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extenuating circumstances that existed between the two men.
    She took one last glance down the hall before leading Frederick to the quaint and tidy guest room across the hall. Shutting the door behind them, she turned to face her cousin.
    “What is this all about?”
    “When.” He growled the word, which made it more of a statement than a question, and a fearful one at that.
    “When what, Frederick?”
    “Don’t toy with me, Juliet. When are you expecting your arrival?”
    God in heaven. How was it possible Frederick knew of Artemis’s litter? She had been so careful, slipping down to the kitchen every evening, checking to make certain the staff had seen to the future dam’s comfort. Goodness. Frederick could hardly discern one dog from the next. How had he known Artemis was increasing? Or that she belonged to Lord Colwyn?
    “Arrival?” She did her best to sound ignorant. “Should I be expecting someone?”
    “That remains the question, does it not?”
    Juliet studied her cousin, her eyes taking in his flushed appearance and heated gaze. She squirmed under his appraisal. It was not like him to be so upset. “I’m afraid I don’t understand.”
    “Oh, I believe you understand quite well, cousin. What remains unclear is why you did not come to me first.”
    This was what the man was about? That she had not sought his approval on breeding the dogs? “I did not think you were interested in such matters.” Indeed, his eyes usually glazed over when she spoke of anything to do with her beloved hounds.
    “I am a man, like any other.”
    “And I a woman.” What did their sex have anything to do with dogs and breeding?
    “Indeed. And a very pretty one. Have you applied a new treatment to your skin? The freckles appear a tad muted this evening.” He took a step toward her, his hand brushing her cheek.
    She had, in fact, applied a lemon wash to her face that morning, but that Frederick had noticed had, in fact, used the word “pretty” in reference to her appearance, and was now touching her in an intimate fashion, set her on edge.
    Juliet took a step back toward the door, her fingers reaching behind her for the latch.
    “I don’t profess to know what has overcome you, that you now seek to compliment me, Frederick, but I must remind you I am engaged to another.”
    Frederick let out a loud snort. “The viscount? Come, Juliet. I think we both know I would be a better match for you…even with your little indiscretion.” His eyes lowered to her midsection.
    Was he implying she was with child? That he thought she and Benjamin had been intimate before vows were exchanged? The very idea brought a rush of heat to her cheeks and her hands to the metal latch on the door.
    “I can assure you there was no indiscretion. Now, it is late and I must see to Lord Colwyn before retiring for the evening.” The latch lifted in her hands, the cool metal bringing her a sense of reassurance—before Frederick put a heavy palm on the door.
    “Why not see to my needs first?” He leaned forward, the fruity smell of her father’s best brandy heavy on his breath.
    “Have you been imbibing, Frederick?” That would certainly explain his insulting behavior.
    “Perhaps a little. It is rather cold this evening.” He removed his hand from the door and placed a finger under her chin, tilting it upward. “I was hoping you might warm me up.”
    Juliet brushed her cousin’s hand away. “I’ll have the staff bring some extra blankets to your room.” She turned, her hands trembling on the metal latch. Pulling it back, she made her way out of the room and down the hall.
    With a hand to her chest and her slipper-covered feet flying over the carpeted floor, she turned the corner and barreled into a thick, broad, and very hard chest.
    A deep grunt and an expletive were whispered into her hair before two hands wrapped around her arms, pushing her away from his chest.
    “Juliet?” Benjamin’s dark eyes swept over her. “Are you all