Page 50

Though, she had to admit, anyone who looked at her would have to wonder why a man like Seth would pay attention to her. She knew for a fact she looked nothing like the sort of women with whom he usually spent time.

“Pru…” He tried to take her arm again, and she dodged away once more.

“Seth, I am here foryou, believe it or not. Mr. Russell has some excellent archives and a friend of my father’s has issued me an introductory note.”

“Mr. Russell’s son would likely welcome you with open arms.” He gave her a stern look. “Extremely open arms.” He closed the gap between them once more. “Look, as much as I appreciate your help, I have no wish for you to spend time with Russell. He is known to show little regard for propriety.”

Her lips curved. “And so the infamous rake Lord Seth Templeton wishes to talk of propriety?”

“I am always a gentleman, Pru, let me assure you of that. There is a distinct difference between an agreement between two consenting adults and Russell’s lecherous behavior.”

She eyed him. He looked so serious that she could not help feel guilty. She was not unaware the younger Mr. Russell had a reputation for being inappropriate in public with women who had little interest in him, and Seth had every right to be offended by such a comparison.

“I do not imagine the man is even home right now! Even if he was, he would have little interest in me.”

“You look quite…attractive today.”

She glanced at the door, ignoring his words and the strange swirl it sent into her stomach. It was lies, of course. She looked no different than usual and was more than happy with that. “We are starting to look odd indeed just standing here.” Shetugged his arm. “Come, if you are so concerned, accompany me. But, I assure you, even if the man was home, he would not be interested in me.”

Seth pinched the bridge of his nose and eyed her. “You would risk your reputation to see these archives? Dear God, woman, I know you love research but…”

“I’m a widow, Seth. I have no reputation to worry about,” she blurted out before marching up to the door and pulling on the bell.

It took a few moments for him to catch up with her. By the time he reached her side, the butler had opened the door and Prudence handed over the letter of introduction.

The butler ran his gaze over her, revealing little. “Mr. Russell is not in London at present but he welcomes visitors to his home, especially if recommended by Mr. Marsden.” The butler motioned inside. “Will you follow me, Mrs. Hastings?”

“Mrs?” Seth hissed as they entered and handed over their hats.

“We will talk about this later,” she muttered.

The butler led them into a modest library and indicated to one section of leather-bound books. “This is where you will find most of the legal archives.” He motioned to a bell pull by the door. “If you need anything, please ring.”

Seth watched the man leave but she ignored him, rushing forward to pick up one of the huge volumes and set it on the desk by the rear window. She flipped it open with a thud.

“Goodness,” she whispered.

Seth stalked over toward her, and she glanced up to see his knitted brow. With a sigh, she closed the book and sank onto the chair behind the desk.

“Do all you academic types just wander into each other’s libraries?”

“Mr. Russell is a member of the The Society for the Education of Minds. He supports all pursuits of knowledge and is good friends with my father.”

“Very well, then can you tell me why it is I did not know you were a widow?”

She looked up at him. Why did this seem to vex him so? Why did he care what her married or unmarried status was? They were mere acquaintances and, yes, she supposed they had shared quite a lot with each other after being in such close confines, but it did not mean she was obliged to tell him all.

“How does one tell someone that her husband is dead?” She lifted both hands. “Was I supposed to blurt it out whilst we were reading? Or when we were discussing your childhood or my trips to Scotland with my family or memories of your father?”

“You could have corrected me as soon as I called you Miss Hastings.”

She pursed her lips. “I suppose…” She sighed. “I suppose you are right.”

“Will you tell me now then?”

Prudence scowled. “Tell you what?”

“About your husband.”