Eight months later, Maggie has finally been allowed to visit…

“What have you done to him?!” Maggie gasped.

“Surely you’ve heard of petticoating?” Sarah replied, before prompting the boy to put his doll down and say hello. He appeared almost brainwashed as he did as asked, carefully putting the doll down in a seated position, before curtseying and saying “Hello Maggie.”

“That’s not how we address grown-ups Peter.” Aunt Sarah sternly told him. “Say hello properly.”

“Hello, Miss Slater,” Peter said, curtseying once more.

“Why is he dressed like that?” Maggie exclaimed. Sarah reiterated that he’s been petticoated, and this is how petticoated boy’s dress. “But he’s not even wearing a dress!” Maggie gasped.

“Not whilst he’s playing… it would only get creased, so he takes it off first… don’t you Peter?”

“Yes Auntie.” he gulped.

“Do you need to see Nanny about your nappy?”

“No auntie.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes Auntie.”

“Well put your dress back on. Playtime’s over for today.”

“Yes Auntie.”

Maggie and Sarah return downstairs. “Why on earth is he wearing a nappy?”

“Because he misbehaved yesterday.”

“He’s eleven years old! …almost twelve!” Maggie remarked. “Making him wear a nappy at his age is cruel!”

“It’s the rule.” Sarah replied. “Nothing helps a boy reflect on his behaviour more than stewing in his juices.” she stated, adding “Would you rather I spanked him?”

“Of course not!” Maggie exclaimed. “But making him dress like a girl must be humiliating enough… let alone treating him like a baby.”

“Only when he acts like one and misbehaves.”

“I’m going to speak to social services about this.”

“By all means. I’m acting well within the Law. Hundreds of case studies have been done which prove that petticoating is both a proactive and harmless form of discipline for adolescent boys.”

“He acts like you’ve brainwashed him.” Maggie retorted.

“He’s merely learned some manners… manners that he didn’t have when you brought him to me.”

“You took him from me!” Maggie spat. “His father would be beside himself if he was here.”

“His father isn’t here. The boy is being raised as I, his legal guardian, sees fit.”

“And what about school?” Maggie asked. “He doesn’t dress like that at school does he?”

“I felt it best to have him home schooled.” Sarah informed her. “A governess comes everyday during term time… you needn’t worry about his education.”

“I’m worried about everything!” Maggie replied. “What you’re doing is inhumane!” she stated. “Now I understand why you wouldn’t let me visit!” she said as the sound of footsteps drew her attention. Click. Clack. Click. Clack. Click. Clack. The slow, regular sound of a solid heel on a hardwood floor seemed to go on for an age before the boy appeared in the doorway.

His bright yellow dress is trimmed with white lace and looked humiliatingly short. Peter looked mortified to be wearing such an infantile outfit. In his hair is a big bright yellow bow and his lips are painted in a bright pinky red. Maggie gulps as her eyes drop to his feet; black patent Mary Jane shoes and a pair of lace trimmed ankle socks. He stands absolutely to attention, with his hands behind his back and Maggie can tell that he’s not in the least bit happy here.