NOVPUBChapter 1179: 532 Commoner_3 Chapter 1179: 532 Commoner_3 Adorned with exquisite embroidery, her clothes featured a placket made of white jade.
Both the collar and cuffs were lined with white fur, creating a festive yet elegant appearance.
In her youth, the old lady was a standout beauty and, despite the gradual encroaching dusk of her age and shrunkened figure, the spirit imbued in her grew more radiant with the passage of time.
The lively colors added a blush to her complexion, enhancing her dignity and kindness.
Loretta supported the old lady to sit in front of her dressing table, using a wooden comb to arrange her silver hair.
The old lady never dyed her hair, accepting with equanimity whatever hue time bestowed upon her.
The silver color spread like moonlight-tinged frost, a beauty beyond words.
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“Madam, you have exquisite hair,” Loretta looked at the old woman reflected in the mirror, “In your youth, you must have been an extraordinarily beautiful woman.”
Even in old age, she remained the most beautiful elderly woman.
The passage of time does not defeat beauty, this saying never rang truer.
If those depleted eyes sparkled with stardust, what a brilliant sight that would be.
A hint of regret flashed through Loretta’s mind.
The old lady paused for a moment, then stretched out her hand to gently caress her reflection in the mirror, tenderly touching the memory of her past face.
“The bloom of youth fades in the blink of an eye, autumn departs, and frost takes its stead – in the blink of an eye, it has been eighty years.”
How many eighty years does one have in a lifetime?
Thus, she felt content with her lot.
Loretta skillfully wrapped the silver threads into a bun, and the old lady handed her a wooden hairpin.
This was the wooden hairpin she wore for many years.
The head of the hairpin was carved with a magnolia, simple and elegant, it was the love token her deceased husband had handcrafted for her; a detail she never left behind.
Loretta said with a smile, “Madam, you are the star today, we should dress you up more gracefully.”
She then picked up an exquisite wooden box from the table, opening it to reveal a green jade hairpin lying inside.
Crafted entirely in a clear green hue, the head was carved with cloud patterns, giving it a modest yet dignified appearance.
“This is the birthday present from the Young Master.
He poured his filial heart into it, did you know that, Madam?”
The old lady caressed the jade hairpin, her smile deepening, “Okay, I’ll wear it today.”
Loretta held the jade hairpin and gently inserted it into the silver bun.
The silver bun and the green tint complemented each other, creating an indescribably exquisite sight.
After serving the old lady breakfast, it was precisely eight o’clock.
Catherine Liam yawned.
As she opened the door, she shivered from the cold, “Why is it snowing out of the blue?
Such bad luck.”
She had already had a premonition that today’s birthday banquet would not go smoothly.
Catherine Liam hummed a small tune, took care of her morning ablutions and then called Seraphine Moore.
Turning around, she jumped with a start, “Why don’t you make a sound when you walk, child?”
Charlotte Arias’s gaze was deep, “Mom, who were you calling?”
Catherine Liam cleared her throat, “Calling your grandmother, asking what time she’ll arrive so I can meet her at the door.”
“Really?
There will be many guests today, and there will inevitably be some places that we can’t attend to.
As the lady of the house, it’s time for you to step forward.”
Catherine Liam pouted her lips, “What do I have to be busy with when Loretta is there?
She makes sure everything is taken care of.”
“Mom, did you forget, Loretta is just a maid of the Aria family, she will never be accepted in the high society.”
Catherine Liam thought for a moment, “Don’t worry, your mother knows what to do.”
Looking at the snowy courtyard, Charlotte Aria noticed far off in Anika Hall, the upcoming event was being arranged methodically.
Her eyebrows furrowed slightly, “On this day today, I wonder if Seraphine…”
“Charlotte.” Matthew Aria came out from his study and waved to her.
Charlotte Aria quickly approached, “Father.”
Matthew Aria looked at her, “The Cook family will probably send someone today.
Cello Cook has a daughter, about seven or eight years old.
This young girl likes you very much.
Just like with the Dankworth girl, you should take care of this little girl from the Cook family.
Make sure you treat her well.”
Charlotte Aria looked stunned and instinctively looked up at Matthew Aria.
Her father was reminding her.
Thinking of her father’s position, upholding the traditions of the Aria family, even in his official career, her father had always been low-key, maintaining his modesty and integrity.
However, in terms of The Cooks…
her father had made his choice.
Matthew Aria gently patted her shoulder, “Charlotte, you are an intelligent child, you should know what to do.
Oh, yes, I remember that the Third Young Master of the Cook family is of the same age as you.
You should be of the same generation, there should be plenty of common topics.
Make sure you treat this Third Young Master well and do not disgrace our Aria family.”
Charlotte Aria’s heart sank instantly, she quietly looked up at the man standing in front of her.
“Father…”
Matthew Aria chuckled as he patted her on the head, “Charlotte, dress up well.
Your father trusts you.”
With these words, he turned around and walked away, his hands behind his back.
The snow under the eaves continued to fall, and Charlotte Aria suddenly felt a chill all over her body, uncontrollably shivering.
