Page 44 of Alessandra (Chisholm Manor #1)

"I do not understand, Father," Edward exclaimed in horror after receiving news of the letter.

He stood in the steward's room with his father, holding the letter and forcing himself to read it again and again.

He needed to make sure he'd accurately interpreted what it said.

"Tom Missinger has not been seen for two weeks? And people think he might have been coming here, to see Alessandra?"

Edward's father looked at his son and nodded as Edward paced the room, overwhelmed with fear for his wife and child.

"But why would this news come now? So late?" he asked and saw his father shake his head with unknowing.

"Perhaps his wife did not report him as missing immediately, or perhaps the news reached Alessandra's father at a later date.

We do not know that, Edward, nor does it matter.

What does matter is that you and I go around the estate and make sure everyone watches out for him.

You are the only person, other than Alessandra, who knows what this man looks like, so you must describe him to everyone." He watched his son pace more, and saw his face become increasingly agitated. "Edward, you must calm down..."

"Calm down! My wife and child are at risk of being ... I do not know what ... by some man who has unhealthy intentions ... and you think I should calm down?"

His father walked up to him and placed his hands on his son's shoulders.

"Yes! Edward, your wife must not be distressed by this.

She is perceptive.

She will know something is seriously wrong if you do not find a way to not have this in the forefront of your mind when you are with her.

I am also not going to tell your mother, as she will not be able to contain the knowledge without worrying Alessandra either," he said before becoming quiet for a moment. "It is not a good situation, I know, but there is a chance that he has not ventured to this part of the country at all. Worrying Alessandra and your mother would be fruitless."

Edward took a deep breath and sat on one of the seats in the room, understanding what his father was saying, and knowing his advice to be wise.

There was nothing he would do to contribute to stress in his wife.

If Alessandra became concerned, it could affect the health of their child.

With a mother who had been told she must never get pregnant after his birth, and Alessandra's mother also having had so many miscarriages when she was younger, Edward and Alessandra both had an awareness of how difficult it could be for some people to have children. Neither wanted to take any risks at all.

No, he thought to himself, the only option was to alert the tenants around the property and make as best an effort as possible to try and not let Alessandra know anything was wrong.

"Yes, Father.

Let us begin talking to the tenants again.

There is still enough time today for us to begin, is there not?" he asked and saw his father nod.

"We can at least visit Old John and his family, then head over to see Mrs Howard.

She is living alone.

I do think it most urgent that we see she is alright."

Edward nodded and they left, both full of concern over what situation might present itself in the weeks to come.