“His name on a pair of his knickers.” her aunt stated. “He’s actually quite nimble for a boy.” she added.

“He always enjoyed making model kits.” Valerie said.

“Well he won’t be making any of those.” Martha bluntly retorted.

“No.” Valerie gulped.

“Now you’ll plenty of pairs of knickers in the trunk and it’s imperative that David embroiders him name on each and every pair.” Martha instructed. “The same goes for his over- knickers.”

“Erm… OK.” Valerie replied, before adding “I don’t recall Wilfred having to do that.”

“Wilfred did learn embroidery though.” Martha reminded her niece.

“Yes but…”

“Don’t ‘but’ me young lady.” Martha interrupted. Valerie apologised. “I had the idea when petticoating Michael.” Martha informed her. “It kept him occupied every evening after supper, as it will David.”

“Yes Auntie.” Valerie agreed.

“I also had Michael hand-washing his knickers and socks every night after his bath. I want you to make sure that David does the same.”

“Of course Auntie.” Valerie said. “Are we still set for David coming home on Saturday?”

“Yes I think so… make sure everything’s ready for him.”

“I shall.” Valerie said and with that, the call ended.

She returned to David’s room and soon found all the underwear in the bottom of the trunk. She removed numerous pairs of frilly knickers and matching vests with little bows and lacy trim in all sorts of colours and patterns. “OH!” she exclaimed, finding a bundle of plain white training bras. “I don’t recall Wilfred wearing anything like this.” she said to no one but herself. “I do remember these though.” she added, finding a bundle of very frilly cotton over-knickers. The two inch wide broderie anglaise frills around the leg holes, row upon row of frilly lace covering the back, and the single satin bow stitched to the front of the waistband… they’re identical to the over-knickers Wilfred used to wear for bed every night.

In the bottom of the trunk is some nighties, numerous pairs of white ankle and knee socks and  a handful of pairs of white knitted tights, plus several familiar looking boxes. “Oh!” Valerie gushed when she opened the first to find a lovely pair of black Mary Jane’s with a two inch heel. All in all there were six pairs of girl’s shoes and all of them had a small yet significant heel, and with their buckle & strap fastenings, there’s no mistaking any of them for boy’s shoes. With so many pretty clothes being slowly loaded into the drawers and wardrobe, Valerie is enthused to see them being worn… but she can’t help but feel more than a little bit anxious because it’s her son who’ll be wearing them.