Page 71 of Alessandra (Chisholm Manor #1)

Edward and Alessandra walked around the shops of Bath, looking in windows, and inside the stores.

It was a pleasant distraction from what was really on their minds.

Store by store, they sought out gifts for everyone at the manor.

It would not be long until it was winter, and that would also be the time of Christmas.

"We shall find gifts for all of the staff and tenants also, Edward.

I would like to make sure they know how much they are appreciated," Alessandra said, making her husband feel proud.

He had never heard of any estate master doing such a thing, but liked the idea as he did indeed appreciate the level of work that was involved in running such a large property, and the skills the staff individually had.

"That is a fine idea, Alessandra," he responded, appreciating again the generous nature of his wife.

He suspected that many women would have been far more interested in what they could get for themselves, rather than what they could give to others.

The two of them enjoyed themselves, thinking of different people, and what each might like.

As they moved from store to store, Edward realised it was the first time the two of them had indulged in such an activity as buying items for other people.

Their lives were so entwined at the estate, and with their children, that such a simple pleasure had been overlooked.

His mind ventured back to a thought he'd had that morning about visiting the land where Alessandra's mother had grown up.

When they returned to their room later in the day, he raised the subject once more as they sat on the sofa in front of the fire, watching the flames.

"What do you think about the idea of us going to Italy?" Edward asked.

"Would you like to see if you have relations there?"

Alessandra blushed slightly, remembering the question from the morning, and the moments of love that had followed.

Edward did not tease her, knowing exactly how her mind was working.

"I think I would like that very much," Alessandra replied.

"Mother wrote down names and addresses for me.

It would be nice to see where she came from, and who those people were.

But how long would that take, Edward? We could not leave the children or the estate for very long, nor could we take the children with us. Could we?"

"I agree it would take great planning and thought to travel so far.

Shall we talk to our parents about it and see what they think?" he asked.

For that afternoon, they did not move toward anything sexual at all, finding new joy in sitting, fully clothed, in front of the warm fire.

Whilst holding one another, they talked and talked.

After dinner, however, Alessandra turned to him and smiled shyly at him.

"Tomorrow we are returning home," she said simply.

Edward nodded. "Yes."

"Then we shall be busy once more, unable to have time like this," Alessandra continued.

"Yes," he said, touching her hair and face gently with his hand.

"Please make love to me now, Edward," she said.

She did not need to say anything more.

Edward smiled, wanting to only please her and make her feel beautiful and loved.