Plead Forgiveness (Loyalty Series) Page 16

  Tavish interrupted by asking, “Why does she call Lady Eleanor ‘Aunt’ and ye ‘Uncle’.”

  “When Ella arrived, Eleanor had just lost her father, sister and niece as well as her unborn child. It comforted Eleanor to be called aunt, and Philip never disputed it. However, he did make it clear that he was to be referred to as Lord Greystone. As for me, she calls me uncle on her own accord and only in private. I never had the heart to correct her.”

  When James continued, sincerity was etched in his words and tone. “Ella is the most important thing Eleanor and I have in this world. We want her safety and happiness above all else. I have learned that Gabriel is the son of Keir Mackenzie and grandson to Laird Alex Mackenzie, who was married to my eldest sister. I know him to be a fair man and ‘tis my hope, along with my sister’s, that he will grant Ella his protection.”

  “Nae,” Gavin stated in a strong voice and without hesitation.

  Everyone in the hall turned and waited for him to explain, but Gavin did not comply. He sat back in his throne-like chair, crossed his massive arms over his chest, and waited for Sir James to speak. And he did not have to wait long.

  “Why the hell not? The girl has risked her life for the boy, yet she will be denied-”

  “Gabriel is Mackenzie,” the mighty laird said, as if it were explanation enough.

  “What is wrong with the Mackenzies?”

  “My sister is married to Laird Mackenzie’s eldest son, they are kin and our greatest ally, but Ella will nae be a Mackenzie.”

  “Why?”

  “Because Ella will be my wife, and I am a Macleod.”

  The black guard smiled broadly at their laird’s decision, while James walked over to stand in front of Gavin.

  “Tell me why you want her for your wife?”

  Gavin stood, and then spoke slowly, enunciating each word. “She is my heart, my life.” He paused for a brief moment, then added, “I refuse to lose her, and vow to end the lives of both Greystone and Montgomery.”

  Sir James stared at Laird Macleod and judged his sincerity before replying.

  “I know you do not need my blessing, but you have it.” He locked hands with Gavin in a firm handshake, and then added, “Know this, if you do not keep her safe, I will kill you.”

  Grinning, Gavin said, “I dinna think ye would comply so easily.”

  “I have learned more about you from Gabriel, Lady Esme and Bowen then I cared to admit,” James chuckled. “But, I must warn you, wedding her will nae be easy.”

  “With her, nothing ever is.”

  “Immovable as a mule she will be, but her heart is in the right place. I leave on the morrow, so be prepared that given the chance, she will follow. Wed her with haste, for I can assure you that Montgomery has already made the king privy to Ella’s abduction. Henry will send men to retrieve her, but I highly doubt he knows that Gabriel was abducted first. Once Eleanor is safe, I will inform the king of Greystone’s and Montgomery’s deception.”

  “I left a message with Abbott Davis for Phillip,” Gavin began. “I indicated that Ella would be returned unharmed in a fortnight, provided that Gabriel arrived home safely. After I wed Ella, my men and I will ride to Greystone and aid you in any way we can.”

  Paen stood and walked over to Gavin and Sir James. With a slight smile he said, “We can put Tavish or one of the smaller men in a dress to pass him off as Ella for the journey to England. Greystone and Montgomery will have men on the lookout for us, and if he dinna believe we have her, Lady Eleanor will be in greater danger.”

  “Aye, there is much wisdom in this plan,” James said as he clapped Paen on the back.

  Over the next hour, strategic plans were made for the upcoming days, including informing Laird Mackenzie, who would report to Alexander II, King of Scotland.

  It was past midnight when Gavin retired for the eve and entered his chamber. His mother greeted him with a warm smile as she sat sewing by the flickering fire. The sight of Ella slumbering in his bed would have been a thing of beauty, if not for the colossal beast sprawled out beside her. And to his astonishment, Arth only raised his head for a brief moment, then promptly fell back asleep.

  Although Gavin shook his head in exasperation, he was pleased by Arth’s insistence to remain close to Ella. He then followed his mother into the connecting solar.

  The door connecting the two chambers was hidden and covered by a tapestry. It opened to reveal a small space and another door, which gave access to a linking solar. The area between the two secret doors also harbored a narrow set of stairs that descended to a passageway that led outside the castle. It had been designed by Gavin’s grandfather to be used as an escape route if the castle was ever under siege. Only his mother, siblings and the blackguard were aware of its existence.

  The candle she held gave sufficient light to see that her son was troubled. With concern, she asked, “What vexes ye this night?”

  “I learned much from Sir James about Ella.”

  “Dear God, tell me ye will still be able to wed the lass.”

  He was not surprised she knew his intentions.

  “I will wed her when I return from the Mackenzie’s. The day after, I will take my guard and travel to Greystone for Lady Eleanor. She will be in danger once my marriage to Ella is discovered. Bowen will explain all to ye.”

  “Aye, he will.”

  “Tell me, how is she?”

  “Our beautiful angel is well and has been sound asleep for the past few hours. When Maeve was leaving the chamber, Arth barged in and planted himself on the bed. I was terrified for her-”

  “He will nae harm her,” Gavin cut in.

  “Aye, he just settled down with her. Nevertheless, I was nae about to leave her alone with him.”

  It warmed Gavin considerably that his mother would stay and guard Ella, despite being deathly afraid of the beast.

  “I am verra pleased with ye choice of wife,” she added with a smile.

  “I am glad ye approve, but our wee angel will turn hellion when she learns she will nae be returning to England. She fears greatly for her aunt if she dinna wed Montgomery. She will nae willingly wed me, even with Sir James’s approval.”

  Running his fingers through his dark hair, he continued, “She is stubborn and willful, but she is also selfless and deeply loyal to those she loves. Lady Eleanor and Sir James are her family, and the love they have for her is beyond measure. Above all else, even their lives, they want her safe. This I admire and respect greatly. I will keep Ella safe nae matter the cost, but I will also do what I can for Lady Eleanor and Sir James. If all goes well, they will have the protection of the Macleods as well as a home.”

  “And if all dinna go well?”

  “Let us pray that dinna happen. For the past eight years, the only people who cared for Ella were Eleanor and James. Her heart will break if anything were to happen to them, and I canna let that happen.”

  “Ye are a good man. Rest assure, we will see her through this difficult time.” She patted his cheek as if he were still a lad of five summers, then left the solar and walked down the corridor to the chamber she shared with Bowen.

  When Gavin reentered his chamber, the fire was just glowing embers, but it provided ample light to see Ella snuggling with Arth in his bed. Standing at the foot of the bed, he stared at the mutt for a moment, and then cocked his head to one side.

  Knowing that he was not allowed to sleep on the bed, Arth instantly obeyed the silent command and went to his own pallet in front of the hearth.

  Ella stirred when the bed shifted, but did not wake as Gavin gathered her into his arms. He was immensely pleased when she buried her face against the corded muscles of his bare chest and slid her hand over his stomach.

  It was heaven to feel her beautiful body melt to his, but hell not to awaken that body with passion and make love to her long into the night.

  27

  Gavin awoke an hour before dawn, spooned to Ella’s lithe body, and hard as a rock. He was dying to
lift the hem of her chemise and feel the petal soft skin of her bottom. The night proved more difficult than he had anticipated. When his large hand slowly caressed her hip, he knew he would need to take a long swim in the frigid loch before going to the hall.

  After grudgingly detaching his body from the enticing one in his bed, he covered her with the blankets and looked over at Arth lying by the hearth. Ella seemed to accept him last eve, but she had been asleep and chances are she would not remember the huge beast. Arth should come with him to the loch, he thought, since it was uncertain how she would react to the wolf.

  With only a plaid wrapped around his waist, Gavin went to the tapestry and opened the hidden door, but stopped when he heard Arth move from his pallet. He turned expecting his loyal pet to be on his heels, and then chuckled when he saw that his wolf had other plans.

  Arth gracefully leaped onto the bed, walked to where Ella lay on her side, and then made himself comfortable in the crook of her legs. Gavin rolled his eyes and hoped to God Ella liked big dogs, because Arth seemed to have adopted her.

  The icy loch did indeed cool his raging ardor and when he returned to his chamber, he was quick to notice the new body in his bed. Ella and Arth were still in the same position as they were before he left, but now Gabriel was fast asleep in her arms.

  Gavin smiled at the trio, then dressed and departed the chamber. He entered the hall moments later and greeted by his mother, Bowen and Sir James.

  Sir James looked amused but very appreciative, Gavin thought, as he watched his mother smother the man with love and care.

  “Now James, ye are certain ye have eaten yer fill? Ye will nae be leaving my company until ye are full to bursting.”

  “Aye, Lady Esme,” he chuckled, “I have eaten enough eggs, bacon and bread to last me a sennight. Trust me when I say, I’m in nae danger of starving any time soon.”

  “Ye will nae be starving, since I have taken the liberty of packing ye an ample supply of food and drink.”

  Bowen coughed loudly, and then said, “That is nae all she packed.”

  She gave her husband an irritated wave, and then admitted, “I also packed clean tunics, breeches, plaids to keep ye warm, and various other items I believed ye may need.”

  “Those various other items include bed rolls, cooking utensils and weapons,” Bowen informed the very stunned Sir James. He then added, “She noticed ye were low on arrows, ye now have enough to last ye a full year.”

  “Lady Esme, I appreciate all you have done for me,” James said with an earnest smile. “You have a good heart, and I am confident you will become very close to Ella.”

  His expression turned solemn when he continued, “She is very special to me. I’m leaving a part of my heart here in your care.”

  Lady Esme pulled Sir James into a motherly embrace, and whispered, “Ye will return to us, to yer family.” When she felt him stiffen, she added, “Aye, laddie, ye are part of us now as well as Eleanor. God keep ye safe.”

  Those watching could not hear Lady Esme’s words, but from James’s expression, they were profound and reciprocated.

  Sir James kissed her cheek, and whispered, “Thank you.” He then stepped over to Bowen, shook his hand and said, “You are truly blessed to have the heart of such a good woman. Be good to her. And please keep an eye on Ella . . . she can be a handful.”

  Bowen pulled him into a man hug, clapped him hard on the back and said, “Aye, I thank God every day for what He has given me. I am nae a verra religious man, but ye will be in my prayers. Remember, nae longer are ye alone. From this moment on, ye will have the strength and support of Clan Macleod. I will be riding with Gavin when he leaves for England, and I have nae intention of returning to Scotland without ye and yer sister.”

  Gavin was more than pleased by Bowen’s declaration since the man could best any Macleod, with the exception of himself, in fighting. He looked over to see his mother’s reaction to Bowen’s decision, but she obviously had been told prior, and was not in disagreement.

  In the stable yard a candle mark later, Gavin bid farewell to Sir James, a man who now had his respect and admiration.

  “I will nae be far behind, so keep yer arse out of sight until we arrive. After Alex reports to our king, he will journey to England and deliver yer missive to King Henry. I suspect once yer king is apprised of all the events, as well as my marriage, he will seek retribution against both Greystone and Montgomery.”

  “Greystone will let Montgomery take the blame for Gabriel’s abduction,” James began, “especially since ‘tis known that you killed Montgomery’s father. In truth, I believe the king was relieved to be rid of that vile man, which is why you were not punished for his death.”

  He sighed then added, “Montgomery has proven to be valuable when the king has need of men to fight; his army is one of the best in England. I do not know how Montgomery will be penalized, but the king will be grateful for any information he could use to strip Greystone of his title and lands.”

  “Philip covered his tracks well,” James acknowledged. “He waited until I was nae longer under foot to get his revenge against Mackenzie by using his grandson as a pawn. What I don’t understand is how Ella is involved.”

  “She was the means to gain Montgomery’s cooperation and is his reward,” Gavin suggested. “Her beauty and spirit, along with the disdain her guardian has for her, made her a prime target. Roger has been desperate to sire an heir for many years now. He’s nae old, but he is impatient and that is his weakness.”

  “Laird Macleod, thank you for giving Ella your protection, but I forewarn you, she has a deep sense of justice. She dislikes cruelty and ignorance, and is quick to help those in need. She needs a man with insurmountable patience, and one who will understand her fierce streak of willfulness. Handle her firmly yet gently, and she will bestow upon ye such loyalty the likes you have never seen. And she will not accept her fate easily.”

  “I believe ye speak the truth, nevertheless, she will become my wife.”

  Sir James handed him a cloth bag, and said, “Inside you will find three extremely rare stones that I found and had cut in the holy land. ‘Twas my wish that they be set in silver, and given to my two sisters as well as the woman I would eventually wed. I wanted to give Emma a pendant necklace, Eleanor a ring for her wedding, but sadly, that did not come to pass. Please accept them as part of Ella’s dowry, along with the three horses I will leave here and the fifteen you will receive when you reach the Westshire Abbey”

  “I will accept ye and Lady Eleanor as Ella’s dowry,” Gavin said with a sincere smile then looked into the cloth bag. “Och, I have never seen a stone even similar to this. What kind of stones are these?”

  “I know not, my friend. As you can see, depending on the light, different parts of the stone will reflect pale yellow, grass green, whitish gray and sea blue. I would have sold it years ago, but the values of the stones are unknown, thus I would not receive a fair price. It would please me greatly if you set one in silver and use it as Ella’s wedding ring. It will also prove to her that I agree to the marriage.”

  “Aye, consider it done. I will also have the remaining two set in silver. One will be for Lady Eleanor’s second marriage, since she will be a widow verra soon. The other will be for your wife.

  James was overwhelmed by such generosity and support. “Thank you, Laird Macleod, you honor me greatly.”

  “Call me Gavin. And ‘tis ye who honor me, for ye have given me Ella.” Gavin extended his hand and continued, “God keep ye safe.”

  James shook the hand of Ella’s future husband and said, “You as well.”

  28

  When Gavin reentered the hall, Bowen and Lady Esme relayed the disturbing events that occurred while he was away.

  “Afore ye take yer leave, there is a matter of great import I need to discuss with ye.”

  Gavin nodded.

  “Colban was severely injured a few days ago,” Bowen began, “and I fear his leg is broken.”

>   Gavin was very fond of the stable master as well as his two brothers, Boyd and Iain. All three had been part of the Macleod Clan their entire lives and were masters of their trade. Boyd was the blacksmith and as massive as his twin, Iain, who was the foremost carpenter. At two score years of age, Colban was ten years older than his brothers and had a much leaner frame.

  The stable master’s skill for breeding horses, for both speed and endurance, had become a profitable asset to the Macleods over the past few years. But, if Colban's leg were indeed broken, he would be unable to continue in his trade for many months. Gavin was immediately concerned for his friend, knowing how passionate the man was about his vocation.

  “How?”

  “Lyall, the arrogant twit ye refused to admit into the blackguard, is responsible. After ye left, his drinking and ire became a problem. When I banned him from the hall one eve for harassing a young lass serving the evening meal, he was infuriated. He waited for her to be done her duties and head back to the village.”

  With obvious revulsion, Bowen continued, “Lyall dragged her into the stables, intending to rape her in one of the empty stalls. Colban was tending to one of the new mares when he heard the girl scream. He immediately rushed over and ripped the fiend off the terrified lass. Drunk and enraged, Lyall slammed into Colban, knocking him into the open stall of the new mare. Frightened by the commotion and the jolt of getting hit, the horse instinctively kicked out. Her hoof connected with Colban’s lower leg.”

  “I have tended to him thus far,” Lady Esme began, “but I dinna have the skills he requires. His brothers and their wives have also seen to his care, but I fear greatly Colban will lose his leg from this injury. I sent Nicholas to him after ye arrived last eve.”

  Gavin’s voice hardened ruthlessly. “How have ye punished Lyall?”

  “He was flogged and rots in the dungeon even as we speak.”

  “Nae longer does he train with the men. He will resume all Colban’s duties until further notice. If he causes any more problems, he will be banished. Let him ken that if he ever attacks a woman again, I will personally castrate him,” Gavin gritted out, and then was thoughtful for a moment