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The front door swung open and a barrage of animals poured out, barking so loudly that Seth could scarcely hear himself think. Several dogs jumped up his legs while a man close to Seth’s age tried to corral them back into the house.

“Freddy!” Pru cried. “Why did you let them out?”

“I didn’t mean to,” Freddy protested.

Pru grabbed one of the smaller dogs and cradled it under an arm then snatched the collar of another and urged it back inside. Seth followed suit and between the three of them, they finally had all the dogs back in the house and the noise gradually quieted. Pru slammed the door shut behind them.

“We like dogs,” she said sheepishly.

“They like dogs. I tolerate them.” Freddy thrust out a hand. “Frederick Warren. Pru’s brother.”

“Lord Seth Templeton.” Seth eyed him. “I think we’ve met at White’s.”

“Oh yes, most likely, though I do not spend much time there these days.”

“Freddy is recently married and quite head over toes in love with her,” Pru said with a smile.

“Congratulations.” Seth braced himself for the look that he had experienced many times. Usually it came with a narrowed gaze of disapproval or a lifted eyebrow.

But Freddy remained jovial with no hint of brotherly protection behind his stance. “How do you know Pru?”

“She’s helping me with my studies,” Seth offered.

“Oh, she never said anything. But then Pru does like to keep to herself.”

Seth nodded. “I am starting to realize that.”

Several of the dogs continued to mill around Seth’s legs, rubbing themselves against his breeches for attention. He leaned down and gave a small white-haired one a good ear scratch.

“What brings you here, Freddy?” Pru asked.

“Lilly is feeling a little under the weather. Mother has some tincture that I intend to take her.”

Her face paled a little. “Oh no, I hope she is not very ill.”

Freddy waved a hand. “Not at all, I promise. A trifle of a cold that is all.” He eyed Seth. “I was about to leave, but seeing as we have a guest, why do you not come and join us for a light supper, my lord?”

“Seth, if you please.” He glanced at Pru, whose face had paled further. Apparently she did not want him to meet her family at all, and he could not help be amused by it all. “And I would love to.”

“Excellent, you can tell us all about these studies Pru is helping you with.” Freddy sent him a curious look. “I must admit, Pru rarely runs into anyone at that library of hers, and she’s usually too busy with her own studies to aid anyone else.”

“I must be extremely lucky then.” Seth’s grin widened when Pru rolled her eyes.

“Come on you two, the drawing room is through here.” She motioned for Seth to follow.

Sitting on matching armchairs, Pru’s mother and father both reminded him of Pru. Her hair color must have come from her mother, as had her slim figure, but she had her father’s eyes. Mr. Warren had thinning gray hair, a generous beard, and spectacles that emphasized the color of his eyes. Mrs. Warren was elegant in an understated way, with her salt and pepper hair tucked under a cap.

“Pru, you did not tell us we were having guests today!” Her mother stood hastily and straightened her dress.

Freddy grimaced. “Forgive me, Mother. It was my fault. I invited Lord Seth to join us for supper.”

Seth swung a glance between the family then back to Pru, whose entire body looked as though it was made of wood. “If it is inconvenient…”

“Not at all.” Mr. Warren stood and waved a hand. “We are most honored to have you here. Lord Seth Templeton, am I correct? I knew your father. A fine man.”

Seth dipped his head. “Thank you, sir. He really was.”

“Do sit.” Mr. Warren motioned to one of the chairs.