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

Wilmington. Hugh grinned at Tyra’s impertinent behavior toward him. Would she continue to be so haughty once she came face to face with Major Craig? Under normal circumstances, she would amuse him, but war changed everything.
    Once he made it up the steps at a much slower pace, Hugh nodded to the two soldiers standing guard on each side of the front entrance. Noticing his rank on his red uniform, both men saluted him. Hugh ignored his throbbing leg and reached around Tyra to tap the iron knocker against the heavy oak door. A few moments later, it opened and the hinges creaked as another young soldier appeared.
    “I am Captain Donahue Morgan with Miss Tyra MacGregor,” Hugh said.
    “Come in, Major Craig is expecting you both.” The man stepped back and opened the door wider. “You may leave your hats and coats on the rack.” He pointed to a wooden stand with upturned arms in the corner of the foyer by a set of wide stairs leading into a hallway. Hugh had no intention of removing his red uniform coat, but he stepped forward to assist Tyra with her dark brown cloak. At first, she looked as if she would refuse, but she glanced at the other soldier and relented with a sigh. She pulled back the hood, unbuttoned it at the neck, and lifted it from her shoulders. With a glint in her beautiful green eyes, she handed it to Hugh.
    “Miss MacGregor, I have been instructed to ask you to wait in the parlor,” the soldier extended his arm toward a large open archway as he nodded in its direction. He turned back to Hugh. “Captain Morgan, I am to bring you to the study.”
    They walked past the staircase, their boots clicking against the hard pinewood floor. Hugh’s cane broke up the rhythm of their steps like an awkward third leg. The soldier paused by an open door and cleared his throat to announce their presence. “Sir, I have brought Captain Donahue Morgan.”
    “Good. Show him in.” An authoritative voice carried into the hall where Hugh waited. More pain shot through his thigh, but he tried to ignore the discomfort. A chance to sit down would be most welcome as soon as he could manage it. The soldier stepped out into the hall and waved Hugh inside the study.
    “Close the door behind you,” the major said.
    Hugh did as requested and turned to salute his commanding officer. “Captain Donahue Morgan reporting back to duty, sir.”
    “I appreciate your recent letter explaining what happened to your men in the Indian attack. You are fortunate Miss MacGregor has cared for you.” Major Craig stood from his desk and walked toward a chair in front of the warm hearth where a small fire burned. “Please have a seat.” He motioned to a dark green upholstered chair across from him. “In your letter, you stated Lord Cornwallis commissioned you in South Carolina to undertake the charge of freeing an officer captured by the Continentals. Why were you given this responsibility, and who is this officer?”
    “I was given the responsibility because I requested it.” Hugh lowered himself on the cushioned seat with relief. “They have three officers, and one of them is Colonel Neil Morgan, my elder brother.”
    “I see.” Major Craig linked his fingertips and studied Hugh. “And are you close to this brother?”
    “As close as any two brothers can be, sir,” Hugh said, hoping he could soon set out to find his brother and set him free. If their roles were reversed, Neil would never give up. He was relentless. Even as a prisoner of war, Hugh had no doubt his brother was busy collecting valuable information from the enemy. He never let an opportunity pass him by. His dark brown eyes and black hair came to mind, and Hugh experienced a moment of nostalgia.
    “In the meantime, while you are healing, I thought it might be best for you to remain with the MacGregors.” Major Craig said, crossing his legs. “I have inquired about them and discovered they are traitors. Even though Miss MacGregor saved your life, I fear she cannot be