domination of world affairs at the height of the British Empire, the school took a realistic view with regard to foreign studies. All the boys studied French and German in the first three years of Junior school. Like most of his other studies Julian had not excelled in languages and was continually struggling to complete his assignments. Only mathematics held any interest in the youngster's brain as Julian found that he could accurately compute balance sheets and undertake statistical analysis.

Midway through the Autumn term, his regular French class teacher became ill and he was delighted, like all the other boys, that he would be taught by a new French mistress called Mademoiselle Leila Mitterand. She was young, obviously in her early twenties and came to the school highly recommended because of her acting ability and her fluent command of several languages.

Leila was not only very young and bright she was also very attractive, she wore the latest fashions and that meant corsets, tight restrictive skirts and high-heeled boots. To those just passing the trauma of puberty, Leila was a vision of loveliness, a goddess and many nights were spent alone with pure erotic thoughts creeping into their minds.

Julian was like all the rest, he loved her chic new style of Paris fashions. Her obviously long hair tightly tied up in layers, her slim 20" waist and beautiful rear extended by a bustle that exaggerated that most delightful area of her anatomy.

She was a classic French mademoiselle with a pale creamy complexion, a lilting sexy French accent that showed she was from an upper class family in the south of Paris.

On the first day of her arrival in class, Julian and the rest of the fourth form were struck dumb when they saw her instead of the matronly Miss Renshaw.

"Bonjour, mes coliers, Je suis Mademoiselle Leila Mitterand," said Leila as she stood in front of 30 opened mouthed and pimpled youths.

"Bonjour Mademoiselle," they eventually cried back awe-struck. That was the way it continued that first day, the boys attentive as they watched her move gracefully up and down the room. Her exposed white arms in her short sleeve dress the only visible part of her body. Her tight skirts making it difficult for her to negotiate the steep step onto the small stage in front of the blackboard. Each time she dismounted and climbed up, Julian and several other boys would laugh and titter amongst themselves at her self-induced predicament.

Noting this rude behaviour, Leila continued with the lesson that first day, happily knowing that she was having a considerable effect on all that stored masculinity. She also noted who was proving to be the most difficult to control and she marked Julian down as one to keep an eye on.

It would be true to say that there were 30 young soldiers in the class who would do anything for their attractive new French teacher. After a period of awe, even Julian realised that practical jokes would not be seemly in front of such an elegant young lady. Although she was pretty, she was also hard and gave the boys sterner assignments than their previous teacher.

When the going got really tough then it was obvious to Julian that the situation needed to be eased a little with some practical jokes and clowning around. After a few days grace, Julian's little jokes returned to the French Class again. He would be caught out of his seat on numerous occasions and if a piece of paper was flying around the room it was sure to have originated from Julian's desk. The other boys thought this prankster was good to have around as they tried to remember how to conjugate their verbs. Leila on the other hand was less than enamoured with him.

She vowed that when the opportunity arose she would take Master Julian down a peg. After several weeks and despite moving Julian to the front of the class where he could be overseen more easily, Leila was at her wits end. Not only was Julian disrupting the smooth running of the class but his own studies were also suffering as a consequence.

She talked with her male colleagues who all suggested that she cane the boy into giving up his pranks. However she was not one for such violence and decided that a more subtle approach would be better. Caning she decided would not make the boy learn when he did not want to.

It was in early November when a staff meeting of all the teachers agreed that Leila's acting abilities made her ideally suited to take on the role of producing the school play for Christmas.

Normally these plays were a co-production with the neighbouring girl's private school that housed Julian's two sisters. The girls from nearby St Denis would play all the female roles. This interchange of the boys and girls was a coveted position to be in. The boys normally relishing the opportunity to avoid the monk-like existence of Crawley and meet some pretty girls of their own age.

During the past year, though disagreements had erupted between the two schools over the joint use of certain facilities. This led to an exchange of letters and ultimately to the head teachers severing the usual close ties of both schools.

This meant that the school play would be badly affected with both schools now required to do their own independent productions. A request that some older girls be allowed to attend the boy's play and vice versa went on deaf ears at St Denis.

At the next weekly staff meeting in mid November, Leila told the staff of her problems.

"You want me to produce the school play but there are no girls to help this year," she said sounding frustrated. "Aussi, if I do this job I do not want to produce a Shakespeare play this year."

"You will think of something," said Helen Martin the music teacher. Both young women shared a large cottage in the grounds and were now very good friends. "I am sure that we can play two of the parts."

"It is somewhat of a school tradition to do a play from Shakespeare, I suggest we do Twelfth Night again," said Gregory Edwards, the Science Master.

"Non, it is too boring I like the new Oscar Wilde play, The Importance of Being Ernest. It is very funny and is still a good test for the boys," she said.

It was Gregory who gave Leila the way out of her problem. "Well in Shakespeare's day all the roles including that of the female parts were undertaken by men or should I say young boys. Perhaps you could do that too," he suggested.

"Yes but I think it is not easy for a boy to play a girl, they will need training in the feminine arts and graces. It would not be possible for the garcon to suddenly act as the young mademoiselle," she said smiling and trying to dismiss the idea.

At that point the Deputy Headmaster chimed in. "The Christmas play is a tradition at this school. The parents love it and it gives us a chance to show how we can produce something creative. Leila you have my authority to do whatever is necessary to ensure that our play is a success."

"Merci Allan, I have some ideas, I do what I want, when I want?" she asked thinking that this might be an opportunity of pulling the thorn from her side.

"Yes you can do what you like to get some convincing girls for the play," he replied smiling.

"The play The Importance of Being Earnest, requires four girls, the two older ladies can be played by Helen and myself, so we will just require two boys to be girls on stage. A third boy as a stand-in would also be necessary."

"Have you quite decided on this Oscar Wilde play?" asked Gregory hoping that his favourite Twelfth Night might be dusted down again.

"Yes it is very funny, this play is very popular in London and it will provide a tough challenge to all the actors. Costumes would be easy to obtain and it will be easy for the boys to produce the scenery," she replied. "It is also very modern," she added talking about the play that had caught the London theatre-goer's imagination for the last 2 years.

After some further debate it was agreed that perhaps the Oscar Wilde play would be an appropriate drama to produce and would confirm the school's reputation as a forward thinking establishment.

"Would it be in order for Helen and I to decide who would be suitable? She asked. "We would be able to do dress rehearsals and training in our cottage for the lucky three boys," she smiled.

"That might be the best policy," said the master. "No point in embarrassing them more than necessary."

"Oui, I will need beds for the cottage for them to stay with us until the play est finis," she said looking at her friend Helen and again at the headmaster.

"It will be arranged," he said, "anything else?"

"Yes some money to buy some new costumes for the play, I will need about £50 perhaps more," she replied.

"Just buy what you need and present your receipts to the bursar's office who will repay you. I will tell him you will be doing this. Thank you mademoiselle for taking on this important but difficult task," he said quite glad he wasn't doing it again himself this year.

Leila thought about who would play the two girls, what they would need to do become convincing young women. Helen and Leila talked for some time on the way back to their cottage.

"I think that Julian Smythe would make une jolie fille in the play. He is petit and has a nice face. Also he is naughty so much and I punish him beaucoup," she said lapsing back into her native tongue.

"I understand, that one is very naughty with me too," Helen added. "Harry Rankin would be another good one, he is so graceful when he is in dancing classes and Charles Mortimer is another who might make a pretty girl."

"This could be such fun to have three very pretty boys in dresses like us, ooh la laa," Leila laughed as they neared the front door.

A few hours later and there was a knock at the door as the janitor and the porter arrived with three beds for the spare room. Shortly after they returned with some blankets, pillows and some sheets. The two women set about creating a feminine style bedroom with a mirror, curtains, dressing table and a chair.

After a cup of tea both women then went to the large cupboard that housed the costumes from past productions and found that there was nothing really suitable for the play they had in mind. Most of the costumes were old and none would adapt to Oscar Wilde's play.

As Leila surveyed the room looking for anything that might be suitable, Helen spoke, "the girls played all the female parts so I suppose St Denis must have kept all those costumes. Maybe we can swap costumes with them. We will need dresses, wigs and underclothes. The boys will have to move with style and conviction."

"No matter we have the Deputy Headmaster's authority to buy what we need. It will not be easy to make three boys behave like young girls, we may need some other clothes too," said Leila.

"How do you mean?" asked Helen.

"Well as you know, wearing the latest fashions is not easy, with tight skirts, corsets and high heeled boots. It is very difficult for us never mind three garcon who have never worn such clothing," replied Leila. "I have watched them laugh at me when I go to the blackboard to write something and they see how much harder it is to move in these skirts. The boys cannot expect to put on these costumes and then move gracefully. They will have to spend some time in such clothing otherwise the play will be impossible."

"Why don't I make an effort to speak to St Denis about releasing two or three girls for us?" asked Helen. "I am very good friends with the music teacher at St Denis. I am sure that we can arrange something."

"Non, my friend Helen," said Leila; "this play must be done by this school only."

 

Chapter 2 - Auditions

The following day, a notice appeared in several parts of the school informing the boys of the auditions for the upcoming Christmas Play. It told the name of the play and there was some excited chatter that a modern play was going to be produced and not some dreary and tired old Shakespeare.

"Hey, The Importance of Being Earnest, I heard that there is some kissing in that play. It could be good fun," said one boy obviously regretting he was too young. That last statement had gelled in the minds of several of the assembled throng around the notice.

Leila in consultation with Helen had already decided who the three victims would be for the female roles but some means would be necessary to make sure that they could select the five male players. As it was, the auditions were less than successful but eventually they had secured the services of three keen six formers and a couple of fifth formers for the male parts.

At her first class the next day, Leila told the boys that she required bigger co-operation for the play or there would be tough times ahead. Julian as usual was making his first projectile of the day from wet paper that was destined for the back of Edward Stourton's head. Unfortunately Julian missed his intended target and hit young Leila with some force on the arm just as she turned to write something on to the blackboard. In obvious anger, she launched a stream of abuse at the 16-year-old. She told him that he had just earned himself a starring role in the play and that he was to report to her that afternoon while the boys had swimming lessons.

"Oh no miss, I can't miss swimming," he said. Swimming was the one physical activity that Julian relished. His ability to swim the breast stroke had left him hoping to be selected for the school team.

"You should have thought about that before such a stupid childish prank, Master Julian. Please attend my cottage at 2:00pm please bring your books because you will be staying for a little time. Let your house master know where you are going."

"But Mademoiselle, my swimming?" he pleaded.

"No more swimming, Master Julian not until you stop these childish pranks in my classroom," she said looking stern.

Meanwhile Helen had also cornered Charles and Harry and they too were being told of their selection for the school play as a result of their poor behaviour.

After lunch all three boys spent an hour in mathematics prep together before heading towards the cottage. As they approached the small building near the woods they saw the coal fire was smoking, Julian knocked and on opening the door, Leila immediately ushered them inside.

"Welcome, please attend upstairs, you will find three beds, you will stay here until we agree you can go back to your dormitory," she said.

The three boys looked at one another, Julian spoke up, "this is great, we get into trouble and they give us a place like this to sleep in. This is much better than the main building," he said after visiting the bedroom. When they returned downstairs they were all smiles but Leila did nothing to change that.

"Now ma cherie, we will begin your training today, you will become tres jolie," said Leila smiling. "First we have to go shopping in the town."

All three boys overlooked the fact that jolie in French also means pretty as well as nice. The boys construed that she meant the latter.

 

Chapter 3 - New clothes and experiences

A dog cart with a large Cob was waiting outside and the boys helped the women aboard before clambering onto the dog cart themselves. The dog cart made its way out of the school and past the girl's school where the boys could just see the girls playing hockey. All three boys strained their necks to the right to get a rare glimpse of female activity.

Their port of call was the dressmaker in the local town high street. The staff quickly advised the two women that they had all the clothes that a modern woman would require including underclothing, shoes and corsetry.

All three boys were a little doubtful as they entered this feminine sanctuary. The boys started to fidget as Leila spoke to the shopkeeper at some length about her problem. As she did so she looked in their direction pointing and gesturing as she discussed how the boys would need to have some female clothing while they learned their parts. The shopkeeper agreed to help with the supply of dresses and undergarments, shoes and even wigs. He also had contacts with costumiers who could supply the theatre dresses.

"Merci monsieur, may we proceed now?" asked Leila.

"Of course, we have a discreet fitting room and waiting room in the rear of the shop, perhaps you would like to take them through there," he indicated the direction.

"Charles, Julian, Harry this way please," said Leila snapping the fingers of her gloved hand.

The boys followed with some trepidation still unsure why they were there, as Leila led them to a door that led into a comfortable lounge area.

"Now ma cherie, you may be wondering why you are here," she started. "You know that you have been chosen because you have all the right qualities we need for our next school play."

The youths looked at each other and smiled. However their smiles suddenly ended when they saw where they were being taken.

"There must be some mistake Mademoiselle," said Julian when he saw the racks of clothing in front of him and the door was locked behind him.

"No mistake, I need you for my play however you will be playing the female parts and I need you all to gain an appreciation of what it is like to be female. Hence our little visit here. From now on you will be dressed as les jolies femmes, until the production is finished," she said delighting in the uncomfortable feelings the boys were now experiencing.

"But Mademoiselle, we are boys not girls," said Charles looking visibly upset.

"Yes je connais, but you are all I have to do this play in six weeks time, so you must become girls. Also you need extra tuition because your grades are not good. The Deputy Headmaster has given me full authority to do this," Leila continued.

"I am sorry but I absolutely refuse to go along with this," said Harry looking wild.

"I am sorry too because you have no choice the alternative is to be expelled from the school. The behaviour of all three of you has been so bad this term, this is your last chance to avoid expulsion at Christmas," said Helen.

"Do not worry, you will be staying at my house with Mademoiselle Helen and me, you will continue to receive tuition in your usual subjects," continued Leila.

"Mademoiselle I do not want to dress as a girl," said Julian suddenly realising that she was serious.

"Me neither," said Charles shaking his head

"I am sorry mes filles but you must, the school will not have a play this year because the girls from St Denis will not help us," said Leila. "So we must use boys and those boys must look like real girls. Come relax you will enjoy it. To be dressed as a lady will be such fun for you."

"No mademoiselle I don't think so," said Julian looking alarmed.

"Mais si," she replied, "you have no choice as I say the alternative is expulsion for bad behaviour. You have been warned to stop your foolishness and you did not do so. If any one of you does not wish this then also all three of you must go home at Christmas. I need three who will work together."

"We would have stopped if we were told about this," said Charles defensively.

"No more discussion," said Helen, "take your clothes off and put them in a pile over there."

"No please no," said Charles to both of them.

"Well, we will take you back and send you all home. Is that what you want?" Leila looked serious.

The boys turned and started stripping off their school uniform of grey trousers, sweaters and dark jackets and carefully piled them onto their chairs. Within 10 minutes they were down to their long Johns and vests.

"Everything quickly now boys," she was standing looking at them with her hands on her hips. "You first Julian."

Julian shivered as he walked over, his hands covering his still small private parts; the cold room making them shrivel. Leila handed him a pair of pantaloons, which he gratefully pulled up his cold legs.

"First we have a corset for you, to give you a feminine figure. This one is for day time wear and we have another less restrictive one for bed time. Please stand still while we measure you."

Carole the assistant measured his waist carefully and pronounced that he was 26".

"I will give you a corset that will give Juliette a 22" waist very quickly and 20" in a few weeks time," said Carole.

"I like that name Juliette, yes let's call you Juliette from now on," said Leila.

"Charles will be Charlotte and Harry will be Harriet. Yes I like that."

Carole was back within moments with a box that she opened to show a creamy white corset complete with laces and hooks in the front. Julian was directed to place his hands up on a bar above his head while the corset was fitted around his body.

"Hold on to the lacing bar, breathe out and then breathe in ma cherie," said Leila as the two women pulled tighter on the laces. As he did so, Julian could feel the corset tighten and he struggled to breathe again. He looked across and could see tears streaming down Charlie's face as Helen and her assistant Susan pulled his laces tighter. Harry sat quietly looking at the ceiling hoping this wasn't happening.

"Once more and then we will tie them off for a little while," said Leila. As the corset was tightened the skin on his chest was pushed up to form a quite realistic pair of small breasts while his hips seemed to take on an extra inch or two.

"We will leave you for a moment to get used to the corset while we see about some boots for you," said Leila. "First we will pull some black stockings up those hairless legs of yours."

"Now see these garters that attach to the corset these hold up your stockings like so," said Carole who quickly did up the snaps.

Julian could feel the tightness of the corset around his waist and struggled to cope with it. He had difficulty bending at the waist as he moved to try and prevent the stockings being pulled up. He felt deeply upset by what was happening to him but worse was to follow.

"Now Juliette we have to fit you for some fashion boots," said Carole beginning to measure his feet.

"I take a size seven," said Julian trying to be helpful.

"In that case we need a size 6," said Carole moving over to a pile of shoe boxes on the shelves. She brought down a black leather boot with a slender 1" block heel and laces that went above both ankle bones. Using a shoe horn she levered it on to Julian's feet.

The boot was tight and Julian smarted with pain as the laces were tightened so that the leather was brought together.

"Mademoiselle, these boots pinch my toes, can't I at least wear the next size?" asked Julian.

"Juliette, this is the biggest size, real ladies do not have big feet," said Carole. "Let me fit the other one and you will be able to see what it is like to walk like a lady."

It too needed some persuasion to mount onto his foot and was quickly and tightly laced up. She double knotted the laces on both boots to make sure they did not come undone.

He stood up for the first time and yelped as the leather started hurting his big toe. "Owh," he cried. "These hurt my feet."

"Now you know how much a woman has to suffer to be attractive to men," Carole replied. "Walk over towards Charlotte and come back again," added Leila.

Julian did as he was told and found that by arching his foot more inside the tight boot he could avoid most but not all of the pain in his toes.

"Please stand while you have your laces tightened on your corset one last time," said Carole.

"No they are already far too tight," said Julian still struggling for breath after his walk.

"Nonsense look in the mirror there is another two inches to go before you can call yourself tight laced," smiled Leila.

"Stand here again," said Leila.

Julian felt the breath being squeezed out of him as the laces were tightened and then again before being tied off. "Ah we are now a very small 22 inches," said Carole. "I have just the dress and I have a skirt and blouse too. One moment," she said and she was gone.

Leila continued to tie off his laces and used a double knot system in the small of his back. He would be unable to loosen them without assistance. "If I find you have loosened your corset then we will fit you with a punishment corset and I can assure you do not want to use that, ma cherie," said Leila.

As Julian eased back from his corset tightening he snatched a glance over to Charlie who was crying with embarrassment as the corset was tied off at a remarkable 21". Slightly smaller than Julian, his cries were having an effect on Harry.

"Mademoiselle Leila, I wish to go home, I would rather go home than suffer this," said Harry.

"I am afraid that if you wish to go home then both Juliette and Charlotte will also have to go home. Do you boys wish to be expelled, en Francais?" she asked Julian and Charlie.

"Non Mademoiselle," said Julian and Charlie they continued without any conviction, "Nous souhaitons rester ici avec vous."

"Bien," said Leila. "You cannot go home now Harriet, it will not be so bad, you will not be ridiculed because you will be so convincing young ladies when you are finished. The other boys will think that you are true girls. It will be the best training for your acting career."

Tears dropped down his face as he realised that he could not let his two friends down. That if any one of them resisted or refused this, then all three would be expelled. He would have been prepared to face that alone but not when it could mean such devastating implications for his friends.

"Yes Mademoiselle, I will comply," he said drying his tears with a frilly handkerchief handed him to by Helen.

"Now listen my girls, you must give yourselves up to this transformation. You will find it rewarding and while you stay with us, we will make sure that you catch up with your studies again. We will also drill you in walking, sitting, dancing, hair styles and dressing as young women. You must be so utterly convincing that not even your own mother would know you, are we clear on this?" she asked.

"Oui Mademoiselle Leila," they said in unison with Harry finishing slightly later.

As Harry took his turn very reluctantly at the lacing bar, the sales assistant returned with three dresses and hung them up on a rail. The other assistant carried skirts and blouses together with the boy's sleeping corsets and further pairs of stockings and boots.

Julian walked around the room holding his hands to his new shapelier waist. On his return he asked, Mademoiselle combien des temps do we have to stay dressed like this? This is very uncomfortable wearing this corset."

"Until before you go home for Christmas." she said.

"I cannot go home my parents will be in Portugal," Julian replied obviously unhappy at the thought.

"You should be back in boy's clothes by then," Leila replied.

"Now we have some petticoats to fit and a new full length velvet dress," said Carole resuming her task with almost indecent haste.

"Step inside the dress and we will soon have it buttoned up," said Leila.

Julian did so and felt a shiver as it was drawn up past his legs and his torso.

He felt a first stiffening in his penis as the buttons were done up in the rear.

"Can I ask a question?" He asked hoping for some answers.

"Oui Juliette," said Leila.

"My hair is short, I will look like a boy in a dress how do you propose to conceal my gender when I wear my hair so short?" He asked.

"It will be different when we fit you with a wig, however for a few days you will not have a wig and that way you will not try to leave our cottage dressed as a girl," explained Leila.

"Mademoiselle how then will we get back to the school?" Asked Julian somewhat alarmed at the thought of going out dressed as a girl. "We will be ridiculed."

"We fix that with this," she said taking a pretty hat fitted with ostrich feathers. "You see it is fitted with a dark veil which comes down across your face."

"Oh yes," he said and it was placed on his head. The almost opaque veil stretched under his chin and the only way he could see was through the thin netting of his hat.

The assistants brought a short cape in matching material and drew it across Julian shoulders, tight fur trimmed leather gloves were eased on to his hands and finally he placed his hands into a fur muff. He was ready to see his image in the full length mirror as the assistants continued to weave their magic on Charles and Harriet.

Leila came over to him as he looked in the mirror. "Do you see un homme ou une femme?" She asked.

"A girl Mademoiselle, it is incredible, will you help me please I find it difficult to walk in this skirt, it is too tight, can't it be loosened a little?" He asked.

"Non ma petite fille, it is the style, the fashion. You will get used to it, soon you will love it I think," she said as he continued to move from side to side in the mirror.

"I don't want to get used to it but I do look very pretty," he said swishing his skirts with his gloved hands.

"Now try walking to the end of the room and back again pour moi," she said.

He set off and quickly realised that he had to shorten his normal stride by half to get across the room. "Move slowly, not so quickly, as a woman you are in not in a race," she said. He did as he was told and found that slower shorter steps gave dividends and he was able to walk easier.

"Now try placing one foot in front of another not side by side. Try also to roll your hips. Good. That's it continue back again." Julian did as he was told and was joined by Charlie who wore a similar cream coloured outfit.

Slightly taller, Charlie found moving across the floor even more difficult but he too was finding that unfamiliar shorter steps would be necessary.

"You may sit over there and wait for Harriet patiently," said Leila who went over to check on progress. Both boys sat rather stiffly their backs clear of the chair, with their hands inside their muffs. Harry was just having his dress buttoned up in the rear when Leila arrived.

"How has he been?" Asked Leila, "Do we have three girls for our play or two?"

"We have three now," said the assistants who were giggling away at the discomfort of the boy.

Within half an hour, all three were fully dressed with their hats, gloves and muffs. Despite some embarrassment it was obvious to any eye that despite their dress and demeanour that they were still three young boys dressed as girls.

Leila also realised that and decided that for the next six weeks they must be trained to live as young women if they were not to be detected.

"Now ma cherie, we must do all we can to conceal your true sex for if it is found out that you are garcons, it will be very embarrassing for you," she said. "Come let us go back to the school."

"Mademoiselle what if we are discovered? Said Charles. "The assistants here know about us, soon it will be over the town that three Crawley boys are dressed as girls. I think I would die of shame."

"I think not, both girls have taken a shine to you Charlotte and to you Harriet and they want to see you again dressed as girls," said Helen. "I think your tears softened them a little Harriet."

"They do?" Asked Charles.

"Why?" asked Harry.

"Don't ask me, ask them," replied Leila, "perhaps they will help you again."

As Leila paid for all the purchases including some other skirts, pantaloons, stockings and blouses, the two feminised boys walked shyly over and both girls agreed to visit the school to help with the boy's deportment lessons.

Julian looked on quite jealously that the girls did not want to help him but Leila interrupted his thoughts.

"Juliette, do not look so sad, I find you very attractive now," said Leila.

"You do?" Asked Julian, "Why?"

"Because I am a girl who likes other girls," said Leila. "Helen and I are lesbian lovers and if you are willing we could have fun with you now. You look much more attractive dressed this way." With that she stroked his cheek through the hat netting with her hand. Her hand strayed in front of his lips and he impulsively kissed it. Leila smiled at him and he smiled at her.

All three boys were discreetly led out of a rear exit of the shop and walked down a dark alley way towards the main street. Julian could feel the cold November air against his face through the net but otherwise felt quite warm with his cape, stockings, long dress, gloves, and muff.

The alley was muddy and Leila showed them all how to pick up their skirt hems to avoid getting them dirty until they reached the pavement and the waiting dog cart.

Charles struggled to mount the steps and was brought back to earth by Helen.

"Lift up your hem as high as it will go. Place one foot on the first step and with your free hand hold onto the handle, then bring your other leg up and in to the dog cart, like so. Normally this is done with the assistance of a gentleman. Let me help you," said Helen.

Charles did as he was bid and was seated on one side while Harry and Julian sat facing him. Helen sitting in the front while Leila sat beside Julian.

The short ride back from town over, the five went back inside the teacher's cottage and started moving themselves and their packages upstairs. That complete it was to the living room that they all went with Leila making plans about making some tea and sandwiches.

Helen sat between Julian and Harry while Charles sat in the single arm chair.

"How do you feel now?" She asked.

"Very strange," volunteered Charles.

"Yes I imagine it will feel strange," said Helen. "In a few days you will find it easier and in a few weeks you will all be naturals."

"Please Miss, we don't want to be naturals, can't we go back to being boys again?" asked Harry still upset with his lot.

"Not possible I am afraid, the school play is a vital part of school life and you my three girls must go through with this," she added.

At that moment Leila arrived with a tray containing cups, saucers, milk, sugar and two teapots. She proceeded to pour five cups but oddly the boys received theirs from the big pot while Leila and Helen used the small pot.

All the boys screwed up their faces on their first taste of the bitter brew their cups contained.

"Mademoiselle, do you intend to poison us too?" Asked Julian.

"No this is a little herb tea which is good for calming the nerves of young boys who are dressed as girls, you will see, drink up please," she said.

Charles added some milk and sugar to his cup but still found the brew oppressively bitter. This prompted him to ask the question of what was in his cup.

"It is a herb grown and used by people near the Mediterranean Sea. The herb was given to me by ma grandmre," said Leila. She saw no need to tell the boys the whole truth that their drinks were infused with plant extracts, which would distinctly feminise their appearance. "In a few weeks, you will see some improvements with this drink," she added.

"What kind of improvements?" asked Harry wincing as he took another drink.

"It is not too bad with more sugar Harry," said Charles stirring more sugar into his drink.

"It is Harriet now," said Helen correcting Charles. "You are now Charlotte, do not forget that or you will find life much tougher for you if the other boys find out."

"Oui Mademoiselle," said Charles resuming his drink.

However all three boys were drinking tea like men and not women and Helen spent some time coaching them on how to hold the saucer and how their fingers should be placed on the ornate handle.

"Spread your fingers a little," she said. "Point your little finger like so," she continued as she demonstrated the technique.

When they had finished the tea and sandwiches they were instructed to go upstairs and unpack their new clothes. They did so promptly and then it dawned on them that they had nothing else to wear.

"Hey, we left our male clothes behind at that shop," said Julian concerned suddenly realising this was getting serious.

"Our suitcases and trunks are also not here," added Harry.

"That means that even if we wanted to we couldn't escape. All we have is female clothing," added Charles.

With nothing else to do, the boys dutifully removed the clothing from its wrapping paper and string and placed them in the cupboards and drawers. Just as they had finished Helen entered the room ahead of Leila.

"Well ma cherie, how do you like your new room?" Helen asked

"It is nice but where are our clothes?" Asked Julian still alarmed at the developments they had just discovered.

"Safe and sound, we just needed some extra insurance that none of you will leave without making a real effort," said Leila.

"Why should we leave? You said earlier in the shop that if one goes we all go. Isn't that true?" Julian replied.

"Yes that's true but we also need you to become young women very quickly and that means wearing female clothes all the time."

"But Mademoiselle," said Harry.

"No buts. As a start, here are copies of the play for each of you, you will see that there are four female characters. I propose that you Juliette will play Gwendolen, you Charlotte will be Miss Prism because you are the tallest while Harriet will be Cecily. Helen here has agreed to play Algernon's Aunt. You will see that there are several parts of the play that you will be able to do without any male company. Before they arrive I want you all to be word perfect." added Leila.

For the next two hours all five read and talked about the play and even did some trial runs using the transcripts of the play. All three boys were shocked to see that the play involved kisses from the boys during the final scene.

"Now you see why you must be convincing girls, you must be perfect," said Leila. "We have only a short time to do this."

"So we have a busy day ahead and we need to see all three of you tucked up in bed for the night now," said Helen.

"We only go to bed after nine o clock," said Julian who had become unofficial spokesman for the group.

"That may be so, but we have a lot to do tomorrow, so please stand while we help you disrobe."

Quickly they were down to their pantaloons and corset. It was obvious that the hated corsets were going to stay on a little longer.

"Now we must change you into your sleeping corsets," said Leila finding the three garments inside a drawer.

"Why do we need a corset for bed?" Asked Harry horrified at the prospect.

"Because we need to keep your waists trim and that means you must also wear a corset to bed. It is not so bad and you will get used to it very quickly," she said undoing Julian's laces.

The boy felt a sudden easing of pressure in his waist and then some pain as his ribs expanded suddenly with his first breath.

"Owh," he said feeling the effects.

"Quickly ma cherie, your sleeping corset is here," she said wrapping it around his waist. "It is not so long as your day corset and is a little more comfortable, n'est ce pas?"

"A little but it is still very tight. I feel like I cannot breathe," he said as Helen and Leila tied off his laces.

Charles and Harry looked on in dismay and disbelief as Julian tried to suck some air into his lungs.

"You are now 22.5", it should not be so bad for you," said Leila.

Julian though just put his hands on his ridiculously small waist and grimaced as he felt the tightness encircle him.

Helen told him, "try putting your hands up in the air, you will catch your breath easier then."

Within 15 minutes all three were wearing their sleep corsets and were struggling for breath.

"Mademoiselle, these sleep corsets hurt much more than the one we were wearing, couldn't you ease up a little on the tightness?" Asked Charles.

"No as we said, you will get used to it and then we will go even tighter," interrupted Helen with a gleam in her eyes. That brought about a loud groan from all three boys.

"We know what little boys do with themselves when they are left alone together so we have one final surprise for you now," said Leila. With that she brought out of a box what appeared to be three shiny curving metal tubes. Much like the spout of a tap but without the handle.

"These are designed to go over your corset and see this small padlock will keep this belt in place around your tight waist," said Leila.

With that the thin hinged metal strips were fitted and padlocked in place, at the front there was a leather flap which contained another eyelet hook. The boys were curious to see what would happen next.

Leila started on Harry and quickly sat him on the chair. "This tube fits over your little penis like so. It is such a small penis too perhaps it will disappear one day?" She asked in a mocking tone.

"I hope not Mademoiselle," said Harry watching her moves with dismay. The boy having discovered the delights of masturbation just a few months earlier.

"Now then this part fits over the hoop in the belt and this padlock keeps the tube in place. Now you can still use your pee pee but only sitting down and now vous n'tes pas permettŽ to become hard." Before Harry could resist the chastity device it was padlocked in place using another small padlock.

Harry tugged at the tiny tube that now imprisoned his penis and saw that without tools it would never come off. The boy just cried and cried when he saw what she had done.

"Will you fight me?" she asked Charles and Julian.

"No Mademoiselle we have no choice but to wear your little tube," said Julian still confident that it wouldn't hold him.

All three were easily fitted with the devices and told to pull up their pantaloons.

"Real girls do not go about showing off their sex," said Leila handing them some cotton night-dresses.

"Mademoiselle, can't we take off our corsets now before bed," said Charles hoping for some respite from the relentless pressure on his waist.

"Non, get into your beds, no more talking and get some sleep," said Leila. "We will check on you in 15 minutes and there will be trouble if you are not fast asleep."

With that the boys reluctantly headed for bed and tried to fall into sleep and it was with some dismay when Leila returned to find all three wide awake.

"Why are you not sleeping?" She asked.

"Because the corset is uncomfortable and tight," said Julian wide-eyed.

"You will get used to that and in times perhaps come to enjoy wearing the corsets," she replied. "There is no respite."

With that she closed the door locking it behind her, the boys left to whisper as she disappeared.

"Right then Juliette," said Charles, "now see where you practical jokes have got you?"

"What about me, you are lying next to me too," said Julian. "My name is Julian and not Juliette, Charlotte."

"Stop it you two," said Harry still sniffling, the boy already feeling frustrated at not being able to fondle his penis as he went to sleep. "How do we get out of this?"

"Easy we will wait for both teachers to go to assembly in the morning then we will simply walk out of here and go home," said Charles.

"I can't go home," said Julian, "and what would my aunt say if I turned up looking like a girl?"

"True I hadn't thought of that, we might get out of the school but we would still be prisoners in these clothes," said Julian. "We would still have these chastity devices fitted and that would be embarrassing."

"Why don't we just go to the police?" said Harry quizzing Julian.

"Because who would believe us, that two young women could turn us into three girls and effectively emasculate us with these things," said Julian referring to the tube that constrained his member. "Besides it wouldn't be easy to go in and say who we were dressed as girls wouldn't it.

Despite their obvious discomfort one by one all three drifted off into a fitful sleep while Julian woke a few times as he move awkwardly catching first his chastity belt and then his padlock in the small of his back.

 

Chapter 4 - A new day pour les amies.

When morning finally came, all three woke in a fearful condition. Charles had had maybe four hours sleep and Harry five while Julian had been awake for several hours already.

Julian had been formulating an escape plan and had much of the detail worked out before the noise of the door lock being operated had them covering their heads with blankets.

Leila stuck her head in and said, "come on girls, the bathroom is free."

Julian got up and walked carefully towards the bathroom and taking care to sit started his toilet. He felt frustrated by his inability to touch his penis.

He lifted himself up and noted the tightness of his sleep corset. How he felt it's compression against his rib cage when he stood up. He felt like his innards were being squashed. He walked back to the bedroom to find Helen holding up a key and she soon had him stripped completely.

"You can have two choices. You can go about nude all day or wear these lovely clothes. What will it be?" she asked.

Julian took one look out of the window and saw that any means of escape would be impossible when it was frosty and he had no clothes on.

"Clothes I think," he said with some reluctance. He knew it meant virtual emasculation again.

He was fitted out in the long grey skirt and blouse. His boots were carefully omitted and he could see that they had covered his first idea at escape by that simple action. Of course his chastity device had also been fitted and he felt deeply frustrated.

"No boots?" He asked.

"No boots. Because you would have nothing to stop you walking out and we can't have that can we?" Said Leila smiling as she took all three pairs of boots and locked them into a strong cupboard.

The boys grimaced when they realised that they had been duped again, they would have to endure the pressure of the corsets all day.

"Now listen up as they sat around the dining table, we have to go to morning assembly and take our classes as usual, one or both of us will pop back at any time. We expect you to have cleaned up and done the tasks on this list by mid-day. If that is done, you can get out your French Grammar and start conjugating verbs on page 24," said Leila.

"I will return with some mathematics homework and please keep away from the windows, the last thing you need is to be discovered by some boys," said Helen. "You may curtsey now."

They curtseyed and then sat down silent and upset. They had just a cup of the herbal tea to drink for breakfast, combined with no supper the night before and they were all feeling pretty hungry. They looked around but were disappointed to find that the food cupboards were also locked.

"Please make sure you drink the tea it is all there is for you to take until supper time," said Leila smiling.

"I don't believe this," said Julian when they had gone off towards the main building.

"It looks like you are going to have too, it looks like we are going to have to like this," said Harry.

"Where is your male pride?" Asked Charles.

"If you must know it's inside a small silver tube unable to do anything," Harry replied.

"Harry is right we are caught, I think we should go along with this for a little longer, there is not much they can do to us now?" Asked Julian looking and sounding very frustrated.

"You mean this isn't enough," said Charles attempting to lift his skirt. "I can't move in this skirt more than a few inches, my feet are cold, I'm hungry, my waist hurts like hell, I can only pee sitting down and from the neck down I look like a woman."

"I think that's next," said Harry.

"What's next?" said Julian.

"Our faces," Harry replied.

"What about them?" quizzed Julian again.

"Well our faces still look like boy's faces so I think that will be next," said Harry.

"So what do you think they will do?" joined in Charles increasingly concerned.

"A wig at least, god knows what else," said Harry.

The boys chatted some more but then they realised that they had to stop to tackle the mountain of chores set by the two women. Julian allocated the tasks and ticked them off before tackling the next. With hard work and good fortune they started on their French lessons at 11:00am and were well pleased with the results of their self testing when Leila walked in.

"Ooh la la," she said. "The house looks neat and tidy and you study your French. For that you deserve a reward."

She went to cupboard and took out the pairs of boots and handed them over to each boy. "Help each other while I make some tea for you?" she said moving towards the kettle.

The boys were grateful to put on the boots over their cold stocking covered toes and then suddenly realised that their feet would start to hurt again.

"I can feel my arch in my foot move higher," said Harry, "I'm sure that my feet are being deformed by these boots. Even if she had left us with these boots I doubt I could walk to the cottage gate with these on my feet."

"True," said Charles as he helped lacing up Harry's boots.

"Now mes enfants, we have another appointment this afternoon with the wigmakers in Salamanca Street and we need some jewellery for you too," said Leila. "Here is your tea, please drink it all up. There is more if you wish it."

Leila went over to the stable to collect the dog cart and gave the boy's instructions to put on their capes and veiled hats again. "Take an umbrella too because it looks like it might rain," she added.

Leila was patiently waiting for them to mount into the dog cart and the four set off for town. As they left the main gates they passed a group of third year boys returning from a stroll down from the girl's school.

"Look at those girls, we go to see girls and they are obviously here in the school," said one so that Julian could hear. 'I am no girl,' he felt sad that that boy who he normally swam beside didn't recognise him.

After the 15 minute ride, the cart was parked waiting outside the small wig shop attached to a large factory. "We are sure to find something in here," she said leading them inside.

"Yes Madame," said the assistant, "how can I help you?"

"My name is Mitterand, Mademoiselle Mitterand, do you offer a discreet service in confidence?" she asked.

"Yes we do, my name is Marie please step this way," said the assistant through to an adjoining large room fitted with mirrors and wig stands filled with wigs of many different colours and sizes.

Leila knew what she wanted for the three boys and had them all sitting at a dressing table. The assistant carefully placed the long dark hair wig on Julian's head without comment and the boy was truly surprised to see the results of the long hair.

"There is more. This company has just developed this wig, it is designed to be worn on top of your own hair and the real hair is pulled through with these little hooks. This takes a long time but there is another faster solution which would also work," said Marie.

"What is that?" Asked Leila.

"These girls, their hair is so short that I suggest we shave their heads very short and then it will slowly grow back through the weave of the wig. We can use a special spirit gum to attach each wig to the scalp so that it cannot be removed. As the hair starts to grow through the wig then it will become much thicker and join the wig to the head."

"That is a very clever idea, let's do it," said Leila. "I will help you."

"Mademoiselle why do you do this to these boys?" Asked Marie.

Leila spent some time explaining the reason behind the deception and with Marie sworn to secrecy and intrigued by the thought of three feminised boys agreed to help.

"Mademoiselle, it is truly amazing I look like a girl with this hair," Julian exclaimed after having the shock of seeing all his short hair removed and the wig attached. As the glue dried to his head, Julian swallowed hard unable to fathom what was happening to him.

"Yes you do look like a girl but we have some small touches left," said Leila.

"What small touches," he replied.

"Your eyebrows are much too thick and have no graceful curve. We also must get your ears pierced to take pierced earrings," she countered.

"Mademoiselle I am a trained beautician I can perform those tasks for you," volunteered Marie.

"Carry on," said Leila smiling.

The wig fitted and firmly attached now, Marie turned her attention to Julian's thick eyebrows and pulled them out using a novel technique that involved tight cord, Julian's eyebrows quickly and painlessly took on a more feminine shape and appearance.

When that was done two sharp pains at his ears reminded him that his lobes had now been pierced. Marie inserting a pair of gold studs and Julian looked back in amazement at what he saw.

His long hair cascaded down past his shoulders and framed his freckled face. Presently the same processes were performed on Charles and Harry who had watched Julian's transformations. All three now looked like desirable young women. Indeed each boy now seemed to lust after each other in a peculiar manner.

"Harry you look quite cute," said Charles smiling from behind a veil of long hair.

With the wigs attached securely, the next port of call was to the hairdresser who would help them style the hair appropriate to the era and that meant it would need to be piled up on top of the head and only let down of an evening.

They returned to school their hats perched on top of their heads and their veils covering their eyes but no longer down past their chin.

"I think it is too late now," said Julian to his friends.

"Too late for what?" asked Charles alarmed.

"Too late to escape," continued Julian. "They have us now, I feel completely overwhelmed by all this. My head hurts because of this awful wig, the corset cuts in, my penis is tender and my feet like they are on fire."

"I feel the same but I won't give into this," said Charles who held Harry's gloved hand to comfort him.

Overhearing the chatter Leila looked back and said, "from now on my girls things will get better, you will see. It is so much more fun being a girl, the first time you turn a boy's head you will find it so."

Harry shivered and Charles put his arm around him. "Thanks," he said, "I needed that."

On their arrival back at the cottage, Leila had them help prepare the evening meal. It was hard to call them boys now as they donned aprons to prepare the food and the table for eating. Harry was given the task of preparing the table for the five places for supper while Julian peeled the potatoes and other vegetables. Charles prepared the beef that would go into the stew.

All three boys were ravenous having had not much to eat for over 24 hours. So they threw themselves at the food preparation in a bid to conjure up a meal quickly.

Helen kept them supplied with a constant stream of herbal tea and the boys took it unaware of the long term effects of this on their still developing bodies. An hour after they started, the meal was ready, there was vast quantities of stew, dumplings, potatoes, carrots and peas. Julian had also started making a vegetable broth he felt so hungry.

After saying grace, they sat down and started eating with their usual gusto. As Leila and Helen picked at their food and slowly chewed each piece of meat, the boys charged ahead and then found themselves struggling.

"Mademoiselle, I feel full yet I should be able to eat all this," said Charles looking at his plate still three-quarters full.

"You will find that your corset will prevent you from eating so much, I think," said Leila in between swallows. The other two discovered that she was telling the truth.

"The secret is not too bolt your food but to chew each piece slowly and carefully so that you do not fill up too quickly," added Helen who was able to show off that she had finished half her plate despite her lower rate of consumption.

"Can't we take these corsets off, I will die if I can't eat, "said Charles looking distressed.

"You won't die and no you can't have your corset removed, it would undo the waist training of the last few days."

All three boys began pushing their plates away, their minds unhappy but their stomachs were also complaining with a full satiated feeling. Leila insisted that they help clear the dinner plates away.

"Right we have a few hours and we mustn't let your education slip, so we will do some Latin studies, some English literature and look at the play again," said Leila. "Then up to bed."

All three helped with the washing up with Julian washing while Charles and Harry dried. The three were left to complete this task alone as Helen and Mary relaxed together in the lounge.

"Alright fancy pants just how are we going to get out of these dresses?" asked Charles.

"It won't be easy but it will mean overpowering either woman and stealing the dog cart because we wouldn't get very far in these dresses," said Harry drying another plate.

"If we do decide to go through with this then we can assume that our education here is over, would your parents agree to placing you somewhere else?" Asked Julian.

"Right now I don't care, if they see the way we have been treated by these women then I am sure that they will support our complaints," said Harry.

"My idea is that we take the dog cart tomorrow and go to my sister's house. She lives about 10 miles from here. From there we could make our separate ways after that," added Charles.

In the living room both women were relaxing in front of a large log fire.

"So why do you think they will try and escape tomorrow?" asked Helen after a loose remark from Leila.

"Because I do, we know they cannot get far on foot because of their little boots so they will try to take the dog cart," said Leila. "I know that Charles has a sister living nearby so that would be the obvious destination."

"So how do we stop them?" asked Helen.

"Simple we ask Allan to give us a driver as well as the cart."

"Yes with a male driver they wouldn't be able to overpower us and drop us at the side of the road," added Helen.

"Yes you are right, we need to have some male support. Will you take the lessons this evening, I need to go and see Allan?" Asked Leila with a shrug of the shoulders.

"Yes off you go, leave me to do all the hard work," smiled Helen.

Leila kissed her friend tenderly on the lips and then pulled out a long cape from the cupboard as protection from the cold November air. She stepped outside and within five minutes she was knocking quietly on the Deputy Headmaster's study.

"Come in," said Allan. He was in his later forties with greying hair. He was extremely popular with the staff and pupils alike because of his fairness. His love of the school had extended back to his own childhood when he had entered the junior school in the late 1850's.

"Bon soir," said Leila in her sexy French accent.

It had been Allan who had recruited Leila for the school and although physically attracted to the young Frenchwoman he had kept his frustrations to himself.

"Allan, I thought I had better tell you that matters are well in hand with Charles, Julian and Harry. They are in dresses and have long hair courtesy of wigs. We will start their deportment and movement classes tomorrow. They wear corsets 24 hours a day and they are shaping up into quite attractive girls," said Leila.

Slumped over a large ledger, Allan immediately sat up straight to listen to the attractive woman he hoped to marry one day.

"So if you have matters under control, is there a problem?" asked Allan.

"Yes there is, I think that they will try to steal the dog cart either tomorrow or the next day and then head for a nearby relative and all my work will be undone."

"I will send some of my ground staff to tend your garden and a porter can be on hand to drive the dog cart from now on," he replied.

"That would be good, they have all the appearance of three girls and they would have to remain so or look foolish," said Leila. "If I drove the cart myself then it would be easier to overpower me."

"You may use Robert for all trips using the dog cart," he said referring to the 16 stone former prize fighter who had enjoyed considerable success in the ring. "If as you suggest, they are planning an escape they will also have to maintain their feminine behaviour to a higher standard than before to avoid discovery."

Leila allowed herself a smile, "thank you Allan."

"Will you have a cup of tea with me?" he asked hoping that she would stay.

"I would like to but Helen is all alone in the cottage and I must get back immediately," added the French mistress. "There was one other thing perhaps you might like to come and see them this evening."

"Yes that would be nice, I will be over very soon, good night Mademoiselle." said Allan.

Leila arrived back to find that Helen was coping well with their attempts at English literature and Chaucer's Canterbury Tales.

"Mes amies, the Deputy Headmaster is coming here soon and we must make a good impression on him. Please sit with your legs together and your backs upright," she said.

There was some shuffling and all three looked more respectable with their knees and ankles held together. "Put your hands together on your laps, like this," said Helen surveying the three new girls.

Just then there was a knock at the door.

"Juliette please go to the door and let the headmaster in, please curtsey when you do," ordered Leila.

Julian did as he was bid and Allan was shown into the lounge, where he could survey three demure and rather pretty girls as Leila and Helen showed off their attributes.

"What a transformation, how did you achieve it?" said Allan.

"Juliette, Charlotte and Harriet had very feminine faces to begin with. I just had them enhanced with the clothes, wig and the mannerisms. As you know my intention is to give us three wonderful girls for the play and I want to assist with their schooling at the same time. For that I will need the other masters. "

"I will see that the other masters visit you regularly or supply you with materials," said Allan to Leila.

Turning to Julian he asked, "How do you feel, Juliette isn't it?"

"It all feels very strange sir," said Julian using the last part of him that showed any masculinity - his voice.

"You will have to alter his voice too, I fear," said Allan to Leila who nodded.

"Yes we will work on that," she said. "We will start rehearsals next week and I want these three to appear as though they belong to St Denis. I have nearly spent all the £50 you promised. Can you give me a little more to get some proper St Denis uniforms fitted?"

"Yes, but why do you want them to look like St Denis girls?" Asked Allan.

"Because the other boys must be wondering what three pretty girls are doing here," she replied.

"This is really quite encouraging. Is there anything else you need?"

"No that is quite sufficient," said Leila, "oh except I will need Robert here at 1:30 tomorrow afternoon with the dog cart to get those St Denis uniforms."

All three boys' hearts sank at the news that Robert would accompany them to the town in the dog cart. The man they knew was an expert boxer and was the size of a horse. As Leila and Helen showed Allan to the door, Charles couldn't resist a dig at Julian. "Now what?" he said.

"I don't know, let me think," Julian replied.

After Allan departed, the boys continued with their lessons and Helen introduced some deportment into the proceedings by chiding them on their body positions.

"What do we know about the second tale?" she asked Julian and then reprimanded him for slouching slightly. "Back off the chair, knees together, heels together, hands in your lap bring your elbows together a little more and lift your head up."

Julian did as best he could and like his fellows, he felt really tired when it was time for bed.

Quickly all three were stripped and relieved their aching sides after their day corsets had been removed. They were allowed to enjoy a quick bath with each one allowed five minutes in the hot heavily scented water. When at last Julian entered the water it was somewhat cooler but he could feel the water ease the pressure on his aching ribs and sides.

While Julian stepped out, Leila and Helen had already started fitting the night corsets to Harry who seemed to assist rather than hinder their progress. Charles was already in his night dress, his tucked in waist exaggerating the appearance of his hips and chest.

When they were all ready for bed they were then asked to fit the chastity devices themselves after having cleaned them thoroughly in the fast draining bath water.

"Quickly to bed my girls," said Leila clapping her hands.

They clambered into bed and felt exhausted. There was no conversation and Julian leaving the others to their own thoughts was soon fast asleep.

 

Chapter 5 - St Denis Girls

The following morning it was Leila's turn to stay and give them lessons. After a couple of hours they were picking up nuances and inflection in their voices as Leila insisted they speak with a more feminine voice each French word and phrase.

"Good, we will take a break now for some more tea," she said as 11:00am came round.

Unknown to any of the boys, the bitter tasting herbal drink was indeed giving them doses of estrogens from the naturally occurring hormones found in the plant extracts.

Although only on their third day of this enforced feminisation, the sheer amount of the concentrated drink they had consumed was indeed causing some changes and all three noticed some tenderness near their nipples though not enough to speak about it to each other or to Leila or Helen.

After a brief lunch of some of Julian's home made broth and bread, the dog cart came round to take them into town yet again but this time for fitment of a St Denis school uniform. All three had their worst fears confirmed as Robert drove the cart into view from the stables.

As they drove out of the school gates they spotted the fox and hounds running competition in full swing. First there was the fox, a runner carrying a sack dropping pieces of paper at regular intervals so that the hounds, more runners could find where he went and give chase.

As the sixty runners swept past, the boys stared and whistled to the three beauties in the cart before noticing their French mistress in the front. Julian and Harry both pulled their veils down tightly.

In those days of no tarmac roads, the trip was very uncomfortable with all three jolted about as the cart went through the mud, ruts and irregular cobble stones. Not really caring about the comfort of his charges, Robert pressed on and eventually they reached the dressmakers shop they had first visited two days earlier.

This time the boys knew exactly what was in store and where they should go. Both Harry and Charles were as pleased to be reacquainted with Carole and Susan as much as both assistants were astonished to see the transformations that had been made on each boy.

The boys were all looking demure in the standard long dark green skirts and tunics of a St Denis School girl. Fitted with new black boots and straw hats fixed with hat pins they looked the part completely.

"With it being winter Mademoiselle, I think that you should buy three overcoats too, we could be in for a spell of rough weather now that December is almost with us," said Carole.

"Yes that is a sensible idea, let me see them," replied Leila.

The ankle length green skirts were quickly matched with long woollen coats of a similar colour and all three boys began to feel somewhat less at ease when they saw their reflections in the large mirrors.

Leila could sense something was wrong. "Ah yes," she said. "Your hair is too grown up to be like a school girls', we will plait it now."

The women set to work and the three boys sported tight plaits and ribbons.

Finally straw boaters were pinned to their heads using hat pins.

"That's much better now you look like real school girls," said Leila laughing.

They were on they way rapidly back in the advancing gloom in the dog cart to Crawley. Just as they passed the entrance to St Denis, the cart went over a vicious bump unseen by Robert. When it landed again the near side wheel was in pieces and there was no hope of further progress by the cart as it lurched and dragged to a halt.

"Are you all right?" asked Leila to her three charges.

Charles and Harry were fine but Julian had hurt his back a little in the accident when he had banged it hard against the side of the cart.

All four women surveyed the damage as Robert looked over the horse and started to disconnect the harness. The noise of the wheel breaking had been enough to attract the attention of the man at the gate house to St Denis.

"Girls, girls, what are you doing outside here, get into school at once," he commanded quite rightly thinking that the three uniformed girls were all from St Denis.

"They are with me monsieur," said Leila, "we were on our way to see some friends."

"Well not tonight in that cart I fear," said the man keen to ensure that the girls were not exposed to the now rapidly descending cold night air any longer than necessary.

"Come with me," he said and he motioned that all three follow him. He escorted them back to the gate and shooed them inside. Leila was suddenly at a loss for words as she was stripped of her three charges who were now inside the St Denis school gates.

Under the gaze of the gate man, they started to stroll back towards the school.

Their feet pinching terribly in the tight boots they wore.

They walked on up the gravel driveway towards an imposing building that stretched in all directions. The place seemed dimly lit and Julian who had visited his sisters on several occasions knew that straight on would take them into the clutches of the teaching staff.

He looked back and in the light of the gate house he could see the man close and then bolt the gates. He turned to watch them move towards the school with his arms folded.

Meanwhile Leila and Robert walked through the mud and drove the cob back towards the stables leaving the broken cart at the side of the road.

 

Chapter 6 - A new school.

Carrying their clothes wrapped up in brown paper and string they headed down the drive under the watchful gaze of the gate man. When they reached the main door, he went back into his cottage knowing that the only way out was past his locked gates or over the high walls surrounding the school.

"Struth, what do we do now?" said Charles.

"Start our acting careers early I think," said Julian trying to make light of what was a difficult situation for the three friends.

"You can't be serious?" asked Harry.

"Perfectly serious, we can't stay out here all night and there isn't a hope in hell in climbing that boundary wall in these skirts," said Julian. "Let's go and see if we can sneak inside."

"No I have a better idea, let's just be Harriet, Charlotte and Juliette and say that we are new girls. That's true isn't it?" asked Harry suddenly becoming braver.

"It might work, midterm was a couple of days ago, so let's try," agreed Charles.

"I'll do the talking and explain that we lost our luggage on the way here," said Julian. In they went, their eyes hurting and taking time to adjust to the bright vestibule lights.

"What do we have here?" asked an old woman sitting at a desk opposite the door as she put down her pen.

All three walked over to her conscious of their every move being studied.

"Is this Crawley School?" asked Julian curtseying slightly and was joined immediately as Harry and Charles remembered their manners.

"No is this St Denis, you have reached the right place because you are wearing our uniform," said the woman.

"Oh good," said Julian, "I'm Juliette Smythe, this is Harriet Roberts, and this is Charlotte Bingham."

"What can I do for you three girls?" she said questioning their existence.

"Well we were due to start here a few days ago after mid-term but I had a family bereavement. Julian my brother died after a short illness," said Julian pretending to wipe a tear with a handkerchief.

"Oh my dears, I'm so sorry," said the woman, "I'm Miss Alice Mason."

All three girls curtseyed again.

"I have no record of your arrival but then that is not surprising if you are three days late," she said. "You must be tired and hungry after your trip. Have you come far? Where are your bags? I'm so sorry to hear about your late brother."

The three would be girls smiled to one another as Miss Mason led them up the grand and imposing staircase. The temptation to bound up two steps at a time was curtailed by the tight skirts they now wore.

"I assume you would like to stay beside one another to comfort poor Juliette, here is a room you can share tonight," she said opening it with her passkey.

"Take off your coats and leave those packages and we will see about getting you something to the eat at the refectory. The evening meal has just started."

As the three took off their green coats, Miss Mason said, "Oh what lovely waists, it is good to see young girls undergoing corset training."

Harry winced but Julian smiled. "Yes our mother's started us when we very young."

"Good I am pleased to hear it, I always believed the quickest way to a man's heart was with a narrow waist," said Miss Mason. "I am glad I am not the only one of that opinion, alas I wish that I could get my own figure back."

The room she led them into was quite Spartan and contained six beds and it was obvious that two others were occupied or would be occupied after lights out.

"We will take these three here, thank you," said Julian remembering to maintain his feminine voice pointing to the three nearest the door.

"No matter come with me and we will try and put something hot into those very trim tummies of yours," said Miss Mason.

"Yes Miss Mason," said Julian and they dutifully followed her down the stairs again at a respectful distance.

'We are sure to be rumbled now,' thought Charles and his concern showed all over his face.

However Miss Mason guided them to a table beside the main door and they sat beside a couple of six form girls.

"Just sit here while we summon up some food for you," said Miss Mason.

"She might be a tough woman to please but her heart is in the right place," said Jacqueline from the other end of the table. "I am Jacqueline and this is Rosemary.

"Pleased to meet you," said Julian who indicated that the others should follow suit. "I am Juliette and this is Harriet and Charlotte, we usually go by the names of Julie, Harry and Charlie."

With introductions over, the five young women started chatting away. In the conversation, Jacqueline and Rosemary continually put Harry and Charles who were closest out of their depth with talk about the latest fashions and recipes.

"We are from the frozen north," said Julian trying to give an excuse for their ignorance.

"So are we," said Jacqueline, "I am from Liverpool and Rosemary is a Geordie girl."

"We are from Yorkshire," said Julian lying and hoping that it wouldn't backfire on him.

"I thought there was something odd about you," said Jacqueline laughing.

All three boys were feeling hungry but remembered their eating lesson from the previous night. Mimicking the other two girls all three took small bites and were careful to chew slowly before swallowing.

The meal continued in silence with Charles and Harry reluctant to speak in case their deep voices were heard. Julian thought about the predicament they were in. They were still corseted and the chastity tubes were still fitted. They were free of the clutches of Leila but they seemed to be deeper in the mire here. There seemed no easy way out unless she could tap these two girls for information.

"Jacqueline can I ask you question?" said Julian.

"Yes of course you can,

"Well when we came in, the gate was locked behind us, is there any way out of here that a girl in a skirt can negotiate?" asked Julian.

"Well do you want the short answer or the long answer?" said Jacqueline.

"I suppose the long answer," said Julian.

"Well ordinarily there is no way out of here except by the front gate but in our six years here, there have been several unofficial exits created by several of the more enterprising girls. One by one they were all blocked up or made impassable. They don't called this Fort Denis for nothing," she laughed.

Taking his time to swallow, Julian responded, "is there a way out?"

"Yes there is but it would require a walk of nearly half a mile over the playing fields in the pitch dark, negotiating a thick hedge and then climbing through a gap in the wall. I've done it and came back in a fearful mess and that was in daylight. Now it's dark I wouldn't recommend it. Anyway why do you want to go, you just got here?" Asked Jacqueline finally.

"Oh it was just that I saw a really nice boy on the way here from the station," said Julian remembering a boy that had whistled at the dog cart and its occupants a little earlier.

"I wouldn't bother Julie, the boys down here are so common, you would be better saving yourself for a Yorkshire lad," continued Jacqueline.

Seeing a chance to lighten the mood, "certainly not a Lancashire lad," said Julian and that they both laughed.

"Well anyway don't say I didn't warn you," said Jacqueline, "hurry with your meal or you will be late for evensong."

Julian thought he could hear Charles groan when the word evensong was said. He knew that the last thing they needed was a hour or two of carol singing practice.

"We are a little tired from the journey, do you think that they would excuse us this evening?" asked Julian.

"I don't think so, evensong is compulsory for everyone, didn't you know that," said Rosemary who finally finished eating. A plump girl, Rosemary had started to feel odd about the other occupants of the table. There was nothing she could put her finger on but something just wasn't right with the three visitors from Yorkshire.

'They are too well spoken to be from Yorkshire, they also have slightly deep voices and even when they speak they sound like sandpaper. Then there is the lack of knowledge on the latest fashions and now the chat about getting out,' she thought.

"Tell me girls, which school did you go too before you came here," she asked innocently.

"Oh you wouldn't know it," said Charles trying to avoid the question.

"It was a school in Harrogate," said Julian hoping that would enable the subject to be dropped.

"Oh yes, which school?" she responded. Unfortunately for the three amigos, Rosemary knew most the main public schools in the north, especially the girl's schools.

"Harrogate Grammar School," said Julian quickly suspecting a trap had just been baited.

"Oh yes then why are you here?" she asked again looking for a weak link in the chain.

"We won a scholarship after we passed some entrance exams," said Charles butting in quickly. Sometimes two heads are better than one.

"Well done," said Jacqueline your parents must have been very proud of you.

"I didn't want to come here but my parents insisted," said Harry with just a smattering of truth.

At that Rosemary's curiosity was aroused but she decided to defray further questions until she could find out more about the three girls from the north with southern accents.

"We will see you at evensong, don't dawdle," said Rosemary as she and Jacqueline headed out towards the chapel.

"God that was close," said Julian, "do you think they suspect anything?"

"Yes I think Rosemary thinks something's not quite right but she doesn't know enough to prove it. We will have to be wary of her from now on," added Harry.

"All right let's go to evensong, god this corset hurts," said Charles as he tried to press his stomach

"I have a better idea, I think we should use the cover of darkness to get out of here," said Julian.

"Yes but you forget the coats and our parcels are in our room," said Harry rising slowly and painfully onto his heeled boots. "Owh my feet, I feel like a cripple, I don't think I could walk a couple of miles in these boots. Why don't we just stay here until tomorrow?"

"Yes but remember we share with two girls, we have no night-gowns and we will not be able to get out of these cursed corsets," said Julian.

"Come along girls no dawdling, evensong waits," said Jennifer Hopwood the young music teacher who was a close friend of Helen Martin back in Crawley.

"Yes miss, we are just finishing," said Julian.

"Good follow me," she said.

All three impostors were inside the small chapel and they took their place next to the entrance door. All three regretting the lack of overcoats or capes on this cold night. Julian had noticed that most of the girls had folded their arms under their chests and he intimated that they follow suit.

Julian looked around and he could see his sister June with the other third form girls while at the far end Rosie was with her first form friends. Neither seemed to show any recognition as he entered.

The singing started and try as they might, all three couldn't sing with the gusto they normally displayed at Crawley. However the teacher who had marched them in was disappointed that they were almost inaudible from where she stood. She intimated that they sing up but with their deep voices it was obvious they would soon be detected.

Julian nearest the passageway indicated to the teacher that they had sore throats to which she whispered in his ear, "you are excused then."

Harry followed but Charles was still in his position when the two looked back as they went through the door. Outside the two scurried as fast as their boots could carry them back to the dormitory. They tried the door to their room and mercifully it was unlocked.

"Quick lets get the clothes and get out of here," said Julian.

From the adjoining bathroom, there came a cry, "is that you Natalie?" At that moment a girl wearing nothing more than a large towel emerged and just as she did, the towel slipped to reveal a lovely pair of orbs on her chest.

Harry's eyes stared out on stalks having not seen such things on anybody alive or dead before.

"I am sorry, I thought you were Natalie," said the girl, "I am Rachel."

"This is Juliette and I am Harriet," said Harry. "We just came to get our things, we have been given another room."

"Where? These are the last spare beds in the school," said Rachel. "I am not feeling very well, so I was able to skive evensong."

"Oh what's wrong?" Asked Harry, wishing the earth would open up and swallow him. "Both of us have sore throats."

"I feel all shivery and I think I have some influenza coming," she replied sitting on her bed.

Julian putting the packages down again went over to her and felt her head.

"You are burning up, I will call the Matron for you."

"Thanks but I just want to get some sleep now," she said and she slowly hitched herself into bed after donning a night-dress to cover her full breasts. Within minutes she was fast asleep.

Both feminised boys looked at one another and wondered how they were going to extricate themselves as they seemed to get deeper and deeper into their predicament.

 

Chapter 7 - Leila tries a rescue

"What a mess," said Leila after she got back to the cottage.

"Why what's happened?" asked Helen wondering where the three dressed boys were. "Where are they?"

"They are inside St Denis, we had an accident with the dog cart just outside the school and the gate man ordered them inside the school. He made sure that walked into the school after he locked the gates," she said almost in tears. "I told Robert to slow down but he kept going so fast," she explained to her friend. "We hit a large boulder and the wheel broke. We were lucky not be injured."

"That's dreadful, three boys dressed as girls inside a girl's school, how are we going to get them out? Asked Helen, "that school is like a fortress with high walls and locked gates."

"I know but don't forget we also have the keys to their chastity devices and without them they can't remove their corsets. That means no bathing and no relief," said Leila.

"Well if they can pull off this charade there will be no more doubts about their acting ability now," said Helen.

"That sort of comment doesn't help," said Leila. "They have only been dressing for three days."

"Sorry," said Helen who sidled up to her friend and gave her a kiss and cuddle.

"Do you think that you could go and visit your music teacher friend Jennifer Hopwood tonight?" asked Leila.

"Yes that's an idea, I could try and find them and at least slip them a letter and the keys to those chastity belts," said Helen.

"No I want to see if you can get them out, they really need to be back here.

Who knows what they are getting up to, right now."

"Right, I will get a carriage and go and visit my friend," said Helen who rose to get her long cloak.

"Be careful Helen," said Leila as she kissed her friend goodbye with a tender

kiss on the lips

Although tired Leila decided that she couldn't just sit and do nothing and immediately rushed upstairs. She disrobed and quickly donned a shirt, trousers and a pair of ordinary brogue shoes. She tied up her hair and slipped on a dark woollen hat that made sure it would stay that way. The only feminine article of clothing remaining was her own tight corset and her pantaloons.

She slipped out of the cottage unseen, enjoying the freedom of the trousers and shoes as she moved towards the school gates. The gates as usual were wide open and she walked as quietly as she could past the Crawley gate house.

She ran along the road and eventually came across the boundary wall to St Denis. From the road it looked low but in reality it towered above her by another four feet.

In the darkness it looked like the north face of the Eiger but she managed to find some hand holds.

She cursed out loud as she tore several nails on her right hand back to the quick on her move up obviously unlike many Crawley boys had done before. The landing in the St Denis grounds went badly as she twisted an ankle on landing. The jump from the top of the wall being higher than she expected.

"Merde," she exclaimed out loud in the darkness as she rubbed her ankle in an abortive attempt to ease the pain.

After two or three minutes of rubbing, she hobbled towards the main house nearly half a mile away.

As she did so, she could see lights starting to go out all over the chapel and she could see women and girls emerging into the chilled night air. Not that Leila felt cold, her efforts keeping her warm, while her ankle made her eyes water each time she stepped on it.

In the courtyard she could see Helen's carriage and the horse already standing patiently by the doorway. She closed in near to the main building and looked for an open window or door to enter.

With the cold night air, all the windows were tightly shut but she did find a door that was unlocked that led into a small library in the rear of the building. She tried the room door and with some relief found it opened out into a corridor.

Helen meanwhile was in the private room of her friend Jennifer and mentioned casually passing three St Denis girls walking along the road from the town and wondered whether they had arrived safely.

"Yes I saw them in the refectory, and then later as they went into evensong, two had to go to their room because of a sore throat though," said Jennifer. "They sounded like baritones." Both women laughed.

"I am so glad they are safe, I was worried because darkness was closing in," added Helen.

"They are up in the over spill room getting ready for bed as we speak," said Jennifer.

"I wonder if it would be possible to speak with them because I found something that may belong to one of them," said Helen taking an envelope out of her purse.

Helen handed her an envelope and it is marked for the attention of Juliette Smythe.

"There is no need to take it to her just now, they will be preparing for bed, I will see she gets it first thing in the morning," said Jennifer.

"That's good, that's very good of you," said Helen secretly dismayed that the boys wouldn't be able to remove their corsets or their chastity devices until the morning.

"Tell me how are your plans for the Christmas play proceeding?" asked Jennifer.

"Oh very well, my friend Leila who you know, is preparing to do The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde," replied Helen.

"Why that's very ambitious, do you have anyone to play the female roles?" she asked innocently.

"Not yet we were hoping that your school would relent it's position slightly and we could invite some of your girls over to see our ambitious plans," said Helen.

"I will talk to the headmistress in the morning about it and see if we can't make an exception in the case of the play. In the spirit of Christmas, you understand," said Jennifer laughing.

"Oh thank you Jennifer, our schools share so much and this feud is over such a trivial matter, it does not do us or our charges any credit. I think that perhaps that it is not healthy for boys and girls to be split up in this way," said Helen smiling broadly. "If there is anything I can do to help then I will."

"Yes I know you will, I too think that we should help each other out, this play you talk about is so exciting I have heard so much about it and it is very adventurous to do such a drama at Christmas."

"That was Leila's doing she is a forthright woman. Once she was given the job she decided that Twelfth Night would not get performed again this year despite what some of the more senior masters thought."

"The play calls for four female roles how were you going to fill those parts?" asked Jennifer.

"Leila and I were going to do two of the roles ourselves, while we thought of putting two boys in skirts for the remaining parts of Gwendolen and Cecily.

"That would be good fun teaching boys to be girls," said Jennifer.

"We found some and we have only just started to train them," said Helen smiling.

"I can see that you have been having some fun then," said Jennifer.

"I'll say, they took some persuading to put on skirts but now I think that they love being prim and proper young girls," said Helen looking up at the ceiling.

At that moment, Julian and Harry were joined by Charles and Natalie who had followed him up the stairs to be surprised as they went for the same door handle.

"Hi my name's Charlotte, I just arrived today," whispered Charles pretending to be breathless as he opened the door. 'Some old male habits die hard.' he thought as he let her enter ahead of him.

As Charles moved towards his friends, Natalie moved across the room towards Rachel. The three boys sat on Julian's bed and talked.

"What do we do now?" asked Charles.

"We have no choice, we have to spend the night here," said Julian.

"I hate to say the obvious but we have no night-dresses and we can't sleep in these corsets. I don't know about you two but I feel as if mine is cutting me in half. It is completely unforgiving and as for this thing between my legs, well," said Harry showing his frustrations.

"Julian is right we have no option but to stay here tonight. Let's see if we can borrow some night-dresses from these two," said Charles.

Julian went over to the two girls. Natalie was looking at Rachel's prostrate shape and feeling her head.

"We were wondering if you could help us?" asked Julian.

"If I can, I will," said Natalie back in a friendly manner but concerned for her friend's condition.

"Our luggage has failed to arrive and we need to borrow at least three night dresses and some pantaloons. We will wash everything thoroughly before you get them back."

"Yes of course," said Natalie, "I can let you have underwear and night-dresses."

"That is very kind of you," said Julian who imagined a twinkle in Natalie's eyes. As she handed the clothes over, her hand and Julian's touched briefly and he could feel her hot sweaty palms. Just like he remembered from his dancing lessons of a year earlier when they learnt dancing in readiness for the school dances.

He thanked her and moved back towards the bed with Harry and Charles.

"Who's first?" Julian asked pointing to the toilet.

"Me I'll go," said Charles in a soft voice

In the toilet, Charles removed his outer garments, replaced his pantaloons so that his chastity device was covered and he saw that his corset was still concealed when he donned Natalie's sweet smelling night-dress. The removal of his boots would be easier by the bed and that is what happened as he and Julian removed each other's boots in deference to the tight corsets they wore.

All three lay in bed and tried hard to get comfortable. After three days and nights the corsets were just about tolerable during the day but at night it was different. The longer garments cut into their ribs and buttocks viciously. Sleep was going to come with difficulty during that night Julian realised.

Meanwhile downstairs Helen was saying goodbye to her friend Jennifer and both women walked past the partially open door that hid Leila. As she passed by, Jennifer pulled the door closed and then locked it with a bunch of keys.

Poor Leila had little option but to retreat now, quickly as her injured ankle would allow her, she went back through the open door outside and headed towards Helen's carriage. Despite her pain, she reached it just as Helen and Jennifer said their goodbyes at the front door.

"Don't come out, there's no sense in both of us getting cold," said Helen wrapping up in her cloak. As Helen reached the buggy she could see what she thought was a man lying across the back seat.

She was just about to scream when Leila said, "it's me hush."

Helen clambered in and looked around. "What are you doing here?"

"I tried to rescue my girls but all I have done is hurt my ankle," she replied.

"Please go quickly."

The carriage proceeded at a walking pace up to the gate and the gate man hearing the wheels crunch on the frost covered gravel drive was in attendance to let her out on to the road and past the still stricken dog cart.

"Good night miss," he said as she turned onto the main road.

Leila sat up as they trotted back towards Crawley and quizzed Helen about the events in the school.

"All three are in a room together, they have been fed and they share with two other girls. Jennifer is keen to help with our school play and she will ask the headmistress to get involved with us. She wants to send some volunteers over for auditions if she gets approval. She was very impressed on the choice of play. Then I gave her the keys saying that I found an envelope on the road just outside the school and wondered if it belonged to someone called Juliette Smythe. Unfortunately she said that she would only let Juliette have the keys in the morning."

"What now?" asked Leila.

"We wait basically," said Helen. "Go back to the cottage and making love to one another would help."

"Yes that would be good," she replied neither woman having had the opportunity for carnal knowledge since the boys were feminised earlier in the week.

Sensibly Leila was dropped off at the cottage door while Helen took the cob and the carriage back to the stables. An expert horsewoman, Helen had the cob quickly unhitched and in it's stall despite the gloom while she carried the harness tack to the adjoining tack room.

After a brisk walk across the dark school, Helen was relieved to be back in the cottage and to be lying alongside Leila in preference to her own bed. Although both were very tired they enjoyed their usual oral sex with Leila's experienced hands inflaming Helen's libido higher and higher.

As they both shuddered to a climax in a passionate mutual lovemaking embrace, just over two miles away Julian was lying back his eyes closed hoping for sleep but none came. His brain so usually good at forging plans had been bereft of ideas since this ordeal had been imposed on him. Once again it looked as though he was struggling to find a realistic solution that would get him out of St Denis and then out of skirts.

He turned over and then shot wide awake when he felt a hand on his shoulder.

"You still awake," said a girl's voice. It was Natalie. "Thought so."

"Yes how did you know?" He whispered back.

"I could hear you sighing," she replied. "You sound troubled."

"Thanks for your concern, my brother died last week and I miss him so much," he said.

Natalie lifted the blankets and lay down alongside Julian who though shocked did little to resist. As she lay beside him she felt his hard outer shell of his corset.

"What's this? she asked. "No wonder you can't sleep why are you wearing a corset?"

"My mother insisted that I continue wearing it while I was at school," said Julian hoping that she would accept that version of the truth.

"Yes but she can't see you here, take it off, you feel like a lobster with it on," she said and as she spoke her hand wandered lower down towards his legs. He caught her hand in the nick of time as she wandered lower.

"Don't you want some mutual pleasure?" She asked kissing his neck and chin.

"Yes that would be good," he said, "but right now I am very tired can't we try again tomorrow."

Natalie wasn't about to give up easily though and kissed Julian fully on the lips. He could feel his penis start to stiffen and then meet resistance from the tube in which it was encased.

'I can't believe this, lying in bed, right next to a beautiful girl and I can't do anything with it or perhaps there is a way.' he thought. Suddenly he decided that perhaps Natalie should be the receiver of pleasure rather than the giver.

He started smothering her face with kisses. He felt for and found her small breasts. Despite being 17 and a year older than he, she was not well developed but she did respond well to his manipulations. He teased her nipples with his fingers and started to unbutton her night dress.

"I thought you said you were tired," she said making another play for his sex.

Julian took command of the situation by putting his hands on both her breasts and she in turn felt for and found his sensitive nipples. He sucked on hers biting and teasing them with his tongue. He moved back up to her mouth and inserted his tongue into it. She was surprised but nevertheless sucked on his tongue when she could. Their kisses were passionate and she found the feeling of his corset clad torso erotic.

He quickly decided that he would give her pleasure in the only way he could as he started to kiss down between her breasts. He continued to go down and soon felt her hands pushing his wigged head further down.

He went and down and lifted up her night dress inserted his head and came back up again and bore down on her uncovered sex. His loose long hair tickled her legs and thighs as he put his lips to her sex and kissed it. This was new for him but Natalie who, was an expert in lesbian lovemaking knew what she wanted and that was his tongue inside her vagina and his teeth on her clitoris.

She took both her hands and pressed his head towards her vulva hard. She brought her knees up and clamped his head between her legs and held him there.

"Suck me," she said but Julian his ears covered by her thighs couldn't hear.

He dived into her sex and sucked on her clitoris and labia. Still she wasn't satisfied and he felt her push down on his head with her hands. Julian needed no more advice from her and inserted his tongue deep between the folds of her vulva and into her vagina.

She started to squirm on the bed and Julian was surprised when she shuddered violently and then suddenly stopped and released him from her vice like thighs. Julian though wasn't finished he liked where he was and he continued to lap away at her private parts. She quickly began moaning again. He could hear her this time as he worked with his tongue taking all of her clitoris in his mouth and threatening to bite it clean off with his teeth.

That did it and she shook again. This time she pulled up her night-dress and let him draw fresh air before rolling over and going to sleep. Frustrated and tired but happy that he had enjoyed a woman's intimate parts, Julian was quickly asleep.

 

Chapter 8 - Release but no escape

The next morning Julian felt that he should wake and was rewarded with Natalie's blue eyes staring straight back at him.

"Do you want to tell me now or talk later to the Headmistress what you are doing here dressed like this," said Natalie looking upset. It was only then that he felt that she had a grip of the steel tube that housed his penis.

"It is not how it seems, please don't tell on me," he said.

"Try me," she said and he was left to recount the whole story on how he arrived in bed with her.

"All right I believe you," she said.

"So will you tell the headmistress?" He asked.

"Not if you make love to me like that every night," she replied smiling now.

"I honestly thought you were going to bite me down there."

"I'm not that greedy," he said rising up and getting into the toilet first. When he returned he rushed back into bed and watched her rise and do her toilet through the open door and suddenly realised that she must have seen him squat too.

Just then there was a knock at the door and Jennifer opened it and walked in.

"Juliette?" she asked softly to avoid wakening the other girls.

"Yes," replied Julian rapidly covering his corseted form.

"This envelope was found outside the school bearing your name last night, you must have dropped it, here you are, hurry breakfast is in 15 minutes," said Jennifer closing the door again.

'I didn't drop any envelope,' he thought tearing it open to find a note from Helen and Leila and inside that a small piece of tissue with three keys inside.

'The note can keep, let's get these chastity devices off,' he thought.

He found his padlock keys and quickly had the belt removed giving himself a reassuring rub before waking the other two sleepy heads. They quickly woke up and had their belts removed.

"That's a great way to start the day," said Charles on return from the bathroom.

"What?" Asked Julian.

"Being able to stand up while I take a piss and not sitting like some girl anymore," he said.

"I thought you liked sitting because it suited your lazy disposition," said Harry rubbing his tool hard. "Come on help me get this corset off now Julian," he continued.

"I'm sorry I can't we need to keep them on a little longer, breakfast will be any minute and you just wont have time," said Julian.

"Oh God no," said Harry showing signs of frustration and distress.

"Patience, dear heart one step at a time," said Charles trying to rub Harry's shoulders. Both boys had become much closer over the last few days and this contact between Harry and Charles was something that seemed perfectly natural now. Charles continued to rub Harry's shoulders and relieved the tension so that Harry felt better about stepping into his skirts.

With Rachel still sleeping, Natalie came over and offered her help with their dressing. In less than ten minutes all four were ready to descend to breakfast.

"What is wrong with your friend Rachel?" Asked Charles

"I think she has influenza," said Natalie. "I will send the Matron to see her after breakfast."

With that all four descended the stairs to breakfast and found themselves seated near the teacher's table.

"Good morning girls," said the headmistress as she swanned into the refectory.

"Good morning Miss Lightfoot," they cried back in unison while standing to attention.

As Natalie went to report Rachel's illness to the Matron the three boys went and collected some warm milk and some porridge for breakfast for the four of them

"I can't wait to get out of this corset," said Harry quietly as he placed his and Natalie's porridge on the table. His comments reminding the other two that they still wore their unyielding garments.

When we get back from breakfast we will see if we can open up the stays a little," said Charles. "Be patient dear Harry." Charles patted Harry on the knee under the table.

After tea and porridge the four returned upstairs, Julian took out the letter and went through to the bathroom to read it in peace.

"Mes Enfants

Helen and I are dreadfully sorry that you have landed in the girl's school at St Denis."

'I bet' thought Julian, 'look at the mess we are in.'

"We will try all we can to get you out and back to Crawley."

'Why so you can make idiots out of us again,' thought Julian.

"Instead of learning to be girls gradually you have been thrown in the deep end and you will have to learn to be model girls or be thrown out in disgrace. Obviously if you are discovered and come back here, you will be immediately expelled for infiltrating St Denis. So although you are not in our direct control it is equally important that you maintain the act as well as you can."

'Tell me about it, we can hardly go about dressed as men in these uniforms," thought Julian.

"We have enclosed the keys to your chastity belts because you will need to remove your corsets from time to time for washing. If you do not want your penis to be noticed we suggest that you replace them."

'Some hope,' thought Julian who had already felt like throwing them in the bin.

"Although you have progressed well over the last few days and outwardly you all look like convincing girls, learn to look after yourself, try to imagine what a girl would do in each situation."

"That's easy for you to say," he said out loud but reluctantly he knew it was the truth if they were to survive this nightmare

"In the meantime, we know that you will cope with the life at St Denis, your waists are trim, your mannerisms are improving and your hair is long and fine.

Leila and Helen."

"That's easy for them to say," said Julian again muttering to himself.

He walked through to the bedroom and saw Charles adjusting the Harry's stays. "Is that any better?" Asked Charles.

"I say, Harry and Charles, listen up," said Julian.

"Yes what is it?" Asked Harry still uncomfortable.

"Look the bell is due to go for assembly, get that lacing done up again, we must present as convincing an image as possible, because if we don't we are in big trouble."

"Why?" asked Charles.

"Because in her letter, she says that if we get caught we will be drummed out of here and then Crawley," said Julian.

"Oh God," said Harry, "how much more do we have to take?"

"I know," said Julian, "look lets make a go of this, the alternative is disgrace and the next train home."

Just then the door opened and in walked a rather portly woman who was obviously the school Matron.

"Where is the flu victim?" she asked.

"Over by the window," said Julian rising from the bed. "She seems very sick, do you think it would be all right if one of us stayed with her today?

"No it will be all right, I will make sure she is well looked after," said the Matron who seemed touched by Julian's caring attitude.

At the moment the bell for morning assembly went and they were going to be late. They tripped out the door glad that the uniforms they wore were not as restrictive as the skirts still wrapped up in brown paper they left behind.

The boys were among the last to enter the hall and sat down at the rear, the headmistress gave some announcements about the weather cancelling the arranged lacrosse match with St Danielle's, carol singing practice in preparation for the local hospital recital, the current influenza epidemic blighting the school and the possibility of an involvement with Crawley's Christmas school play.

"Now I know that we have become slightly detached from the boy's school because of our differences, but I agree with Miss Hopwood's sentiments that their School play is quite ambitious."

"It shows that perhaps Crawley are moving forward into the 20^th century and I feel that we should put our differences behind us by offering the services of four girls and support for a joint production."

"The play Crawley is the extremely popular The Importance of being Earnest by Oscar Wilde and I think that it would be of benefit to any aspiring actresses to audition for the parts offered."

"Miss Hopwood here will take the names of those wishing to be considered. For those successful in being selected, I would want you to know that Crawley intended to use boys to fill the female roles. Have you ever heard anything so silly?" she asked smiling to which the whole school started laughing back.

Finally I would just like to thank the staff and to you for last night's evensong. In my opinion the singing was quite superb," she added.

When the assembly was dismissed, Julian moved forward and was pleased to see that only four girls were leaving their names with Miss Hopwood. He gave his, Charlotte's and Harriet's names too and was pleased when Miss Hopwood said that they would be taking the St Denis Carriage over to Crawley that afternoon to see Miss Mitterand and Miss Martin.

"Now then classes girls," said Miss Hopwood.

Julian had no idea which class to go to and stood still.

"I think that your class are in Room 12 this morning. It is home economics I think," she said. "Gather up your friends and follow me and I will introduce you to your new teacher."

All three boys followed and were then seated behind a long wooden bench that formed a U shape around the room. The teacher, Miss Kate Butcher told the three boys to quickly take a seat as she showed them how to prepare the bread mix that would see them each make a small brown loaf of bread.

"Yes Miss Butcher," said the three petrified boys because Kate Butcher certainly lived up to her name. She was well endowed with large breasts and arms that would have matched Harry's legs. Her hair was tied up in a tight bun though she did have some loose hairs hanging down past her face. She wore a large floral apron and she handed the three boys one each.

After several minutes, she then provided each girl with a measured amount of ingredients to make the bread.

All three boys looked at one another and smiled as they saw what was required.

Miss Butcher saw the expression on Charles' face and saw something that shocked her for a moment but then she dismissed it from her mind.

The morning proceeded without interruption and all three boys were pleased to receive high marks for their bread making. Just as the morning session ended a rather happy Miss Hopwood came into the room.

"Good news girls your cases have arrived from the station," she said. "It seems they went to the next station down the line and they have been in a locked room all night."

"Where are they Miss Hopwood?" Julian asked.

"They are in your room," she replied and by the way Matron told me about your generous offer to look after Rachel. In fact Rachel is very ill and we have taken her down to Matron's sick bay room for the time being," said Miss Hopwood.

It being lunch time, the boys had little time except to go back to the refectory for lunch.

"At least we will have a change of clothes," said Charles. "maybe they included some boy's clothes so we can get out over that wall."

"I don't think so," said Julian. Charles feeling the tightness of the corset he had worn for the last three days was reluctantly forced to agree.

On the way to lunch, Julian passed his sister June in the corridor. He smiled at her but she failed to recognise him again. 'That's a blessing,' he thought as she walked past. 'The last thing I need is my sister to know all about this.'

 

Chapter 9 - Auditions

After lunch the boys rushed upstairs and discovered three suitcases filled with female clothes. There were also cartons containing herbal tea extracts.

There was also another letter from Leila in her beautiful flowing handwriting that was in his suitcase.

"Ma Cherie,

I hope that you are all settling down into life at St Denis and that you are adjusting well to the changes that have been forced upon you.

Helen and I hope that you have managed to be included in the girls who will come to Crawley for the audition this afternoon. You already know the parts that need to be played and you know how they should be played so I am expecting big things from my three girls.

You will be expected to recite the part in scene 1 where Jack proposes to Gwendolen. Please let your two sisters know.

Whether you are successful in the audition or not you will still need to stay at St Denis until I can arrange to get you back here. The Deputy Headmaster is not aware of the situation and assumes that you are still here with me. Helen and I think that at least this way you will continue to receive an education and your feminine acting training will go much faster.

We hope that you will enjoy the next six weeks and I recommend that you take the herbal tea that we gave you when you were here. You should know that it contains powerful substances which will act to calm your nerves. I strongly urge you to continue taking them.

Leila

Julian looked closely at the three packets of herbal tea and saw that they contained herbs that he had never heard of before. The label on the packet was in French and his translation was not good.

"For the curing of nervous and blood disorders in older women," he read out loud.

Just then Natalie walked in and was delighted to see Julian standing before her.

"How is my new girlfriend lover today?" she asked.

"I am not your girlfriend," he replied somewhat taken aback by her comment.

That reply irked the girl somewhat and her reply put Julian back on his heels with shock.

"Unless I say otherwise, I am afraid you are and will be my very special girlfriend," she added. "I have never ever had relief like that before and I will want you to do it where ever and when ever I want. Rachel tried bless her heart but your teeth and tongue were incredible."

"I am a boy remember," he said starting to protest.

"Yes I know but you look delectable as a girl and I would like you to stay like that," she said. "In fact when we leave here I would demand that you stayed just as you are. All pretty and demure."

"This can only be for a short time Natalie, I can't stay like this forever," he bleated.

"Why not?" she asked and then said, "I'll bet you look so much better as a girl than as a boy."

"I have to go over to Crawley this afternoon for the play audition will you help me get ready?" Asked Julian changing the subject.

"Yes but I want you back here, so I am going to insist you wear your little chastity device again while you are gone. Hand it over," she said putting out her hand.

"Why?"

"Because dear heart if you don't have this fitted," she said taking it from him, "you might never come back to me and I couldn't bear that to happen. Could I?"

"You don't trust me?" Asked Juliette. "I will have to come back here if Miss Hopwood takes us."

"No it's not that," she replied, "let's call this a form of insurance. Hitch up your skirt and take your, sorry, my pantaloons down. Show me how this works."

"Natalie, please do not put me back into this instrument of torture," he said whining. "You have no idea how degrading that belt is to wear."

"Just get it," she demanded folding her arms under her chest with one foot placed to one side.

With no other choice, Julian reluctantly obliged and picked his one up cursing the fact that they had not thrown them out.

"Bring all three, not just yours," said Natalie demanding obedience.

Julian handed her the three instruments.

"Does it hurt when you wear them?" She asked.

"Not really, it feels very uncomfortable plus I can't get hard when I get excited," he replied in sorrow

"Well if you don't want to wear it, I guess I will just have to go down and see Miss Hopwood or Miss Mason about you three," she smiling knowing full well that she had him right where she wanted.

"I have to go for the audition, I would really like some help with my hair will you help me?" he said hitching up his skirts already resigning himself to his fate.

She slipped the waist band over the top of his hips and around his corset, fitted the penis tube and clicked both locks shut firmly shut. While she handled his penis it attempted to rise but was checked in it's growth just as the tube was fitted. His penis was not noticeable when his skirts were smoothed down again.

"You look so pretty dressed like this, you hair is so long and full, you really should have been born a girl," she said looking into his eyes. With that she leant forward and kissed him on the nose. He tried to respond but she was determined to show her authority and denied him the kiss on the mouth he sought from her. She took the three keys, removed her necklace and placed them on the gold chain before replacing it around her neck. The keys provocatively nestling between the hollow of her pert little breasts.

"Sit here," she commanded and she started to undo his ponytail that he quickly put his hair into and piled high earlier that morning. She brushed the hair until it was silky smooth and taking it as a single loop coiled it around his head before pinning it in place. She removed his earrings and handed him a pair of brown and cream cameo style earrings which he tried to insert.

"I'm sorry Natalie, can you help me with these please, I have never done this before," he said after his fifth or sixth attempt at putting the ear rings into the tiny holes in his earlobes. With Natalie's assistance he quickly inserted the pretty jewellery marvelling at how long they made his neck.

Then she turned her attention to his hands. She took out her grooming kit and buffed both sets of nails before shaping them slightly. "You will take a few weeks, to grow them as long as mine but we have made a start," she said just as Charles and Harry walked in.

They were astonished to see Julian's transformation at the hands of Natalie. "Now then girls," she said with obvious relish, "You know that Juliette has revealed your little secret to me and unless you all do as I say then I think your days at St Denis or anywhere else are numbered."

Harry visibly gulped and Charles started to back up towards the door. "Now you see those silver tubes, help each other put them on, they wont be coming back off unless all three of you come back here again after the auditions. Having experienced her tongue last night, I intend to see that Juliette and I will have a long relationship together."

"It's not like you think," said Julian to both Charles and Harry who were starting to re-fit the detested penis tubes again. "I thought I had seen the last of these things too."

"Natalie we haven't been out of these corsets for several days, please say that you will let us free when we get back," said Harry sniffing back some tears.

"I'll think about it, come on I'll show you how to do your hair," said Natalie.

At just five feet 2 inches tall Natalie was dwarfed by the three pretend girls who were at least six inches taller but she had them under her control and they knew it.

All three boys were fitted with their straw hats trimmed with green ribbon, long green coats and their matching uniforms. Their hair was done in a variety of styles, with Harry sporting twin pigtails curled up behind his head and Charles having ribbons threaded into his hair.

All four skipped downstairs and headed for the main door where they were greeted by Miss Hopwood.

"You going too Natalie?" said Miss Hopwood.

"I thought I would come too if that's all right," said Natalie smiling.

"I'm sorry there is no room on the carriage," replied Miss Hopwood. "I have enough girls who want to come with me."

"Very well goodbye Julie, Charlie and Harry see you later and good luck," said Natalie deliberately using short names.

"The carriage is waiting," said Miss Hopwood and the three descended the steps lifting their skirt hems to avoid tripping.

"This feels crazy," said Charles whispering to Julian, "going for an audition for parts we already have."

"I know and what's more we can't stay at Crawley we have to return here or else Natalie will not set us free."

All three were helped up onto the carriage by the gate man and they sat all prim and proper with their hands clasped together on their laps. The other five girls were excited and chattering wildly as they started moving towards the gates.

On entering Crawley the eight girls looked out to see the boys playing rugby and soccer on the playing fields. Suddenly in the midst of a scrum, there was a loud cry. Several boys got up and started peering at a prostrate figure on the ground.

Miss Hopwood stopped the carriage and got down. "Stay here girls, I will see if he needs some help."

Julian though had other ideas and promptly dropped down onto the ground. With some difficulty he began running over familiar turf but in unfamiliar heels. When he arrived, Julian could see that the boy in question had a large cut on his head and that was staining the muddy green grass bright red.

Instinctively Miss Hopwood tore a piece of her petticoat to staunch the flow of blood but would Julian could see that she would need more than one small strip of material. He ripped his own petticoat into several strips and handed them to her as she proceeded to bandage the badly cut youth's head.

"Thank you, Juliette," said Miss Hopwood, "that should help staunch his flow. He has a very deep cut and I fear he needs a doctor. Boys please carry the boy to our carriage and we take him back to the school."

"Hello beautiful," said one of the scrum forwards from Julian's old house team. "That's a pretty petticoat you were wearing."

"Hello," said Julian. 'What did I just do? I acted like I was Florence Nightingale. Tearing up my petticoat like that, it seemed so natural at the time,' thought Julian.

"Will you come to our School dance next week?" Asked the big boy whose nickname was Winker Watson.

"I'm not sure," said Julian feeling uncomfortable at the attention he was receiving.

"Well if you do let me know, because I will protect you for what you just did for Colin here," said Winker.

The stretcher party approached the carriage and the girls were forced to dismount to make way for Colin lie down. Julian was allowed on to ensure that the blood flow had been staunched and the carriage headed over to the school.

As he was unloaded he suddenly grabbed Julian's hand and said, "thanks miss for looking after me. Will you come and visit me later?"

"Yes of course," said Julian.

"Promise?" said Colin.

"Yes I promise," said Julian looking at Miss Hopwood, who nodded agreement.

As the boy was carried indoors, the girls walked up to the carriage followed by a few of Colin's rugby team-mates anxious to learn how he was. The Deputy Headmaster, Leila and Helen came out of the school to greet them about five minutes later.

"Thank you for helping with the accident, Matron thinks that he will be fine. It was fortunate that you were there because he lost some blood," said the Deputy Headmaster shaking Jennifer's hand.

"I believe that one of your girls helped too, we shall of course see that you and she are suitably rewarded with some new underclothes," said Allan.

"Yes Juliette tore up most of her petticoat to make bandages," said Jennifer calling over Julian who was still being harassed by Master Watson.

"On behalf of Crawley School, I should like to thank you," said Allan.

Julian blushed with embarrassment and was amazed that Allan did not recognise him from such a close distance. Both Leila and Helen kissed the pretend girl on the cheeks as a token of thanks. Leila saying, "well done Juliette," in his ear when they embraced.

Speaking out loud, Allan said, "I think this shows that what can happen when we have a spirit of friendship between the two schools. This action today and the ladies who carefully nursed our young man until he could be brought back here have our heart felt thanks."

There was some cheering from the rugby players and some hand shaking.

"I would like to welcome their teacher Jennifer Hopwood and her eight charges in what I hope will signal the start of fresh co-operation between these two illustrious establishments," said Allan.

"We hope so too," said Miss Hopwood, "come girls."

With that the entourage went into the school and headed for the main assembly hall that also doubled as a theatre. The eight girls were offered seats in front of the stage and they could see that several boys were working on the scenery behind in readiness for the auditions.

Charles and Harry had dry mouths but Julian felt quietly confident.

"How are you going to select the girls?" Asked Jennifer to Leila.

"I thought some general questions on the play and how they were able to relate to any of the boys," said Leila. "Of course as director I will have the final say on who will get what part."

"Very well but I hope you will listen to my opinion." said Jennifer smiling.

"Of course, let's have the first candidate," said Leila.

She turned out to be very able with clear high voice, she knew all the questions and was an obvious candidate. Indeed all the other five real girls were very good, with plenty of confidence and the standard was obviously very high when Julian took the stage.

"The same passage as before, my girl," said Leila hoping that Julian would not take stage fright. In the end he too gave a flawless performance while Harry and Charles did very well too despite struggling with a few lines.

Unwilling to upset the new found relations Leila was happy that the girls were all to a high standard and said to Jennifer. "If you are agreeable we will use all of them, we have three shows here at Crawley on successive nights, one for students and staff, one for parents and relatives and one for the local community when the proceeds will go to charity."

"We would like to stage two performances at St Denis too," said Jennifer, "so it would make sense to use all eight girls though my preference is for the older six formers. Juliette was very good too."

"Then it is agreed," said Leila. "Perhaps your girls would like some supper, or tea and cakes before returning to St Denis?"

"Yes that would be nice and that would give us a chance to work out a rehearsal schedule," said Jennifer.

"Follow me," said Leila as she led the way into the dining hall. There was a crowd of boys seated waiting for their evening meal and the eight girls caused quite a stir as they walked in.

Julian could feel every male eye in the place burn holes in him, including several from his old classmates who patently didn't recognise him in his female garb.

As they took their seats, several of the boys came up to the long table and started chatting to the girls. It was all good-natured stuff and the girls were flattered with their interest including the three pretend females.

Julian was on the receiving end of some serious attention of Edward Stourton and was flattered that the boy just didn't recognise him. Julian teased the boy mercilessly indicating that he might be interested in an ice cream in town at the weekend and then he might not.

"If any of your girls want to stay over to do some extra work, they can stay at our cottage. We have a large bedroom that would house 3 girls overnight," said Helen anxious to get the three boys back.

"No that won't be necessary, we would like to disrupt their usual studies as little as possible," said Jennifer. "Juliette here made a promise to visit Colin, can she do that now?"

"Yes of course, I will take her," said Leila hoping to talk with Julian alone.

Charles and Harry looked on in with some trepidation as Julian left with Leila. The pair sat painfully erect conscious that they hadn't performed as well as the others in the audition. Charles moved his hand over again towards Harry's leg and began stroking it gently.

"You like that don't you Harry?" Asked Charles talking in Harry's ear to avoid being overheard.

"Yes it feels nice, it helps to reassure me when you do it," said Harry.

"It is easy to imagine you as a girl when you are dressed like that," said Charles. "I know you are not a girl but that's all I see, do you know what I mean?"

"Yes I am beginning to feel the same way about you," said Harry and he giggled in Charles' ear like he had just told some funny story.

"There have been times when I thought that we would never get away with this but I am not so sure, apart from Natalie who found out because she was in bed with Julian, no-one at St Denis knows about us," said Charles. "It is kind of exciting being someone you shouldn't be."

"Harriet gets more attention than Harry ever used to get," said Harry suddenly concerned that he might not be able to change back when the time came. If the time came.

Meanwhile Julian and Leila walked down to the Matron's room where Colin was recuperating. As they approached Leila ushered Julian into a side room and closed the door.

"Ma cherie, tu es tres jolie," said Leila thrusting herself onto the unsuspecting boy with both her lips glued to his.

"Mademoiselle?" Julian asked enquiring why she had kissed him so strongly.

"Je t'aime Juliette tu es ma fille," she said with passion, "I desire you."

"Mademoiselle please help us get out of that girl's school," Julian pleaded.

"I cannot, you must continue the illusion whether you are here or at St Denis. You must continue to play Juliette," she replied. "Does anyone at St Denis know about you now?"

"A few suspect something is wrong but they can't place what it is. Only one knows what we are and she has locked us back into our chastity belts to ensure our return." Julian somewhat ashamed.

"This someone is she a girl or a teacher?"

"She is a girl called Natalie, she stays in our room and she found out this morning. She locked us back into our chastity belts this afternoon. She wants me to stay like this forever."

"Moi aussi ma cherie, you are too beautiful to be a man," said Leila.

"Non, non, non, I am a man not a girl," cried Julian in despair.

Leila shook her head and looked into Julian's eyes and kissed him passionately. "Come let us go and see how Master Colin is faring," she said.

At the boy's bedside, Colin smiled at Julian when he realised what he had done to help dress his horrible wound. The petticoat bandages had all been removed and his head was now swathed in bandages. Leila left to talk with the matron leaving the St Denis teacher and pupil who acted as his nurses to speak to him alone.

The boy looked up and thanked them both very much for their help. With that Jennifer bent down, wished him a speedy recovery and kissed him on the cheek. As she turned towards the door Jennifer said, "I hope that you will be up and about very soon."

Julian baulked at the thought of kissing the boy and started to leave with Jennifer.

"Hey don't I get a get well kiss from you too?" Asked Colin with a grin spread across his face.

Julian stopped in his tracks and reluctantly turned back. "I thought one kiss would be enough," said Julian trying to make light of his omission.

"Not likely," said Colin proffering his smooth hairless cheek and pointing with his finger so that Julian got the idea.

Julian stepped forward and with no one else in the room tried to kiss him on the cheek, however just at that moment the boy turned and kissed him right on the mouth. At the same time he brought his arms round Julian's back and held him close so he could not escape. Colin's strength meant that he could hold Julian towards him and he quickly inserted his tongue in Julian's mouth.

Julian opened his eyes wide in terror but try as he might he could not break free of the stronger boy's grip. Colin's tongue explored deep inside Julian's mouth draining his saliva and tasting his lips. It was only a shout for Juliette from Jennifer that stopped the unequal struggle.

Julian had the presence of mind though to exact some revenge and Colin suffered a slap to the same cheek he would have kissed.

"You rascal," Julian said trying to look affronted, "take that you beast."

"It was worth it," Colin replied stroking his sore cheek while grinning wider than ever. "Now I have two sore heads but I know which one feels the nicest."

Julian smoothed down his dress and checked his hair in the mirror before going out. As he did, he looked back to see Colin's right hand disappear under the sheets and the boy still grinning from ear to ear. "Juliette sweet Juliette, I love you my angel of mercy, be mine," he cried as Julian left the room.

Julian licked his lips as he headed towards Jennifer in the corridor.

"What took you so long?" Jennifer asked as he rejoined her.

"He ah, he ah, he wouldn't let me go," stammered Julian.

"I tried to kiss him as you had done but he turned and caught me square on the lips. He might have been injured but I couldn't break free from his arms. He is as strong as an ox," continued Julian trying to wipe the taste from his lips.

"It looks as if that was your first kiss from a boy. Was it?" Enquired Jennifer.

"Yes it was," Julian replied truthfully.

"Did you like it?" she asked again as the pair stepped down the corridor.

"I'm not sure, it was such a shock to have him turn like that," said Juliette.

"Well a pretty girl like you will have to expect that sort of behaviour from now on. Never trust a man to act like a woman where sex is concerned. He will try to get inside your skirts at the first opportunity," said Jennifer. "I don't expect you will have seen the last of Master Colin."

The pair returned to the other girls who were waiting patiently in the main hall and they all eagerly mounted back into the carriage. The cold November chill meant that they all wrapped up well with blankets covering their legs. As the daylight turned into a distant memory, Julian just thought about the kiss and what it meant to him.

He had resisted but secretly he had enjoyed it. He couldn't wait to see Colin again.

As the carriage made it's slow progress back to St Denis, Natalie was busy looking through Julian's case and quickly discovered the packets of herbal tea, the sleep corset, some beautiful night-dresses and most significantly Leila's note.

'So that's the purpose of this little deception,' thought Natalie. 'This Leila sounds an interesting woman. Any woman who could force three boys into skirts so that she can produce a play has got to be interesting.'

"She will soon learn that Juliette is all mine now, play or no play, I won't lose Juliette's tongue to anybody called Leila," said Natalie to herself.

She looked at the herbal tea and quickly decided that all three would continue taking it after she read the words on the side of the packet.

Curious she put a kettle on the fire and boiled some water to make some the tea. She was in the process of stirring the cup when the three feminised boys walked into the room.

"I have made you something to drink, I hope you are thirsty," said Natalie adding some sugar and milk. "Because you are all going to be drinking a lot of this stuff."

 

Chapter 10 - Rewards

News of the Jennifer and Juliette's nursing action quickly spread around the school and the headmistress called up both onto the stage the next day during morning assembly.

"Miss Hopwood and you Juliette have both done St Denis proud. Your prompt efforts almost certainly saved the life of that young boy, Colin Marshall. I am sure that you will be pleased to know that Crawley wish to make you a presentation in recognition of your fine efforts yesterday," said Miss Lightfoot.

With that the whole school erupted into applause and Miss Hopwood and Julian both stepped forward to say a word. Julian could see his sisters among those applauding. Both he and Jennifer were grinning.

"I don't think that Juliette and I acted differently to any other woman who would have come across that scene. So to be rewarded for doing something that came naturally to both of us is very satisfying, besides poor Juliette here ripped up most of her lovely petticoat to act as bandages," said Miss Hopwood trying to make light of the situation before passing over to Julian. Anxiously and somewhat nervously Julian stepped forward. Conscious of 400 ears straining to hear him he spoke up.

"Thank you Miss Hopwood, I like to think that we acted in the best traditions of St Denis and that we have helped to restore the special bond that exists between the pupils of both schools. As a new girl, I am so happy to have helped," said Julian quaking in his size six boots.

After the applause had died down, the headmistress whispered to Julian, "Mademoiselle Leila Mitterand of Crawley will collect you later this morning to take you into town," said Miss Lightfoot beaming.

"Now for the rest of my announcements. Following the decision to link up with Crawley over the Christmas play it has been decided to stage two performances of the play The Importance of Being Ernest just before Christmas at St Denis. Miss Hopwood correct me if I am wrong but Crawley will host three performances, one for staff and pupils, one for parents and one for the local community."

"Yes Miss Lightfoot," said Miss Hopwood.

"Our two performances will allow parents, teachers and pupils to watch together. I will announce dates later. Congratulations go to the senior girls who defeated St Danielle's at netball yesterday. In winning they move to the top of the championship - well done girls."

By this time Julian wasn't listening, his mind was on something else; Leila would be taking him back into town to buy him more feminine clothes. He hated the idea but something inside him clutched at his heart when he realised that he loved her deeply. He stood beside the headmistress as she finished up her speech his hands neatly folded in front of his groin.

He thought about his now redundant member that Natalie insisted be kept imprisoned. He remembered how he had made her climax again and again last night while he had not felt much stirring between his groin. Despite her manipulation, his penis refused to grow hard, was that last masculine action to be denied him too. In her frustration to give an erection she had immediately slipped the chastity device back on and with that he now knew that he was no longer in control of his own destiny. Leila, Natalie and now his distinctly feminine appearance were controlling all his actions and thoughts.

The morning dragged slowly with French lessons, Music and English Literature and it was a relief when he was able to go for lunch with his two friends Harry and Charles. Both his friends had become friendlier and closer as the days progressed leaving Julian somewhat isolated.

Julian remembered to what had happened the night just before lights out. As he and Natalie lay in his bed kissing, Charles dressed in his night-dress had gone over to Harry's bed where he then spent much of the night. The two boys becoming as intimate as possible, bearing in mind the presence of the chastity devices. Julian could hear both boys talk and then kiss before Natalie's demands grew.

After lunch, Leila turned up with the repaired Crawley dog cart. Of course he was waiting near the main door and he climbed aboard.

"Bonjour ma cherie," she said helping him aboard. "You walk so well in your long skirts now, I think that you will find Crawley's present to you most gratifying."

"Don't I get to choose my own present?" He asked alarmed that Leila had designs on buying him something he didn't really want.

"Of course," she said smiling, "you may choose, I will assist you to make the correct choice." As she flicked the whip to get the horse into motion, Leila looked over at Julian and laughed. "Do not look so serious, ma fille."

"I can't help it, these feelings and experiences are not normal for me."

"You used to be the joker and prankster in my class, you have lost that bonhomie," she said back, "where has that gone?"

"It has gone because I am concentrating too much on being a girl," said Julian. "Being a boy was so much easier."

"Well do you still consider yourself as Julian or as Juliette now?" She asked him as they rode out onto the road.

"Julian of course, I still feel like a boy in girl's clothes," he replied.

"Yes but already you look so refined and your movements are so feminine. You don't realise that even the way you hold your lace handkerchief has changed," said Leila as Julian patted his nose before putting the article inside his sleeve.

"Mademoiselle I don't want to get used to all this, I just want to go back to being me."

"Yes but now it is more important that you are Juliette, the other boys in your class have not indicated that they miss Julian and nobody seems concerned about where he is. So you see Julian could go but Juliette cannot go away," said Leila as the dog cart trundled over the bridge that signalled their arrival on the outskirts of town.

"Where are we going?" Asked Julian as he saw the cart go past the ladies outfitters he had been inside twice before.

"I think that you need some more elegant boots to compliment the dresses we bought you earlier in the week. I saw some yesterday and I thought you would look so nice wearing them."

She helped him down on to the muddy street and he lifted the hem of his long skirt clear of the muddy ground as he mounted the pavement (sidewalk) and turned towards the shop. The shoe shop had just opened and was promising huge discounts on all the latest continental designs.

Leila and Julian looked at the boots in the window display and she explained that he should get something really fashionable for the play. She led him to a shelf where there were ankle boots with a dainty 2" heel and he looked alarmed.

"Nobody has boots like these," she said to him trying to calm him, "you would be a fashion leader in St Denis."

"That's not important to me," he replied, "I don't need to be a fashion leader."

"At least try them on," she said to him holding up the soft leather boot. "Feel the leather, isn't it soft?"

"Yes they are softer than my old pair, if I try them on will you kiss me afterwards?" He pouted back at her.

"You don't need to ask," she replied and motioning to an assistant.

The assistant measured Julian's feet and found that they had reduced to a size 6 and a half over the past few days. His normally flat feet had a much more pronounced arch.

"We only have a size six and seven in the misses' size," said the assistant bringing over both pairs.

Julian tried on both pairs and marvelled at the effect the heels made to his posture. His legs felt straight and his rear stuck out a little more.

"The size six really pinch my toes while the size seven feel huge on my feet," said Julian delighted that he couldn't wear either pair.

The shop assistant was determined and she promptly came back with a longer version of the same style with the leather going midway up Julian's calves.

"These are more expensive but they will fit perfectly," she said confidently.

Julian watched with some amusement as the obviously heavily corseted assistant struggled to tie up the laces on his boots. When he stood he was amazed at how much more comfortable they were on his feet. Despite the increased height of the heel, Julian found that he could walk in them quite easily and they did not pinch his toes like his old pair. The only drawback was that he had to take smaller steps.

"Please lift your skirts slightly, Juliette so that I can see how you walk," said Leila as he returned towards her. "They look good on you, we will have them."

Julian smiled at the news and shook his head slightly. As he did so he felt the earrings Natalie had fitted strike his long neck.

"You like these boots?" She asked.

"Yes, can I wear them back to school now?" He asked.

"But of course," said Leila taking a parcel containing his old boots as she paid the assistant.

They headed back up the street towards the ladies outfitters, "now we will buy your present from the school."

"I thought these boots were my present," he said back in surprise.

"Non. You ruined a perfectly good petticoat with your Florence Nightingale act of compassion and the school has sanctioned me to buy a replacement or two," she smiled. "Those boots are a present from me."

He smiled back, "Oh I see, merci."

They entered the establishment and Julian immediately recognised Susan and Carole who had attended him before. They rushed over and gave him hugs and kisses and told him how adorable he looked.

Leila explained her requirements and both girls hurried away to look through their expansive range of petticoats.

If Julian thought he would be wearing something similar to what he had before but he was soon to learn otherwise. The first new petticoat was longer, much longer. It came down to just above his new higher heels while it was also tighter and slimmer to give a more restricted leg movement.

"Mademoiselle, I cannot walk in this petticoat, I have to take very small steps why can't I have one like my old kind?" He asked unhappy at the thought of walking anywhere in this tough cotton garment.

"You will see now," she replied and referring to Carole and Susan, "bring it out mes amies."

Mounted on a tailor's dummy, the two girls brought out a new creamy coloured, long line, satin dress from behind a screen. The sleeves were lined with a lace trim, Julian thought it must be Belgian lace. The neckline was open and was most unlike his high neck school dress. It also had a small train with a cord hoop so that the wearer could lift it clear of the ground. The creamy lace bodice was lined with the palest green.

The dress was removed from the dummy and Julian noted that the under robe was of silk. As the girls held open the dress he stepped into it carefully, conscious of the long petticoat and his new high heeled boots. Both assistants quickly pulled it up but they then found that Julian's waist was still a little too wide.

"Mon dieu," said Leila to Carole, "we forgot about the new corset too."

"Pardon me, Mademoiselle," said Carole. "We were just too keen Juliette in her new dress."

Julian just shrugged his shoulders, "this dress is very expensive, the school will not be paying for this too, will it?"

"No a good Samaritan can expect to be showered with gifts particularly from the one person who received the help," said Leila.

"This is from Colin? It can't be, can it?" said Julian bewildered. Leila just smiled.

As they talked, the assistants removed the dress and then the petticoat to leave Julian just in his corset, chemise, pantaloons, stockings and the new boots.

"Ah your corset," said Carole. "It will need to be longer and narrower to fit this dress. I think I have just the item."

"Let me see," said Leila leaving Julian's side for the first time to look at the choice available.

Susan started to undo the laces of the corset he had worn for the past several days. "I don't think that it is right that a boy should have to wear girl's clothes," Susan said as Leila went out of earshot. "If you ever need some help then please come to us," she continued.

"Thank you Susan, I will keep that in mind," said Julian relieved somewhat that they were not so sympathetic to Leila's cause as he had thought.

"If you can escape her clutches, we can shelter you for a few days," said Susan continuing with the laces and then she came across something metallic in the middle of his waist.

"Mademoiselle Leila, please come and see," she said, "can we remove this belt? It has a small padlock."

"Yes just one moment," and Leila returning who had him free of his chastity belt using her second set of keys.

The corset that he had now worn for nearly four continuous days was removed and Julian felt his now slender waist springing back outwards in some painful spasms. The assistants carefully wrapped his torso with the longer device that came down past his hips towards the top of his thighs. As they tightened up the laces, Julian could feel the tightness squeeze his legs together. They tied off the laces at 22" again and told Julian to walk around a little before they would tighten them again.

After 10 minutes, Julian was back under the lacing bar and this time the laces were tied to a pair of lacing machines that were used to pull the laces tight. Julian sucked in his stomach but there was not much more to suck in. The laces were tied off at 21" and Julian grabbed his waist in disbelief.

"Mademoiselle, look at my waist, I never dreamed that I could have a waist like this," said Julian looking at the torso reflected back to him in the mirror.

"This is no dream," she replied.

The corset had three garters on each side and his black cotton stockings were stretched up to meet them. He bent forward slightly and could see that he had a definite cleavage now.

Next the petticoat was pulled up and then two underskirts on top of that. Finally the moment of truth and this time the dress fitted. The hooks in the back were done up correctly and a pair of white leather kid gloves were drawn up his hairless arms.

The open neck of the dress was highlighted by a tunnel between what he thought had been a manly chest just a week earlier. The girls were not finished yet as they let down his hair and fixed two pearl studs in each ear and a pearl necklace around his slender neck.

"Your hair needs to be styled with some ringlets, otherwise everything looks lovely," said Leila.

When they finished, Julian tried to move and found that he could just do it. His petticoats rustled as he walked over to the mirror. His tight corset compressed his thighs together such that his penis and testicles rubbed as he walked and his petticoat and dress restricted his step to just 15 inches. He picked up his hem cord and looped it around his slender gloved wrist.

Leila walked over to him and handing him a fan and a small gold edged dance book then asked how he felt.

"How do I feel?" He replied, "How do I feel? I feel like a woman. Like a beautiful woman."

"Good because I have a feeling you will have to be when young Colin takes your hand onto the dance floor at Crawley in a week's time."

Julian's jaw dropped, "so this is what this is all about."

"You don't know how much young Master Colin Marshall is smitten by you. After you left last evening, he called for me and he told me to buy you a dress and all the accoutrements necessary for a queen. He aims to get fit in time for the dance and with you on his mind I do believe he will do it."

"I don't believe this, what will he do when he finds out that I am not a girl?" asked Julian looking sceptical.

"But he won't find out because he won't be able to get inside this dress," said Leila adjusting the fit and position of the lace at the shoulder straps.

"Mademoiselle, just because a boy buys me a dress, it doesn't mean I have to go to a dance with him," said Julian determined.

"Ma pauvre enfant, you cannot refuse, you do not understand. Colin Marshall isn't just another boy at Crawley. His father is a steel baron who has made a fortune in America and Europe and is reputed to be the fourth richest man on earth. He is worth millions of pounds," said Leila.

"So what? Am I supposed to go to a dance just because a boy has a rich father," said Julian.

"Yes," said Leila briefly.

"Explain this because I just don't understand," said Julian looking confused.

"Colin's father was furious when he found out that his son and heir had been seriously injured. He threatened to close down the school at first. He was only placated when he heard that you and Miss Hopwood had helped save the boy's life. Colin got his father to ignore the incident provided that you and you alone accompany him to the dance next weekend."

"That's fantastic, incredible, not possible, unbelievable," said Julian laughing with almost a girlish high pitched squeal.

"No it is all true, now St Denis is in a position to save Crawley and our headmaster has appealed directly to your headmistress for help. If you do not attend the dance then Crawley will close and if you do go then Crawley will agree to share the facilities that were withdrawn earlier this year. So you see you have no choice. Have you?"

"No, I see that now," said Julian. "I will have to go dressed like this, looking so feminine anyone will think I have been a girl all my life and not one less than a week old."

"I know this will not be easy for you and you will have to undergo a crash course in deportment, etiquette, dancing and much, much more," said Leila.

"I know how to dance, I don't need dancing lessons," said Julian.

"Maybe so but you have never been led around a dance floor by a man and what's more while wearing a dress and high heel shoes."

"Oh yes," replied Julian lamely acknowledging that she was right.

"When we return to St Denis, we will speak to Miss Hopwood about this and she will be able to help you prepare for this adventure. Now only one thing remains, slippers!" Said Leila changing the subject suddenly.

"Slippers?" questioned Julian.

"You need some dancing slippers if you are to dance and those boots while pretty just do not go with this dress," said Leila.

"I suppose not," said Julian.

"Carole please bring me a pair of white ladies dancing shoes with the highest heel you have please," said Leila.

For the second time that day a woman was down on all fours undoing Julian's boot laces and fitting him with the sparking shoes. After doing up the buckles, Julian took his first ungainly steps with the shoes.

"I can hardly walk now, why do women do this?" He asked showing his frustrations.

"Do what?" Asked Susan wondering if there was something wrong.

"Dress up like this and then fit high heeled shoes so that they can hardly walk," he said looking at his large 3" heels from the side. He walked across the room and felt that all the pressure was on his toes, his dress hem skimmed across the floor sweeping up pieces of material and threads.

Leila invited the shopkeeper over to take Julian's hand for a waltz and it was then Julian realised that he was no longer in control as the pair danced across the shop fitting room. Julian needed the man for support as he found that he could no longer remain upright without his support.

"Now do you see what I mean?" Asked Leila as Julian stopped quite breathless after the waltz he had just performed.

"Yes," he said struggling for breath. "I can't breathe in this corset. Just a moment," he continued putting his hands against his rigid sides. "I feel that I am going to land in a big disorganised heap on the floor," he said getting his breath back slightly.

Leila smiled and stretched out her arms and they embraced. Julian tried to kiss her then but she said, "not here and not now."

"Where?" Asked Julian still gasping for breath.

"We will go back a different way to St Denis. Not here," she replied. "Come let us get you some everyday petticoats and we can leave."

Within minutes Julian was dressed, reinstalled in his chastity belt and ready to leave. "Let us take you back to school," said Leila and she handed over the spare keys to all three sets of padlocks. Julian felt more comfortable in his high heel boots and he could hear the clicking noise on the cobbles as he walked back to the dog cart.

On the way back to St Denis, Leila stopped and reached over to kiss Julian on the lips. He immediately returned her embrace and the two kissed and cuddled for ten minutes. Julian looked into her lovely round eyes and kissed her forehead. His hand moved up towards her breasts as he had done with Natalie and she resisted his advances.

"Non cherie, we must return back to the school," said Leila, the Frenchwoman unsure whether she could resist Julian's advances.

"Please embrace me," said Julian who had not much close female attention during his short life. The two kissed and cuddled as the Winter sun set in front of them. Besides the sun's movements they were also oblivious to another movement nearby. Natalie had been out walking on the other side of the wall and she had heard the two of them talking and was listening.

"Can't I go back with you tonight, I would like to make love to you," said Julian.

"That cannot happen ma cherie, soon though perhaps we will be together," said Leila.

In the gathering gloom she started up the horse again and headed towards the St Denis school gates. As they entered, they had no idea that a 16 year old girl was running back towards the school as fast as her skirt and heels could carry her.

 

Chapter 11 - Facing the music and penalties

It was a breathless Natalie who entered the back door of the school but that didn't stop her running up to her room just as Julian stepped as gracefully as possible down from the dog cart.

"I will see you in a few days for rehearsals," said Leila starting the cob into movement. As Julian turned to walk up the steps into the building carrying his brown paper packages he saw his sister June coming down.

He held his breath but she went right past him and walked round the corner. 'I'm going to have to talk to her sooner or later,' he thought as he clipped through the door liking the sound of his high heels.

As he started to climb the stairs, Miss Hopwood offered to give him some assistance up to his room with the packages.

On arriving they dropped all the packages onto the bed and Julian was tempted to show her all the various items but realised that it might be difficult to explain several of the more erotic garments such as the new corset.

On the other side of the bathroom door Natalie was listening again. Instead of confronting Julian just as she had hoped to do when he arrived, she had to be content to wait as Julian told Miss Hopwood about his presents from Colin and his offer to take him to the Crawley school dance.

"This boy seems quite smitten by you. A new dress, shoes and petticoats and an invitation to the dance, you are a lucky girl," said Miss Hopwood.

"Mademoiselle Mitterand told me his father is one of the wealthiest men in the world and that he can buy anything he wants including Crawley. He was very unhappy that his son was injured and has threatened to close the school down. She said that the only way to stop that would be through Colin and the only way he will do that is if I agree to go to the dance with him next weekend," said Julian.

"Yes Miss Lightfoot told me that while you have been into town," she replied. "Did you get your new petticoats?"

"Yes they are very pretty and fit so much better than my old one," said Julian who lifted his skirt hem slightly to show her. As he did so he exposed his new high heeled boots and Miss Hopwood let out a squeal of delight.

"Oh my, what pretty boots and those heels, where did you get them? Let me see, put them here," said Miss Hopwood pointing to her lap. Julian duly obliged and raised his foot so that the boot rested on her leg.

"In town this afternoon, they are surprisingly comfortable," announced Julian.

"Don't they hurt your feet? They are very dainty," she replied awe-struck that anyone could walk in such boots.

"Yes a little but not as much as my old pair," declared Julian.

"Walk for me Juliette and lift your hem slightly," asked Jennifer, "I need to see how you walk in them."

Julian did as he was told and he began to walk backwards and forwards. As he returned he caught a glimpse of Natalie just behind the bathroom door who put her finger up to her lips to signify quiet. Jennifer was impressed and asked for another closer look. She rubbed her hands all over the subtle brown leather.

"I must get a pair, this evening I will give you some dancing lessons but right now I have to get back to my duties," said Miss Hopwood. As he went to see her out she turned quickly, surprising him and kissed him fully on the lips.

Julian was momentarily caught by surprise but had the presence of mind to kiss her back. He closed the door behind her and then turned to face Natalie. She emerged just wearing her corset and pantaloons. She looked decidedly unhappy.

"So you like older women? First Leila Mitterand and now Jennifer Hopwood," said Natalie with an acid tongue. "Come over here. I am your lover and there is nobody else, is that understood?"

"Yes Natalie," said Julian obediently.

"What's all this about dances with boys?"

"I have to go to next Saturday's dance at Crawley. If I don't that injured boy's father will close the school down," said Julian. "That would have consequences for St Denis too." Julian continued hoping that she would ease up on him.

"Who gives a fig for schools," said Natalie starting to change into another uniform. "Just remember who you belong too."

"You?" He asked.

"Of course me, those older women and that foolish boy don't count do they?"

She asked.

Fearing her wrath he meekly replied, "no Natalie."

"Well make sure it stays that way," she then took him and looked into his eyes and then kissed him roughly on the mouth.

"What is this,' he thought, 'in the space of an hour I have been kissed by three women none of whom would have looked at me if I was Julian.'

She might be a tyrant but Julian loved kisses and Natalie's kisses were as sweet as any he had this past week. He kissed her back learning a lesson from Colin and he tried to insert his tongue into her mouth. He put his arms around her and squeezed her tightly. She struggled slightly for breath but Julian persisted as she tried to back off.

Julian though towered over her in his heels and she backed up towards Julian's bed. It was at that moment that both Charles and Harry burst into the room squealing and shouting at each other.

"Harriet could you please help me with my buttons," said Charles.

"Certainly Charlotte if you will help me afterwards," said Harry giggling.

Julian looked up from the bed and thought it sounded odd that both now preferred to call each other by their feminine names even while in the safety of their room.

Both giggled as they walked through together to the bathroom to freshen up before supper. Julian noticed that unlike him neither was wearing a chastity belt. Devoid of their clothes there was also a delightful wiggle in both of their rears.

When they returned Julian was showing off all his new presents to Natalie and they agreed that they all looked really elegant.

"This boy Colin must be very rich to afford a gown and shoes like this," said Harry touching the satin and lace.

"His father is very rich," said Julian. "How about the fourth richest man in the world?"

"So this boy has a shine on you?" Asked Charles.

"It seems that way," replied Julian.

"Lucky you, he could give you all the latest fashions that a girl would ever want," said Harry.

Julian couldn't believe his ears, both boys were now acting like a couple of girls and were referring to him as though he were female too.

"What is it with you two?" Said Julian concerned that he was watching his friends change before his very eyes.

"Call it an acceptance of our condition," said Harry briefly.

"Natalie has stepped up the amount of herbal drink we take in exchange for release from our chastity devices. As a result, we feel more relaxed about ourselves and it is such a tease knowing that everyone thinks we are girls when we are not," added Charles.

"But you don't know what affect those herbs are having on you," said Julian concerned for the welfare of his two partners

"Quite frankly Juliette we don't really care, we only have eyes for each other.

We have both decided to leave at Christmas and not come back."

"What will you do? You can't go around dressed as girls can you?" Asked Julian thinking that both his friends had either gone insane or mad.

"Well yes we can, Natalie here has parents who know some theatrical agents and they say the biggest craze in music hall is for female impersonators. So you see we can stay dressed as we are and make a living too." Continued Charles his voice sounding so camp and high.

"I can see you are quite serious about this," said Julian showing his disgust and contempt for their idea.

"Well take a look at yourself dearie," said Harry who had suddenly lost his frightened boy attitude and found a brave girl aura.

"You are right but I still think of myself as a boy and I want to get out of these clothes as quickly as possible."

Natalie listened as the three boys continued their discussion.

"Why? As Juliette you are in demand, Julian was such a worthless joker," said Charles.

"No as soon as this is over, I am going back to being Julian," he said looking over at Natalie who he knew would resist that move.

"Don't look at me, I want you to stay in skirts," she smiled. "I can't imagine you as Julian."

The conversation stopped when the bell sounded for supper and both Charles and Harry rushed to get back into their uniforms.

As they did so, Julian watched them help one another. Their mannerisms and body language had become feminine.

'What was happening here,' he thought. 'In just over a week, I am kissed and desired by one boy, one girl and two young women. I am told that I will be expelled if I do not perform as a girl in the play, I land up in a girl's school and I am corseted and forced to wear petticoats and dresses. I have to go to the school dance as a girl and now finally my two friends have told me to give in to this and become like them. Female impersonators.'

As all four rushed downstairs as quickly as their skirts would allow, Julian lagging behind in his heels refused to acknowledge that he was going to remain like this and decided that only one person could help him now and that was his sister June.

All through supper, Julian thought about how June would react to this revelation and whether she would want to help him. As he ate his meal in silence, Natalie, Charles and Harry continued to chat away happily.

As he finished his meal and sat back as far as his corset would allow, he became aware of Miss Hopwood staring in his direction. He rose and placed his plates on the pile to be washed. Then he went over to where his sister June was sitting with her classmates. He walked past and saw that she was still eating.

'Later perhaps,' he thought, besides Miss Hopwood was still staring in his direction.

She rose and came over to him as he waited to obtain a glass of water.

"Remember dancing lessons for you in fifteen minutes," she said smiling.

"Yes Miss Hopwood," said Julian wondering what she saw in him as Juliette.

As he turned he saw June rise and move with her friends towards the exit.

"June Smythe?" He said behind her.

"Yes do I know you?" She replied.

"In a way, I know your brother Julian, can we talk for a moment?" he asked.

"You know Julian, how? I haven't heard from him or seen him for days. Do you know if he is well?" she asked concerned. As she looked at him a light of recognition suddenly switched on.

"Julian? Well I never, what.. Why.. How.. Are you dressed like that?" She stammered incredulous.

"Follow me please and I will tell you," he said and he led her to the library, which fortunately was empty. "Sit down and please listen. I don't have much time and I really need your help."

Julian quickly recounted the events of the last several days and at each point, June's jaw dropped further and further.

Finally she spoke, "Julian this is quite a shock, Mother and Father are due to arrive here at the weekend to see you, me and Rosie."

"When are they due? It is not the same day as the Crawley Winter dance is it?"

"Why yes," she replied.

"Oh God I am supposed to be wearing a new dress to that. I am supposed to go as Colin Marshall's girlfriend. You know the boy I helped in the playing fields. Mother and Father are going to freak at this," said Julian.

"Perhaps I could take your place?" She asked.

"No he is quite smitten with me I fear," said Julian who had been expecting outright rejection or even ridicule by June.

"You do look quite convincing, it was only yesterday that I found out that your name was Juliette Smythe and I thought you were some long lost cousin," said June.

"Well our aunt always said that we looked alike but my false hair is a different colour to yours."

"Couldn't I wear it in your place?" She asked.

"No because this wig is attached to my scalp," he said offering a piece to pull with.

"I believe you, it looks so life like," she replied tugging slightly

"Please believe me that this has all been forced upon me by circumstance and this punishment is not something I wanted, will you help me dear June, to get through this?"

"Of course, though I would love it if you became my big sister," she replied smiling at him.

"Oh no not you too?"

"Julian, Julian I am only teasing. Do not fret, you will be able to count on me for help," she replied suddenly feeling some sympathy for her big brother's predicament. "Do you want me to write to Mummy and Daddy?"

"No that wouldn't do any good, though," said Julian.

"What about Rosie?" asked June.

"No don't tell her yet because I can't afford to have anybody else know about me in the school."

"Very well."

"Right I must go before Miss Hopwood comes looking for me," said Julian.

"Be careful Julian," said June giving her brother a hug. 'We have always been close Julian and I, and now he looks so feminine, we could be a lot closer," thought June as she exchanged kisses on the cheek.

Julian rushed to the hall and found Miss Hopwood waiting impatiently.

"Come Juliette," she said holding her arms out in a dance stance. Julian rushed over and stood with her and he let himself take the arm position on Miss Hopwood's shoulder while she gripped his thin waist strongly.

"Thank you Miss Mason," said Miss Hopwood.

At that the piano started up and the pair began dancing a waltz. Dancing had never presented a problem before but he had been the leader not the led. Consequently he was suddenly a possessor of two left feet and he quickly realised that more than just one lesson would be needed.

After making arrangements with Miss Hopwood for another two lessons, Julian felt tired and decided to go up to his room. On arriving he found Harry and Charles seated on the Harry's bed with Harry brushing Charles' hair with a long handled hairbrush. Harry stroked it again and again. After he had finished they changed places.

Julian was desperate to get out of his female clothes. His feet didn't hurt until he took his boots off. He found that the simple act of walking in heels all day meant that he had to tip-toe to the bathroom to do his business. He hitched up his skirt at the rear to do it. He removed his stockings and pantaloons and then washed them with some soap before hanging them up to dry.

On his return to the bedroom both Charles and Harry were lying on the bed looking into each other's eyes. They were smiling and occasional kisses were being exchanged. Julian looked on fascinated.

After some contortions, Julian undid the hooks and buttons of his dress. He hung the uniform dress up in his wardrobe and then removed his new petticoat. His corset would remain on until Natalie came back as he intended to show her that he did not have a key to the padlocks.

"What is going on here?" he said to his two pals when Harry reached over and kissed Charles with such passion.

Harry ignored Julian and just continued to give Charles all his attention. Julian put on his night-dress and lay back wishing that Natalie would arrive back soon. He picked up a French Grammar book and quickly regretted that decision, he couldn't concentrate as Harry and Charles started some serious petting.

Charles soon started taking the upper position and both feminised boys kissed each other hard. Charles moved his lips down Harry's open night-dress and sucked his friend's enlarged nipples. Harry was in heaven as Charles continued to bite and suck each nipple in turn. When Natalie returned both boys continued oblivious to the movement behind them.

"Will you look at those two, a few days ago they couldn't stand all this now look at them, they can't get enough of each other," said Julian after Natalie stooped to kiss him.

"I know, they seemed to have gone that way since I gave them a stronger version of that herbal tea," she replied.

"That can't be the reason," said Julian concerned why he hadn't reacted the same way.

"Perhaps they just like each other the way they are," said Natalie matter of factly. "How did your dancing lessons go?"

"Not very well, I have two left feet when it comes to dancing and dancing as a girl is infinitely harder," he said hating to be reminded that he had two more lessons from Miss Hopwood.

Natalie soon joined him in bed and snuggled into him.

"Natalie?" He asked.

"Yes Juliette."

"Can you release me from the corset for tonight. I have worn it for days and this," he started to speak about his chastity device but she interrupted him.

"No as a punishment for your behaviour today you will wear them tonight. I expect you thank me," she replied.

"For what?"

"For continuing your relationship with that teacher Miss Mitterand," said Natalie letting her jealousy show through.

"She forced herself on to me, Natalie, I swear," said Julian not exactly economic with the truth

"That is not what I heard. I heard you speaking to her so you are condemned by your own tongue," said Natalie. "If it is so corrupt then that tongue of yours won't mind doing some massage between my legs."

With that Julian was forced to go down the bed and begin sucking her clitoris. His head as usual held in the vice like grip of her thighs. He lapped her sex increasingly frustrated by her sexual demands and his inability to have any gratification.

"Natalie," he said coming back up the bed. Her appetite sated.

"Yes Juliette," she said sleepily.

"Please release me from this device, I would like to make love to you properly," he said his frustrations rising to the surface.

"That can never be, you know that you and I can never make love like a man and woman," she said sleepily. "Get some sleep you have another busy day tomorrow." At that she turned over and started to sleep leaving a frustrated Julian wide awake grasping his penis tube unable to obtain any relief.

 

Chapter 12 - Escape.

The next day was just a normal day for Julian as he undertook the lessons that seemed so inconsequential to him before his gender reassignment by Leila. Classes in needlecraft, cooking and art were new while he continued his language studies. Miss Hopwood took the girls for rehearsals and declared that all eight would get a chance to appear on stage at least once during the five scheduled performances.

The thing he missed most were his classes in mathematics. The school not considering any more than basic arithmetic to be worthy of a girl's attention.

The week raged on relentlessly and Saturday was rapidly approaching. Julian became increasingly agitated and concerned as each day ended. He was becoming desperately unhappy at the thought that his parents were due to arrive and the dance was sure to cause him all sorts of personal problems.

During the week, Natalie stepped up his herbal tea regime. She also ensured that he was kept corseted and wearing his chastity belt at all times as a punishment for his liaison with both Leila and Miss Hopwood. Although he was able to remove both items, the opportunities were rare and not for long. Removal of the corset could only be achieved if he could be sure that he could replace it.

He finally formulated a plan for his escape. He would take the Crawley dog cart when Leila arrived to view the rehearsals on Friday morning. He would lie in wait near the main door and watch until she was out of sight.

Friday morning finally arrived and with butterflies in his stomach, Julian asked to be excused from his art class so that he could go to the toilet. A side effect of the herbal tea had been an increase in bowel movements and all that week he had been regularly excused from classes.

Watching from the side of the building, Julian watched Leila dismount and carefully tie up the horse to the post near to the water trough. She gave the horse a pat on its neck before giving him a nosebag of oats. Julian watched anxiously as she then quickly disappeared up the steps into the imposing school building.

Waiting a few moments in case she had forgotten anything, Julian quickly walked across the gravel courtyard and removed the nosebag. He undid the reins tying the cob to the post and quickly stepped up. As he did he could smell the strong perfume that Leila had been wearing.

There was only one problem with Julian's plan and that he had never driven a horse and cart before. He instinctively grabbed the reins and as he moved the cart to leave he was spotted by a group of girls returning from a walk in the grounds. Undaunted he quickly urged the cob forwards and slowly went out of the open main gates.

Once onto the main road he increased speed and headed towards the town. Julian was determined to get out of this female clothing once and for all as he headed towards the ladies outfitters where Susan and Carole had offered help.

They were his last chance.

He decided that to leave the dog cart near their shop would be crazy so he left it on the side of town furthest from the school and walked back the half mile or so towards the shop. He arrived with his feet aching just as Carole was closing the shop for lunch.

"Remember you said that if ever I needed help to let you know, well I really need that help now," he said moving inside just as the closed sign came down on the glass doorway.

"Juliette or is it Julian?" Asked Carole taken aback slightly at seeing the feminine figure in the St Denis uniform in front of her again.

"It is Julian and with your help it will be Julian forever more. Please say that you will help me, I am really desperate," he said.

"You must be, why, what has happened?" She asked and then she called Susan from the back room.

"What brings you here Juliette?" Said Susan emerging from the staff area.

"There is a dance tomorrow night when I must go dressed with the clothes you provided but my parents have said they will be coming tomorrow. I just cannot let them see me like this," said Julian. "I am a boy and not only is my masculinity is being threatened but I will anger my parents."

"So you are desperate and you obviously remembered our offer of help," said Carole turning and looking at Susan.

"Of course we will help you," said Susan, "what has happened to you is not normal, we will do what we can."

"Thank you, oh thank you," said Julian, "you don't know how much your kindness means to me."

He reached forward and embraced them both and the three headed back towards the staff entrance with their arms wrapped round each other's waist.

They sat down at the table and Julian continued still in an agitated tone, "I really don't have anyone else to turn to."

"Calm down tell us all about it, I always knew that Leila was up to no good when you first came here," said Carole.

With tears of happiness streaming down his face, Julian continued, "My room-mate Natalie at school is feeding me some feminising herbal drink that has already corrupted both Harry and Charles. Miss Hopwood at St Denis and Miss Mitterand have made lesbian advances towards me and I have this dance where I must go with Colin Marshal or Crawley School will close. It is all too much for me, I will just die if my parents find me like this."

"You will have to trust us," said Carole. "First you will obviously need some male clothes, Grey's will be open at one o clock have something to eat with us until then. Do you have any money?"

"Some," said Julian taking out his purse to show a few coins.

"You will need about £5 to buy some decent clothing and shoes," she replied ladling out some soup to go with the piece of bread he already had beside him.

"I don't have that much, could you lend me some?" He asked.

"Yes we could, we could take your St Denis uniform in lieu of the money, so do not worry," said Carole.

Julian sat down at the kitchen table and for the first time in nearly 14 days started to relax. Carole gave him a bowl of home-made soup and bread. His nervousness did nothing for appetite and he carefully and slowly supped at the hot soup.

"You eat just like a girl," said Carole observing the boy holding his spoon with a couple of fingers.

"I have had to learn many female mannerisms this past two weeks and eating with a corset is the one I detest the most," he said honestly. "I can't wait to get out of this cursed thing. Soon I think it will be a distant memory."

"You are lucky if you can get out of your corset we have to live with ours everyday," said Susan prodding her robust 20" hourglass figure.

The two girls continued to quiz Julian about what his experiences had been like. They soon built up a picture of what he had been through and had nothing but sympathy and understanding for his position.

"What are you going to do when you get your male clothes back?" Carole asked.

"I am going to go back and get the dog cart and then return to Crawley. I am going to complain to the headmaster and to inform the board of governors." He said in determined fashion.

"Good for you," said Susan.

"Very well," Carole said, "Grey's is two streets from here, you had best go back along the High Street until the main fork in the road and then cross the toll road and double back. It would not be a good idea to use the back alleys dressed as a girl. Here is another four pounds, you should be able to buy a Crawley outfit and some spare underclothes with that. Come right back here when you are done and we will help you change back."

"Can't one of you come with me?" He asked still hoping for some assistance.

"We can't we have to re-open the shop in a few minutes and the owner will be here soon. He would skin us alive if one of us was missing," said Susan.

"It was just an idea, I understand," he said relaxing slightly. "Thank you for being such wonderful friends."

As the three sat and chatted, outside forces were at that moment acting to thwart Julian's ambitious plans.

Unknown to Julian he had been seen leaving the school by that ever watchful St Denis gate man. Too old to give chase himself, he had alerted Leila to the unsolicited use of her horse and cart.

After receiving a description of the girl, Leila confirmed that the culprit was Julian as he had failed to turn up to the play rehearsal.

"Can I borrow a horse and carriage to go into town," said Leila we need to report the theft to the police.

"I will organise one and come with you," said Miss Hopwood eager to get her hands on the guilty girl.

Meanwhile, PC Bert Harkins had already found the deserted dog cart and decided to ride it back to the police station after making some extra enquiries with residents in the area. One woman reported seeing a schoolgirl heading back towards town on foot.

Leila and Miss Hopwood arrived at the police station just as PC Harkins stepped down from the dog cart.

Obviously pleased that the dog cart has been recovered, Leila said, "he I mean she can't be too far away. Have you checked the railway station?"

"Not yet mademoiselle, I need to report the matter to my sergeant," said the constable.

Jennifer Hopwood thought hard about Leila's gender slip. It could be due to her translation of the French but when she thought about it some more, she decided that perhaps Miss Juliette Smythe was not what she seemed.

Meanwhile Julian has started out on the lonely half mile walk along the streets to Grey's the male outfitters. He easily managed to get the clothing he needed explaining that he was buying his twin brother a new uniform to replace one that was damaged in a school initiation ceremony. Julian stepped out of the outfitters and started clicking his way along the cobbled pavements back towards Carole and Susan laden with three heavy brown paper bags tied up with string.

As darkness descended he turned right at the junction near the centre of town. As he turned the tight corner that would take him back towards Carole and Susan, he walked straight into the dark suit and buttons of PC Harkins who was patiently walking that stretch of the High Street.

"Sorry," said Julian trying to find a way past the big policeman.

"I am sorry Miss but you will have to accompany me to the station," said the constable.

"Whatever for?" said Julian in wide eyed terror.

"Theft of a dog cart belonging to Crawley School," he replied. "You are under arrest."

"How absurd, if I stole such a thing why am I not using it now?" Julian enquired.

"I cannot say Miss, but you answer the description of a school girl from St Denis who was seen taking the cart from the school not two hours since. Will you go peacefully with me to the station while we clear the matter up?" He asked.

Julian knew he had little choice, given a pair of trousers and decent shoes he would have left the overweight man in blue well behind. However in those skirts and heels Julian realised it was pointless to even try. He shrugged and took the policeman's proffered arm to the station.

 

Chapter 13 - Punishments

After walking a few hundred yards Julian carefully hitched up his skirt to go up the steps to the imposing police building and was escorted to a desk where a sergeant took his name and address. Juliette Smythe of St Denis.

"I am sorry miss but you have been accused of very serious charges, stealing a horse and cart is not something that can be easily ignored. It will go a lot easier for you if you admit to being the culprit."

"I didn't steal them, I just borrowed them, I was going to return them later," said Julian admitting his crime.

"Then why did you abandon them on the other side of town away from the school. Why were you holding packages containing a new boy's uniform?" The sergeant asked. "Where you intending to disguise yourself as a schoolboy and return to the cart to get well away."

"Sergeant it was not like that," Julian said.

"It so happens that the owner of the cart, a school mistress at Crawley has been greatly inconvenienced by this. She is here with one of your school teachers, will we ask her what she has to say?" The sergeant continued.

Julian didn't reply only a tear drop collected on the lower lid of both eyes. Leila walked into the interview room with a look of concern and not anger on her face. Miss Hopwood though was angry and cried. "Juliette why have you done such a foolish thing?"

"I am sorry Miss Hopwood, I needed to get away for a little while," he replied weakly.

"Sergeant my name is Mademoiselle Leila Mitterand of Crawley School and this girl is in need of some loving care and not punishment in a court of law. I am happy you have done your duty and recovered the horse and cart. Miss Hopwood here I am sure will ensure that she will be punished for this crime at St Denis."

"I am sorry Mademoiselle it is a police matter now, you just can't go around stealing other people's property and expect to receive just a few strokes of the cane," he replied.

Julian gulped at that, the cane would be bad enough what else did the sergeant want?

"What do you have in mind?" Leila asked.

"Well I feel that the punishment should the fit the crime," said the sergeant. "It is a good mile from St Denis to the town centre here, my punishment would be that the young girl here presents herself at 11:00am prompt every Saturday morning having walked here and then back again. That way she will have gained a greater appreciation of her crime. Each time she makes that trip it will make her stop to think of the error of her ways."

"If she agrees to do that will you not take the matter any further?" asked Leila.

"Yes Mademoiselle that would get the point across without the need for a court appearance and as you say there was no harm done except a little inconvenience on your part and Miss Hopwood here. I am pleased that my constable was able to apprehend the miscreant quickly." He said allowing himself a smile for the first time.

Julian suddenly realised that it would go better for him if he apologised. "I am truly sorry and regret the inconvenience I have caused," said Julian.

"What's in the packages?" Asked Miss Hopwood.

"Some clothes," replied Julian.

"I'll take care of those," said Leila. "I left them in the cart when I went into the St Denis. One of our boys needs a new uniform and I agreed to get some new clothing for him. Come Juliette let's get you back to School."

"Sergeant do you expect to see me here tomorrow?" Asked Julian dreading the effect of the 2 mile hike on his poor feet.

"Yes my dear, please present yourself to the duty officer at 11:00am tomorrow and the next two Saturday's after that. Failure will result in a warrant for your arrest on the charge of stealing the horse and cart. I would not wish to do that," said the sergeant.

"Yes sergeant," said Julian looking sad and penitent, "I will be here."

As the three emerged into the gathering gloom of an English winter, Miss Hopwood spoke up. "All right you two, I think I can see that you Juliette are a boy in a girl's school. But why?"

On the way back to the school, Julian and Leila enlightened Miss Hopwood into Julian's situation and how the accident had led him into St Denis.

Miss Hopwood was not too enamoured by the situation. "So Charlotte and Harriet are boys too?"

"Yes," said Leila simply. "Will you help continue the deception? We need Juliette tomorrow night at the Crawley school dance."

"I can't believe that you are a boy, you are so convincing. Indeed you carry yourself so well, so erect and charming too," she said remembering her kisses with Julian.

"Will you help?"

"Yes I will help, like Juliette here I am reluctantly forced to continue the deception," she replied, "there will need to be some punishment at St Denis. A crime of this nature cannot go unnoticed."

"What will you do?" Asked Julian knowing he could face six of the cane or even expulsion.

"I will think about it," said Miss Hopwood, "but you can rest assured that it will be appropriate to your situation."

Leila spoke up, "will you allow Juliette to go the dance tomorrow evening?"

"Obviously Miss Lightfoot will take a dim view of Juliette bringing the school into disrepute, however Juliette's punishment by the police and the punishment I will reluctantly give her should prevent any further action. I will ensure that she personally attends tomorrow night and that she returns here safely," said Miss Hopwood.

"Thank you Miss Hopwood," said Julian after a judicious pinch on his arm by Leila.

"That girl Natalie Fraser, does she know about you?" Asked Miss Hopwood.

"Yes she does and she is quite happy I and my two friends are in the same room, she has been tyrant this past few weeks. She threatened to expose us if we did not do as she wanted," said Julian.

"Unfortunately she would still do that if we move her to an other room away from you three," said Miss Hopwood realising suddenly the power Natalie had over the boys.

"Come with me," said Miss Hopwood to Julian after saying farewell to Leila who had to return promptly to Crawley.

Miss Hopwood, took Julian to the headmistresses study and said," we might as well get this over with. Just act contrite and I will take care of everything."

After receiving the summons to enter, Miss Hopwood explained what had happened and cited unhappiness with sharing the room with Natalie, Harriet and Charlotte as the reason for her flight from the school.

"My dear we can't have that, we will find you somewhere better in the new term, can you wait that long?" Asked Miss Lightfoot remembering just a week earlier how Juliette had brought honour to the school.

"Of course we cannot have our girls taking things that do not belong to them and to get the police involved, so we will have to consider some form of punishment for you. If we had a choice, I would prevent you attending the school dance tomorrow but that is not possible." Said Miss Lightfoot standing up.

Julian looked at her curiously, she was a thin-faced woman tightly corseted as all women were in that time. Julian could see her face contort as she moved to face him.

"Do you have any suggestions on what would be a suitable punishment," said Miss Lightfoot.

"Yes Miss Lightfoot," said Julian, "I would think that barring me from attending the dance would be a suitable punishment." Julian inwardly hoping that she would agree.

"The fact that you are prepared to forego one the highlights of the season as a punishment pleases me child. However I have already said that you will have to go to the dance, come what may," she replied softening slightly.

"The only other thing I can think of that would bring me displeasure would be to drop out of the play," said Julian hoping that would also be accepted.

"No that won't do," said Miss Hopwood. "I have an idea, Juliette."

"Yes Miss Hopwood," said Julian his heart heavy.

"The school provides cakes and mince meat pies to the local infirmary just before Christmas, I am sure that you would like to volunteer your services to ensure that they are made and distributed as usual," said Miss Hopwood. "I understand that you are a good cook from Miss Butcher."

"Yes," said Julian.

"On your way in to the town you can drop in with a batch of pies and cakes," said Miss Hopwood steering Julian out of the room.

"Can I speak with my sister June?" Asked Julian.

"Yes I am sure that you can," said Miss Hopwood taking his arm and guiding him towards her own private room.

Once inside the room, she quickly locked the door and closed the curtains before turning up the wall mounted gaslights around the room.

"Sit here," said Miss Hopwood pointing to a large sofa. "You have been a very naughty girl Juliette, haven't you."

"Yes Miss Hopwood," said Julian wondering what she had in mind now.

"Call me Jennifer," she said sitting beside him. "I think it is time we relieved you of your clothing for a little while."

With that she undid the hooks on his pinafore and the dress of the uniform. Soon he was standing before her in his high-heeled boots, stockings, corset and petticoat.

"Come don't be shy," she said.

Julian continued with his divestment and had removed all of his clothes except his chastity device and his corset.

"The keys please," said Jennifer holding out her hand.

Julian found his purse and handed the keys to Jennifer who promptly released him. He sighed as she eased the contraption from his body.

"How long have you worn this?" She asked concerned.

"Nearly two weeks Jennifer. Why?" He asked back.

"The instrument has been chafing the skin and you have a bad infections here and here." she said pointing to an abrasion on the side of his now small penis and on his scrotum. She went to her medical bag that she usually took to sports matches and brought out a small bottle of antiseptic.

"This will sting but it needs to be cleaned," she said touching his male parts with a small piece of cloth soaked in the disinfectant.

"Owh," said Julian as he felt the effect on the tenderest parts of his body.

"Now let's get you out of this corset," she said, "you smell as if you have not had a bath for weeks."

"It has been a while," Julian admitted as he offered his laces to her.

"This too will hurt a little, when I undo these laces," she said.

"I know," replied Julian starting to feel the pains spread across his back and sides as the corset was removed.

"Your back is all black and blue near the edges, and there where that little small padlock has been pressing into you," said Jennifer.

"It feels like I am still wearing it," said Julian looking at his ridiculously small waist and his small penis that he could just see over the top of his flabby chest.

"Come let us get you into a hot bath," she said looking at his abused body.

"The hot water will help you relax."

The water was poured in and Jennifer added some sweet smelling bath salts. Julian somewhat stiff and sore eased himself into the water and Jennifer used a cloth and soap to thoroughly wash his arms and legs. Soaping up the cloth she turned her attention to his private parts. As she washed him she noticed how small his penis was. It was little more than an inch long when she started and when she had finished it was just under four inches and not fully erect.

"Has your penis always been this small?" She asked him.

"No I have never been one of the biggest boys but it does seem to have shrunk," he replied suddenly concerned for his diminishing manhood.

"What was that herbal tea you were drinking?" Jennifer asked concerned that the boy's normal physical attributes were being altered.

"I don't know," said Julian, "Leila told me that it was used by older women in the Mediterranean countries."

"I wonder why she gave this to you," she asked. "If it was to physically alter you, then it seems to have succeeded because I can detect the beginning of budding breasts on your chest. They are small but they are visible."

Julian knew something had happened but he had no idea what because when he came round he was lying in Jennifer's bed.

"You fainted," she said. "Are you well?"

"I feel a little light headed but otherwise I feel fine," he replied remembering that the shock he possessed a pair of budding breasts like his young sister Rosie had made him feel quite ill.

Kneeling beside his bed, Jennifer stroked his hair away from his face and kissed him on the lips. "Julian I fear that you have been damaged by this forced feminisation and your Miss Leila Mitterand has a lot to answer for," said Jennifer.

"If I had my way I would stop this masquerade immediately," she said trying to bolster his spirit. "Unfortunately it is too important and too soon for Juliette to end and for you to become Julian again. The future of both our schools rests on your shoulders. If Juliette does not go to the dance or to the police station then there will be serious problems for the schools and from the police."

Julian wide awake just listened. 'How much more of this have I to endure?'

"Now that I know the situation, I will help you as much as I can, you will suffer no more than is absolutely necessary," said Jennifer.

The teacher and the pupil settled down with Julian donning one of Jennifer's night-dresses. The pair went to bed together but with Julian exhausted there was little more than cuddling during the night.

 

Chapter 14 - Dance Day

The next morning Julian woke up refreshed and found Jennifer already dressed.

"Come on little one, I left you sleeping as long as I dared. You need to get up and get dressed," she smiled. "You have such beautiful hair, it cascades all over your shoulders and face. I meant to ask how you came by such lovely hair."

"It's a new type of wig that is attached to my scalp and as my own hair grows it will thicken it even more," said Julian intriguing Jennifer so much that she came over to investigate.

"It looks and feels just like the real thing," she said touching and pulling slightly.

"Owh," said Julian when she tugged a little too hard. She pushed him in the direction of the bathroom.

On his return from the bathroom, Jennifer had him stand while she put on one of her corsets which was adorned with lace trim and edging.

"This corset will close down to 20" but we don't need to go that far yet," she said, " at least that's unless you want to."

"My usual 22" will be just fine," said Julian who found the process easier than before as Jennifer tightened the laces.

"You could wear it a little tighter, it might help when you when you dress up for this evening," said Jennifer teasing him slightly.

After about 10 minutes he was back in his uniform and she helped him brush his hair and tie it up in ribbons. "No need to go for breakfast, I will make you something here," said Jennifer who then made some toast, marmalade and a large pot of tea.

Julian struggled to put on his new high heeled boots and wondered what Natalie would think of his overnight disappearance.

"I have some good news, Juliette, I need to buy some items for the dance myself, so I will run you into town. You can come with me and it will save your pretty feet for the dancing this evening.

"Thanks Jennifer, you have been so kind to me," he replied finishing his cup of tea. "I have just remembered that I owe Carole and Susan at the shop four pounds. Could I borrow some money from you to pay them back please?"

"Yes of course," said Jennifer, "I would like to buy you a small present while we are out,"

The pair finished adjusting their hair in the mirror. Julian pinned his hat to his head and they helped each with their coats before heading outside towards the stables. With Julian's help, Jennifer quickly connected up a young gelding cob to the carriage and the pair set off for the town. They called into the police station and that posed no difficulty for Julian much to his relief.

"Whatever did a pretty thing like you do to get into trouble," said the desk sergeant who looked at Julian's signature in his probation book.

"I took a horse and cart without permission," said Julian looking serious and contrite.

On to the shop and Julian was disappointed to see that only Carole was present. She listened intently to his story and expressed her disappointment that he had not achieved his aims.

"We guessed something happened when you did not come back yesterday afternoon. We spoke to PC Harkins if he had seen anyone answering your description and he said that he had apprehended you," said Carole giving him a hug. "I guess they didn't throw you into prison for impersonating a woman after all?"

"No, I am really sorry that I did not come back but PC Harkins arrested me for stealing the Crawley horse and cart," said Julian.

"So what happened?" Asked Carole patiently.

"I was ordered to report to the Police Station every Saturday morning until the end of term at 11:00am and we have just made my first visit. Of course that means I have to stay in skirts until I leave to go home for Christmas," said Julian.

"So is this lady helping to keep you in skirts too?" Asked Carole looking at Jennifer trying on some new hats.

"She is my teacher at St Denis and she knows that I have no option in the matter. I have to stay as Juliette a little longer."

"You poor thing, after yesterday it must be hard to come back in here dressed as a girl again," said Carole giving Julian another hug. He could feel her bosom pressing on his and she kissed him on the cheek. Her lips were moist and warm.

"My mind has become used to it, I have to wear that dress you supplied this evening, dance with boys and meet my parents." He said enjoying the shop assistant's hug and kiss on the cheek. "Thanks for your concern and help."

"Come and see Juliette," called Jennifer from the far side of the shop. She was busy trying on some bonnets and Julian could see that she had quite a few selected. "This one is for you," said Jennifer putting it on the boy's head and tying the ribbons under his cheek.

"Thank you Jennifer but in a few weeks I will not need it. Will I?" Quizzed Julian looking at his bonneted image in the mirror.

"No I suppose not," she smiled as she tightened and fluffed up the bow under his chin.

"It is quite remarkable how feminine you look, your voice sounds so soft and your mannerisms are just right. There are times when I think you should have been born a girl," said Jennifer. "Even as you were sleeping you moved and looked like a girl. It was quite uncanny."

"Well after three more weeks, I am going back to being a boy," he said looking at her in the eye. She started giggling. "I mean it," he replied.

"Here before you change back you must know what it is like to wear these and she held up two lacy blue stocking garters."

"Oh you," he said hitching up his skirt and working the first one up his stocking covered left leg.

"Very pretty," she said, "another little present from me, when you are finished with them, I will wear them myself."

"I hope that I will get to see you wear them," he said kissing her on the cheek.

"Come let us get back to school," she said and they headed back towards the horse and carriage.

The route took them past the railway station and Julian let out a sharp cry of astonishment, "look Jennifer!" He pointed to a sign written in chalk next to the station entrance.

"Owing to a serious train derailment last night, passenger services to and from London are not expected to be run until Monday morning. Passengers intending to travel to London must go via Bristol and Birmingham. The Great Western Railway Company apologise for the inconvenience this may cause to passengers."

"Sit down," said Jennifer, "I know what it means. Your parents will not be visiting today. That is good news."

"I am so relieved," said Julian and he gave her a hug, their ornate bonnets touching in the early December sunshine.

"When we get back to school, we will have some words with Natalie and we will see if we can't get her to stop being so nasty and spiteful towards you."

'At last things were improving,' thought Julian, 'now all he had to do was get through tonight.'

Just before lunch, Julian helped Jennifer unhitch the horse and led him back to his stables for a well earned hay bale.

Afterwards the pair went up to the room at the top of the building that as Juliette had been his bedroom. Natalie, Charles and Harry were inside waiting for the lunch bell to sound.

"Ah here you all are," said Miss Hopwood, "thanks to Juliette, I know all about what has been going on in here!"

Natalie looked as if she was going to spit daggers at Julian.

"Before you make threats against these three, let me tell you that it will be you who leaves here not these three if one word of this charade comes to my attention from another source. Have I made myself clear?" Asked Miss Hopwood to Natalie.

"Yes Miss Hopwood," said Natalie giving an obligatory curtsey.

"I will however require your assistance over the next few weeks to ensure that these three boys make the most convincing girls for the school play.

After that when they return to Crawley they will have had the privilege of a St Denis Education," said Miss Hopwood smiling and trying to diffuse the situation

The three boys dressed as girls could sense that Natalie was angry at what happened and it was obvious that she could not be trusted.

"Now is anyone else besides Juliette going to the Crawley dance," said Miss Hopwood.

"I would like go," said Natalie, "but I have nothing to wear."

Seizing an opportunity to open a rapport with the girl, Miss Hopwood announced. "We are roughly about the same size I can let you borrow one of my dresses."

"Thank you," said Natalie somewhat taken aback by Miss Hopwood's generosity.

"Off to lunch with you all, meet me back here at 2:00pm," said Miss Hopwood.

As she watched them go, she paid close attention to Charlotte and Harriet and it was obvious to her they were smitten with one another as they held hands on their way down the corridor.

After lunch Julian went for a walk in the grounds. The fresh air allowed him to collect his thoughts. He tried but was unable to see anyway out of his predicament. He was going to have to go to the dance dressed as Juliette in a beautiful ball gown and three inch high dancing slippers.

He caught a glimpse of himself in a window. He looked at his image at various angles and found no masculinity reflected. He looked utterly convincing as a young girl. Shaking his head Julian walked away back to his room sure in the knowledge that he would not be detected unless his skirts were raised.

On his arrival he found both Charlotte and Harriet talking with Natalie. They immediately went quiet and all three looked at him expectantly. They were obviously looking for an explanation to what had happened to him the previous day.

"So what happened to you and where did you spend the night," asked Harry.

"I have been in trouble with the police, I took Mademoiselle Mitterand's dog cart with a view to getting back into male clothes. I have to report to the police station in town each Saturday morning until the end of term. Last night I spent the night with Miss Hopwood," said Julian.

"That will teach you," said an unfeeling Natalie handing him a small parcel wrapped in paper.

"What's this?" He asked.

"Open it and find out," said Harry.

Julian cut the string with a pair of scissors and sliced through the paper with his now long nails to find a small jewellery box. He opened it to find two things, one was a small note addressed to Juliette and the second was a string of pearls that were long enough to go around his neck twice.

"Those must have cost a fortune," said Charles holding them up to the diminishing December afternoon sunlight.

"They are very pretty," agreed Harry.

"Just another string of pearls," said Natalie trying to appear offhand about the gift.

"Who are they from?" Asked Charles turning back again in his now elegant manner. "Read the note."

Julian read out loud.

"Marshall Stoddart and Company

23 The Strand,

London

England

4^th December 1897.

Dear Miss Smythe,

I would be most grateful if you would accept these pearls as a token of my thanks for helping to save the life of my son following his most unfortunate accident at Crawley School. These pearls once belonged to my late wife and I have no doubt that they now belong to you after your efforts that day. I have also sent a similar gift to Miss Hopwood in recognition of her special efforts.

I understand that you are due to attend the Crawley Dance on Saturday and I hope that you will honour me with a waltz. I understand that my son has also showered you with gifts and I will look forward to meeting such a thoughtful girl in due course.

My thanks to you again and I am forever in your debt.

Yours truly,

Iain Marshall"

"That's incredible, and look at these pearls," continued Julian.

"I can't wait to see you wear them," said Harry, "and that dress you were given."

"The dance is nearly five hours away, I know what we will do until then," said Natalie with an evil glint in her eye.

"Oh yes," said Charles.

"I think that young Juliette should be ready for the dance in more ways than one," she said.

"What do you have in mind?" Asked Julian unsure of Natalie's motives.

 

Chapter 15 - Preparations for the dance.

Natalie boiled the kettle on the stove and quickly produced three cups of the herbal tea for the three boys to drink.

"I think that you have been missing your medicine Juliette," she said as she passed the cup to Julian. Julian took the cup and slowly drank it wincing as he remembered the bitter taste.

"Right let's get you ready, Harriet and Charlotte you can help or you can keep out of the way," said Natalie.

Julian looked at his two chums and smiled. Both indicated that they would help with Julian's preparations for the dance.

Natalie was in no mood to waste time. "Help Juliette strip off her school clothes," she said.

Within five minutes Julian was down to his corset and removed his pantaloons.

"No device I see, where is it?" said Natalie.

"Miss Hopwood removed it last night," he replied, "she was given the spare set of keys by Mademoiselle Mitterand yesterday to release me. It was probably just as well because I developed some skin infections."

"Does she have the device?" Asked Natalie feeling frustrated.

"Yes in her room," said Julian feeling quite gleeful at the prospect. However Natalie had other ideas and said, "well I am sure either Charlotte or Harriet will be happy to donate their devices to you for this evening."

"Natalie you don't want me to wear one again this evening, do you?" said Julian.

"Yes of course we can't have the outline of your dress spoiled when you dance with your new beau can we?" She asked not expecting an answer. "Heads it's Charlotte and tails Harriet," said Natalie and she tossed a half penny into the air. Harry's glee indicated that he was the winner.

"These are lovely clothes, you are going to look like a princess, this evening," said Natalie. "First we must have you smelling sweetly and I have just the thing for that." The bath was filled with hot water and Natalie added the Lily of the Valley perfumed bath salts. The air was thick with the sweet perfume as the hot water dissolved the crystals. Julian had no doubts that he too was going to smell strongly of the perfume as he lowered himself into the water.

After a soak of some 15 minutes with Harry and Charles bringing container after container of hot water for the bath, Natalie made him stand as she applied some talcum powder to his skin.

"You have a little hair under your armpits and I think that it would be better removed," she said soaping up a shaving brush with more perfumed soap. She drew the razor across inside his armpits and as she did so, Julian could feel his skin scrape.

"That light down on your top lip also needs to be removed but I think it would be better if we take our time to make sure it is all expurgated," she said relishing the dominating role she enjoyed. Natalie gave orders for Harry and Charles to remove the hairs using tweezers while she took a quick bath in the same water.

Harry enjoying the responsibility given by Natalie lost no time making Julian lie down on his bed while he removed his facial hairs. Natalie soon joined them and decreed that his eyebrows were still too thick and they too were plucked with merciless abandon.

There were cries of "Owh" and "Ah" as Julian tried to survive the onslaught, the pain made worse by the application of a little alcohol after they had finished.

Julian stood on tip toes when they began to wrap his corset around his torso. The new garment was quickly laced to his normal 22" and then tied off as before. Even at his usual waist size, the new corset seemed more restrictive than he remembered as he walked about the room finding that his legs were forced slightly together with the longer line.

It was then that Harry's chastity belt was brought over but it became apparent that the device would not fit as the long corset effectively covered his sex area. 'That's a relief,' he thought sensing Natalie's frustrations.

"Perhaps you could wear it underneath the corset," said Natalie hoping to rectify the situation.

Within 30 minutes Julian had his corset removed, replaced and then re-tightened as Natalie unsuccessfully tried to fit the chastity device. Julian's relief was short lived as the corset laces were finally tied off at 20" as the bell sounded for supper. Two dark cotton stockings were drawn up each leg and fastened to the suspenders. The two pretty garters were pulled up for good measure up his thighs.

"I wonder if Colin will get a chance to see these?" Asked Charles.

"No supper for you girls until we get Juliette dressed for the dance," said Natalie who was just wearing her own corset tied off at a more modest 22".

Julian was quickly dressed up in the underclothes, as he had been a week earlier at the dressmakers except that both Harry and Charles were encouraging and coaxing him. Julian walked around the room acutely aware of the constriction around his waist. The inside of his thighs rubbed together as he walked, creating little shocks of static electricity.

"At the shop, Carole and Susan tightened me to 21 inches can't we just ease the laces a little?" Asked Julian a little forlornly.

"No we want to make a good impression tonight, everyone will be looking at you," said Charles. Taking the dress from it's resting place in the wardrobe, Julian's friends helped him step into it and inched it up over his rear and onto his body. The silk lining helping to ease the dresses' upward movement. They carefully did up the hooks and eyes and were astonished to see that Julian had a very real cleavage peeking out of the open dress.

"I love the way that lace covers your arms and your shoulders," said Charles handing the skirt cord hoop to Julian.

"That silk lining is quite exquisite to the touch," said Harry.

The necklace was next and wound carefully around his neck twice, Julian could feel his long hair lifted as the pair of them did the clasp behind his neck. Natalie had been busy with her own dressing and was soon wearing Miss Hopwood's burgundy coloured dress.

At that moment the teacher herself knocked and then entered. She wore a dark blue chiffon dress with matching head dress adorned with feathers and pearl drop earrings, necklace and bracelets.

"You look wonderful," Jennifer said to Julian, "I will help you with your hair, you'll need to wear it high."

As she pinned his hair up onto his head, she added a small red and gold pendant to his hair such that it lay on his forehead directly between his eyebrows. The gold chain was securely fastened to his hair using hair pins.

"Lovely, absolutely lovely," said Miss Hopwood. "I will be back in moment."

"Adorable," said Harry smiling as he watched Miss Hopwood wiggle out of the room.

"Divine," said Charles, "I wish I had a dress like that."

"Your nails need some attention," said Charles as he filed Julian's nails to a point. He then buffed and then added a little olive oil to each nail so that they shone.

The tight long white gloves were next and they were pulled up past his elbows. When they were fully home he noticed that there was a small ribbon around the top of each glove and these were tied into an intricate bow.

"We can't have your gloves sliding back down," said Charles intent on his work and smoothing the material flat.

In each wrist there was a buttoned opening that would allow the wearer to remove her hands however Julian's wrists were covered by two large bracelets that would prevent any partial removal of the long gloves.

Julian realised that with the gloves fitted he could no longer grip anything like before. He found that he was effectively locked into this lovely dress as surely as if a padlock and chains had been applied.

"I can't do anything in these gloves, I can't grasp anything and as for going to the toilet just how am I do that?" Enquired Julian.

"You ask for help," said Natalie in his ear as Miss Hopwood returned with a similar pair of long pearl drop earrings for Julian.

Charles handed Julian his fan and his dance book. A small yellow pencil was attached to the dance book and both the fan and dance book were then looped around his gloved wrists. Julian noticed that already the dance book contained the names of both Colin and Sir Iain Marshall.

Natalie gave him some instruction on the use of a fan. How a fan was more than just an aid to cool a lady down after a dance.

"It can be used to hide your face so that a man does not know whether you are smiling or not. It can also be used so that no one can read your lips and finally it can be used to show whether you are unhappy or just plain livid," said Natalie giving Julian instruction on each use.

"I always thought it was because a lady needed to something to cool down with," said Julian.

Finally his dancing slippers with the 3" heel were fitted and Julian was coaxed onto his feet. Both Charles and Harry took an arm each and he was led around the room as if he were some fragile China doll.

"I bet you will just melt when Colin takes your hand for that first dance," said Harry looking serious as he added, "I feel very jealous that you have found such a nice boy."

"Yes he is taken with me but you and I know it can never be," replied Julian. "On the outside I have the appearance of a girl but what happens when he finds my little secret."

"That could prove difficult to explain and I think that you had better make sure that it doesn't happen," said Jennifer.

Natalie offered more herbal tea and they sat waiting patiently for the time to pass. Julian was feeling hungry and the tea was making his constricted stomach rumble and grumble with discontent. Jennifer approached and asked how he felt.

"Like I should be somewhere else," said Julian truthfully.

"You have just another few weeks to go, I am sure everything will go well this evening just look upon it as a dress rehearsal for the play," said Jennifer trying to show sympathy. "Did I tell you we have more rehearsals here tomorrow afternoon?"

"No you didn't," said Julian who slowly rose and elegantly walked around the room with hands clasped in front of him before arriving at the window. As he looked at the gathering darkness, he could see the first spots of rain and then large snowflakes on the glass.

'Oh great,' he thought, 'not only I must I look glamorous, I must also try and stay warm and dry.'

"I think we had better get going because it is starting to snow," said Julian as Jennifer helped Natalie with her bonnet.

"Yes you're right," said Jennifer. "Girls the cloaks please," she said to Charles and Harry who helped secure the dark blue and red velvet cloaks around three pretty necks.

Julian pulled up his hood and found that it would look quite decorative but would not offer much protection from the weather other than a few spots of rain.

"Come let's go, Harriet order the coach to come around to the main door, I will see if Rosemary and Jacqueline are ready to join us," said Jennifer referring to the two girls the boys had met on their first night at St Denis.

All five waited in the hallway waiting for the tell-tail clip clop sound of hooves on the gravel outside. Jacqueline sounded out Julian about his dance card after she spotted it was already sporting two names.

"You are off to a flying start, I see," she said.

"Yes do you remember the boy Miss Hopwood and I helped save? Well, he has indicated that he would like my first dance while his father Sir Iain Marshall would also like a waltz," said Julian who was starting to feel uneasy about his forthcoming deception. His feet were starting to pinch terribly and he wondered if he could stand around much longer. He tried to shift from foot to foot but only succeeded in adding the strain to each ankle.

The thought that he would be soon beside Leila was the main factor in his mind as he suddenly heard a shout from outside and the five ladies were quickly escorted outside. Harry and Charles eagerly giving a kiss on each of Julian's cheeks as he passed out the front door.

"Good Luck," said Harry.

The Arctic chill caught him like 1000 daggers as he tried to draw the cloak tighter around his body.

After the frosty day, the snow was already beginning to settle on the ground and a thin slippery covering made their progress towards the carriage precarious and somewhat hazardous. The coachman and his attendant smiled in some amusement as the ladies held on to each other as they stepped carefully down the main steps and then towards the coach. Julian could see that the men were better wrapped up against the cold for the 10 minute ride to Crawley than they were. He watched them smile and laugh at what seemed to be his slow geisha like progress toward the coach on the slippery ground.

Julian realised that one wrong step or one step too many could jeopardise the whole night with his dress in ruins and covered in dirty snow. Eventually with the aid of Jennifer he made the side of the coach and held on lest he fall.

The snow fell heavier and heavier as Julian waited patiently to be seated. Soon he carefully climbed aboard assisted by the coachman. As he sat Julian could feel the melting wetness of his new dress on his ankles. The dress having picked up some snow on the traverse outside.

The door was closed and a whip cracking announced the carriage into motion. Presently they were disembarking at Crawley and found that despite the short ten minute journey, the snow seemed thicker. Julian realising by now that smooth soles and heels were not good for walking in snow asked to be escorted to the door of the school by the coachman. All the other four ladies followed his example taking the coachman's arm as Julian waited patiently until each one was safely inside the school.

Reaching the hallway, Julian was keen to get inside the comparative warmth of the school but waited until the others had climbed up the steps before venturing into the familiar surroundings. Despite having spent most of his youth at Crawley, his last few weeks away and his foreign garb gave him an uneasy feeling as he moved towards where he knew the dance would be held.

His skirts and those of his four lovely companions rustled as they went forward towards the large hall. As they approached they could see large amounts of decorations including holly and ivy. Mistletoe was also in abundance under the main doorway.

"Should we go in?" Enquired Julian softly, "we are a little early."

Just then there was more rustling from behind as two more women appeared.

"My dears, my dears how lovely to see our friends from St Denis on such a dreadful night."

They all turned to see Leila Mitterand and her friend Helen Martin looking radiant and smiling at their counterparts. There were hugs and kisses all around with Helen and Jennifer soon talking like the old friends they were.

"You never told me about Juliette did you," said Jennifer to Helen as Julian looked in the direction of Leila.

"I will tell you all about that later during the dance," said Helen kissing Jennifer on her cheek.

"You look so lovely Juliette, so radiant and refined," said Leila holding his hand and kissing his cheek. Julian tried to turn his cheek to catch the kiss on the lips but Leila was ready for him and moved aside. She held both his hands and had a good look at his body. "You look so pretty, how does it feel?"

"Like I am some impostor," said Julian trying to undo his cloak cords but finding it difficult with his gloved hands.

"Here let me help you," she said moving behind him. "You smell wonderful isn't that Lily of the Valley? I have a small present for you," she added and with that she pressed a small ruby ring into Julian's left hand. "The ring is designed to fit over your gloves, it will look wonderful. It was my mother's ring and she told me to use it as I saw fit."

"So you have given it to me?" Julian asked astonished that she should give such a beautiful ring.

"Oui, pour cet soir ma enfant," replied Leila taking Julian's arm.

Natalie removing her own cloak was alarmed to see Julian's obvious popularity with Leila.

"Aren't you going to introduce me?" She asked approaching the pair.

"Yes of course, Natalie this is Mademoiselle Leila Mitterand and Mademoiselle Mitterand this is Natalie my room mate at St Denis," said Julian and both women shook hands with Natalie looking slightly bemused at her chief rival to Julian's heart.

"I have heard such a lot about you from Juliette here," said Natalie, "how you changed her completely for the school play we have coming soon. A change for the better if I may say so. Do you have any ideas on how she might remain so, so elegant?" Natalie hesitating looking for the right word in close company with the other St Denis girls.

"I am sure that my Juliette could perhaps go to a Swiss Finishing School next year," said Leila. "How about you? You look very elegant yourself perhaps we could arrange for you both to go together."

"My parents are really quite wealthy and could afford to send me," said Natalie obviously not keen to accept charity.

"I am not sure that my parents would agree to me attending a female finishing school," interjected Julian.

Before Leila could reply, they were asked to deposit their wet cloaks with the two boys delegated to the task. Julian put his cloak room ticket into the small purse he carried like all the women as they went on into the hall. At the far end there was a small orchestra of 20 boys with instruments being tuned and readied for the evening on the stage.

"Some fruit punch?" Asked one boy behind a table to the large gathering of women as they entered.

"Yes that would be nice," said Jennifer taking a glass, "be careful with this juice girls, it will stain your new dresses dreadfully if you should spill any."

In the absence of any male company, the ladies continued chatting nervously amongst themselves with Helen approaching Julian.

"Juliette you look lovely this evening, that gown is quite enchanting. Now tell me how are Charlotte and Harriet?" She asked suddenly remembering the other two boys still incarcerated in St Denis.

"They are well, we have all changed so much this past few weeks, Charlie and Harry look so happy in their new roles, I do not think that they will ever change back."

"Oh that was not supposed to happen," she replied looking surprised.

"Well it has happened," said Julian ruefully.

"What about you? Will you change back to being Julian the joker?"

"Of course, I will not be like this a moment longer than necessary," said Julian with some confidence and taking a slow sip from his punch glass. As he did so his dance card became visible.

"Well you seem to have a head start on the rest of us with two names in your dance card," she replied. "Colin and Sir Iain Marshall, you have done well."

"Have I?" Said Julian, "I would rather dance with you."

Just then the firstly gangly youths from Crawley appeared in the door looking like an army of penguins slipping on the ice as they move to the sea.

"Your transformation has been spectacular why you even have a real cleavage. That gown is very becoming where did you get it?" She asked.

Julian went over how he was given the gown as a reward for acting as a nurse to the injured Colin Marshall.

"I saw Colin and his father earlier. Both looked very handsome. A beautiful gown for helping to save Colin's life seems like a good reward to me," Helen replied

"That depends on whether one likes looking at or wearing gowns, I prefer the former," said Julian trying to make Helen see that there was nothing in it for him.

"You can't tell me that you are not a little excited by wearing such a pretty gown as this. Look at those boys coming in the door watch them closely and see who they stare at."

Dressed in their dark tails and grey flannel trousers, high stiff neck shirts and cravats. Julian felt sorry for them, the only decoration they wore was a white flower in their jacket lapels as they moved down the hall on the opposite side from the ladies.

The band seeing that there were enough people to begin dancing struck up the first waltz of the night but there was a marked reluctance for any of the boys to make the first move.

"They are like wolves stalking their pray," said Julian to Leila, "they look but do not do anything."

"I see lust in their eyes for you, several are looking at you ma cherie," she said succeeding in trying to make him more nervous than he was already.

"Why they are looking in this direction!" Exclaimed a surprised Julian with his mouth wide open.

"They have seen enough of me over the last five months for me to know that they are not looking at me," she replied. "They are looking at you Juliette."

"Me? Surely not?"

"Yes observe them, as they walk down the hall they look over a few times and each time it is here they look, do you not agree?"

Julian nodded his face turning and burning bright red.

"I do believe you are blushing my dear," said Helen tweaking his cheek slightly with her gloved hand, "I would stop that, it will only incite those boys even more."

Julian moved from one foot to the other trying to relieve the burning sensation in his calf muscles.

"Stand still you look so nervous, relax you will enjoy this evening more," said Helen. As a teacher he had enjoyed her lessons but as a friend he admired her greatly.

"Yes, I will try," he whispered.

Another group of boys entered the hall, dressed in their formal tails and grey trousers. Like the earlier group Julian could see them walk down the opposite side of the hall talking amongst themselves nervously. He could see several members of his old class cast glances in his direction. Several were grinning and he smiled back.

"That's better," said Helen into his ear.

At that moment, several of the masters arrived followed by the senior prefects and six formers. The ladies were outnumbered by three to one and the odds were looking less favourable by the minute. Matters were evened out slightly with the arrival of several austere looking ladies who happened to be the master's wives. They were in an unsmiling mood as if they had been wrenched away from a good book or some knitting. There were introductions and kisses as most of the older women passed down among the St Denis girls.

Leila soon introduced Julian to all the ladies. She also indicated that he would star in the forthcoming play to be produced jointly by Crawley and St Denis.

"I have a good friend who is a theatre agent and he is always looking for new actresses," said the wife of the science master. "I will invite him down here to see you in the play."

"Let me present to you, Miss Juliette Smythe from St Denis," said Leila to the Deputy Headmaster's wife.

"Ah we meet at last, you were the other young lady who helped our injured boy Colin Marshall. What a splendid thing to do," she said.

"It was nothing Madam, I am sure you would have done the same thing," said Julian observing the rigid movement of the lady in front of him.

"Yes but I hear you ran to help across a muddy field and didn't faint at the sight of all that blood," she replied. "Many ladies I am sure would have done so."

"Thank you Madam," said Julian remembering to curtsey.

"I feel we have met before but I am not sure where or when," she said recognising some of Julian mannerisms.

"Apart from that day at the rehearsals this is the second time that Juliette Smythe has been here," said Julian truthfully.

Julian winced and gulped. In walked two men wearing kilts. It had to be but it couldn't could it? Yes it was. Sir Iain Marshall and his son Colin in full highland dress complete with clan tartan kilt, sporran, skean dhu daggers nestling inside their long white socks, and cross laced dancing shoes. The younger of the two, Julian immediately recognised as Colin Marshall, the elder with rich red thick hair was obviously Sir Iain Marshall.

Besides the kilt, they wore a black jacket with two rows of silver buttons and a frilly shirt with ruffles at the cuffs and chest.

"A couple of Scotsmen," said Helen smiling at the romantic sight in front of her.

"Obviously," said Julian wincing at the thought of the dagger being used in anger if they found out his little secret.

The two made their slow progress around the room, shaking hands with all and sundry. The headmaster and the Deputy Headmaster detained them for five minutes but soon they were working round towards Julian. He felt like taking his leave but knew it would only postpone the inevitable.

"They are coming this way, ma cherie," said Leila into his ear. "I think young Colin would have you on the dance floor already but for his father."

"Yes I fear so, he has waved and smiled at me several times already," said Julian grinning behind his fan.

At that moment, Julian's concentration was suddenly broken when Edward Stourton broke ranks from the massed boys and approached Julian. He offered his arm just as the music started a waltz. Julian swallowed hard, folded his fan and took his arm. Moving out onto the dance floor, both were given a rapturous applause as the first couple to dance.

Edward was a good dancer, so Julian didn't have to think hard about who should be in control and allowed himself to be guided across the floor. With his heels, Julian realised he was slightly taller than his old classmate. Neither spoke until near the end.

"You dance very well," said Julian feeling the restrictions of his corset and the efforts of moving rapidly on such slender heels. At that moment, Julian was glad he had taken those lessons from Jennifer. He looked over and could see that the father and son had reached Jennifer and she was being formally introduced. As he walked back to join them holding Edward's hand, Julian could see her show off her gifts of fine pearl drop earrings and her matching bracelet.

"This is my other partner in crime," she announced when Julian arrived still slightly breathless. Julian opened his fan and immediately started to cool himself.

"How do you do?" Asked Iain Marshall taking Julian's gloved hand and placing it to his lips. Julian squirmed uneasily inside at that act.

"A little breathless but otherwise fine," said Julian. "Thank you both for the lovely gifts you sent me, you see I am wearing them all."

"Yes my dear and very fetching you are too," said Iain with a rough Glaswegian accent that sounded so unlike his son's refined public school voice. At that point Julian proffered his gloved hand to Colin and he duly obliged by kissing it too.

"Juliette, you look simply ravishing, may I have the next dance?" Colin asked.

"Why of course, your name and that of your father are marked here. Do see," she said offering the card in a teasing manner.

By this time several other young males had found partners and the hall was filled with six couples dancing to a Strauss waltz. Julian was still uneasy and nothing could stop his uneasiness being transmitted through to Colin.

"What is the matter, am I dancing wrong?" Asked Colin as they neared the stage on their first circuit of the dance floor.

"No it is not you," said Julian, "it is me, I feel a little nervous, I have never been to a dance before. Please forgive me."

He raised Julian's gloved hand to his lips and kissed it as they continued around the dance floor. "Just relax, nothing will happen to you now I am here, you are in the arms of a true Scotsman."

"So I see, I have always wondered about the stories of what a Scotsman wears under in his kilt. Are they true or not?" Julian smiled.

"Of course they are true, A true Scot wears nothing but a smile beneath his kilt," said Colin laughing. The laughter eased the tension a little and their dance went without a hitch.

"I have thought of you constantly since our first meeting," said Colin handing Julian a glass of fruit punch. "You look even more pretty than I remember. You seem to have made a special effort this evening."

"Thank you," said Julian still a little out of breath taking a welcome sip of the punch. He was shocked to discover that it contained alcohol.

"Does that mean we can become good friends?" Colin asked holding Julian's hand tightly lest he pull it away. "I wish to apologise for that kiss I stole that day in the infirmary, will you forgive me?"

"Yes we can remain good friends," said Julian almost tempting fate as he remembered Colin's unexpected kiss on the lips.

"Perhaps you might like to meet in London over the holidays," said Colin.

"I don't know whether I can," said Julian truthfully. "My parents work abroad and I am sure that they will want to have me home."

At that moment the couple were interrupted by the arrival of the Iain Marshall.

"May I have the pleasure of this dance Juliette?" He asked bowing low.

Julian smiled and nodded and Sir Iain immediately took Julian's hand and escorted him onto the floor. Julian felt his stomach tighten yet further as they moved out to their positions on the hardwood dance floor. Julian could feel his heels indent the wood slightly as he moved to Sir Iain's instructions.

As they danced Sir Iain started talking. "You know you are a bonnie looking lassie and I can see why my son is quite smitten by you."

Julian expecting that he would be discovered was relieved to hear him say, "you are quite the loveliest young creature here this evening."

"Thank you Sir Iain," said Julian with his usual soft voice and blushing some more.

"Just call me Iain. I have been doing some research into your past my dear," he continued.

"And what have you found?" Julian suddenly became worried again.

"Miss Mitterand informs me that your father is a high ranking Foreign Office diplomat and he is due to be transferred to Hong Kong later this month. You father will employed by the Governor for the next 2 years."

Julian's mouth opened in surprise, "I did not know that Sir Iain."

"Yes, Miss Mitterand has made enquiries on my behalf and your parents have no objections to you staying at my London house during the holidays. Miss Mitterand has agreed to act as your chaperone. How do you feel about that? The alternative would be to stay at St Denis over Christmas or with your Aunt."

"I would not like to impose Iain," said Julian suddenly not feeling the pain in his legs and feet any longer. His breath was rapid and strong despite the exertions of the dance. As the dance concluded, Julian clapped both his hands together in applause and then clasped his waist with both gloved hands, his chest rising and falling as he gulped in air into his lungs.

"It is no imposition, your parents have already agreed, I have a letter addressed to J. Smythe that should I believe give their permission. I have found a suitable position in my London office that would be ideal for a young girl with a good head for figures."

Sir Iain removed the letter from his sporran and handed it to Julian who saw that it was in his father's handwriting and that he had abbreviated his Christian name to J.

"Excuse me one moment Sir Iain," Julian said suddenly finding that he was no longer breathless.

"Of course my dear," said Sir Iain and Julian moved to a chair and sat down. His corset preventing him from slouching, his mind equally erect spinning as he ripped open the sealed envelope and proceeded to unfold the letter and read.

"Foreign Office

London

8^th December 1897.

"My dear boy,

"Your mother and I are both obviously very disappointed that we cannot be with you this evening following yesterday's train derailment. We had hoped to see you before we left to go to Hong Kong but it seems that this now will be quite impossible. We have been ordered to leave for Southampton today by the Foreign Office when a warship will take us directly to the Colony.

"Obviously we are sorry to leave without saying goodbye but we know that this will be another step in the building of your manhood. I am conscious that my work in the diplomatic service has interrupted our time with you and your sisters much too often and we will make this undertaking that this service in the Far East will be my final one. After this secondment is finished we will return and look after what remains of your childhood. You have my absolute promise on this. I will be able to retire with a handsome pension that should see us to our old age."

"Give our love and best wishes to your two sisters, they will stay with your Aunt Matilda during the holidays. You however are free to take up the offer from Sir Iain Marshall to stay at his house with your friend Colin whenever you like. He has been offered your services by one of your lady teachers during the holidays in his offices. I understand Sir Iain is keen to use your skills in book keeping and arithmetic.

"Sir Iain has a great many business interests in Hong Kong and he has asked me to make sure that I and your mother make full use of his hospitality. So please behave yourself in his presence.

"I have also put your name forward as I said I would for Sandhurst and you should be hearing in a few days whether you have been successful. I am sure that you will be a credit to the family there.

"Take care, my boy, I know that you will come through this difficult period making new friends.

Your loving father."

Julian wept openly when he finished reading the letter, and he quickly folded it up and placed it in his purse before pulling the draw laces shut.

"My dear, whatever is the matter? Was it something distressing in the letter?"

Asked Sir Iain approaching and showing some concern for Julian's tears. Julian unfolded his fan and started flapping the item furiously in a nervous fashion.

"My parents, my parents will not be back for two years," said Julian, tears streaming down his hot cheeks but that was not the real reason he was upset. The army, Julian did not want to join the army, school was bad enough.

"Yes I know but they will be back," said Sir Iain wiping some large tears with his handkerchief.

Leila Mitterand just coming off the dance floor also noticing Julian's distress quickly appeared at his side and escorted the weeping boy towards the ladies room. She sat him in an easy chair and then sat on the arm rest alongside him stroking his hair.

"Ma Cherie, your parents are leaving, I am so sorry for you," she said.

"Of course you knew all about this but did nothing to stop them," said Julian suddenly drying up his tears.

"It is not like you think, I was acting as an intermediary between your parents, the school and Sir Iain. His son is in love with you and it would be difficult for both St Denis and Crawley if you had no further contact with him. Sir Iain is willing to give you a position in his London office as a clerkess while you stay at his huge house."

"But I love you Leila, I cannot live like this any longer, I need to live with you. My father expects me to join the army," said Julian drying up his tears with her lace trimmed and perfumed handkerchief.

"As far as I can see you must continue, you have the play, Sir Iain and Colin Marshall are in no doubt that you are a real girl, you must continue the deception or the schools will close."

"Why should I care?" Asked Julian. "My father will have me fighting for the British Empire. I am no soldier."

"Because the closure of both schools will affect nearly 1000 people," said Leila. "Perhaps Juliette will help you avoid joining the army."

"If I am Juliette I could not enter Sandhurst and Colin Marshall might love me, but I don't love him. He is obnoxious," said Julian. "Will you please help me with my toilet Leila?"

Soon Julian was seated on the water closet with Leila in attendance. Within minutes Julian was walking back towards the dance, more upset with the news about Sandhurst than about being in skirts until early next year. Or longer if Leila had her way.

 

Chapter 16 - Overnight at Crawley.

Julian headed back to the dance with a heavy heart, his thoughts of ending the existence of Juliette had been cruelly dashed. After the Autumn term concluded he was expected to go to London and work in Sir Iain's offices as a clerkess. Juliette could also keep him out of military college.

Before they re-entered the hall, Julian whispered, "I should hate you for what you have done to me, but I feel myself falling in love with you."

"You have changed out of all recognition Juliette, you are ma belle fille maintenant," said Leila kissing Julian on the cheek.

"I am not anybody's girl, now or in the future," said Julian looking at her with tears forming in his eyes again. "I do not understand why I am crying so much, I have never cried like this before." Patting his wet eyelashes with his lace handkerchief taken from his purse.

"You are becoming a girl, your emotions your physical appearance and now your thoughts are so feminine," she said in reply.

"No."

"Mais Oui, why do you want to become a soldier?" Leila replied and she pulled Julian down a darkened corridor and opened the door into a classroom.

Julian moved closer and then put his arms around the French girl's waist and squeezed as tightly as he could. He could feel her tight corset and her lips kissing his cheek and lips. She inserted her tongue into his mouth and he did not resist. Their saliva mixed freely as the pair kissed in a long passionate embrace.

"You will stay as my Juliette now?" Asked Leila as Julian struggled for breath after that long lingering kiss.

"Mademoiselle, please do not insist I stay like this to keep your love," said Julian fearing that was what she would indeed ask.

"Come my little one, you will be Juliette for me to love you won't you?" said Leila kissing him again.

"Why? I don't understand." Julian asked. "Why must I be Juliette and not Julian? "

"Because Juliette is so special, Julian is just another silly boy. Juliette is very important, she changes people's lives and her life has meaning. Julian is a selfish child who thinks only of himself, you on the other hand have so much love to give and to receive. Can't you feel it?" Asked Leila looking into Julian's wide eyes. Then with a special meaning, "Juliette will stop Julian from joining the army."

With that she reached over and kissed him on the nose before planting her red lips on his mouth and then kissing him hard again. As their eyes adjusted to the dimly lit classroom, Julian was drawn to the window and was astonished to see that outside a thick carpet of snow was lying all around.

The wind was also becoming stronger and it was obvious that drifts were forming on the drive and roadways of the school.

"We will not be able to go back to St Denis this evening I think," said Julian surveying the white landscape outside.

"That will be satisfactory, you can spend the night with me at my cottage," she said. "Only though as Juliette. Say it ONLY AS JULIETTE."

"No I cannot," said Julian

"Why not, don't you love me?"

"Yes I love you, you know I do, but only as Julian."

"But I do not love Julian, only Juliette."

"ONLY JULIETTE?" He replied

"Yes," she said kissing him tenderly again.

"Yes only Juliette," he said surrendering finally.

There were footsteps outside the room and two figures entered. The two figures watched the two female figures looking at the falling snow. It was Helen and Colin both looking for their respective partners.

"Ah there you both are," said Helen, "we were wondering where you had got too."

"Ah we wanted to talk about the play," said Leila thinking quickly of an excuse, "and we came in here."

"Look it is snowing hard and the wind is causing drifts," said Julian still looking outside and wondering whether he would get back to St Denis that night.

"It does look bad," agreed Colin taking Julian's hand and looking out the window. Julian felt like resisting but didn't. Colin took that signal to mean that he could squeeze tightly and he did. Intertwining his fingers through Julian's gloved hand.

"Let's go back to the dance," said Helen looking at Leila in a jealous and loving way.

Slowly they wandered back to the dance hall and slowly slipped inside. Just as they did so, the Deputy Headmaster had stepped onto the stage and was about to make an announcement.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and our special guests from St. Denis, I regret to inform you that the weather has worsened quite considerably since the dance started. I fear that those that are visiting here tonight will not be able to make their way home until the morning. My grounds-man has reported that the main road is quite impassable with drifts up to two or three feet deep and the snow is still falling," he said taking a slight pause to leave considerable muttering in the hall.

"Now just to show how well we run our school, we will be able to put up all our visitors with ease. There are beds in the infirmary and in some of the dormitories. I am sure that Miss Mitterand's cottage will hold several of the St Denis girls. Now since our destiny is fixed I propose that we enjoy the rest of the evening with more music and dancing."

Julian thought, 'perhaps my parents will not be able to travel to Southampton.' His thoughts were interrupted again when Sir Iain approached.

"Have you ever been to Scotland Juliette?"

"No Sir Iain I have not, I am told it is very wild and beautiful. I would really like to see the country."

"Aye like you it is bonnie all right," said Sir Iain, like most Scots he was proud of his heritage.

Julian blushed and was immediately offered an arm for the next dance. It was a polka that soon left Julian gasping for breath and he started to feel faint as Sir Iain led him on a ferocious charge around the dance hall. Sir Iain's fur trimmed sporran jumping and colliding with Julian's abdomen.

"Lassie if you will come with me to Scotland for hogmanay we will teach you some of our Scottish dances such as the eight-some reel and the dashing white sergeant," said Sir Iain as Julian slowly caught his breath.

"I would look forward to that," said Julian slowly whispering his words but noticing that Natalie was still engaged with conversations with Jennifer Hopwood and had been active on the dance floor herself.

No sooner had he gathered his senses than he was dancing once again with Colin and then several six form boys in succession before the Deputy Headmaster begged a dance.

Julian was worn out, his feet were smarting and his chest was heaving as he started what he hoped would be his final dance of the evening.

"You look as though you have had a fine evening, my dear," said the Headmaster.

"Yes thank you, I am a little tired now after all these men have danced with me. I hope you have a comfortable bed for each of the St Denis girls."

"Yes you have been transformed Julian, you will make an excellent girl for the play. Miss Mitterand has done an excellent job with your transformation to Juliette. I think that every boy in the hall is in love with you."

"Yes I fear so," said Julian holding tightly to Allan's shoulder as the dance continued.

"Not to worry it will not be for much longer," he said taking Julian by surprise by kissing his hand. "I think that you will be excellent in the play."

The dance over Julian was escorted to the drinks table and was given some lemonade and some Christmas cake. Leila approached and whispered, "Ma cherie Juliette you will stay with me this evening." Julian immediately thought of his old room that he shared with Charles and Harry. Leila had other ideas.

 

Chapter 17 - Back at the cottage.

The dance concluded at 11:00pm and the ladies were escorted to the various buildings around the school in the raging blizzard by the janitor and the ground staff. Julian was relieved to see Natalie go with Jennifer to the Deputy Headmaster's house.

Finally only Julian, Helen and Leila remained and they waited to be escorted across the courtyard towards their tiny cottage in the grounds. Julian tied the hood of his cloak tight around his head and wrapped his arms around the front opening so that it would not open in the fierce wind as they stepped out.

Julian felt the icy blast of air as they opened the door, his heels and dress completely unsuited to the conditions underfoot. He felt the snow enter his dancing shoes and instantly his feet warmed by hours of dancing were like solid blocks of ice.

The walk of 200 yards was usually accomplished in a few minutes but in these conditions, the ladies negotiating 3 foot snowdrifts and virgin snow took more than ten minutes to arrive at the cottage. Julian felt cold and raw when he gratefully stepped inside the cottage door and it was slammed shut behind him with the grounds-man's 'good night ladies' lost in the wind.

From the elegance of the dance floor, all three looked slightly misplaced with hair grips missing, wet cloaks and cold hands and feet.

"Come in and get warm," said Leila to Julian pointing to the lounge.

The warm air from the coal fire hit the three ladies as they entered. Julian slowly began to thaw out.

"Come let us get out of these clothes," said Helen. Leila walked back out again and arrived with three dressing gowns, stockings and three night-dresses that she placed in front of the fire on the fire guard to warm them.

Julian needed no second bidding but found that his long gloves provided little assistance. Both Helen and Leila helped him to remove his gloves and dress before starting on his corset. After five minutes, Julian stood in front of the fire completely naked and Helen stood looking at him with her mouth wide open.

"I swear Juliette you look like a girl, your hair is long, your hips are wide, your waist narrow and you have breasts. They are small but they are real. How can this be?" Asked Helen of Leila.

"Because of what we gave Juliette to drink plus her corset has moulded her body. Juliette's bones are still soft and the corset has shaped her nicely," said Leila handing a night-dress to Julian to save him any further embarrassment.

"Yes," said Helen, "but he was to live as a girl for a few weeks not to become one permanently."

"You are correct Helen, but we have had to ensure that Julian could not be detected at St Denis. I am sure that when Juliette stops her herbal drink, she will revert back. With Sir Iain Marshall and his son threatening the existence of the school we cannot allow that reversion just yet. Don't you agree?"

"Yes I do but I just hope that we are not doing something that cannot be changed inside her head," said Helen talking past Julian. Then to Julian she asked, "how do you feel about being Juliette? If you could change back to being Julian would you do it?"

"In truth I admire Juliette, she is so different from Julian, she is pretty while Julian is so plain and ordinary, she is the centre of attraction while Julian would be just another face in the crowd. Juliette is caring and considerate while Julian only cared about himself. Julian puts on an act, he tries to be brave but in truth he is not," Julian said and Leila smiled.

"Would you change back ma cherie?" She asked with a provocative smile that reminded Julian of their earlier conversation during the dance.

"Yes I would change, but I know I have to live as Juliette a little longer. What concerns me is that I do not know how much longer I will wear these skirts and dresses that have become part of my life.

"If I asked you to stay as Juliette for as long as I wanted, would you do it?"

Asked Leila who had Helen stare back at her with astonishment.

"If I could be with you, yes," said Julian with no hesitation and that was the reply that Helen did not want to hear.

"Well I have heard it all now," she said clearly upset at the talk that was taking place.

"Helen it is not so bad we will make space for Juliette in our lives. She loves me don't you see?"

"After what we have done, I doubt that," said Helen.

"No I do love her with all my heart," said Julian.

"You are both mad and I am off to bed," said Helen clearly exasperated by the discussion they had just had.

Leila and Julian both waited until Helen had gone to bed and then started talking again.

"We are mad but not in the way she thinks," said Leila softly to Julian.

"Madly in love, I hope?" He replied. "Will you help me to avoid going to Sandhurst, I would rather stay here with you?"

"Of course," she said.

With that she kissed him fully on the lips and they moved into a prone position on the hearth rug in front of a raging log and coal fire. As the snow piled up outside, Julian tried to find what little remained of the masculinity inside him. He teased and moved his penis but it would not go erect despite feeling excited at the thought of kissing and stroking Leila's small pert breasts.

"Your breasts are like mine ma cherie, petite et rond comme une boule," she said pinching his erect nipples between her long manicured nails.

"Leila I do so want to make love to you like a man and a woman." He replied.

"Impossible!"

"Why?"

"Because you are a girl Juliette and I want to keep you that way," she added.

Julian found himself relaxing to her voice.

 

Chapter 18 - Snowbound

Julian awoke the next morning in Leila's bed, the morning sun amplified by the pure white landscape outside the cottage. Julian looked over at her sleeping form and remembered his night of passion with the Frenchwoman who had put him into skirts.

They had made love like women, she had taught him to use his mouth on her intimate parts. He had tried of course to penetrate her but he had been rebuffed as she insisted on him inserting his tongue on her nether regions.

Her cries of pleasure seemed to echo around the school during the night. Their lovemaking had lasted for hours and that explained Leila's deep slumber now. He had given her three orgasms during the night. In each case it had been a joy to feel her shudder alongside him.

The final session had been the most exquisite as she took him in his mouth. Before she started sucking his small penis, she had inserted a small ivory dildo into his anus and proceeded to move it around inside him.

She touched his prostate with it and the feeling was pleasurable, so pleasurable he had come but without the sensations associated with stimulation of his penis. It had been a whole body orgasm, one that had left him tingling with pleasure. He didn't have long to enjoy it as she clamped her thighs around his head and pushed him with her hands to keep him there.

As she straddled his head she pulled her night dress up and then sat down on his face. She brought her thighs together and squeezed hard. So hard he felt that all the breath and life was ebbing from his body. She pounded his face with her vagina and he tried to use his tongue and lips to bring her quickly but she was in no mood to rush.

Slowly she rode his face, burying her vulva deeper and deeper, he was drowning in a sea of female flesh and fluids. He could taste her salty secretions. He opened his eyes and in the darkness he could see the outline of her thin waist and small pert breasts above him.

Now he felt like he was dying, she was going to kill him right here in this bed of suffocation. He couldn't think of a better way to go. Heaven was on earth and it was between Leila's legs.

Just as his lungs were bursting she lifted slightly, enough to enable him to get in a deep breath of air before she settled down deeper than ever. Seconds later she came with a full explosion, she just rolled over and fell fast asleep leaving him tired and drained.

Now with the cold morning air, he got up, and went naked over to the window. He pulled the curtains further apart and through the ice covered windows saw that some boys had built snowmen in the deep snow nearby. They looked over in his direction and he hastily covered himself with the curtain.

"Come back to bed ma fille," said Leila coming too.

"In a moment," said Julian with a soft feminine voice that surprised even him. He picked up a nightdress and put it on and walked to the toilet. Relieved he returned and was greeted by Leila lying on her side patting the bed for him to join her.

They lay side by side staring into each other's eyes in a dream like state. She kissed him tenderly on the lips. He responded.

"You were magnificent," she said smiling, "no one has given me three orgasms in one night before. It was unbelievable ma cherie."

She kissed on him on the nose.

"Did you really like it?" He grinned proud of what he had done.

"Of course," she replied.

"The snow is deep outside we will struggle to get back to St Denis," he said, "can't I stay here with you?"

"Non ma cherie, you must go back, it will be for a few weeks more," said Leila.

"Will we be together then?"

"Perhaps," she replied rising and stretching out her hand, "come I will lend you something nice to wear."

Julian was somewhat concerned to see that his waist would be tightened to 20" to fit Leila's long green velvet dress, the high neck and long tight sleeves were somewhat uncomfortable. She did up the hooks at the rear and the dress got tighter and tighter across his rib cage as she worked.

"What about my feet?" He asked, "I can't wear those slippers again in the snow."

"Yes I will lend you a pair of my boots to keep your little feet warm," she said and she helped him put them on. The heel was modest but they were tight on his feet. He stood up and was keen to smell the dress that she had so recently worn.

"This perfume smell's delightful," he said and she sprayed him with more rose water.

She did up his bedraggled hair and then sent him down to the kitchen to cook breakfast. When he arrived he found a less than amused Helen only frying some bacon and eggs for herself.

"You two certainly made enough noise last night, how does it feel to know that you have taken my lover away?" Asked Helen looking very unhappy.

"I am sorry Miss Martin," said Julian, "I never asked for any of this." He pointed to his garb.

"No I suppose not," she replied, "however you could have made a little less noise last night."

"Again I apologise, however I was completely under Leila's power, you must realise that," said Julian looking downcast.

"I know she is hard to resist," said Helen loosening up slightly.

They both tensed up when Leila entered the kitchen. Within a few minutes they were all sitting around the table eating egg and bacon.

"Please wash the dishes Juliette," Leila commanded as she and Helen left to sit in the lounge.

When he entered the lounge he sat down carefully, his tight skirts reminding him of his new station in life. Both women were sitting in the sunshine and Julian was able to pick up the conversation topic quite easily. Last night's dance.

"Did you see Allan's wife, she could not place you Juliette, she must have seen you hundreds of times here but she couldn't remember where," said Leila, "that was so funny."

"Yes it was," agreed Helen.

"What about the men you danced with? You were very close to them, did they not recognise you?" Helen asked.

"No none did," he said.

"And what did feel like to dance with a man, were you excited?" Asked Leila.

"It was the funniest feeling to be led, Colin said I was light on my feet as he led me around the dance floor towards the end."

"You will have to watch him, he is in love with you," said Helen.

"I know," said Julian smiling, "I wonder what he would do if he knew what I was really like under all this." Julian pointed to all Leila's fine clothing that now adorned his body.

 

Chapter 19 - Back to St Denis

The winter sun was already beginning to set behind the trees when all three ventured out to escort Julian back to St Denis. The deep snow presented some problems until the cottage path reached the main entrance driveway. It was slow going as the three carefully picked their way over the packed snow.

Each wore a long cloak, bonnet, leather gloves and carried a small umbrella to aid their progress. As Julian walked he shared the load of a small handbag with Leila. Each holding one strap of the bag that housed his ball gown and shoes.

As he walked he was very conscious of the smart new dress that he wore. It smelled of Leila's perfume and of course and had been in intimate contact with her body. As the walk progressed he felt himself clutch his sides as he felt a stitch appearing. His tight corset prevented any relief and he was also beginning to feel the cold penetrate his thin soled fashion boots. They were also slippery on the icy surface and several times only Leila and the umbrella prevented Julian from crashing to the ground in an ungraceful manner.

On reaching the road outside, the going became easier and all three made steady progress to the St Denis gates just as the sun fell behind the horizon.

"We will have to return now before it gets dark," said Helen to Leila somewhat concerned.

"Yes you are right, we must get back," said Leila to Helen and then, "Juliette we must get back to Crawley. You can manage from here ma cherie?" Asked Leila.

"Yes I think so, when will I see you again?"

"Soon, I will take you into town on Saturday morning for your visit to the police and I will see you at rehearsals," said Leila.

"Of course," said Julian resigned to marching back into the now familiar girl's school. He kissed Helen on the cheeks and then both Leila and he kissed on the lips and cheeks before a passionate embrace to finish.

"Leila you will be seen, do not do this," said Helen giving a sensible warning to her friend.

The pair continued to kiss hard with their lips stuck together and never headed Helen's warning. However the damage was done and the pair had indeed been observed kissing by the dim light of the school gates from an upstairs window.

"Je t'aime Juliette," she whispered in his ear and watched with a tear in her eye as he slowly trudged carefully back to the school.

About half way down the drive, he turned to wave goodbye to the women but they had already turned back to escape the impending darkness.

"Leila you are crazy, you should not have done that to that young boy, someone might have seen you kiss him like that in the school," said Helen in an angry mood.

"You dress him up, feed him some medication to improve his appearance and then incarcerate him in a girl's school. Your lesbian love affair with me is not enough, you have to have a boy dressed as a girl too," she was angry with her friend and lover.

"I know things have gone a little too far with Juliette but it will be for the best. I am convinced that it is better that he stays as Juliette now."

"Isn't it really because you love him as Juliette and not Julian," asked Helen as they reached the snowbound gates of Crawley.

"I think I will have to marry him," said Leila suddenly.

"You can't be serious," said Helen with her mouth open wide.

"Yes I am serious, after last night, I love Juliette with all my heart and I just can't let her die. So the only way to stop that is for me to marry Julian and then have him stay as Juliette all the time," she replied sincerely.

"What about us, don't you love me anymore?" Helen asked.

"Of course I do but not so deeply as Juliette, she is special in more ways than one," she said and within a few minutes both were enjoying a relaxing and warming cup of tea in front of a raging fire once more.

Julian in the meantime had reached the warmth of his room and found that it was empty but for Harry sitting at a desk writing a letter.

"Hello Harry," said Julian.

"It's Harriet" Asked Harry. "How was the dance?"

"You mean you like being called Harriet?" Asked Julian, "The dance was very nice, thank you."

"No Charlotte and I prefer our new names, Natalie is going to help us get jobs in the theatre," said Harry.

"Who is the letter to?" Asked Julian.

"My parents, I am telling them everything about what has happened to us over the last few weeks," said Harry.

'That could mean problems ahead for all of them,' thought Julian however his overwhelming priority was a hot bath and to get out of Leila's tight dress. He felt hemmed in, in more ways than one.

Harry agreed to help him disrobe and soon he was lying back in a tub of hot water soaking away. Harry joined him and offered him a cup of herbal tea, which strangely Julian did not reject. He sipped it slowly as Harry helped him wash his hair.

"Your hair is lovely," said Harry undoing his plaits.

"Thanks," said Julian smiling, "yours look's quite nice too."

"Yes Charlotte did it for me this morning, we do each other's hair now."

Harry left Julian soaking in the tub and Julian took the opportunity to review his current situation. He itemised all the problems in his head and what could be done.

1. There was no escape from his feminisation, he was stuck as Juliette until at least the end of term at St Denis and would be expected to appear in the play in front of hundred's of people. He had missed rehearsals today but felt sure that Miss Hopwood would make allowances later this week and really put him to the test. He was going to be as convincing as possible in all respects.

2. He had to attend each Saturday to the police for taking the Crawley dog cart without permission. That would be inconvenient but so far had not been a great problem. He had secured rides into town this weekend and Leila had agreed to help next Saturday. He dreaded the idea of walking into town all by himself. All that distance in fashion boots and he would also have to do some baking for the local hospital.

3. He had been invited to work for Sir Iain Marshall in London over the holidays and to travel to Scotland for a Scottish hogmanay at his remote country retreat. Earning some money appealed to him, as he had virtually none of his own. But to work in a busy office dressed as a girl and then to go Scotland could be asking for real trouble. Unless Leila managed to find something else for him to do he would have to go.

4. He loved Leila but she only wanted him if he was Juliette. She would not let him revert to being Julian and despite all her show of affection it was she, he remembered who had been responsible for his current difficulties. He felt that he must be getting used to his current situation, as he no longer referred to his feminisation as a punishment. He hoped that he could work on her with his tongue again.

5. Sir Iain Marshall's son Colin was wooing him. He did not have any trust for Colin after his behaviour in the infirmary, however in front of his father he had behaved himself and been the perfect gentleman. He would still have to assume that he would try to get inside his skirts sooner rather than later.

6. Natalie had enjoyed her dominant role over the three boys. He would try to encourage her interest in Harry and Charles rather himself. He noticed though that she still had eyes for him. He knew appeasement would be difficult

7. Finally his father had applied for him to join Sandhurst. A life in the army really did not appeal to him and he really dreaded the thought of fighting. If anything would keep him in skirts then it was the thought that he would not be selected to join Sandhurst.

The water had grown cold when Julian stepped out to find his three room-mates waiting for him. He shivered when he saw Natalie looking at him with the towel wrapped around his body.

"Hello Juliette, you look like a wrinkled prune," said Natalie.

"I fell asleep in the bath," said Julian lying and picking up his usual corset.

He started fastening the eyes of the garment in front and stood expectantly with his back to Natalie. She needed no prompting as she started to tug hard on the laces and quickly had them tight. Julian felt the usual tightness around his middle and adjusted to it quickly now. Natalie wasn't finished and insisted that wear the chastity device again.

"Natalie, Miss Hopwood said I wasn't to wear this," said Julian bleating as he heard the click of the padlock at his rear.

"What Miss Hopwood says and what I say are too different things," said Natalie taking the tube in her hand. "If you do not stop whining it will stay on permanently."

"If you throw away the key, it can still be opened," said Julian, "Miss Mitterand has a spare set."

"Yes but even she can't open it if the locks are damaged," she laughed.

"You wouldn't would you?" Asked Julian.

"Just try me Juliette, now I want some love and attention from you three 'girls' tonight," said Natalie scornfully. "Let's get ready for supper," she added.

Julian found his uniform and felt the relatively rough material after the smooth satin he had worn the previous night. He quickly hung up Leila's dress in the cupboard alongside his gown. It was a little wrinkled after its time in the bag but Julian realised that it would straighten out slowly by itself.

Natalie insisted he wear his own small size boots and then she gave a quick brush of his long hair before tying it up again with hairpins. Julian was ready for something to eat.

They rushed down the corridor towards the refectory and as he did, he passed his sister June who was coming back from her meal.

"June, I need to ask a favour," said Julian stopping his sister in the corridor.

"What is it Julian or is it Juliette now?" June asked smiling still unable to come to terms with her brother's transformation to her almost identical twin sister.

"Please do not make too much noise," said Julian hoping that no one had overheard her conversation. "Do you remember Colin Marshall?"

"Yes I do, he looks quite a catch," she teased, "are you going to marry him?"

"How can I?"

"Quite easily, just say I do and then kiss," said June who had always enjoyed teasing her older brother when they were little. Julian remembered when she caught him playing with her dolls and dollhouse one day.

Julian ignored her and said, "well would you like to be introduced? I am going over to Crawley for rehearsals later this week, I could let you two chat while I do my rehearsal."

"Why would you want to do that?" She asked teasing again, "He probably has eyes only for you, it is obvious."

"June I would like you to take an interest in Colin. Under all this I am a boy remember, boys do not go with other boys. At least this one doesn't," said Julian hoping she would agree. "His father is also extremely rich and has offered me a job, would you like me to see about one for you during the holidays too?"

"We do look so alike," she agreed. "All right it could be fun."

Julian took a sigh of relief and kissed June on the cheek, "thanks June." He headed off to catch the others.

On taking his seat Miss Hopwood approached and asked him to go to her quarters later. After a meal of broth, pie and potatoes, Julian duly obliged and knocked on Miss Hopwood's door.

She opened it wearing a lovely pink nightdress that left him in no doubt that she was well endowed.

"I saw something today," she said suddenly letting Julian into the room and closing the door behind her.

"Yes, Miss Hopwood," said Julian.

"I saw something at the gates today that I thought I would never ever see," she said trying to refresh Julian's memory.

Julian didn't need his memory refreshed he was already aware of that last passionate kiss on his lips.

"Tell me does Leila Mitterand love you in some crazy way?" She asked.

"Crazy way?" said Julian not catching on.

"She and Helen Martin did not spend last night together?" She came to the point.

"No I spent the night with Leila," said Julian proudly.

"So do Helen and Leila still act like lovers?" Asked Jennifer Hopwood hoping that Helen was now a free agent.

"I am not sure," said Julian, "but I sense a rift between them now, they still live together but Miss Martin is not happy with Leila for what she did to me, Harry and Charles."

"Yes I found that out last night," said Jennifer. "I think that Leila is looking for something that Helen cannot quite give her."

"Like what?" Asked Julian unsure what Miss Hopwood meant.

"I am sorry I do not know the full details, but it seems that Leila was subjected to abuse as a child by an Uncle who acted as her father. She grew to distrust all men and that is why she sought the love of Helen Martin when she arrived at Crawley. Helen also thinks that Leila wanted revenge for her step-father's misdemeanours and the result was your forced feminisation."

"You mean she did this to me and Harry and Charles to get some evil revenge on men?" Asked Julian.

"Something like that, she also wanted less than a man, a man with the body parts of a woman and a man. A man who would be sensitive and caring, one who would never likely lift a finger in anger against her. One who loved her and one who would care for her intimately. I think you fit the bill really well."

"Thank you," said Julian, "this could explain everything."

"You see Helen and I have always been good friends however when Leila arrived she stole her away from me. Now if Leila has taken a shine in you, then I hope that Helen and I can return to our old relationship."

"I love her dearly," Miss Hopwood, "she insists that for me to love her I must remain as Juliette. I am so confused."

"You will be so confused my...., even I don't know what to call you now, boy or girl," said Miss Hopwood.

"You may call me either boy or girl, Julian or Juliette," said Julian.

"You have taken this well," she replied, "many others would have caused an almighty uproar."

"I have thought about that, but it would not serve any purpose except draw attention to my situation."

"Well let us do some more work on the play," said Miss Hopwood pulling out the text. "Julian do the lines from the second act, where Cecily and Gwendolen are talking together. I will be Cecily."

"Yes Miss Hopwood," said Julian.

They rehearsed that part again and again before she announced, "you will make a fine actress I think, your inflection and expression are very good."

"Thanks," said Julian. "I have no intention of becoming an actress."

She smiled and leaned across to kiss him squarely on the mouth as she closed the manuscript. He responded and bid him good night. Julian slowly ascended the stairs to find all the others waiting in their night dresses for his return. Natalie dragging him to her bed helped him to disrobe and demanded that he make love to her in the only way that he was capable.

He fell asleep beside her with her hand firmly grasping his covered penis, feeling frustrated.

 

Chapter 20 - School Life

The next few weeks flew past, it had been a confusing time with needlecraft, baking, cooking, English literature and others. There was only just one week to go until the end of term and the long awaited Christmas Holidays. In that time, he had received extensive personal acting tuition from Miss Hopwood, who announced him to be word perfect in Gwendolen's part just before the first full dress rehearsal.

He had been fitted for his costume and was astonished to find that the waist was an incredible 19 inches and that he would have to wear a special corset to achieve such a tight waist. All his complaints were over-ruled by Leila on the grounds that most actresses wore their dresses that tight including the other St Denis girls.

However he found that the other players were only tightened to 21inches and there had been no complaints. His dress was most attractive but had the tightest skirt he had yet worn. He could sense Leila's influence in its selection. He wore a petunia coloured mohair straight and narrow dress rimmed with bands of white satin edging the circular frills of the sleeves. The sleeves emerging from the frills were tight to the wrist. The front of the dress around his bosom was embroidered with sequins in intricate patterns down the front of his tight bodice.

She had taken him into town on both Saturdays and had insisted that the final visit to the Police be cancelled in view of Juliette's workload at the end of term. The police sergeant reluctantly agreed that Juliette had indeed been punished enough after he learned that she had also baked food for the local hospital too.

Julian's sister June had made a little impression on Colin but not enough to satisfy Julian. Colin had asked Julian to attend the naming ceremony of one his father's new steam ships that would run from Boston and New York to Europe. He also wondered if Juliette would also like to attend the opera at Covent Garden and the Theatre and the new Oscar Wilde play over the Christmas holidays.

Colin was like a permanent attachment on Julian's side. He was never far away and although at first he found him distracting, Julian began to like his company with his little endearments and encouragements. A few of the other girls had also paired up with Crawley boys in the play and there were regular visits between both establishments as the rehearsals progressed.

Julian learned that he would play Gwendolen in the first, third and fifth performances and be understudy to Judy Brown in the second and fourth performances. He got on well with her and she with him. They learnt their lines together and spent a lot of time together.

"Oh Juliette aren't you just a little anxious? The first performance is tomorrow," said Judy.

"Yes I am," said Julian.

"You do not show it," said Judy with admiration.

If his tight corset could be undone, Julian's stomach contents would surely be expelled. In truth though he had not appreciated the enormity of the situation that confronted him until that moment. He swallowed slowly the dryness in his mouth.

"It will be all right, we will help each other," said Julian and then embraced his new friend.

In truth Julian had other things on his mind Leila had given to him three letters of significance that lay crumpled up in his purse.

The first was an acceptance of his application to Sandhurst as an officer cadet starting in April next year and the second was a letter from Sir Iain Marshall offering a position in his London office. The princely sum of £50 a month would be paid plus expenses while he employed Juliette. The third was from his parents who had sent a letter when their ship had reached Gibraltar. They apologised for their sudden departure to Hong Kong and hoped that he would look after his two younger sisters in their absence.

The dress rehearsal continued and Julian felt himself drawn into the part of Gwendolen Fairfax and his relationship with the two boys who played Jack and Algernon. Algernon's proposal of marriage on stage left him in Goosebumps as the boy went down on one knee. A reassuring figure was Miss Martin who played his fearsome Aunt Augusta on stage.

All the weeks of preparation and rehearsal had gone well and Leila announced that she was satisfied that all were ready for the first performance of the week. They changed out of their costumes, Julian glad of the pantaloons that covered the chastity device that Natalie insisted he wear.

As they waited for the St Denis carriage to arrive, Leila had presented Julian with a small box containing two diamond stud earrings.

"I have something for you," said Leila as she handed Julian a pair of diamond stud earrings.

"For me, why?" Asked Julian.

"Why not?" said Leila taking them from their box, "they are a present and love token from me to you."

They looked quite ordinary but included an ingenuous device that meant that when fitted they could not be easily removed. Julian would find out about that later

"You will wear them for me in the final performance?" Asked Leila.

"Yes I will," said Julian touching the cameo style earrings he currently wore. The holes had healed up now and would be noticeable even if he did not wear them again. He put the studs into his purse and kissed her on the cheek. With so many people around they did not touch lips.

He walked out the door and into the cold escorted by Leila who helped him mount into the carriage. He regretted not being able to remove his costume corset, it's long structure cruelly cut deep into his waist.

 

Chapter 21 - The act begins

After the first four performances, all of the major flaws and weaknesses had been ironed out by Leila, she had verbally lashed all the leading players several times including Julian who was singled out for more abuse than anyone else. Or so it seemed to Julian. After each performance she would take him aside and gave him five minutes of criticism to make sure he learned not to make the same mistakes again.

He sat in his chair staring the large mirror ready to apply his stage makeup. It was a source of some bewilderment to him as he watched her transform his face with paint and colours.

"Do you have your diamond studs?" she asked.

"Yes here they are," he replied taking them out of the small box. A task made tricky by his long elegant nails.

She removed his usual adornments and quickly clipped them on his ears before helping with his make-up. She applied red paint to his lips and cheeks. She helped with his face make-up using a powder puff to finish off. He looked in the mirror and he could see that the make-up had turned him from a young girl to young woman as required by the script.

He put his hands up to his ears to admire the new earrings and smiled in the mirror as she continued to fuss with his hair and his hat.

"Your own hair is starting to grow nicely again. Your hair is thick and luxurious, you must look your best this evening," said Leila fussing over him.

"Tomorrow I will go back to being Julian," said Julian tamely.

"I think that Juliette will live a little longer," she replied.

"Oh no, I will come and get my clothes back from you," he said trying to sound convincing.

"Ma cherie that is not possible, I have removed your baggage to your parent's house in London," she said.

Julian groaned with unhappiness, "how could you do this?"

"You know why," she smiled at him, "because I love you."

Julian just stayed silent as she helped him onto his feet again.

"Tres jolie," she laughed. "I must get ready too, I have to make sure that all goes well tonight their are one or two important guests here."

"Yes who?" Asked Julian.

"You will find out soon enough if everything goes well, bonne chance," said Leila and with that she was gone.

Julian walked around and stretched his arms up above his head and tried to build up his nerves for the task ahead. He was always nervous before going out on stage but once out in front of the lights he had actually enjoyed it. His only fear was slipping or tripping that would turn the play into a farce.

This night was to be the best performance of the week, he executed his lines well, and his position on stage was inch perfect while his body language and interaction with the other players had gone very well. Right at the end he did think of trying to appear as a man on stage but realised it was impossible. Nothing he could do would convince anyone of that. His hair could not be removed and his dress could not be lifted high enough.

It was a very relieved Julian who heard the final line of Wilde's play spoken by the Crawley boy playing Jack.

"On the contrary, Aunt Augusta, I've now realised for the first time in my life the vital Importance of Being Earnest," said the boy playing Jack.

"Bravo, bravo," shouted the crowd as Julian and the rest of the cast took the final curtain.

A young St Denis girl handed bouquets of flowers to all the female players while the male players received pewter tankards. Julian curtseyed when he received his bouquet feeling very embarrassed when the crowd went to rapturous applause as his part in the play was recognised.

Colin and Sir Iain led the applause from their VIP seats near the front and then Julian moved forward and curtseyed deeply to the crowd.

"Bravo, bravo, my dear," shouted Sir Iain with Colin joining in. Julian turned and blew the audience a kiss before curtseying again. The applause went on for some time before the Deputy Headmaster came onto the stage.

"Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls of Crawley and St Denis, we hope you enjoyed our play tonight. Tonight was the final performance of five and thus far I am pleased to say that we have raised the grand sum of £200 to help cover the cost of staging the play and for school funds."

"Also in the audience were a number of theatre talent scouts and I am sure our little band of players will come under their attention back stage in a little while."

Julian stood smiling the grease paint make-up mixing with the sweat from the hot lights. As the curtain came down all the players took a final bow and curtsey. There was much excited hugging and kissing as the congratulations were passed among them. Julian though needed to get back to reality. The play was over and he would try to get back to being Julian again.

Julian led the players back to the small room that served as the female dressing room. The other St Denis girls sat down looking happy but none looked so happy as Julian did.

As they applied cold cream to their faces, Julian opened the door after he heard a knock thinking it would be Leila coming to congratulate him.

Instead it was a tall thin wiry man with a goatee beard carrying a bowler hat.

"My name is Albert, Albert Hemmings, I am a theatrical agent and talent scout and I am here to offer some of you some work as actresses in a stage production in the west end of London," he said handing around his card to each one.

All of them including Julian eyed this comic looking man with some disbelief but he continued.

"I know what you must be thinking. I can back up my claims, there is always a need for new actresses, if you are interested come and see me in my offices on Monday morning in Piccadilly," he said and to Julian he spoke. "However you my dear, I would like to offer you a part in a new Oscar Wilde play that will start next month called Lady Windermere's Fan."

Inwardly Julian was delighted and frustrated at the same time. His performance had had to be so good to avoid detection. He had put his heart and soul into the performance. It had been so great that now he was being offered a life on the stage as an actress. 'This was unreal,' he thought.

Julian winced slightly and obviously Mr Hemmings was ready.

"My dear once the producer sees your abilities you will be given the job right away," he replied.

"I don't think so," said Julian. "This was fun and a jest, but an actress! How much could an actress earn?"

"You would be able to live like royalty my dear, the latest fashions, any number of gentlemen calling. I am sure that you could become as famous as Mrs Langtree," said Mr Hemmings.

Before he could reply, Leila interjected, "Juliette will attend your producer, please leave his address."

The man hastily scribbled the address on the rear of his card and asked, "where is the boy's dressing room?" Leila gave him directions to the other side of the stage and then gave Julian a hug and congratulated him. "You were splendid ma cherie."

Just as he started to disrobe, there was a loud knock at the door and without waiting for permission both Sir Iain and his son Colin entered. "Bravo, bravo performance," said Sir Iain at the top of his voice.

Julian instinctively curtseyed again down lower than he had ever gone before and was helped up by Colin's outstretched hand. Colin kissed Julian on the cheek and smiled broadly.

"We are here ladies to take you two gorgeous creatures out to dinner, our carriage awaits you outside," said Sir Iain.

Slightly taken aback Leila replied, "will you give us a few moments to freshen up and change?"

"Of course my dear," said Sir Iain kissing her proffered hand. Julian watched with his red lips wide open as he saw Leila smile at Sir Iain's gesture.

Leila helped Julian start to disrobe and saw hanging up in the cupboard his ball gown that he had last worn all those weeks ago at the Crawley dance. He smiled when he saw it hanging there, realising that it was not for him but for Juliette.

Juliette would wear the gown tonight, Juliette would dance with Colin Marshall, Juliette would work for Sir Iain Marshall, Juliette would attend the interview in London as an actress and Juliette would make love to Leila Mitterand again tonight. It was at that moment that he truly appreciated importance of being Juliette.

The End.

 

 

This dear reader has taken a great deal of effort and skill to put together. It has involved people in Europe, Asia and the US. It has taken more time than I care to admit. If you liked this story then post your thanks to Mindy at Fictionmania for allowing me to post it and by all means your comments and suggestions to me by Email. I will reply to each one.

Now I can't promise but if the reaction is favourable then Part 2 will continue where this left off. Right now I am going to take a well-earned break and get my head in order.

If you enjoyed this story please feel free to have a look at some of my others.

They include Elaine and Me - The story of a young student who meets a girl with a difference. Romance blossoms and the outcome is a happy one.

Wanted - A rich widower needs a housekeeper, and decides that the successful candidate should have certain specific attributes and abilities. Can you guess what they are? My second most popular story and has some quite believable moments.

Lawrence's Accident - A young boy is forced by circumstance to change his outlook on life after a traumatic accident.

How I worked my way into dresses - A complete rewrite of a story idea by Fictionmania's controller Mindy of a man's obsession with work and how it leads him to embrace a life in skirts and dresses. It deals in quite graphic terms on how a man would cope with such a change and would he change back? Can he change back?

Aunt Roberta's Ward - In 1898, Lewis is sent to live with his Aunt Roberta after his parents die. His rebellion against authority gives his Aunt the perfect excuse to change him into the proper legal heiress to the estate. The story has an interesting ending. This is my most popular story and is set in the Scottish borders.

 

 

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