Patrick sat at the kitchen counter, sipping his coffee from a favorite mug, the morning light filtering through the window. The house was quiet-until Andrea walked in.

"Pat, take care of the dishes here and in the dinette! And do something about your hair," she said firmly, arms crossed.

Patrick set his mug down with a defiant snort. "You can't make me clean this house!"

He didn't notice the stylized French maid outfit he was already wearing: a dusty blue long-sleeved dress with slightly puffed shoulders and delicate white lace-trimmed cuffs. A crisp white pinafore apron, edged in ruffled lace along the shoulder straps and rounded hem, was tied snugly at his waist. A large black satin bow sat prominently below the white collar at his neck. Solid opaque white tights hugged his legs, ending in classic black patent-leather Mary Jane shoes with their thin instep straps. A matching white ruffled lace maid's headband perched atop his head.