Severely put on show

Dear Lorraine,

A couple of weeks ago I realised that I was getting behind with various tasks at home, and decided that I needed to discipline myself a little more severely than usual. I have thought of the idea of wearing a waterproof raincoat under my gaberdine, but I was worried that it might be too uncomfortable. On the other hand, if it was to be for a disciplinary reason, then discomfort is less important.

Judith's and John's letters gave me some ideas. I found that a shop selling outdoor and camping gear was closing down and having a sale so I bought a pair of small sized waterproof trousers, in quite a heavy proofed nylon. I also found in there a heavy nylon rainsuit, made for a child up to about 150cm. I think it might be an oversiut for skiing, but I'm not sure. I had no idea what I might do with it, but iit seemed a good idea at the time.

Last Thursday I was working late at the office, which I do about once a month, so I took my waterproof trousers and one of my smaller hooded vinyl raincoats in a bag. I also took the padlocks to my raincoats, with sellotape over the holes to stop them from locking themselves accidentally, and left the bag in my locker. Under my ordinary coats I wore thick tights, a warm jumper and a heavy wool overdress, the sort of thing you don't often see nowadays. I finished work at 7.00, and prepared to go home.

Under my dress I wore the waterproof trousers, which are quite a snug fit, and I tucked the trouser ends into a pair of long wool socks, which I sometimes wear inside my wellingtons on a cold day. Then the wellingtons, followed by headscarves - one over my mouth, one round my head, and another over my face, all tightly knotted. I then put on my fingerless gloves, which have mitten ends which fold back when not being worn, followed by my discipline waterproof coat. It has elastic cuffs, and drawstrings at the waist and hood, so they had to be fastened very tightly. Then my usual long scarf round my face and tucked into the neck of my gaberdine. I buttoned my gaberdine to the neck and locked the top button and belt, then put on my heavy outer waterproof, with the top button and belt also locked.

By this time I was already feeling a little uncomfortable, as the inner waterproofs were very tight.

I put on my hood, which fastens very closely round my throat and under my chin, and has an extra strap across the mouth, fastened by velcro, to hold it very firmly in place. Finally, I locked my face flap into place and buttoned it down so that the locks were hidden. I was able then to leave the office, and having locked up I folded down the ends of my mittens before putting on my warm outer mitts.

I walked to a local supermarket near the office, where I bought a few items, and then decided to get the bus home - only three stops, but I had to get on, present my pre-paid ticket and then find a seat, and then get off again, all in full view of everyone on the bus. I always find that being in public is very humbling, as everyone can see I am being punished or disciplined. The trousers are very noisy, and the inner raincoat seems to rustle and crackle very loudly, so I was very much shown up. There were about twenty people on the bus, too.

At home, I decided that I could not be undressed until all my shopping had been put away, the fire turned on and the kettle on. Then, I looked at myself in the mirror before unlocking myself. The hood of my inner raincoat, which is white, was clearly visible inside the other hoods, as it comes right down to my eyebrows! It means that my extra raincoat was visible all the way home, so I felt that I had been really severely put on show.

Later that evening, I rang Karen in London and told her of my experience, and she told me that as I hadn't been in touch all week that I must wear the whole outfit on my next visit, at the end of this month. I have decided that I will go one better, with the one-piece suit under my indoor clothes, with the legs held in place with my heavy long socks. I have tried it on at home, and it is very warm and constricting, so I shall be extremely well disciplined on my next trip to Karen's!

Best wishes,

Pauline.