Chapter 398.

Maria closed an hour early that day.  It meant she missed the after school trade, but she had a reason.
“Gwen?  Can you tidy up for me?  I need to have a chat with Tim here.  Tim, follow me.”
She led him into what appeared to be the stockroom.  She sat down in a chair and beckoned him to stand before her.
“I want to talk to you about something Tim.  Something you may not think about enough yourself.  Your future.”  Tim looked puzzled.  He made a questioning “mm?”
“It wasn’t a whim that Connie brought you here today.  I asked her to.  We go back a long way.  I used to work for ESDS, and then the teashop became available, and I had to make a decision.  In the end I plumped for the teashop.  I’d always fancied running a place like this – I started off in catering – and much as I regretted leaving Cassandra and the others, I think it was the right thing to do.  When I first saw your photos I knew I had to get to meet you.  You see, I had a particular role at ESDS.  I was the femboy trainer.  Do you know what that is?  I mean, do you know what a femboy is?  A real femboy, not just a pretty guy in a dress?”
Tim shook his head.
“I’ll explain.  A real femboy is a boy who most people would immediately take to be a girl – not just any girl, but an eye-catchingly, head-turningly pretty girl.  When I saw you, I wished I could be back at ESDS, helping you, training you, to be a femboy.  Because believe me, you would make a great one.  And I’m pretty sure you would love it.”
Tim frowned, and shook his head doubtfully.
“Hear me out.  I know all about your pageboy antics.  You wouldn’t have to abandon that project.  But if you had the training to be a femboy I believe you could find true satisfaction.  A good femboy – and you would be a good one – appeals to everyone.  Not only do women find them fascinating, but men as well.  For women, especially the young generation, who find the traditional macho types simply boring, the idea of a young man confident enough to present as a girl, sensitive enough to understand the allure of female clothing, and sensual enough to enjoy the amalgam of male and female sexuality, is exciting and incredibly sexy.  For men, physical attractiveness is the immediate turn-on.  But when they realise that the object of their desire is actually male, well
  There may be a moment or two of confusion, but once aroused, a man’s sexual attraction cannot easily be suppressed.  Moreover most men have in their psyches an element of homosexuality.  Most will deny this, but it remains true, whether from the love of male comradeship or the underlying fear of women.  So chuck that into the mix and they’re hooked!  The very reason a femboy is so devastatingly attractive is that element of maleness in his looks which adds a spice to the female allure.  For a male it is incredibly powerful.  The femboy’s looks allow them the perfect excuse to flirt, the male element, when subtly present, breaks down all psychological and social barriers.  But it also acts as a protection, since the man is still slightly hesitant, still daunted, still embarrassed.  That why the femboy is the most powerful of all sexual beings.”
Tim was staring at Maria now, though his eyes were unfocussed, as the possibilities began to take shape in his imagination.  To be the fantasy of both sexes!  Women and men
  Would Bobby like him as a femboy?  He liked him as a boy, but
  But how could he be more feminine than, say, he was at the present?
Maria must have been reading his mind.
“Just wearing a pretty latex dress doesn’t make you a femboy.  Here, let me show you.” 
She picked up her phone, scrolled through the gallery, and finally found what she was looking for. 
“For example, this boy, Carl, was one of my first projects.  This is what he looked like after I’d finished with him.  We named him Caroline.  I was so excited.  So was he
”
She held up her phone for him to see.  His eyes widened.  If he hadn’t been firmly ball-gagged, he would have gaped as well.
“That’s a boy?” he thought.  He experienced an involuntary thrill of excitement.  Really?  He’s so fuc-king beautiful

“Like to see some others?”
He nodded – a little too eagerly – and immediately blushed.

Chapter 397.

Unfortunately for Tim, very few were that kind.  He very soon discovered that almost no-one who received a voucher – and that was everyone – could resist demanding, or often helping themselves to, a peep at his panties.  Worse, they would then give the voucher away to some curious passer-by!  Of the passers-by who stopped to gawp and snigger, the teenage girls were the worst.  They arrived in pairs or threes, and would stand there whispering and pointing and giggling, taking pictures, reading the notice-board out loud, and hanging around to see the fun.
“Popsi the pervert!” said one to her friend in a loud whisper, pointing at him.  And the friend collapsed in laughter.
He tried to protest, but the muffled noises that emanated from behind his ball-gag only generated more hilarity. In any case, it didn’t make any difference at all.  Soon a little knot of females had gathered, chattering and giggling amongst themselves, and waiting for the next customer to leave and demand her bonus.  At lunchtime the cafĂ© became really busy, and his skirt was up and down like a yoyo.  Worse, there was an influx of sixth-formers from the local school, St. Catherine’s, who were surprised and delighted to find such an unexpected source of entertainment, and many of whom wanted to be photographed alongside him or take selfies.  One group of four took it in turns to have their photos taken by their friends.  The last, a blonde, hung onto him arm while the others snapped away.
“Wait till we show these to the others!” cried one, delightedly.
The blonde had a better idea.
“Wait till I show Dave a picture of me with my new girlfriend.  He’s gonna be so jealous!”
And she burst out laughing.
“Seriously, though, he must be a real pervert to do this,” returned another.  “I mean, all in rubber with a ball-gag and everything
  Are you, boy?  Am I right?  Do you enjoy doing this?”
Blonde rejoined her friends.  “Just nod if you do.  We won’t judge you.  I think it’s cool
”
But all Tim could do was to frown, and hope they went away.  He was saved from further humiliation by the appearance of Maria, who had noticed the four girls hanging around and had come out to check on him.”
“You all right, Tim?”
He nodded.
“Tim?  Is that his name?” asked the cheeky blonde.
“That’s right.”
“Why’s he
you know
?”
Maria smiled indulgently.  “Tim’s in training as a professional domestic.  He also models.  He’s held in very high regard by his employers.  Here, take a leaflet.  They’re called ESDS.  Your mothers may be interested in using their services.  Tim is already a fully-trained maid, and a top-class pageboy.  Right, Tim?”
Tim nodded, still blushing.
The girls each took a leaflet, more delighted than ever.
“That’s so cool!” cried one, scanning the leaflet.  “Oh my god, mum’s gonna flip out when she sees this!”
“Yeah,” remarked her friend.  “Your mum loves her toy boys, doesn’t she
?”
“Shut up, Fiona!  None of your beeswax what my mum does
”
“Are you coming in girls?  Tim’s going to have a break from leafletting now.  He can wait on you if you like
”
“Yes, Maria, please
!”

So while the girls trooped in, Maria unlocked Tim.  He went to the toilet, washed, and grabbed a sandwich before helping Gwen with waitressing.  The girls were dying to ask him questions, but Maria loyally refused to remove his gag.  But they pestered her so much that to shut them up she eventually showed them photos which Connie had sent her of some of his other outfits.
“You can see how versatile he is
”
“I love the pageboy outfit he wore to the wedding
” sighed blonde, whose name was Hanna.  “Can you send me that one?”
“Well
”
“Please
”   
“I suppose it won’t do any harm.  Most of these are fairly public already.  And if it’ll help persuade your mothers to use ESDS
”
“Definitely, Maria!”
“Okay, then
”
Tim, busy serving the other tables, couldn’t see what Maria was sharing, but the prospect of his private photos being circulated around the local girls’ school was not reassuring.  But there was no way of protesting.  So he swallowed his anxiety and got on with his work.

A Delightful Afternoon of Shopping

       At this point, Aunt Patricia's version of “only looking” had transformed into intense shopping. Edward glumly realized the collection of dresses and accessories set aside for purchase seemed to multiply every time he looked! Aunt Patricia’s decisions had come quickly and often. Of course, the dainty blue dress was the first to be chosen. It was a delicate, vintage-inspired powder-blue party dress with a rounded Peter Pan collar made of white eyelet lace. The fitted bodice was gaily decorated with tiny white embroidered flowers scattered across the fabric, and the short, sleeves puffed demurely at the shoulders. The white satin sash had a prissy little bow in front, and the hem was an intricate scalloped lace trim.

       Edward soon learned the first clerk was named Sabrina, and she suggested a lovely mint-green lawn dress made of crisp taffeta. It was light and airy with a tea-length skirt, and the fabric had a faint sheen. It had charming pearl buttons which contrasted sweetly with the green material. A narrow band of white embroidery traced the rounded collar and continued neatly around the cuffs. It looked ready-made for a formal garden party.

       When Edward was buttoned into it, Sabrina gave an approving look. “Oh, that shade is beautiful on him,” she said, “It makes his eyes look softer, and the cut gives him such a graceful line.”

       Edward was hyper-aware of how the taffeta made a rustling little sound whenever he moved.

       Aunt Patricia gave a pleased little nod. “Exactly what I hoped,” she replied, “demure and wonderfully becoming.”

       Aunt Patricia became enthralled with the soft lavender frock as soon as she saw him in it. It had an almost fairy-tale delicacy. The pale lavender fabric shimmered over a satin lining, with a Peter Pan collar and a wide, darker lavender sash that gathered in back into a large butterfly bow. Sheer organza softened the bodice and skirt in floating overlays, with airy ruffles at the sleeves and a translucent flounce that caught the light whenever Edward moved. The skirt was embroidered near the hem with adorable lavender violets that seemed to dance with every step. Sabrina found a lovely pair of pale blush, peep-toe sandals that went perfectly with it. They had a low heel, dainty toe and ankle straps, and delicate lavender floral applique flowers on top.

       â€œNow that one,” Aunt Patricia commented with approval, “is exquisite. Turn slowly, darling.”

       Edward made a small, reluctant turn, and the organza floated around him. The unfamiliar heels tipped his weight forward, making him wobble slightly and forcing him into short, careful steps. He was not used to shoes that demanded so much attention. Meanwhile, with every tiny movement, the sheer organza layers brushed and tickled across his shoulders, almost like cobwebs. He fought the urge to shrug them away, gave an involuntary shudder, and then lifted a hand to brush at the delicate fabric.

       Aunt Patricia noticed both the wobble and his reaction to the organza at once. Her expression softened into amusement. “Oh, don’t fuss with it, darling,” she said, reaching out to smooth one translucent ruffle with the back of her fingers. “Those fluttery sleeves are part of the charm.”

       Edward swallowed. “It tickles, Aunty,” he admitted in a small voice, “maybe I could try something a little less
 floaty?”

       Aunt Patricia gave a fond little laugh. “Less floaty? My dear, the ‘floatiness’ is precisely the point.” Then, she couldn’t help but add, “and as for the sandals, I’m sure you’ll get used to them in no time
 Practice makes perfect!”

       Edward’s mouth pinched into a helpless grimace at that, the corners drawing tight. The promise of "practice" in girls heels was not comforting. Aunt Patricia caught the look immediately and chuckled lightly. To her, his discomfort only proved that the dress and shoes were doing exactly what she wanted: making her nephew aware of every soft, girlish detail.

       â€œI adore this one too,” Sabrina interjected approvingly. “It makes him look so delicate, and the sash keeps it polished.”

       By now, Edward had found out the second clerk was named Skye. Skye added, “And I love those sandals!” Edward looked down at the little floral appliques on the sandals and blushed.

       Patricia’s face warmed with triumph. “Yes,” she said simply as she patted Edward’s arm with fond authority, “of course, we’ll take the dress and the shoes.”

       Then, Skye brought out a charming pink and white floral print sundress that was, she said with a warm smile, “a perfect summertime frock for someone who looks this darling in pink.” It was made of lined cotton, and the white background was scattered with pink roses and pale green leaves. Narrow shoulder straps tied into dainty bows, and the bodice was gently smocked across the front with tiny rows of pink stitching that gave it an especially youthful look. A large flounce circled the hem so that the skirt bounced and swayed around Edward’s knees as he moved.

       Skye held the skirt out so Aunt Patricia could see the shape better, “this one has a sweet, old-fashioned charm.”

       Sabrina nodded from beside the mirror, “Very pretty, very light.”

       Aunt Patricia looked delighted.

       Sabrina then had an inspiration and showed Aunt Patricia a sage green chiffon dress from the storeroom that had not even been put on the rack yet. Aunt Patricia eagerly snapped it up as soon as she saw him in it. It was a sleeveless, halter top, A-line dress made of delicately layered chiffon with a subtle floral print, and it rustled delightfully with Edward’s every movement.

       â€œOh, that one makes him look like a little summer postcard,” Sabrina said kindly, though the sparkle in her eyes made it feel faintly teasing.

       Next, Aunt Patricia fell in love with a “twirl-worthy” satin formal dress that came in several colors. The A-line creation had a sweetly pleated bodice and wide, gently gathered shoulder straps that sat gracefully across the upper arms. The ruching across the bust and torso added subtle texture while keeping an elegant look. A cleanly defined waistband separated the fitted bodice from the skirt.

       â€œThat looks precious on him,” Skye added helpfully, “it’s such a classic, princess-inspired look!”

       "Princess-inspired?" Edward asked hesitantly. He winced as he realized how sissyish the words sounded.

       "Oh yes, sweetie," Skye said cheerfully, "just like something out of a storybook!"

       After having Edward stand in front of the mirror wearing the same dress in several colors, Aunt Patricia just couldn’t decide which she liked best. In the end, she decided to get one each in candy pink and orchid purple.

       â€œWhy choose,” she said brightly, “when Aunty can get her princess both?”

       Edward reddened cutely again at being called a princess, but he went still as he thought about the word “both.” It was such a small word, tossed out with Aunt Patricia’s bright little smile, but it landed with a weight. “Both” meant plenty of options for his aunt’s future plans. It meant pretty dresses waiting for many future occasions and events. He felt the figurative ground shift under his feet, suddenly tilting toward a future of drawers and closets full of satin and lace.

       He looked at himself in the mirror dejectedly and tried to remind himself he was a boy. The candy pink dress shone softly under the store lights, and its wide straps rested delicately along his upper arms, making his shoulders look small and narrow. The pink color softened his face sweetly. He felt so fragile, polished and painfully pretty as he stared at his reflection.

       He knew he was a boy, But Aunt Patricia seemed to treat that fact as a minor inconvenience to be hidden, managed and eventually
 forgotten. Sabrina and Skye smiled, Aunt Patricia glowed and the mirror told the harsh truth. He looked nothing like a boy now. He felt more uncomfortable stirring in his panties.

       Finally, there was an apricot and cream party dress scattered with small satin rosettes, which Aunt Patricia declared “too adorable to leave behind.” She insisted on seeing it on him paired with some accessories, already speaking as if the decision had been made. To Edward, it seemed as though having him put it on was merely a formality.

       â€œIt should be worn with a petticoat, I think,” Aunt Patricia said, eyes bright, “and perhaps if you have some ivory shoes to match?”

       Sabrina brightened at once. “Of course, ma’am. I think I know just the thing!”

       â€œYes, please see to it, my dear,” Aunt Patricia agreed. With a pleased smile, she took a seat on a cushioned armchair.

       As Sabrina ushered Edward back to the fitting room for what felt like the hundredth time, she carried the apricot and cream dress on a padded hanger. Edward glanced back at Aunt Patricia, and the satisfied look on her face made him worry what else she had already imagined for him. How many more little decisions had already been made? Her calm, triumphant smile seemed to say it all.

Morgan & Tate’s

       Morgan & Tate’s was a vast department store full of polished counters, brass rails, mirrored columns and ladies in stylish attire. Edward felt completely self-conscious as Aunt Patricia shepherded him directly to the girls’ department, then swept past the first displays of casual fashions without so much as slowing. He tried to console himself that Aunt Patricia had earlier left open the slim possibility that they might “just look,” but that seemed less likely with each step.

       Racks of casual skirts and fashion tee shirts stood near the aisle, but Aunt Patricia gave them only a dismissive glance. “No, no, dear,” she said, steering him briskly onward. “Those are not what we are here for. We need proper attire worthy of the occasion.” She bypassed the everyday clothing entirely and headed straight toward the section with the more formal and fancy selections, where shoes, hair ribbons and racks of elaborate dresses were arranged by color like precious flowers.

       Edward felt his stomach jump as he realized Aunt Patricia had not even considered lingering among the somewhat plainer clothes. Each step made him feel more conspicuous, as if everyone had turned to watch him be led deeper into Aunt Patricia’s idea of what he ought to become. He kept his eyes lowered, cheeks hot.

       Aunt Patricia took note of his uneasy demeanor and chided him with a trace of amusement, “Come along, dear, we need not make a production of it!” Then, she got the attention of a nearby saleswoman and immediately began to make a production of it. She jumped right in and announced to the clerk, “We are here to upgrade my nephew’s wardrobe. He is engaged in a very special and unique project which I am thrilled to support. Please show us some classic and refined dresses and accessories to complement his unusually fine features.” 

       Edward instantly understood with a helpless little twist of dread that there would be no pretense of “just looking” today.  Edward blushed brightly as the clerk learned he was in fact a sissified boy in a pink dress. He wanted to crawl into a hole, but there was no escape.

       â€œAunty
 please
” he almost whimpered.

       â€œWhat troubles you dear? I am merely being precise,” she replied. As she spoke, she flashed a subtle warning look at him for his mild impertinence. She was in no mood to be denied.

       Edward gulped helplessly but remained silent. His aunt had no intentions of holding back today.

       The salesclerk gawked at them for a split second. Edward could see the wordless question on her lips, “Nephew?” But she didn’t voice it and recovered almost instantly. She then appraised Edward with a calm sense of professional cheer, which was somehow worse than curiosity. “We have some nice items on sale today that might interest you,” the clerk began.

       Before she could continue, however, Aunt Patricia gently cut her off, as if explaining something that ought to be obvious, “I am less interested in price tags than quality, my dear.” She looked at Edward with an expectant look and added cheerfully, “we are not here to cut corners today. Please bear that in mind.”

       â€œOf course, Ma’am, right away!” the clerk responded eagerly. Realizing this was actually a boy standing before her in an adorably sweet dress, she sized the situation up rapidly. She broke into a knowing smile as she began selecting dresses from the racks. Whatever questions she may have had were more than offset by the generous commission she sensed was there for the taking. One look at Aunt Patricia’s expensive clothing and a quick assessment of her feminized charge made it an obvious decision to put her curiosity aside.

       Blanching, Edward understood Aunt Patricia had not dragged him here merely to browse or even just pick up only an item or two. She had come armed with money, determination and a vision that she meant to make real before the afternoon was over.

       The afternoon soon proved exhausting in a way Edward had not known shopping could be. The clerk was surprised and then amused to discover he was laced into a snug little corset. “That explains your lovely posture, doesn’t it?” she teased kindly. 

       Again and again, Edward was ushered into the elegantly feminine fitting room with cream accents, plush carpet and a large three-way mirror. It seemed to Edward that as soon as he stepped out of one frock he was guided immediately into the next. Delicate and girlish fabrics slid repeatedly over his arms, legs and chest
 slippery satins, tickling lace, and scratchy organza. Button after button, the fabrics gathered quietly around him. First, a pale blue dress drew neatly around his waist. Next, a lavender one settled with a hushed, powdery rustle. Later, a floral sundress brushed his knees in a breezy circle.

       With each dress, Edward’s feelings grew more on edge. He was embarrassed at the attention, and he was dejected to realize that this is how much of his summer vacation would undoubtably go. His aunt wasn’t buying all these clothes to hang unworn in his closet. He was a teenage boy, but he was aware that there was vanishingly little visible evidence of that now. His cheeks stayed hot almost constantly, and his stomach fluttered whenever he had to step out of the dressing room to show the next dress. More than once, he felt an excited tingling and tension in his frilly panties as the salesclerk zipped or buttoned him into yet another frock for his aunt's inspection. 

       Aunt Patricia’s enthusiasm seemed to grow with each new reveal. “Oh, that color is charming on him,” she said when he emerged in the pale blue dress. “The white sash is perfect
 It will be lovely with some lace anklets and perhaps a nice barrette to bring out the color.” Then she directed, “Edward, stand up straight so we can see the line properly. Good. Now be still, hands at your sides.”

       Edward blushed but did his best to comply with his aunt’s instructions. She eyed his outfit up and down and tugged gently to arrange his skirt.

       â€œThere,” she continued, “Now let’s see you move back and forth a bit so we can see how it follows you, dear.”  When he stepped forward, she immediately corrected him, “small steps, sweetie. Move gracefully
 you are not a lumberjack! Draw on that same 'feminine stillness' you display for Miss Vale.”

       Edward cringed again. Everything seemed to come back to that portrait.

       The salesclerk watched this exchange with interest. Then, she added helpfully. “Turn around, sweetheart. Let us see the back.” Edward obeyed with a stiff little pivot, and the skirt whispered around his knees.

       The clerk’s professional smile grew warmer with every new item she brought out, partly because she saw her commission growing by the moment. She also quickly realized that Aunt Patricia was completely uninterested in casual attire for her nephew. When she brought out a cute everyday top and skirt, for example, they were immediately rejected out of hand. It wasn’t long before she enlisted a second clerk to help with this very particular pair of customers, and they began bringing out the frilliest and most adorably girlish items in the store.

       Outside the fitting room, Aunt Patricia appraised each new dress with discerning satisfaction. She continued to dismiss anything that looked too plain or ordinary. The clerks remained professional, yet curiosity glimmered behind their smiles. Other customers could not help overhearing Aunt Patricia’s clear references to “Edward,” “my nephew,” and “him.” Each time, Edward felt newly exposed. He stood in dress after dress while glances flickered toward him, paused, and politely moved away. As the afternoon dragged on, the fitting-room carpet seemed endless beneath his Mary Janes. 

A Piano Lesson

       The following Monday, as Edward started the first full week of summer break, he found himself on the way to a piano lesson. After some discussion between his mother and aunt on Saturday while he had been practicing scales, it was agreed that he should not abandon his lessons because of the demands of the portrait. Instead, his music lessons were simply reshuffled into the new order of things. With his new schedule, his piano teacher, Mrs. Baxter, had agreed to move his lessons to Monday and Thursday mornings for the time being.

       Aunt Patricia had of course weighed in. She thought this was another delightful opportunity for Edward to get used to his dresses, and she even offered to take him to the lessons so Marian might have some quiet mornings at home. Aunt Patricia took it upon herself to call Mrs. Baxter and explain the situation in advance. She even relayed how darling Edward had been in his lacy yellow party dress while playing scales on Saturday. When she brought him to his lesson on Monday morning, he was nattily dressed in his pretty pink frock, frilly white anklets and black Mary Janes. His shiny pink hair ribbon was tied neatly in place, and Edward felt the snug embrace of his ever-present corset hugging tightly underneath.

       Mrs. Baxter greeted Aunt Patricia quite calmly and set Edwrda’s lesson book on the stand as if nothing about the morning was unusual. Edward sat down very stiffly on the piano bench, very self-conscious of his frilly pink panties and mindful of his confining corset. He was careful to arrange his skirt demurely at his aunt’s prodding.

       Only after setting up the sheet music did Mrs. Baxter comment on his attire. She blinked over the rim of her spectacles, first at Aunt Patricia and then at Edward, who wished the piano bench might swallow him whole. “Well,” she said after a small pause, “that is a very lovely dress. Did you pick it out yourself, Edward?”

       â€œUhh, no Mrs. Baxter,” Edward said quietly, “My Aunt
 Aunty Patricia gave it to me.”

       Aunt Patricia practically beamed at that.

       â€œIt’s
 it’s for the portrait,” he explained reluctantly.

       â€œSo I understand,” Mrs. Baxter replied, settling herself beside him tactfully, “It is certainly a charming gift, and that pink seems to suit you.”

       â€œThank you,” Edward muttered meekly. He swallowed hard and felt his cheeks warm.

       Aunt Patricia couldn’t resist piping in with a pleased look, “that’s exactly what I thought when I saw it too.” She added, “his Aunty knew he would be adorable in it!”

       With that, Mrs. Baxter moved into the lesson, “Now let’s get our wrists level and shoulders relaxed.”

       As he placed his fingers on the keys, a glum thought returned to him. This was his summer vacation, the long free stretch he had spent months waiting for. Yet piece by piece it was now being claimed by the portrait. It seemed his whole holiday was turning into one long, suffocating sitting.

       Mrs. Baxter adjusted quickly, “Now, middle C.”

       Wearing a dress to piano changed the feel of the lesson in ways Edward could not ignore. The bench seemed narrower when he had to arrange a skirt over it. The pedals felt farther away when he was conscious of his frilly anklets and Mary Janes.

       Still, once his hands found the familiar pattern of the piece they were working on, he was distracted a bit. For the forty minutes or so, he was not exactly free from the portrait, but he was able to think of something else. Still, seeing his pink-polished nails dance over the black and white piano keys made him feel even more docile and girlish if he pondered it too long. It was better to focus on the music.

       When his lesson ended, Aunt Patricia guided her nephew back to her car. Edward had murmured goodbye to Mrs. Baxter as he felt propelled along by his aunt for the short ride home. He didn’t have anything else planned until his next sitting tomorrow, and he was hopeful his aunt would be done with him for the day. It seemed, however, that she already had something else on her mind, and Edward began to fret silently. Her body language was just too
 purposeful.

       No sooner had they entered the front door than Aunt Patricia turned to her sister with that bright, insistent expression Edward had already learned to dread. “Marian, to continue our conversation from the other day, we really must be practical,” she said, as if the matter had already been decided and only needed to be announced. “Edward simply cannot manage with only these two dresses, not with his sittings and appointments and lessons. He needs some more things, and we ought not put it off any longer.”

       Marian opened her mouth as if to suggest that the matter could wait, but Aunt Patricia lifted her hand in a soft refusal. “No, Marian, truly, I insist.”  Then, she announced with an eager look, “I’ll take him to Morgan & Tate’s this afternoon at least to look if nothing else.” She looked at Edward with a beaming smile, “and you, my darling, needn’t worry your pretty little head about any of it. Your Aunty has made up her mind.”

       Edward knew Morgan & Tate’s was the fanciest department store in town. It was in the same shopping center where they had gone to lunch on Saturday. Any hope Edward had of escaping the for rest of the day vanished, and all his worries about an “expanded wardrobe” now proved well-founded. The first pink dress had been humiliating enough when it was only part of Miss Vale’s recommendations, almost a uniform for entering the world of the portrait. The second yellow dress, Aunt Patricia’s “gift,” had raised the stakes. Standing near the staircase in his pink frock and frilly anklets, Edward now felt trapped.

       His mother gave a sympathetic smile, but she soon acceded to her sister’s wishes. “Go with your aunt, Edward. It may be pleasant for you two to spend some more time together away from the studio.” It seemed she was trying to put the best spin on things. The hint of disagreement she had displayed on Saturday was nowhere to be found today.

       â€œYou needn’t look so solemn,” Aunt Patricia assured him, “Just follow Aunty’s lead. Aunty knows exactly what to do, and it’s going to be such fun!”

       â€œFun for who, exactly?” Edward thought glumly. “Isn’t looking
 how shopping begins, Aunty?” he asked rather weakly.
 
       â€œPrecisely, sweetie!” Aunt Patricia replied, pleased by his grasp of procedure and easily turning his timid objection into agreement. And off they went. She seemed to be in an almost jovial mood. With Marian staying behind, it would be just the two of them this afternoon, and that seemed to make Aunt Patricia’s manner even more overbearing and insistent, perhaps even unfettered.