💾 Archived View for tilde.pink › ~nifty › tv › the-feminisation-of-davy.gmi captured on 2024-05-10 at 13:32:43. Gemini links have been rewritten to link to archived content
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
The Feminisation of Davy:
Yet Another Story of Lingerie and
Corsets
Early the next afternoon Aunt arrived, laden with bags and boxes. At
her direction, I carried part of them to the room she was to occupy and
the rest to my own. By then I thoroughly regretted my bargain with her
but I was determined to stick with it so that they would have no
opportunity to laugh at me.
As soon as Aunt was settled she came to my room and said, "Well Davy,
shall we get started?" My heart sank but I took the dainty silk and
lace chemise she handed me from one of the bags, and going into the
bathroom, I undressed and put it on. Returning to my room I found Aunt
had unpacked most of the bags. My bed was piled high with lingerie,
hosiery, corsets, and other feminine apparel, while in my closet hung a
long row of gowns. Aunt, turning from the closet, saw me and smiling
said, "Davy you look better already. Now lets finish dressing you."
In a short time I was attired in all of the underthings: corset, hose,
bloomers, corset cover, and petticoat and struggling for breath against
the tight lacing. Aunt then took one of the dresses from the closet.
It was of plain black silk, with a narrow skirt draped to a suggestion
of a bustle in back. It had a high choker collar with fine white lace
about it, long narrow sleeves with lace cuffs, and fitted very snugly
about the waist and bosom.
With her help I struggled into it and was initiated into its mysteries
of hooks and eyes and snaps. It was by far the most complicated dress
I had worn. The dress was followed by shoes, wig, powder and rouge,
and lastly a fine emerald rig and cameo brooch.
Thus dressed, Aunt made me look at myself, and again I was surprised at
my feminine appearance. I had to admit to myself that I did not think
the severe black dress was as becoming as those I had worn on previous
occasions.
We went downstairs and I was paraded before Mother and Sue. They were
lavish in their praise. Mother, to my satisfaction, did say that she
thought that the dress was a trifle too severe for my age.
As before it took some time for me to become accustomed to my clothes,
but the afternoon fairly flew by, and before I knew it was time for
bed. Both Mother and Aunt came to my room and amid much laughter on
their part, and embarrassment on mine, helped me undress. When I was
clad only in my chemise, Aunt took from the closet a blue wool wrapper
and a pair of high-heeled mules. Helping me into them she handed me a
much ruffled flowered muslin nightgown and told me to change into it.
I protested that nightgowns weren't part of the bargain but got
nowhere. So for the rest of the week I slept in the dainty gown.
The next morning Aunt woke me and helped me to dress. or rather showed
me how. She felt that I should be able to do it for myself. Lacing my
corset was physically difficult but the rest, except for my hair, was
easy.
Arranging my hair was a long and trying job but Aunt patiently advised
me. Finally I was ready for breakfast dressed in a plain blue and
white cotton morning frock. When we got downstairs Mother complemented
me but chided us for being such slow pokes. She laughed heartily when
I explained that our delay was caused because Aunt had insisted that I
dress myself.
That afternoon Mother and Aunt left on a shopping expedition. They
begged me to accompany them but I steadfastly refused. After their
departure I read for a time, then becoming bored, I wandered about the
house, finally ending up in my own room. There I turned to the closet
and for the first time really examined the dresses hanging there.
There were more than I could possibly wear in a week. Though the
thought of them was embarrassing, there was a tiny tingle of excitement
down my spine.
Realizing that the morning dress I had on would not be appropriate for
dinner, I selected a rather plain dark green satin frock and changed
into it. I also changed to more formal shoes and rearranged my hair as
best I could. Then putting on the emerald ring, I surveyed myself with
satisfaction and went downstairs for the balance of the afternoon.
Mother and Aunt, laden with bags and bundles, arrived just in time for
dinner. Both approved my choice of gowns and hairdo, so I felt justly
proud at having earned this by myself.
The next morning I was dressed in my cotton house frock and downstairs
before the others got up. When they did appear I was given the usual
scrutiny and approved except for my hair. This they said wasn't
perfectly arranged but nonetheless good for a beginner.
After breakfast Aunt told me that she had purchased cloth for a suit
the previous day and asked if I would care to help her make it. I
agreed for time hung heavily on my hands.
Going up to the sewing room with her she unwrapped the bundle and
spreading the cloth out for my inspection said, "There. Don't you
think that will make a pretty suit?" It was a rather heavy
reddish-orange velvet. Indeed I agreed with her that it would make a
very handsome garment.
Then she got out the patter and started to work. I helped as best I
could and for the next few days alternated between seamstress and dress
dummy. In the process I acquired a considerable dexterity with needle
and thread and surprisingly enjoyed it more and more as we progressed.
That day we worked until the middle of the afternoon, when I changed
into a beige wool dress cut on very plain lines with a high neck and
long sleeves. It was trimmed with embroidery of a contrasting color.
After dinner we went for a walk. Over my dress I wore a long plain
black coat, black hat, purse, and gloves. Although I was nervous, the
walk was uneventful and I arrived home well pleased with myself.
By that time I had become quite accustomed to my clothes and felt at
ease while wearing them. Only occasionally did the corset bother me
and at times I actually found myself enjoying the feel of my skirts and
the daintiness and smart appearance of my apparel
The third morning found me attired in a floral print housegown. Soon
after breakfast Aunt and I were once again engrossed in our
dressmaking. Later in the afternoon I changed into the dark blue skirt
and frilly blouse that I had worn the first time Aunt dressed me as a
woman. Our work was well started. The skirt was finished and the
jacket beginning to take shape. Aunt was and extremely careful and
competent seamstress so that the cut and workmanship were excellent
All that day Mother and Aunt had alternately teased and dared me to go
to the theater with them that night. Finally I took the dare and for
the first time I really appeared in public as a woman.
Dinner over we got on our hats and coats and walked to the car line.
As the brightly lighted car stopped for us, I became so panic stricken
that they had to practically carry me into the car. After we were
seated I darted glances at the other passengers in the car. To my
relief none seemed to be paying any attention to me.
It was the same throughout the evening. I was frightened as could be
but my fears were in vain for nothing happened. I was never so
relieved as when we arrived safely home.
When my nerves quieted down I began to feel elated about my experience
and for the first time I realized that I was beginning to enjoy my
novel position. I knew I looked well in feminine attire and the
softness, daintiness, and variety of the clothes appealed to me more
and more.
The next day was much like the preceding ones. I spent the day in a
cotton house frock helping with the sewing. That afternoon I changed
into the blue silk gown I had worn the second time I appeared in
dresses.
By noon of the next day the suit was complete except for such finishing
touches as buttons which Aunt had not yet purchased. That afternoon
she got ready to go downtown to do this necessary shopping. Mother had
other plans so Aunt asked me to go with her. Though my trip to the
theater had immensely helped my confidence, I did not relish the
prospect of a trip in broad daylight. After much urging however I
consented and we started out.
I wore a rather plain light brown suit, its long open jacket had
flaring skirts trimmed with gold braid. The skirt was perfectly plain
and worn with a ruffled white silk blouse with a high neck. I also had
on a brown hat with a heavy veil, brown purse and gloves, and a gold
bracelet.
I was very nervous at first but by the time we were downtown and in the
stores I began to relax. The saleswomen were most polite and seemed to
find nothing unusual about me. One delighted me, and amused Aunt, by
saying, "My Miss, but you wear your clothes nicely."
Aunt shopped with a vengeance. After getting the notions to finish the
suit, she bought a lovely sheer silk blouse with a froth of lace
ruffles down the front. This was followed by a dainty silk and lace
chemise, bloomers, petticoat, hose, a very nice corset, a salmon
colored velvet hat with matching purse and gloves, and finally a pair
of reddish brown high-heeled shoes. I stayed with her the whole time.
Frequently I was embarrassed when the clerks showed me, as well as
Aunt, the dainty apparel. I very much enjoyed the afternoon and
frequently made comments on the things she was considering.
The scope of her purchases amazed me for she already had plenty of
clothes. When I inquired about it she merely said that she wanted an
entirely new outfit to go with the suit.
I was tired and excited when we got home and elated at the good job I
had done with my masquerading. All the nice things I had seen had
opened my eyes to the possibilities a woman has in selecting clothes.
This added to my already awakened interest in things feminine.
The next day the suit was done. It was lovely. The excellence of the
material and workmanship combined to make a very smart garment. At
lunch Mother and Aunt decided that as it was Saturday they would make
an occasion out of our dinner that evening.
About five they sent me upstairs to bathe. When I came back to my
room, in my blue wrapper, Aunt was laying clothes out on my bed. First
she gave me a chemise which was most unusual for it had no shoulder
straps. Putting it on, I found it had elastic about the top of the
bodice to hold it up. Then came the corset. It was very dainty and
much more wasp waisted than the ones I had been wearing. Aunt really
had a struggle to get it laced tight enough but what a wonderful figure
it did give me.
The corset was followed by hose, bloomers, and a petticoat that like
the chemise had no shoulder straps. Aunt then helped me into the
evening gown. It was of a heavy cream colored satin trimmed with bands
of black lace about the skirt and bodice. It had no shoulder straps so
the mystery of the chemise and petticoat were solved. The band of lace
that formed the top of the bodice went around the arm as well forming
and off the shoulder sleeve', rather like the gowns popular before the
Civil War.
Aunt then produced a pair of black silk pumps which were most strange
after the high button shoes I had worn until then. I then sat
patiently while she arranged my hair, placing the knot lower on my neck
than usual, and putting an artificial white flower on each side just
above my ears. Finally she powered my face, neck, arms, and back - put
a string of pearls around my neck, and gave me two rings and a bracelet
to wear.
"There now!", she said, "You're ready for the party. Now run look at
yourself."
I started downstairs to look at myself in the hall mirror when she
called me back and made me put on an extremely long pair of white kid
gloves. They came above my elbows and opened at the wrist in such a
way that I could get my hand out and roll the glove back on my wrist
without taking it off my arm. At her direction I put the bracelet over
the glove. Lastly took a black lace fan she handed me and then went
down while she went in to dress.
Standing before the mirror, I was amazed at my appearance. The full
skirt, narrow waist, and bare shoulders combined to make me look like
some lovely fragile flower. The low hairdo made my shoulders look
softer and narrower while the creamy silk was a most complementary
color. The added touches of fan, gloves, and flowers in my hair were
most helpful. I was so delighted that I laughed to myself as I turned
to view myself from every possible angle.
As I stood there Mother came down and seeing me exclaimed, "Oh Davy!
You're lovely!" Kissing me soundly she continued, "Dear you have no
idea how pretty you are. You make me very proud, for few mothers have
such lovely daughters."
I thanked her for the complement, and then Aunt came down dressed, as
was Mother, in an evening gown. We all stood there admiring our images
and then with their praises ringing in my ears, we went in to dinner.
Though we had to laugh at ourselves for dressing so formally for a Hen
Party, we all had an extremely pleasant evening. At every opportunity
I went out into the hall to look at myself. Each time I did so I
became more enamored with my appearance. When I finally got ready for
bed that evening, I took off my dainty gown with genuine regret.
The next morning I was glad that my week as a woman was nearly over. I
had become accustomed to and even fond of my feminine apparel but I
looked forward to resuming my own clothes that afternoon.
At the breakfast table Mother and Aunt decided to have luncheon
downtown and see a matinee afterwards. I pleaded to be allowed to
resume my own clothes before we started. Aunt reminded me that our
bargain was for a full week which wouldn't be up until late afternoon.
I grouchily agreed and spent the morning in my cotton frock reading and
feeling sorry for myself.
About 11:30 Mother announced that it was time to get ready, so we all
went upstairs. I asked Aunt what I should wear and she replied that
she would decide while I was bathing. I took off my cotton frock and
underthings and putting on the blue wrapper, and went in to bath.
When I returned Aunt handed me a pale pink silk chemise trimmed with
loads of hand sewn ecru lace. I recognized it as the one she had
purchased the afternoon we went shopping together. It was so lovely
that I felt an awful desire to wear it but felt nonetheless that I
shouldn't wear her newest things. I explained this to her but she poo
pood the idea and told me to go ahead and put it on. I didn't wait for
a second invitation. Stepping into the dainty thing, I felt a thrill
as I drew it over my body.
Next came the corset. It also was new and made of flesh colored satin
trimmed with rosettes of blue ribbon. The bloomers matched the chemise
and the petticoat was of heavy white silk with lace trimming and
ruffles around the bottom where it would show occasionally beneath my
skirts.
When I had the lingerie all on, she gave me the dainty ruffled silk
blouse we had purchased and followed this with the skirt to the orange
velvet suit we had made that week. At this I again protested at
wearing her new things. I was hushed and soon had the skirt on and was
buttoning up the new reddish brown shoes while she arranged my hair.
When this was done she powdered my face, gave me two rings and a
bracelet, and fastened a silver broach into the ruffles at my throat.
I then got into the jacket and Aunt placed the matching hat on my heat.
Once it was pinned into place she drew the veil over my face. Lastly
she gave me the matching purse and gloves.
Thrilled with these lovely new clothes I thanked her and added, "Aunt I
love these clothes but I shouldn't be wearing them. What if something
should happen to them?"
"But Davy! You don't understand. They're not my things, they're
yours."
"Mine?", I gasped.
"Why yes, Davy. Didn't you know that I got them as a present to you?"
"Oh Aunt!" I exclaimed, strangely thrilled, "Thank you ever so much but
what will I do with them? I'm through wearing dresses this afternoon."
"Oh don't worry Davy!" she replied with a most enigmatic smile, "I
imagine that you will find some use for them."
I followed her downstairs where Mother was waiting. Seeing me she
exclaimed at my smart appearance and looked at myself in the hall
mirror, I agreed with her. The suit, a lovely color in the latest
fashion, was very becoming and I looked to be a smart and attractive
young woman. I was justifiably proud and doubly so when I thought that
all the lovely things I wore were mine.
As we left the house I was nervous. The silken softness of my
underthings, the tickling of lace, and the swish of my skirts reassured
me and I soon relaxed. Also, the thought of the smartness of my attire
and appearance began to reassert themselves and soon I was bursting
with pride.
We lunched at the smartest place in town. As we were leaving I
received the crowning touch when I heard one woman whisper to another,
"My but that girl in the orange suit is pretty. I wonder who she is?"
Mother and Aunt also heard this and gave me quite a teasing when we
were out of earshot. When the matinee was over we had a light supper
and then went home.
Before we got there my week as a woman was over. With lots of time
left that evening, I felt not the slightest desire to change. My new
clothes so delighted me that I felt that I would never like to be
without them.
As Aunt was leaving in the morning, we stayed up quite late. Just
before we went upstairs she said to me, "Well Davy has the past week
been as bad as you thought it would be?"
Of course I couldn't admit the feelings that were growing within me, so
I said, "Oh a person can get used to anything Aunt."
Both of them laughed at this and Mother said, "Frances, I think he's
beginning to like playing a woman's part and wearing woman's clothing."
"Oh no I don't!" I exclaimed, but gave the lie to myself by blushing at
her penetrating remark.
Mother laughed again saying, "He may fool you Frances but I know him
too well. He's delighted by the clothes you gave him and I don't blame
him a bit for they're lovely and so becoming. I'm very pleased to have
such a lovely daughter, for that's what he really is when he's dressed
as a girl like now. No one would possibly say that Davy sitting over
there in that lovely suit is in any way masculine. In fact I've become
convinced the last few days that nature really made a mistake with
Davy. One thought that he can easily rectify by dressing for his
proper role in life, that of a girl."
Aunt replied in a serious tone, "I agree with you Agnes. Davy must
really be a girl at heart for otherwise he couldn't appear so
completely like one. I've had so much fun the past week with him. I
so hope he won't get stubborn and refuse to wear his new things from
time to time."
"Oh I'm sure he will.", said Mother while I maintained an embarrassed
silence. Then we all went up to bed. As I undressed, I lingered
between each article of clothing. When I went to bed, by choice, I
wore one of Aunts gowns.
When I arose the next morning I longed to put on my new finery.
Realizing that it would be a dead giveaway I put on my own clothes
while regretting that our bargain hadn't been for a month instead of a
week.
Indeed my clothes felt strange particularly the trousers. My skin ,
accustomed to silk, rebelled at their roughness. This sensation passed
and I began to feel natural by the time I got to the breakfast table.
Neither Mother or Aunt made any comment about my appearance.
For the first few days after Aunt's departure everything went smoothly
except that every time I noticed the velvet suit or the drawer full of
lingerie, I felt a tingle down my spine. It wasn't that I wished to
wear them so much as it was a pride of ownership. Oddly, the fact that
they were mine was pleasing out of all proportion.
On several occasions Mother urged me to wear them but I always refused.
I was afraid of their ridicule.
One afternoon while Mother and Sue were out I was wandering about the
house and noticed the velvet suit. No sooner had I seen it than I had
an intense desire to put it on. The thought that I could do so
undetected was too much to resist. So before many minutes had past, I
was undressed and stepping into the chemise.
In time I was dressed, had arranged the wig which Aunt had given me
with the clothes, and was downstairs admiring myself in the mirror. It
was then that I realized that my pride of ownership had really been a
subconscious desire to wear the clothes. A most satisfied feeling
pervaded my very soul.
The rest of the afternoon was delightful. I really didn't do a thing
but the mere fact that I was dressed as a woman made me happy beyond
measure.
I finally changed back to my own clothes just before Mother came in.
In response to her inquiries, I told her that I had spent the afternoon
reading. That evening I was miserable. I missed my dresses so much
that I could hardly stand it. Several times Mother asked me why I was
so restless.
Finally she said, "Davy! What in the world is the matter with you?
You've been getting grouchy and more nervous every day lately. You're
not at all like you were last week." I replied that it was her
imagination.
"No it's not. If you don't cheer up I'll insist that you dress as a
woman again, for you never spoke one sharp word the entire time you
were wearing Frances's things." My heart leaped as I realized this was
a possible excuse to wear my feminine things, but openly I ridiculed
her suggestions.
I woke early the next morning and lay in bed trying to work my courage
up to the point where I could wear my feminine things. I was still to
afraid of ridicule and an expose of my real thoughts. I called myself
all sorts of names but it was in vain. The more I tried the more
despondent I became. When Mother came in to wake me I was in a
terrible mood and quite rude to her.
She became angry and said, "Now look here Davy, I'm not going to stand
for your vile humor anymore. You get right up and put on the clothes
Frances gave you. Perhaps that will make you behave."
Pleased by her tirade, but trying not to show it, I got up and started
to dress without saying a word. My salmon skirt and ruffled blouse
were hardly suitable for that time of day but that really made no
difference. At least I was getting to dress as I wished.
Finally dressed I went down to breakfast. When Mother saw my face she
said, "You don't hate those clothes Davy. If you did they wouldn't
cheer you up the way they do."
I didn't reply but happily sat down and ate to the tune of Sue's
complements. I wore the clothes all day, putting on the jacket at
dinner time. All the while I was so happy that Mother remarked again
and again at my improved disposition. She vowed to treat me in the
same way every time I got out of sorts.
As a matter of policy, I kept cheerful the next day. This avoided
trouble with Mother though I longed for my other clothes.
In the middle of the afternoon Aunt called and asked us for dinner. We
accepted and Mother said, "Frances would be delighted if you would wear
your new clothes." I was torn between fear and desire. Desire won and
later when we left for Aunt's, I wore my salmon suit.
When Aunt saw me she fairly shrieked with pleasure throwing her arms
around me and kissing me veil and all. When we were inside and I had
removed my hat and gloves she took me by both hands and said, "It's so
nice of you to have worn the suit Davy. I'm complemented beyond word."
She was so visibly pleased that I was glad indeed that I had followed
Mothers suggestion.
Just then Martha appeared and I had to stand and undergo her
inspection. I swelled with pride at her complements. Then we sat down
to have a pleasant dinner end evenings visit.
After that evening I felt that I could wear my feminine things more
freely. Though I didn't put them on voluntarily, I did dress as a
woman practically every time Mother or Aunt asked me to. As the
violence of my opposition relaxed they requested with increasing
frequency. Before long hardly a day went by that I didn't wear my
feminine things at some time or other.
One morning as I was helping Mother about the house, wearing my frilly
blouse and salmon skirt, she remarked, "Davy, we're going to have to
get you some more dresses. That nice suit will be ruined if you wear
it for housework." I replied that it wouldn't hurt it and then forgot
all about the matter.
Several times in the next few days Mother and Aunt went downtown
without asking me to accompany them. The following Saturday when we
went to Aunts for dinner, I got a real surprise. When our meal was
over they led me into the parlor and up to a tremendous pile of
packages. "Open them Davy.", Aunt said.
I was completely mystified but at their bidding I took up a box and
opened it. It contained a lovely black wide-brimmed feather trimmed
hat. Still puzzled I said, "It's really nice but why should I be
opening it?"
At that they both laughed and Aunt said, "Why Davy, you silly goose,
those bundles are for you. Agnes and I thought you needed more things.
Now go ahead and open all of them."
This was indeed exciting news and I fairly flew at the pile. Before
long I had them all open and what a wonderful lot of clothes they
revealed. There was a very stylish suit of black silk with a long
bell-bottomed wide sleeved jacket and a white blouse trimmed with loads
of lace. There was also a formal afternoon dress in grayish beige
trimmed with embroidery. To wear outside was a dark brown fur trimmed
coat and narrow brimmed hat. For house work as Mother had suggested
was two cotton house frocks. There was also two complete changes of
lingerie, not as dainty as that I had on but still very nice. With
them was two lovely corsets and lots of hose. For my feet was a pair
of high black shoes and also a pair of beige pumps to match my new
dress as well as two purses with gloves to match. For jewelry I got a
string of pearls, gold bracelet, a lovely topaz ring, and a pair of
gold earrings. There were also such incidental accessories as veils,
hat pins, dainty handkerchiefs, perfume, and powder
The lavishness of these gifts overwhelmed me. There was no longer any
use pretending that I didn't like feminine things. I fairly bubbled
over thanking Mother and Aunt and they seemed just as pleased as me. I
couldn't wait to try on my new things. I took up the black and white
suit and excusing myself went upstairs.
There I took off my salmon suit and slipped into the new one. After
rearranging my hair I went into the full length mirror in Aunts room.
What I saw delighted me for the extremely feminine suit was most
becoming. After admiring myself for a few minutes, I went downstairs,
paused in the hall to gain poise, then swept into the room in my
grandest manner. I stopped in front of Mother and Aunt and gravely
revolved as a model would do in a fashion show. They watched my
pirouette and when I finished and had given them a deep curtsy, they
jumped to their feet with cries of pleasure.
For the next few minutes I was the center of attention. They
complemented me on my appearance and themselves on their good taste in
picking such a becoming outfit. Then someone remembered the jewelry
and in a few moments I had the pearls, bracelet, and ring on. The
earrings required I have my ears pierced. I swore I wouldn't allow it
but secretly resolved to have it done at the first opportunity.
When it came time to go home I packed up as many of the new things as I
could carry. After I hat put on my wide brimmed hat and new coat we
left with Mother carrying more of the new things. It took a long time
for me to get to bed when we did get home, for I lovingly examined each
new article before I put it away.
Rising early the next morning I decided to wear my new things despite
any remark Mother might make about my doing so voluntarily. New
lingerie was followed by new corset, hose, and petticoat, a blue cotton
house frock, and the new black shoes. Just as I finished putting the
final pin in my hair, Mother came in to waken me.
Finding me up and dressed as I was, she was delighted. After chatting
with her for a few moments about my new clothes, she returned to her
room to dress while I went downstairs. Seeing me, Sue was astonished
and wished to know where I had gotten the new dress. I told her about
the gifts I had received and in answer to her questions, started
describing the new dresses.
After a while Mother came down and with a start I realized that I had
been gossiping with Sue like any woman. Despite the anomaly of my
position, I had been discussing corsets, lingerie, and all sorts of
feminine things without any sense of embarrassment or strangeness.
Even more surprisingly, neither Mother or Sue seemed to find anything
queer about the situation.
About ten Mother suggested that we go to church. Agreeing I asked her
what I should wear. She thought for a moment and then said, "Why I
think your new black silk suit would be most appropriate."
Surprised, I questioned, "You think I should wear a dress Mother?
Someone might recognize me."
At that she exclaimed, "Why I'd completely forgotten about you in men's
clothing." She then put me on the spot once and for all by continuing,
"I'm sure you wouldn't be recognized but you do as you like." I felt
that there was a malicious gleam in her eye as she said it but her
facial expression betrayed nothing.
There was nothing I could say to this so I wandered upstairs. Looking
at myself in the mirror, I thought over my predicament. Finally I said
to myself, "If you like to dress as a woman as much as you pretend and
wish to continue it, you'd better do the whole job or quit entirely.
Now which will it be?" As I finished saying that I raised my eyes to
the mirror and for the first time really saw myself for what I appeared
- a handsome, graceful, and vivacious young woman without taint of my
old nondescript masculine self.
My decision was made that instant. Slipping out of my house frock I
put on the silk suit, rearranged my hair, powdered my nose, and put on
my jewelry. Going downstairs I put on my new black hat and arranged
the veil once it was pinned in place. Putting on my gloves and taking
my purse I went in to tell Mother it was time to go.
She gave me an approving glance as she rose but said nothing about my
decision and soon we were on our way.
At church we met several of Mother's and my friends. Mother introduced
me to them as her niece, Davy. This name was only used in private by
my family and no one questioned me or thought it strange. After the
service I found myself entering into the general conversation on the
church steps. Several times I detected approving glances from some of
the men present.
Arriving home we went into the living room where Mother threw her arms
around me and burst into tears. I couldn't imagine what was the matter
until she sobbed, Oh Davy you were absolutely wonderful! I'm so glad
you decided as you did for it makes all the difference in the world in
you."
Her quick intuition had sensed my decision and seen its outward effect
on me. I no longer slinked and tried to hide. Now I walked like a
queen, proud of my beauty, my lovely clothes, and my ability to wear
them.
"But why cry Mother?"
"I can't help it.", she sobbed, "It's just that I'm so happy." Then as
I tried to dry her eyes I astonished myself. I started to cry to,
something I wouldn't have thought possible.
At last we were on a basis of understanding and spent most of the
afternoon discussing my venture into feminine life. I frankly
confessed the ever growing desire. At the same time I admitted the
fear of ridicule that had plagued me ever since the day Aunt first got
me into dresses. She explained how much she liked me in a feminine
role and that I had her complete approval to wear dresses whenever I
wished. It was agreed that I would do as I wished in the matter with
never any ridicule or criticism. The next morning I put on my blue
house frock and spent the time helping Mother about the house. At
lunch she suggested a shopping expedition and I eagerly agreed. I wore
my brown fur trimmed hat with a veil and under my coat the new
embroidery trimmed beige gown.
Our first stop was, as Mother explained, to buy some things I needed.
Our purchases consisted of several dainty silk and lace nightgowns, a
blue velvet feather trimmed negligee, and some mules. Mother consulted
me so much in purchasing them that they were really my selection. I
was delighted at the prospect of wearing these new things. I was also
pleased that Mother would trust my judgment so much in selecting
feminine underthings.
After that we did some incidental shopping and then, at Mothers
suggestion, dropped into a doctor's office where I had my ears pierced.
This was a surprisingly painless operation. To my utter gratification,
not even the doctor noticed anything strange about me.
That evening after undressing I put on the prettiest of the new gowns.
It was pale blue satin trimmed with hand run lace. I then slipped into
the negligee, put on the mules, and replacing the wig took out the pins
and combed the hair down about my shoulders. Then I went to let Mother
see me.
She was delighted and after kissing me said, "Davy you look sweet as
can be. Any man would instantly fall in love with you if he could see
you this way." Even this remark didn't embarrass me as it would have a
few days before. I was acquiring a feminine outlook and attitude
toward life. She and I gossiped while she combed out her hair and then
I went to bed to sleep wonderfully in my dainty gown. All the rest of
the week I wore feminine clothes. By Friday, when we went to the
theater with Frances, my ears were sufficiently healed to wear my new
earrings. During the intermissions I was introduced to several persons
whom I already knew and was proud indeed when I received several
complements on my beige gown. These encounters were always thrilling
and each time I passed inspection my ego was further inflated. For
almost another week I remained in dresses, then one morning decided to
wear my own clothes. They felt horribly coarse and strange.
Surprisingly I even missed my corset. Mother, true to her promise,
didn't say a word. Sue, and late Frances, both expressed their
disapproval in no uncertain terms. Frances, when asked to stay for
dinner, refused unless I changed - so I gave in.
As I was lacing my corset Frances knocked, and coming in said she would
help. I cheerfully agreed for it was always a struggle to lace myself
tight enough. She soon had me pulled in. As I put on my petticoat and
the black and white silk suit, she took up the wig and combed it out.
When I sat down in front of her she had to comb my hair carefully back
to keep it from bulking to large under the tight fitting wig. We wore
our hair long in those days and in addition I had not had a haircut
since embarking on my feminine career. I remarked that I must get it
cut as it was in the way and also uncomfortable under the wig. She
requested that I put it off for a few days as she had an idea. I asked
what it was but only got shushed for my pains.
The next time we went to Frances's, I wore my old favorite and most
becoming outfit, the salmon suit. When we had taken our things off
Frances took me upstairs. She sat me down at the dressing table and
removed my wig. I asked, "Did I do such a horrible job of putting it
up?"
"No Davy. It's not necessary that you wear it any longer. Your own
hair will be long enough with the help of these." And she held up two
switches for my inspection. First she parted my hair from ear to ear,
combing the hair in front of this part forward. She then pinned the
switches into this part and combed them back and down so that they
mixed with my own hair. After fastening it into a long roll across my
neck, she rolled the front part into a pompadour.
Finished, she held a mirror so I could see. It indeed did look nice.
It was in the latest sleek style and ever so much more comfortable than
the bulky wig.
"It looks grand Frances but how can I ever do it that was after I get a
haircut?"
"Oh you mustn't do that!", she exclaimed.
"But I can't go around any longer looking like I do."
"Why I think it looks nice Davy."
"Yes, but what about my other clothes."
"Phoo to them Davy. After I've gone to all the trouble of getting
these switches for you, you can't spoil their use by getting a haircut
just so you can wear your nasty old pants." I dropped the subject at
that time and went down with her.
When Mother saw my new hairdo, she was most complementary and said,
"Now you won't have to worry about being detected with a wig Davy.
Most women wear switches, so it won't make any difference if they are
seen."
I had not realized how uncomfortable my wig had been until that
evening. I was surprised by the cool comfort of this new hair
arrangement. I resolved however to get a haircut the next day but the
next morning the sight of the switches on my bureau challenged me to
try arranging them for myself. So before many minutes I was busy
experimenting with the new hairdo.
Day after day I intended to get a haircut but the thought of a new
hairdo made me defer it to the next day. Also, for more than a month,
I wore nothing but feminine things and that removed much of the
incentive.
During that time I was given a new frock, the basic black silk dress of
the period. It had mutton chop sleeves, a high neck, and a drape
suggestive of a bustle in back. I also talked Frances out of the blue
silk dress with lace trim that I had worn at first. These new dresses
gave me such a selection that I could always dress appropriately for
almost any occasion.
One afternoon I screwed up my courage and dressed in my black gown,
went shopping by myself. It took a lot of fortitude to make my first
purchase but when that obstacle had been passed, I fairly went wild. I
returned home well laden. Mother was both surprised and pleased when I
showed her my new purchases - a lovely pink silk chemise, hosiery, a
new purse, gloves, and a veil.
Finally came the day that marked the real turning point in my life.
Resolved to get the long neglected haircut I waited until Mother was
out. I then changed to my completely unfamiliar masculine attire. It
felt almost as strange as had dresses the first time I wore them.
I had to walk around the house for some time to re-accustom myself. My
skirts, corsets, and high-heeled shoes had completely changed my walk.
I had to force myself to stride rather than take the usual quick short
feminine step.
Finally I felt that I would pass, so taking my dusty hat from the
closet I put it on. At first I thought it had shrunk for it merely
perched on top of my head. Then I thought of my hair and stepped to
the hall mirror.
Looking at myself from the masculine point of view, I realized that I
looked absurd. My hair was impossibly long for a boy. The thought of
the barbers probable reaction was so embarrassing that I fled upstairs
and into the solace of petticoats. When Mother arrived home I asked
her to cut my hair, but she absolutely refused. Angry at her I swore I
would go out and get it cut the next day. Like many of my resolutions,
I never carried it out.
A week or so later I returned from a shopping expedition to find that
all of masculine clothing had been moved to the attic to make room for
my expanding feminine wardrobe. During that week Aunt had given me a
lovely rose lace evening gown with a black velvet cloak lined with rose
satin. Mother had also given me a fine seal coat.
I was delighted with these new clothes and though I immediately wore
the coat, I had to wait some time for an opportunity to wear the gown.
Finally the night came and we were off to the theater. The gown left
my shoulders and arms bare but was cut high enough in the bosom to
conceal my deceptive padding. With it I wore a new pair of gold and
coral earrings and arranged my hair lower on my neck than usual. I
made an attractive picture for both Mother and Aunt gasped when they
first saw me. At the theater I received so many favorable glances that
I thrilled with pride.
Thus the winter fairly flew by and before I knew it I was engrossed
with purchases for my summer wardrobe. Any remnants of desire to
return to a masculine life disappeared at Christmas when I was showered
with clothes and dainty underthings. I became very clothes conscious.
With Aunts help, I developed very good taste, so with all the gifts and
my own increasingly numerous purchases, I became a very chic young
woman. By Spring my hair was so long that I could do with only one
switch and before a year had passed, I dispensed with them entirely.
During the summer we took a trip and were so favorably impressed with
what was destined to become one of California's most fashionable towns,
that we decided to move there. While we were packing, I cut all ties
with the past by giving away all of the masculine attire I had left.
When we arrived at our new home, we purchased a house large enough for
the three of us and settled down to take our part in the life of the
town. It was a happy life indeed and soon we were enmeshed in its
social whirl. At first I had difficulty meeting men from the feminine
point of view but by thought and coaching I soon felt at ease in any
circumstances. In fact I became quite a belle and was given a rush by
several young men.
This was a lot of fun but I had to be constantly on the alert to repel
any amorous advances. This attitude at first seem to make the men more
eager than ever. When they learned it was no mere pose, they settled
down to treating me a good friend which was a most satisfactory basis.
I also made many feminine friends and soon got so that I could hold my
own with the best of them about the most intimate feminine matters.
One day about a year after our arrival Frances came in a most
exasperated mood. She had unable to find any nice underthings in the
shops and remarked that she had a mind to start a decent shop of her
own. At the time this remark didn't make any particular impression on
me but in time the idea became intriguing to both of us.
Soon we were enmeshed in our plans to open a really smart specialty
shop. Most of our friends thought that we were a couple foolish women
destined to fail but despite this we continued our plans. We were
terribly green and had a hard time making the necessary arrangements
and getting our stock together. Finally we were ready and held our
grand opening.
Most of the women we knew dropped in on opening day more from curiosity
than anything else. When they saw the exquisite things we had, we got
nothing but favorable comments.
From the first our effort prospered. In the beginning our lack of
business experience at first kept us from doing as well as we might
have. From our small beginning with nothing but lingerie, hosiery,
handkerchiefs, and veils we slowly branched out, first into corsets,
then hats and veils. Finally we became a complete women's shop.
I learned as we grew and in time even Frances had to admit that my
taste was better than hers. I loved our twice yearly shopping trips to
the East and could hardly resist keeping for myself most of the lovely
gowns and accessories we purchased for the shop. As it was I soon
became the best dressed woman in town and the more gowns I had the more
I wanted.
Thus the years have rolled by. I am now middle age but still chic
looking. I never think of myself as a man and the thought of wearing
men's clothes is abhorrent. I am very happy in my feminine role and
ask nothing more.
The End