“How have you been lately? Last time Grace Carter made a scene at your place, everyone in the palace heard about it. I was worried you might be upset, but didn’t dare to ask much. It seems she hasn’t come to trouble you recently, has she?”

“I’m fine.” Henry Faulkner shook her head, showing a faint bitter smile. “When she comes, I just avoid her. Lately, I haven’t been feeling well, so I don’t have the energy to get entangled with anyone.”

“How did you suddenly fall ill? I haven’t heard you call for the family doctor. Is it serious?” Baker looked concerned.

Henry Faulkner replied, “It’s nothing. I just finished my period, so I’m a bit weak. I’ve also been having nightmares these past few days and haven’t slept well, so I’m tired. It’s not a big deal.”

“That’s good, but a woman’s health still needs to be well cared for.” Baker immediately instructed the maid beside her, “Yunrou, later take some medicinal herbs for replenishing qi and blood from my stores, as well as some calming incense, and send them to Biluozhai.”

The maid nodded, and Henry Faulkner also thanked her.

The two of them walked a circle around the small garden, then each went their own way.

When Henry Faulkner returned, she heard the sound of an argument in the courtyard. She didn’t hurry in, but stood at the door with Alice Green to listen.

“I told you to fetch a bucket of water to boil tea, but you were gone so long and only brought back half a bucket. How is that enough for a whole day?”

This was the voice of the second-class maid Irene Wynn.

Then she heard Evelyn Lane retort indignantly.

“How much tea can 良娣 drink alone? Half a bucket is enough. My hand still isn’t fully healed. Carrying such heavy things hurts a lot. If it’s not enough, let Little Dean or Little Ann go fetch more water, can’t they?”

“It was only twenty strokes of the rod, and it’s been half a month and you’re still not healed? What kind of pampered girl are you, so delicate and tender-skinned, why bother being a servant maid? You might as well be the mistress!”

Irene Wynn was blunt and her words were sharp.

The quarrel must have gotten heated, because finally Edward Young’s deep, forceful scolding was heard.

“What are you shouting about? Instead of doing your duties, you’re arguing here. Do you have any sense of rules? 良娣 will be back soon. If she sees this and gets angry, next time you quarrel like this, I’ll report you to the Crown Princess and have you properly punished.”

The two maids, having been reprimanded, finally quieted down.

Henry Faulkner stood outside for a moment longer before entering the courtyard.

Inside, Irene Wynn and Ruby were tidying up. When they saw Henry Faulkner come in, they hurriedly saluted.

“Please have a seat for a moment, 良娣. The tea is boiling and will be ready soon,” said Irene Wynn.

Henry Faulkner nodded and sat by the window, letting the two of them withdraw, leaving only Alice Green to attend her.

Once only the mistress and servant were left in the room, Alice Green frowned and spoke in a low voice.

“良娣, this maid Evelyn Lane is not trustworthy. I’m afraid she can’t be kept. If she stays by your side, she’ll be trouble sooner or later.”

“She certainly can’t stay, but we need to find a way to send her away using someone else’s hand.”

Henry Faulkner said calmly, as if she already had a plan in mind.

She beckoned Alice Green over and whispered a few words in her ear.

In the afternoon, after Brian Parker returned to the palace, he was busy with official business in the front study. Consort Baker took the opportunity to send a personally made dessert to the front courtyard.

That night, Brian Parker indeed went to her Weiyang Pavilion.

This was expected.

Baker came from a good family; her maternal clan was a great support to Brian Parker. As long as she was willing to take the initiative to seek favor, Brian Parker would not refuse her.

This, however, made Grace Harris furious again.

She cursed Consort Baker as a vixen in her room.

But this did not affect Consort Baker’s success in keeping Brian Parker that night, and she took the opportunity to mention Henry Faulkner’s ill health in front of Brian Parker.

Wasn’t it Brian Parker himself who had told her to look after Henry Faulkner?

So it wasn’t out of place for Baker to bring it up.

Of course, this was also part of Henry Faulkner’s plan. If Baker really managed to persuade Brian Parker to visit her, then she would save herself the trouble of taking the initiative to seek favor.

It also showed that Baker was not so simple.

If not, then she would make other plans.

Chapter 9: Setting Things Straight

Henry Faulkner was not disappointed. The next afternoon, Brian Parker came over.

Today was a rest day. He had stayed at Consort Baker’s place the night before, returned to the front courtyard in the morning, and probably spent the whole morning in the study. He only came over in the afternoon when he had some free time.

Henry Faulkner wore a faint smile at the corners of her mouth, her eyes holding a trace of anticipation, and she greeted him in the courtyard with proper etiquette.

“Greetings to Your Highness.”

“No need.”

Brian Parker was as gentle as ever.

“I heard from Consort Baker that you haven’t been well lately. Now that I see you, you do look a bit pale.”

“I’ve made Your Highness worry. It’s my own fault for being weak.”

Henry Faulkner lowered her eyes, obedient as a little rabbit.

“Better have the imperial physician take a look.” Brian Parker waved his hand, then entered the room.

He wasn’t truly concerned about Henry Faulkner’s health; he just wanted to see if she was pretending to be pitiful and scheming in front of him.

Whether she was really ill or not, the imperial physician would know at a glance.

Deep down, Brian Parker still didn’t trust Henry Faulkner at all.

After all, the Fang family had defected first.

Henry Faulkner showed no unusual reaction, obediently thanked him for his concern, and personally made a cup of tea for Brian Parker.