Chapter 71

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.