Plead Forgiveness (Loyalty Series) Page 3

  She heard Gabriel’s childlike voice implore, “I am here with ye. I’ll nae let ye go.”

  As the lashes continued to fall, she heard Gabriel whimper, “Be strong. I am with ye, Ella . . . I love ye.”

  It was the child’s last words that gave her the strength to endure the horrific pain that Phillip and later Roger wreaked on her body. When Montgomery wielded the tenth lash, her vision blurred and she knew she was about to lose consciousness. Her only hope was that her Aunt Eleanor and Uncle James did not witness the sight of her tied to the post, bloody for all to see.

  Eleanor raced through the courtyard to the punishment post where Ella’s lifeless body hung. She screamed, “Stop . . . nae more . . . please!”

  Unable to finish due to the uncontrollable sobs that replaced her words, she quickly closed the distance that separated her from her niece. The full magnitude of what her husband had done to the girl she loved more that her own life hit her full force, and the impact was devastating.

  Eleanor fought to gain control of her emotions when she finally reached Ella’s bloody form tied to the post. Glaring at her husband, she asked, “Why?”

  Philip smiled at his wife, and then said, “She insulted the man who will take her for wife.” He gestured to Montgomery, who seemed unable to take his gaze from Ella’s bloody back.

  Eleanor did bother to acknowledge her husband’s ludicrous statement, instead she ordered one of the male servants to assist her. While untying Ella’s bloody wrists, she realized that her niece could no longer remain at Greystone.

  Eleanor and James had been conspiring to escape Greystone with Ella for two years, aided by the monks at the Westshire Abbey. In addition to storing the supplies the trio needed for the journey, Abbott Davis had contacted other abbeys with the request to give lodging to the trio while they made their way north to Scotland. Money, clothing and weapons had also been set aside, along with documents that may prove Philip’s malicious involvement in the death of her family.

  When Ella was almost free from the post, Eleanor discovered a trembling boy clutching her niece’s hands.

  “Where are ye taking her? Please, dinna hurt her.”

  Eleanor did not know who the child was, but it was obvious that he cared a great deal for Ella. She called for another servant, “Matthew, cut him loose and bring him to my chamber. I will nae leave him here to be tortured by my odious husband.”

  Matthew freed the boy was freed from the post, and then Eleanor knelt before him and cradled his face in her hands. “My name is Lady Eleanor and I will nae harm you. I know you are scared, but please allow Matthew to bring you to my chamber. I must tend to Ella’s back and may need your assistance. Will you help me make Ella well again?”

  The boy nodded with relief and confidence. He allowed Matthew to pick him up, but kept his eyes on the servant carrying Ella while they made their way into the castle. Tears fell down his cherubic face as he watched the servant put her gently on the bed and turn her onto her stomach.

  Eleanor ordered for hot water and clean linen as she went to work removing her niece’s blood stained clothes. When Ella was naked, save for linen covering her from waist down, Eleanor looked up to see Gabriel facing the wall. She smiled at the little boy’s gentlemanly act, then said, “You may turn back around.”

  When he faced her, blushing crimson, she asked, “By what name are you called?”

  “Gab . . . Gabriel, milady.”

  Their conversation suddenly came to a halt when they spied Philip looming in the doorway.

  “Wife, after you tend to Ella, your presence is required down in the hall.” When he saw her cringe, his voice took on a harsh tone. “The Baron of Montgomery will not be staying this eve, so please give him the respect due him and bid him fare-thee-well.”

  “Aye,” she sneered, then continued to work on Ella’s back.

  Eleanor learned an hour later of her Ella's betrothal to Montgomery, the wedding set for a fortnight, and that her brother apparently completed his five-year service and sent back to the King of England. She was furious by the time she returned to her chamber, and knew that today’s events were no mere coincidence.

  Ella’s marriage to Montgomery, kidnapping a boy from Scotland and James’s dismissal from Greystone were all part of some underhanded scheme created by her husband. Although Philip warned her not to interfere with his dictate, she did not plan to abide by his wishes. She was resolute, despite the consequences, to see Ella and Gabriel safely away from Greystone. And when she returned to her chamber, the heartwarming sight that greeted her only strengthened her determination.

  Gabriel and Ella were both laying face down on the bed, holding each other’s hand and whispering words in Gaelic.

  “I learned your language many years ago, now will you tell me how you were kidnapped?”

  “I was kidnapped on the land owned by my uncle, Laird Macleod.”

  Ella recognized the name, knew the Macleods bordered the Mackenzie’s to the south, but remembered little else.

  Eleanor sank into the chair by Ella’s bed, and drank in the sight of her two charges and their obvious bond. A small smile lifted the corners of her mouth as she thought about her niece’s bravery and compassion for young Gabriel. She had learned from the servants that after the lad failed to escape, his punishment was to be five lashes to thwart future attempts. Eleanor’s pride in her niece was without measure, because Ella took the boy’s punishment that would have ended his young life.

  Yet, a worried frown soon replaced Lady Greystone’s prideful smile. Her niece thought herself to be made of iron, had a will that could rival a highland warrior, and possessed more compassion than a saint.

  Being skilled with a bow, Ella had often hunted for the families that were in dire need, disregarding Philip’s threat to punish any poacher severely Most of Greystone’s men would turn a blind eye, since over the years Ella tended their wounds with such diligent care, and they could not withstand seeing the girl harmed for her compassion. The people at Greystone loved Ella and secretly supported her generous nature, but how would others perceive her risky actions, Eleanor pondered. Therein lay the problem.

  She was not sure if Gabriel’s clan would accept and give her niece their protection, yet there was no other alternative. Gabriel and Ella had to leave Greystone tonight and meet James at the abbey.

  The missive Eleanor had received from James, not an hour ago, stated that he feared for her and Ella’s life. They were to meet him at the abbey after Philip retired for the evening, but Eleanor knew she had to stay behind and give the impression she was tending to Ella and Gabriel. It would give them at least a day or two before Philip learned of their escape and sent men in pursuit. This would also mean Eleanor would never see her niece and brother again.

  As night fell so did Eleanor’s tears as she packed items Ella would need for the journey. With her niece’s back torn to bloody shreds, a large quantity of healing salve was added to the saddle bag, along with clean linen and extra clothing. The salve and clean linen were crucial, as they would reduce the risk of infection and eliminate potential fever.

  In the pantry, Eleanor bit her lip as she thought about what other items would be would needed for the journey. With the salve made and sealed in a jar, she reached for her small wooden chest that contained her medicinal herbs and tools. She restocked Ella’s medicinal satchel that contained pouches of herbs to alleviate pain, bring fever down and reduce infection.

  Eleanor was confident that with her niece’s knowledge in the healing arts and Gabriel’s assistance, James would be able to tend to Ella’s back.

  She wiped tears from her eyes before she reentered her chamber. She would be strong, she told herself, for Ella’s sake.

  3

  “I will meet you at the abbey after I am excused from the feast,” Eleanor lied. “Use the secret passage, as you know it will lead you a fair distance from the castle. I thank God everyday my father had the sense not to reveal its existence to Philip.
”

  The secret passageway was hidden in a locked and unused chamber, located next to Eleanor‘s private solar. Ella and James were the only other people who knew how to access the chamber without a key.

  Trying to put on her boots on, Ella froze at hearing her aunt’s words. “I will not leave you here. If something were-”

  “You know my absence from the hall this evening will be noticed, “ Eleanor interrupted, “but yours will not. Once I am excused from the hall, I will tell Cook the menu for the morrow meals and my maid that she is excused until further notice.” Eleanor seemed pleased with this lie, and watched to see her niece’s reaction.

  “Nae, this is not a good plan. Let us all go now, as fast-” Once again her aunt cut her off.

  “Ella, my love, you must see that boy away from here. I know you don’t understand, but he is in great danger.” She knew well how to pull the strings of her niece’s heart.

  Ella stared at her in confusion, then asked “Who is he? What does Philip want with Gabriel?”

  “All I know is that ransom is nae the sole purpose of his capture.” After Ella agreed with a nod, she added, “Please, be careful.”

  “You are going to meet us there, aye?”

  Speaking the lie was painful, but if the headstrong girl knew the truth, she would come back to Greystone. “Aye, of course I’m coming, but not until late the eve. Two horses await you at the end of the passage. I have packed your saddle bag with everything James will need to tend you back....at least until I can get there.”

  Eleanor had given Gabriel a missive, with instruction to give it to James upon their arrival at the abbey and not to inform Ella that he had this special duty. She knelt to give him a hug and whispered in his ear, “You are the bravest boy I have ever known. Your parents would be very proud of you this day.”

  Gabriel had sensed goodness in the kind lady he had spoken so often to this eve. “Thank ye, Aunt Eleanor. Ye remind me of my mama. I ken she would like ye verra much.”

  Eleanor choked back the sob that gathered in her throat and said, “You tell your mama what I said, aye?”

  “Aye,” he said as he gave her another hug.

  Pride shone in Eleanor’s eyes when she spoke to Ella. “You are so much like your mother in face, form and heart. She would have done the same thing you did for Gabriel.” Her voice shook when she finished, “You are the best thing that has ever happened to me. I love you with all my heart. God keep you safe.”

  It was as that moment Ella knew her aunt had no intention of coming to the abbey. As Ella embraced her, she whispered, “I love you, Aunt Eleanor. You’ve been a second mother to me.” And I will come back for you, I swear.

  Gabriel thought it odd that Ella was dressed like a boy wearing a tunic, breeches and knee-high boots. Being so slender with her hair braided and tucked into the back of her tunic, she did resemble one. But he made no comment on her attire as he looked down at his own.

  An hour ago, Lady Eleanor gave Gabriel warmer clothes, a mantle lined with fur and knee high boots to ward off the cold. He almost laughed at Lady Eleanor and Ella’s insistence that he be clothed properly for the elements. He was from the Highlands of Scotland, young though he may be, his Highland blood was immune to the coldest English wind. But, he would not laugh and risk hurting the feelings of his two saviors.

  Ella took Gabriel’s hand and asked “ Are you ready?”

  “Aye, more than ready. But, will ye be...well enough …,” Gabriel halted his words when he saw her expression rapidly change. She actually looked insulted. But, she was a lass and his parents taught him to care for women, not abuse them.

  With her free hand, she cupped his cheek and whispered, “Look at me, Gabriel. I will get you out of this castle and see you returned to your family.”

  It was the look in her eye that convinced him to believe her words.

  “Escaping the castle will be very dangerous, but I assure you it can be done,” she stated. “You were told about the secret passageway, but nae how small and dark it will be once inside. Cobb webs line the narrow walls and low ceiling. The only entrance to the passageway is in the next room.”

  Gabriel interrupted, “Ye say it be in the next room, but we canna leave this room. Did ye forget the guards posted on the other side of that door.” He pointed to the door Lady Eleanor had just used to leave the chamber moments ago.

  “Nae, I dinna forget, “she said imitating his Scottish burr perfectly. Gabriel awarded her a smile of acceptance.

  Pointing to the far wall, she continued, “We will go through the hearth.” At seeing his look of disbelief she explained, “There is a secret lever that will rotate the wall of stone, allowing us access to the hearth of that chamber.”

  Gabriel had heard about the secret’s each castle possessed and asked, “Does that wretch who whipped ye ken about it?”

  “Nae, my Grandfather felt that Philip could not be trusted.”

  “He was a wise man.”

  She nodded then went on to more important topics, knowing time was their enemy. “Once inside that room, you must be as silent as the dead. Do you understand?”

  When Gabriel nodded, she went on to explain, “There is a trap door hidden under a fur pelt in the next chamber. The only way to open it is with a steel bar we will find in the fireplace.”

  With Gabriel’s full attention, his face indicating he knew how important her words were, she became curious at the brave lad standing before her. “Gabriel, how old are you?”

  “Seven summers, why?”

  “Seven summers,” she repeated. “You seem much older, I would have guessed nine.”

  “Papa says I’m big for my age, like him when he was a lad.”

  “Aye, but ‘tis more than that. Your maturity, courage and ability to understand matters beyond your years are remarkable. You continue to impress me”.

  His face flamed red as he averted his gaze, but she saw his shy smile and the dimple that appeared in his left cheek.

  Unable to resist, she filled his dimple with her finger as she giggled, “The hole in your cheek is most becoming.”

  The dimpled disappeared as did his smile. He was scowling at her, but she continued to grin as she whispered, “Let’s be gone from here, my friend.”

  After gaining access to the next chamber and slipping through the trap door, the pair walked hand-in-hand as they descended the secret stairwell and moved through the long passageway that led outside the castle.

  A sigh of relief passed Ella’s lips when she saw the two black Arabian coursers, Apollo and Zeus. Both bred for endurance, strength and speed, but the former was her pride and joy.

  Aunt Eleanor gifted Ella with Apollo last year without Philip’s knowledge, since he objected to giving his ward anything of value. The prized stallion was not only powerful, but highly intelligent as well and was completely devoted to her.

  Over the next hour as they rode to the abbey, the pain in Ella’s back became excruciating, but she made no comment ,especially when they arrived and she greeted her Uncle James.

  “She stayed behind, but will meet us later this eve.”

  Like Ella, James knew his sister would not be arriving this eve, but he could not blame her for the unselfish act. In her place he would have done the same.

  James directed Ella’s attention elsewhere as he pointed to the handful of horses tied a short distance away, “Go retrieve your bow from my horse.”

  She did as he commanded, sensing he needed a moment to consider his sister’s decision. She gestured to Gabriel to follow her, but he shook his head and said, “A moment, please.”

  Ella nodded, assuming he was tending to his privy needs, then left her two male companions.

  Gabriel could see the pain in Sir James’s features as he stared up into the brightness of the full moon. He quickly retrieved Lady Eleanor’s missive and said, “I. . . I’m Gabriel. Aunt Elea. . .I mean Lady Eleanor said ye would ken. . . um. . . who I. . .”

  Sir James went d
own on one knee and said, “I know who you are Gabriel. My sister sent a missive to the abbey explaining your situation. I will gladly see you back to your clan.”

  “Lady Eleanor bade me give this to ye and nae other,” Gabriel said, holding the missive out to Sir James.

  James read the letter twice and then groaned at the contents.

  My Dearest Brother and Most Valued Friend,

  I know my absence has come as a surprise, or mayhap it comes as no surprise. You, who have become my truest friend, watched with me these last five years the cruelty and abuse Philip has bestowed upon our Ella. I refuse to continue seeing our beloved girl destroyed by Philip’s detestation.

  I sent my last missive before I learned the true extent of Philip’s atrocious acts against Ella as well as the boy he holds for ransom. It is my deepest regret to inform you that he has betrothed her to Baron Montgomery and the wedding will be in a fortnight.

  As for Gabriel, for attempting to escape, Philip ordered five lashes, which would have killed him. In the end, Ella took his five lashes, along with five more from Montgomery.

  Now you understand the need to see them safely to Scotland. ‘Tis my hope that Gabriel’s clan will offer Ella their protection. If they do not, seek out Mackenzie, but please use caution. I do not know if he would aid us.

  My presence here will provide the valuable time needed to cross the border to Scotland. You have until the day after tomorrow before anyone noticed Ella and Gabriel’s absence. Philip will most likely seek out Roger Montgomery when he discovers the truth. I swear to you, I will seek sanctuary at the abbey at that time.

  Philip mentioned taking the boy from the Macleod Clan, so head there unless Gabriel says otherwise.

  My dearest brother, your love has given me hope for the future. A new beginning starts today. Please do not come for me, until they are safe. God keep you all.

  With All My Love,

  Eleanor

  Tucking the missive away, James went to Ella and gently turned her to face him. He cradled her face in his large hands, kissed her forehead then asked, “Why did you not tell me?”