Lauren Brooks had no interest in standing out by surpassing her other sisters in such matters. She offered a few modest words, but seeing that Ms. Turner was insistent, she could only thank her first. Next, as was customary, the selection proceeded according to seniority. Among the four sisters, she was second; Ivy Brooks picked first, choosing two long hairpins inlaid with kingfisher feathers and jewels, and was now happily admiring the string of pearls dangling below, praising them. The maid then brought the box to her. Seeing the dazzling gold and jade inside, she glanced only briefly before looking away, then smiled and said, “Since Grandmother and Cousin are so kind to me and let me have the lion’s share, why not let Third and Fourth Sister choose first?”

Since she said so, Ms. Turner naturally agreed, so Yvonne Brooks and Sophie Brooks each picked a pair in turn. When the box was finally brought before her, she opened the lid and saw that only a pair of five-inch passionflower gold hairpins and a pair of three-inch delicate cordyceps pearl hairpins remained. Without betraying any emotion, she closed the lid and was about to hand it to Fiona Quinn, who was waiting behind her, when Ms. Turner smiled and said, “Don’t put it away so quickly. Among all the sisters, you’ve always been the most understated. Now that you’ve just recovered from a serious illness, you should dress up a bit. Put on two hairpins and let me have a look.”

As she spoke, Mrs. Carter stepped forward, took the box, and opened it. She paused for a moment, then smiled and deftly placed the pair of passionflower gold hairpins in Lauren Brooks’s hair, then led her to stand before Ms. Turner, offering a round of praise. Lauren Brooks saw Mrs. Carter bring over a mirror; she glanced at herself and smiled slightly, saying, “It’s not that I never wore them before, but they always felt heavy on my head. I just thought the pearl hairpins would be easier, but I didn’t expect that, with Mrs. Carter’s skillful hands, these passionflower ones would look so different.”

“Of course. You’re already a young lady of thirteen; it’s time to add some gold jewelry.”

Ms. Turner waved her hand as usual, and Lauren Brooks returned to her seat. Mrs. Carter handed the box to Fiona Quinn at the side. At this moment, Ivy Brooks, who had been sitting quietly, suddenly spoke up: “Mrs. Carter is certainly skillful, but among the people by Grandmother’s side, who isn’t? Since Grandmother is in a good mood today, I’d like to ask you for someone!”

Ms. Turner was taken aback, then smiled at Ivy Brooks: “You little rascal, always scheming to get people from me. Go on, who do you want? Let me think about it.”

Hearing this, Ivy Brooks was overjoyed. She hurried forward, curtsied gracefully before Ms. Turner, and blinked as she said, “Every sister by Grandmother’s side is outstanding—how can I not be envious? The maid Ling’er in my room is grown up and about to be sent out, so I’d like to ask Grandmother to grant me Lillian Jones.”

Chapter 005: The Elder’s Gift (Part 2)

As soon as the topic shifted, Lauren Brooks immediately recalled what Mrs. Carter had mentioned earlier. She stole a glance over, but saw that Mrs. Carter wasn’t paying attention to her; instead, her expression tightened slightly as she looked toward a maid behind Ms. Turner. Not only Mrs. Carter, but everyone else in the room was also glancing that way.

The maid called Lillian Jones had an oval face, medium build, delicate features, and wore a green gauze vest over a blue satin jacket, which made her fair skin look even more like jade. Her eyes were bright as morning stars—she was indeed striking. Now, with everyone looking at her, she grew a bit uneasy and quickly lowered her head. Ms. Turner turned her head with interest to look at her and asked, “Since Bing’er wants you, are you willing to go?”

Upon hearing this, Lillian Jones hurried forward and knelt, keeping her head down as she said, “This servant will obey whatever Grandmother decides.”

“Very well.” Ms. Turner finally turned to Ivy Brooks, looking at her with a half-smile. “You’re getting a good deal! But there are still a few sewing tasks she’s working on for me, so you’ll have to wait a few more days before you can take her.”

“Thank you, Grandmother!”

As Ivy Brooks gave her thanks, Lillian Jones also kowtowed. Watching this affectionate scene, Lauren Brooks took the opportunity to stand up as well: “Grandmother cares for Second Sister, so I’d like to benefit a little too. When I was recovering, Mrs. Carter and Madam Zhu came to see me and happened to notice the maids in my courtyard were not up to standard. Grandmother knows me—without someone reliable to keep watch, my courtyard will only get messier. I ask Grandmother, for the sake of my sincerity, to casually pick a sister from your room for me!”

At this, Ms. Turner’s smile deepened: “Well, did you all plan this together? One after another, you’re all scheming to get my people! Listen to Lan girl—‘casually pick someone’—is even a sweeper in my room better than those in yours?”

Lauren Brooks only smiled: “Second Sister is taking away someone Grandmother cherishes. I’m embarrassed, so I can only ask Grandmother to casually assign me a sister. Surely Grandmother won’t favor one over another.”

Hearing this, Mrs. Carter chimed in: “That’s true. Grandmother has managed the household for decades—even a sweeper here has rules and discipline, much better than those playful maids. Third Miss really does need someone to keep order. Last time Madam Zhu and I visited, after just a short while, she came out and was so angry she gathered all the maids and scolded them together.”

“Oh?” Ms. Turner raised her eyebrows, then relaxed. “Fine, let Ruby Hall go then. She’s about the same age as Lillian Jones, and the two are close. With Lillian Jones gone, she’d be lonely staying behind.”