Chapter 52
In the
following weeks, Alessandra's mother and father returned to their
home. From Margaret, Alessandra learned how to do things that she
knew her mother-in-law did not approve of her doing herself -
bathing Elizabeth , and
changing her clothing and nappies. Even Edward was eager to assist
with aspects of his daughter's care, and at the end of every day
made sure he had his turn to let the little life nestle into his
arms and fall asleep there before being put into her bed by her
father.
Margaret was well set up
to support Alessandra, but at the young parents' request, she did
not work nights, and left the young one in their care
completely.
After putting Elizabeth into
her bed for the night - by now she was sleeping more and more of
the night with each passing day - Edward climbed into bed with
Alessandra to hold her close.
"Shall we move back into
our own room soon, Edward? I do not think we need to stay in here
any longer," Alessandra asked, letting her mind wander back to
pre-birth times.
"Of course. We can do that
tomorrow," he replied, bringing up his hand to touch her cheek and
run his fingers over her lips.
So far they had not moved
toward anything physical, both being aware of the advised four
weeks before resuming intimacy. Often when he was near her, his
arousal was overpowering. He yearned for her greatly.
"Can
everything return to normal tomorrow, Edward?" she
asked.
Edward laughed at her, knowing
precisely what she was asking.
"I have not
forgotten your desire to not be with heavy with child in summer, my
love ," he said.
Alessandra thought about that,
doing mathematics in her head.
"But it is only the start of
autumn now. If we do not start trying to make a baby until
summertime, that will be many months before we are joined again!"
she exclaimed unhappily. "No, Edward … no!"
"We can still be close,
Alessandra," he said as he lowered his hand to that private part of
her, and felt her legs part to grant his hand access. Alessandra
kept as quiet as she could, mindful of the little person sleeping
nearby, but at the same time relished the delicious feelings that
she had missed.
Edward felt his arousal
reach another level as he became aware of the way her body was
moving in her arousal, and the quiet but noticeable sounds she was
making. He kissed her neck in the spot he knew she loved, and kept
moving his finger on her. It was a short time before he felt her
climax and release.
Alessandra took a few minutes
before she opened her eyes and looked at him. When she did, Edward
saw her fire. She leaned in and kissed him passionately and started
to pleasure him, also with her hand, and once more it was a short
time before he also released.
Their kissing took another
turn, both fuelled greatly by their passion for one another, and
much time passed before they eased off slowly.
"I know you are right. We
can pleasure each other without joining. That is all we did when we
first married. It does seem very long to wait, however!" Alessandra
said, secure in his arms.
"We only have to align it right
once, my lovely wife. We can work on the baby-making mid-spring,
allowing you to be out in the sunshine more over summer, and then
you could be giving birth near the middle of winter," he explained
softly to her, although silently thinking to himself that it did
seem like a long while until he would be able to move as one with
her once more. "What say you to that?"
Alessandra cuddled
closer into him, letting him take on the role of stronger partner,
and agreed.
"I would very much like for us
to be able to ride at least up to the summit more together in the
warm weather, Edward," she said and paused before continuing. "And
walk to the waterfall."
He laughed at her, purposely
not letting his mind wander to other memories relating to that
area. Moving so he could look into her eyes once more, he kissed
her softly.
"Then let us remember
that in the middle of spring … hmmm … but until then, I shall do
what I can to keep you distracted from such thoughts."
Alessandra suddenly realised he
had not finished his pleasuring of her yet. She felt his lips move
down her body until his lips and tongue found that point once more,
and again she was taken away in wondering why she was thinking so
much about their physical joining at all.