Lady Ophelia’s return

Lady Ophelia took a deep breath, trying to think of a plausible excuse for her absence. She knew that Lord Laurent was not a man to be trifled with, and she needed to come up with a convincing story to avoid raising his suspicions.

"Elara, I need you to help me come up with a reason for my absence," Lady Ophelia said, her mind racing. "Something that will satisfy Lord Laurent and Francois."

Elara nodded, her eyes narrowing in thought. "Let me think for a moment, milady," she said. "Ah, I have it! We can tell Lord Laurent that you were feeling unwell and needed some fresh air. You slipped out of the manor for a short walk, but didn't want to disturb anyone."

Lady Ophelia considered the excuse, weighing its merits. It was a plausible reason, and one that might satisfy Lord Laurent's curiosity. But she knew that she needed to be careful, that one misstep could lead to disaster.