Page 32 of Alessandra (Chisholm Manor #1)

"What are we to do today, Father?" Edward asked at the breakfast table one morning, three weeks later.

The response he got back was a broad smile from his father and his mother, who looked as if they had done something underhand.

"Today you shall take your lovely wife into Bath," he started.

Alessandra raised her head in surprise.

Since arriving on the estate, she hadn't ventured to any of the nearby towns.

She felt a familiar excitement grow inside of her at hearing the words.

"Your mother and I have agreed that you and Alessandra - should you wish to - shall take some time off from your duties around the estate.

Go and enjoy some time together before Alessandra is too large with child.

The weather is fine now, and the roads are clear as we move into spring.

We have arranged for you to stay at The Railway Manor for the next four nights."

Edward and Alessandra looked at each other with an equal look of surprise, then excitement, and then joy.

"Father! Mother! Thank you!"

"Shall I assume that you both would like to do this, and arrange the carriage for you?"

Edward looked enquiringly at his wife, excited but concerned about her journeying.

"It is up to you, Alessandra," he said.

"Do you feel up to some travel and exploration?"

Alessandra smiled broadly and nodded with great enthusiasm.

Three hours later, she sat beside her husband in a carriage, heading off to a new town that she'd greatly heard about but had never visited.

As they travelled, she placed her hand on her belly, silently telling her unborn child all about it.

After they checked into their accommodation, Edward and Alessandra stood at the window of their room.

It was a glorious view, looking out over the township.

"Your mother and father are so kind to me," Alessandra said, feeling emotional.

"Alessandra, they love you, as do I," Edward said, placing his hand over her belly once again.

"When this little one comes, we may not have as much time together alone like this, so let us enjoy it."

Edward then kissed his wife, as a gesture with the thinking that they would then walk out and start exploring.

He soon realised that Alessandra had other plans.

It wasn't long before he found himself taken into the world of pleasure once again.

"Do you think other married couples spend as much time like this, as we do?" he asked her after they were sated once more, curiosity having crossed his mind.

"No.

It is my understanding from what other people have told me, that some couples very much do not spend time like this together.

It seems some do not, in fact, even enjoy it.

It is difficult for me to understand. I think I could spend all day, every single day of my life, like this with you," Alessandra said with a serious tone.

Edward laughed at her, making her laugh softly also.

"My beautiful wife," he said, kissing her again.

"How different you are now, from the shy, timid little thing that came into my home and was too afraid to speak."

Alessandra smiled at him indulgently.

"That is your doing, Edward," she started to say, and saw a look of surprise on his face.

"Every single day, you make me feel like I am beautiful."