'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!