Plead Forgiveness (Loyalty Series) Page 17

  “Ella is a skilled healer,” he added. “She was taught by Lady Eleanor, sister of Lady Emma.” There was no need to say more, since the latter was regarded as the greatest healer of their time.

  “I hate to ask the poor lass after all she has been through,” Lady Esme confessed.

  Ella’s caring nature, Gavin knew, would not allow her to ignore someone so grievously injured. “I will put the question to her, but I assure ye, she will nae refuse.”

  Their conversation was interrupted by the stream of people entering the hall, which included the blackguard. Pushing concerns for Colban aside, Gavin stood to address his people. When all were seated, he explained what had transpired since leaving for England almost a sennight ago.

  The Macleods listened to the horrific tale with sympathetic ears, and then sat in awe of Lady Ella. When all was said and done, Gavin waited with his family for Ella and Gabriel.

  “While ye were speaking with Sir James,” his mother began, “I sent Maeve up to yer chamber to assist Ella and tend to her back. She will also wake Gabriel.” She then admonished, “Ye should nae have woken him last eve.”

  Gavin, Paen and Tavish gave their mother a guilty grin, then Paen said, “Ye canna fault us for wanting to see the wee imp. How were we to ken he would wake?”

  She made an unladylike snort, and then said, “When ye toss the lad in the air to each other, ‘tis to be expected.”

  Paen was about to retort, but Maeve rushed into the hall, and cried, “Gabriel is nae in his chamber!”

  Everyone panicked, until Gavin bellowed, “Silence! Gabriel is in my chamber. He crawled into bed with Ella just before dawn while I was at the loch. He is perfectly safe with her, and from what he told me last eve, he is most eager to see her again.”

  Smiles from his family and the blackguard spread like wildfire down the trestle table and through the hall.

  Maeve left the hall with haste, and soon was creeping into Gavin’s chamber. She stood at the foot of the bed for a moment, taking in the sweet sight of Gabriel, Ella and Arth all snuggled up on the huge bed.

  Osgood came up from behind his wife, put his hand on her shoulder, and then smiled at the tender scene.

  “I will take the lad to his own chamber and see that he is dressed, while ye tend to Ella,” the burly man said as he lifted Gabriel into his arms. He motioned for Arth to follow since his wife was leery of the beast then took his leave.

  When the chamber door shut, Maeve sat on the side of the bed and lightly stroked Ella’s cheek. “Milady, ‘tis time to wake.”

  “Good morrow, Maeve,” she said in a sleepy voice. “Please, call me Ella. Where is Gabriel?”

  “Osgood took him to his own chamber so that I may tend to yer back and help ye dress. After, we will break our fast in the hall.”

  “Thank you for your kind offer, but I can see to myself.”

  “Bah, I will nae hear such rubbish. If ye would, roll to yer belly so I may begin.”

  A short time later Ella was clean, bandaged and dressed.

  “I have never worn a gown this beautiful. Are you sure Lady Esme will not mind?”

  Maeve had heard from Osgood that Ella’s only dress looked more like a torn rag. And it broke her heart to learn how the tenderhearted lass was treated at Greystone.

  “Dinna fash yerself, she is eager to see ye properly dressed.”

  As Maeve brushed Ella’s pale locks, she enlightened the young woman about her blissful life as wife to a Macleod warrior. She also confided that although she was barren, it had not stopped her and Osgood from having children. They had adopted a young lad and lass whom were found roaming the forest two years ago.

  “’Twas obvious the pair were siblings, both had sable hair and blue-gray eyes. Leif is ten summers and Thea is four years younger. They both adore Ozzie, and have taken to us mother and father.”

  Pride was evident in the Maeve’s face when she spoke of her family, and Ella found it impossible not to like the older woman. Her charm and wit were entertaining while her motherly demeanor was comforting.

  “They are both very lucky to have such benevolent parents,” Ella imparted.

  “‘Tis time I take ye to the hall to break yer fast,” Maeve said, still glowing from the compliment.

  “Is my Uncle James in the hall? I would very much like to see him.”

  “He left earlier this morn and asked for ye to remain here until ye have fully recovered.”

  “He left without me?”

  Maeve cupped Ella cheek and said in a maternal tone, “That man loves ye more than his own life. He feared greatly that ye would take ill if ye did not rest for a day or two. He left ye in Laird Macleod’s care until ye are able to travel.”

  “He will go to Aunt Eleanor?”

  “Aye, those were his words. I also believe Laird Macleod and his men will be aiding him.”

  “Thank you, Maeve,” Ella cried as she threw her arms around the small woman. “I feel better knowing that I will be seeing them soon.”

  Instead of correcting the lass, Maeve quickly ushered her to the hall, but felt profound guilt for not speaking the truth.

  29

  Ella paused to take in the breathtaking sight of the grand hall. Thick wooden beams complimented the high loft ceiling. Colorful tapestries depicting heroes, battles and castles lined the white washed walls. The Macleod tartan was regally displayed, along with decorative shield, just above the monstrous stone hearth at the opposite end of the hall. Bright morning sunlight filtered in through the arched, wooden doors across from where she had entered a moment ago. High quality, long wooden trestle tables with wrought iron hardware were aliened perpendicular to the dais and high table. The smell of fresh made bread mingled with the sweet scent of lavender and chamomile.

  As Ella took in her surroundings, she felt a cool inviting breeze from the open grand entrance, and was momentarily unaware that the air abuzz with conversation suddenly went silent. When she became conscious of the horde of people staring at her, she immediately took a step back. Panic brought a rose blush to her cheeks when she realized Maeve was nowhere in sight.

  “Ella!” A child’s voice broke the silence.

  She heard the sound of rushes crunching under small running feet, just before Gabriel threw himself into her arms. Tears of relief welled in her eyes as she fell to her knees and hugged the little boy close. She knew it was not proper behavior for a lady, but she didn’t care. All thoughts were on Gabriel, her brother’s child, her nephew.

  “Oh Gabriel, I was so worried about you these last few days. I thought I’d never see you again,” she cried.

  “I thought the same. Are ye well . . . yer back?”

  Ella pulled the boy at arm’s length, saw the concern in his eyes, and said, “Aye, I am well. Your uncles, along with the men they traveled with, took very good care of me during our journey.”

  “Aye,” the little boy giggled. “I heard ye took verra good care of them as well. Osgood brags about yer skill with a bow and bravery in battle. But, I was privy to yer bravery in England, and I made sure to let everyone ken what ye did for me.”

  Her blush intensified as she noticed everyone silently listening to the youthful admission. She knew Gabriel did not understand that men’s scars and women’s scars were viewed quite differently. Men did not want a wife with unsightly scars down her back and women would sooner die than be disfigured by a whip. She was not vain enough to care that scars marred her skin, since the alternative would have been Gabriel’s life, and that was far more precious.

  Deciding to sway the conversation to a more affable topic, Ella said, “I am just happy you arrived safely. I hear you will be seeing your parents this afternoon.” She was thankful Maeve conveyed that bit of information to her.

  “Aye, my uncles will be taking me after we break our fast.”

  “Quit yer blathering, Gab,” Maeve cut in as she approached. “Since ye scared me half out of my wits this morn, I would like ye to escort Lady Ella to t
he dais.”

  Noticing Ella’s bemused expression, the older woman explained as she looked accusingly at the young lad.

  “I am usually the one to wake Gabriel when he stays at Doran, but this morn he was nae in his chamber. I canna tell ye how my heart lurched at the sight of his empty bed.”

  Ella was still on her knees holding Gabriel, while he starred remorsefully at the ground. Gently tilting his face up, she looked into his deep blue eyes, and whispered, “It warmed my heart to have you cuddle with me this morn, but I think you owe Maeve an apology.” Her eyebrows lifted to emphasize her words.

  Gavin and his family watched and listened to the heartfelt reunion. They smiled when Ella softly reprimanded Gabriel, which clearly showed her respect for Maeve.

  “She will make a fine mother,” Lady Esme stated, and all seated at the high table nodded their agreement.

  Pride filled Gavin’s chest as he surveyed the look of admiration in all the Macleods within the hall. Aye, she will be a fine mother.

  Gabriel adored Osgood’s wife and knew he had to make amends. “I’m verra sorry I worried ye Maeve. He hugged her waist, then said, “I was just so excited to see Ella. Will ye forgive me? I dinna like when yer upset and give me the evil eye.”

  “Evil eye indeed,” Maeve chuckled. “I canna stay mad with ye, but if ye do it again, I’ll be tanning yer backside till it’s the color of ye plaid.” She gave him a tight squeeze, and then smiled down at his grinning face.

  Ella stood slowly, eyeing the Mackenzie plaid Gabriel wore. It was dark blue with two thin red and white stripes. The sight of it unlocked painful memories.

  Her troubling thoughts were soon interrupted by Gabriel, who grabbed her hand and pulled her through the crowded hall.

  Gavin, his family and the blackguard were spellbound by the radiant beauty, and openly starred as she curtsied.

  When Ella lifted her head, she was instantly self-conscious of her appearance. Her cheeks flamed red as she looked down at her dress and said, “You don’t like my dress, do you?”

  Bowen coughed to hide his amusement, and then with his wife, walked over to Ella. He held out his hand to the English beauty, and was pleased that she didn’t hesitate to take it.

  “On the contrary, my dear, I think they like yer dress overly much,” he said just before he kissed the top of her hand. “’Tis a pleasure to meet ye, Milady. I am Bowen, proud and noble husband of Lady Esme.”

  Ella smiled at the charismatic man, instantly warmed by his greeting. His enormous size and powerful frame would have intimidated her, if not for his kind, intelligent eyes. He was an attractive older man, with dark hair sprinkled with gray and a body that bespoke of continuous physical training.

  Her eyes danced with merriment as she recalled what Gavin had told her about him. “Aye, the legend among men.”

  With a wicked grin, Bowen glanced at his wife and winked, and then said, “Aye, legend among men. I believe my wife can attest to that.”

  Lady Esme rolled her eyes heavenly at the impudent comment. Turning to Ella, she said, “As ye see, God chose not to bless my husband with even a pittance humility, but rather a wealth of arrogance.”

  Ella’s mirth could not be contained in the presence of the witty couple. Their love was clear to see and envied by all. They were an attractive couple, whose eyes glowed with adoration for one another.

  “Mother, if yer old warhorse is through trying to charm Lady Ella, mayhap he could escort her to the seat beside me so we may break our fast,” Gavin said from the other side of the table.

  Bowen laughed heartily and said, “Warhorse . . . aye, that is what yer mother called-”

  Lady Esme smacked her hand over his mouth and warned, “If this old warhorse keeps it up, he will be sleeping in the stables this eve.”

  Bowen lifted her hand, kissed it, and then said, “I wish only to serve ye, my love.” He then led Ella around the table to Gavin.

  Ella was pleased with the uncommon table arrangement on the dais. Seating people on both sides of the trestle table, she realized, allowed for those at the table to converse with everyone, not just the ones seated beside them.

  With an appreciative glint in his eyes, Gavin took in the sight of the ravishing beauty. She wore a pale yellow side-less surcoat with silver embroidering overtop an elbow length white shift. A thin leather belt hung low on her slender hips, accentuating her exquisite form, which was soft and firm in all the right places. Her silky blond tresses complimented her slightly golden, flawless skin completion. And she was without a doubt the most beautiful creature he had ever laid eyes on. When Gavin glanced around the hall and saw the way his men stared at her, he realized he was not the only one with that opinion.

  Heat flooded Ella’s cheeks when she noticed the sultry look Gavin cast her way. She had never felt more beautiful than she did at this moment. After giving him a shy, appreciative smile, the need to avert her gaze was overwhelming.

  “There are nae words to describe ye, Milady,” Osgood began. “Ye take our breath away.”

  “’Tis the dress,” she said meekly, then turned to Lady Esme. “Thank you for allowing me to borrow this beautiful dress, Milady. I swear to take special care, and will return it this eve.”

  Oblivious to the sympathy that clouded the eyes of those surrounding her, Ella continued, “I admit, I am unaccustomed to such finery, but very thankful for the opportunity.”

  When no one responded, she said in a concerned voice, “Forgive me if I have said something wrong, I . . .”

  Gavin suddenly realized that she was not bitter or angry about the way she had been treated at Greystone. She accepted the work, the clothing and the punishments as if it were deserved.

  “Ye have said nothing wrong,” Gavin stated. “Be seated so ye can share my trencher. After we eat, my men and I will take Gabriel back to the Mackenzies.”

  Her smile vanished when she heard his icy tone.

  Noting her distress, he whispered in her ear, “Nae, little one, ye look beautiful in that gown. In truth, ye look beautiful in anything ye wear. ‘Tis just that I’m nae used to wanting a woman the way that I want ye.”

  Her jaw dropped, but she did not respond.

  Gavin almost laughed at her attempts to ignore him as she eagerly participated in the conversation at the table. Her charm and intelligence drew people to her like a breath of fresh air. He watched for a few more moments, and then pulled her elbow to gain her attention.

  “While I am gone, I would ask a favor from ye. My stable master, Colban, suffered an injury to his lower leg two days past. My mother believes his leg is broken and that the bone will need to be reset. He is in great pain and believes he will lose his leg. He shares yer love of horses, and I fear what will come of him if he can nae longer ride.” He covered her hand, then added, “He is my friend, and I would greatly appreciate anything ye could do for him.”

  Without hesitation, she replied, “Aye, of course I will help him. I will go now to retrieve my medicinal satchel, but I will need a few other items.”

  “I will have Osgood retrieve it for ye, but only after ye have broken yer fast. Once I depart, ask my mother for aught else ye will need. She will then take ye to Colban's cottage.”

  For the remainder of the meal, Ella and Gavin spoke about Colban and the healing arts. She told him the various ways she used to set bones, and he was fascinated by her vast knowledge. He was eager to learn more about the injuries and ailments she had treated, but unfortunately Gabriel stole her attention by crawling onto her lap. The boy then proceeded to tell her about his journey with Sir James.

  30

  A quarter of an hour later Gavin, his brothers and nephew prepared to take their leave. Horses were brought from the stables by Leif, Osgood’s adopted son, and Ella took the opportunity to introduce herself to the young boy.

  As Ella approached, his piercing blue-gray eyes stared at her oddly, and widened when she said, “You must be Leif. I have heard you have a gift with horses.
I too love horses, and have helped train and bred them for many years.”

  Leif was stunned that the goddess-like woman knew his name, let alone spoke to him in such an amiable manner. He took the hand she offered, kissed it lightly, and then bowed. “My parents have told me the remarkable tale of Lady Ella. Ye must be her.”

  “Aye. Do you think later today I may come by to speak with ye and see the stables?”

  “Aye, Milady. I am most interested in yer horse, Apollo. I have seen to his care and am in awe of his gentle nature.”

  Gavin came to stand by the two engrossed in conversation about horses, and said, “Apollo may seem gentle now, but I tell ye this Leif, he has a vicious streak that rivals the devil.”

  “Aye, Laird Macleod has the right of it I’m afraid,” Ella chuckled. “But, handled with care, Apollo will never cause you harm.”

  “Aye, Milady, he will only ken kindness from me,” Leif vowed.

  “Then I’m happy to know he is in your care.”

  Ella stepped aside, allowing him to lead the horses to the men waiting in the center of the bailey, and then whipped around at the sound of a dog barking. She realized an instant later that it was not a dog, but rather a giant wolf, and he was running straight for her.

  Without fear, she went down on one knee, and then held out her arms. The bark alone confirmed he was not to be feared.

  In his enthusiasm, the beast knocked her over, lavishing her with friendly licks to her face. He became more excited when she stroked his black fur and laughed at his playful antics.

  “What a good boy you are. Aye, you are very friendly and big too.”

  “I see ye have met Arth,” Gavin said with a relieved smile.

  Arth was now in her lap while Ella continued to play with the enormous animal. Giggling, she looked up at Gavin and said, “Aye, indeed I have. He is wonderful. Does he belong to you?”