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Wrinkling her nose, she peered at the unopened book and then at Seth. “Why do you need to know?”

“Because we are friends, Pru. It seems like the sort of information a friend should know.”

“F-friends?”

“Yes, Pru, friends.” He elongated the word. “You know, friends. The companionship between two humans. I know you—”

“I know what being friends is, Seth,” she snapped, not even certain why she was feeling so defensive.

“Well, this friend of yours would rather like to know about something so important that shaped your life.” He dragged a chair across the room and placed it on the other side of the desk, sat down, and rested his chin upon his hands, his gaze delving deep inside her.

There was no escaping it. Nor could she escape this strange sensation at the idea of having a true friendship with this man. Despite his reputation, despite their obvious differences, she could not help think that actually, she quite liked him.

And quite liked the idea of a friendship with him.

She blew out a breath and kept her focus on the leather cover in front. “I met my husband at my coming out ball. We were married for two years. He died of consumption.” She lifted her gaze to his. “That is all there is to say really.”

“Oh no.” Seth shook his head. “You do not get off that lightly.” He reached across and took her hand. She wanted to snatch it back, especially when that strange tingling sensation bolted through her, but he did not let her.

“Did you love him?”

Prudence considered this. “In a way, yes. I mean, how much can one love a person at such a young age? I have concluded over the years it was a silly sort of love.”

“But he was a good man?”

“Yes.”

“Clever?”

“Indeed.”

“Handsome?” he pressed.

“In his way.”

“Then why would you not love him?”

She grimaced. This man really asked too many questions and they were far too insightful. “I just think that since my debut, I have changed, and had Mr. Hastings lived, my lovewould have changed.” She shrugged. “It’s quite logical to believe that. Most relationships do not remain the same.”

“No,” Seth admitted. “Why do you think I have little desire to marry?”

She nodded. “Precisely. So you understand my feelings.”

“Consumption though, that must have been an awful thing to witness.”

A shudder ran through her when she thought back to nursing her dying husband at the age of twenty. “It was not the most pleasant of experiences.”

And after it, she vowed never to attach herself to anyone again.

“So you never considered remarrying?” he asked.

She frowned. Had the man been able to read her thoughts? “How many men would choose a woman like me, a woman whothinksfor goodness sakes?”

“I am certain there is many a man who would rather like a woman with a mind of her own.”

There was certain intensity to the way he spoke that made her stomach twist. As though…as though he really did think her marrying material. For him.

No, what foolish thoughts. The whole reason they had met was because Seth did not want to marry. If he was going to have to, she was certain he would choose a pretty Society lady with more wealth and accomplishments to her name.