Read For Love or Country: The MacGregor Legacy | Book 2 for Free Online

they will try to impress a woman among their numbers, but I am not convinced where an innocent lad is concerned.”
    ***
    Hugh stared at the closed door behind Miss MacGregor’s departure. Frustration filled him at his limitations. He longed to be up taking part in their conversations, learning more about the MacGregors, particularly Miss MacGregor. She was not as forthcoming in answering his questions as he would like, yet the woman certainly knew her own mind. How could he convince her not to go alone? Memories of some of the debauched behavior of the soldiers in his regiment came to mind. As soon as their superior officers turned their heads or gave them the night off, they would head to the taverns to find the first willing wench available. He wouldn’t trust any of them around Miss MacGregor.
    Flipping back the covers, Hugh swung his legs over the side and scooted to the edge of the bed. His feet hit the cool wooden floor and his legs shook as he bent his knees and pushed himself up. His injured leg trembled even more, but his strong leg held him steady. Taking a deep breath, Hugh wrapped the blanket around him and took a step forward. He limped upon his bad leg as a searing pain etched through his side. Hugh gritted his teeth and dragged himself to the door, determined to reach Mrs. MacGregor before her daughter returned downstairs.
    He made it to the door of the parlor and leaned against the threshold frame. He hated how much he needed their support. Mrs. MacGregor looked up with a startled expression, her blue eyes widened. “Captain, are ye sure ye should be up and about?”
    “I realize it may not be any of my business, but Miss MacGregor intends to take a letter of mine to my superior officer. I suggested the lad take it, but she fears he will be impressed into the British Army and insists on going herself.” Hugh tipped his head back to make sure Miss MacGregor wasn’t yet coming down the stairs. “At the risk of being too forward, please do not allow her to go alone. ’Tis too dangerous. Do not misunderstand me. There are good men in our service, but as with any place there are bad ones as well.”
    “She has always been a headstrong lass, to be sure.” Mrs. MacGregor nodded, setting her sewing aside and rising to her feet. She walked toward him and took his arm to lead him back to his chamber. “I thank ye for the warning, and your meaning is quite clear. I shall accompany her, and we will stop by our neighbor’s house to see if Mr. Simmons will escort us into town, considering the circumstances.”
    Hugh breathed a sigh of relief, unsure of when Miss MacGregor’s welfare had become so important to him. How could he help it? She had not only saved his life, but spent countless hours in his company reading the Bible to him, giving him news of the war and of town, feeding him, and staying up late to care for him throughout the night when he had a raging fever.
    “I think it will be a wise alternative, and I daresay, ’twill not offend Miss MacGregor’s independent spirit.” He chuckled, not wanting anything to change her bold personality. “Thank you for being so understanding.”
    “Sounds like ye’ve come to understand my daughter quite well in the past fortnight,” Mrs. MacGregor said.
    Footsteps sounded on the stairs as Hugh entered his chamber and hobbled back to his bed.
    “Captain, why are you out of bed?” Miss MacGregor’s voice carried across the chamber in her usual forthright manner. He paused like a child in the midst of a naughty act. She set the quill, ink, and paper on the table by the bed. Turning to look at him, she placed her hands on her hips. Few women stood tall enough to meet him at eye level, but Miss MacGregor claimed the honor.
    “The exercise is good for me.” He offered her a teasing grin. “How else am I to rebuild my strength?”
    With a frown making her lips look pouty, she leaned forward, pressed her hand against his chest, and pushed him. Hugh stepped