Plead Forgiveness: Betrayed Twice (Loyalty Series)

by Dobsyn, Aury

  Ella saw no scars on Fin’s elfin face, but she did notice that uncommonly short hair reached only to her shoulders. Taking hold of her bandaged hand, Ella said, “I am glad that your vile father was banished, although I would have preferred a harsher punishment. I am very glad you and Ualan came to live in the castle. I think you both are wonderful, and it is my greatest hope to be friends.”

  With tears rimming her eyes, Fin looked at Ualan, and then back at Laird Gavin’s wife. “Thank ye, Ella. I would like that verra much.”

  Ella broke into a wide, open smile. She then excused herself from their company, but promised to return later that day.

  She headed to the stables and explained to Paen and Leif the reason for her lateness. As typical males, they responded with a causal shrug.

  The day passed quickly, and after the evening meal, Ella returned to the kitchen. She laughed and jested with her new friends for over an hour, and then retired to her chamber.

  9

  After bidding the remaining occupants of the hall good night, Lady Esme walked up the stone staircase to the second floor. She suddenly startled, hearing Ella cry out from her chamber. Her heart pounded in her chest as she threw open the door. The older woman quickly discovered Ella in the midst of a terrifying nightmare.

  “Ella, Ella, wake up! ‘Tis only a dream,” Lady Esme said as she wrapped her arms protectively around the young woman.

  “Yer safe, sweetheart. All is well,” she continued to croon.

  “He is hurting her, beating her, and she is in a pool of blood,” Ella cried as she clung to Lady Esme. “I tried to stop him, but he is too strong. Uncle James is fighting, but he is hurt. I can do nothing to help either of them.” Ella sobbed in the older woman’s arms, fearing that her dream is a premonition of the future.

  “Shhhh, ‘twas only a dream, naught more. Ye have been in a fretful state these past few days, plagued by fear for yer family. I often have nightmares when my sons are away fighting in battle. When they return, safe and sound, I realize the dream only reflected my fear.”

  Ella gave a slight nod, content to remain in the arms of the kind woman, who reminded her of her own mother.

  “Do ye want me to stay until ye fall back to sleep?”

  With tears streaming down her face, Ella nodded.

  Leaning back against the pillow, Lady Esme tightened her arms around the lass, and then began to hum softly until Ella slumbered once more. She carefully eased out of the bed, and then kissed her cheek before leaving the chamber.

  Ella felt a lingering trepidation the next morning that covered her like a thick fog preventing her from focusing on any task or conversation. By midday, she excused herself from her usual routine and went to the barbican to walk the parapet wall that overlooked the vast countryside. A slight breeze made the warm early June day more than tolerable.

  Ella wore a deep blue side less tunic over a dove white, short sleeve chemise. The garment fit loose, but pulled together at the waist with a thin leather belt that hung low on her hips. Since her back had not healed completely, she preferred this style of dress to those that required a tight fitting girdle. If only her aunt and uncle could see her in this beautiful dress. They would love the sight of her dressed as a proper young Lady.

  Over the next hour, her gaze remained fixed on horizon as she walked the parapet wall. She hoped and prayed to see a sign of Gavin returning with her family.

  Suddenly, off in the distance, she spotted riders coming towards the castle. Although unable to identify who or how many rode in the party, nevertheless, Ella’s excitement peaked.

  Running to one of the guardsmen, she asked, “Do you see what I see? Pray, tell me I am not imagining riders coming this way?”

  “Yer eyes dinna deceive ye, Milady.”

  Horns suddenly blared, warning all within the keep that riders approached.

  To Ella, the guard said, “Allow me to escort ye to the hall, Milady.”

  Although, she did not want to go to the hall, she allowed the guard to escort her to the bailey, where Paen and Tavish waited.

  The bailey filled with curious men and woman, all wanting to know if their laird returned with Lady Ella’s family.

  “We should wait in the hall,” Tavish suggested.

  Neither Paen nor Ella moved as they stared at the battlements, waiting for the guards in the gatehouse to confirm the identity of the riders.

  Paen left their company briefly, and then returned with disappointment in his eyes. “’Tis nae Gavin. They are from Greystone with a message for Lady Ella.”

  Fear, stark and vivid, glittered in her eyes. She choked back a cry as a cold knot formed in her stomach. A spasmodic trembling overtook her body when two Greystone soldiers rode under the raised portcullis.

  After dismounting, they walked over to her and Gavin’s brothers. With contrite expression, the English soldiers handed her a written missive.

  She unrolled the missive and read:

  My Dearest Niece,

  It is my deepest regret to inform you of the death of Lady Eleanor of Greystone and Sir James. After word arrived that you broke your betrothal to Baron Montgomery and married against your guardian’s wishes, profound grief consumed my dear wife and she tried to run away.

  As for Sir James, instead of returning to King Henry’s service, he attempted to aid Lady Eleanor’s folly. We caught them on the cliff above spitting caves. James forced me to stab him when he would not relinquish his hold on my wife. Unfortunately, before I was able to get my wife out of harm’s way, the cliff ledge gave out and both Eleanor and James fell to their death.

  I hope you will not blame yourself for their death or let the loss of your only family mar your newfound happiness in your marriage. I have sent your belongings, along with Eleanor’s favorite tapestry, to give you comfort while you grieve. I will keep you in my prayers and heart always.

  Until Our Paths Cross Again,

  Philip Canbury, Baron of Greystone

  Acute pain, so raw and primitive, overwhelmed Ella. As if burned, she dropped the parchment, and watched it float to the ground. She felt hands try to pull her into an embrace, but she broke free and bolted from the bailey. Tears blurred her vision as ran away from everyone and everything. Her need to be alone outweighed all else.

  Paen watched her disappear through a postern gate, knowing she headed to the loch to grieve in solitude. After he read the missive, one of the Greystone soldiers handed him a sack containing the remnants of a shredded tapestry. He cursed viciously at the devastating blow while his mother rushed over to him.

  “What has happened?”

  Paen faced his mother and Tavish, and then relayed the contents of the missive.

  “Dear God and heaven! Where is she? She canna be alone,” Lady Esme cried.

  Taking hold of his mother’s shoulders, Paen stated, “She went to the loch, Arth followed. Dinna go to her. We must allow her to mourn in private. I will watch over her from a distance and keep her safe.”

  His fierce gaze turned to Tavish. “I want Greystone’s men escorted off our land immediately. Also, assign men to wait on the southern border for Gavin.” Handing the missive to Tavish, he added, “I want Gavin to read this before he arrives, and inform him that his wife has already done so.”

  “Aye, the latter I will see to personally.” Tavish started to walk away, then turned and said, “Do ye think Gavin kens of their death?”

  “Aye, and I believe he will be here verra soon.”

  After Tavish left, Lady Esme cried to Paen, “What can I do to help? Dear Lord, all I want to do is hold her, to take away her pain.”

  “There will be time for that later, for now, just make sure there is plenty of food ready for Gavin and the others.”

  She nodded, hugged her son, and then rushed off to the kitchens.

  Before following Ella, Paen glanced around the bailey, stunned by the sight that greeted him. More than a hundred men, women and children gathered and openly mourned the loss of L
ady Ella’s aunt and uncle. He realized at that moment how important Ella had become to the Macleods. Her pain is now theirs, and they will stand by her during this difficult time. Paen had never been prouder of his clan, of his people.

  10

  Gavin’s eyes flamed with rancorous ire when he arrived an hour later, aware of Philip’s intentionally cruel missive to his wife.

  Paen greeted and accompanied him to the loch as he explained, “I dinna leave her, but kept my distance and watched over her nevertheless.”

  “Thank ye.”

  “Good Luck! Ye will need it.” With that said, Paen went back to the castle.

  Gavin entered the forest and walked briskly along the path that led to the loch. All thoughts centered on Ella. He wanted to crush her to his chest and absorb her pain.

  Impatient to reach his grieving wife, he lengthened his powerful strides. Suddenly, a twig snapped behind him. When he whipped around, he saw his little woman swing a thick tree branch at his head. He instantly threw his head back, and then heard it whoosh passed his face and slam into an adjacent tree.

  So stunned by the attack, Gavin did not prevent her next swing, which she aimed at his midsection. Deftly jumping back, he avoided the blow, and then watched the heavy branch smash into a tree. Before she could swing again, he wrapped his arms around her from behind, pinning her limbs to her sides.

  “Let me go! They are dead because of you! I hate you! Do you hear me? I want nothing to do with the man who destroyed my only family!”

  With a soft, controlled voice, he said, “Ella, I dinna destroy yer family. I promise that Baron’s Greystone and Montgomery will pay for what they have done.”

  “Keep your worthless promises,” she spat. “I have nothing now because of you. They are all gone, all dead. They were the only ones who wanted me, the only ones who loved me. Oh God, I’m alone.” Her voice became a whisper as her body went limp.

  “Ye are nae alone. And they were nae the only ones who want and love ye, little one.”

  Tearing herself away, Ella pummeled his chest with her little fists and cried, “Nae, I want them back. Do not take them from me. My heart. . . it hurts. They all die . . .because of me.”

  Gavin let her vent her pain on him, then gathered her close and allowed her to sob into his chest. When her legs started to buckle, he lifted her into his arms and carried her to the creeping willow tree that sat on the bank of the loch. With his back against the massive trunk, he sat down and held her against his heart, while her grief piqued. She wept for over an hour with her fist clenching the fabric of his tunic.

  As he gently rocked her, yielding tender kisses to the top of her head, he silently prayed.

  ‘Lord, I ask ye to see me through my vow to destroy the men responsible for my wife’s loss. She has endured so much pain, so much heartache. I pray to ye, ease her suffering, for I love her more than my own life.”

  After Ella cried herself to sleep, Gavin carried her to her chamber in the castle and undressed her with the utmost care. He soon had her in a knee length, sleeping gown and tucked into bed. Despite

  his hunger, fatigue, and desperate need to bathe, he remained with her. He settled himself on the padded window bench to watch his slumbering wife.

  Well past midnight, he finally departed her chamber and went to the hall. To his surprise, his family and guard had not sought their beds; instead, they waited anxiously for him on the dais. The loyalty they displayed for Ella filled him with pride and gave him the support he needed.

  While consuming an abundance of food and ale over the next hour, the occupants of the hall voiced their opinions on how to care and seek retribution for Ella. When Gavin finally retired for the evening, he yearned to go to his wife and remain close-at-hand if she needed him.

  He found her small body curled in the middle of the large bed, looking so young and vulnerable. Quietly, he stoked the fire, and then made himself comfortable in the well-cushioned chair in front of the hearth. Sometime later, he felt his mother cover him with a plaid, then saw her go over to Ella and place a kiss upon her brow.

  After his mother left, his concern for the grief-stricken woman in the bed made it impossible to find sleep. When Ella began to whimper softly, he slipped in beside her and cloaked her with his warmth and love. Blessedly, she did not wake or even stir.

  I pray this will nae be that last time ye allow me to hold ye throughout the night, my love.

  When the rays of the awakening sun bathed the chamber, Gavin carefully extracted himself from Ella’s unknowing body and retreated to his own solar. While he dressed, he thought on how to care for his wife as she mourned the death of her beloved aunt and uncle.

  Her anguish and bitterness had only just begun, but he vowed to give Ella his unwavering love and support. Nae matter the cost, I will win her love. With purposeful strides, he departed his chamber and ventured into the hall.

  After a brief greeting to his mother and Bowen, the lone occupants of the dais, he learned that the night before last his wife woke screaming from a nightmare.

  “She was so distressed by the dream that she did not eat or drink, and barely spoke with anyone the entire day.”

  “I will nae allow her to starve herself. If ye canna sway her to eat, inform me at once.”

  “What she needs is our love, nae upbraiding,” Lady Esme admonished.

  “When it concerns her health, I will nae tolerate any willful defiance,” Gavin adamantly stated. “I suspect over the next few days she will seek solitude over solace, which we will give her in limited measure. She may eat in her chamber, but if she loses an iota of flesh, I will intervene.”

  “Aye, I agree, especially since she dinna have much to lose,” Bowen interjected, receiving a scowl from his wife.

  “I will do as I see fit,” Lady Esme said as she stormed from the hall, not caring for the company of insensitive men.

  “Dare I ask why she is so displeased,” Gavin asked Bowen.

  “She will smother the lass with warmth and affection, and rebuke those who do otherwise. ‘Tis her way, ye ken. On the night of Ella’s nightmare, yer mother held her close as she cried herself to sleep. And last eve, distraught by yer wife’s suffering; she wept till the wee hours of the morning.”

  “I will nae gainsay her or her maternal inclinations. In truth, I am well pleased that mother has come to love Ella.”

  “’Tis an understatement ye speak and she is nae the only one who has come to love the wee lass. I would have been proud to call her daughter.”

  Gavin arched his eyebrows at Bowen and asked, “Dinna ye mean ‘ye are’ proud to call her daughter?”

  “Aye,” Bowen chuckled. “Ye have the right of it, since I am yer stepfather.”

  “Ye are the only father my siblings and I recognize, old man.”

  “Aye, and I thank the Lord every day for that miracle,” Bowen acknowledged, genuinely touched by Gavin’s words.

  He stood, clapped the young laird on the back and asked, “Will ye join me on the training field this day?”

  “Aye, I will within the hour.”

  Bowen took his leave while Gavin went to sit by the hearth, isolating himself from the gathering in the hall. He needed a private moment before he conveyed to his clan how they would proceed in seeking reprisal for the death of Ella’s family as well as his concerns about her welfare.

  A quarter of an hour later, he stood in front of his clan with his hand raised for silence.

  “As ye ken, my wife has suffered a terrible lost. I stand before ye, as yer kin and laird, to beseech upon ye. . . .”

  11

  A sennight later, Ella had yet to venture forth from her chamber. She scarcely ate and rarely spoke. However, when the castle slept each eve, she would sneak out of the keep and go to the stables to be with Apollo.

  Unbeknownst to her, Gavin remained with her, hidden among the shadows. After hearing her door chamber creak open, he would follow Ella on her nocturnal visits to the stables and watch her cr
y herself to sleep in Apollo’s stall. He allowed her this time to mourn with the horse she believed her best friend.

  He would then carry her back to her chamber. It became a routine and he wondered if she was aware how she arrived back in her bed each morning. He did not bother to ask, since she refused to speak to him.

  The only words Ella spoke were ‘thank you’ to those who brought her meals. No matter how hard he and his family tried, it seemed impossible to break through the wall she erected.

  Lady Esme and Maeve’s concern piqued when Ella became bone-thin, and dark circles appeared under her eyes. Her beautiful face now looked sickly pale, her cheeks, sunken in. Her lifeless expression is what truly scared them.

  With her knees tucked into her chest, Ella sat on the padded window seat each day and gazed out the window for hours. She acknowledged neither Gavin, his family, or guard.

  In the end, Thea, Osgood, and Maeve’s daughter, succeeded in breaking down Ella’s barrier and bringing her back to life.

  On the eighth day since learning the devastating news, Thea snuck into Ella’s chamber just after dawn. Although, her parents warned her not to disturb the grieving woman, she decided to ignore their wishes, confident that she could make the laird’s wife smile once again.

  Ella sat with her legs crossed on widow seat when Thea quietly entered the chamber and crawled up behind her. “Lady Ella, ‘tis me. . . Thea.”

  When Ella did not respond, Thea took out a bone toothcomb from her pocket and gingerly ran it through Ella’s hair. Tilting her head to the side, Thea watched for a reaction as she said, “Do ye know what I do when I am sad?”

  Greeted with silence, Thea continued, “I pick flowers. The most beautiful flowers grow in the fields near the burn and on the edge of the forest . . .”

  The little girl stopped suddenly when Ella turned and looked at her, and then around the room.