by Dobsyn, Aury
“She refuses to come to the hall for the evening meal, but I canna say I blame her. Suffering the humiliation of the midwife’s examination will hardly lift her spirits,” Lady Esme declared.
With a look of pity, Father Logan shook his balding head and said, “Aye, but we knew that King Henry would send a midwife. Praise God, ‘tis over now. I would like to stay on until Gavin returns. The lass may need to speak with me during this difficult time.”
Lady Esme smiled at their long-time priest, whom they shared with the Clan Mackenzie and a few other neighboring clans. “Aye, Father, ye are always welcome here.” Her attention turned to Maeve, who just returned from Ella’s chamber.
“How is she, Maeve?”
Wringing her hands in her apron, Maeve answered, “The trencher of food I brought an hour ago remains untouched. She just stares out the window, silent as the dead.”
Father Logan asked Lady Esme, “When will Laird Gavin return?”
“A fortnight, mayhap less. I pray Lady Eleanor and Sir James are with him.”
“We will all pray for Ella and her family,” Father Logan said as he covered Lady Esme’s hand.
While the Macleods continued in the hall, Ella sat in her chamber, feeling violated and disgraced. Her thoughts turned from the horrible ordeal she had suffered with the midwife, to her husband, the man who caused her torment.
I will never forgive him, never trust him again.
Hours later, she crawled into bed beside Arth, who already dozed. She listened to the rain outside her window and later the rumbling of thunder. Unfortunately, sleep eluded her. Feeling drained and lifeless, she opened her eyes the next morning and saw early daylight spill through the window. She hastened through her ablutions, dressed, and then left the chamber.
Paen and Leif greeted Ella when she arrived at the stables.
“Thought ye get started without us, did ye?” Paen teased as he came to her side.
“Here, we brought ye an apple,” Leif said as he handed her the fruit.
Ella gave them both a shy smile in gratitude.
*
Over the next few days Ella, Paen, and Leif worked with Righ in the mornings, took long rides throughout the countryside in the afternoons, and in the evenings shared a meal with Colban and his family. Although Ella’s anguish persisted during these days and her contagious smile all but disappeared, Paen noticed a few glimpses of the once happy, carefree young woman. Cole and Obe, Iain and Helena’s two young sons, brought life back into her eyes.
At four summers, Cole, adored Ella’s playful nature, while his younger brother by two years loved the way she tickled him. The boys especially loved when she acted out stories of dragons, using their parents or Paen as characters. Much to the amusement of Colban’s family, she always had Paen play the evil dragon, and after a few nights in this role, the hardened warrior soon became an animated character. Paen often shook his head at her remarkable ability to enchant those around her. He still could not believe that Ella, a mere slip of a girl, goaded him into playing a fiery dragon to entertain two small lads and their family.
After everyone retired, Tavish and Paen remained in the great hall, discussing the day ahead.
“Tavish, starting tomorrow ye will take Lady Ella to the village and introduce her to the families.”
“I would be happy to, but did ye forget about Alice?”
Paen took a seat next to his brother at the hearth and said, “Och, I thought she departed with her brother.”
“Nae, she told Maeve that Lyall will send for her when he joins another clan.”
Running his hand through his hair, Paen asked, “Did Gavin have enough sense to tell Alice that she is nae longer needed in the castle?”
Tavish took a swig of ale before answering. “He told Alice she can work in the castle as a maid, but will nae be needed in his bed.”
“I haven’t seen her in the castle since we left in search of Gabriel,” Paen admitted.
“Gavin confined her to the village until she is ready to work.”
“While she occupied our brother’s bed, I ne’er once saw her lift a finger to help mother or the other women in the castle. Do ye really think she will come?”
“Aye, she told Maeve that Gavin will always have need of her skills. I fear she dinna plan to relinquish her claim on our brother easily.”
Paen finished his ale and spat, “She is a manipulative bitch, whose only skills are on her back and using people to obtain what she wants. Let us hope ye and Ella dinna cross paths with her.”
“Aye, I plan to avoid her like the plague.”
“Good. I will be with Ella in the morning and ye can take her around the village in the afternoon. If ye have need of me, although I pray ye won’t, I’ll be training the men in the bailey.”
6
Four days after leaving the Scottish Highlands, the Macleods arrived at Westshire Abbey at mid-day, exhausted from the grueling pace their leader had set, but eager to see Sir James and hopefully Lady Eleanor.
The Abbott escorted Gavin and his men to a private chamber, refusing to speak a word until the thick wooden door closed. At that moment, Gavin knew Sir James had failed to remove Lady Eleanor from Greystone.
Abbot Davis shook his head as he said, “Laird Macleod, it grieves me beyond words to tell you this, but last eve Baron’s Greystone and Montgomery apprehended Sir James and Lady Eleanor riding along the cliffs that overlook the ocean. At a place called spitting caves, the Barons, along with ten armed soldiers, ambushed my dear friends before they crossed onto our land. Brother Daniels went to the Greystone-Westshire border to offer assistance if needed. He hid in the trees half the night and witnessed the soldiers creeping up from the woods, preparing a trap for Sir James and Lady Eleanor.”
Walking to the hearth, Abbot Davis put his hand on the mantel and bowed his head before he continued, “Within a blink of an eye, they were hauled from the horses. Montgomery tied Sir James’s wrists, and then pushed him to the edge of the cliffs, while Philip threw Eleanor to the ground. The moon provided little light, but Brother Daniels saw bruises and blood marring Lady Eleanor’s face. I suspect Philip beat her severely over the last few days.”
The Abbott took a deep breath, and then said, “Baron Greystone pulled out a dagger and thrust it into James’s ribs. Eleanor screamed and rushed to aid her brother, but the moment they embraced, the edge of the cliff crumbled beneath their feet. They. . . they. . .” Tears streamed down the old man’s as he choked out, “They fell to their death.”
Gavin’s broad-carved face twisted in shock, then yielded to fury, hearing the two people closest to his wife, her only family, were dead. He turned his back on the occupants of the chamber, and then closed his eyes, trying to regain what little control he possessed. He heard Bowen speak, but rage made him deaf to the words.
“Did ye find their bodies?”
The Abbott shook his head and said, “They were carried into the caves that lay at the bottom of the cliffs. We cannot even gain access to them in order to search for their bodies.”
Stepping forward, Nicholas asked, “Can ye lower a man by rope?”
“Nae, the rocks that line the walls of the cliffs cut any rope lowered. Those who have attempted were swept into the caves and their bodies never found,” Abbot Davis explained.
Gavin’s controlled ire, Bowen noticed, reminded him of the moment before a battle or storm, and it is only a matter of time before his wrath is unleashed. He walked over to the man he considered a son and said, “Let us leave, Gavin. Once Baron Greystone learns of yer marriage to Ella, he is sure to send a message informing her of the death of Sir James and Lady Eleanor. Yer wife needs ye now.”
Warily approaching, Abbot Davis said, “Laird Macleod, Sir James left all his possessions to your wife, Lady Ella. There is also the letter he wrote afore he departed last eve. He loved her with all his heart, as did Lady Eleanor, and it was their profound wish that she be safe and happy.”
“Happy!”
Rancor sharpened Gavin’s voice. “Think ye she will be happy learning her only family is dead!” Towering over the distraught old man, he continued, “My wife would have sacrificed her own life for Lady Eleanor and Sir James. Her only thoughts, only concerns, are for them. And now. . .”
Walking over to stand beside the Abbott, Nicholas turned to Gavin and said, “’Tis my wish to stay here and investigate this further.”
“Why?”
“I would ken more about these caves and the death of Ella’s loved ones. Being English, born and bred, will also allow me to keep an eye on Baron’s Greystone and Montgomery.”
“Aye,” Gavin replied tersely, then turned his gaze on the Abbott. “He will need lodgings.”
Ignoring Laird Macleod’s offensive tone, Abbot Davis replied, “He is welcome to stay as long as he wishes, and we will assist him in any way possible.”
Reining in his uncivil behavior, Gavin put his hand on the Abbott’s shoulder and said, “My apologies, Abbot Davis. ‘Tis a difficult time.”
“Nae apology is needed, Laird Macleod,” the old man replied as he reached into his habit and handed Gavin a missive. “Please, give this to your wife, along with my words of condolences. I’ve explained what transpired last eve as well as what I learned over the last few days.”
“What have ye learned?”
“Baron Greystone arranged a betrothal agreement between himself and Baron Stafford’s daughter. I took the liberty of informing King Henry of Philip’s intention and duplicity of arranging a second marriage afore his wife’s untimely death.”
Gavin asked, “How did ye verify this?”
“I sent a message yesterday to the priest who resides within Stafford. Instead of replying, Father Charles arrived an hour after dawn this morn and confirmed the verbal betrothal agreement. He penned a missive indicating what Baron’s Stafford and Greystone intended, and sent it along with mine to the king. He penned a second letter, word-for-word as his first, which I hold in my possession. Father Charles will also see that the church learns the truth of the matter as well.”
“Ye have done us a great service this day. I now understand why my wife thinks so highly of ye,” Gavin acknowledged.
“She is our pride and joy, and has been since she came into our lives. Please, take care of her. She is a blessing in more ways than you know.”
“I vow to care for her always and as she deserves.”
Outside the abbey, Gavin spoke with Nicholas.
“Once I receive word from Mackenzie, I will seek to avenge the death of my wife’s family.”
“Aye, and I will be at yer side when the time comes. Until then, go to yer wife while I learn more of what occurred last eve at spitting caves. I fear there is more to this situation than we are privy to.”
“Aye, I agree. Learn what ye can, but watch yer back.” Gavin paused, and then offered, “Mayhap, I should leave half the men with ye?”
“Nae, they will only reveal my presence here, for they look and speak like Highlanders.”
“They are Highlanders,” Gavin retorted.
“Aye, and they will do me nae good here in England,” Nicholas admitted.
“Do ye forget that ye are a Highlander as well?”
“I can speak like an Englishman if needed, and once I cut my hair and dress accordingly, a bodie would nae suspect me as Scot”
Gavin nodded his head, then took hold of Nicholas’s forearm and said, “Take care.”
“Ye as well. Godspeed.”
“Until we meet again.”
All but Nicholas headed back to the Highlands to deliver the devastating news to Lady Ella. Nicholas did not envy Gavin the task before him and hoped with time, she will find some measure of peace among the Macleods.
When the pain of losing her family lessens, will she be able to accept Gavin as her husband? Does she ken that her husband is in love with her?
7
Gavin and his men departed for England over a sennight ago, and with each passing day, Ella’s fears rapidly increased. To ease her trepidation, she engrossed herself in training Righ and filling the role of healer to Macleods. Although she had befriended many of the men and women of the clan, with the exception of Paen and Leif, she had remained distant to those who lived within the castle.
After declining Lady Esme’s numerous invitations to dine within the great hall, Ella finally decided to stop acting like a child and agreed to be present during the evening meal.
When she returned from the village in the late afternoon, she headed to her chamber to wash and dress for supper. While passing the hall, she heard a commotion coming from kitchen.
Lady Esme had warned her to stay clear of the kitchen because the cook, Ualan, was a miserable beast of a man. Apparently, Ualan had been one of Gavin’s finest warriors until a battle wound left him crippled a few years ago.
Ella silently crept down the spiral stone staircase, stopped outside the threshold of the kitchen, and then slowly peeked inside. She instantly saw an enormous man, with poker straight bronze hair tied back with a leather strip and coal black eyes narrowing with ire. He looked at least a score and ten years, but with his face crimson with rage, she could not be certain. Apparently, a serving girl displeased the madman, who thrashed around, insulting the girl’s stupidity. She eventually ran out of the kitchen crying, so distraught that she did not even glance at Ella as she rushed past.
When she looked back into the kitchen, the cook had turned his wrath on a petite young woman with raven black hair. The poor lass seemed dwarfed by the barbarian as she took bread out from the oven, a few paces away from him.
“We have less than an hour’s time until we serve the evening meal, and that worthless wench has the audacity to spill wine over the freshly baked bread,” Ualan shouted, causing the pots that hung on the walls to vibrate.
“I am pulling out another batch of-” Her words abruptly stopped, replaced by a gasp of pain.
Ella saw the female cook needlessly burn her hands when she attempted to save a tray of bread threatening to fall on the ground. In her haste to retrieve the new batch, the cloth covering her hands slipped, and with lightning speed the girl hurled the bread onto the counter adjacent to the two large ovens.
“Are ye as daft as that severing wench, Fin? Ye threw the bread tray on the counter-” Ualan’s words ended abruptly when a petite woman entered the kitchen, fuming like a banshee.
“Enough!” Ella roared at the insensitive man. “Can you not see that she is hurt? You will quit your tirade this instant or I will give you something to rage about!”
Just then, Ualan noticed Finella doubled over with her back to him, but clearly trembling with pain. He instantly ran to her, his anger replaced with genuine concern.
Ella quickly went to see the extent of the girl’s injuries, while Ualan stood next to her, with his hand on the small of her back.
“Fin, what has happened? Are ye alright?” Ualan’s demeanor completely changed when he saw his wee Fin in pain.
“My name is Lady Ella and I am a healer. May I see your hands?”
When the girl saw the laird’s new wife crouched down in front of her, words failed her. Instead, she opened her hands and showed the kind, young women her burnt flesh.
The burn extended over both palms and all her fingers. Immensely glad that her new medicinal satchel hung over her shoulder, Ella said, “I need a basin of cool water, now.”
After giving those instructions to Ualan, she turned her gaze back on Fin. “Come, have a seat on this stool while I tend your hands. The cool water will alleviate some of the pain.” Pausing for a moment, she then asked, “What is your name?”
“Finella, but everyone calls me Fin.”
Opening the small chest that housed her medicinal jars, Ella took a pinch of common comfrey, daftodi, and mandrake, and then added it to a goblet of mulled wine.
“This fowl tasting tonic will alleviate your pain for many hours.” With Fin’s hands submerged in the large bowl o
f cool water, Ella needed to assist her.
The dark haired girl complied with her request, even though Fin’s face showed her distaste for the warmed concoction.
Ella quickly made a salve of yarrow, white willow, and marigold, and then said, “If I may, I will apply this paste directly to the burns. Your hands will feel numb as it kills any infection and speeds the healing process. Then I will then bandage your hands.”
“Aye, Milady. Do as ye see fit. I have heard ye are a verra skilled healer and trust yer judgment.”
When Ella finished applying the salve and wrapping her hands, a serving maid appeared and asked, “When will ye-”
“Get out!” Ualan bellowed as loud as he could at the young maid, who turned on her heels and ran from the kitchen.
Both Ella and Fin looked at Ualan as he explained in a gruff manner, “The meal will be served when I am good and ready to serve it, and only after I ken Fin is well.”
Ualan’s profile spoke of power and enormous strength. Yet, seeing Fin suffer such misery transformed the boorish cook into the most tenderhearted man in the Highlands.
The former warrior knelt by Fin’s stool and took her bandaged hands in his. “Forgive me, please. I ne’er should have yelled at ye. If I could, I would take yer pain in a heartbeat.”
Ualan’s eyes did not mask his love for the petite woman, half his size.
“I ken ye would,” Fin said softly before her expression changed abruptly to one of concern. “What about the evening meal?”
“Dinna concern yerself with such trivial matters,” he began, “I will have one of the maids assist me in preparing the meal.”
“How can they help when they fear to be near ye?”
“I dinna need their help anyway. Witless wenches all of them.”
“But Ualan,” Fin cried.
“Enough, I will-”
“I can help.”
Both Ualan and Fin turned to look at Ella.
The ill-mannered cook faced her and said, “I have learned much about ye these last few days and have come to respect ye, even though ye are English.” He spat the last word, then continued, “For that, I canna let ye-”