For Love or Loyalty: The MacGregor Legacy | Book 1 by Taylor Jennifer Hudson

Author:Taylor, Jennifer Hudson [Taylor, Jennifer Hudson]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Abingdon Press
Published: 2013-11-05T00:00:00+00:00

The sun burst through the haze of the morning clouds at dawn two days later. Lauren breathed a sigh of momentary contentment. If it was already so hot this early, then the afternoon would be stifling. Her new hat would be a blessing.

Lauren’s nose and cheeks pulled tight, and her skin felt hot. If she had a looking glass, she knew she would see a burned face. It would be easier to endure if she had gotten a decent night’s sleep. Instead, she spent the night tossing on a straw mattress thin enough to fall through, or so she feared.

She yawned, covering her mouth as she walked in line with the other servants up the aisle between the fields. A man she had never seen before strode from the opposite direction. When he reached Lauren and the other servants, he stopped and crossed his arms. “I am looking for Lauren Campbell.” His voice boomed over them.

Everyone paused, and Lauren cringed as the other servants turned to look at her. They didn’t need to say anything as their expressions gave her away. Taking a deep breath for courage, she stepped forward.

“I am Lauren Campbell.”

Without an explanation, he crooked his thick finger and turned to walk away. Not knowing what else to do, Lauren followed him. He looked to be in his forties. His shoulders were wide, but his height wasn’t quite as tall as Malcolm.

Her thoughts stalled. Since when had she started comparing every man she met to Malcolm MacGregor? She shook her head, but the action didn’t clear her mind of his image. Malcolm was always there, pressing on her memories, until she longed to see him again—to be in his protective presence. She never thought it could be possible, but she missed him.

They left the fields and headed toward the main house. Lauren tensed. She hadn’t been here long enough to cause any trouble. What could she have done to be called to the main house? They climbed the hill and passed the barn and stables.

He took her through a side door leading into a hallway. It was dark, but not scary, only intimidating as she realized how many decisions made in this house concerned so many lives. In the next few minutes, her fate would be revealed.

Lauren assumed that she would go to the same study where she had met Mr. Fairbanks. Instead, the man led her to a room across from the study. The door was ajar and creaked as he opened it.

“Mr. Mallard, I brought ’er just like ye asked,” he said.

Lauren stepped into a library filled with shelves of books from floor to ceiling on each side except for the fireplace and two long windows. Although it was smaller than the library at home in Kilchurn Manor, she would venture to guess they had squeezed more books in here.

“Thanks.” Lauren whirled to see the young man she met on the horse. “You may go.” He waved away the man who brought her.

“Welcome, Miss Campbell.” He gestured to the chair across from him.

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