Page 52 of Alessandra (Chisholm Manor #1)

In the following weeks, Alessandra's mother and father returned to their home.

From Margaret, Alessandra learned how to do things that she knew her mother-in-law did not approve of her doing herself - bathing Elizabeth, and changing her clothing and nappies.

Even Edward was eager to assist with aspects of his daughter's care, and at the end of every day made sure he had his turn to let the little life nestle into his arms and fall asleep there before being put into her bed by her father.

Margaret was well set up to support Alessandra, but at the young parents' request, she did not work nights, and left the young one in their care completely.

After putting Elizabeth into her bed for the night - by now she was sleeping more and more of the night with each passing day - Edward climbed into bed with Alessandra to hold her close.

"Shall we move back into our own room soon, Edward? I do not think we need to stay in here any longer," Alessandra asked, letting her mind wander back to pre-birth times.

"Of course.

We can do that tomorrow," he replied, bringing up his hand to touch her cheek and run his fingers over her lips.

So far they had not moved toward anything physical, both being aware of the advised four weeks before resuming intimacy.

Often when he was near her, his arousal was overpowering.

He yearned for her greatly.

"Can everything return to normal tomorrow, Edward?" she asked.

Edward laughed at her, knowing precisely what she was asking.

"I have not forgotten your desire to not be with heavy with child in summer, my love," he said.

Alessandra thought about that, doing mathematics in her head.

"But it is only the start of autumn now.

If we do not start trying to make a baby until summertime, that will be many months before we are joined again!" she exclaimed unhappily.

"No, Edward ... no!"

"We can still be close, Alessandra," he said as he lowered his hand to that private part of her, and felt her legs part to grant his hand access.

Alessandra kept as quiet as she could, mindful of the little person sleeping nearby, but at the same time relished the delicious feelings that she had missed.

Edward felt his arousal reach another level as he became aware of the way her body was moving in her arousal, and the quiet but noticeable sounds she was making.

He kissed her neck in the spot he knew she loved, and kept moving his finger on her.

It was a short time before he felt her climax and release.

Alessandra took a few minutes before she opened her eyes and looked at him.

When she did, Edward saw her fire.

She leaned in and kissed him passionately and started to pleasure him, also with her hand, and once more it was a short time before he also released.

Their kissing took another turn, both fuelled greatly by their passion for one another, and much time passed before they eased off slowly.

"I know you are right.

We can pleasure each other without joining.

That is all we did when we first married.

It does seem very long to wait, however!" Alessandra said, secure in his arms.

"We only have to align it right once, my lovely wife.

We can work on the baby-making mid-spring, allowing you to be out in the sunshine more over summer, and then you could be giving birth near the middle of winter," he explained softly to her, although silently thinking to himself that it did seem like a long while until he would be able to move as one with her once more.

"What say you to that?"

Alessandra cuddled closer into him, letting him take on the role of stronger partner, and agreed.

"I would very much like for us to be able to ride at least up to the summit more together in the warm weather, Edward," she said and paused before continuing.

"And walk to the waterfall."

He laughed at her, purposely not letting his mind wander to other memories relating to that area.

Moving so he could look into her eyes once more, he kissed her softly.

"Then let us remember that in the middle of spring ... hmmm ... but until then, I shall do what I can to keep you distracted from such thoughts."

Alessandra suddenly realised he had not finished his pleasuring of her yet.

She felt his lips move down her body until his lips and tongue found that point once more, and again she was taken away in wondering why she was thinking so much about their physical joining at all.