6.

Of Schemes and Schemers

Rob appeared for breakfast, yet again dressed as Katie in a skirt and warm sweater. He found Theresa still in her dressing gown, reading the paper.

"I see Pru's door is still closed, what time did she get in?" he asked.

"She never came back. Her bed's not been slept in," Theresa said.

"Shit, really?"

"I think perhaps she had too much to drink and ended up sleeping with the big soldier."

Rob paled visibly under his carefully applied make up.

"Oh God, do you think so?"

"I think she was drunk, yes, but she probably slept on the man's spare bed," Theresa said, looking at Rob critically.

"Why the skirt? You don't have to dress up when you're in the house."

"I'm going shopping with Letty."

Theresa smiled.

"Do I detect the work of cupid?"

Rob poured out his cereal, added the milk and sat down.

"Theresa, I don't know. Hells bells, you don't know how bloody confusing my life had been and still is. All I do know is that I feel something for her that I have never felt before, and I adore being with her."

"Oh thank God, I did so fear you'd prefer being a girl, and end up like that forever!"

Rob smiled, munching through his cornflakes.

"It had crossed my mind," he admitted.

"Really?"

"Last month in Paris, I never told Pru, but I came that close to going to bed with a man. He was a Canadian, of French origins, and was the epitome of charm and goodness. He was a delegate at some conference and Dad saw his influence as positive in some project involving logging and paper mills in Quebec.

"Dad wanted to know his opinion on the current policy of the provincial government, probably because he wanted to know who to bribe. Anyway, I let him wine and dine me, and we even went dancing. I found out what Dad wanted, but was quite pickled, and actually found myself turned on by his advances.

"I claimed to be having my period, but intimated I might consider other activities. I meant it, Theresa, and would have done it too!"

"Why didn't you?"

"I don't know. I think he sensed I was not really willing, or maybe he wasn't used to women. Afterwards, I had a funny feeling he might have been gay and felt obliged to act the manly man. How ironic was that? Imagine his reaction to finding out I was a male too! He seemed very relieved when I told him about my period, and that was it. He sent me some flowers the following day and left town shortly afterwards."

"How did you feel?"

Rob looked sharply at her and then his face softened.

"If you must know I was disappointed. Shit, I was so mixed up. I really do feel like a girl when dressed like this. I wanted him to fuck me, even though I haven't the right equipment. Daft, isn't it?"

"Have you ever?"

"Had sex with a man, you mean? No. I went to a transvestite bar once, with some friends. They all thought I was a girl, and Pru came, as herself. I was dancing and a man pushed in and propositioned me. He was the only person who has ever read me. I was happy dancing with him, and have to confess to have been tempted to go with him, just to see what it was like."

"And?"

"Pru simply said one word to me, and I didn't go."

"The word, what did she say?"

"AIDS."

"Oh."

"It never crossed my mind. So although I give the impression of being in control and all that, actually, I am a little fucked up."

Theresa smiled, reaching out and taking his well-manicured and very feminine hand.

"If you end up as a girl, you could do a whole lot worse. You are so pretty, so you would fit right in with no difficulty at all. I have awful trouble remembering you are really a boy! I imagine Tony will be after you soon in any case. You never know, you could make a lovely bride."

"God forbid, he'd crush me to death. No thanks, I'll leave him to Pru, she's big enough to handle him."

Rob finished his breakfast, and washed up his bowl. Theresa watched the 'girl' as she walked about the kitchen. There was nothing masculine about 'her' at all. Rob was a consummate and unconscious actor, capable of being the person he portrayed without actually thinking about it.

"I'm off. I'm meeting Letty at her place in half an hour."

"Where are you going?"

"Oxford Street. I need a new dress, particularly as there's the Spring Ball at the Hurlingham Club in ten days."

"Oh, and just how did you find out about that?"

"Letty mentioned it, and wanted to know whether Peter and I would go in her party."

"Oh, this is getting too complicated. Your father would be most displeased."

"He's not here, Theresa, he's never around when we need him," Rob said, slightly bitterly.

"There is an alternative," she said. Rob frowned.

"What?"

"Well, why not go as a boy for a change. Oh, say you'll go, and then have a migraine or a really rough period or something. Cry off at the last minute, and go to the ball as yourself. That way, you could perhaps allow Letty to see the real you. Not too much, just enough to excite her."

"Theresa, you are a darling, why didn't I think of it?"

"Because, contrary to appearances, you aren't a woman."

Rob hesitated, and turning, looked quite disappointed.

"I know. Sometime I really wish I were. I even looked into surgery. It's expensive, but I think I could do it."

"Would you really go that far?"

"Before I met Letty, I might have done. But now, Let's just say, the jury's out!"

Rob picked up his coat and bag, leaving the house with a spring in his step.

Pru opened a gummed up eye, and closed it again immediately. She groaned, her head hurt, her mouth tasted like a badger had used her tongue to lick its bottom, and her stomach was churning. She remembered arriving at Tony's flat, and she remembered pulling the rug over her. The events of the dinner after the main course were hazy. She tried to remember what she'd eaten. The prawns had arrived while she was reasonably sober, but after that, she was unsure.

Bladder pressure determined she had to get up, so she staggered to the bathroom, collapsing with relief onto the toilet, having locked the door first.

Her dinner suit was crumpled and the shirt was ruined. Her sleeve was dry, but hideously stained. She washed her face, rinsing her mouth with some Listerine mouthwash that Tony kept by the basin. After combing her hair, she felt a little more human. Tony's aftershave sat on the side. She picked it up. AU SAVAGE, she read, smiling at the analogy. Opening the top, she splashed a drop on her hand. Bringing her hand to her nose, she breathed in the scent, feeling mildly intoxicated, as it brought back memories of his closeness on the previous evening. However, guilt returned over her deceit, and she replaced the bottle on the side.

Returning to the sitting room, she found her jacket and put it on, hiding the worst stains. Just after she'd done that, Tony appeared clad only in his jockey shorts. His early morning erection was in evidence, and Pru looked away.

"Morning Peter, shit, that was a good night."

"Morning. Yes, it was."

Tony picked up his mail that was lying on the mat inside the front door. He unconsciously stuffed his right hand down the front of his shorts, scratching vigorously.

"Help yourself to coffee and stuff, I'm going to shave," he said heading for the bathroom.

"Do you want one?" Pru asked as the door closed.

"Yeah, thanks, mate. One sugar and milk."

Pru smiled and went to the small but very serviceable open plan kitchen area. She was impressed with how clean and tidy it was, wondering whether it actually got any use.

It took her a while to find everything, and she made two coffees. She poured a bowl of cereal and, on opening the milk, sniffed the bottle suspiciously. Not smelling sourness, she splashed some onto the cereal, and sat at the small table.

She looked round the flat, liking what she saw. Firstly, it was neat, and unlike her experience of bachelor pads, it was relatively dust and clutter free. Either he had a cleaner or he was house-proud. She suspected the former.

Secondly, it gave her a flavour of her host. The pictures were of country scenes, a fox hunt here, a pheasant standing in a snowy field over there, and of horses grazing and river craft gently rocking on their moorings.

There were no piles of papers, no dirty clothes on the floor, only a spic and span flat, maintained with almost military cleanliness. She saw in it a man who liked order in his life, and yet was more at home with functionable articles than with decoration. She smiled; he needed a woman in his life. It was at that moment she decided that that woman should be she.

Tony came out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his waist. Pru simply handed him the mug of coffee, and finished her cereal.

"You found something to eat, well done."

"I'm used to living in strange places. There is a limit to the places one can hide cornflakes."

Tony chuckled, sifting through his post.

"No work today?" she asked.

"I work everyday, in different ways. I've a meeting with the bank at eleven, so I've half an hour. Fancy some lunch afterwards?"

"I'd better get back, Theresa and Katie will be worried about me."

"Nonsense. I'll wager that Katie and Letty are off shopping somewhere, and Theresa knows that boys will be boys!"

"I'll just ring Katie, just to let her know I'm still alive."

Pru dug her mobile out of her jacket pocket and rang her brother.

"Hi Peter, still alive?" Rob asked; the use or her masculine name telling Pru that he was with someone.

"Katie, I'm still with Tony, just in case you were worrying."

"I was slightly apprehensive, but if he'd found out, you'd have come home in tears," Pru now realised that whoever was with her brother was no longer in earshot.

"Not necessarily, I could have done the other," Pru said smiling at Tony.

"The other? You mean gone to bed with him. How likely is that?"

"From where I'm standing, quite likely."

"You mean he's semi-naked and desirable?"

"Something like that. How did you get on?"

"We had fun. The chick-flick was interesting, you'd have liked it, but the company was superb."

"What are you up to at the moment?"

"I'm shopping with Letty. We've been invited to a Spring Ball in a couple of weeks, and I've just found out it's a themed fancy dress do."

"What's the theme?"

"Super heroes. You ought to see my Cat Woman outfit; it's unbelievably sexy. You'll have to go as Batman. You get to wear a plastic breastplate-like thing. Hide you know what."

Pru laughed.

"I've been asked to have lunch with Tony. So I'll see you later."

"Shit girl, you'll be marrying the sod next."

"Don't tempt me," she said, looking at Tony.

"I'll catch you later, Letty wants me to check her new underwear."

"Take care, Katie."

"I am, and it's wonderful."

She switched to phone off.

"Shopping?" asked Tony, without looking up.

"Shopping. You were right."

"Naturally. So, how about I meet you at Simpson's for a spot of lunch, at, say, one?"

"Simpsons? On the Strand?"

"Yup, one o'clock should be okay, but if you want I could make it later?"

"No, one's fine. Thanks. I'd better be going."

"Well, I'll get dressed, I have to get to the City pretty damn sharpish. Stay if you want, or let yourself out, and I'll meet you in Simpsons at one."

"I will, and thanks for last night, it was fun."

"Yes, it was. It was good of you to join me. Anyway, I'll see you later."

Tony smiled and wandered to his bedroom. Pru let herself out of the flat, making her way to the main road. Aware she was receiving more than one odd glance from passers by, she hailed a cab.

Fifteen minutes later, she arrived back at Elm Park Gardens, much to Theresa's relief. She spent the next hour telling her of her exploits and her disquiet, as she peeled out of her ruined shirt.

"Don't you find him attractive?" Theresa asked.

"That's the problem, I do, far too attractive."

"Then where's the problem?"

"Theresa, it may have escaped your notice, but I'm supposed to be a man."

"Oh, phooie, an incidental."

Pru, grinning broadly, shook her head and went up to have a nice hot bath.

She was five minutes early at Simpsons. She'd dressed more casually, in a pair of dark grey flannel trousers, black brogues, a tweed sports jacket and a check shirt with an Indian Army tie. Unsure whether to go in and wait or to wait outside; she was dithering on the steps when Tony arrived.

"Hi, just got here?" he asked.

"Yup, was dithering. Didn't know whether to go in and wait or what," she said, quite honestly. "I've never been to any of these places before, so I feel rather out of my depth."

Tony smiled sympathetically.

"My fault. I've had rather a privileged upbringing, so know all the best places. I, sort of, forget that most people haven't the same experience as me, so, lets go in, I'm starving!"

It was yet another superb meal, and Pru felt very young and unsophisticated alongside this man. Although only four years older than she, Tony was so confidant and in control, she began to feel slightly in awe of him. He carried himself with similar airs and graces to her father. It was an air of natural superiority and command, yet he wasn't arrogant of priggish.

He never talked down to the staff, as her father would, instead, he was pleasant and understanding. She could see how he must have been a good army officer, able to inspire his men through coming alongside them and leading by example. A real 'come on' rather than a 'go on' style of leader.

They chatted about many things. She asked him questions about his family and although he answered, he was unusual in that he turned the tables on her, and she found her sharing far more than she had intended. Most men she'd met were only too happy to talk about themselves. Tony was different, he appeared to be genuinely interested in her, and was a superb listener.

She was careful, never actually telling a lie. She might be living one, but she avoided telling anything that was not true.

"You've had a really diverse and unusual life, if I may say so."

"I suppose I had, but it seemed normal to me at the time."

"How do you feel about settling down in the UK? I take it that's why you are here?"

"I rather like the idea of settling down. Katie loves the travelling round, and doesn't seem to tire of the endless procession of temporary houses and apartments."

"She's young and female. She'll find a good man, and she'll soon change her mind."

"Are you offering?" Pru asked, teasing him.

"Tempting, but I think she'd rather to independent for me. She's very attractive and a charming girl, but somewhat too energetic for my liking."

Pru looked carefully at him, trying to discern whether he was testing her or teasing. Of either, he gave no sign, appearing quite earnest in his demeanour.

"You seem to have her measure already. So what about me, what have you decided about me?" she asked.

Tony smiled.

"You, dear boy are somewhat of an enigma. One minute, I think I have you pegged, and then you say or do something that throws me completely. I confess that I find you fascinating. No doubt the product of your unique life experience."

"I like to keep people guessing," she said with a smile.

Tony nodded his head.

"Well, you're succeeding."

When it came time to pay, Pru offered to pay her half. Tony wouldn't hear of it.

"My pleasure. When you are earning, next week, I'll let you take me out to celebrate a weeks in employment, okay?"

He agreed, hoping that they'd still be friends in a week. She knew, from bitter experience, that her father's plans meant that any friends she made were often lost in a matter of days, not weeks.

She returned to the house in Elm Park Gardens feeling very lost indeed. Tony had shaken her to the core, as she found she wanted him so much it almost hurt. She went to her room, stripped off all her male attire, and dressed as the woman she was.

Theresa was very surprised when a very elegant and beautifully made up Prudence joined her for tea, wearing an Italian dress and looking very attractive.

"Oho! Do I detect some of the sophistication of Peter has disappeared?"

"This is me, Theresa. This is who I am and who I want to be. Is it too much to ask?"

"Hopefully, you can be you very soon, my sweet."

"Oh God! I bloody well hope so," said Pru, very much the woman.

Rob and Letty, arm in arm, had visited so many shops that Rob's head was spinning. They'd lunched on the run, continuing shopping up to nearly five o'clock. Letty was a professional shopper, and seemingly had no thought of expense. Rob, aware that the credit card he had was somewhat limited, was far more careful with what he bought. Carrying about twelve large carrier bags, they decided to call it a day, returning to Letty's home.

Rob was feeling triumphant, for he knew that at no time did anyone suspect he was anything other than an attractive blonde girl on a shopping spree with a chum. More importantly, Letty hardly let go of his hand or arm all day. He found her such fun that all his worries about his father's plans evaporated for a while.

Her father was out, or so the butler informed Letty as they arrived in an explosion of bags.

"He will be home late, Miss Letitia, and asks for you not to stay up for him. Will you be dining in, this evening?" he asked.

"Will you stay with me, Katie, just for supper? I hate being on my own."

"I ought to get back, Theresa and Peter will be worried."

"Please, we can try on the costumes," Letty said, pleading.

Thoughts of Letty as Storm from the X-Men excited Rob sufficiently to persuade him.

"Oh, all right, but I don't want to be late."

"You won't be, I promise. Thanks so much!"

Letty hugged Rob. He was finding it very hard to control his urge to do more than simply hug back. He forced himself to break the embrace, and carried the purchases up to Letty's room. As Letty changed, to give her friend an impromptu fashion show, Rob called his sister.

"Hi Rob, how's it going?" Pru asked. Rob instantly knew she had dropped being Peter, as her voice was soft and feminine.

"Fine. I'm having dinner with Letty at her place. Her dad's out so she's asked me to stay a while."

"Did you have fun?"

"If watching Letty dress and undress all day can be considered fun, then yes, I have. Pru, my libido can't take much more of this."

Pru laughed.

"Then don't see so much of her," she advised.

"Pru, there's very little of her I've not seen! We went to this one shop; it sold slinky underwear. I swear, she had nothing on other than a thong, and I had to just sit there and smile. It's driving me potty!"

"Don't come to me for sympathy; it's all your own fault."

"How did you get on with the yeti?"

"He's not a yeti, he's remarkably astute and charming."

"Oh, touched a nerve, have I? You haven't, Pru, have you?"

"Haven't what?"

"Fallen in love, at last?"

Pru was silent. It was the first time that word had been spoken, and she now believed she might well have done.

"Oh my God, you have!" said Rob, in delight.

"Rob, it's not that simple. He thinks I'm a man."

"If you keep swooning every time he walks into a room, he'll soon twig."

"We have to stick to the plan."

"Stuff the plan, go to him, girl!"

"I can't, Daddy was quite clear."

"Fucking Daddy doesn't have to put up with all this shit," Rob said. Pru knew that for all the bluster, even Rob wouldn't defy their father. For no matter how strange and difficult their tasks had been over the last ten or fifteen years, there had always been good reasons for them, and in the end, it had been to their advantage.

"Don't be late, we should talk," Pru said.

"I won't, I promise."

He kept his promise, for after a light supper with Letty, he made his excuses and left, returning to Elm Park gardens once more.