Page 73 of Alessandra (Chisholm Manor #1)

"I think it is a wonderful idea, Alessandra.

You know it was a wish of your mother's that you should see where she was born and lived until she came to England," Alessandra's father said later as they all sat in the drawing room.

"But how long would it take? I do not think it can be a feasible plan," Alessandra said sadly.

Edward's mother spoke up, understanding the conflict of the young mother.

"What is it that concerns you, Alessandra? Your father and I are happy to watch everything here, and if you do not wish to be away from the children for so long, you can take Margaret and one of the other household staff with you."

Edward watched his wife during the conversation.

He did not want to push her into doing something she did not wish to do, but equally did not want her to miss any opportunity if she did wish to go.

"I do not know how long it would take," Alessandra replied quietly, suddenly unaware of how people even got to Italy, it seemed such a far way off.

"I believe you will need to get to Dover.

From there you can cross the channel to Calais, in France, before making your way to Venice, where your mother was from.

I should think you would need to take at least three weeks," she heard her father explain, causing panic in her.

"Three weeks?! Oh no, that is too long.

We could not possibly..." Alessandra started to say but her mother-in-law cut her off.

"Yes, you can possibly! Alessandra, your father and I are here, and we are both glad to have an occupation.

It would be wise to make use of us while we are both here, and physically able to help you both."

Alessandra looked at Edward, who in turn was looking intently at her.

"What do you think, Edward?" she asked him, desperate for some guidance.

"I think that it is a good idea.

Three weeks is not too long, and as Mother said, we can confidently leave the estate in the care of her and your father.

It would be nice to see where your mother came from, would it not?"

"But is it something you wish to do also, Edward? It is such a long way to travel if you would not like to..."

"Yes!" Edward exclaimed.

"I have never been away from England at all, and I would greatly enjoy travelling ... with you."

"What of the children though? Would it not be nicer to wait until they are all old enough to come with us and learn of their history also?"

"Perhaps, but we can always go again at a later time.

The children were fine without us here when we went to Bath, and I am sure they will be fine for a few weeks, at the age they are.

If we wait too long, then they will be of an age where they are running around the estate, and I that think would wear my mother and your father out!" Edward said, adding some humour into the decision making process.

Alessandra looked closely at him, seeing his passion for the idea in his eyes.

The idea of spending three weeks alone with her husband was a thought that would not have been visible on her face to the older generation in the room, but was very clearly seen by Edward.

"Very well, let us do it," she said, seeing her desire mirror back at her from his eyes.

"Let us arrange it and go before I lose my nerve."