Whether intended or not, Monique was the quintessential French Maid. Aunt Catherine outlined the rules of the household. The next two months would be spent becoming Sarah, learning all the mannerisms and ways of womanhood. Monique would be his mentor and he was to obey her as he would Aunt Catherine.
James was stunned into silence by shock. He was very frightened, aware of just how helpless he was in the hands of these two women. Despite the apparent changes to his body, he still didn't believe it was real. Surely it was some sort of trick. No one could have carried this out. It was impossible.
Now was the time to put his foot down, show them what they were asking was ridiculous and out of the question. What Aunt Catherine was demanding was worse. There was not way he would accept this.
"Aunt Catherine, this is quite ridiculous! Release me. I won't become a girl, you'll have to find someone else."
Even Monique was shocked by Lady Catherine's reaction, as she stepped forward and slapped him viciously across his left cheek, then his right. She hit so hard, the imprint of her fingers remained red against the whiteness of his face. She looked at him disdainfully, her eyes as cold as her voice.
"You arrogant young fool! Never say you won't to me."