"That was a paltry welcome," Bradford announced.

"That was a welcome for the Duke of Bradford," Caroline told him. "And this," she said, pulling his head down to hers, "is my welcome for my husband." She kissed him long and hard, teasing him with her tongue as she clung to him.

"I have learned that the only time you call me Jered is when you want me to take you to bed," Bradford whispered.

"How very astute," Caroline returned. Her eyes were warm and inviting, her love there for him to see.

One of the strangers grumbled something in his sleep, and Bradford's attention turned to them. "Caroline, who are they?"

Caroline had already turned back to the man on the bed and was struggling with one of his boots. "Help me get him undressed," she commanded.

Bradford sighed with exasperation and took hold of her. He made her look at him and asked again, "Who are they?"

"Didn't Henderson tell you?" Caroline's eyes widened suddenly. She looked over at the man snoring on the bed and then back at her husband. And then she threw herself into his arms, hugging him and kissing him until he almost didn't care at all who the men were or what was happening.

"Why are they in our room?" he asked.

"They are Caimen and Luke, my cousins," Caroline explained, smiling. "Caimen's the one in the chair," she advised. "Oh, I did so want them to make a good impression on you, but my cousins started celebrating as soon as they arrived in London and I'm afraid they're quite drunk. I couldn't get them any farther than our room," she added. "Bradford, do you realize that you're not yelling at me? You haven't jumped to any conclusions."

Bradford pretended to be exasperated again but inside he was smiling. He hadn't thought anything devious was going on. "I trust you," he stated.

"I've always known it," Caroline returned. Her eyes filled with tears and she had to hug him again. "I think I love Jered Marcus Benton and the Duke of Bradford," she whispered.

"I've always known it," her husband returned. His voice sounded arrogant… and terribly tender. He picked up his wife and started out the door, demanding to know where they might find a little privacy. Caroline kissed her husband and whispered directions.