Chapter 40

When Edward finally felt it was

a polite time to remove himself from the company of his parents and

go to bed, he was pleased that Alessandra appeared to want an early

night also. He didn't expect anything of traditional pleasure, but

even as tired as he was, he took his time enjoying undressing her

and climbing into bed with her.

Alessandra was mindful of how

much Edward had done to please her since coming home earlier that

day, even though he'd not slept the whole night before. She happily

cuddled into him and remained still and quiet as she sensed him

finally find the sleep that his body needed. She was joyous simply

to have him next to her once again, finding comfort in his warmth

beside her.

~~~~~

The next morning, Edward

woke to find Alessandra lying beside him but awake. She was

watching him with a smile on her face.

"What a beautiful sight,"

he said to her, smiling in a way that turned her heart before he

moved closer and pulled her tightly to him. "And what a lovely

thing to feel," he continued, with joy in his eyes as he touched

her ever-increasing belly.

Once again, Alessandra

cuddled into him, not eager to get on with the day.

"So quiet, first thing in

the morning, my love?" Edward asked her, wondering what joyous

journeys were happening in his wife's mind. "What are you

thinking?"

As Alessandra continued to

remain quiet, he pulled away from her to look at her closely.

Initially alarmed at her silence, he relaxed as he saw she only had

a look of contentment on her face.

"I am well, Edward," Alessandra

said. "I am happy to have you here with me."

Edward

kissed her deeply but then

remembered his responsibilities.

"I must get up and go and

see Father," Edward said. "We are to travel around the estate

today, talking to our tenants. That will take most of the day. Are

you sure you are well?"

Alessandra nodded and kissed

him.

"Yes. I must get up and spend

some more time with your mother, learning."

Edward climbed out of bed and

started to dress while looking at her.

" Do not overdo it,"

he said. "Mother does not expect you to be doing a great deal right

now."

Alessandra got up and began to

dress also, enjoying having Edward help her in doing so. She heard

the sound of surprise when he tried to secure the back of her

dress.

"My love, you need some new

clothes to get you through the coming months. Has Mother talked to

you about that?" he asked.

Alessandra shook her head. "No,

I did not want to ask."

"I shall mention it at

breakfast," Edward said. "Worry not. You need not ask, but you

cannot wear clothes this tight. It cannot be good for you or the

baby."

They headed down to breakfast,

where Edward was true to his word.

"Father, Mother, Alessandra

needs looser garments to wear as she is getting larger with child,"

he said.

"Oh, Alessandra, I am so sorry!

I did not even think," Edward's mother said. "Yes, let us organise

that today. What a good idea, Edward."

Alessandra felt relieved. She

understood why all of her family's money had been given to the

Chisholm family, but there were times when she felt awkward in

having to rely on them for money.

"Thank you," she said shyly and

gave her husband a grateful smile, only to receive one of his

smiles of high amusement at her shyness.