Plead Forgiveness (Loyalty Series) Read online

  Gavin cared for the wolf pup with the intention of giving him his freedom once he was able to fend for himself. Yet, as the wolf grew, it became obvious he had inherited much from his half-breed mother. At first glance, Arth looked like an unusually large wolf, but a keen eye would see that his paws were slightly smaller. After a few months, Gavin tried to free him, but the wolf dog only came back time and time again until it was clear Arth had chosen the Macleods to be his pack.

  Brom watched the very excited Arth jump on his laird, smothering him with wet kisses, causing the normally intense man to bellow with laughter. Aye, it was good to hear his laird so happy and see that he returned safely. He suddenly remembered Lady Esme’s command.

  “Laird Gavin, yer mother has been a bundle of nerves this past sennight and has requested, nae, demanded, that she be told the moment ye step foot on Macleod soil.”

  Gavin, Paen and Tavish smiled, knowing how upset their mother became when her sons were away. Lady Esme was the natural mother of Gavin, Eva and Tavish, but Paen’s mother in heart.

  Lady Esme’s strength and wisdom had held the Macleod clan together during the reign of the former laird. She had fought for the safety and survival of her children and their clan, knowing in her heart that once Gavin was laird of the Macleods, their people would finally live in peace.

  Gavin quickly explained all that had occurred on their journey back to Scotland and watched the young man’s jaw drop, before adding, “Brom, ye will wait for Tavish before heading back to the castle, and only speak to Lady Esme and Bowen of our return. Do ye understand?”

  “Aye, Laird Gavin,” he replied, then raced to his mount with the eagerness of a child.

  When Tavish finished bathing in the loch, he dressed quickly and went to speak with Gavin. After hearing Gavin’s conversation with Brom, he knew his brother had more detailed instructions for him. These more trusted duties were only given to the men known throughout the clan as the black guard. Tavish only recently had been omitted into the sacred guard, and the pride he felt was infinite.

  “Is there a reason ye dinna want the clan to ken about our return?”

  Gavin could not help smiling at youngest brother, whose hearing was beyond any man he had ever known.

  “Aye, as laird ‘tis my duty to explain to our people why we hold a English Lady within our walls. I will tell the clan who she is and how she became so important to us, but I trust ye with the duty to inform our mother and Bowen. Also, see that a hot bath is waiting for Ella as well as clean linen and clothes. Plenty of food and drink will also be needed.”

  “Aye, all will be ready upon yer return.” With that said, Tavish mounted his horse and disappeared with Brom into the darkening night.

  “Go bathe so we can be on our way,” Osgood said to Paen as he Nicholas and Edric approached the fire. “Gabriel is safe in Doran Castle and I am eager for whiskey and my wife. We will keep . . .” The redheaded giant stopped abruptly and smiled when he saw who had befriended their lass, then added, “Paen, make sure to tell our laird that he has some competition. Yer brother felt the need, no doubt after having our wee beauty in his arms these past hours, to take a brief swim in the freezing water.”

  With a broad smile on his face, Paen headed to the loch, and just as Osgood predicted, Gavin was indeed swimming. By the time his older brother returned, he was already bathed, dressed and sitting on a nearby boulder with an amused look on his face.

  “Do ye have something to say?”

  “Only that I was to inform ye that ye have some competition for Lady Ella’s affection,” Paen replied with a smirk on his face.

  Gavin was not amused.

  “Would ye like to explain.”

  “Nae.”

  As Gavin dressed, he muttered something about Paen being a royal pain in the arse, and then stomped off. He knew his brother was teasing, but when it came to Ella, there would be no jesting about her affection towards another.

  With Paen close on his heels, he walked briskly back to the clearing where his men spoke in hushed whispers. When they saw their laird approach, they broke out into wide smiles, and then looked down at Ella.

  Following their gaze, Gavin was shocked at what greeted his eyes. Ella slept on her side with her arm draped over Arth, snuggling up to the enormous beast that outweighed her by at least two stones.

  Arth was feared by most of the Macleods, because all knew he was half wolf. Sensing this fear, the animal always kept his distance. He was only truly accepted by Gavin and the black guard. If given the chance, however, Arth befriended quickly. Ella obviously fell into this category.

  At seeing the astonished look on Gavin’s face, Edric said, “Not only has Arth claimed her, he is as protective as ye are, Laird. Watch.”

  When Edric took a few steps in her direction, Arth curled his lip up and bared his teeth, then let out a vicious growl. The men smiled in anticipation for what would come next.

  “Shhh puppy,” Ella whispered in her sleep as she stroked his thick fur. “My brave and beautiful puppy.”

  Gavin smiled at hearing her call his massive, not to mention ferocious and deadly, wolf called ‘puppy’. It was obvious that Arth was in heaven with all the attention and affection he received from his new best friend.

  When his men kept their distance, Arth nuzzled her head and neck then licked the side of her face. She did not seem to mind the beast’s affection, and Gavin noticed that he was extremely gentle. Being only a year old, Arth was still rather clumsy and rough at times, but with Ella, he was quite docile. Mayhap, sensing she was small and fragile, he thought.

  Gavin shook his head at the tender scene, and then wondered why she had just spoken with a highland burr. Assuming she was just picking up their accent, he walked over to the pair.

  Arth’s tail started to thump with excitement as he approached. The beast continued to look back and forth, from him to Ella, as if saying ‘Look master at what I found. Can I keep her?’

  “She is mine, but ye may protect her in my absence,” Gavin chuckled as he stroked Arth’s head.

  When he lifted her slight weight into his arms, she mumbled something about puppy coming with her and that she would carry him.

  Gavin tightened his hold on Ella, and to the amusement of his men, he said, “Aye, little one, puppy is coming with us, but I dinna think ye will be carrying him.”

  25

  An hour later, they rode over the drawbridge and through the gates of the Doran Castle, the Macleod stronghold. The bailey and keep were quiet since most within had retired for the night. The guards on the barbican and battlements waved to them as they arrived, but were completely unaware of the woman in their laird’s arms.

  Lady Esme and Bowen greeted them in the courtyard, relief evident on their faces. Tavish stood to the side and waited to take their mounts so the stable master did not have to be awakened.

  “Thank the Lord ye are all safe,” Gavin’s mother said as she rushed over and kissed him. She then affectionately brushed the hair away from Ella’s face and whispered, “My sweet angel, it does my heart good to finally look upon ye.”

  Gavin knew how rare it was to see tears in his mother’s eyes, but they were there as she gazed upon Ella.

  “All is ready for Lady Ella in yer chamber.”

  When Gavin did not move right away, she barked, “Get ye going! I will greet my son and the rest of my family, then join ye to tend to our angel.”

  The men smiled at Lady Esme, who always referred to Gavin’s guard as her family. She embraced and kissed each one.

  When she came to Paen, she held his face in her hands and said, “The son of my heart, I have missed ye.” She hugged him close, for a long moment, then said, “Ye and the others make haste to the hall where food and drink await.”

  Paen smiled down at the woman who had raised him with as much love as she did her other children. “Aye, Mother. I have missed ye as well. Did Tavish explain all to ye about Ella’s injuries?”

  “Aye, love
, he did,” she said in a soft voice as she put her hand on her son’s cheek. “I also know who held the whip. One was her soulless guardian, the other was the son of the man who almost flogged ye to death. Their demise is but a heart-beat away.”

  His gentle mother could be as fierce as a warrior when it concerned her children.

  “She will nae be going back to England,” he stated with a smile.

  “I expected as much.”

  “Gavin plans to marry the lass, but I doubt she is aware of his intentions.”

  She kissed his forehead, then turned to Bowen and said, “Take Paen to the hall and tell him about Sir James.”

  Paen went to shake Bowen’s hand, but was immediately pulled into a bear hug and lifted off his feet. Bowen had always been like a father to him, his brothers and sister and always protected them against the abuse of the former laird, their sire. He had never married or had any children, because he had always been in love with Lady Esme, with whom nine years ago he wed. At two score and five years, he was still a powerful warrior and a legend among the Macleods, due to his enormous size and skill in battle.

  “It is good to see ye, son,” Bowen said as he released him, and then clapped him hard on the back. “There is much to discuss afore ye, Gavin and the rest of the guard meet with Sir James.”

  Paen went with him to the hall, eager to hear about the man that risked his life to save Gabriel, while Lady Esme wasted no time getting Maeve, Osgood’s wife, and rushing to Gavin’s chamber.

  Lady Ella had been placed on the laird’s bed when the two very concerned women entered the chamber. With a smile on her face, Lady Esme watched for a moment how gentle her oldest son was with the young woman whose bedraggled boy’s attire and matted clumps of hair could not hid the beauty that lay underneath.

  “Little one, ‘tis time to wake,” Gavin said as he caressed her face. “We must get ye in a bath and fed before ye can enjoy the comfort of this large bed.”

  As soon as she opened her eyes and saw Gavin, she smiled knowing that if he was here, she was safe. When he assisted her to sit, she then noticed the enormous size of the bedchamber she was in as well as its lavish furniture.

  The numerous scone torches that ran along the white washed walls, illuminated the chamber in a soft, warm glow. The double arched windows on the far wall had cushioned benches underneath, along with two large wooden chests. There was a large stone hearth with two long, narrow tapestries running from ceiling to floor. The chamber door was to her right, along with a table and two winged back chairs. Turning her head, she noticed that two small wooden tables were on either side of the large bed. Ella looked down as she ran her hands over the rich quality of the dark blue bed covering and wondered if she was dreaming.

  Crouched in front of her, Gavin put his hands on the outside of her thighs and watched her survey the unfamiliar surroundings. There was trust in her eyes when she finally met his gaze. When she gave him a shy smile, his need to kiss her was fierce, but dampened by the presence of his mother and Maeve.

  Shifting his body so he could wrap his arm around Ella’s waist, Gavin turned to look at the women lingering in the doorway. With pride he said, “Mother, Maeve, this is Lady Ella.”

  Turning back around, he continued, “Ella, I would like to introduce ye to my mother, Lady Esme, and to Osgood’s wife, Maeve. They will see that ye are bathed and fed.”

  Ella’s eyes widened in fear. She did not want anyone to see her naked, so she graciously declined the offer.

  “Thank you, Gavin, but I’m sure that they would rather spend this time with their family.”

  Lady Esme heard the tremble in her voice and knew its origin. She pushed her son out of the way, sat next to the frightened lass, and then gently took hold of her hand.

  “There are nae words that can express my eternal gratitude to ye, Lady Ella. Ye risked yer life to save my grandson as well as my sons. To me, ye are an angel, one who will forever have my undying love and respect. And Maeve and I would verra much like to care for ye now, if ye will allow us.”

  Gavin thought the smile Ella bestowed upon him at that moment could have put the sun to shame. Before taking his leave, he stroked her hair and kissed her forehead as he said, “They will take good care of ye, little one. I will check on ye later this eve.” He only got as far as the door when she called out to him.

  “Gabriel and Sir James are both here and well?”

  “Aye, but since ‘tis late and they are asleep.”

  “Thank you.”

  Gavin winked at her, then departed, leaving her with his mother and Maeve.

  Ella immediately noticed that Lady Esme’s crystal blue eyes were identical to her children's eyes. She was half a head taller than herself and looked to be at least two score in age. Her chestnut hair showed no grey, and her slender figure showed no signs of childbirth.

  Maeve was close to her own height, Ella thought, and looked to about a score and five years. She had soft gray eyes and auburn hair that curled down her back. She also had a voluptuous figure that would appeal to any man.

  Maeve approached with a smile and took beside the younger woman. “As Gavin said, I am married to Osgood, that big redheaded oaf ye journeyed here with.”

  Gently pushing Ella’s hair away from her face, Maeve continued, “I ken men dinna believe that women should fight in battle, but I am grateful ye dinna heed such rubbish. I would have done the same, fought to protect their backs, even if ordered to do otherwise. And when the battle was over, I would have told my husband how lucky he is to have me for his beloved wife.”

  All three women burst into laughter at Maeve’s audacious comment, which instantly made the atmosphere more comfortable.

  “He spoke of how much he missed his beautiful wife,” Ella said. “I can see now why he loves you, and considers himself blessed beyond measure.”

  Maeve blushed at the sweet lass and gave her hand an affectionate squeezed. She was truly touched by her kind words, but she and Lady Esme were there to care for the lass, not chatter about the men.

  Turning to Lady Esme, she said, “While ye get the lass undressed and I’ll fill the tub with the steaming water the servants left by the fire.”

  She nodded, and then turned to Ella. “If ye would stand, I will help ye remove yer garments.”

  Ella soon stood completely nude, with the exception of the linen wrapped around her upper body. When the kind women began unraveling the bandage, she bit her bottom lip, preparing herself for their horrified reaction. Her back had been whipped bloody and cauterized black, and she knew it would not be a pretty sight.

  After pulling the linen away from Ella’s slender body and seeing what she had endured for Gabriel, fierce protectiveness surged through Lady Esme, along with a desire so great to kill the ones responsible. They will pay for the brutality done to my angel.

  Maeve eyes widened when she saw the ten angry lash marks that ran from shoulder to just above her buttock, marring the once flawless skin. So taken back was she by Ella’s courage and selfless sacrifice, she was forced to halt the flood of tears that threatened to fall.

  While assisting the young woman into a steaming bath, she searched for comforting words that would break the unbearable silence.

  “With time and care we will mend yer wounds, but ken this, it dinna take away from yer beauty.”

  Ella gave Maeve a small smile of gratitude, and then bowed her head. She’d never been one to be overly concerned with her appearance. Nevertheless, she was thankful she was unable to see the damage done to her body.

  When Lady Esme saw her crestfallen look, she immediately lowered herself onto the stool beside the tub, and said, “Forgive my silence.”

  Turning to Gavin’s mother, Ella stated, “You have done naught wrong.”

  Lady Esme shook her head as she began washing the filth from the girl. She did not make eye contact as she revealed the painful truth. “If it pleases ye, I would like to tell ye about our family. ‘Tis nae a happy tale, but
it is one I believe ye should hear.”

  “Please, I would like to hear all,” Ella replied.

  “Almost a decade ago, Gavin went to England to bring back Paen, who we discovered was fostering with an English baron. My first husband, Laird William Macleod, was a vindictive man, who believed the harder the childhood, the stronger the man. Because of William’s many past digressions against England, he was ordered to foster one of his son’s with the English until his eighteenth year. My husband decided to foster Paen, his only bastard.”

  “Before giving Paen over, William mocked the King of England, informed him that nae son of his would be broken by a Englishman. The king gave Paen to Harold Moreland, Baron of Montgomery.”

  Ella gasped at the revelation that Paen fostered with her betrothed’s father and listened intently as Lady Esme continued.

  “Aye, that man’s evil and malicious ways were well known and not embellished. In my heart, Paen has always been my son, and he was tortured for his father’s arrogance. He was beaten daily by Harold and his son, Roger, as well as the knights who fought under the Montgomery banner.”

  “Paen was not the only boy to be fostered by Montgomery, but because he was a Scot, he was treated worst than the others. During his five years at Montgomery, he befriended Nicholas, who had learned from his mother how to tend broken bones, reduce fever, stitch open wounds and cauterize lacerations. Nicholas’s father wanted an alliance with the Montgomery’s, but in the end he lost his son along with any hope for an alliance.”

  Ella was stunned that both Paen and Nicholas had fostered at Montgomery, but hearing that Roger, her betrothed, had abused them so cruelly made her heartsick.

  “When Gavin saw what had been done to his brother, he killed Harold Montgomery. He then offered Nicholas a position of honor among our clan for his show of loyalty and integrity.”

  Ella was so absorbed in Lady Esme words, she was startled when Maeve vigorously washed and rinsed her hair. Within moments, the meticulous women had her dry and her lower body wrapped in linen. They proceeded to move her to the fire, and began then began applying the healing salve to her back.