Rightful heir

Lady Ophelia felt a pang of doubt, her anger and hurt beginning to dissipate. She looked up at the Dowager Countess, and for a moment, she saw the woman who had raised her, who had loved her and cared for her.

"Mother," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm sorry. I know I've been foolish."

The Dowager Countess's face softened, and she reached out to take Lady Ophelia's hand. "My dear, I'm sorry too," she said. "I should have been more supportive of you, more understanding. But I want you to know that I'm here for you, no matter what. And I'll do everything in my power to help you get out of this marriage, and find someone who truly loves you."

Lady Ophelia felt a sense of closure, of understanding, wash over her. She knew that she still had a long way to go, but with the Dowager Countess's help, she felt like she could finally start to move forward.