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I haven’t had any proper Ariane time since coming back from Manchester. So I was pleased to arrange afternoon tea with Penny and Paul today. I knew they would be on their own at their home. The main issue was whether I should travel in boy mode and change into Ariane at theirs, or get ready at home and drive across town as Ariane. This was a scary thing to do, but I knew it was what I wanted. I have to get used to being Ariane in public places.
I warned Penny that I might be a little over-dressed for afternoon tea. Then I applied the makeup (not brilliantly – still a work in progress). Today Ariane is wearing a black cocktail dress with heels and pearls, and the Jaeger soft leather jacket. All in black. I have an hourglass shape as well, though this is quite uncomfortable. A touch of Chanel, well more than a touch, completes the look. And the new DKNY cross-body bag. Which turns out to be smaller than I really need. Oh well.
I felt a little nervous leaving home and getting into the car and driving off. What if the neighbours saw me? But they didn’t. Driving through town was OK – once you’re behind a wheel, nobody really looks at you. I had to take care, though, driving in 5” heels. Not the most practical. But I won’t wear flats on principle.
I drove into the small car park near their house. There were a few people around but no one I knew, and they didn’t take any notice. I wasn’t exactly blending in, dressed for a night at the opera on a sunny suburban afternoon.
But I made it into the safety of their house. It was lovely to see them and I knew that the effort of dressing to impress was worthwhile. We had a good long talk about politics, and the local church, and being Ariane, and all sorts of things. With Earl Grey tea. The teenage son of their Ukrainian refugee lodger saw me at the house, but I think he knew about me anyway.
Eventually it was time to go. I felt more nervous driving home and getting in safely than I had earlier. But I guess I was lucky in not seeing anyone I knew. Not close up anyway. So that little adventure will keep me going for a few days until I work out what to do next – and what other risks I’m prepared to take as Ariane.
