Tananguard 02 - To Love a Lord by Diedre Clark Read Free Book Online Page A

but he wasn’t very practiced. His mother had taught him until he was eight. Then she had left this life while giving birth to his younger sister. It saddened Connor that Allana wouldn’t grow up with music as he had. His mother had taught him to love the sound of it and appreciate those talented enough to create and produce it. Allana would not be one of those individuals.
    Connor’s stomach growled and his mouth watered as a welcoming aroma wafted into the room. He stared at the door beyond the table . Something very inviting was cooking in there, and Sophia was in no condition to check on it. He decided to be the gracious caregiver and investigate whatever was making that wonderful smell before it burned.
    The door led to the kitchen where food indeed was stewing on a black, kettle stove. He strode over to it and frowned. There was a lid he had to overcome before he could sample the feast. He perused the room casually, looking for a towel or anything he could lift that lid with. It seemed he opened every drawer and cupboard possible before he found what he was looking for. When he did, he griped in irritation. The potholder was right next to the stove in plain sight!
    Connor lifted the lid and felt his mouth water yet again. The contents of that pot looked as good as it smelled. It was a wonderful looking stew filled with vegetables, beef, potatoes, carrots, squash, and herbs. Quickly, he grabbed a large wooden spoon and scooped a potato into his mouth. He cursed as it burned his tongue, but that was quickly followed by a groan of pleasure as the potato melted in his mouth. Sophia wouldn’t be partaking of it any time soon and he couldn’t let a good meal go to waste. He would have some. He was, after all, taking care of her in her home. And it smelled and tasted so good! Yes, he was going to have some.
    First he decided to check on Sophia. It would look bad if she woke up and found him in here devouring her food. He poked his head out the kitchen door and saw her in the same position he’d left her. Satisfied, he slipped back into the kitchen and found everything he would need for a nice feast, including her half-full bottle of wine. The woman was a lightweight indeed if this was all it took to get her drunk. Connor transferred everything except the stew to the table in the other room before returning to the kitchen with a very large bowl that he filled to the brim with stew.
    He ate in peace, actually enjoying the quiet of the small home. Sophia slept, making small noises here and there but nothing alarming. It was nice. He could see himself in a place like this with his wife —no, Sophia—by his side, sharing a nice meal together. He smiled at the thought then jumped as someone banged on the front door. Sophia moaned but didn’t wake. Connor debated on getting it. It was going to look…alarming finding him here with her asleep on the sofa. Connor flinched as a voice called from the other side of the door.
    “Josephine? Are you home?” There was a pause. “I know you’re home, dear. It’s me, Mrs. Lovegood.”
    Connor frowned. Josephine? He would find out the answer, but first he had to open the door.
    An older woman stood outside, wringing her hands in agitation.
    “Can I help you?” Connor asked casually as he opened the front door , acting as if he belonged here.
    The woman’s eyes widened. “Is Josephine… I…you…where is Josephine?” the woman asked.
    “ I was under the impression her name was Sophia.”
    “No, that was her mother’s name. Who are you ! What have you done with her!” she demanded this time.
    He smiled patiently. “I’m a friend of hers. She was under the weather wh en I arrived earlier. Now she’s asleep on the sofa. I didn’t know what else to do for her. Perhaps you can help. My name is Connor Tananguard.”
    “Oh , the poor dear. I thought she looked pale earlier when she returned from her outing. I’m Dorothy Lovegood. I’m her,” she paused briefly,