The Determined Gentleman

By Elizabeth Reed

This is a steamy historical romance short story (word count 5,894).

Theresa thought she had left her life in London behind, to only find that there is a gentleman from her past, who has no intention of letting her forget about him. Even if it means a visit to the remote countryside to convince Theresa they would be perfect for each other!

• Language: English
• Publisher: LB Books
• Release date: May 12, 2016
• ISBN: 9781533794024

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

Chapter 1

‘Miss Theresa Benson, you are looking very well tonight.’

‘Lord...Mason...I’m sorry...I was lost in thought...thank you for your kind words,’ Theresa spoke awkwardly as she curtsied at the tall chestnut haired man who looked at her with interest with his vibrant green eyes.

‘Do you have something troubling your mind, Miss Benson?!’

‘Well yes...I mean no, I was not thinking of anything in particular,’ Theresa lied nervously, conscious of the watchful eyes of their surrounding audience who were noting their exchange of words at the party. Theresa just hoped that Lord Mason would soon grow tired of talking with her and move on to another lady to speak with as soon as possible, but the way he smiled down at her in his relaxed standing stance told her that he had little intention of leaving her anytime soon.

‘Well if you did...have anything worrying on your mind that is, I am a good listener, and perhaps I could be of some even further help to you too. I know it must be difficult times for you still with the sudden death of your father not so long ago.’

‘Like I said before Lord Mason I am quite alright,’ Theresa tried not to sound too short with him, but Lord Mason seemed to have a way of making her feel, well all flustered and confused!

She did not usually like talking outside her close family about her father, but her reaction to Lord Mason stemmed from more than that. Theresa just couldn’t understand why Lord Mason seemed so determined to offer her his aid when they hardly knew each other. Yes, they had had several passing conversations when they happened to cross paths at events like tonight to which they were both invited, but Theresa would not necessarily class their short communications as making them acquaintances let alone friends.

‘Very well I just wanted to let you know