"He's fine," Sterns announced. He hadn't bothered to look down at his employer when he made that pronouncement but continued to stare down at the beautiful infant; The look on his face was one of true adoration.


"Do help him up," Jade whispered. She was biting her lip to keep herself from laughing.


"He doesn't appear to be ready to get up just yet," Sterns announced. "The babe needs my full attention now. You've done very well, mi'lady, very well, indeed. I'm certain the Marquess will agree when he finishes his faint."


Jade beamed with satisfaction. Her eyes filled with tears. "You're never going to let him live this down, are you, Sterns?"


Caine groaned then, drawing her attention. "We must never tell anyone he swooned. He'd die of embarrassment."


"Don't worry, mi'lady," Sterns returned. "I certainly won't tell anyone. I promise."


She should have realized from the determined sparkle in his eyes that he wasn't going to honor his promise. Three days later, she read all about Caine's fainting spell.


The rascal butler had posted it in the dailies.


The Marquess of Cainewood took it all in stride. He didn't mind the jests from the well-wishers at all.


Nothing could rile his temper. After all, his mission had been successful. He'd hunted down the infamous pirate… and now she belonged to him.


The hunter was content.