On Being Juliette                         by: Elaine            © 1999

This story is the long delayed follow up to the Importance of Being Juliette. If you haven't read the first story it is recommended that you do that first. Now this story involves the feminisation of a 16 year old boy and if you are under age or likely to be influenced by such stories please do not go past this sentence.

If you like this kind of story, check out my other stories, Aunt Roberta's Ward which is also set in the 1890's. My other stories are; How I worked my way into Dresses, Lawrence's Accident, Elaine and Me, Sugar Daddy and Wanted.

My email is elaine.w@cwcom.net and any comments are welcome. This story is dedicated to Kim, a wee man with a big heart in the Orient who gave me the original idea and to my dear friend and fellow author Debbie Cybele who proof read it for me. Finally Bill and many others who sort of goaded me into doing some more.

Chapter 1 - To London

It was late when the hackney cabs drew up at the gates of Sir Iain Marshall's large Hampstead home. Or rather it was early as the clock showed 1:00am on the church steeple across the road. Sir Iain dismounted first and along with his son Colin courteously helped both Mademoiselle Leila Mitterand and Miss Juliette Smythe down from the cabs.

There was much giggling and laughter as the two couples made their way across the deep gravel courtyard and into the expansive mansion. At just 17 years of age, Colin was already trying to be perfect gentleman as he proffered his elbow for Juliette's hand. The pair were under the ever-watchful eye of Leila who clasped the arm of a top hatted and cigar smoking Sir Iain.

They had enjoyed a busy night since the final curtain at Crawley School. Juliette had been the star performer in a performance of the Importance of being Earnest earlier that evening. However only apparent to Leila was the fact that Juliette had been until a few weeks earlier been known as Julian Smythe!

Unable to return to male attire because of circumstance, Juliette had gone at the invitation of Sir Iain and his son into London. Leila agreeing to act as Juliette's chaperone for the next few weeks in the absence of her parents who were on their way to Hong Kong to act as government officials.

The one hour train journey in a first class compartment had seen the couples playing cards and drinking champagne. Juliette dressed in an exquisite ball gown had felt tense and ill at ease but soon relaxed as the alcohol hit her bloodstream.

Both men were perfect gentlemen and as the train pulled into Paddington at 10:00pm, the conversation proved delightful with both girls giggling and laughing courtesy of the alcohol. A constant stream of funny stories from Sir Iain had seen the merriment reach a peak when they took a short cab ride took to an exclusive restaurant frequently used by Sir Iain. The restaurant on the verge of closing; re-opened with vigour in deference to one of the wealthiest men in the world, and remained that way until the two couples departed nearly three hours later.

"Welcome to Marmion," said Sir Iain with a great gallant flourish referring to the house named after a Sir Walter Scott novel. He handed his top hat and ivory handled cane to the butler before unbuttoning his dark great coat. The butler ruled over 7 servants who looked after the house set in a couple of acres next to Hampstead Heath and had six main family bedrooms, several public rooms and a ballroom.

A maid instantly attended to both the ladies and started to help them remove their long cloaks and fur muffs. Both were still giggly and slightly tipsy from the alcohol that had helped them enjoy such a delightful evening. The little maid scurried backwards and forwards and showed them to the dining room where an arrangement of wines and liquors awaited.

Sir Iain in the absence of his butler, who was busy supervising the retrieval of Juliette and Leila's bags from the cab, asked if they would like a drink as he poured himself a second warming brandy.

"No thank you, I'd better not," said Juliette smiling and putting a white glove to her lips to stifle another hiccup. The long elegant gloves matching the tight ball gown, that had been a gift to her from Colin.

"A little champagne would be nice," said Leila who always enjoyed the product of her own native country.

"Champagne it is," said Colin with glee cracking open a bottle that a few seconds earlier that had lain deep within an ice bucket. "Are you sure you won't have some, Juliette?"

While the butler was escorting both sets of bags up to the adjoining rooms on the third floor, the four continued their convivial conversations when Juliette relented and accepted the proffered glass from Colin.

Juliette sipped slowly at her drink aware that she had already had too much alcohol. That coupled with the fact that she had been awake since before seven the previous day meant that she was also very tired. However Juliette was reluctant to leave the side of Leila who she hoped would soon accompany her to a warm and relaxing bed.

"Tell me, Sir Iain what do you see Juliette doing for your organisation during the holidays?" Asked Leila after taking more her glass of champagne. "If she is going to busy, then she will not be able to work more than a few days I think," she added before he could reply.

"I need someone to give me some accurate sales and purchasing figures on my investments," he said taking a sip at his brandy and another long puff at his long Cuban cigar. "I realise that Juliette won't be with us very long, but if she can make a contribution in so short a time then she will prove her worth to any employer."

"You would give her a good reference then?" Asked Leila.

"Yes of course that goes without saying," he replied gruffly blowing out smoke into the ceiling as he did so.

"When is your appointment on Monday?" Asked Colin to Juliette politely. Since his accident all those weeks ago, Colin had been a young man forever trying to show he could be as gracious as his father to the young woman who had helped save life on the playing field at Crawley school.

"At 11:00am, I have to attend the audition," said Juliette slowly and quietly referring to her audition with a leading play producer who was trying to stage Oscar Wilde's play The Perfect Husband in London's West End.

"May I be permitted to accompany you Juliette?" Asked Colin acting quite courteously. "To the theatre I mean."

"Yes of course," said Leila interrupting the conversation, "Juliette needs all the support she can get if she wants to get this part."

"You make a fine actress, you were thoroughly convincing this evening," said Sir Iain still standing by the warming fire.

Juliette smiled back at him and curtseyed slightly. "I had a fine teacher here, I think," said Juliette indicating Leila with her fan.

"Yes that was quite remarkable considering you were both at different schools. I assume you would see very little of each other?" Enquired Sir Iain.

"We saw quite a lot of each other over the last few weeks," said Leila smiling at Juliette and taking her empty glass.

"She is a very fine teacher and not just of acting," said Juliette referring to Leila's teaching in French and the art of lovemaking, "I learnt a great deal in such a short time."

Leila smiled at Juliette's double meaning and altered the conversation. "So Sir Iain, you think my protégé will make a good contribution for you, what would you do if she also has a part in the play?"

"I would be happy if she is good enough to gain a role in the play, it would be no more than she deserves. It would be exciting to know a young lady who acts in the theatre rather than who has her nose deep in my books," he replied and then drinking from his glass again.

"What about you Colin?" Asked Leila

"Juliette is a wonderful actress, I hope she does well," he replied enthusiastically. He had been showing signs of tiredness too and it was obvious that the night was drawing to a close.

Juliette stifled a yawn and covered her face with her fan, "excuse me I'm ready for bed I think."

"Moi aussi," said Leila reverting back to her native French.

"Good night then ladies, sleep well, if you need anything don't hesitate to ask Yvette the maid," said Sir Iain extinguishing his still long cigar.

Sir Iain and Colin raised their glasses and sipped at their brandy as the ladies went out the door. Colin watched Juliette's feminine wiggle still visible through the long dress trailing behind her as she went out into the hall. Juliette breathed a slight sigh of relief when she reached the safety of her room only to find the maid waiting to help her disrobe.

She stood up and announced her name in a rich East End Cockney accent, "my name is Yvette, Miss Juliette."

Juliette could see that Yvette was a pretty girl who looked like a typical servant with a black uniform highlighted with a starched white apron. She wore a patterned cap and even her waist was pulled in tight.

"Oh you must be tired like me, come help me get out of this gown, the unpacking can wait until the morning," said Juliette to the attentive maid.

As Yvette worked quickly, Juliette stepped out of her gown and the maid hung it up in the large wardrobe.

"Oh what a lovely dress Miss," said Yvette.

"Yes Yvette, Master Colin gave it to me," replied Juliette hoping that Yvette would not notice anything that would give her away. Juliette saw that there were several other dresses and skirts already hanging up in the wardrobe. "Whose clothes are those Yvette?"

"Yours Miss, Sir Iain had the housekeeper buy a selection of clothes for your use while you stayed here. I believe there are some of Sir Iain's late wife's clothes here too if you would like to see them," said Yvette curtseying.

"There is no need to curtsey every five minutes Yvette," said Juliette getting tired of the bobbing up and down.

"Thank you Miss," said Yvette who took out a night gown and laid it out on the bed.

Juliette was really tired but knew that it would be at least another 30 minutes before she could sleep as the maid undid all the pins in her hair and began brushing her tresses and hairpieces out.

"You have such wonderful lustrous hair Miss, so smooth and silky, I would like to wash it in the morning for you."

"Yes Yvette that would be nice," said Juliette realising that the maid's caresses were beginning to wake up her tired brain.

"Miss Mitterand forwarded instructions that I had to use a sleeping corset for you tonight or you may sleep in your present one. She has plans to get your waist much smaller."

Juliette enjoyed a thin smile, she knew that Leila would want more than just a boy in a dress, she would want an icon of femininity. Why she wasn't absolutely clear but as Juliette, she was sure that Leila would continue down the path she had started at Crawley.

"Yvette please loosen my stays just a little, I will wear this one tonight," said Juliette.

"I cannot Miss, the Mademoiselle said that she will not allow you to loosen now," replied Yvette unhappy at turning down Juliette's simple request.

Juliette thought about it and realised what she had gone through so far was just the start, her waist measured 20 inches now, where would she end up?

"Very well, help me with my stockings and shoes. I cannot reach them," said Juliette bravely. "I will stay in this corset." Although tight, Juliette at least knew how this one felt on her body.

"I have a pair of bed socks if you need them," said Yvette.

"I'm sure that I will be warm enough," said Juliette watching Yvette taking out the bed warmer with its long handle.

"Breakfast will be at 8:30am in the dining room or would Miss prefer to have it in bed?" Asked Yvette.

The thought of being a lady of leisure proved too much for Juliette who preferred the latter. "I will ring for service when I wake up."

Yvette adjusted the long night gown and tied up the ribbons under Juliette's neck to hold it in place. Juliette felt the long satin lined material and already it felt warm to the touch. She inched under the cool starched cotton sheets and she felt something stirring between her legs as Yvette turned down the gas light and quietly left the room. For the first time since this transformation started, Juliette was alone and was desperately keen to exploit the situation.

The soft materials and the tightness on her ribs made Juliette feel like the sensual being she now was. She felt a stirring in her loins that had not happened for some time.

Juliette needed relief and badly. She quickly hitched up her long night gown and pulled down her bulky pantaloons and held her now small erect penis in between her thumb and fingers. She rubbed gently courtesy of her long pointed nails while with her left hand she rubbed her small developing bosom. She teased her nipples, cupped her breasts and thought of making love with Leila. The effect was almost instantaneous with an eruption of clear sticky fluid all over her underclothes. Juliette instantly felt the relief as it oozed out of her and she mopped up the mess with a handkerchief that lay on the bedside table. Within seconds she was fast asleep.

Chapter 2 - In London Shopping

Juliette woke the next morning to find her long hair wrapped around her throat. She pulled it to straighten it out and then sat up. With all the champagne, she felt the bad taste in her mouth and the pressing feeling on her bladder. Juliette tried to get up and immediately felt the unyielding tightness in her waist and ribcage. However her bladder was hurting and she found the chamber pot under the bed. She used it standing up to some obvious relief.

'All that champagne,' thought Juliette. 'Never have I had such a night as last night, it was frightening but such fun. If either Sir Iain or Colin find out about me, I will be in real trouble.'

A knocking on the connecting door between her room and Leila's bedroom interrupted Juliette's thoughts.

"Ma Cherie," Leila said on entering without waiting on a reply. Putting the full down on chamber pot on the bed, Juliette rushed to greet her friend, they hugged and kissed hard, Leila inserting her tongue into Juliette's waiting and eager mouth. "You taste so sweet this morning, did you sleep well?"

"Yes apart from this wretched corset Leila; please let me take it off when I go to sleep," whined Juliette.

"No you must train your waist more I think, if you want to be an actress you must get down to an 18" waist," said Leila.

"But 20 is impossible let alone 18 inches," said Juliette beginning to get upset with what more Leila had in store for her.

"Ma Cherie, you will get used to it too." Said Leila smiling. "Come let me help you with your toilet and then we will have a late breakfast."

Juliette watched Leila in her starched dress flit gently around her as she helped her remove the remaining garments from the previous night. Presently Juliette was naked and enjoying a sponge wash under the control of Leila. There was only one reminder of her original gender left and that was small and less significant.

"You have such a pretty body," smiled Leila as she applied the cold water to make Juliette shiver.

Juliette tried to remove her earrings and found that she could not do so.

"Can you show me how to remove these?" Asked Juliette.

"I will take them out for you," said Leila.

"Why couldn't I take them out?" Juliette asked.

Leila didn't reply directly but quickly undid the catches that held the rings to Juliette's ears. She wiped both lobes with alcohol before placing two pearl and gold rings in the now vacant holes.

"Yvette said she would wash my hair this morning," said Juliette.

"Yes she told me, we can do that tonight, your hair is really lovely," said Leila brushing Juliette's hair again with a long handled hair brush. It has grown so much these past few weeks and the hair pieces and wigs will soon be a thing of the past.

Leila continued with Juliette's toilet and started to dress the feminised boy in a morning dress suitable for London society. The dress was dark emerald green with a patterned bodice that highlighted Juliette's tight waist. A matching bonnet of green tulle was fitted on her head and the ribbons tied underneath her chin with an elaborate bow to see how it would look. On her stocking covered feet, Leila helped fit a pair of black heeled boots with laces tightly stretching from the toe to her now pretty ankles.

Although not high like her ball gown slippers, the boots did apply pressure to her toes and calf muscles so that the simple act of walking seemed suddenly difficult. The silky feel of the dress and the confinement of the corset was now something that Juliette secretly adored. Juliette could feel his manhood rise again and deep within the layers of clothing Leila wasn't able to notice. Leila watched Juliette smooth and feel the dress material with her hands before putting on a pair of white lace fingerless gloves over both hands. Juliette smoothed out the front of the tight fitting skirts just allowing her hands to tarry a little too long near her middle.

"You like being like this now don't you Juliette? You do like being a girl?" Asked Leila suddenly surveying the attitude of her younger companion.

Juliette's jaw dropped and thought crossed her mind, 'had it been so obvious that he too had fallen for a life of dresses and corsets like Charlotte and Harriet?'

"Yes Mademoiselle, I do," said Juliette honestly as Leila stood impatiently waiting with her hands clasped together in front of her waist.

"I thought so, so you do not wish to be Julian ever again?" Leila probed deeper.

"Yes, I mean no! Oh I don't know, oh I am so confused," replied Juliette suddenly frustrated with the turn of the conversation and remembering her guilt over the act of sexual relief the night before.

"It is right, you should be confused but you needn't be," said Leila starting to apply a little perfumed toilet water to Juliette's wrists and neck.

"Why?" Asked Juliette simply

"It's easy, just look in the mirror Juliette, do you see a boy?"

"No. I don't," said Juliette, her red lips opened wide with surprise.

"Well then do you see an attractive young woman?" Leila continued insistently

"Yes," said Juliette quietly, so that Leila pretended not to hear.

"Speak up child, what do you see?"

"I see a young woman, but I'm not, I'm not, I'm a boy, oh this is so confusing."

"You don't need to be confused, you're pretty and you will not be the first boy to dress as a woman all the time. You also know that I love only Juliette and that Julian must never return?"

"Yes."

"Yes what?" Leila was enjoying her line of questioning.

"Yes Mademoiselle."

With that Leila bent round Juliette's head and kissed Juliette's reddish lips. They were in a passionate embrace when a knock at the door introduced the arrival of Yvette.

"Come in," shouted Leila moving backwards smiling. Yvette entered and curtseyed as usual. She noticed the blush on Juliette's cheeks but knew her place enough not to comment.

"Do you desire anything else Miss," said Yvette seeing Juliette had dressed without her help.

"We would like some breakfast. Some coffee and some croissant would be nice with a little strawberry preserve," said Leila responding to the maid's request. "Please serve us here."

"Right away Mademoiselle." Yvette left to attend to her errand.

Leila and Juliette walked over to the chairs in front of the bay window and sat down. Juliette unconsciously mimicking Leila's seated position with her back totally unsupported by the back of the chair. Leila in turn was secretly admiring the graceful way Juliette walked and then smoothed her skirts as she sat down. In less than two months, Juliette had all the deportment, appearance and graces of a young woman. That gave Leila real joy and she smiled as she watched protégé sitting as a woman would and not slouched back like a man.

The view out of the window was of the neighbouring Hampstead Heath park land and already people were out walking and enjoying the unseasonable mild weather.

"Would you like to go out shopping after lunch?" Asked Leila suddenly.

"Yes I would love that," replied Juliette.

"Then we will go out later, after we have had our lunch. I have something to keep you occupied this fore noon."

"What is it Mademoiselle?" Asked Juliette with some apprehension.

"We have some embroidery to do," she replied showing Juliette the box of patterns and threads that she then retrieved from her room. "I found these last night. Perhaps we could embroider something as a reminder of our stay?"

Juliette groaned inwardly as the thought of pushing coloured thread through fabric all morning. Only being in the presence of Leila would make it rewarding.

"I have never even darned a sock Leila, you will have to teach me," said Juliette unable to feel that happy at the prospect of a morning sewing.

After a 10 minute break that the two women used to silently scan the heath for activity. Yvette returned, curtseyed and then placed the tray of coffee cups onto the coffee table separating the two women.

Juliette poured to Leila's instructions and was relieved to find that it wasn't her usual herbal tea but strong South American coffee as she had hoped. Juliette drained her small cup in two mouthfuls much to the distaste of Leila. Juliette unaware of that asked for and was given a second cup of coffee.

"If it pleases you Mademoiselles," said Yvette curtseying again, "Sir Iain and Master Colin are in the drawing room enjoying tea and they wondered if you would like to join them."

Finishing and leaving their cups, Leila and Juliette left the bedroom and went downstairs and headed for the Drawing Room where Colin and Sir Iain were reading. On entering, both men rose and then waited until both women were seated despite being engrossed in a book and a newspaper.

"So I trust you both had a restful night, I'm sorry we were up so late last night. Do you have plans for this afternoon?" Sir Iain asked noting the late hour of the morning with his gold pocket watch.

"Yes shopping, Juliette needs some clothes for work at your office and a nice dress for her audition on Monday, some shoes and hats too I think. For that we will need some money, do you think that we could have an advance on her salary?" Asked Leila.

"I wouldn't dream of giving her an advance, would a gift of 100 pounds be enough to cover the cost of what you had in mind?" Returned Sir Iain.

"Oh yes indeed, that is most generous. Isn't it Juliette?" said Leila suddenly surprised with the generosity. More was to come.

"Yes Sir Iain, thank you," said Juliette but inwardly seething at Leila's request.

"Of course you will need to get some things for yourself too," said Sir Iain, "I will arrange for some money for you too."

Leila looked pleased but wondered what Sir Iain's real motives where.

"I will arrange for a handsome cab to attend you after lunch. Colin and I have been invited to attend a hunt in Huntingdonshire tomorrow, would either of you two ladies like to join us? Some mounts can be arranged for you both and I'm sure it will be quite good fun instead of staying here in stuffy and dreary London."

"I have never ridden before," volunteered Juliette dreading the prospect of riding a horse.

"I would teach you, Juliette," said Leila smiling, "I have ridden ponies and horses since I was three. Riding side saddle is something I know well, since I moved to Crawley."

"Side-saddle? No I couldn't ride side-saddle. I will fall off I think and we do not have riding clothes," said Juliette rapidly thinking of a valid excuse.

"Clothes are not a problem Juliette. My dear late wife had several riding outfits that would fit you both with some slight alterations," said Sir Iain smiling at Juliette's uncomfortable and pained expression.

"Ma Cherie," said Leila joining in Juliette's discomfiture, "it will be such fun, we will start slowly and you will not fall. You will see."

"Very well, I will do it," said Juliette who now saw the brighter side of this adventure. "So long as some allowance is made for my riding ability."

"I'm sure that will be done. I suggest that you both see Yvette about the riding outfits. She can make the appropriate adjustments on her new sewing machine while you are shopping this afternoon," said Sir Iain referring to the Singer sewing machine he had bought earlier that month.

As Julian, he had never had the opportunity to get his legs astride a horse before, but as Juliette that wouldn't happen either. Now she was expected to ride side-saddle dressed in Sir Iain's wife's old riding clothes. The thought of falling and having her true sex discovered filled Juliette with dread. Colin could see Juliette's face tense up at the thought.

He rose again and went over to comfort her, "if you do not like to ride with the hounds that would not be seen as an insult to the hunt. I would be more than happy to lead you around a quiet field somewhere until you can control your mount. If you have never ridden, the last thing we would need is a Juliette with a broken limb or injured pride."

"Right now that is uppermost in my mind too," said Juliette easing herself in the chair as the corset bit into her waist.

"You will have nothing to fear and once started, I'm sure that we will be on horseback most weekends thereafter," said Colin taking and raising Juliette's hand to his lips and kissing it.

Juliette winced and realised that Colin was still in love with her. That was the cruellest event of all, the boy with one of the richest fathers in the world would be denied the right to have an heir if they married or continued their association.

Both ladies retired to Juliette's bedroom where they were shown both of the late Lady Marshall's riding outfits and it was agreed that with a little adjustment both would fit Juliette and Leila. Yvette hurried to take all the measurements she needed as both had stripped down to their undergarments. Armed with a notebook, her tape measure and both sets of riding clothes, the maid took many notes and marked the garments to indicate where they should be altered. That task completed she quickly helped both get dressed again for their shopping expedition. Juliette preferred to remain in her morning dress but Leila opted for a grander outfit of pale yellow satin.

Just after noon and after some embroidery they both Leila and Juliette descended the stairs for lunch. Since her corset training had started, Juliette was concerned that she could not eat so much. The first course was a vegetable broth which she found out was actually a soup recipe Sir Iain had brought with him from his native Scotland. Juliette soon slowed down her intake as her constricted stomach filled up. Despite her hunger she could eat no more and left more than half the bowl on the plate.

Juliette looked on enviously as both Sir Iain and Colin tucked into the roast beef and Yorkshire pudding while she and Leila just picked at their food. Apple pie for desert was turned away much to Colin's amusement.

After lunch Sir Iain handed a stiff brown envelope to Leila and told both women to buy what they needed and to have fun. With that he kissed both of them on the forehead and left for his study. Juliette rubbed her forehead and remembered the lingering cigar smoke smell of Sir Iain's morning coat.

In the hallway, Yvette helped both ladies into their coats and ornate feather adorned hats. James the butler escorted them out to the waiting cab in the courtyard and helped them inside. With some difficulty, Juliette rose into the cab first and proffered her hand to Leila who used it to get into the other vacant seat. Juliette desperately tried to lounge back into the padded upholstery of the cab but found her corset prevented it and she had to sit bolt upright like her companion.

Within twenty minutes they were alighting onto the wet cobbled streets of Regent Street and Oxford Street to face a huge array of clothing shops for the discerning late 19^th century lady. The rest of the afternoon went in a blur for Juliette though her visit to the corsetiere was perhaps the most forbidding as she was measured up for some new tighter and longer corsets.

"Why do I have to have some new ones made?" Asked Juliette petulantly when she was led into the sacred ground of femininity.

"I have already told you, your waist training must continue if you are to succeed on stage as an actress," replied Leila sensing Juliette's discomfort. "Just get used to the idea that you are a young lady now and ladies wear tight corsets."

In conjunction with the corsetiere, Leila selected a corset style that had the potential to draw in her abdomen to 18 inches or less. The corsetiere measured Juliette's present waist and other vital statistics. On the basis of those measurements a selection of garments were chosen. The common factor was the feminine nature of the garments with lace trim, floral decoration, stocking suspenders and the prospect of tight, tight lacing. Juliette winced when she saw that Leila selected four different styles all to suit the tighter waistline she wanted to impose of Juliette.

"Remember they will take a little time until you can get down to 18", all new corsets stretch slightly," advised the corsetiere as Leila paid for the items.

As they carried their purchases to pick out some dresses in a nearby dressmaker's shop, Juliette was reminded by Leila that tighter corsets meant tighter dresses and tighter dresses meant tighter corsets.

'Where would it all end?' Thought Juliette.

A selection of six dresses later, only two of which would fit her current 20 inch waist and Juliette loaded down with packages headed back to the cab to offload them to the cab driver. On the way they spotted some hats and that was their final purchases of the day. Juliette felt disbelief when she looked in the milliner's mirror through the thin mesh net of the new hat she had just bought. There was an air of mystery and femininity about her now that she had not appreciated before. As Julian she would have fallen in love with Juliette but since she was Juliette she felt that stirring deep in her groin and felt weak. Leila helped her back into reality by adjusting the front of the feather trimmed hat so that she wore it back to the cab.

Leila had taken up Sir Iain's offer of new clothes too and between them they had spent over £150 in clothes and accessories. The result was that the small handsome cab was full to the brim with bags, parcels and boxes when they arrived back at Marmion. Colin rushed down the steps to greet them as the Winter gloom descended. Colin was obviously delighted to see them back after a boring afternoon reading newspapers and dealing with some business papers given to him by his father.

Hitching up her skirts Juliette walked quickly up the steps and into the warmth of the house leaving the butler and Colin to retrieve the packages. Yvette was in attendance and Juliette gave the request for a bath to be drawn.

"Yes Miss, right away Miss, I will bring up your purchases directly," she said curtseying and scurrying off to draw the hot water for the bath.

Together Juliette and Leila walked upstairs slowly their shopping expedition having worn them both out.

"Can we bathe together Leila?" Juliette asked.

"It should be possible we are two girls are we not?" Leila replied bursting into laughter.

"Yes Mademoiselle," said Juliette smirking.

On arrival at their bedrooms, they walked in to find that Yvette had been busy. Their rooms were tidy with all their clothing put away and her efforts with the sewing machine were evident on the bed. 'Looks like I have some more clothes too try on,' thought Juliette when Yvette came in and curtseyed again.

"Miss Juliette your bath will be ready presently, can I help you undress?" Asked Yvette.

"Yes Yvette, you may help me with my dress," said Juliette pointing to the catches on the rear that she couldn't quite reach.

"Yes miss," replied Yvette who struggled to undo the catches and hooks that were tight across Juliette's back.

As the dress dropped off her shoulders to reveal an equally tight corset underneath, Juliette stepped out of the dress to reveal layer after layer of petticoats. Divested of those, Juliette asked for her stays to be loosened and that done, Yvette retired to leave Juliette to have her hot bath in peace. Leila dressed only in a dressing gown stepped into the bathroom moments later. Leila removed the dressing gown and the pair stepped into the large bath together.

Juliette marvelled at seeing Leila's rounded body close up and leant forward to kiss her. Leila reacted positively and the two half submerged in the piping hot scented bath water. They kissed and embraced as only two lovers can.

They soaped and sponged each other in their intimate places the water producing a warm reddish tinge on their skins. Leila's breasts lay across the surface of the water, the water supporting them while Juliette's much smaller breasts hung from her chest.

"I want you so badly Leila," said Juliette softly. "I would like to penetrate you like a man."

That remark brought a smile to Leila's face, "Oh Juliette but you're not a man, you're a girl now and girls make love with their mouths not their loins as you will soon see."

"I will do whatever it takes to please you Leila," admitted Juliette.

"You please me greatly already Juliette," Leila replied.

They stepped from the cloudy bath water and wrapped warm towels around each other. Leila ensuring that Juliette's body was covered. With that Leila dragged Juliette through to her bedroom where they both lay upon the bed.

"Oh Juliette, you are so beautiful, give up any notion of being a boy again," said Leila who then kissed Juliette's budding breasts. She took each nipple in turn so that the new girl was sighing before Leila was finished. "You see how sensuous it is to be a woman?"

Juliette lay back and sighed more until Leila turned her attention to Juliette's mouth. Their embraces were long and passionate as they continued to kiss and fondle each other closely. Juliette's small penis slowly became erect when finally Leila took hold of it.

"It is too small to satisfy me now Juliette, I would need a man to fill me but I will give you some pleasure with my mouth. You must do the same to me and lick my private parts."

Before too long both were engaged in a long intimate love making session with each other's face buried in between the legs of the other. Juliette felt Leila take her small erect penis in her mouth and suck hard. Juliette took all of Leila's clitoris in her mouth and gently bit and teased it.

The pleasure experience built up until it they had nowhere else to go and Juliette tasted Leila's love juice and she in turn tasted Juliette's convulsions. The two embraced for some time before cuddling and stroking each other's long hair.

"Juliette, after your audition on Monday, we will need to visit a doctor, I will make an appointment for you to see a doctor in Harley Street," said Leila looking into Juliette's eyes as she teased her hair.

"A doctor! Why?" Asked Juliette pulling back slightly.

"We need to have one to examine you and to declare you as a woman," she tried to explain but Juliette interrupted.

"Any doctor would see that I'm male, I still have a penis, it is small but it is still there," Juliette replied startled by her comments.

"The doctor I have in mind is a very good friend of my father's and I think that I owe it to you to have an examination to ensure that you are healthy."

"Of course I'm healthy, I have never felt better," replied Juliette.

"Do not argue my pretty one, I wish him to see you and that is what we will do. I have still £50 from Sir Iain's shopping money, let us wash our hair and get ready for supper." They grabbed some dressing gowns and rang for Yvette.

"Yes Miss?" Asked Yvette breathlessly after her unexpected dash from the kitchen to attend.

"Please bring more hot water for washing and a kettle for some tea," ordered Leila.

Within 30 minutes both were sitting, their hair drying drinking some of the same herbal tea recipe that Leila had frequently given Juliette since her transformation had started. A mixture of naturally occurring plants, they and the tighter corsets had been responsible for the feminising effect on Juliette's body. The pretty youth was now sporting a cleavage that would make many women jealous.

Yvette was busy brushing out Leila's long hair and beginning to enjoy working for both women after the long period of inactivity since Sir Iain's late wife had died.

"Your hair is long and fine," said Yvette who carefully combed out the tugs and snags in Leila's black straight hair that extended midway down her back.

Juliette's devoid of it's hairpieces was next, and it too was hanging straight drying slowly in the warm bedroom air. After a period of 15 minutes Yvette returned to Leila and carefully began tying and pinning it up. She interweaved small white flowers into the hair that contrasted strongly with the blackness of her hair.

With Yvette completing her hair, Leila went back into her bedroom to get dressed, Juliette was next in line for Yvette's dextrous hands.

"You have such wonderful fine hair Miss," said Yvette. "It is short but so full bodied."

"So you have said, Yvette."

"Oh sorry Miss it's easy to forget," she replied.

"Do you have a boyfriend?" Asked Juliette trying to be a conversationalist and to put Yvette at ease.

"No Miss," said Yvette, "I'm not allowed, I would need the Butler and Housekeeper's permission before I can step out with a man."

"Do you have your eye on anyone? Be truthful now, I won't tell," said Juliette smiling in the mirror as Yvette inserted a flower above Juliette's left ear.

"Yes Miss I do," replied Yvette blushing.

"Who then Yvette?" Asked Juliette trying to coax her.

"I don't know how as to say it, I'm sure Miss," said Yvette who grew redder and redder.

"It is Master Colin?"

"Yes Miss," said Yvette lowering her eyes knowing that Colin and Juliette were in fact boyfriend and girlfriend. "I'm sorry."

"Why should you be sorry, Colin and I are friends that's all," said Juliette laughing. "That's delightful does he know?"

"No Miss, I would give anything to be more than just his friend but he never looks at me," said Yvette wistfully.

"I have a tough time keeping him out of my bed," laughed Juliette remembering her first stolen kiss with Colin in the Crawley infirmary all those weeks ago.

"We seem to be exactly opposite, I want him in my bed and you can't keep him out," said Yvette smiling.

"I prefer the company of women," said Juliette suddenly, "do you?"

"I have never been with a woman before," said Yvette. "I've never thought about it."

"Would you like to try?" Asked Juliette.

"I'm not sure Miss Juliette, I'm not sure," said Yvette and trying to ignore the question and quickly adding, "there now you're finished. How does that look?"

Juliette looked in the mirror from side to side and liked the new style Yvette had created. "Will you do my hair again on Monday morning for the audition?"

"Yes Miss," said Yvette who bobbed up and down again before heading to the wardrobe to pull out the evening dress.

"Help the Mademoiselle Leila get dressed first and then come back to me," said Juliette anxious to stay out of a corset as long as possible.

"Yes Miss," said Yvette curtseying as she left.

"Yvette there is no need to curtsey when we are alone," said Juliette who went on prodding and primping her hair and looking in the mirror.

"Yes Miss."

On Yvette's departure, Juliette threw open her robe to examine her body. Her long neck meant she was able to see down the front quite easily. Her breasts were pointy and swollen but couldn't be construed to be a full woman's bosom like Leila's. What astonished her most was the condition of her waist. It was a distinctive hourglass shape and though she didn't know it, it measured 22 inches without a corset. That and the small limp excuse for a penis that dangled between her legs made her feel so uneasy. It seemed so much smaller than before and the whole of her skin seemed smooth and hairless just like a girl's. Deciding to put on a pair of fresh pantaloons that had belonged to Lady Marshall, Juliette looked at her feet and legs and saw how the shoes she wore were causing her toes to come together and her tendons in ankles seemed tighter.

Both calf and thigh muscles look less pronounced and on rising, Juliette found that walking on her toes was easier than walking on a flat sole. Juliette pulled up a pair of stockings and automatically started clipping the busk of her new loose corset around her waist. She tightened the stays as hard as she could so that it would stay up so that she could attach the stocking suspenders.

Soon she had to tie off as she couldn't do them up anymore without help.

Just as she did, Yvette returned with Leila who was wearing her evening dress but was missing her jewellery.

"Right let us see what we can achieve this evening," said Leila smiling at Juliette's efforts with the corset, "can you fetch the lacing machine?" She asked Yvette.

"Right away," said Yvette who returned quickly and then lifted the mechanism out of a wooden box and attached it to the end of the bed. The machine was attached to Juliette's laces and made ready.

"Turning the handles here tightens your waist, can you feel it?" Asked Leila cranking the handle slowly

"Oh yes, yes please stop, let me catch my breath a moment, please," squealed Juliette suddenly feeling light headed.

"Yvette tie it off there and we will allow her new corset to stretch a little before continuing," said Leila.

"It's already too tight," whined Juliette feeling like she did when her corset training had begun all those weeks ago.

"Nonsense child, you are only 19.5 inches and we have another half an inch to go," said Leila checking the tape measure determined that Juliette would experience a 19" waist that night for the first time.

After 15 minutes, the machine was attached again but this time Leila only small tightening adjustments were made. Leila perhaps realising that further tightening could cause serious injury to the pained girl.

"There now 19 and a quarter inches," grinned Leila, "how does that feel? It looks incredible."

"Leila it feels much too tight, please let me loose," said Juliette bleating like a lamb. Having seen and heard this kind of discussion often in her years of service, Yvette listened bemused holding Juliette's underskirts and a small padded bustle for the next stage of dressing.

"Juliette stop whining or you can stay up here in your room with nothing to eat," replied Leila.

"But if I go to dinner that's exactly what I will get to eat with my stomach so constricted," said Juliette still decidedly unhappy pressed her sides looking for relief. None came. Everything she did to find relief from the pressure came to naught.

"No more discussion, Yvette put on her underskirts and dress, I will be back with my shoes and jewellery," said Leila relishing her complete control over Juliette.

Yvette carefully helped tie the small bustle around Juliette's now emphasised hips before slipping on the first of three underskirts. Leila emerged just as Juliette had her own evening dress tightly buttoned up in the rear. The front of the dress was open revealing a deep cavity between Juliette's two budding breasts.

Around her neck was strung a choker of three strings of pearls while a cameo brooch was attached to the bodice. White kid gloves were pulled up each arm and tied at the elbow. A few rings were added to each finger and a matching pearl bracelet was added to her wrist. Asked to sit, Yvette added Juliette's high heel shoes and added some ostrich feathers to her hair.

"Voila, we are finished," said Leila with a flourish and turning Juliette round to look at her from all angles. "What do we say now?"

"Thank you Yvette," said Juliette slowly still struggling for breath.

"You're welcome Miss Juliette, you will turn both Sir Iain's and Master Colin's heads this evening. I have no doubt. You look do look a picture."

Leila kissed Juliette on the cheek and smiled, " she is right ma cherie tu es tres bonne."

Juliette could feel a stirring in her loins when that was said and asked to be excused. She quickly entered the bathroom, locking it behind her and carefully pulled up her skirts to reveal an erect penis no longer than 3 inches long. She quickly relieved herself and then started spurting clear ejaculate into the bowl. In doing so she soiled her gloves and she tried in vain to clean them. Leila would be livid if she ever discovered the mark. Juliette vowed to keep her hands together at all times.

When she returned, Yvette helped smooth the skirts of her dress back in place and handed her a lace shawl and her fan which was looped around her gloved wrist.

At 7:00pm exactly both women tripped downstairs to join their hosts who were waiting in the morning room adjoining a large dining room.

"Have you ever seen two lovelier pictures father," said Colin loudly as the ladies walked towards them with their hands outstretched.

"No Colin not since your late mother passed away," said Sir Iain awe-struck by the beauty of Leila. Her dark tanned skin and tresses catching his eye. Both ladies hands were kissed and they were welcomed formally for dinner.

"I hope you don't mind but I have taken the liberty of inviting a few friends to see you both," said Sir Iain.

"It's your house, I think," said Leila trying to show that she had no complaints

"Yes indeed it is but I hope you will find them charming," said Sir Iain smiling and then laughing out loud. He lifted a hand to suppress his mirth.

"I'm sure that Juliette and I will find them charming if they are friends of yours. What line of business are they in?" Asked Leila.

"They go in government circles, they were bound for Hong Kong before being recalled to London at Gibraltar," said Sir Iain. "They are Juliette's parents Sir Julian Smythe and Lady Doreen Smythe. Quite a surprise what? They arrived back in London today after a long overland trip."

With that news and a loud doorbell announcing her parent's arrival, Juliette promptly fainted.

Chapter 3 - Meetings.

Juliette came round slowly to find herself back in her bed. On one side she could see the face of Leila looking concerned and holding her hand. Then on the other there were her two parents looking equally concerned but also looking distinctly unhappy. There was no sign of Colin or Sir Iain Marshall in the room. Juliette coughed and spluttered as she inhaled more of the smelling salts into her lungs.

"Ah she awakes," said Leila somewhat relieved.

"She? Don't you mean he?" Asked Sir Julian Smythe loudly and indignantly. Juliette's father was in his late forties with a typical receding hairline and hair growing out of every pore on his face. His small moustache and sideburns dictated by the fashion of the times gave him a menacing look. "What is the meaning of this outrageous behaviour? Why is my son dressed like this?"

"She doesn't look like a he," continued Lady Smythe without waiting for a reply. Sir Julian's wife of twenty years and who gave unstinting support to her husband's work in the Foreign Office. She was tall and graceful with a high thin neck and long legs. She was elaborately dressed to match her husband's formal evening dinner jacket.

"Oh father and mother I'm so sorry, you see me like this," said Juliette trying to rise up out of the bed but finding it difficult because of the tight corset.

"Lie still I will try to explain," said Leila to Juliette.

"This had better be good," said Sir Julian, "for I can see no reason why my son should be dressed in such a fashion so that he looks like his sister June."

"Me neither," said Lady Smythe standing by her husband's announcement out of a lifetime of loyalty. "He does look like Jane though."

"It will take a little time and it is rather difficult to explain," said Leila, "and Sir Iain and his son will be wondering how Juliette is."

"Juliette?" Bellowed Sir Julian, "my son Julian is now called Juliette?" He was irate and growing angry.

"Yes let me see Sir Iain first and then I will explain," said Leila who quickly went out the door. Lady Smythe went to the other side of the bed vacated by Leila and held her son's hand.

"This I have to hear," said Sir Julian folding his arms and sitting on the bed beside Juliette, "would you care to enlighten us on why you are dressed like a young lady? A well dressed debutante by all accounts."

"Yes father, I will," said Juliette becoming more alert to her predicament as she continued to lie prone on the bed.

"Start right at the beginning," he snarled clearly unhappy.

"Yes father," said Juliette politely before starting her tale. "I was singled out to play a girl's part in the Crawley school play because I had been misbehaving in class. Leila I mean Mademoiselle Mitterand singled me out because of my bad behaviour. She and another teacher had me dress as a girl so that I got used to the costume and mannerisms until she saw that I would be convincing."

"Yes go on," said Lady Smythe. "This is incredible."

"Well we went out to the outfitters in town and bought some St Denis School uniforms so that it wouldn't look odd whenever we went about Crawley dressed as girls. On the way back, the cart broke a wheel just outside St Denis and the gatekeeper alerted to the noise made me, Harry and Charles enter St Denis as he thought we were St Denis girls."

"So you became a school girl alongside June and Rosie your sisters?" Asked Lady Smythe seeing something amusing in Juliette's predicament.

"Yes, we were dressed as St Denis girls so we had to learn to become schoolgirls. I did try to escape all this father."

"Yes how?"

"Well one day I saw Miss Mitterand's cart at St Denis and I took it into town to buy some male clothes. I was on my way back with a new Crawley uniform when I was promptly arrested by the police. If anything I had to be even more of a girl as I had to report to them each Saturday morning for stealing the cart."

"How disgraceful," said Sir Julian, "my son reduced to being a common thief."

"I'm sorry father," Juliette whispered.

"I do not blame you boy, I'm astonished the authorities did not act more properly towards you," said his father.

"Father they saw me as a pretty girl and I had to go along with the deception or face even steeper punishment and ridicule."

"Quite so I understand now, how did you come to meet Colin and his father?" Asked Sir Julian.

"Colin had an accident in the playing fields at Crawley and along with Miss Hopwood from St Denis, we helped save Colin's life. Both Colin and Sir Iain have been incredibly generous towards me and the result is an offer of a job from Sir Iain. They only know me as Juliette and I'm not able to return to being your son unless you can do something to take me away from all this."

"Now I see, you have been dressed as a girl, tried to revert back, failed and now through circumstance and perhaps some goading from that Frenchwoman I'll wager, you find yourself as a boy in skirts," said Sir Julian frowning. "Dear god what is the world coming too?"

"You do pass very well as a girl," said Lady Smythe with some sincerity, "In fact the more I look at you, you remind me of our June all suddenly grown up. You look almost like twin sisters. Your face and hair are so like hers."

At that point Leila and the two men of the house entered and seemed anxious to learn how Juliette was faring.

Colin picked up Juliette's proffered hand and kissed it while Sir Iain smiled and said, "you see what happens when you come to see your daughter, the excitement proved too much for her, I fear."

"Yes," said Sir Julian reluctantly going along with the deception.

"It wasn't that, it was my new corset. It is a little tighter than I am used to and the exertion of moving quickly downstairs was too much for me I think," said Juliette who showed her parents that she was in all respects a lady now by looking limp, demure and pale.

"All right my dear, take all the time you need to recover before dinner, if you do not feel like coming down, you may have your meal here," said Sir Iain.

"Thank you Sir Iain, I will get up presently," said Juliette weakly and drawing sympathy from Colin who moved to hold her hand.

"Stay in bed Juliette, I will see that a meal is brought up," said Colin clearly showing his love.

This did not go unnoticed by Juliette's father and mother who stood open mouthed as they watched the touching scene between the couple.

"I wonder if you might leave us a moment," said Sir Julian to both Sir Iain and Colin. "I would wish to have some private words with my daughter," he added almost spitting out the word daughter.

"By all means, we have asked the servants to delay dinner by half an hour so that you can catch up with all your news and be together," said Sir Iain looking at his pocket watch.

"Thank you Sir Iain, we will be down presently," said Sir Julian.

The father and son left and quietly closed the door behind them and Sir Julian almost exploded at both Leila and Juliette who now sat at the edge of the bed holding her unforgiving waist with both hands.

"Now I have seen everything, my son is now my daughter and cannot revert to being my son because he is staying in the house of one of the richest men in the world. One of the reasons we came back from Hong Kong was because Sir Iain asked me to go South America to help with some lucrative business opportunities there. He has offered me double my handsome foreign office salary if I'll help him with his mining interests."

"Now I come back to find that the girl he was referring to is not my daughter but my son in a dress, what a calamity. Do you have an explanation?" He asked Leila.

"Yes sir, Julian became Juliette because he was very naughty in my class and I thought I would also teach him a lesson. I volunteered him for the school play the Importance of Being Earnest and he was very good in the female lead role. However circumstances contrived to make Juliette, I mean Julian spend several weeks in the girl's school. After the play, Sir Iain offered to give Juliette a position in his office and she has a theatre audition on Monday."

"The theatre," he cried. "No son of mine will become an actor."

"Your son as you can see is a very good actor, he has been playing the role of a woman with assurance for nearly 2 months now and in Friday's school play Juliette was rated the best actor."

"That may be so, I do not wish my son to go on stage dressed as some girl," he sounded angry and he was.

"Sir Julian, I think that you will not be able to stop the deception of Juliette any more than I or Julian here," she replied trying to make the man see that indeed was the case.

"I don't understand," he replied. "This charade cannot continue another minute longer. Get changed Julian."

"I think you do, if Juliette reverts back to being Julian, how do you think Sir Iain will feel towards you when he learns that Colin has fallen in love with your son dressed as a girl."

Sir Julian paused and raised his hand to his chin before speaking. "Not too kindly I fear, his job offer was enough to make me return from my journey to Hong Kong quickly enough. I have resigned from the Foreign Office this very day and I am in need of this position," he replied.

"Julian," said his mother spoke softly to Juliette.

"Yes mother," he replied with an unnaturally sounding deeper voice than normal.

"I think your father will have difficulty coming to terms with this but I fear your masquerade as Juliette will have to continue until at least your father's employment with Sir Iain is over."

"He could leave it right now," said Juliette.

"I can't do that. I signed a letter of contract that binds me for the next two years with options for Sir Iain to extend that by up to a further three years. He has said that if I have what he is looking for then it would be extended automatically," he said.

Juliette groaned outwardly, while Leila felt a surge of relief flow through her body.

"Father I have to go riding tomorrow, side saddle, I have to wear tight corsets and I have to wear dresses all the time, please help me out of this difficult situation."

"I would like to Julian, believe me but I cannot, unless you can take matters into your own hands you must continue being Juliette a little longer," he said.

"That looks true," added his mother nodding and holding Juliette's hands.

There was a knock on the door and Yvette opened it. "Sir Iain has asked you all to join him for dinner, the cook advises that the meal will be spoiled if it is delayed much longer."

"Very well we will follow you immediately," Sir Julian said.

"Right Juliette, take my arm dear, you are my eldest daughter from now on," said Lady Smythe.

"Yes Mama," said Juliette remembering her childhood pet name for her mother.

They all walked down the stairs slowly with Juliette and Lady Smythe together. Both looking so like mother and daughter. Leila and Sir Julian walking down together continued their discourse.

"How could you do this to my son?" He asked quietly but insistently.

"Your son is responsible because of his bad behaviour in my class," Leila spat back. "If he had not ridiculed me then he wouldn't be dressed the way he is now."

"I think that he did not deserve this severe treatment despite his misdemeanours," said Sir Julian as quietly as possible as they entered the dining room.

"Please refer to him as Juliette. You will see that she is quite convincing as a girl."

"I hope so, he I mean she will make me lose my new appointment if she is not," said Sir Julian grimacing at each mention of the word she when referring to his son.

"Juliette is very convincing and has accepted her change remarkably well," said Leila.

"So it seems," said Sir Julian watching his son moving gracefully towards the table and waiting until the chair was pulled out by a servant so that she could sit down. Sir Julian noted the body language as Juliette smoothed out her skirts under her as she sat. He marvelled at the sight as she drew out her table napkin, shook it daintily and placed it on her lap. He stared at how thin her waist was now and compared it with that of his wife. He knew his wife corseted down to 23" so Juliette's waist was obviously several inches thinner.

"How are you feeling now Juliette," asked Sir Iain before the soup course arrived and was served.

"Very well and very happy to see my father and mother again." Juliette continued smiling, "I believe that it's your fault for bringing them here. I'm sorry for causing such a stir and I'm feeling very much better now."

"Yes I thought a family reunion would be good for you my dear. I did not expect the extreme reaction you took though," he replied showing his concern and placing his large hand on Juliette's and patting it.

Juliette smiled back and replied, "I fear my new corset had more to do with it. Mademoiselle Leila insists that I try to reduce my waist more for Monday's audition. I fear I went too far."

"Yes you women insist on wearing these corsets to make yourself attractive when you are already quite attractive enough."

"Thank you Sir Iain, but Juliette like all women must keep up with the fashion," advised Leila who was seated over the table and listening intently. Sir Julian winced when he heard the way the conversation was turning.

"Will you come riding with us tomorrow Sir Julian," said Sir Iain, "your wonderful daughter has agreed to learn to ride tomorrow."

"I would love to come but alas I have some urgent personal matters to attend to at home before I leave for Brazil," said Sir Julian thoughtfully. "How about you my dear?" He asked his wife sitting next to him.

"Yes I would like that," said Lady Smythe. "I haven't ridden since my younger days in India."

"We can arrange to pick you up tomorrow morning," said Sir Iain. "Do you have riding clothes?"

"Oh I will not be riding. I haven't ridden since before my marriage but I would like to watch Juliette learn. That would be fun," she replied. "I might be able to help her cope with side saddle."

The meal was served and everyone tucked into the roast beef and other specialities prepared by the cook. The women as usual only eating a small fraction of what was in front of them courtesy of their tight waists. Juliette in particular looked on enviously at the men as they tucked into huge platefuls of food. Leila's timely comment when the plates were withdrawn, "you will get used to it ma cherie," not helping in the slightest.

After dinner, the party split up with the ladies retiring to the lounge while the men drank brandy and smoked cigars in the library. When they were finally separated from the men, Lady Smythe spoke immediately.

"Julian how could you get yourself into this position wearing the garb of a young lady," she asked as Leila poured three small glasses of sherry.

Handing her a glass of the dark red liquid, Leila answered for Juliette. "It is all my fault that this has gone out of control and I did try to rescue Juliette from the girl's school but to no avail. As time went on, it became more and more difficult to get Juliette back to being Julian."

"But he is so feminine in his actions and dress, no one would know unless they had seen him before," Lady Smythe declared.

"Yes I know that is the incredible part, Juliette is so utterly convincing," said Leila.

"But what is this, you have a cleavage too?" Lady Smythe started looking alarmed again.

"It is exaggerated by the corset Lady Smythe," said Leila trying to calm the older woman's fears.

"It is more than just a corset, Juliette has small breasts I can see them with my own eyes. What is going on?" Asked Lady Smythe. "Are you a boy or are you becoming a girl now?"

"I'm a boy but I have to look like a girl, so I have been taking herbal teas that have changed me slightly," admitted Juliette.

"The result is the small but quite realistic cleavage as you can see," said Leila smiling.

However Lady Smythe was not smiling, "so my son is changing into a girl too, your father like me will not be best pleased with this."

"The changes are reversible," said Leila lying.

"That's something good at least, the problem we face is how to get my son back."

"It has proved really difficult and will prove so in the future unless you can take me with you abroad," said Juliette.

"Alas that will not be possible, you have your schooling and hopefully university to attend. We will find a way out of this for you."

"I don't see how," said Juliette disappointed in her mother.

"But Juliette, you have said that you like dressing as a girl," said Leila suddenly clouding the picture.

"Oh yes," said Lady Smythe astonished, "why?"

"Since I became Juliette, I have been in demand and everyone likes me, as Julian I was a troublemaker and a nuisance," said Juliette keenly aware that Julian had not been so popular as Juliette.

"What about your young man? Colin? You are deceiving him a little I think," said Lady Smythe.

"Yes but only he feels anything toward me, I do not feel anything towards him," confessed Juliette.

"That may be so but your deception will prove cruel if he ever finds out who or what you are," replied Lady Smythe.

"It is not something I have tried to encourage Mama," said Juliette.

"Yes I know darling it will be unfortunate for your father and our family if you are discovered. I think I may have a way out of your dilemma but it involves your sister June. We would need to get her to take your place," explained Mrs Smythe.

"But Mama, June is only 15 years old and although we look alike I'm some three inches taller than her," said Juliette.

Leila seeing what was happening, tried her best to keep the status quo, "it would be obvious that Juliette and June are sisters and not twin sisters."

"Yes but if June can establish a relationship with Colin then that will leave Juliette to get out of that difficulty."

"Mama, your idea sounds fine but Colin is absolutely smitten with me, why he has kissed me several times since we first met on the sports field," said Juliette.

"He has? Did you like it?" Asked Lady Smythe.

"Of course not Mama, he kissed me without permission and I was taken by surprise," said Juliette being truthful again remembering that sudden kiss.

"Lady Smythe, Juliette has given into this major change in her life and I think that you and Sir Julian must try to accept her like this as I do," said Leila.

"It is how Sir Iain and his son will react that matters if they find out," said Lady Smythe.

"If Juliette can continue as she has done then that will not happen," said Leila with some confidence.

"What does it have to do with you?" Asked Lady Smythe looking at her intently.

"Juliette and I are in love and we plan to be married."

This was as much a shock to Juliette as it was to Lady Smythe.

"And how pray do you intend to live, as two women as man and wife?" She asked obviously with this latest statement from an erotic sounding Frenchwoman who had obviously corrupted her eldest son.

"It does not matter, so long as we are together," said Leila giving the wrong answer.

"It does not matter? It does not matter?" she repeated incredulous. "Of course it matters, Julian is a boy dressed up as Juliette and is not a girl, he will return to being a boy as soon as possible."

"Mama and Leila please stop all this, let's try and get through the rest of the evening without alerting Sir Iain and Colin. Can we agree to disagree? In meantime I need to continue being Juliette just a little longer. It may be until term starts or until later, I just don't know."

"Juliette is right, we must present a united front to prevent her discovery, otherwise there will be real problems," said Leila and Lady Smythe wiping a tear from her eye reluctantly nodded.

"Give me a hug, please," said Lady Smythe to Juliette.

"Yes Mama," said Juliette and both walked forward and hugged each other closely. As Julian, Juliette remembered that his sisters always had more intimate moments than he. She was always hugging them, brushing their hair and dressing them while she left Julian to fend for himself or in the care of the nanny.

Julian as a consequence always felt sad about his lack of contact with his parents. His father always having his head buried in some book or newspaper and his mother preferring his two younger sisters. This day was different and as Juliette she soaked up her love in bucket loads. She hugged her closely smelling in her perfume as she did the same to her.

They kissed and hugged as the men entered and smiled at the sight of the two women in a strong embrace.

"Juliette come over here my dear," said Sir Iain and Juliette still with her arms around Lady Smythe slowly and carefully walked over the deep carpet towards him.

"Yes Sir Iain," replied Juliette as softly and demurely as she could.

"Your father has agreed to let you stay here during the holidays and beyond if you would like to make a career in the theatre or in my business. His only condition being that you obtain a suitable chaperone to accompany you when you are here."

Juliette looked over at Leila and she smiled back and gave a nod.

"Thank you, Sir Iain, I think that Leila would make an excellent chaperone. Don't you Mama?" Asked Juliette.

Lady Smythe curled her top lip but said nothing as she took in that last statement.

"Right, then it's agreed. Juliette please treat this as your own home while you are here and Mademoiselle Mitterand the position of chaperone is open should you wish to take it," said Sir Iain clapping his hands loudly.

"Yes Sir Iain, I will take it provided it matches my teacher's pay," she smiled in his direction looking like a lady who gets what she wants at all times.

"I suspect it might even exceed it," said Sir Iain smiling.

"In that case, I am your servant too then," said Leila grinning.

"Oh Juliette that means we can see more of each other now," said Colin quietly to her as she stood watching the two grown-ups talking.

"Yes Colin so it seems, I fear I will be very busy so I hope we can be good friends," Juliette replied not looking at the lovesick boy.

"Please do not tease me so cruelly, Juliette, I would do anything to make you mine, you know that don't you?"

"Yes I like to tease and I know how much you care for me, but I always remember that first stolen kiss in the Crawley infirmary, I will not tolerate such presumptive action again," she warned and Colin retreated slightly.

"Never fear I won't act like that again," he said.

"Act like what?" Asked Lady Smythe overhearing.

"It was nothing, Lady Smythe I acted inappropriately and it won't happen again," said Colin regretting his deepening male voice.

"Not towards my daughter I hope?" Asked Lady Smythe knowing about the stolen kiss.

"Yes I stole a kiss when I was in the infirmary and it has been a cause of some regret on my part ever since and I'm determined to act in a gentlemanly manner towards your daughter from now on," admitted Colin.

"I should hope so young sir, my daughter is after all a young lady and I would never give my consent for her to marry an ill-mannered man," she smiled after saying all that. That helped ease the pressure that Colin was in. Juliette proffered her gloved hand to Colin and he duly kissed it with a sharp bow from the waist.

Feeling tired, Juliette didn't stay up to say goodbye to her parents and with Leila the pair headed upstairs to her bedroom. On opening the door, they found Yvette cleaning and stoking the fire. Leila asked the servant to leave which she promptly did.

"Oh Leila make love to me," said Juliette.

"We will have a warm bath and then retire to my room," said Leila noting that the clock had just struck ten.

Chapter 4 - A hunting we will go

The chimes of the grandfather clock in the main hall announced the arrival of 7 o clock the next morning as both Leila and Juliette woke up from a deep and intimate feminine embrace. It was still dark outside as the clock sounded out for the seventh and final time as Leila and Juliette slowly rubbed the sleep out of their eyes.

They had spent much of the night in a serious of passionate embraces and both were spent from their ardour. It was hard to lift themselves out of that warm perfumed bed on that cold winter morning but that was they did. Once up though the cool air of the room saw them both quickly start dressing and they helped each other with corsets and stockings in the absence of Yvette.

Going down to breakfast, Juliette and Leila were first at the serving plates and each took a warming cup of tea from the teapot. They were both startled with the sudden arrival of Colin who also looked tired in a dark morning suit.

"Good morning ladies, I hope you both slept well, we have a very full day ahead," he said with growing authority.

"Yes thank you," said Juliette placing her hand on her chest after replacing her cup on her saucer. "Colin you gave me such a start," she added smiling and resisting the temptation to rub her sleepy eyes yet again.

"I would suggest something to eat before we go, it would set you up for the rest of the day," said Colin helping himself to some kippers.

Leila agreed and placed a small amount or porridge on her plate while Juliette grimacing at the kippers had some toast and marmalade washed down with more tea.

"When are we too leave?" Asked Juliette.

"Soon, very soon," said Colin munching his third kipper. Juliette felt sick at the thought of the smoked haddock.

Quickly they descended the stairs towards the waiting horse and cab and with a tight squeeze all three were aboard and on their way to Euston station.

"What about your father?" Asked Juliette.

"He has some important business to attend to, he'll try and join us later," said Colin. "Though I have my doubts that he'll turn up."

"He's a very busy man, your father?" Asked Leila.

"Yes he is always busy. I'm so glad Juliette's father has decided to work with him on the South American project," said Colin to Leila and then to Juliette he added, "your father's language and diplomacy skills are well known and he should prove invaluable when the negotiations start. I have to admit to making the suggestion to my father when I found out what your father did."

"I see. So it's your fault he came back," said Juliette deep in thought. "Thank you," she added after Leila dug in her elbow against her unforgiving side.

"Well today we should have some fun, because tomorrow is going to be a big day for you Juliette," said Colin.

"Yes that's a good idea," said Juliette suddenly realising that her big audition was now just a day away.

Arriving at the station, they loaded the picnic hamper and their riding clothes into a reserved first class compartment and met with Juliette's mother on the platform who arrived just before the train departed.

"I am so sorry Juliette but I can't come with you today. Your father and I must pay a visit to your sisters this morning, perhaps I will see you later this evening," she said looking sad. Taking Juliette aside. "Your father and I are both extremely concerned about your future and we feel you should do your utmost to get away from that evil woman," she said referring to Leila. Leila was busy taking her seat in the train with the aid of Colin.

"Yes Mama," said Juliette not exactly sure how she was going to accomplish that feat. "Mama I have already tried and only succeeded in making things worse."

"Yes dear but we have a few days before we must leave for Brazil and we will help you as much as we can," said Lady Smythe.

The whistle blew to indicate that the train was going to leave and Juliette stepped aboard with some difficulty and turned to face Lady Smythe through the open carriage window. As the train slowly moved off and then gathered speed towards the smoke enveloped tunnel, Juliette shouted back, "thank you for coming to tell me Mama."

Juliette feebly tried to close the window with the leather pull up strap and failed miserably. 'That's odd,' she thought, 'I've never had this problem before.' Her thoughts were disturbed though as Colin rose to help close the window. It closed just as the train entered the tunnel and his actions stopped the smoke entering the compartment. He hooked the strap to prevent it opening again. Juliette gave way to Colin's show of strength and sat back smiling at the thought of her new term of endearment with her mother.

The late winter sun had just come up above the horizon as the train sped out of the grimy North London suburbs and entered the rolling countryside just beyond. By 9:30 they were all seated in a large carriage pulled by two horses along with several other guests who had been on the train. The carriage slowly moved off with it's heavy human cargo towards Hollingford Hall where they would meet with the other members of the hunt.

On arrival, they were greeted by Gordon Dewar, the Master of the Hunt who was also the landowner. He was dressed in black velvet riding hat, white breeches, black boots and a scarlet riding tunic. His accent indicated that he would be more at home in the Scottish highlands than in the middle of rural England.

"Ladies and gentlemen, if ye wid like tae follow me, I hae enough mounts fur everyone including thae withoot experience," said Gordon making sure everyone understood him by speaking slowly. As he turned to go back into the house, he caught sight of Colin with the two ladies and bounded over towards him.

"Colin my young buck how are ye? Where's that auld man of yours and whae are yon bonnie lassies ye hae wi ye?" He asked shaking the boy's hand and holding him close.

"Hello Uncle Gordon as you can see I'm well. Can I introduce you to Miss Juliette Smythe, my girlfriend and her chaperone Mademoiselle Leila Mitterand."

"Ye can lad, now this is a braw sicht on a cauld winter's morning," said Gordon who was a lover of women and who was one who wasted no opportunity in bedding them whenever he could. "Follow me my bonnie lasses."

He led them down a passageway inside the house to two large bedrooms and indicated that the ladies should change in one and the men in the other. With a dozen of both sexes present in each room, changing space was at a premium.

Leila helped Juliette disrobe in the absence of any servants and then Juliette helped Leila out of her green morning dress. Juliette turned around and saw all the other ladies in various states of undress. Despite having been drained during the night, Juliette felt some excitement stirring between her legs as she surveyed a full room of English womanhood in a state of partial undress.

Shivering in the cold unheated room, Juliette decided to get dressed quickly and donned a white blouse and white cravat, a dark navy blue riding jacket and full skirt were added. Leila piled up Juliette's hair before the ensemble was topped off with a hard hat and a matching dark net veil that covered her face and tucked under her chin.

Juliette sat down to pull on her riding boots and found them a comfortable fit. Though with feet were accustomed to high heels now her calve muscles hurt a little when she took her first steps in them.

She turned to help Leila who wore a matching outfit in a slightly darker material. With her hat installed and gloves, she looked like a capable horsewoman. Juliette searched for and found a pair of black leather gloves and a short handled whip. Clutching both, Juliette allowed Leila to make small adjustments to her costume.

"You look like you have been a horse woman all your life," said Leila laughing and then kissed Juliette on the cheek. "You look tres elegant."

As the other ladies continued to get changed into their riding clothes, the noise level became quite loud as the chattering increased and the excitement level grew. By 10:30 they started to drift outside and were paired up with their mounts.

Juliette was given a six year bay gelding who was known to be mild mannered and experienced enough to cope with a novice rider. She patted his head before climbing the mounting platform to stare at an ungainly looking structure on the horses back.

Leila was on hand to offer advice on how to hook a leg around the sidesaddle and to draw her legs tighter to avoid falling off. That looked easier said than done and it took some effort for the novice rider to get safely aboard. Once done, the horse was quite calm as the single stirrup supporting her left leg was adjusted and the girth straps checked. Juliette moved her skirts to make sure that only the soles of her boots were showing.

The groom holding a lead rein edged Juliette forward so that Leila could mount up and she was soon at the same height as Juliette. Juliette held on to the edge of the saddle and felt distinctly uneasy about this riding position.

"Remember to keep your legs tight together, do that and you'll not fall," said Leila quietly to Juliette.

"Thank you," said Juliette who was startled to see Colin charge up behind her on a black stallion dressed in red tunic, black bowler hat and white breeches.

"Well ladies how do find your mounts? To your liking I hope?" He asked while feverishly trying to control his mount that threatened to upset both Leila's mare and Juliette's gelding.

"I think they are quite docile animals except when your horse comes near," said Juliette concerned that the more aggressive animal would upset her precarious hold.

"Sorry Juliette. I'll keep my distance, the exercise ring is this way, follow me," he said somewhat apologetically.

They slowly made their way towards the ring with Juliette slowly easing herself into the correct position, her back erect courtesy of the long line corset she wore. They walked slowly forward with the groom leading Juliette's mount and the other's following. Fortunately she was able to make the ring without further mishap. From then on they spent the next hour going round in circles learning to control the horses with their legs, body weight and the reins.

After a considerable time in the saddle both ladies began to suffer from tender rears and each step only increased the problem.

There was a call for lunch and Colin was present to help both Leila and Juliette dismount. In Juliette's case he gently helped lower her now slender lightweight frame to the ground. In the process as she tried to reach solid ground, he stole a peck through the net veil out of sight of Leila.

For some strange reason, Juliette responded in kind and kissed him on the cheek and said, "thanks for being such a gallant gentleman this morning."

"I'm glad you're enjoying yourself. You are enjoying yourself aren't you?" Asked Colin speaking softly.

"My rear thinks otherwise but yes I've enjoyed it. My mount is very docile and seems to know what to do before me."

Juliette hitched up her long and cumbersome riding skirts and taking Colin's proffered arm they walked slowly towards the smell of the waiting food.

"Having problems?" He asked as they stopped a second time to enable Juliette to raise her skirt again.

"Yes just a little, do you mind if I use both my hands to keep this skirt out of the mud," she replied.

"Of course not," he said and continued to put his arm around her waist to guide her onwards into the house.

"These skirts are much too long and if I am not careful, I will fall flat on my face and wound my pride terribly," Juliette replied smiling.

As they entered the large glass conservatory hardly warmed by the winter sunshine, Leila joined them and both could see that she was red faced from her efforts to rejoin the couple.

"You two look quite a match," she said taking Colin's free arm as they walked into the slightly warmer conservatory.

After an hour in the saddle all three were happy to be standing as they approached the cook and her plates of hot stew and vegetables. The room being quite empty of the other hunt members who were last seen galloping way in the distance after some unlucky fox who had strayed within Gordon's estate.

"You both seem to have mastered the art of riding. What would you say to going for a gentle hack this afternoon around the grounds before returning back here?" Asked Colin.

"Anything would be better than going round and round in circles," said Juliette remembering her morning in the exercise yard. She grasped her waist and felt that unyielding corset that made every movement she took so difficult.

"Yes she has shown that she can control her mount," said Leila helping herself to some of the hot buffet lunch that had been prepared.

The three sat down and ate their lunch. Colin taking bigger mouthfuls was the first to speak as he cleared his plate.

"That was delightful, would anyone like tea or coffee?" he asked.

After fetching the refreshments, he sat back and watched the two women nibble at their meals.

"You know if anyone had told me that I would be sharing lunch with two beautiful women today, I would told them that they were crazy," he said after almost draining his cup of tea.

Both women smiled at his remark and Juliette grimaced at the next one.

"And to have you as my girlfriend Juliette, I couldn't wish for more," said Colin.

"Colin I'm nobody's girlfriend," said Juliette grimly.

"Why don't you like me?" He replied taken aback.

As Leila listened, "of course I do, it's just that I'm just barely 16 years of age, I'm too young to be yours or anybody's girlfriend."

"In Scotland that is young enough to get married," said Colin referring to his father's native country and where teenage couples from England often travelled against the wishes of their parents to marry at the blacksmith's smithy in Gretna Green.

"Well I would like to complete my education before I get married and before that to see some of the world like my parents," said Juliette determined to show Colin that she was going to be nobody that would rush in marriage.

Colin grabbed Juliette's hand and kissed it, "Juliette I'll wait as long as it takes, you must know I love you."

Juliette said nothing and just smiled at Leila.

"At least give me some hope," continued Colin.

"Oh Colin, I do care for you but please no more talk of marriage, let's go and enjoy our ride on the horses, look the sun has come out again," said Juliette trying to change the subject.

"Yes let's go," said Leila who like Juliette left more than half her food on the plate. Colin scooped up a last mouthful of potato before rising to help with their chairs. That always gave Juliette a thrill being helped to sit or stand with the aid of a gentleman.

The groom seeing them emerge quickly brought their mounts back and helped assist the pretend girl, Leila and Colin back into the saddles. They started down the drive back towards the main gate at a walking pace. When they reached the gate, Colin directed them to move to the right on a specially prepared bridle path that went alongside the boundary wall. Juliette in front, Leila second and Colin bringing up the rear keeping a watchful eye on the shapely pair in front.

Soon the path moved out into open country and there was a sudden movement on their right as a beautiful red fox rushed past it's tongue hanging out. The three riders had stumbled into the path of the fast approaching hunt. As the dogs raced past in pursuit of the fox, Juliette, Leila and Colin were alarmed to find that they were being borne down by a cavalry charge of riders in black and red tunics.

Leila's mount bolted in shock and Colin tried to halt its progress lest she fall. The pair raced off leaving Juliette behind struggling to control her mount who was snorting and blowing.

Although proficient in holding her horse at a slow pace on four legs, Juliette was no match for the horse when it reared onto its hind pair with the surprise of the approaching riders. Of course a novice such as Juliette was unable to stay aboard as she felt her grip on the saddle ease and then fell off backwards fortunately onto soft grass.

The fast approaching hunt seeing the commotion slowed at the behest of Gordon and veered to the right. Gordon securing the rein of the gelding pulled up beside the now standing Juliette. She brushed the mud and dirt of her skirts and rearranged her hat and veil.

He quickly dismounted and asked, "are ye aw richt lassie. I'm sorry we surprised ye."

"Yes I think so," said Juliette continuing to brush the mud and grass from her skirts and massaging a bruised bottom.

"I can see that ye are nae badly hurt my dear. Can I help ye remount and take ye back tae the hoose?" Asked Gordon in usual his broad lowland Scots accent.

"No I think I have done enough riding for one day, I'll would prefer to walk," said Juliette petulantly.

"It's quite a way lassie, I'll help ye remount," said the gallant Mr Dewar who started to dismount.

Juliette looked at him closely, his red hair almost covered by his riding hat, white gloves holding his short horse whip and a smile underneath his handlebar moustache. He looked quite dashing in his riding outfit, his tight breeches highlighting his manhood. Juliette found herself looking at his bulge and was disappointed when he noticed.

"I need to walk a little to ease my bruises," said Juliette who could feel her bruises increase with every step.

"In that case permit me to gang wi ye, as ye can see my stallion is sweating a bit," he said pointing to his mount. "The walk will dae him guid."

"So I see," said Juliette who took reins of her own mount and led him back down the path.

"Ye ken young Colin is a lucky devil with two pretty lassies at his side all day," said Gordon who noted that Colin was still chasing Leila's flight across the park. "But ye are the prettiest lass here today, there is a certain something about ye. But I dinna ken what it is. I hope ye'll permit me to find oot," he said smiling.

Juliette shivered as she thought, 'he knows but how?'

"So how long hae ye kent young Colin?" He asked coming alongside and leading his mount.

"A few weeks only," said Juliette.

"He's at Crawley, a boys only school, how did ye twa meet?" He asked.

Juliette recounted the story of their meeting, the school play, her impending audition in London and the subsequent kindness shown to her by Sir Iain and Colin since that day. "Lassie I'm in your debt tae, ye just need tae ask if there is onything I can dae for ye."

"Thank you Mr Dewar, I will keep that in mind," said Juliette politely and noting that Leila and Colin would be with them in a couple of minutes.

"Call me Gordon, please I don't stand on ceremony here," said Gordon.

They walked for a few yards and then stopped with their horses on either side of them. "Permit me tae help ye back into yer saddle," said Gordon. As he moved closer he picked off some dried grass from Juliette's front his hands stopping near her new cleavage.

"I mean what I say, ye're very pretty and I was wondering if ye would permit me tae kiss ye," said Gordon.

Juliette was stunned and Gordon took her silence to mean yes and kissed the new girl on the lips tenderly when Leila and Colin disappeared down into a valley. His waxed moustache tickled her cheeks and she looked on with her eyes wide open. He was strong too and putting his arms around Juliette's slender waist bodily lifted her into the saddle. Juliette grimaced with pain as she sat down again.

"I wid hae a hot bath when ye get back tae the hoose," he said as Colin and Leila rode up. "That'll ease the pain."

"Are you all right?" Asked Colin riding up out of breath.

"Yes I'm fine, your Uncle has helped me get back into the saddle," said Juliette and pointing to her rear added, "I'm a little sore and tender."

"Oh Juliette darling, are you all right?" Asked Leila in a French accent also concerned and breathless.

"Yes, Gordon recommends a bath on our return to the house," she replied. "I think I hurt more than my pride when I fell."

The group of four were joined by some other ladies who they had seen earlier. It was a group of nearly a dozen riders who eventually dismounted back at the house. Gordon Dewar ignored his other guests and at once bounded into the house barking instructions to his servants. Almost immediately two young maids came out and with Colin and Leila in attendance Juliette made her way slowly and quite painfully inside the house.

They were escorted to a large bedroom. Juliette could hear the bath water being drawn and the smell of bath salts filling the air.

"I can take charge of matters from here," said Leila to Colin showing him the door.

The two maids started to help Juliette disrobe and on returning from the door to see Colin out, they had divested her of her outer clothing. Too stunned to care, Juliette just sat as the two maids continued to remove her stockings and started to loosen her corset.

"What a pretty corset Miss," said the first maid.

"Yes and these silk stockings are very well made," said the second.

"We just need to remove your corset before you can enter the bathroom," said the first maid again.

"Thank you that will be all," said Leila dismissing them and showing the maids to the door.

Juliette stood in front of Leila completely naked, her small breasts poked out from her rib cage. The muscles in her arms looked small and insignificant while her small penis looked incongruous and unnecessary. The weeks of corseting had had a big effect on Juliette's waistline and her lower rib cage was showing distinct signs of deformation. Her hips were a lot wider and her facial expressions were feminine and warm.

"You should have been born a girl ma cherie," said Leila beckoning with a long nailed finger, "come with me now."

The pair entered the bathroom and Juliette could see that it was en suite to another bedroom as it was equipped with both men's shaving equipment and women's bath salts. There was a second connecting door and Leila tried it to see that it was locked. Fortunately it was.

"You will have a long soak here in the bath and I'll return soon," said Leila. It was more like an order than a suggestion.

"Where are you going?" Asked Juliette lowering herself into the deep bath bubbles.

"I'll arrange with Colin for our return to London, we must think about catching a train back soon," said Leila turning to go out. "Before I forget," she turned again and strode over the tiled floor towards Juliette and kissed her tenderly on the lips and said simply, "I love you."

Juliette closed her eyes and lay back in the warm and luxurious bath. It was white with two large brass taps and had plenty of room for two people. She was able to submerge her whole body as she slowly drifted in and out of consciousness. She was startled awake though with a sudden coughing noise in the room. She opened her eyes and saw her host at the mirror brushing and preening himself after the exertions of the day.

"Och ye're awake, I'm sorry my dear, I had tae attend tae my moustache and all my shaving equipment is in here. I saw that ye were dozing and I was hoping that I widnae disturb ye," he said looking down at her.

"Oh Mr Dewar," said Juliette covering her small breasts with her hand and hoping that the now cloudy bath water would cover her genitals. He turned from looking in the mirror towards her and saw her nakedness including the two small round orbs that she possessed on her chest.

"Ye're a bonnie lassie, wid ye consider being the lady o this hoose?" He asked. "Ye widnae want for onything."

"I don't think so Mr Dewar, I'm only 16," said Juliette trying hard to understand his accent.

"Gordon, please call me Gordon," he reminded her approaching the bath, "16 - 17 - 28 what does it matter what age ye are? So long as ye're beautiful and Juliette ye're beautiful."

Juliette was panicking under the water as she tried to push her small member between her legs and keep it there. She had her right arm across her budding breasts.

"Please Gordon, please leave," she finally said afraid he would see something that would cause embarrassment.

"Ye don't mean that dae ye lass? I could soap your back for ye." He said laughing and turning on his heel.

"No thank you," said Juliette, "please go or I will...."

"Will what?" He asked back as he reached the other bedroom door.

"I'll shout the house down," said Juliette smiling.

"There's nae need for that, I'll leave quickly enough. Ye're such a bonnie lassie and I intend to win yer hand in marriage over my nephew," he said opening the door and about to leave.

Remembering how he had helped her earlier, Juliette suddenly thought that here might be someone who could help her escape this female existence that she wanted to escape.

"One moment Gordon, you might be able to help me," said Juliette suddenly relenting despite her vulnerable position

"Oh yes name it dear lady, do ye want yer back scrubbed?" Asked Gordon who stopped in his tracks and then crossed his arms.

"I was wondering if I might call upon your help and hospitality at some point in the few days. I need to get away from my chaperone and for that I need a disguise."

"Why?" He answered simply.

"Because she wants me to be her lesbian lover and I prefer men," lied Juliette suddenly.

"Interesting," said Gordon deep in thought.

"I was wondering if you might give me some male clothes so that I might leave London and return here until I can get back to my parent's home."

"Gladly, I've some claes (clothes) that wid fit ye belonging to ma late son," said Gordon. "I'll see what I can dae for ye."

At that point all hell broke loose when Leila surprised them both and walked into the bathroom.

"Mr Dewar, please leave immediately," screamed Leila and who then started a tirade of abuse in her native French at him.

"Yes I will, it was an honest mistake, I forgot yer charge would be in here," said Gordon weakly. "I'll see ye both afore ye go."

The door secured, Leila quizzed Juliette, "he didn't see anything he shouldn't did he?"

"No I don't think so, I was slumbering for a while though before I noticed that he was in the room," admitted Juliette.

"Oh Juliette, I don't like that man, I don't trust him an inch. Come let's get you dressed, the next train leaves for London in an hour and I think it would be a good idea if we were on it," said Leila.

Quickly Leila worked her magic on Juliette and the feminised boy was transformed into a pretty girl again. "Your riding skirt has a few stains but we can clean that when we get back to London. I will go and get your morning dress," she said tying off the laces on the corset.

Juliette slipped on her riding boots and looked in the cupboards and wardrobes in the lavish bedroom. All the drawers and shelves contained female clothing including several very fine evening dresses. She took one down and admired the embroidery on the bodice. She was just replacing it when Leila entered with the bags and her morning dress.

"Very nice," said Leila.

"Yes it is," said Juliette replacing it and closing the wardrobe.

"These must have belonged to Gordon's wife. He's a widower too," said Leila holding the dress so Juliette could step into it.

"I think he likes me, he kissed me when he helped me back onto my horse," said Juliette remembering the tickling sensation and putting her hands to her lips.

"As I said there is something about him, so be careful," replied Leila as she helped her charge don the dress again.

Within 10 minutes, Juliette was dressed and walking back down to the main hallway of the house. Colin had changed too out of his riding clothes and was chatting with his Uncle when they reached the bottom of the stairs.

"Ladies it's been a real pleasure tae hae ye here, I trust ye're well now, Miss Juliette. I was telling Colin I'm in town tomorrow and I'll drop by and take ye to the theatre or a fine restaurant," said Gordon.

Juliette eyed up Leila and shrugged her shoulders a move not lost on Gordon.

"It'll not be sae bad, ye just need tae look as pretty as ye dae now and I'll dae the rest," he said taking up Juliette's hand and kissing it

"Provided you don't surprise me again like this afternoon," said Juliette teasing the man who was old enough to be her father.

"Well I can but try," he said smiling, "I'll call round tomorrow evening at around 7:00pm. I'm a man who takes no for an answer and I'm full of surprises. You'll see."

With that Colin reluctantly shook his uncle's hand and escorted the two women out of the door. Inwardly seething at the prospect of competition from his own uncle over the girl he wanted to marry.

The trip back to the station was not a happy one as all three passengers joined by several others kept their own thoughts. It was not until they were back inside the warm first class compartment and they were rolling along back to London that Leila finally tried to break the ice.

"Come, come you two, please talk to one another," said Leila.

"What is there to say, the girl I thought was my girlfriend is going out with my Uncle tomorrow night," said Colin.

"Do you think that I want that?" Asked Juliette her hands clasped together on her lap.

"It didn't look as though you resisted very much," said Colin still unhappy.

"In case you hadn't noticed he is old enough to be my father," Juliette said and then added, "I am nobody's girlfriend."

The return trip continued in that vein with Colin looking scorned and Juliette trying to defend her behaviour.

"I didn't ask to go riding today, you asked me remember?" Announced Juliette in a petulant manner as the train slowly pulled into Euston.

The carriage door opened and there on the platform were both her father and Sir Iain. As Sir Iain attended to his son and to Leila, both Juliette and her father spoke.

"How are you my dear? Did you have a good day?" Her father asked giving her a kiss on the forehead.

"Yes father apart from falling on my rear when my horse bolted," Juliette announced patting her rear cheek.

"Ha ha ha, so riding is not so easy then?" Sir Julian laughed.

"No it wasn't. Where is Mama?" Juliette asked looking around.

"She's in the carriage over yonder, she has some clothes for you," said Sir Julian pointing in the direction of the carriage.

"Thank you father," said Juliette who picked up her skirts to avoid the wet platform and walked over to her greet her mother.

"Julian, I have some clothes for you, inside this case you'll find a complete boy's wardrobe including a bowler hat to conceal your long hair."

"Thank you Mama, I can't wait to get out of this corset it's so constricting," said Juliette smiling.

"When you're ready make your way to this address tomorrow night," she said smiling handing her a card. "The boy's clothes are underneath some female clothing. Here's the key.

"I can't. Gordon Dewar is coming to Marmion tomorrow," said Juliette suddenly feeling frustrated.

"Very well at least you have the means to conceal your female identity and escape now."

"Yes thank you Mama," said Juliette smiling.

Sir Iain helped with the case and the three cabs headed out of the station into a very cold moonlit London evening.

Chapter 5 - Ridicule

Her parent's cab turned off shortly after leaving the station for their house south of the River Thames while Colin and Juliette shared one cab, Leila and Sir Iain shared the other. In one cab the air was frosty like the night air while in the other Sir Iain started his wooing of Leila in earnest. He had had his sights on her ever since he had met her at Crawley and he was determined to win her hand.

"So did you have a good day at Gordon's hunt?" Asked Sir Iain.

"Yes thank you," she replied curtly.

"Did I hear that Juliette fell? What happened?"

"Oh her horse was startled and she had no way of staying in the saddle. Apart from a little bruise, I think only her pride was hurt," said Leila answering his concern and then looking out the window again.

"You know the Scots and the French have been traditionally the best of friends for many years. I was hoping that we might continue that tradition," he said smiling. Before she could reply he continued, "you must know, I find you very attractive Mademoiselle."

"Thank you Sir Iain, you must realise that I'm already engaged to be married," she said lying.

"Oh who is the lucky chap? Perhaps I can congratulate him or buy him out with a King's ransom," said Iain sighing and shaking his head.

"He's in Paris and we have been engaged to be married for two years. I hope that I can return soon to get married," she replied lying again.

"Well even so I must tell you I find you really attractive and with Colin's affection for Juliette it would brighten up our lives at Marmion if you both decided to stay on a permanent basis."

"I see," said Leila who loved her relationship with Juliette too much to allow a relationship with a man to develop.

Meanwhile in the other cab, the conversation was just single words as Colin and Juliette defended and probed each other.

"Colin please don't be jealous. I didn't ask your uncle to make overtures towards me. I had no idea that he would find me attractive," said Juliette suddenly.

"Neither did I but you must realise that he moves towards anything that moves in a dress. I'm told that he even went after a feminine looking boy in a kilt back home in his younger days, so don't fret," he replied, "Juliette, may I kiss you please?"

Juliette thinking that her time as a girl was coming to an end suddenly relented and allowed Colin to kiss her cheek. However Colin wanted more and soon turned his attention to her lips. Her lips were sweet, courtesy of the cordial she had been drinking on the train and he quickly invaded her mouth with his tongue. Startled at first by this first intrusion by a man into her body, Juliette struggled but then eased up.

Colin's smooth face nestled against Juliette's cheek and terms of endearment issued forth. "Juliette I do love you, will you be mine?"

"Oh Colin I do like you but I'm too young to love or marry just yet," Juliette repeated.

"Just say that you will save yourself for me and not my Uncle," Colin replied.

"Oh Colin," was all that Juliette would say for a moment and then added, "I'm not about to get involved with a man like Gordon Dewar. Besides we only met today."

The conversation ended as the cabs came to a halt outside the mansion. Servants took the luggage indoors while each gentleman helped his lady to alight onto the steps of the house.

There was a light supper arranged and then both women retired to their rooms. Juliette looking at the locked case on the bed with some trepidation and decided that it would be best out of sight. Just as she pushed it under the bed and pulled the bed cover down, Leila marched in dressed in her nightgown her normally tight hair lying loose down her back.

"Not undressed yet little one," said Leila stroking Juliette's cheek.

"No I haven't rung for Yvette yet," said Juliette smiling at the sight of the sexy woman in front of her.

"Your mother gave you a case, what was in it?" Asked Leila pulling the cord for the maid.

"Just some underclothes I think, I haven't looked yet," said Juliette.

"Where is it?" asked Leila. "Oh yes under the bed. Pull it out and let's see what she had to give her new daughter."

The case was locked and Juliette pretended not to have a key. This led Leila to lose her temper. "If you don't hand over the key this instant then I'll get something to break the lock."

Juliette reluctantly handed the key to Leila who opened it quickly and thumbed the catches back. "Oh yes very pretty, your mother has excellent taste," said Leila pulling out a fine lace night dress. "This will fit you perfectly, you can wear that this evening."

At that there was a knock at the door and Yvette walked in.

"Ah Yvette bring a kettle of boiling water and some cups, Juliette and I will have some tea."

"At once Mademoiselle," said Yvette and she tripped out and back downstairs.

Leila pulled out silk and lace undergarments. She admired each one and then discovered that the case seemed less full than she expected. "Such a big case for only a small amount of clothes," she said and suddenly realising that perhaps that all was not what it seemed.

"I smell a rat, ma cherie," said Leila opening up the bottom part of the case to the light. "A secret compartment and wait..... oh yes full of male of clothes. You were going to escape weren't you Juliette?"

"My parents want me to return to being Julian again and I do too," said Juliette suddenly bursting with emotion. Tears started to pour down her cheeks in an uncontrollable fashion. "Oh I'm so sorry."

Just then there was a knock to indicate the return of Yvette.

"Come," barked Leila still cross from the sight before her.

Yvette entered to find Juliette mopping up her tears and sitting on the bed full of all kinds of pretty lingerie. Quickly she placed the tray of hot water, cups and saucers on the table and curtseyed.

"Will that be all mademoiselle?"

"Yes thank you." Said Leila.

Leila turned to the kettle and made two cups of herbal tea, "here drink this, it will calm your nerves."

"But what else is it doing to me," said Juliette not expecting an answer, her nose running and her eyes watery.

"It's making you into a better person. Can I show you how ridiculous you would look dressed as a boy?" said Leila.

"Oh Leila please don't be cruel to me," said Juliette tears streaming down her red cheeks.

"Let us take off your pretty clothes and replace them with these rough garments. Then we will see about being cruel," said Leila.

Quickly Leila divested Juliette of her soft lacy underwear and started to hand over clothes that were lying on the bed. Dressed in the shirt, there were two bulges emerging from her chest.

"How do you intend to conceal those?" Asked Leila.

"I could bandage them tightly down," said Juliette.

"Yes and what about the trousers, pull them on." Juliette complied and felt the rough woollen material scratch her hairless legs and thought that they felt horrible.

"You see the belt needs to be pulled in really tight so that these trousers fit your waist, while your hips are so much wider you can hardly do up the buttons. Now this jacket, do you see how it hangs oddly and looks ten times too big now. How about your hair we can cut it but let us try to push it into this hat. Does it fit inside? No it doesn't. Your face looks so feminine, your eyebrows are arched, your lips are cute bows and your ears are pierced. Have I convinced you now?"

Juliette looked in the mirror and cried.

"We are not finished yet Juliette, there are the shoes and socks put them on," ordered Leila who was in no mood to ease up the pressure on Juliette. The socks were thick woollen ones and the shoes were leather brogues with a low heel. Juliette stood up and almost fell over as the effect of the flat heels left her wondering how she had ever walked in such shoes before.

The large wardrobe mirror highlighted Juliette's dilemma. She was a boy inside but looked like a girl in a man's garb. Tears streamed down her face and Leila suddenly eased up slightly.

"My little one, let me taste those salty tears, you see you're a girl now," said Leila licking Juliette's cheeks and then adding, "my girl."

Juliette sobbed as she stripped all the male clothing off and put it back in the case.

"Your mother has good taste in feminine clothing and this underwear is fine Belgian lace. Let us get to bed and sleep. It's been a tiring day and you have a busy one tomorrow."

"Yes," said Juliette simply. She then allowed Leila to brush her long hair and help her put the sleeping corset on before slipping in between the crisp cotton sheets.

"While I remember, Christmas is just a week away and Sir Iain has said that he and his son were invited to several balls and they were expecting us to attend with them," said Leila after the oil lamp had been turned down.

Juliette lay on her back hearing her corset creaking as she breathed in and out. Despite her unhappiness at not being able to pass as a boy any more she felt and then fondled Leila's soft body through her nightdress. Juliette felt the tender bruise on her rear and could not get any relief from the discomfort of her corset or the sore part of her body.

Thoughts of the morning crept into her head and she prayed that she wouldn't land the part she was auditioning for. It was hard night for Juliette as Leila her head on her shoulder found sleep hard to come.

Chapter 6 - The visitors

Juliette woke to find Leila missing and the connecting door open. She closed her eyes and tried to find sleep but it wouldn't come as she heard her lesbian lover moving about. Juliette rose and felt the tight constriction around her waist of the sleeping corset. It was smaller in length than her day corset and came just short of her ribs and above her pelvis. The object being to hold in her waist during the hours of sleep.

Leila came into the room singing a French song that even Juliette did not recognise.

"Come little one, this is your big day," she said pausing from her tune.

"Yes Mademoiselle," said Juliette rising and then feeling the corset cruelly dig into her torso again.

As she did her toilet in the chamber pot, Juliette could feel Leila loosening the laces that confined her. Leila quickly removed the garment and placed a new one that had been in her mother's case.

"It was kind of your mother to provide a new corset such as this. It must have belonged to your sister because when closed it will give you a beautiful 18 inch waist."

'Thanks Mama, just what I wanted for Christmas,' thought Juliette to herself.

The corset was duly fitted and at 19", it was the tightest that Juliette had ever found herself. It brought tears to her eyes as Leila continued with Juliette's dressing. There was a quiet knocking at the door and Leila responded.

"Yes, enter," she called.

Yvette entered and curtseyed as she eyed the room slowly. She tidied up the cups and kettle from the previous night and left saying that she would be back in a few moments.

"No leave those, help me with Juliette's dressing," said Leila. "Get me the dress on the wardrobe door."

The dress had been purchased a few days earlier and Juliette could feel it being shoehorned onto her rigid body. The effect was stunning as Juliette felt the confined skirts and bodice against her body. The dress had a small built in bustle that she saw made her rear stick out quite provocatively.

Yvette continued to do up the buttons on the dress while Leila attended to Juliette's dishevelled hair. After 15 minutes all was ready except for her stockings and shoes. Juliette stood and stood with her mouth open and gasped at the reflection in the mirror. She put her hands to her waist and all she could see was radiated femininity.

"I trust you will manage to stay this presentable until your audition," said Leila who closed and locked the case lest Yvette see its contents.

"Yes Leila," said Juliette, "I'll try."

Yvette continued with her errands around the room while the two ladies slowly descended the stairs. At they neared the bottom, they found Colin dressed in an immaculate morning suit and he watched them descend. Juliette copied Leila and allowed her hand to be kissed.

After some breakfast of toast and marmalade and some more herbal tea, Juliette and Leila put on their coats and went for a stroll around the garden. It was frosty morning but the sun was shining. They watched a robin who was waiting on the gardener to move away so that he could forage for worms.

"It's cold this morning," shivered Juliette who regretted not putting on her earmuffs before leaving the warmth of the house.

"The cold air agrees with you because your cheeks are bright red just like that robin redbreast," said Leila. "Are you nervous about this morning?"

"Yes I am," said Juliette.

"Well don't be! You're playing a girl's part wonderfully well all the time, so just be Juliette on stage and everything will be just fine," advised Leila.

"Yes Leila," said Juliette.

"Let's go round to the front of the house, I hear a carriage on the gravel," said Leila.

They scurried as quickly as their tight skirts and corsets would allow and found themselves confronted by two rather heavily painted ladies inside a large ornate carriage pulled by two horses. Juliette didn't recognise them at first but then saw that it was Charlotte and Harriet who looked so feminine and happy sitting on the plush upholstery.

"There she is," they shouted together, "Juliette cooo-eeeeh."

Juliette and Leila approached looking bemused at the two female impersonators who seemed to have come into some money since leaving Crawley. They were both wearing the latest fashions. Their dresses and hats looked new and expensive.

"Well, well," said Juliette, "look what the cat dragged in."

"Julian, I mean Juliette you look so radiant," said Harriet. "So pretty and so feminine."

"You do too!" Said Juliette smiling at her old friends.

"We've come to give you a lift to the audition, go and get your muffs and get in," they announced together from the side of the big coach.

"We're not due to leave for another hour, how are you both?" Asked Leila smiling at her two former charges.

"Never better and we have you to thank Mademoiselle," said Charlotte. "Harriet and I have found a rich entrepreneur who wants to promote our stage act as female impersonators. However we were wondering if you could give us some more of that herbal tea that you gave us at School."

"Oh yes I can give you a spare packet and you will get the address in France with which to get some more," said Leila, "come in a few moments won't you?"

"We do not want to impose Mademoiselle, we would just like to take Juliette to the theatre for her audition. Is that acceptable?" Asked Harriet politely.

"Yes Harriet but please come in and have some tea with us in the drawing room," said Leila.

"Very well," said Harriet and she stepped daintily down to be followed by Charlotte.

Both feminised boys looked every inch a woman with a wiggle and their appearance just right. Fortunately both Sir Iain and Colin were engaged in the study and Leila took it upon herself to invite them into the drawing room. After the servants had served tea and biscuits, the subject changed abruptly from the weather.

"So how has it been, do you enjoy life more as women?" Asked Leila knowing what the answer would be.

"Of course Mademoiselle we turn men's heads all the time and when they find out we are men too, it just makes them wild," said a bemused Charlotte.

Juliette sat bemused trying to relieve the pressure on her rear that was still smarting from her fall the day before and her now incredibly tight waist. Charlotte saw her move and reached out to her.

"Oh Juliette, you were always the prettiest of the three of us and I'm glad you decided to stay in dresses. You should join us and meet our manager Jim Clark. He'd soon make you feel like a woman like he did with Charlie and me," said Harriet.

"How did he make you feel like a woman?" Asked Juliette unsure of what Harriet meant.

"He made love to us in a way we never suspected would be possible but when it happened we all agreed that it made us feel more feminine than ever before," enthused Charlotte.

"Just what are you two talking about?" Asked Juliette.

"Have you ever been penetrated in the rear by a man?" Asked Charlotte.

"No."

"It is the most devine feeling in the world, having a man fill you up there," said Harriet. "Both Charlie and I do it to each other all the time."

Leila listened to the conversation happy that her former charges would be able to gain some financial and sexual satisfaction from their gender changing.

"You do?" Asked Juliette. "What's it like?"

"Why don't you join us this afternoon when we can have Jim all to ourselves?" Asked Harriet laughing.

"Girls!" Shouted Leila, "my Juliette will not be party to that sort of behaviour."

At that the door opened and in walked Sir Iain Marshall. "Ah more school actors. I recognise you both from the play on Friday. So are you both enjoying your holiday and when do you go back to school?"

Before waiting on a reply he took their hands and kissed them.

"We are enjoying our holiday so much we won't be going back to school," said Charlotte suddenly becoming serious.

"Oh. Don't you want to complete your education?" Asked Sir Iain. "Educated wo0men are in much demand

"No we have just found jobs on the stage thanks to the play and we were hoping that Juliette would join us today," said Harriet.

Leila just shook her head, while Juliette just looked down at her high heeled court shoe as it peaked out of the hem of her dress.

"Do you have your parent's approval for going onto the stage?" Asked Sir Iain to the two impersonators.

"Yes sir," said Charlotte lying and smiling at Harriet stifled a smile as she shared her joke.

There was a knock and the butler entered with a message on a salver.

"Excuse me ladies, carry on with your tea and cakes," said Sir Iain. "I have an urgent business matter to attend to." With that he turned and left and the conversation resumed it's same track as earlier.

"Oh Juliette you would enjoy Jim, he would soon make you feel like a woman, I tell you his todger is 9 inches long," said Charlotte showing it in size with her gloved hands.

Juliette's eyes stared wide open and she exclaimed. "I don't think so, I prefer gentler pastimes."

"Yes, but Juliette you don't know what you're missing, it feels so natural for a man to penetrate a woman and you are to all intents and purposes a woman now. How can you deny that fact?" Asked Harriet.

"I can't deny it," said Juliette. "The very thought of what you have described fills me with dread and that I will have lost the last thread of masculinity left in me if that should ever occur."

"Mes enfants," said Leila clapping her hands to bring an end to the talk of penetration, "thank you for your kind offer of a lift to the theatre but we have a doctor's appointment this afternoon and Juliette's boyfriend Colin wants to come with us." Leila mused over what Juliette had just said and was determined to see that she should in fact experience the rough sex of a man to compared against the exotic and smooth love of a woman.

"Goodbye Harriet. Goodbye Charlotte. Take good care of yourselves and keep in touch," said Juliette waving goodbye from the steps of the house. Just as their carriage disappeared out of the gate, another smaller carriage arrived.

"That's our carriage, we must get ready," said Leila who turned back indoors lifting her skirts as she went back up the steps.

Juliette just looked up at the sky and could see dark clouds looming and thought, 'oh I hope it doesn't snow.' As she walked back in, Juliette wondered if she could ever reverse the role and penetrate Leila. Her penis still functioned and it was still her greatest wish.

Chapter 7 - The Audition.

Juliette, Colin and Leila arrived at the West End theatre with ten minutes to spare and made their way to the stage door entrance. There they were met by a gruff old man who took down Juliette's details.

"I'm sorry miss but only those being auditioned are allowed to go in," said the man to Leila as he barred the way, "Thems the orders."

At that Juliette tensed up and felt anxious that neither of her companions would be going any further. She entered into the theatre through a frosted glass door and stepped carefully towards the auditorium where she met several others waiting to be auditioned.

Juliette edged closer and curtseyed slightly towards her competitors and realised that it would not be a case of just walking into the part. The auditions began with each applicant saying a piece from a play of their choice. Juliette's knowledge was limited to the part she played in the Importance of Being Earnest.

That seemed appropriate considering that the audition was for a new Oscar Wilde play - The Perfect Husband. There was a long line of candidates and it took over an hour for the line to diminish towards the late arriving Juliette. Each performance was greeted with, "make sure you leave your name and address please with the doorman, we will be in touch," and "next."

When it was time to take the centre of the stage, Juliette had practised the words over and over in her head and thought she was word perfect. As she waited for the "begin please," she started to feel a panic inside. The auditorium was imposing enough despite the empty balconies, boxes and the upper stalls encroaching upon the stage. This was so different from Crawley where the people in the audience had been below her on the gym hall floor.

As the director continued to confer with his colleagues over the last auditioner, Juliette walked around in circles placing her hands on her hips waiting to speak. They seemed to be discussing the previous audition at some length. After some nodding and conferring they stopped and asked her name and age.

"Miss Juliette Smythe and age 16."

"You're a little young Miss Smythe but since you have made the effort to attend we will hear you now," said the director. He was an erect man looking like a race course bookmaker with a stiff collar, cravat and brightly coloured check suit.

Juliette explained the part with a slight quiver in her voice but once she began, her nervousness took some time to disappear. The director made some allowance and allowed her to continue a little longer and as she did, it became slightly easier. Apart from a slight stumble she made good progress, finishing on a high note.

"Thank you Miss Smythe we'll let you know, leave your name and address please, we'll be in touch," he said smiling and then calling out "next" immediately.

Juliette felt the beads of perspiration flood out from under her armpits and across her forehead. She also felt wetness in the small of her back. Her face was flushed as she stood and waited for the doorman to take her details.

"You did very well, dear don't worry about getting this part, there will be plenty of others. Mr Lambert will keep you in mind for the future I'm sure," he said writing Sir Iain's address in Hampstead.

Juliette curtseyed briefly before moving towards the doors and to what she hoped would be an impatient Leila.

"Just a moment Miss Juliette," said a deep manly voice behind her.

Juliette spun around and was confronted by a tall dark man who wore a formal morning suit of the finest Saville Row tailoring quality. His face looked familiar and then it dawned on her that the man was Gordon Dewar, the man the who had helped her yesterday.

He smiled as he approached with a bowler hat and cane in his hand. "Ye did very well up there, I would hae died of stage fright, I think."

"Thank you," said Juliette realising that he had made a special trip to be at the theatre to see her. "How did you know I would be here?"

"Ye telt me efter ye fell aff yer horse yesterday, I'm a shareholder in the theatre, so it was easy for me to get in here past yer chaperone and Colin. They're outside waiting in the carriage." Gordon's lilting Scottish brogue identifying his background as before.

"Oh," said Juliette suddenly short of words.

"Would ye like some lunch?" He asked and then continued. "I hae the boy clothes ye asked for wi me ootside."

"I would like some lunch but Leila will be furious if I leave without letting her know where I am," said Juliette who seemed unable to make the break she desired. Perhaps it was the realisation that the escape she planned looked forlorn.

"Lassie, I'd be honoured to help ye in ony wey I could," said Gordon sounding sincere.

"I realise that," said Juliette, "how could we leave?"

"This way there is a fire escape where my carriage is waiting," said Gordon pointing to the fire exit.

"Very well, but I'll not have my virtue compromised by this," said Juliette looking serious.

"Lassie ye hae my word that I'll act properly towards ye until we're mairried." Gordon's Scottish accent hard sounding against the perfect soft home counties voice of Juliette's. He smiled when he said the word married.

Juliette gulped and swallowed. He was in love with her but she couldn't see any alternative if she wanted to escape Leila and get back to being Julian. She would have to trust him if she went out that door.

"Very well, I'll accompany you," said Juliette trying to raise a smile at his remark about marriage.

"Ye'll no regret it Juliette, ye mak me feel grand," he said smiling. "Come on lassie, yer pals will see ye should be oot o' here."

He opened the door and led her to the waiting carriage. Oddly he didn't enter. Peering into the carriage at Juliette he said, "lassie the driver will tak ye to a hotel and ye can stay there until I come for ye. The trunk has a complete wardrobe of men's clothing though lord knows why ye should want to dress in such a way. Ye'll make a pretty looking boy."

She put her hand on his and he reached up and kissed it. "Thank you Gordon. What will you do now?"

"I've some mair business in here," he said pointing back to the theatre. "Just go tae yer room and I'll be wi ye presently."

Juliette felt relieved. Her ordeal would soon be at an end and Julian would be back again. She lay back into the leather covered seat of the coach and sank back slightly to relax. It had been a busy morning and it had been quite stressful. The coach moved out into the street past the waiting Leila and Colin who were too busy chatting to notice the passage of yet another coach in the busy London street. Juliette crouched low as she passed them by and then sat up as they moved away to take the strain off her back. Soon this cursed corset would be off her body for good.

The new hotel Gordon had chosen was in the Kensington area of London and on arrival Juliette picked up her skirts to step down on the pavement. She waited patiently as the coachman unloaded the trunk of clothes and carried it into the hotel lobby.

"Miss Juliette Smyth, I believe I have a room booked in my name?" Asked Juliette confidently of the hotel clerk.

"Oh yes Miss Smythe, please sign the register," said the clerk. "Room 26," he added handing her the key.

"Thank you," said Juliette struggling with the pen as her white gloves made grasping it difficult.

The clerk rang a bell and a bellboy appeared out of nowhere and took the large trunk that looked as though it would hold a full wardrobe and not just a few suits and shirts. Juliette followed and they made quick progress up in the lift to the second floor. Taking a six pence out of her purse, Juliette tipped the boy who winked and she was able to close the door at last.

Holding her waist with both hands she caught sight of herself in the mirror and stared disbelieving, she looked so incredibly beautiful, Juliette felt something stir inside her dress and that reminded her of her male past. She had to get out of this garb quickly and into male clothes again before she was trapped forever.

She turned to the trunk and quickly turned it ready to be opened. She tried the catches and it did not open. She looked for a key and found none. There was a small label on the underside and she read it carefully.

'Sorry Juliette, please make yourself comfortable, the key to the trunk is my wallet, I will be with you in the hour, please don't try to leave, you will find that the room door is now locked. No one will hear you as I have booked the entire second floor for the next few hours. Love Gordon.' Juliette felt a lump as she tried to swallow, her mouth suddenly dry.

'Oh God no,' thought Juliette and she let out a wail as she read it, "Noooo."

She pulled off the note and read it again and knew that checking the door would be pointless, but she nevertheless moved to the door and sure enough there was no key and it was locked. Juliette banged as hard as she could on the door but no one replied.

'The window,' she thought and she turned to look over at the large Georgian style window frames. She moved quickly to the window, not noticing the rustling of her skirts and saw that she was at least 30 feet above the ground and that there was no fire escape. She anxiously glanced around the room and saw a bottle of champagne in an ice cooler. Juliette picked it up and knew that despite it's excellent vintage it would make an excellent missile.

She pulled her hand back and just as she brought it forward to let it fly towards the window. It was stopped by a white gloved hand and she turned to see the grinning face of Gordon holding her hand tightly.

"Temper temper, bonnie lass," he said softly.

"You tricked me," Juliette replied. "Why?"

"Because, this way I can hae ye all to ma sel naebody kens ye're here, just me, I own this new hotel and of course yersel now," he replied.

"Let me out of here, I want to go back to Marmion."

"Don't ye want to ken what's in the trunk?"

"Not now," said Juliette managing to release her hand from Gordon's steely grip.

"Ye pout beautifully," said Gordon moving and holding her close so that Juliette could smell the stale pipe and cigar smoke on his jacket.

"Please unhand me sir," said Juliette, "I thought you would help me with my plan and you have taken unfair advantage. Now where are the clothes you promised?"

"Right in there," said Gordon holding up the keys to the trunk and pointing to it.

Juliette reluctantly picked up the keys and opened up the trunk to find not the rough tweeds she had been expecting but several dresses, skirts and shoes. A complete wardrobe topped with a wedding dress.

Juliette picked it up, looked closely at it and her jaw dropped in astonishment. The dress was graceful with cream white ottoman velvet and lace. It came complete with a court train, all of white velvet, the tunic though was of rich lace with the design simply drawn on one side with a bouquet of false orange blossoms. The corsage was round and short, and had pleated lace on the velvet foundation. The tight wide belt used a buckle of cut silver and pearls. Small bouquets of false orange blossoms was attached at the throat and at the waist, and a half-wreath was included with the long tulle veil. Also included were long white tight fitting kid gloves, a prayer-book with a gold and ivory cover, white satin high heeled shoes and silk stockings.

"You have thought of everything it seems," said Juliette picking up and then disposing of the prayer book back into the trunk. "Why?"

"I telt ye, because I want tae mairry you," said Gordon, "and this is what you'll wear on your wedding day."

"You don't know me and I'm barely sixteen years old. You must be nearly 50," exclaimed Juliette starting to feel faint as the tightness of her stays shortened her breathing more. She was anxious now, she was starting feel afraid for what might happen next. "Will you take me home now?"

"I am 47, na not yet, we have that champagne to drink first," Gordon replied, "I want to celebrate our engagement, will ye mairry me?"

"No sir, I can't," said Juliette.

Gordon's demeanour did not change and he moved over to the bottle and expertly opened it, the pop making Juliette shudder slightly. He poured the bubbly into two champagne glasses and offered the drink to Juliette before clinking glasses.

"Here's tae us," he said still smiling and taking a sip.

"Despite my rejection, you don't give up do you?"

"Na yer a worthy prize Juliette, I will nae gie up until you're ma bride." Gordon replied.

"I'm not ready to marry you, I know I don't love you," said Juliette after taking a sip of the ice cold bubbly. She moved over to the window her long dress rustling behind her and looked out. The London streets were filled with busy horse drawn vehicles and pedestrians walking. Juliette looked down at the drab clothing of the women below her and then back at her own delightful image in the mirror. She wore the finest clothes and the wedding gown was superb. Gordon was one of the wealthiest men in Britain and she could be his wife. Just for the utterance of one word.

Yet she was not a woman, how could she be his wife and not be discovered? She took another sip and moved back to Gordon who watched her every move.

"I can't marry you," said Juliette looking into the older man's eyes.

"Why?"

"I can't tell you, but realise that I can't ever be your wife," said Juliette without a hint of a smile.

"But!"

"Hear me out. You see before you a pretty young woman, dressed in the latest fashions. I .......," Juliette stopped short as there was knocking on the door. Frustrated that she had been stopped short.

Gordon turned looking unhappy and opened the door to find the same bellboy bearing a telegram message. Gordon impatiently ripped open the envelope and read it quickly. His head scanning the lines of text as he read.

"Damn," he said crumpling up the paper tightly in his fist.

"What is wrong?" Asked Juliette.

"Nothing to concern your pretty head about, I must leave immediately, you may make yourself comfortable here and await my return or leave to go back to Sir Iain's with me," said Gordon.

"I think I'll have to return to Marmion with you," said Juliette, "since you do not want to help me."

"The clothes are yours to keep; they are no use to me," said Gordon looking sadder and sadder. "Boy take the trunk back down to the lobby and arrange a cab for me."

The trunk was packed shut and the youth quickly loaded it onto a trolley and descended with it to the lobby. Juliette meanwhile excused herself to do her toilet and she took the opportunity to dwell longer than necessary inside until Gordon came knocking.

"Are you ready Juliette? I must leave now," said Gordon sounding concerned. Ready to leave, Juliette promptly undid the latch and walked out into Gordon's arms. He kissed her hard on the lips, his strong tongue penetrated her mouth and she could not close it.

"Mmmmm," said Juliette who tried to struggle with little success against Gordon's masculine strength. When at last the kiss was over, Juliette stood back and slapped him hard across the cheek. "How dare you? You are no gentleman and I will never marry you after that," said Juliette rubbing her lips with her white gloved hands of some imaginary contagion.

"Dinnae fash yersel lassie," said Gordon rubbing his cheek.

"Don't what?" Asked Juliette not comprehending Gordon's comment.

"Don't worry I will nae dae it again," he said letting Juliette go.

"I should hope not, now take me back to Marmion and you can forget about entertaining me tonight."

Juliette was in a foul mood the whole way back to Marmion. She had to endure the company of that odious man Gordon Dewar and her plans feeble as they were to escape women's weeds were dashed again. She sat upright in the coach as the smoggy dusk descended on London. The streets were wet as they passed down a busy shopping area.

"Woah coachman," shouted Gordon suddenly and he hammered the roof the coach with his cane for good measure.

"Yes Sir," shouted the cabbie.

"Lassie, I need tae get back in tae yer guid books again," said Gordon suddenly pointing to the men's outfitters they had stopped outside. "Ye want men's claes then here's the best place, my tailor."

"No sir, not dressed like this," said Juliette pointing to her ornate dress.

"Women buy suits for their men folk aw the time, ye wid be buying them, not fur yer man but fur yersel."

"No, I said," Juliette looking angrier and lovelier.

"My tailor can make onything and is very discreet," continued Gordon. "I'll pay the bill as a token of friendship." Then he added why do you want to wear male breeks onywey?"

"I just want to go back home and it will be easier to do that without these skirts," said Juliette, "these are not like the kilt you know."

"I'm sure that they are nae but I'm sure ye wid have looked lovely in plus fours," Gordon replied smiling.

Still not trusting him, Juliette asked him to start the coach in motion again, which he duly did with his cane. It stopped short of its destination once more as Gordon jumped out at a flower seller's stall and bought a huge bunch of flowers. That caused the old woman to shout out, "A merry Christmas to you sir."

"For ye Juliette, a peace offering," said Gordon handing the large bunch of flowers to Juliette. She promptly smelled the bunch and smiled. Breathing the perfume of the roses, Juliette relaxed slightly. After the long day she was tired and she wasn't sure how Leila would react to her disappearance.

"You had better explain to my chaperone about my afternoon with you, I was due to attend a physician in Harley Street this afternoon," said Juliette.

"Nae problem lassie, I'll keep her sweet," said Gordon. "By the way you start rehearsals as understudy on Wednesday morning at the theatre. You'll play the part of Mabel when the main actress is indisposed," he continued springing a big surprise on her. "She's a witty young thing, I think you'll enjoy it."

"Oh you," said Juliette inwardly scared and upset that she would not be able to escape for some considerable amount of time yet. Mabel was a tough part to play with many appearances and costume changes. 'It was going to be hard,' thought Juliette.

Chapter 8 - Dinner at Marmion

Gordon did his best to placate Leila but Juliette still felt her verbal torrent as the two girls reached the sanctity of Juliette's now familiar bedroom.

"How could you allow yourself to be taken in by that man?" Asked Leila almost in tears with rage.

"I don't know," said Juliette sitting dumbly on the bed hands on her lap.

"The real reason? Juliette tell me the real reason, why did you go with him knowing I would be worried about you?" Asked Leila who sat beside her and grabbed Juliette's tight kid skin gloved hands and raised them to her lips.

"You want honesty, when we are living a lie?" Returned Juliette.

"Yes we are lovers and there are no lies between lovers," Leila continued.

"No I suppose not, just please promise me you'll not punish me. I feel I have been punished enough today," said Juliette and as she did, one of the kitchen maids entered with a large vase full of the roses that Gordon had bought. The maid placed them on the bedside table, curtseyed and left.

"I'll not punish you," said Leila kissing her on the lips.

"It was Gordon, he told me he could help me escape from here and agreed to help me get some male clothes and a carriage to some other place. In the event he duped me and I have a new trunk of women's clothing to wear," said Juliette honestly pointing to the large trunk on the floor. As the maid made towards the door, Leila asked her to open the trunk. The first item out was the wedding dress and Leila rose to admire the handiwork.

"Oh Juliette, it is absolutely adorable. How lovely let me see you wear it," said Leila suddenly rushing to ring for Yvette.

Juliette stood as Yvette first helped her out of her morning dress and then helped her step into the wedding dress. There were oohs and aahs from both Leila and Yvette until it became apparent that the dress was for an 18" waist and would never close as Juliette's waist was still too wide.

"Your Gordon likes the small waists too, I see," said Leila, " we'll have to get you smaller yet."

"No Leila, please no, my waist is already too small, please no," said Juliette feeling the wonderful dress against her skin for the first time.

Leila whispered in her ear, "ma cherie, you'll wear this dress when we get married, you'll be the bride and I will be the groom, you'll be my wife."

Juliette pulled back and dropped her jaw in astonishment. "So this is what this is all about," she burst out looking incredulous and turned with such force that poor Yvette tending to the long train was unbalanced and fell over. Leila helped the servant girl back on to her feet.

"Leave us please," said Leila to Yvette as she stood brushing her dress down.

"Yes Mademoiselle," said Yvette who curtseyed and then left.

"I have rescheduled your appointment with the doctor," said Leila. "You will go tomorrow."

"Yes Leila," said Juliette and she helped take off the wedding dress. Leila left to attend to her toilet and that gave Juliette the chance to reflect on her day. Alone in her room, Juliette sat by the window and cried. Tears streamed down her face from the frustration she felt. She remembered the recent past, her forced wearing of skirts and corsets. There seemed no escape from the predicament she faced. Even her parent's financial and career motives had reaffirmed her status to stay stuck as she was.

Then there were the men who doted on her. Colin the teenage son who was infatuated with her and that obnoxious and odious Gordon who wanted to her into bed. Of course there is no way it seems that she can escape the clutch of Leila who had forced this unhappy state of affairs on her.

Juliette's thoughts were broken when she heard the soft knocking on the door.

"Hello are you well this evening and may I enter?" Asked Colin politely.

"Yes just a moment," said Juliette drying her eyes and putting on a dressing gown. She quickly hurried to the door. Colin entered and immediately raised her hand to his lips. He could see she had been crying.

"What's the matter, why the tears dearest?" He asked.

"It's nothing," said Juliette replied blowing her nose on a lace embroidered handkerchief.

"There must be something wrong you don't cry for nothing," he said holding her by the shoulders. Her blouse soft and satiny, Juliette thought quickly, "I just miss my sisters and my parents."

"You poor wee thing, have we been inconsiderate?" Asked Colin concerned and taking her hand and leading her back to the window seat.

"No you haven't, it's just that I long to go home for Christmas and I can't do that now."

"Leave it with me, I will speak with father right now," said Colin who on leaving was replaced by Yvette who had passed the door.

"Are you dining this evening Miss?" Asked the maid. "There is a small dinner with several friends of Sir Iain and Colin."

"I hadn't thought about it Yvette," said Juliette, the tight corsets she wore now suppressing the former man sized appetite she used to enjoy. "The answer must be yes but do you think it might be possible to eat in here this evening?"

"Yes of course Miss, are you unwell?" Asked the maid concerned with her new charge.

"Not unwell just a little tired Yvette, in truth I would love to sleep for a week."

"Why don't you take a nap then Miss. I'll wake you so that you can descend for dinner."

"Yes Yvette that would be wonderful," replied Juliette standing patiently so that Yvette could undo the dressing gown. Yvette loosened her stays just a little before placing the lightweight silk nightdress over head.

"Lie there Miss," said Yvette, removing the tightly laced boots on Juliette's feet. Juliette sighed and asked the maid to rub them.

"Oh my poor feet Yvette," said Juliette under Yvette's magical touch.

"Yes Miss then the fashions demand small dainty feet and waists these days. We women have to suffer to please our menfolk," added Yvette with some familiarity but Juliette was falling asleep. She looked at her stocking covered foot and tried to stretch her toes. They were taking on an odd distinct shape with a high arch. She fell asleep after Yvette had finished her rubbing.

When she awoke it was six o clock and a light from Leila's bedroom indicated her presence nearby. At that moment she could feel a stirring in her groin. Her maleness so long hidden was rising as she caught sight of the naked Leila approaching her bed. Leila's breasts bouncing slightly as she walked. Her waist small and trim while her hips were wide. Leila sat down on the side of the bed and gently leaned down to kiss her on the lips.

"After what happened with Gordon, are you sorry? You're a young fool aren't you?" Leila was serious but not in a threatening way.

"Yes Leila," said Juliette, "I am do you forgive me?"

"Can't you see that men like him have ulterior motives in their mind when they will say they will help a young lady. What did you expect?"

"I thought I could trust him, he said he wanted to help me and not that he wanted to assault me."

"Now tell me what do you think would have happened if he discovered your little secret? Would you still be alive or lying in a pool of blood?"

"I don't know," said Juliette.

"Well I have a feeling you would be lying in a pool of blood outside your hotel bedroom window having made the fastest descent to the ground floor since it was built. Gordon would not and does not suffer being misled easily and you would have his wrath if you had misled him."

"Yes I know but it was trying to stop the deception that drove me to it," said Juliette sitting up as much as her corset would allow.

"Juliette we discussed this, you just can't stop being Juliette now, you are Juliette and running away isn't possible. You have to be her and have you not noticed that no-one misses Julian."

"Yes Leila, I have," sighed Juliette.

"Come now. Your company is requested at dinner tonight. The house is anxious to learn of your day," said Leila summoning the maid.

Yvette began removing Juliette's day corset and then used a damp cloth to wipe Juliette's body down. After a silk slip was dropped over her body, a new corset in white and cream was taken from a drawer. Before she could protest, Yvette had wrapped it around her waist and had begun to deftly tighten the stays. It took some effort, the long corset stretching from below her nipples down past her hips.

Juliette began to feel quite faint but still the tightening continued. At last the laces were tied off and Juliette could move again. She moved to do her toilet before proceeding with the evening dress. However Yvette wasn't finished. She undid the laces and tied them to lacing machine that tightened them still further. Juliette groaned as both Yvette and Leila smiled at her discomfort. At last the back was closed half an inch tighter than ever before and she was about to see why.

She stepped into three petticoats and each was tied behind her. An exquisite Royal Blue ball gown was laid out and it was eased upwards past the underskirts before it was brought up her now constricted body. The inner underskirt was tight and restrictive while the outer two were full and billowing.

The dress bodice was tight and each button spaced at half an inch was painstakingly closed by Yvette. Some ten minutes passed and the dress hung beautifully full and billowing at the bottom with a long train but tight at the waist. The largest shock for Juliette though was that the dress fit like a glove. At that point two tight matching elbow length kid gloves were drawn up her arms and two small buckles were used to stop them falling down. A small card and pencil, a bracelet of three strands of pearls and a few gold rings were added. A matching pearl necklace was placed around Juliette's tall slender neck and two pearl earrings were clipped to her lobes. A large blue head dress was added to Juliette's bunched up hair and came complete with ornate peacock feathers.

Juliette overcame the constriction of her tight collar and looked down slightly and could see her visible cleavage. Yvette continued to be busy as a pair of matching blue evening slippers were added to her feet. Like the dress and gloves they were tight. The heels were also higher than Juliette had known beforeand she felt her feet and toes cramped in the tight confines.

"Yvette where did all this come from?"

"This dress was the last to be made for Sir Iain's late wife, he asked that you wear it this evening."

"Why?"

"Because he wanted to see if it suited you," said Yvette who continued to fuss with Juliette.

"And does it?" Asked Juliette again struggling for breath as she stood on the heels for the first time.

"Oh yes Miss, it does," smiled Yvette holding Juliette's arms in support.

"I cant breathe, I cant walk in these shoes they hurt so much, my neck is held in a vice, the corset holds my thighs together, I can't be expected to stay like this all night," said Juliette unhappy despite her appearance. She placed her hands on her waist and panted quickly.

"Try to breathe slowly," said Leila who had rejoined them wearing a cream coloured dress she had worn before. "You look so becoming Juliette, like this was meant to be. Colin is going to wild when he sees you."

Yvette attended to Leila and Juliette had time to look at her image. She stared over shoulder carefully and saw the large bustle that jutted out from her rear. 'The fashions have changed since this dress was made,' though Juliette. 'How am I going to sit in this?'

'Odd,' thought Juliette, peacock feathers belong to the male but now they belong to me and I'm acting as a female.'

Some white powder was applied to her face and then some rouge to the cheeks and nose. A final touch was the matching blue shawl and a small handbag looped around her left wrist. Juliette looked at the image in the mirror and could see that all traces of masculinity had been removed. She felt a stirring in her crotch but before she could do or say anything, Leila approached and put her arms around her waist.

"How do you like your new look?" Asked Leila, "isn't this dress beautiful?"

"Yes Leila, I like it," said Juliette and she clutched the skirts and moved slightly from side to side. Before she could do anything else Leila put some eau de Cologne on her neck and wrists and then did the same to Juliette.

As they moved towards the door, Juliette said, "thank you Yvette."

"No thank you Miss Juliette, You look devine, the most beautiful woman I have ever dressed and that includes Lady Marshall herself God rest her soul," said Yvette crossing herself.

Juliette did not faint this time she entered the dining room area after a slow and careful descent of the stairs. As she entered the room she could sense that all eyes were on her. She lowered hers demurely until she was introduced. The room was quite crowded with over a dozen men and women in deep conversation. After the formal introductions were over, Juliette watched the men stare as they smoked their cigars in front of the fire. Two women approached and introduced themselves.

"I'm Lady Ponsonby and this is my daughter Julia, we've heard so much about you from Colin this evening and it is pleasure to meet you both," said the aristocratic and quite petite woman.

Juliette felt ill at ease and she could sense Julia's displeasure at something. Whispering to Leila and covering her lips with her fan she soon found out.

"You stole Colin from her," said Leila. "Why do you think she hates you?"

"She can have him," said Juliette smiling through her teeth.

"Yes the problem is he doesn't want her any more, he wants you as his bride."

"Well he can't have me can he?" Said Juliette sarcastically.

"No my dear, only I can have you and I will," said Leila.

Despite Julia's antipathy, Juliette was attracted to the beautiful girl however unlikely that they would be friends. Juliette was determined to accomplish that before the night was out.

"My lords ladies and gentlemen," announced George the butler, "dinner is served."

Juliette was escorted to her table by Colin who conveniently sat between her and Julia. The first course was a warming Scotch broth but it tasted awful to Juliette. She gave up after the second mouthful though the others continued grimacing with each mouthful. Even Sir Iain looked dismayed. The guests politely sat and endured.

However the second course of roast beef and Yorkshire pudding soon brought smiles to those gathered. However just as the meal was being served there was a flurry of activity and two new places were set. Juliette looked away in displeasure when Gordon and a new woman friend arrived with some fuss.

"Oh god no," whispered Juliette but loud enough that the man on her right overheard her.

"My sentiment exactly dear," he whispered in reply to the disapproving looks from his partner over the table. Everything though continued as normal with the men wolfing down large portions of beef while Juliette could only pick and eat small portions.

"I fear my appetite is quite stifled by this tight dress," said Juliette to Colin. "A few bites and I feel sated."

"I will bring you some supper later," he replied quietly adding, "if I may."

"Oh Colin let me think about that, though it does sound nice."

After the dinner, the men retired to the library while the ladies were able to have a lively discussion about the matters of the day that affected women. Juliette clung to Leila but then seized the moment to talk to Julia alone.

"I know how you must feel," Juliette said to her unhappy neighbour. Juliette looked down at Julia's open neck dress that revealed her breasts rising and falling quickly.

"Do you?"

"Yes I think so, however I wanted you to know that despite Colin's love for me I don't love him."

"You don't?"

"I don't love him, we're good friends but I don't want to love him."

"I can see he has eyes for you though and he feels colder towards me. The last time we met he was all over me, now he has hardly talked with me this evening and you are the cause."

"I know that and I regret your hurt, men are so fickle," said Juliette sincerely.

"Do you really? Then will you tell him you don't love him?"

"I like Colin very much and I am reluctant to hurt him. We need to convince him that you're the right woman in his life," added Juliette trying to be conciliatory.

Julia brightened up, "you're very nice Juliette my dear," and she hugged Juliette with some joy, pulling back she continued, "I'm sorry I misjudged you."

"I can assure you that you have nothing to fear from me. I don't intend to marry Colin Marshall."

"Then we shall be friends, if you will help me woo him back," said Julia and she kissed Juliette on the cheek. Juliette felt like kissing Julia's wet lips but a disapproving look from Leila stopped her.

"I'm glad that I have set your mind at ease and I will do all I can," repeated Juliette. "He is a handsome young man and you really have nought to fear from me."

Both girls hugged again and Juliette could feel her desire rising. As they broke off, the men poured in smelling of cigars and cigarettes. Colin rushed over to greet both Juliette and Julia.

"You didn't tell me you were seeing Julia," said Juliette to Colin straight to the point.

"Yes we've been friends since we were children but there is nothing between us now I believe," replied Colin. "You know I have eyes for you."

"Yes but she is under a different impression and you haven't been honest with me or her," continued Juliette indignantly.

"Juliette," he said but she decided that she wouldn't talk any further and walked over to talk to Leila.

"What was all that about young lady?"

Juliette then recounted what had been said.

"Oh that wasn't very diplomatic. I fear Julia will be disappointed with Colin's hard hearted attitude towards her," said Leila who walked over to offer handkerchief to the upset girl.

Meanwhile Gordon had just freed himself from a long talk with Iain Marshall and homed on the lonely and elegant figure of Juliette.

"There ye are Juliette, I just wanted to apologise for my behaviour this afternoon, will ye forgive me," he asked.

"Yes I will on two conditions," said Juliette sounding confident.

"Yes? Name them."

"On the condition that you never ever compromise me again like you did this afternoon and that your offer of help and assistance still exists.

"You have ma word on both counts. I most heartily apologise for today and I vow tae help ye and assist ye in ony wey I can."

With that Juliette lifted her glove and Gordon kissed it before taking a glass of champagne instead of fruit cordial.

"In that case I do forgive you but only when you complete your offer of assistance," said Juliette, "so please don't ask me to be your bride again."

"Very well, I'll dae as ye ask in the slightest hope that I may still win your hand. Juliette I will nae gie up that hope easily."

"Who was the woman you arrived with?"

"That's my sister Marjorie and I owed her an evening out," he smiled.

"You're lying again aren't you?" Asked Juliette

"Yes how can you tell?" He replied.

"She's not your type," said Juliette.

"Yes, you're my type Juliette," said Gordon flirting as Leila returned.

"I hope you apologised for today Gordon," Leila said sternly to Gordon.

"You know what transpired?" He asked.

"Yes I know," replied Leila.

"That's the reason I came here tonight."

Colin joined them looking fed up with Julia hanging around his person. "Juliette can I get you another glass of champagne?" He asked in his now doting style.

"Yes that would be nice," said Juliette but Leila had other ideas.

"She has a busy day tomorrow," said Leila. "She has a doctor's appointment in the morning and rehearsing her lines in the afternoon."

"Nothing serious I hope," said Gordon, "Your trip to the doctor I mean."

"No just a check-up after my fall yesterday, my rear is so tender," lied Juliette.

"You look radiant today," said Gordon who beat Colin to the compliment.

"Thank you," said Juliette who was beginning to tire out quickly. The dress so tight and heavy and the combination of the alcohol and a still empty stomach were contriving to make her feel light headed. Leila though was in fine form and took control pulling Juliette to one side.

"Excuse us gentlemen, while we talk together," said Leila.

"Of course," said Gordon and Colin almost in unison.

"No more champagne or you will go back to your room right now in disgrace. Is that the way you want it?" asked Leila to Juliette quietly.

"Right now going back to my room would be heaven," whispered Juliette. "My feet ache, I feel like I am being cut in half by this corset. This dress is so difficult to walk in."

Speaking louder Leila, spoke "but Juliette you have a duty to entertain both Sir Iain and Colin's guests this evening, doesn't that matter?"

"At the moment no, but yes you're right," said Juliette. Whispering again, "it's not so important as removing all this women's weeds and lying back in a warm bed with you."

"You can forget the idea of taking that corset off tonight and tomorrow if you do," threatened Leila.

"You have a busy day tomorrow afternoon too, I heard from Sir Iain that your parents sail from Southampton for Brazil on the evening tide."

"Do they?"

"Yes we must say goodbye at the station tomorrow and I am to be made your guardian in their absence."

Juliette loved Leila but the thought that she would not relent on this corset training would be too much. Leila took her over to a hard backed chair and Juliette sat down. The stiff corset prevented her from slouching against the back of the chair. Their conversation was interrupted with the arrival of the man who had been seated beside them at dinner.

"May I have the pleasure of this dance," he said bowing politely.

"Yes thank you," said Juliette keen to get out Leila's range. Juliette stood gracefully now quite used to the 3" heels she wore as the music started up and he took her for a waltz. Colin and Gordon stood and watched though Julia had hoped Colin would ask her. Instead he watched Juliette waltz with a man twice her age.

"My name is Michael, Sir Michael Rowlands," he said. "You without doubt the prettiest girl here and you dance well."

"Thank you, Sir Michael, my name is Juliette Smythe," said Juliette as they came together again, Juliette's moves were not lost on Colin or Gordon. 'This should give them something to think about,' thought Juliette. The large man guided her around the dance floor with ease, he was good and she felt completely under his guidance and control. The dance over she was escorted back to her seat where Colin was waiting.

"Colin this is Sir Michael Rowlands," said Juliette introducing the pair.

"Yes I know, he is a business partner to my father," said Colin who led her back to the dance floor just as the music started again. Juliette was fighting her lack of lung power as she was led around the floor. She decided to move less under her own power and to rely on Colin's strength instead. She felt frail and weak and it was a combination of the wickedly tight corset and the medication she took. There was also the effect on her mind too, she was becoming adsorbed with being Juliette more and more. On and on they danced, round and round, she was dizzy with the moves and they danced until the music stopped.

Juliette was hot and breathless, she struggled to find breath but there was no respite. There were beads of perspiration rolling down her cheeks and her forehead was dampening her hair. She wanted to sit and catch her breath. The tight corset was making it so difficult to breathe and she was desperate not to faint yet again. Juliette was about to sit but Gordon had other ideas.

"My dance I think," he smiled. Juliette groaned outwardly.

"No let me sit this one out please," pleaded Juliette.

"Oh you don't want to do that," replied Gordon quietly.

"Why?"

"Because I know your secret," he smiled. "I know who and what you really are. You're very good, Miss Juliette Smythe, exceptional in fact and my dear you will be mine."

With that he took an astonished Juliette's hand and led her out onto the dance floor without any protests for the next waltz.

 

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