Page 40 of Alessandra (Chisholm Manor #1)

When Edward finally felt it was a polite time to remove himself from the company of his parents and go to bed, he was pleased that Alessandra appeared to want an early night also.

He didn't expect anything of traditional pleasure, but even as tired as he was, he took his time enjoying undressing her and climbing into bed with her.

Alessandra was mindful of how much Edward had done to please her since coming home earlier that day, even though he'd not slept the whole night before.

She happily cuddled into him and remained still and quiet as she sensed him finally find the sleep that his body needed.

She was joyous simply to have him next to her once again, finding comfort in his warmth beside her.

The next morning, Edward woke to find Alessandra lying beside him but awake.

She was watching him with a smile on her face.

"What a beautiful sight," he said to her, smiling in a way that turned her heart before he moved closer and pulled her tightly to him.

"And what a lovely thing to feel," he continued, with joy in his eyes as he touched her ever-increasing belly.

Once again, Alessandra cuddled into him, not eager to get on with the day.

"So quiet, first thing in the morning, my love?" Edward asked her, wondering what joyous journeys were happening in his wife's mind.

"What are you thinking?"

As Alessandra continued to remain quiet, he pulled away from her to look at her closely.

Initially alarmed at her silence, he relaxed as he saw she only had a look of contentment on her face.

"I am well, Edward," Alessandra said.

"I am happy to have you here with me."

Edward kissed her deeply but then remembered his responsibilities.

"I must get up and go and see Father," Edward said.

"We are to travel around the estate today, talking to our tenants.

That will take most of the day.

Are you sure you are well?"

Alessandra nodded and kissed him.

"Yes.

I must get up and spend some more time with your mother, learning."

Edward climbed out of bed and started to dress while looking at her.

"Do not overdo it," he said.

"Mother does not expect you to be doing a great deal right now."

Alessandra got up and began to dress also, enjoying having Edward help her in doing so.

She heard the sound of surprise when he tried to secure the back of her dress.

"My love, you need some new clothes to get you through the coming months.

Has Mother talked to you about that?" he asked.

Alessandra shook her head.

"No, I did not want to ask."

"I shall mention it at breakfast," Edward said.

"Worry not.

You need not ask, but you cannot wear clothes this tight.

It cannot be good for you or the baby."

They headed down to breakfast, where Edward was true to his word.

"Father, Mother, Alessandra needs looser garments to wear as she is getting larger with child," he said.

"Oh, Alessandra, I am so sorry! I did not even think," Edward's mother said.

"Yes, let us organise that today.

What a good idea, Edward."

Alessandra felt relieved.

She understood why all of her family's money had been given to the Chisholm family, but there were times when she felt awkward in having to rely on them for money.

"Thank you," she said shyly and gave her husband a grateful smile, only to receive one of his smiles of high amusement at her shyness.