The Transformation of the Bashful Lady Bonus Scene

Sarah watched from the window of her country home and breathed a sigh of contentment. Her son, Daniel, was playing in the lawns below her window. Andrew laughed as he had a brand-new pony brought out from the stables. Daniel squealed with glee at the beautiful animal and wanted to climb onto his back immediately. Andrew helped him into the saddle and held him securely as they rode in a small circle. Daniel seemed to be a natural, just as his father was. At three years of age, it astounded Sarah that he was so agile.

She thought back on the last few years and was so thankful that she had married a man who believed in her dreams wholeheartedly. After their honeymoon in France, they had decided to move to Paris permanently. She debuted on the Parisian stage, her skills as a ballerina being unsurpassed. It had taken a year of intense study, but with Andrew’s help, she had seen her dream become a reality. The following two years had been a whirlwind, and she had loved every minute of it.

But then she had come down with a mysterious illness. She was dizzy much of the time and unable to dance. She became nauseous and fainted easily. Andrew insisted on taking her to a doctor. Sarah had been so afraid of what they would find. She had just found happiness, and to have it stolen away by infirmity would be almost too much to bear. She shook her head at the memory, as if it were yesterday.

“Sarah, my love, whatever it is, we shall meet it together. But we must look after your health. You cannot go on like this. I’m worried for you,” Andrew pleaded.

Sarah had been crying at the thought of every worst possible scenario. She would have to give up dancing for good and would never have children. Her life would be over before it had really begun.

Andrew called for the doctor to come the following day. Sarah had been unable to keep anything down and was exhausted with the constant retching. She cried softly as they waited for the doctor to arrive, convinced that she must be dying.

Andrew stood behind her as she lounged on the divan, a cool cloth on her forehead.

“My Lord, you may leave us as I perform the examination. I shall call you presently,” the kind, old doctor instructed.

Andrew leaned down and kissed his wife on the forehead. “I shall be right outside the door waiting, my love. Everything is going to be alright.”

Her lower lip quivered slightly as she tried to remain calm and collected. Sarah watched him leave then turned her attention to the doctor, who began with a series of questions.

“How long have you had your symptoms?” he asked.

“Oh, about three weeks, I suppose. I fainted during a rehearsal at the theater. I am a ballerina,” she replied.

“Yes, I have heard of you, my lady,” he smiled, sitting down in a chair that had been provided for him next to the divan. “And were you injured in this faint?”

“No, fortunately one of the other dancers caught me. But I have not been able to hold down anything since then. I am constantly dizzy and tired. I am afraid, doctor. Am I going to die?” She began to cry again, silent tears running down her cheeks.

He smiled and patted her hand. “I don’t think so, my lady. Now, let us continue with the examination and we shall know more of what is afflicting you.”

About half an hour later, the doctor went to retrieve Andrew, who had been pacing outside the door. He perked up at the slightest noise from within his wife’s bedroom, listening intently. He was a nervous wreck by the time the doctor had finally completed his examination.

“My Lord, please. Your wife is going to be just fine,” he replied, smiling at the couple. Andrew took his place at the end of the divan, holding Sarah’s hand. “What is it, doctor? What’s wrong with her?” Andrew asked, rubbing the back of her hand to try and comfort her.

“Would you like to tell him, my lady? Or shall I?” the doctor asked, winking.

“I would,” Sarah said and turned, her face beaming. “My love, you’re going to be a father!” She started crying again, but they were tears of joy this time.

Andrew looked like he could have been knocked over by a feather. “A father? Truly?” He knelt down and came closer to his wife, wiping the tears from her cheeks. She nodded and Andrew hugged her.

“I’ll take my leave now. Try to rest, My Lady. And I am afraid you will have to put your dancing on hold for a while. My heartiest congratulations, My Lord and Lady.” The doctor smiled warmly at them and left the room, closing the door quietly behind him.

“I feel so foolish. I thought I was dying and all this time it was the most common affliction of women. I should have known.” Sarah laughed at herself, but she was overjoyed. Andrew’s face reflected her joy and he kissed her softly.

“You’re going to make a wonderful mother.”

Sarah smiled at the memory. She had gladly given up her dancing career to focus on her family. Someday she would go back to the stage, but for now, she was enjoying the joys of motherhood.

She made her way down to the garden where Daniel and Andrew were still riding the pony.

“Well, don’t my two boys look dashing this afternoon?” she said as she approached them.

“Mama! Look at the pony Father got me!” Daniel said with delight.

“I see, my dear. And you look so handsome sitting astride your new steed,” she replied. His blonde curls bounced up and down as Andrew helped him into a slow trot around the garden. She was amazed at her son's strength already. He was going to grow up to be a handsome young man.

“How are you feeling today, my love?” Andrew asked as they halted the horse and joined her at a small table. The servants would be bringing afternoon tea to them any minute. She looked down at her growing belly and paced a protective hand over her abdomen. They were expecting their second child, a girl, she hoped.

“I am well. A little tired, but it seems the sickness is behind me,” she replied. Sarah leaned into her husband's embrace, relishing the kiss her placed on her forehead. He was such a gentle, considerate man. She thanked God every day for the man who had captured her heart.

“I am glad to hear it. Perhaps we shall have a baby girl by Christmas?” he suggested.

“I hope so,” she replied. Daniel was running circles around the table, chasing a small blue butterfly.

“Is this where you all are?!”

Sarah turned slightly to see her mother coming across the lawn, followed by two servants with trays of tea. Sarah gave a little wave.

“We’re all right here, Mother. What have you been up to?” Sarah asked as she was seated.

“Oh, I have been to visit Cousin Clara. She is having a harder time of it than you are. But I suppose every child is different.”

Sarah nodded. “I shall have to visit her tomorrow.”

Her cousin Clara was also with child, and due about a month before she was. It had been a joy getting to reconnect with her cousin and her family. They spent every holiday together and enjoyed a closeness that few other families claimed.

“Mama, what will we name the baby if it is a girl?” Daniel asked, coming to sit on her lap. He climbed up her skirts and she helped him get settled on her knee.

“Well, my dear, what would you suggest?” Sarah asked.

Daniel thought for a moment. “I think we should name her Carol. After Grand-mère Caroline.”

Sarah teared at this and looked over at her mother. “I think that is a very good idea, my love.” She could see tears in her mother’s eyes as well. She simply nodded and smiled back at her. They had become closer and closer as the years had passed. It was as if all the years of loneliness and rejection had been washed away and they had been restored to a loving mother-daughter relationship.

Sarah surveyed her family, thanking God again for the miracle of life and love. Her life had been truly blessed.

And they all lived happily ever after.

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