Albert glanced back.
Jeslyn, evidently bored, was absorbed in a comic book and paid no attention to their conversation.
Albert turned to Jessie and noticed she was removing her damp stockings, revealing her slender feet.
âWhy are you still wearing such thin stockings in this cold?â he asked in a low voice, his tone tinged with concern.
âTheyâre not only thin but also not the easiest to remove.
â
Jessieâs cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
She glanced nervously at the rearview mirror.
âLower your voice.
What if Jeslyn hears?â she whispered.
Albert offered a knowing smile.
The day before, Jessie had dressed in thin stockings to go with her dress.
Albert had helped her remove them that evening, a memory Jessie seemed hesitant to revisit.
âAre those from last night? Theyâre probably not wearable anymore,â he teased lightly.
Jessieâs face grew even redder.
âThis is a new pair!â she asserted.
Albert ceased his teasing, clicked his seatbelt into place, and changed the subject.
âLetâs head home.
I asked the servants to keep the snow in the yard untouched.
You could make snowmen with Jeslyn or have a snowball fight.
â
Jessie shot back playfully, âI donât want to play!â
âBut I would love to see you play,â Albert replied with a smile.
Though it was a simple exchange, Jessie found herself blushing again.
She turned her face away, feeling uneasy.
Albert watched her for a moment, his gaze affectionate and tender.
Then, he started the car, and they drove off towards home with Jeslyn still engrossed in her comic book.
When they arrived home, they found Lettie busy in the kitchen alongside the servants.
Albert suggested she take a break.
âThe servants can handle cooking.
You should rest!â
Lettie glanced over, continuing her task with a sigh.
âBack when I was affluent, I spent my time at social events, parties, and musicals.
I enjoyed it then, but now, I find doing something practical at home more fulfilling.
â
Albert didnât press further and led Jessie and Jeslyn upstairs.
Lettie called after them, âYouâve been out since early morning; you must be exhausted.
lunch wonât be ready for another two hours, so take some rest.
And donât forget to dry Jeslynâs feet to prevent her from catching a cold.
â
Jeslyn piped up, âI will go change my shoes and we can make snowmen together!â
Despite her usual reluctance for outdoor activities, Lettie found it hard to deny the little girlâs request.
Albert brought Jeslyn upstairs and used a heater to warm her tiny feet.
Jeslyn, full of energy, exclaimed, âI want to make snowmen with Grandma!â