Chapter Eleven.

The countryside buzzed with early festival preparations as the heart of the village came alive with a mingling of locals and travelers from distant lands. Horses, laden with goods, trotted past carts brimming with colorful wares, all to be sold in the lively markets. Among these travelers was Lady Elisabeth, cloaked in secrecy, veiled within a simple carriage that creaked along the cobbled road. She peered out from behind the curtain, her gaze sharp and filled with purpose. After all these years, her return was not merely for the festival but it was for unfinished business, driven by memories and an unwavering desire for justice.

As darkness settled over the village, Lady Elisabeth and her small entourage arrived at the edge of the countryside. They presented themselves as mere travelers drawn by the festivities, hoping to find lodging so they might partake in the celebration. The hospitable villagers took them in without question, offering space in a modest inn designated for passing visitors.

Veiled from head to toe, Lady Elisabeth ventured through the village streets with her face concealed save for her eyes. She moved swiftly, avoiding conversation as she navigated familiar paths from long ago. Soon, she reached Lady Victoria's modest home and knocked gently, calling her friend's name in a soft murmur.

Hearing the voice of her beloved mistress, Lady Victoria rushed to the door, her face lighting up with joy as she opened it. "Oh, my lady, you are most welcome!" She bowed slightly, stepping aside to let her inside before closing the door tightly.

Lady Elisabeth offered a warm smile. "Please, rise, dear Victoria. And tell me, how have you been?"

"I should be asking that of you, mistress," Lady Victoria replied, a hint of sadness in her eyes. "I've often wondered how you've managed all these years. It must have been a difficult journey."

Lady Victoria led her to a chair, quickly setting about brewing tea. "Please rest here, mistress. I'll prepare a proper meal shortly."

"Thank you, Victoria." Lady Elisabeth settled in, allowing the familiarity of the place to wash over her. "Tell me, have you seen my son, Garet?"

"Not yet, my lady," Victoria said with a hint of regret. "He rarely comes around. But I'm sure he'll attend the night of the grand masquerade. It is a masked ball, though everyone will reveal themselves only at the end of the night."

Lady Elisabeth nodded thoughtfully, her fingers grazing the edge of her veil. "And what of your husband and your daughter?" she asked gently.

A shadow passed over Lady Victoria's face. "After you left, my lady, my husband passed a few years later," she replied softly.

"Oh, Victoria, I am truly sorry for your loss," Lady Elisabeth said, reaching for her hand in sympathy.

Victoria smiled faintly, accepting the gesture. "As for my daughter, she's been working at the estate temporarily. She's trying to save some money, and she's been a great help to us. Her birthday falls tomorrow, the same night as the grand ball."

"A fine occasion, indeed," Lady Elisabeth said. "I can tell she must be a strong and dedicated young woman."

The two women shared a quiet moment, then fell into conversation, reminiscing about days long past, sharing laughter over fond memories and sadness over the bitter ones. Time slipped by as they sat together, reliving their youth, until at last, Lady Victoria prepared a small room for her mistress to rest.

Alone in her chamber, Lady Elisabeth lay in bed, nerves fluttering. The thought of seeing her son again filled her with a mixture of joy and sorrow. After so many years of silence, she felt the weight of her decisions keenly. "I am a terrible mother," she whispered to the darkness, a tear slipping down her cheek. "I should have fought harder for Garet… for my place in his life."

As she lay there, memories flooded her mind, the tender years she had spent with young Garet. He had been such a sweet child, always bright and eager, his laughter echoing through the hallways. She remembered reading him stories, singing him lullabies, and the way he would curl up beside her as she cradled him to sleep. They had shared such simple happiness, a bond she thought unbreakable only until Delinda had intruded upon their lives, shattering it all.

With these bittersweet thoughts, Lady Elisabeth drifted into a restless slumber, preparing herself for what awaited her at the festival and, most importantly, at the masked ball where she might finally come face to face with her son once more.