Page 68 of Alessandra (Chisholm Manor #1)

News of the extraordinary day at Chisholm Manor Estate spread quickly.

People came from around the entire area to pay respect to both the new master on the birth of his son, and to say farewell to the old master.

Edward watched his mother closely, aware of the bittersweet contrast of the two things that could happen in one day - one life extinguished as another began.

During the funeral service, she clung to him, as much emotionally as physically.

Alessandra held back in everything, ensuring her husband did not feel divided.

Of comfort to her mother-in-law seemed to be Alessandra's father, who had not too long since lost his own lifelong love.

Alessandra would see them huddled together in different places - the drawing room, the gardens, and even her favourite spot - the glass jungle room.

It was an odd combination, but she could see why they suddenly spent so much time together.

"The estate is now yours, Edward, to command as you wish, but I do advise that you consider things carefully before making any changes.

Do not rush in.

Take your time, and assess what urgently needs to be done, and what can be put off.

This is a full-time responsibility, and it will take much out of you if you let it. Do not let it take you from your family too much. It can be lonely as a wife to the master of a great estate like this one, if you do not work together to manage everything so it all works well," Edward heard his mother say as he turned to look at her.

They were sitting in the drawing room alone.

Alessandra and her father had gone out for what had become a routine of a daily walk through the gardens together in the late afternoon sun.

"Did you feel like that, Mother? Lonely?" Edward asked, not sure if he would cause offence, but curious after her choice of wording.

Four years earlier, he would not have dared be so intrusive into his mother's private life, but since his marriage - and particularly since his father's passing - the two of them seemed to have moved forward as adult companions, as much as mother and son.

She looked at her grown son and recognised once more how much he had grown, and what a fine man he had developed into.

She couldn't have been prouder of him already being a father to three children, all of whom appeared healthy.

Edward saw his mother smile sadly and nod after a period of time, during which he considered she might be letting memories flow over her.

"Sometimes I did, when things were going on that your father would have to deal with.

There were many times when he would be gone from breakfast until bedtime.

Yes, at different times it did seem like a lonely life, but those times were far outweighed by the many, many more when he was here," she said and paused before continuing.

"You appear to have a full, loving marriage, Edward. As you start to get busier in the estate, make sure you and your wife monitor how you are both feeling. I know Alessandra is very strong. I have no doubt she will run the household well whilst continuing to be the loving mother that she is, but do not let the busyness of the two of you result in space growing between you."

Edward considered what was said to him and nodded, lowering his eyes as he pondered the advice.

Already he had started to feel pressure on him as he took on the many roles that his father had played before him.

So far, the evening routine of him and Alessandra spending time with the children, and both of them putting them down to sleep for the night, had not been affected at all by his workload.

Equally unaffected was he and Alessandra retiring to their bedchamber together in the evenings to talk together about their day before going to sleep. Since the birth of Charles, neither of them had made any move toward physical intimacy. Every day was so full that sleep was a priority every night. Edward also knew that with his wife breastfeeding their son several times a day, while running the household largely on her own now that his mother had taken a back seat there, Alessandra was as exhausted as he was when they came together in the evenings.

Thinking about his family, he felt a sudden desire to be around his children, so stood up.

"Would you like to come to the nursery, Mother? I feel the need to hug my children," he said and immediately saw her smile and stand up with a renewed sense of energy about her.

"I would like that very much, Edward.

Yesterday when I was playing with little Elizabeth, she..." Edward's mother began and was soon making him laugh as she told a small story about one of Elizabeth's increasing adventures in exploration of her surroundings.

A month later, Edward and Alessandra found themselves settled into a routine that was busy but not stressful.

Edward spent much of the day around the estate, visiting tenants and discussing different aspects of agriculture with them.

After several weeks of the routine, he started to finally find it easier to not see his wife at all between breakfast and the evening meal.

Alessandra similarly resolved to put her head down and treat the work as a job, doing everything she could between breakfast and their evening meal together, whilst making time each day to feed the baby, spend time with Isabella and Elizabeth, and enjoy an afternoon stroll with her father.

"You are always so busy, Daughter," her father said to her one day on their daily walk.

"If you need help with something, please do not forget that I can help.

You only need to ask."

"Father! You need not do anything while here except relax and enjoy yourself," she said, horrified at the thought of her father taking on any of their work.

In response to her words, she saw her father stop walking and turn to her.

"Alessandra, I have worked all of my life, in one way or another.

It is difficult sometimes to not have anything I am required to do.

Please, if you or Edward need assistance with anything, promise me you will let me know so I can help."

Alessandra looked closely at him, noticing suddenly how much he had aged since her mother's death.

She conceded that perhaps it was difficult for him to not have any vocation anymore.

"Thank you, Father.

I certainly shall ask for your help when I need to, and I will talk to Edward and ensure he does also."