“It’s a vile color.” Luke grumbled as he looked at his reflection in the tiny mirror. “It wouldn’t be so bad if was something natural.” he mused, thinking of the lipsticks his mother and sister wear; pale pink, subtle red or a light autumnal brown.

“Well get used to it… it’s the only one we’re allowed.” Gavin said. “You’ve applied it well for a first-timer,” he added. “Presuming you are.”

“Thanks, and yeah. I am.” Luke bashfully replied. “I just recalled watching my Mum and sister applying theirs and did what they did.” he explained.

“My mother wouldn’t let my sister wear lipstick even if she wanted too.” Gavin said. “She thinks make-up is a symbol of subservience, along with the apron, skirt, frock and heels.” he claimed, glancing at his feet.

“These shoes feel like a symbol of subservience.” Luke moaned. “Surely flats would be safer.”

“Well… because women managed for well over a century in high heels… they reckon we can too.” Gavin replied. “Believe it or not… these [heels] have been deemed safe for work by the County Council’s Health & Safety Executive.” he sighed.

“I’ll bet that’s a woman.”

“It’s my mother.” Gavin dryly replied. Luke thought he might be joking and didn’t quite believe the claim… but women in such lofty positions have to be somebody’s mother, he figured. “What does she think about you working here?” Luke asked. “…err… like this?” he added, glancing at his short tunic and pale hairless legs.

“She was over the moon when the Marrion Hotel had finally put their porters in servile uniforms,” Gavin replied. “She’s a full-on matriarch,” he added. “What’s your mother think?”

“Well, she doesn’t know about the uniform, yet,” Luke replied. “Neither did I until I got here!” he added. He went on to describe his mother as being a bit traditional, in so much as she sometimes wears make-up and the occasional dress, yet so far as the males filling all the servile jobs whether they want to or not, Luke’s mother is all for it. “Every time I complain that my life isn’t fair she’ll just remind me that women were servile for pretty much all of human history… and that wasn’t fair either.”