Chapter Five.

Word had already spread throughout the countryside the Duke's eldest son, Garet, had returned to settle down. The news flew from one mouth to another, exciting the hearts of ladies and gentlemen alike.

"He's dashingly handsome," whispered one young woman in the marketplace, her cheeks flushed with excitement. "Absolutely perfect!"

"Did you hear? He's to court Lady Elena of the Washington family. Oh, she's so fortunate!"

"I heard his voice is marvelous, deep and dreamy," murmured another, sighing as she imagined it. "Compared to his brother, he's far more mature, more striking. Truly, the rightful heir to the Duke."

Other rumors circulated, all filled with praise for Garet, the Duke's long-absent son.

Among those who overheard these whispers was Lady Victoria, Hazel's mother. She was browsing the market when she noticed a group of women excitedly discussing the Duke's heir. Curiosity piqued, she approached them with a polite smile.

"Greetings, ladies," she began, folding her hands. "Did I hear correctly? The Duke's eldest son, Garet, has returned?"

"Indeed, Lady Victoria!" one of the women replied with a sly smile. "Word is he arrived this morning. But why the interest? Just know, he's spoken for Lady Elena of the Washington family is all but promised to him!"

Lady Victoria offered a polite nod and made her way home, her thoughts heavy with memories of the past. She remembered her former mistress, Duchess Elisabeth, the rightful Duchess who had once ruled with grace. Duchess Elisabeth had been forced to leave, driven out by the wickedness of Delinda, the Duke's current wife. Lady Victoria was convinced that Delinda had used black magic to seduce the Duke, though no one dared to believe it.

As Duchess Elisabeth's maid, Lady Victoria hadn't been privy to all the details, as her mistress had always been discreet. She had, however, witnessed the Duke's descent into infidelity. The once-loyal husband had begun bedding other women, which pained the Duchess terribly. In the end, Elisabeth had been banished, instructed never to return when she accused lady Delinda of black magic and was frained.

After she left, she sneaked back into the countryside during one of their festivals and entrusted Victoria with a letter detailing her whereabouts and a box of precious jewelry.

That was the last time I set eyes on her.

Lady Victoria sighed, her fingers tracing the outline of the worn jewelry box. She hadn't touched its contents for years. Tonight, she decided, she would pen a letter and send it via the night travelers, hoping it might reach her former mistress in two days' time. Perhaps, she thought, Duchess Elisabeth would seize this chance to reunite with her son.

Victoria opened the box, carefully examining each piece. Her children had no knowledge of these treasures, hidden away in their home. As she handled each item, she recalled Duchess Elisabeth's kindness. Despite the formalities, they had often been like friends, sharing stories of their childhoods, laughing over memories, and exchanging hopes for the future.

With misted eyes, Lady Victoria remembered the day Elisabeth had given birth to Garet. He had been so small, so delicate. Garet had been the Duchess's joy, her precious light. She would sing lullabies to him, play with him, and hold him close. Victoria could still hear the Duchess's voice, tender and loving. And when she had been forced to leave, Elisabeth hadn't even been given a chance to say goodbye.

On that painful day, she had asked Victoria to watch over her son, to care for him as best she could. And Lady Victoria had honored that request, tending to Garet's needs, mediating between him and Edward, and comforting him in his loneliness. But when Garet was sent abroad, Lady Victoria had left as well, needing to care for her own family and prepare for the birth of her child. Even then, she hadn't hesitated to inform Duchess Elisabeth of Garet's departure.

With a heavy sigh, Victoria closed the box, setting it carefully back in its hiding place.

---

Meanwhile, preparations for the upcoming festival were in full swing. The Duke's estate buzzed with activity as servants harvested from the fields and merchants traded in the town square. Young ladies across the countryside were busy sewing their finest dresses, each hoping to stand out at the festival's final event, a grand masked ball. It would be an evening filled with music, dance, and whispered hopes, and for many, the highlight of the year.

Lady Victoria felt the anticipation building in the air. She, too, hoped that this year's festival would bring joy, laughter, and perhaps a long-awaited reunion.