So, this girl who had previously been singled out by Ivy Brooks—though her face was flushed and her head hung low—still had a joy beneath her shyness that everyone in the room could see. At this moment, although Lauren Brooks was still sitting upright, a smile appeared at the corners of her mouth.

Seeing the Princess of Jin hesitate to speak, sure enough, Ms. Turner only paused for a moment before affectionately patting her hand and saying, “I wondered what the big deal was. Since the Prince of Jin has taken a liking to her, it’s her good fortune. It’s just that you spoke a bit late. A few days ago, your second younger sister asked me for someone, and I still had a few sewing tasks for her to finish. She just completed them today, and I was planning to give her over. You can just talk to your second sister directly—she’s the easiest to get along with and surely won’t refuse you.”

Upon hearing this, the Princess of Jin really did stand up and gracefully walked toward Ivy Brooks. Although Ivy Brooks was extremely surprised, seeing her approach, she hurriedly stood up and smiled, saying, “Old Madam and Cousin, you flatter me. I just saw that Sister Lillian Jones was capable, so I wanted her to help manage the maids in my room. Now that she has a better opportunity, I’m happy for her—why would I stand in the way?”

“Then I must thank you, Second Sister.” The Princess of Jin smiled even more warmly, then nodded and said, “I’ve always known Second Sister is the most generous and proper. After the New Year, you’ll come of age—who knows which young gentleman will be worthy of you?”

Whatever little annoyance Ivy Brooks had was completely washed away by these words. If not for her mother’s repeated instructions, she wouldn’t have asked for Lillian Jones in the first place. It’s just a maid, no matter how good, it’s limited—how could it compare to her own marriage prospects? Today, she had dressed up carefully to meet the guests, hoping the Princess of Jin would help her with her marriage.

After all, although her father inherited the title of Marquis of Yangning, he was careless and unreliable. Her mother, though now managing the household, was once just a concubine’s daughter in a count’s family—how could she have much say in marriage matters compared to Ms. Turner? She didn’t want to end up like her other aunts, who, despite being daughters of a marquis, either married some low-ranking military officer or a concubine’s son from a noble family, spending their days worrying about daily necessities and having to serve their in-laws with lowered eyes!

Now that things were settled, everyone was naturally delighted. Ms. Turner had Lillian Jones come forward to kowtow to the Princess of Jin, and then had someone prepare seasonal clothes and jewelry as Lillian Jones’s dowry. But just then, an older matron beside the Princess of Jin smiled and said, “Princess, our household has always valued double blessings when bringing in new people. Wouldn’t it look odd to have only Miss Lillian Jones? Why not ask the Old Madam to part with another maid to serve at your side?”

The mention of “double blessings” made the Princess of Jin nod, and Ms. Turner also found it reasonable. But when she looked back, she realized that most of the second-class maids had only just been added in the past few days, and the four first-class ones were her own long-serving attendants, who were a bit older. So, her gaze fell on Ruby Hall, Megan Dean, and Cynthia King, who had come in with Lauren Brooks and the others.

The moment that matron spoke, Lauren Brooks felt a jolt in her heart, and when Ms. Turner looked over, she discreetly glanced sideways at Ruby Hall beside her. Seeing her looking very unwell, her hands tightly twisted together in her lap, she knew that this maid, who had only just started serving her, was most likely unwilling. Then she noticed Lillian Jones beside the Princess of Jin frown and gently bite her lip, and she quickly began to think.

“In that case, let it be Ruby Hall. Of the maids of suitable age, only she and Lillian Jones fit. Lauren, I hope you don’t feel wronged.”

As soon as Ms. Turner spoke, Lauren Brooks smiled and said, “Why would I feel wronged? I just didn’t expect Sister Ruby Hall to have the same good fortune as Sister Lillian Jones. I’m happy for her.”

As she spoke, she stood up, as if not noticing the indescribable resolve on Ruby Hall’s face, and gently took her hand, saying, “Sister Ruby Hall, just a few nights ago when you were on night duty, I heard you talking in your sleep in the middle of the night. Now that you’re going to the Prince’s residence, isn’t it like a dream come true?”

Ruby Hall was momentarily stunned, but she was not foolish. She quickly lowered her head and said, “Third Miss is teasing me again.”

However, both Ms. Turner and the Princess of Jin frowned. Ms. Turner thought for a moment, beckoned Lillian Jones over, and as if giving instructions, quietly asked about Ruby Hall’s sleep-talking. When she heard this, Lillian Jones was first startled, then glanced awkwardly at Ruby Hall, lowered her eyes, and softly reported in line with Lauren Brooks’s words, “Old Madam, it’s true that Ruby Hall talks in her sleep, but it only happens a few times a month, so not many people know.”

With this, Lauren Brooks’s words were confirmed. So, Ms. Turner immediately changed her mind and said, “Enough, Little Lauren, you’re generous, but it’s rare for you to ask for someone. Your cousin only needs a maid to serve her, it doesn’t have to be Ruby Hall. Besides, Ruby Hall is steady and manages Jinxiu Pavilion for you, which puts my mind at ease. So, let it be Megan Dean; today, she and Lillian Jones will go with the Princess to the Prince’s residence.”