The guide said, “Now can our Victorian girls be careful not to trip on their skirts on the stairs.” as the tour led us through numerous rooms and up and down several sets of stairs to the various galleries. I held my skirts up as advised and a few of the visitors commented on how many underskirts I wore. This prompted some interest from one of the teachers, who began grilling me on how it felt. A small group of pupils listened as I parroted what Rita had told me about Victorian girls wearing corsets which narrowed their waist, straightened their back and made it hard for them to breathe properly, in spite of having a long hard working day from 6am until 11pm. Layer by layer the teacher showed her class the many underskirts and petticoats I wore beneath my outer garments. I wanted to die but played along. I kept glancing at Mrs. Barnes who took the occasional photo and smiled reassuringly at me.

Mrs. Barnes and I called in at the on site café for a bite to eat before visiting the gift shop. I bought a guide book with the money Mum had given me and a few post cards. Mrs. Barnes commented on how comfortable I looked, baring in mind my Victorian dress. To be honest it felt OK, it was just another dress as far as I was concerned and they all feel a little alien to a 15 year old boy.

After lunch we rejoined the tour, me still in my kitchen maids uniform and Claire and Joanna both in their scullery maids uniforms. All three of us were the centre of attention and the subject of many snap shots. I didn’t mind too much, after all, it was just nice to be in different surroundings for a change.

Before long the tour was over and myself, Claire and Joanna were taken back to the Victorian Kitchen to change back into our own clothes. The two girls changed first and left with their teacher, who thanked me for helping her tell the class about how Victorian ladies dressed. We said our goodbyes before Rita took me to change.

“How does the corset feel?” She asked as I removed my layers of undergarments.

“To be honest under all this I’d forgotten I had it on!” I replied. “Well, not forgotten but got used to it.” I added more honestly.

“Yes, Sandra, your tour guide said you looked very comfortable wearing the costume throughout the tour, and judging by what that teacher said you’d make a good guide yourself.”

“Oh er…” I stammered, “I’m still at school.”

“Well of course, but we do have weekend jobs.” Rita replied. “How old are you?” She asked.

“15” I replied.

“Really?” She asked. “I though you’d be a bit younger! Still, as long as you’re over 14 it shouldn’t be a problem.” She explained. “Is your school local?”

“Er… well, I have a tutor who teaches me at home. Mrs. Barnes who I came with.”

“Oh I see.” Rita replied. “Well, if you ever want a weekend job you should apply, we need all the help we can get on the weekends”