Plead Forgiveness (Loyalty Series) Read online

  “I learned the truth only an hour afore they rode through the gates,” Lady Esme began. “I attacked my husband with a dagger, intending to kill the man who laughed when told of how his son had been treated.” She paused, undecided if she should tell the young woman the entire story.

  “Lady Esme, if it pleases you, I would hear the rest.”

  Lady Esme knew of her eldest son’s intention to marry Lady Ella, and felt the young lass had a right to know what befell the family she would enter into.

  “I was nae match for his strength, and was beaten until I lay unconscious on the hall floor. I learned later that my daughter Eva, who was only thirteen summers, had tried to protect me by stabbing her father with a dagger. Alas, the wound she inflicted was not moral.”

  Silent tears fell as the older woman went on. “He beat her until she was unrecognizable, and then threw her down the stone stairs that run from the keep to the bailey. Her leg, arm and two ribs were broken. Seeing this, Gavin, Paen and Bowen went in search for their laird. When they entered the empty hall, I was still unconscious amongst the rushes, while my husband stood by the hearth waiting for them.”

  Lady Esme smiled when she imparted, “My sons said that Bowen’s rage that day was like a Viking Berserker whose bloodlust would not be sated until he ended the life of the man who had hurt me and my daughter.”

  “My children, Bowen and I left immediately to seek the aid of the Mackenzie Clan, because it was known throughout Scotland that Laird Alex Mackenzie had married an Englishwoman who was an extraordinary healer. The Mackenzies and Macleods had been enemies for half a century, but Gavin knew that his sister’s life was at stake. The injuries that Paen and I suffered were great, but not life- threatening. Our main concern was for Eva.”

  “Laying aside his pride, Gavin begged Laird Mackenzie to allow his wife to help Eva. After explaining about William’s death, my eldest son informed Alex that he was now Laird Macleod and that he would do anything to establish peace amongst their clans. Laird Mackenzie never told us why he opened the gates that day, but because he did our lives were irrevocably changed from that moment on.”

  A knock sounded at the door, startling the three women. Ella’s torso had been wrapped and she now sat by the fire wearing a knee length, sleeveless shift.

  Before opening the door, Maeve covered her with one of Gavin’s robes, and then laughed at how large it was on her small frame. Ella in turn, blushed fiercely.

  Servants bustled in with food, wine and water, then removed the tub afore they took their leave.

  Lady Esme smiled when she returned to her seat by the hearth and noticed Ella’s young, bright eyes looking up at her with eagerness.

  “Ye must eat, while I comb yer hair. If ye would like, I will tell ye the rest.”

  Ella nodded.

  “A fortnight later, Alex Mackenzie came to assist Gavin with the rebuilding of Doran Castle and the village. When he saw that our clan was starving, due to our livestock being stolen, he also gifted us with a fourth of his cattle.” Tears welled in her eyes again, remembering the joy she felt that day and the hope that sprung anew.

  “Laird Mackenzie became a savior to my family and our clan, while his kind-hearted wife worked diligently to heal my daughter. Over the next few months, his guidance and friendship transformed my sons into proud and respected men. Alex taught Gavin the skills needed to see that our clan prospered, which included gaining alliances with neighboring clans. It was a great time until . . .”

  When Lady Esme abruptly stopped, Ella turned and saw the dole expression in her eyes. Without thought, she reached up from her seat on the fur pelt and took hold of the older woman’s hand. “Until . . .?”

  “Until tragedy struck Alex Mackenzie, and it was so great that I feared he would never recover.”

  Ella did not want to hear the rest, but out of respect, she continued to listen.

  “I am sure ye ken all about the tragedy from yer aunt, Lady Eleanor, so I will tell ye what ye dinna ken.”

  Ella’s heart wrenched as she continued to listen.

  “When Laird Mackenzie returned, he buried his wife and child as well as his heart. He barely spoke for year, and then slowly over time the despair lessened, but he was never the same. Clan Mackenzie mourned the loss of Lady Emma and her daughter, Isabel, for years. My daughter, Eva, stayed with the Mackenzie to help in their time of need. She took on the duties of organizing the servants, seeing to the meals and setting up the food stores.”

  Ella had been told by Philip that her father had not intended to relay the truth to his sons or his clan. Wanting to spare them the heartache that plagued his soul, Alex Mackenzie had conveyed that his daughter had died with his wife. After all, to Papa . . . I’m dead.

  “After a few months, my daughter decided to build a garden in tribute to Lady Emma and Lady Isabel. Laird Mackenzie had them buried somewhere special, a place he could see from his chamber window each night afore he went to sleep and each morning when he awoke. There is a long, windy path the runs from the castle to a cascading waterfall. Many happy memories were made at this place, which is why Laird Mackenzie laid his beloved wife and daughter to rest there.”

  “Eva told me that Lady Emma made her walk the path 20 times a day to build up the strength in her injured leg. During that time, the magnanimous woman had expressed her desire to build a garden along the path, so for eight years my daughter worked to make Lady Emma’s last wishes come true. Eva said she needed to do this for the woman who saved her life and for the little girl she loved as a sister.”

  “Isabel, god bless her beautiful soul, was only nine summers at the time and did all she knew to give comfort to my daughter. She slept beside her bed each night, read to her each day, brought her flowers when she was unable to walk, and later held her hand as she encouraged her to take her first few steps after being so severely injured.” Lady Esme was barely able to choke out the last few words.

  Ella remembered how shocked she’d been at the sight of Eva, but more so when she learned who had hurt her so dreadfully. Eva was only a few years older than herself, but regardless of their age difference, they had formed an extraordinary bond.

  A tidal wave of emotion flooded Ella’s heart as she hugged Lady Esme around her waist, and whispered, “Eva . . . She is very special.”

  Profoundly affected by Ella’s tender statement, Lady Esme stroked her blond hair, and knew without a doubt that this sensitive creature was fated to be with her eldest son. She possessed all the qualities that he needed in a wife; beauty, loyalty, courage, spirit, as well as a pure heart and stubborn nature. Her angel genuinely cared for others, but it was obvious she craved affection and love from a family that will be a constant in her life. Aye, she needs Gavin as much as he needs her.

  26

  Before entering the hall to speak with Sir James, Gavin spoke with Bowen in a private solar, along with the rest of his black guard. The men sat at the large round table that occupied the center of the room with the exception of Bowen, who choose to stand by his laird next to the large stone hearth.

  “Tell me what ye have learned,” Gavin said in a heated voice.

  Although Sir James aided in the return of Gabriel, it was obvious to Bowen that his laird had reservations about the Englishman. He had recently learned from the other members of the black guard what had transpired on their journey back to Scotland, and how protective Gavin was of Lady Ella, who had been treated abominably at Greystone. Unlike Gavin, Bowen did not place blame on Sir James, who he had learned a great deal about this afternoon.

  “Sir James is the bastard son of the late William Fitzpeter, the former Baron of Greystone. He was William’s middle child, born seven years after Lady Emma and two years before Lady Eleanor.”

  Bowen started to walk around the table as he continued, “Sir James fostered with the King of England until he was ten and six, then went on to serve in the king’s guard. He fought in the Crusades for four years, and upon returning he was informed
of the death of his father, older sister and niece as well as his younger sister’s marriage and miscarriage. The king did not trust Philip, Eleanor’s husband and the present Baron of Greystone, which is why he made Sir James commander of his army.”

  “I can understand why the king dinna trust the man,” Paen interjected. “A decade earlier, Philip went against the king’s command and attacked the Mackenzie Clan for kidnapping his betrothed, Lady Emma.”

  “Aye,” Bowen responded. “Philip, Baron of Canbury at the time, was betrothed to Lady Emma before she married Alex Mackenzie. Lady Emma was a gifted healer and when Hamon became ill, he didn’t think twice about stealing her. As ye ken, Alex fell in love and married Lady Emma even though she was betrothed to another.”

  “Aye,” Paen snickered. “Philip of Canbury was so outraged that Lady Emma had willingly married Laird Mackenzie and that the king favored the marriage, he attacked the Mackenzie Clan in retribution. Of course, Philip and his army were defeated by the Mackenzies.”

  Bowen took a sip of his ale before saying, “King Henry punished Philip by stripping him of his title and land. But, he made a bargain with Philip, that if he served honorably in the crusades, he would be given Lady Eleanor’s hand in marriage, along with her father’s title and lands upon his death.”

  “Tell me more regarding Sir James,” Gavin said impatiently.

  Resuming his position by the hearth, Bowen replied, “King Henry made him commander of Greystone’s army for a term of five years for a reason.”

  “Aye, he dinna trust Philip.”

  “After the death of so many, in such a short bout, can ye blame the king for being suspicious?”

  “Nae,” Gavin began, “It was wise for the king to send Sir James to learn the truth of that matter.”

  “Aye, he wanted information to incriminate Philip so he could strip him of Greystone. Alas, after five years, Sir James’s found naught that would link Philip to the deaths of Lady Eleanor’s family. Ye may find it interesting that the day Gabriel arrived at Greystone, Sir James’s five-year term of service ended. After returning from escorting Lady Ella from the abbey, he was not permitted beyond the gates. Not even to say farewell to his loved ones.”

  “Why did he help Gabriel and return him to us?”

  Bowen walked over to his laird, and said, “That is for him to answer, but in my opinion, he saw an injustice and sought to rectify it. He is a good man, Gavin. We have . . .”

  Gavin cut him off with an obvious aversion towards the man in question. “If he is so good, so just, why did he leave Ella there to endure more pain and suffering?”

  He didn’t wait for an answer, just stormed out and headed for the hall, with Bowen and his men following in his wake. The latter quickly cleared everyone from the hall with the exception of Sir James.

  Gavin took a seat dead center of the table while the blackguard filed in beside him. Bowen took it upon himself to sit beside Sir James, directly across from his irate laird.

  Sir James’s height and frame matched his own, Gavin was vastly surprised to notice, especially since he was considered large even for a Highlander. Upon closer inspection, he saw that the Englishmen was close to a score and ten and had an air of confidence and strength that was rarely seen in the English. He had sandy blond hair cut short, like most of his compatriots; and his stone gray eyes were that of a hardened warrior, one who’d seen many battles and wars.

  “Sir James, I am Laird Gavin Macleod. Ye have my sincere gratitude -”

  Blatantly rejecting the greeting, James spit angrily, “My niece, Lady Ella?”

  The atmosphere suddenly turned hostile.

  Accepting the slight with unconcealed contempt, Gavin asked, “Why dinna ye take Ella the night ye left with Gabriel? Ye sent her back to Greystone, back to the men who only hours afore tied her to a post and lashed her back ten bloody times,” Gavin roared.

  Sir James was instantly on his feet, as was Gavin, but it was the former who spoke first. “Wait a bloody-”

  “Nae, ye will wait to have yer say or I will kill ye where ye stand,” Gavin stated.

  “Then have your say, Laird Macleod,” James growled out.

  Gavin wasted no time in digging into the man before him. With his hands on the table, he leaned forward and let loose his tirade. “I have learned the abominable way her guardian has degraded her since coming into his care. She is treated and dressed as a slave, even though she is high born. He has taken a whip to her once and beaten her countless other times.”

  Never taking his eyes off Sir James, Gavin rounded the table to stand in front of the Englishmen. “The Baron of Montgomery, the man Ella has been betrothed to . . .”

  James’s face turned red with fury.

  “Aye, I see ye have heard of this bastard. He is the same man who killed two wives. The same man who, along with his father, almost killed my brother. The same man who took the whip after Greystone to lash Ella five more bloody times. And ye sent her back! As I see it, ye have done little for her.”

  James’s patience vanished, and fueled by fury he screamed, “I have protected her in every way possible from the baron and his men since the moment I returned to Greystone five years ago.

  To regain his composure, he took a deep breath, and then continued, “I convinced Philip that Lady Eleanor needed help tending to the ill and injured, thus Ella was allowed to work with my sister each morning. From noon till dusk, she is safe behind the walls of the abbey, and is able to develop her gift with horses and learn from the best horse breeders in England. After a year, Abbot Davis no longer charged me for her care, explaining that she was more help than hindrance. They also insisted on educating her in Latin, history, mathematics and philosophy.”

  Running his hand through his hair in frustration, James added, “Before I came, she slept in the stables, which she was forced to muck out each morning. Her afternoons were spent patching roofs and working in the fields. When I learned how Ella was treated, I demanded that she be housed in the small anteroom near my sister’s solar. Although Philip granted this request and the change in her duties, he refused to allow Eleanor or me to give her female attire, justifying that it was for her own protection to dress as a boy.”

  This startling revelation was not received well.

  Gavin bellowed in outrage as he swept all the contents of the trestle tables off and threw a nearby stool against the stonewall. His men too, were livid as hell. Incensed curses and maleficent opinions filled the air, and it took long moments before the Macleods were able rein in their tempers.

  The irate laird finally returned to his high back chair across from Sir James at the trestle table. He clenched the armrest until his knuckles were white, narrowed his eyes menacingly, and then said in a low, ominous voice, “Go on.”

  While pacing the length of the dais, James said, “For some reason I’m not privy to, Philip detests Ella. He has told her on more than one occasion that she is a curse, one that brings only death and misery to others.” His fists tightened thinking on the verbal malice Philip spit at her each day.

  Gavin kept his gaze fixed on Sir James, judging the man keenly, but was unable to mask his fury after learning the extent of Ella’s suffering at Greystone.

  Putting his hands on the table, James stared at Laird Macleod as he said, “I would have taken her away years ago if I did not fear for Eleanor’s safety. When one is disobedient, Philip makes the other suffer. Even had I been able to escape with them both, with nae family and little money, there was nary a safe sanctuary to be found. I invested the bulk of my earnings into the horses Ella breeds and trains. By doing this, I was able to triple my earnings, but ‘twas nae enough.”

  James was thoughtful for a moment as he resumed pacing, and then added, “My sister has proven to be barren these past eight years, and ‘tis my belief that Philip only kept Eleanor alive so he could bend Ella to his will, forcing her to marry Montgomery.”

  Hearing this, the Macleod black guard all turned to look a
t their laird.

  .“I see you have already come to this conclusion,” the Englishman stated.

  Gavin nodded, not trusting himself to speak just yet.

  “I also have reason to believe that Philip has agreed to marry Baron Easton’s daughter upon my sister’s death.”

  Gavin asked, “So ye dinna bring Ella because ye feared her aunt would be killed?”

  “Aye, that was one of the reasons. She also had just been whipped and a journey to Scotland could have killed her. Since I had been banished from Greystone, I only learned that Ella was flogged when they arrived at the abbey late that eve. Eleanor desperately wanted me to take Ella to Scotland, but I feared greatly for her health on such a journey.”

  “She is stronger than she looks,” Gavin adamantly stated. “Dinna complain or slow us down in least bit.”

  James was not surprised by Gavin’s admission or that the laird’s men confirmed this statement with obvious pride and respect. With a smirk, he said, “Ella would cut out her own tongue afore complaining, and I’d wager she rides a horse better than any of your men.”

  When the blackguard started to protest, Gavin held up his hand for silence.

  “He speaks the truth, but that is nae important right now. Sir James, is there any other reason why ye would nae bring her?”

  “Aye, the girl is as stubborn as an ox on a blistering summer day,” he replied bitterly. “She would never willingly leave Eleanor, so my only choice was to leave her in the care of the monks at the abbey.”

  “We dinna find her at the abbey but rather the forest just beyond, riding to Greystone,” Gavin said dryly.

  This did not go over well with Sir James, but before he could vent his ire, Laird Macleod halted his words.

  “Aye, but it matters naught. Tell me this, who are her parents?”

  “She never speaks of them,” James began, “but my sister told me that Ella is a distant relation through her mother and was left orphaned eight years ago.”