The Earl’s Ward

By Elizabeth Reed

This is a steamy historical romance short story (word count 6,141).

Kate is glad the Earl is back after his long travels to foreign lands to approve officially of her marriage to Tom, her fiancé.

Kate thought she had all her life mapped out but she had not expected her warden to be of such an amicable character with him insisting on their first meeting that she call him by his first name, Matthew. Neither had she expected to become so close to the Earl as time goes on and he willingly shares with her his life stories and work.

Even more annoyingly, Kate cannot help but notice how handsome he is with his distracting blue eyes. It is not long before she starts feeling a strong attraction and attachment to him, one she believes is shared by the Earl in return!

Kate will now find that falling for a man who has pledged his life and work to being an explorer comes with its own perils, one that only love may overcome!

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: LB Books
• Release date: May 27, 2015
• ISBN: 9781513044521

Elizabeth Reed

As long as I can remember I have always loved everything and anything to do with the romance genre. Enjoying writing, reading and watching a wide range of love stories. I am a true romantic at heart! So after studying for a philosophy degree and then going on to work in a corporate job in advertising, I decided to reconnect with my passion again! I now write mainly romance short stories, with the aim to share all of my ideas with others who also have an interest in romantic fiction. I write in a range of romance subgenres including erotic romance, contemporary, sweet, paranormal/fantasy fiction and historical. I hope to continue writing as long as my ideas keep flowing out from my mind. In early 2014 I experienced my own personal love story, when I married my one true love. I now live together with my husband in London.

Book preview

The Earl’s Ward

Elizabeth Reed

Published by LB Books, 2015.

This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.

THE EARL’S WARD

First edition. May 27, 2015.

Copyright © 2015 Elizabeth Reed.

ISBN: 978-1513044521

Written by Elizabeth Reed.

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright Page

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Further Reading: Pursued by the Marquess

Also By Elizabeth Reed

Chapter 1

Kate finally plucked up the courage to knock on the closed study door after waiting nervously, pacing up and down the hallway and going over in her head again and again what she needed to say to the Earl when she finally saw him.

Who is it? Come in, and don’t keep on banging. I cannot hear myself think, came a deep voice almost immediately.

Kate took a deep breath before opening the door and stepping into the one room on the large manor estate that she had never, until now, been given access to.

So, what is it that you are seeking from me so desperately?

Kate turned to trace the direction of the voice. She tried to keep her shock and wonder from her expression as she became faced with peculiar objects spread across the walls and floor, none that she had ever seen the likes of before. There were also several piles of books spread out on several tables.

I saw you from my window a week ago. I was expecting you to send for me earlier. When you didn’t, I thought I would take it upon myself to see you. I wanted to speak to you on an important matter.

Kate did not know what was coming over her. All of a sudden, she felt herself go tongue tied as she looked into a mesmerising pair of deep blue eyes.

The Earl seemed slightly older and somehow manlier from when she had seen him last around five years ago. He had the same dark blonde hair that was slightly longer than what was in fashion and perfect chiselled features, although the growth of hair across his chin and part of his