Prior getting home in a serious way (9)
I believe the answer is:
earnestly
'in a serious way' is the definition.
(I know this)
'prior getting home' is the wordplay.
'prior' becomes 'early' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'getting' indicates putting letters inside.
'home' becomes 'nest' (a bird's home).
'early' going around 'nest' is 'EARNESTLY'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for earnestly that I've seen before include "In all seriousness" , "how Wilde character may be acted?" , "Showing serious intent" , "with heart and soul" , "Sincerely and seriously" .)