Page 59 of Alessandra (Chisholm Manor #1)

"We must start heading back to your parents' home so we arrive before it gets dark," Edward said as they took a moment to lie together naked before getting dressed to leave the house.

Alessandra lifted her head and looked into his eyes, well satisfied with their visit to the estate, in so many ways.

"This has been wonderful, Edward.

Thank you for coming here with me.

I know you always have so much to do at home," she said quietly.

Edward kissed her fully.

"This is wonderful for me also, Alessandra.

I never would have not come here with you," he said, pausing a moment before continuing.

"A part of me would like to stay longer."

"Yes, but I am eager to see Elizabeth, and we can return any time if we wish to.

Next time, we could bring my parents and Margaret and Elizabeth here."

"Yes!" Edward exclaimed, not having considered it before.

"Yes, let us do that, Alessandra.

We shall return and stay at your parents' home tonight and, if they are willing to, we shall bring them back here tomorrow or the day after."

"Oh, the house is so grand, Mother, and the staff are so friendly and well organised.

I would very much like for you, Father, Margaret and Elizabeth, to all come with us tomorrow for a visit.

We can all stay there.

It is a very large house," Alessandra said excitedly, her youthful exuberance visible.

"I am not sure," her mother said quietly and thoughtful.

"What do you think, Edward? Is it too far for us to travel?"

"Oh, no! It is not too far from here, and what Alessandra says is true.

There is plenty of room for everyone.

It would be good for you to know what Alessandra is talking about with regard to different things if you could see them, I believe, Sir," Edward said to Alessandra's father.

"With winter being not far off, it would be best to go soon, if you wish to see it, rather than in a few months."

Alessandra's father weighed the option over in his mind, thinking about things that had to be done in his home.

The happiness in the voice of his daughter overruled any doubt he had, prompting him to nod and smile at her.

"As you wish, my daughter.

Let us all have a good night's sleep tonight and see how we feel tomorrow morning.

If we need to, we can wait one day before we go over."

In bed, Edward could sense Alessandra's excitement, and he smiled in the dark.

"Do you think the walls in the other house are thick?" she asked innocently, causing him to laugh out loud, which in turn made her giggle.

"Oh well, it is not long till spring," she continued, referring to their agreement to not physically join again until that time.

"Oh, my lovely wife, how I do love you!"