“大 cousin hasn’t visited in so long, of course we have to dress up nicely!” Ivy Brooks said as she deliberately shot a sidelong glance at Lauren Brooks, then grinned and continued, “I didn’t expect Third Sister to arrive so quickly. It’s quite a distance from Jinxiu Pavilion to here, but Third Sister, you sure walk fast! Oh, by the way, Cousin, this is the hairpin you gifted me before. I wear it every day—look, isn’t it beautiful?”

　　When Princess Adams saw Ivy Brooks twirl around, clinging for her opinion, she smiled and praised that good things need the right person to set them off, then went on to compliment Yvonne Brooks and Sophie Brooks as well. Sophie Brooks remained as aloof as ever, but Yvonne Brooks laughed and said, “Cousin, don’t just praise us. If you ask me, there are very few people in the world who can wear bright red so well—only you truly suit this color. It makes your complexion and spirit look wonderful. When it comes to grace and dignity, who could compare to you?”

　　As soon as these words were spoken, not only did Ms. Turner smile, but even Princess Adams looked radiant. She immediately took off a jade bracelet of the purest watery green from her wrist and gave it to Yvonne Brooks. Lauren Brooks watched coldly from the side, noticing that although Ivy Brooks was laughing cheerfully, her eyes were fixed on that bracelet, as if she was both envious and jealous. She quietly took a sip of tea, and only when Princess Adams began asking about the cousins, finally mentioning Ian Brooks, did she smile.

　　“Fourth Brother is even more sensible than before. Whether it’s practicing calligraphy or his studies, he’s very diligent every day.” Seeing that Princess Adams was listening intently, and Ms. Turner as well, she sighed softly, “But though he works hard, I worry about his health. I heard that because this winter is so cold, many students at the academy have fallen ill, and there’s coughing everywhere during class. I’d like to ask Grandmother for permission—since the New Year is almost here anyway, why not let him rest at home for a few more days, so he doesn’t wear himself out or catch something worse.”

　　Ms. Turner was a bit surprised at these words, but then nodded: “You’re right, this winter does seem especially cold. I even heard that an elderly official, who was in poor health, actually froze to death in his sedan chair on the way to court… Amitabha! In that case, let him rest at home for a few days. He’s still young; there’s no rush for his studies.”

　　“Yes, thank you, Grandmother, for your kindness!”

　　Lauren Brooks quickly stood up to express her thanks, then glanced at Mrs. Carter. These days, Mrs. Carter often visited her at Jinxiu Pavilion, and every time, she treated her with the utmost respect, as one would a proper elder. She never contradicted a single word from Mrs. Carter, and even had Qinfang take on a few embroidery jobs, which she had just delivered in person yesterday. Naturally, she also made sure to voice some concern about Ian Brooks moving to the outer courtyard. If she hadn’t known that Lillian Jones still hadn’t been assigned to Ivy Brooks, and that Ms. Turner seemed to be showing her extra favor lately, she wouldn’t have dared to take such a risk.

　　Sure enough, Mrs. Carter first smiled and said that the old lady doted on her grandson, then sighed, “A few days ago, Second and Third Madams were talking about moving the older young masters to the outer courtyard, but looking at things now, the children in this family are always plagued by illnesses. Every year, there’s no shortage of medicine and doctors. Even with so many people serving them in the inner courtyard, it’s like this—who knows what it would be like in the outer courtyard.”

　　At these words, everyone in the room showed different expressions, and even the always-cold Sophie Brooks paid unusual attention. Ms. Turner glanced at Mrs. Carter, and when Princess Adams asked, she explained, “This was suggested by your two aunts. I thought it made sense at first, but what Lauren said before reminded me. Let’s just postpone it for now and reconsider next year.”

　　Princess Adams and the other madams nearby all smiled and said the old lady truly loved her grandchildren, while the always-cold Sophie Brooks let out a quiet sigh of relief, glancing at Lauren Brooks with a rather complicated expression. After a bit more chatting and laughter, a daughter-in-law soon came in to ask where to set the meal. This time, Lauren Brooks naturally had to stay, joining her sisters to accompany Princess Adams and Ms. Turner for the meal.

　　After the meal, when the table and dishes had been cleared and tea was served, Princess Adams picked up the lid of the small Jun kiln teacup with two fingers of her right hand, as if about to drink, but in the end handed the tea to a maid beside her. She then looked at Ms. Turner and said, “Grandmother, actually, besides visiting you today, I have another favor to ask.”

　　At these words, everyone in the room was stunned. Lauren Brooks immediately stood up, intending to withdraw, and the other three hurried to their feet as well. Princess Adams saw Ms. Turner nod, but gestured for them to stay. Once everyone was seated again, she said, “My sisters are all grown up now, so this isn’t really a big deal—just a bit embarrassing to bring up. Last time the Prince came here with me, he couldn’t stop praising your maids. I thought he was just making conversation, but only recently did I learn that he actually took a liking to Lillian Jones, the one who serves by your side. I know Lillian Jones is very dear to you, but…”

　　Lillian Jones again!

Chapter 008: Each Has Their Own Aspirations

　　The Prince has taken a liking to Lillian Jones—coming from Princess Adams, no one would doubt it. In an instant, not only the mistresses at the table, but even the madams and maids standing by the side, all looked at the maid standing behind Ms. Turner with eyes full of envy and jealousy. You have to know, Lillian Jones was born into the marquis’s household, with her whole family serving in various positions. Normally, when she came of age, she’d be matched with a young servant, or if she was especially lucky, she might become a young master’s chamber maid and perhaps be promoted to concubine in the future—but how could any of that compare to the Prince’s household!