Page 51 of Alessandra (Chisholm Manor #1)

Downstairs in the drawing room, the midwife said her farewell to the rest of the family and left the five of them sitting silently with their individual thoughts.

"She will need someone to help her, at least, Edward.

Who does she trust to help her with the baby?"

Edward looked up, suddenly realising he was not certain who Alessandra even interacted with on the household staff.

But remembering how trustworthy Margaret had been when he and his father had brought Mrs Howard to the manor, her name was the first one that entered his mind.

"I think Margaret might be the person she would prefer, at least initially," he said, standing up.

"I shall locate her and talk to her."

Walking around the rooms in an attempt to find the right staff member, Edward found himself cursing the size of the manor.

With it being summer, it was even worse as everything was cleaned and set up for the upcoming hunt his father had arranged, when a great number of people would be staying with them.

Finally, he found Margaret in one of the guest rooms, preparing it for the arrival of a guest.

"Margaret," he said.

Margaret looked up, surprised to see the young master seeking her out.

"Yes, Sir?"

"You are aware that my wife has safely delivered our child," he started and saw her nod in acknowledgement.

"I would like her to have someone with her to help as she requires it, and to give her support, particularly when I am not nearby.

It will require some help with my daughter..." he said tentatively, not even sure if Margaret knew anything about children or babies.

"Sir, I have nursed babies and raised children," Margaret said, reassuring him.

"I would be happy to provide help to the young mistress if that is what you are asking."

"Yes, thank you," Edward said.

"Will you pass this work to someone else, and go to her now?"

Margaret nodded, curtseyed, and walked off to find Alessandra, with a smile on her face as she had come to consider the young mistress a very likeable and affable young lady who she would take pleasure in assisting.

Before leaving the room, Edward took a moment to go to the window of the presently unused bedroom, and just looked out, enjoying the view.

From there, he could see the hill he and Alessandra had both come to love riding up to the summit of.

He felt himself grow excited at the thought of things such as horse riding, which she had not been able to enjoy in recent months.

As his mind turned back to their conversation at the waterfall, where she had expressed her desire to not be with child again in summer, he resolved that he would do whatever he had to, to make sure that did not happen.

But even in thinking about how to not get her pregnant, he felt his arousal come on strong, due to his anticipation of their intimacy soon being able to resume again.

Even just thinking about her like that was enough to create deep feelings of passion for her.

He realised then, standing at the window, how much his body had missed hers after all.