For Love or Country: The MacGregor Legacy | Book 2 (15 page)

Hugh dreaded the town’s occupation being turned back over to Major Craig’s control. The man had done little to earn respect among the citizens of Wilmington. Even the Tories questioned his judgment when they asked for Cornelius Harnett to be released so he could die in peace after so much continuous torture. Hugh looked around at the somber faces of the soldiers left behind under Craig’s command and the town’s citizens now at his mercy, no one looked as happy to see Cornwallis leave as they should have been.

Once the foot soldiers had departed and could no longer be seen, Major Craig rubbed his hands together and grinned. “With things back to normal, I shall be resuming command at the Burgwin House headquarters.” Major Craig peered at Captain Blake. “See to having my things moved from the Mitchell House to the Burgwin House.” He whirled toward Hugh. “Time to formulate our strategies for our mission in Hillsborough.”

“Yes, sir.” Hugh followed Major Craig into the Burgwin House, down the hall, and into the study. “How soon will we be leaving?”

“I would estimate another fortnight,” Craig said. “That will give us plenty of time to figure out how much supplies and food we have left, and we will need to reorganize everything back into place.”

“Sounds like a good plan, sir.” Hugh sat in a chair across from Craig. He crossed his booted foot over his knee and sat back to assess Craig’s behavior.

“I want to know how many wounded soldiers were left by Cornwallis,” Major Craig said. “Then I want reports on all the activities of the Whig Party and the Patriot families, including the MacGregors.”

Hugh tensed, hoping Craig would not notice. After what Tyra had recently endured, the last thing he needed was Craig poking around the MacGregors looking for signs to trap them. While Lord Cornwallis had been here, Craig had been too occupied to worry about Tyra and her family, but now it appeared he would return to his old ways. Why could the man not concentrate on the war at hand like Cornwallis? Why did he feel the need to prey upon innocent women and children?

“Do you believe Miss MacGregor’s Indian friends might be of help with your mission in Hillsborough? They obviously know the terrain and the Continentals trust them.” Major Craig walked over to a cabinet and pulled out a bottle of port. He poured two glasses and brought it back to Hugh. Even though he didn’t ask for it, Hugh accepted it with a nod of thanks. He didn’t wish to insult his superior officer, but he wanted to keep his wits about him as he tried to determine Craig’s current intentions.

“These particular Indians dislike us British. By the time we actually track them down, time will have passed and then we will spend more time trying to convince them to help us,” Hugh said, hoping to deflect him in another direction. “Do we have any soldiers or Tories familiar with the area? It might be more beneficial than trying to convince Indians to cooperate.”

“We could use Miss MacGregor as incentive.” Major Craig raised a gray eyebrow. “If they believe she is in danger, we might be able to convince them faster.”

“We cannot overestimate her value to them.” Hugh scratched the side of his temple trying to stamp down his growing concern for Tyra. He pretended to think through the matter as he struggled to steady his racing heart. “After all, she is only a friend. When it comes down to it, Miss MacGregor is not one of them. They will not risk the entire tribe to save the War Woman, especially if they believe she can save herself.”

“But we both know the truth, do we not, Captain Morgan?” Craig lifted his glass and took a long sip watching Hugh’s reaction. “Although, you make an excellent point about the challenges of the Tuscaroras.”

Hugh bit his tongue to hide his disdain for the man. His number one concern was to protect Tyra and her family. “Would you like for me to ask around some of the Tory families to see if anyone has any connections to Hillsborough?” Hugh leaned forward, holding the glass between his knees as he faced Craig. “I am eager to find out what I can and develop a strategic plan for the mission. My brother will be most helpful to you, of that I can promise.”

“Helpful in what way?” Major Craig tilted his head as he took another sip of his port. “He did manage to get himself caught. Perhaps he is reckless or impatient in carrying out his missions. How can I be so sure your judgment is not clouded by your loyalty?”

“My brother is neither, I can assure you. I have spent my whole life living in his shadow, so I ought to know all his strengths as annoying as they are.”

“A bit of sibling rivalry.” Major Craig straightened in his chair, his interest piqued. He lifted a finger and pointed at Hugh with a wide grin. “You know, I do not believe I have ever detected a threat of jealousy in your tone, until now. Tell me more about your brother.”

Hugh took a deep breath, wishing they had not ventured down this road. He had never considered himself jealous of his brother, merely annoyed by him. No matter how angry the two of them got at each other, he never doubted Neil’s ability to protect him. He would risk everything, even his own life, to protect Hugh. This was his one chance to give something back to his brother for all the things he had done for him over the years. Neil would never let him down, and so failing Neil was not an option.

“You hesitate. I like that. It means you are about to reveal something personal.” Major Craig drained the rest of his glass and set it down on a nearby table. He leaned forward with his elbows on his knees. “Tell me about him. Why would I want to risk the lives of other officers and fellow soldiers to save this one man?”

“First of all, you would not just be saving my brother, but other officers as well.” Hugh rubbed a sweaty palm on his knee and set his glass down on the floor beside his chair. Unlike Major Craig, he had no nearby table. “Neil always goes after his goals and will not stop until he achieves his purpose. He stays focused and quickly accomplishes tasks. No matter how hard the situation, he will make a decision and never hesitates. He is responsible and willing to carry on more than his share, but he is also a rule follower. If a mistake got them caught, I assure you, it was due to a decision by a superior officer above him, and Neil merely followed orders. When he was taken prisoner, it was only because he refused to desert his men and his superior.”

Silence filled the room as Craig stared at him. He scratched his temple. “Tell me, how do you compare to him?”

“I have always strived to be just like him.” Hugh cleared his throat feeling extreme discomfort, but he would continue and say whatever was necessary in order to gain permission to lead an expedition to free Neil and his comrades.

“Not like your father?” Major Craig asked, his lips curled in a slight smirk.

“Exactly. Our father was a poor farmer who could not handle his alcohol consumption.” The old feelings of inadequacy and judgment rose inside him. He could not continue this discussion. It had to end.

“It is why you always hesitate to drink.” Major Craig’s dark eyes shifted to the full glass he had set aside.

Hugh didn’t answer. He wanted to change the subject. “Sir, do I have your permission to question the Tory families for valuable connections or knowledge of the Hillsborough area? I could begin my inquisition as soon as tomorrow morning.”

Major Craig nodded his white head and crossed his legs. “You may, and begin a list of men you would like to take with you on this mission. From what you tell me, I do not want to miss the opportunity to meet Colonel Neil Morgan. You have my complete permission to do what you must to bring your brother home.”

“Thank you, sir.” Relief filled Hugh as he stood. “I shall get started right away.”

Chapter 15

15

T
yra pulled a pan of hot potatoes out of the Dutch oven and set them on the stone hearth to cool. She rubbed her hands on her apron as the front door knocker vibrated through the house.

“I will get it!” Kirk called, his footsteps running to the foyer.

“The lad is full of energy,” Mama said, shaking her head as she sliced warm bread. “It does my heart good to know he can still be happy in the midst of a bloody war. ’Tis all he has ever known, when I think about it.”

A moment later, Kirk led Captain Morgan into the kitchen. A young man not much older than her brother Scott followed them, wearing a redcoat and carrying a black tricorn hat under his arm. His hair was as fiery red as Tyra’s, including his mustache. The rest of his face was clean-shaven and his hair was short compared to most men she knew.

Hugh’s gaze fell upon Tyra, and she forgot about their new visitor. Warmth flooded the pit of her stomach like the invasion of a hot July day on the beach. His somber expression eased into a grin, his gray eyes sparked like a smooth shell left by the sea tide. Hugh stood behind a wooden chair and removed his tricorn hat, gripping it in his large hands. He gave her mother a brief nod in greeting.

“I hope I am not interrupting,” Hugh said.

“Of course not,” Mama said, shaking her head and gesturing to the chair in front of him. “Please, have a seat and join us. We shall be eating the noonday meal soon.”

“Something does smell delicious.” He sniffed the air, closing his eyes as if savoring the aroma. “Unfortunately, I did not come to eat, but to introduce Private Garrett Stoneman.” Hugh gestured to their new visitor, who first nodded at her mother and then her. “He will be taking Private Truitt’s place here at The MacGregor Quest. While he is a loyal Tory, he does have family serving on the Patriot side as well. I feel confident he will uphold the regulations set by His Majesty’s Army without being overly cruel and unfair. He has a twin sister and will be considerate and respectful to both of you.”

“Absolutely, a lady is a lady whether she is a Patriot or a Tory.” Private Stoneman said, nodding in agreement. “My mother raised me to be respectful to women. Things are different here in America. I have been here since I was ten, and I understand it, unlike some of my comrades.”

“Then we are most grateful to have ye as a guest in our home.” Mama gave him a warm smile to welcome him. “We do not have much left after the British raided what we had, but ye’re welcome to whatever we prepare. My lad has taken to hunting and fishing with the neighbors. It gets us by, and since all our servants are gone, Tyra and I do all the cooking.”

“To tell the truth, I am looking forward to some good home-cooked meals. The army food I have been eating is not all good for my stomach and tastes like uncooked seaweed most of the time.” He chuckled with a good-natured shake of his head. “But I try not to complain.”

“A good thing,” Hugh said. “Or the army cooks might be tempted to sneak in a few splinters of burnt wood.”

“Erh!” Kirk wrinkled his smooth face into disgust. “I plan to go deep sea fishing early in the morning with Mr. Simmons. He took me out on his boat one day last week.”

“The army has eaten little fish considering we are so close to the sea.” Private Stoneman glanced over at Hugh with a questioning look. “Now that I think about it, it seems strange.”

“Not considering most of our men are not fishermen.” Hugh shrugged as he pulled out a wooden chair. “Besides, Major Craig rarely lets any of the men travel too far. He likes to keep us close in case of unexpected attacks.”

“I suppose, but it sure would be nice to have a bit more variety in our diet.” Private Stoneman settled into the seat next to Hugh.

“This afternoon, I might go clamming. In the winter, it helps to wear thick leather gloves and some high boots with tough stockings to keep out water. Otherwise, you could freeze to death. The water is always cold this time of year.”

“I do not recollect ever eating a clam,” Stoneman said.

“Then yer in for a real treat, lad.” Mama flipped her dough and continued kneading it with her palms. “For I make a great bread crust to stuff inside them.”

“Mmm, ’tis very good.” Tyra licked her lips. “You came on a good day.”

“Sounds like I might have to stay a little longer myself.” Hugh linked his fingers on the tabletop. “I came to impart some more news.”

“And what might that be?” Tyra asked, tilting her head as she regarded his handsome profile. He turned to meet her gaze and her pulse quickened like a bird in flight, but the somber expression in his eyes concerned her.

“I shall be going away for a while. I am not at liberty to discuss the details, but I will be leading a group of men on this mission. Private Stoneman has his orders, and while I have no doubt each of you will be in the best capable hands, I have warned him of your tendency to find trouble, Miss MacGregor.”

“Are you suggesting I am somehow to blame for what happened?” Shock vibrated through Tyra at the implication, but it quickly faded into painful disappointment, churning into swirling anger. She crossed her arms and narrowed her gaze upon Hugh. “If it is the case, then you are not the man I thought you were.”

“You misunderstand me,” Hugh said. “What I meant to say is foolish men cannot help themselves around a beautiful woman such as you. Through no fault of your own, they cannot resist temptation.” He cleared his throat in obvious discomfort as he shifted in his chair. “But there are to be no disappearing acts in the middle of the night, no attempts to contact the Tuscarora Indians, and no traveling to town without Private Stoneman. Major Craig still questions the fact you may be a spy for the Patriots, and your legend as the War Woman has conjured more mystery about you than I am comfortable with. Men always want to explore a good mystery.”

“Captain, your compliments are shrouded in layers of insults—insinuating I am a spy and a War Woman of mystery,” she said. “I confess, I am uncertain as to whether I should be flattered or sincerely angry.”

“Mrs. MacGregor, may I have a word alone with Miss MacGregor?” Hugh asked.

“No,” Tyra said. “Whatever you have to say, may be said in front of everyone else. Unlike the British Army, I have no secrets to hide.”

“Mrs. MacGregor? I promise to behave as a gentleman. I hope I have earned your trust by now.” Hugh ignored Tyra and kept his gaze upon her mother.

Tyra felt like stomping her foot, but it would be childish, so she managed to refrain. Instead, she crossed her arms and looked down at the floor to calm her temper before she exploded. If he wasn’t careful, he might soon encounter the War Woman.

“Indeed, you have, Captain.” Mama nodded, reaching over and touching Tyra’s arm. Her gentle touch calmed Tyra as she no doubt intended. “Go, and allow him to speak his mind. The captain’s mission could be dangerous, and you might regret it later if you do not.”

Tyra’s heart twisted in fear at the subtle reminder that he could be riding into danger. Her momentary anger faded like a lit match extinguished by a swift breeze. She met his gray eyes and an overwhelming emotion gushed inside her. If anything happened to him, she would be crushed. She wasn’t sure how it had happened or when, but she had fallen in love with Captain Donahue Morgan—a man who served her family’s enemy.

***

To Hugh’s relief, Tyra finally agreed to put on her cloak and take a stroll outside. He would have to remember to give her mother a special thank-you for encouraging Tyra to give them this private time together. He didn’t know why Mrs. MacGregor trusted and accepted him, but he was grateful. The idea of leaving without setting things straight between them left a clump of nerves in his unsettled stomach.

Outside on the porch he offered her his arm. To his surprised delight, she wrapped her arms around his and held him close. She smelled of sweet honey, and he closed his eyes savoring the moment, painting her in his memories. Being next to her like this lifted his spirits.

He led her down the porch steps and onto the path toward the stables. A mixture of white and dark clouds promised afternoon rain.

Tyra sighed. “Tell me, is this mission dangerous?”

“If things do not go as planned, it could be.”

“You cannot tell me, because you do not trust me.” It was more of a statement than a question, and one he would not argue against. As much as he cared for her and wanted to trust her, he could not.

Too much mystery surrounded her, especially with the Tuscarora Indians, her fighting skills, and the issue of her loyalty to her family. To make matters worse, she believed in the Continental cause, which made her all the more dangerous. As long as she believed they were fighting for freedom, her newfound affection for him may not be strong enough to keep her constant to him.

He had fought for respect among his betters in England, and deep down he knew no matter how hard he fought or how much of a hero he became, the wealthy in society would always see him as a poor man who should stay within his station. At home, he would always be enslaved to his birth status. It was why he also saved for a commission, and how he could even understand the purpose in the colonials’ desire for freedom.

His father had always taught him and his brother that a poor man at least could have the honor of his word and the integrity of doing the right thing. Since Hugh had given his word of loyalty to the king, would it not be worth keeping his honor intact? Or would he be subjecting himself to the tyranny of a king who could choose to do as he pleased upon the whim of his will? Did he want to live the poor life his father had lived, never owning his own land or providing better for his future family? In comparison to Tyra’s cause, his own reasons for fighting for Britain paled.

“You do not deny it.” Her voice fell into a flat, somber tone.

“The less you know, the better off you will be.” He covered her hand lying on his arm. It was nice to feel the soft skin of her fingers. The late April air carried a cool breeze, but not so cold she needed gloves. “Major Craig does not trust you, and if I tell you naught, then he cannot blame you if things do not go well. He believes you are a Patriot spy.”

“Do you believe I am a spy?” she asked.

“I do not know, and if you are, I do not wish to know.” He lifted her cold fingers to his lips and planted a gentle kiss upon her knuckles. “I could not bear the thought of what the British would do to you if they thought you were.”

“I know our countries are at war, and I do not wish any harm to come to you.” She gripped his arm tighter. Light-hearted warmth pooled in his chest. It was hard to keep his wits about him when she spoke of things he longed to hear. Knowing this moment could be the last time he ever saw or touched her.

“Tyra, I wanted to talk to you privately before I leave, so I could let you know how I feel,” he said. “I could never consider you my enemy. You have come to mean a great deal to me. And while I am gone, I want you to know you cannot trust Major Craig. If you feel you are in danger from him, I want you to go into hiding with your Indian friends. The army does not know where they are located, and they may be your only chance at escaping the cruelty of the British.”

“You would warn me against your own superior officers and your fellow comrades?” She paused and turned to look up at him. Her green eyes blinked with vivid moisture. Tyra’s nose turned pink and her dark lips trembled with emotion. “I thought your loyalty would be to your king and country no matter what.”

“Not over the life and safety of the woman I love,” he said, gripping her hands in his and lowering his forehead to hers. ”Do not misunderstand me. Since I have pledged my loyalty to the king, I still owe my allegiance to my country. I will continue to fight.” He gritted his teeth at the internal war inside him and the emotional pain it caused. “But the end of your life will not cause us to win or lose this war, and I would never risk it.”

“You love me?” she asked, her breath hitching in her throat as if she held it.

“Yes, I do, Tyra MacGregor.” He pulled back and looked into her eyes, brushing her hair from her forehead under her white cap. “I hope the news does not distress you, even though I am a British officer. I believe I started to fall in love with you the day you saved my life.”

“If anyone was to find out, you could be accused of consorting with the enemy and punished for treason.” She tightened her hold on him, her eyes widening in fear. “Hugh, you must be careful.” She stepped closer, lowering her voice to a whisper.

“Do you mean you feel the same way?” He needed to hear her answer. It mattered to him if they had a chance after the war. Once he fulfilled his obligation to king and country, Hugh realized he could live out his days here in the colonies. With no property or other ties to England, he had no real reason to return, but if Tyra loved him, he had every reason to stay.

“Of course, I love you, but my father and brothers will not like it.” Tears filled her eyes as she swallowed with difficulty and gulped. “I fear they will believe I betrayed them. And I could never do so. You must understand.”

“We shall figure out all the details later. Right now ’tis enough to know you feel the same way.” He chuckled as his thumb circled over the top of her hand. “I must warn you. I am a practical man, and not the romantic sort.”

“Hush, Captain Donahue Morgan, I know exactly what sort of man you are,” she whispered, leaning up on her tiptoes. “I have something I want to give you before you leave, but I must return to my chamber to retrieve it.”

“And I want to give you something now.” He tilted his head to the right. Hugh lowered his lips to hers in a perfect fit. Her lips were cool and smooth, and she not only smelled of sweet honey, but tasted like it. They belonged like this, together. The knowledge seared his soul, knowing he would have to be separated from her and it could be indefinite. When they broke apart to gasp for air, Hugh wrapped his arms around her, unwilling to part from her sooner than necessary. He squeezed her against him, thanking God for this precious moment. “I am sorry,” he said. “All I have to give you right now is the gift of this memory.”