Kissing Cousins

            “Kindly unhand my daughter!” insisted an irate Paladin Took.

            Frodo, however, kept one arm across Pearl’s shoulder.  “I will never do aught against her honor, Uncle Pal,” he declared, “for I love Pearl truly.”

            Bilbo was uncertain how he ought to react.  He knew that Frodo would never behave toward Pearl in an untoward manner, but still!  To be caught kissing in the first larder?  And as much as he cared for Pal and Lanti’s eldest, he still felt that somehow Frodo could do better for himself.  After all, Narcissa also loved the lad, and she had the keener wit.