Page 46 of Alessandra (Chisholm Manor #1)

Despite the chatter that passed between the household staff, the news of Mrs Howard's ordeal was contained from the ladies of the household, much to the relief of Edward and his father.

At breakfast, conversation was much the same as usual before Edward's father spoke up with a stern sound in his voice.

"Come, Edward.

We have much to do around the estate today, so we will be out all day," he said.

Edward rose at the summons, eager himself to get out and try to do something to ensure there was no danger to his family.

He gave his wife a particularly long farewell kiss before removing himself to leave.

Inwardly, he felt dread at the thought of something awful possibly happening in the near future, that was going to result in her unhappiness.

Once on the road again, Edward and his father did not say anything to each other.

They were each in their individual thoughts about what the man in question was willing to do to get to Alessandra.

One cottage after another they visited, stopping to talk to the tenants.

Edward explained what Tom looked like, and asked the tenants to immediately notify the master at the manor if they saw anyone suspicious or unknown in the area.

"But Master, is that enough? We can round up men from the nearby farms and do a proper search for this man.

For him to do what he did to Mrs Howard is just not right."

Edward looked at the man before him, agreeing silently in his head that actively searching for Tom was a good idea, but not wanting to argue with his father, who always seemed to know best.

Finally, the evening rolled in and Edward was pleased they had spoken to every tenant on the estate.

No-one else had seen anyone new on the estate.

That relieved Edward's worry a little, but also made him fearful that Tom could be hiding anywhere, ready to strike whenever he was ready.

When they arrived back at the manor, Edward went to find Margaret.

"How is Mrs Howard?" he asked her quietly when he had found her.

"She is very weak, Sir, but she has been eating somewhat, and drinking some wine.

She is looking better, but I do think it may be several days at least before she is strong again," Margaret said.

Edward nodded at her and smiled kindly.

"Very well.

Keep tending to her, and do not let her leave until you believe she has the strength to.

She is to be well looked after and kept warm at all times," he said quietly before walking off.

Mrs Howard was one of the many tenants he had known all of his life. Although she was of a much lower position in life than he, as with all the tenants, he had been taught to respect and love everyone around the estate.

That night in bed, Edward held his wife tightly and kissed her softly.

He could feel her wanting him to yield and make love to her, but he was steadfast in adhering to the agreement they had made to each other after the day at the waterfall.

He wanted her - oh, how he wanted her - but he would not risk endangering her or the child.

It wasn't easy. She knew how to please him and make him yearn for her. He counteracted that with laughter toward her.

"Alessandra, stop being wicked toward me," he teased her.

She laughed back at him, appreciating how eager he was to keep her safe and well.

"What do you mean, Edward?" she teased him back with an innocent look on her face.

"Whatever can you mean? I am only showing my affection."

"My innocent wife.

I love you, and you know how easily you enflame me."

"Oh!" she said unexpectedly.

Edward was alarmed for a moment before he saw her smile at him, completely distracted from her previous attentions.

Alessandra revelled in the feeling she had started to get used to - that of a small person inside of her, moving around.

She took Edward's hand and placed it on her belly once again.

When she did, she saw him smile and display the same look of wonder that he always did when he felt the baby move.

"He is hearty, is he not, my love?" Edward said, smiling.

"Oh, you still are thinking this is a boy, then?" Alessandra asked, teasing him further.

"I shall be pleased with a boy or a girl, Alessandra," he replied and kissed her deeply.

"But I think you must agree, he is active enough to be a boy."