It is nine years later...
It is the first day of summer and you are making preparations for your maid's retirement party. You are now old enough to take care of yourself. Your maid, Nancy, is older, too.
It is early in the morning. You walk down your stairs. You have matured greatly. You are wearing a white blouse and scarlet red skirt. Your hair is down and a black ribbon complements your curly hair. You have a gold pin on your collar and black button up boots on your feet. You are smiling. Nancy is watching you in awe as you walk down the stairs.
"My, my!", she says in a raspy voice. "Come give me a hug there, Darling!". You run down the stairs, holding your skirt. You give Nancy a big hug, closing your eyes and smiling. She does the same. "To think... it's been this long!".
"All the days were worth it with you, Nancy!", you say, not letting go of the hug.
"How you've matured over the years is remarkable!", says Nancy.
"Really? That's what everyone's been saying lately...".
"And they're right to a t, my Lady!", says Nancy, holding you out and smiling.
"I never meant to become this grown up... actually, I thought I'd stay a child for the rest of my life!", you say with a laugh.
"You probably would've, if I hadn't been there to get you out of trouble and comb your hair everyday...", says Nancy, smiling. She sighs. "And now's the time for me to leave... do you think you can handle the world out there on your own?".
"With all that you've taught me, I know I can!", you say, smiling. Nancy smiles.
"That's good to hear... it's nice to know I can count on you to be a responsible young lady of London! Your father...", Nancy stops. She looks down. Your father died in a train wreck five years ago... since then you have been managing the household yourself. You sigh and hold your hand out to Nancy.
"Yes... he would be proud of me...", you say, giving her a reassuring smile. You turn around and grab the edge of the stairway with your left hand. "Father told me that if anything ever happened to him, I would have to take on the responsibility of his estate...". You turn around and look at Nancy. "And since... then, haven't I?".
"Yes you have, My Lady... very well, too!", says Nancy with a smile. You walk over to Nancy and put your hand on her shoulder.
"I'm very happy to hear that coming from you, Nancy...", you say, slightly smiling. "Now... aside from those trivial matters...", you say, changing the subject. "What would you like to do for your last day?".
"Oh, anything you wish, my Lady!", says Nancy, bowing her head. You laugh.
"No! Today is your day, Nancy! Whatever your heart desire most, I will grant for today!", you say, with a smile.
"Well...", says Nancy, pondering the situation. "Anything?".
"Yes...".
"Well, if it isn't too much trouble...".
"Go on...".
"Aha! I have two requests!", she says, smiling.
"Yes?", you say, smiling.
"One... put up your curly locks in an up do...".
"Really? You mean...", you say, excited.
"Yes... I think it's about time for you to look like a woman and not a child...".
"And your second request?"
"Well, it might sound silly, but...".
"Yes?".
"Well, I have always wanted to go to the circus as a child, but my parents couldn't afford to take me there... and you, my Lady, will always be a child in my eyes, so why don't we go there together? I heard there's a traveling show in London today...", says Nancy, smiling. You are now overwhelmed with excitement. You get to put your hair up like a real woman and get to go to the circus, all in one day! You are thrilled. You run upstairs to put your hair up and get ready for the show. What a great day this is going to be!