Read Online For Love or Country: The MacGregor Legacy | Book 2 by Jennifer Hudson Taylor - Free Book Online

a straight line. “Forgive me, Captain, but I do not trust you either. Do you think me so gullible as to believe you would turn your back on your king and country, and risk all you have worked for in gaining the rank of captain to protect two women and a young lad you have only recently met? The notion is not only silly, but laughable, and you insult my intelligence, sir.”
    Before he could respond, the front door opened, allowing a blast of cold air to breeze into the parlor from the foyer. Private Truitt walked in with a questionable frown carrying a sturdy piece of oak to make a walking stick and an Indian arrow.

Chapter 5
    5
    T he next morning two British soldiers returned with a pair of white breeches and a letter for Captain Morgan, as well as a letter for Tyra. To her relief, they did not stay. She closed the front door behind them and leaned against it, pulling her gray shawl tight around her.
    “Tyra, ye must read it. We need to know what it says.” Mama strode toward where Tyra leaned against the door. “Goodness, they brought a draft inside. Kirk, build a warm fire in the parlor.” She gripped Tyra’s arm. “Let us go rest.”
    Captain Morgan took his letter and limped to his chamber where he closed the door, leaving them alone with Private Truitt. Tyra thought back to what Captain Morgan had said yesterday and wondered if he longed to escape the insufferable man as much as they did. She allowed her mother to lead her into the parlor as she clutched the letter in her hand. Neither of them spared a glance in Private Truitt’s direction.
    “I suppose I shall go out on the front porch and finish carving the captain’s cane,” Private Truitt said. Footsteps carried him across the foyer. The sound of the door opening and closing gave Tyra a blessed peace.
    She and her mother sat on the settee while Kirk laid another log on the glowing fire. Knowing the suspense ate at her mother and brother, Tyra broke the seal and unfolded the letter. She cleared her throat and read aloud, “Dear Miss MacGregor, Captain Morgan has written me about the diligent care and sacrifice you made in saving his life. On behalf of his Royal Majesty, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and to show my sincere appreciation. As you may have heard, my men are in the process of moving my personal items to the Burgwin House where I will set up a more permanent residence for our duration in Wilmington. It would be my sincerest pleasure to invite you and Captain Morgan to dine with me this evening. I am in great anticipation to meet you both. Sincerely, Major James H. Craig.”
    Stunned silence followed as each of them pondered the letter. The fire now crackled and popped as a wave of heat poured from the hearth. Tyra welcomed the warmth since the words she had read left her confused and cold. She didn’t want to dine with the insufferable British. They had torn her country apart, divided families, and it would be a direct insult to her father and brothers.
    “You plan to actually go?” Kirk was the first to break the silence. “’Tis too dangerous, Tyra. You have spent plenty of time lecturing me on why I should stay away and those same reasons extend to you, and more so, since you are a girl.” His wide eyes blinked in concern.
    “I am not afraid. I merely have no wish to walk into the lion’s den,” Tyra said. “The thought turns my stomach to know those men could be fighting against my da and brothers.”
    “As much as it pains me to say it, ye must go, lass.” Mama covered Tyra’s hand with her own and tightened her grip for a dose of encouragement. “To refuse would be a great insult to Major Craig, and we cannot afford it. We must trust he is a good man. Ye shall be going with Captain Morgan. I believe we have witnessed enough of his character to know he is an honorable man. And ye know God will not forsake ye.”
    “I know.” Tyra nodded. “I will go to my chamber and prepare myself. I need time to