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A light and airy room with a pale green feminine touch, the delicate furnishings did not seem large or strong enough to handle all the dogs who took this signal as an order to be seated too. Seth had to pause halfway down to his chair to allow Pru to pick up the white dog who immediately turned to liquid in protest as soon as she snatched him up. She settled him on her lap and gave him a gentle stroke until he settled. Seth found himself oddly jealous of all the attention the animal was getting.

“My mother takes in all sorts of strays,” she murmured. “This is one of the latest. He is still finding his feet and is a little clingy.”

“That’s very admirable of her,” he commented.

Pru smiled. “That’s a very diplomatic way of putting it, though I have always enjoyed the company of dogs. They’re loyal creatures.”

“Unlike humans, you mean.”

“Doyouknow any loyal humans?” she asked, a brow arched.

“My siblings. Though I cannot imagine Theo would be too amused if he knew I had compared him to a dog.”

“Well, dogs are much less judgmental.”

“I cannot disagree with you there.” Seth looked down at the dog that had settled by his feet—a fully grown beagle. He stared into his eyes and sighed. “Come on then, though how you will fit, I do not know.”

The dog leaped up with a bound and twisted until he found a comfy position. Seth winced and gritted his teeth as his netherregions were struck several times with sizable paws. He was going to need to put an ice block to his crotch tonight.

“Even the dogs that should not be lap dogs, tend to be. My mother spoils them,” Pru whispered.

“I do not spoil them,” her mother protested. “I merely give them what they need.” She looked to Seth. “Do you have dogs?”

“We have dogs at most of the estates but I do not have any here. I am seldom home so it did not seem fair.”

Mrs. Warren nodded. “Well, should you ever decide you want one, we often take in new dogs. I do so love giving them a second chance. Lady Marlborough took one from me recently—a little Pomeranian who had been so scared and bedraggled but is now the perfect dog. So obedient and absolutely beautiful.”

“No doubt that is all down to you, Mrs. Warren.” Seth smiled, and Mrs. Warren waved a hand. “Actually, I believe I have an invite to a party at Lady Marlborough’s house this weekend. No doubt I shall meet this wonderful dog.”

“Oh yes, I think we had an invite, but Mr. Warren and I are travelling to Bath to meet with an old school friend of his.” Mrs. Warren sighed heavily. “Such a shame as Pru would have loved to have gone.”

Pru stiffened beside him. “Would I have?”

“Oh yes. Mrs. Bella Simmons is performing there as a favor to Lady Marlborough, remember? She is your favorite opera singer in the world.”

“She might be my favorite,” Pru grumbled, “but I am quite happy to see her from an opera box rather than a party.”

Seth turned his attention on Pru. “I had no idea you enjoyed opera.”

“Well, it is not something we had time to discuss,” she said stiffly.

“You should come with me,” he offered, glancing around at her parents warily. Apparently these people either had little ideaof his reputation as a rake or thought nothing of their daughter spending time with men. They were a rare type of family indeed. No wonder Pru was such a rare type of woman.

“Oh yes, you really should.” Her mother clapped her hands together, startling one of the dogs who jumped from her lap and started barking at the window. “Princess, no!” she commanded, and the dog slunk over and resumed her position.

“Mama, I do not think—”

“I could go too,” offered Freddy. “I mean you hardly need an escort but for propriety’s sake…”

So it seemed Freddy was not entirely unaware of Seth’s reputation.

Pru fidgeted in her seat. Clearly, she did not wish to go. But damn it, he wanted her to go. What better opportunity would she have to meet her favorite singer? The woman needed a little fun every now and then. Since they had met, she had done nothing but spend time buried under books, and from what he knew of her so far, that was how she spent almost every day. He rather liked the idea of getting her into an evening gown and setting her free amongst some of her contemporaries. It would do her some good.

“Papa,” she implored. “Tell Mama—”

“I think you should go, Pru. You need to spend some time away from those blasted books for a while, and what a fine opportunity it is.” Her father gave a curt nod as though that was his final decision and he would not be persuaded otherwise.

Sighing loudly, she twisted to eye Seth. “You know I never go to parties. I shall likely embarrass you.”