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Chapter 68

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."

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