Barnabas recognized Miss Beauregard immediately. How could he not? With her delicate facial features and her pretty blue eyes. It was no wonder Toussaint had fallen for her. As far as he was aware, that had been unrequited. His friend had failed. This meant that Miss Beauregard was fair game. Besides, he never was one to put someone else's needs before his own. Had he not had his entanglement with Amelia Evans, he likely would have focused his intentions on her. (Ignoring the fact that he'd forgotten she'd existed until he'd just seen her.)

"It's a pleasure to see you Miss Beauregard," He smiled widely, "-still Miss Beauregard I hope?" Smooth, Barnabas, very smooth. He glanced at the dog she'd suggested. Poodle? He recalled that his book had mentioned their intelligence, but it had also listed their extensive grooming as a con. They had a lot of hair, from what he reckoned. That weird haircut they had that seemed to be so popular these days was a bit too flamboyant for his tastes. Still, if the thing didn't piddle on his floor...