Plead Forgiveness (Loyalty Series)

by Aury Dobsyn

  “Below, in the dungeon. Edric and Nicholas ensured that he wouldnae be fit to walk or even lift his hand for a fortnight.” Osgood knew his Laird would be pleased with that tidbit.

  Bowen knew his stepson would kill Lyall for this offense if he did not intervene and make him see reason. “I think banishment would-”

  A bellow of outrage, like a volcanic eruption, greeted this comment and startled everyone at the table.

  “He deserves death for-”

  “Hear me out,” Bowen said, the only man within the hall unafraid of Gavin’s explosive temper.

  When Gavin regained a modicum of control, he continued, “Ye are taking an English lady for wife. One who brings neither dowry nor land, but the wrath of two English barons. Lyall has been a Macleod his entire life. If ye put him to death because of his actions against Lady Ella, it will only make it harder for yer people to accept her as yer wife. Right now ye need peace within yer clan.”

  Gavin’s thoughts were only of tearing Lyall apart, limb by bloody limb, and not the repercussions of his death. As the hazy fog of rage lifted, he saw clearly the truth of Bowen’s words.

  “As always, yer council is as wise as it is valuable. Aye, he will be banished from the clan for the duration of his life. If he steps foot of Macleod soil for any reason, his life is forfeit. I will leave it up to ye to relay my verdict of this matter and when and how he be escorted off my land.”

  Bowen’s pride was evident. “‘Tis difficult to see the consequences of yer actions when a loved one his harmed, but I am proud of ye for being able to do so. Lady Ella will have a hard enough time accepting her new life without adding clan hatred into the mix.”

  “Aye, ye are right,” Gavin acknowledged. “Unless there is more ye wish to discuss, I will go ready myself for my wedding.”

  After Gavin bathed, dressed and gave last minute instructions to his family, he went to Ella. His face brightened at the sight of her small, yet very enticing body stretched out on her stomach, sleeping in the middle of the large bed.

  As he walked over to the bed, tenderness and desire washed over him as he took in the exquisite, fragile beauty. Her silver blond hair looked like liquid waves cascading off the pillow and her smooth skin glowed with pale gold undertones.

  Her lavender scent intoxicated him as he traced her well-defined jaw line with his fingertips, then the soft skin of her cheek. His eyes were drawn to her full, pouty lips that suddenly rounded over straight, pearl white teeth. She was awake and smiling at him.

  Ella woke when she felt a gentle touch to her face, and her heart leaped when she saw Gavin crouched down next to the bed with an endearing smile. In a high, ultra feminine voice she said, “Your home!”

  The way she greeted him was beyond welcoming, he thought, as he watched her face brightened and heard the excitement in her voice.

  “Aye, little one, I’m home,” he began, “and I’ve heard ye have been verra busy while I was away.” The blush that came to her face made him laugh.

  “I will send Maeve or Thea to help ye dress afore ye meet me in the hall. There is somewhere I would like to take ye.”

  “Afore you take me to this mystical place, or mayhap after, could you take me to Colban’s cottage,” Ella said as she sat up from the bed while Arth stretched next to her. “I promised to check his leg before the evening meal.”

  Gavin was astonished by her dedication to Colban, and with admiration in his voice he said, “We can go before if ‘tis yer wish. I would like to see my friend as well.” He paused to run his fingers along the sleep marks on her face, made by the pillow. “Did ye enjoy yer nap?”

  His touched inflamed her and she mumbled, “Aye, ‘twas a rare treat to be sure. Having more energy than most, I never napped at Greystone.”

  “I’ll await ye in the hall,” he said in a hard voice, then stormed from the chamber.

  Leaping out of bed, she caught hold of his hand before he reached the door. “I have angered you?”

  “Nae. ‘Tis the way ye were treated at Greystone that causes my temper to flare.” He kissed her forehead to soften his tone, then took his leave.

  A sudden primitive warning sounded within her. Would Gavin forsake his vow to return her to England? He knew that if she did not return, it would be her aunt who would pay the price. Nae, she told herself, Highlanders prided themselves on their word of honor. And Gavin would never harbor such betrayal or act with such deceit. As Ella struggled with uncertainty, she hastily dressed in the clothes Lady Esme had set out for her while she slept.

  Slipping into the ivory white chemise, she immediately noticed the fine quality of the linen. It was silky, smooth and lighter than anything she or even her aunt had worn. The side less surcoat was a stunning ice blue, with silver embroidery at the hem and was made from very expensive, soft wool. By the time Thea entered the chamber, she was nearly dressed.

  “Milady, I was sent to help ye dress.”

  When Ella saw Thea’s forlorn expression, she explained, “I’m sorry, sweetling. I am unaccustomed to someone helping me dress, but it would please me greatly if you would assist me with finishing the task.”

  The little girl brightened instantly, then bounded over to help her with the thin girdle.

  “’Tis beautiful,” Thea exclaimed as she held out the belt, made of fine leather and studded with small sapphires throughout its length.

  Ella’s eyes widened at the exquisite item, then asked, “Am I really to wear such a costly piece?”

  “Aye,” Thea giggled. “Lady Eva sent it along with the dress and shoes, specifically for ye. She designs and makes all sorts of wonderful clothes for everyone here. Well, she dinna make all the clothes herself, she has many women who help her.” She fixed the girdle so it hung low on Ella’s hips and dipped down in front.

  A quarter of an hour later, Thea stood back to admire her work. The bulk of Ella’s luminous tresses fell in soft, smooth waves down her back. The front adorned an interweaving thin braid that started at one ear and ran to the other side, stopping just below her breast.

  “Ye look beautiful, like a princess from a fairy tale.”

  “Thank you for making me feel beautiful, but we both know you are the princess,” Ella stated with a smile. She held out her hand and said, “If you are ready, I believe ‘tis time we go to the hall.”

  Thea took hold of her hand, then looked up and said, “I am glad ye have come here, Lady Ella.”

  “Me too, Thea.”

  40

  “Ye look good, old man,” Gavin said to Colban as he took a seat next to his friend’s bed.

  “Aye, I feel better than I did two days ago. My leg is still broken, but much better, thanks to Lady Ella.”

  Colban looked tenderly at the woman who had entered his cottage a moment ago, accompanied by his laird. She was talking with Rachel and Helena, his brother’s wives, but she returned his smile when she heard her name. She was a bonnie lass, who had come often to check on his leg and always stayed to listen to his stories. She spoke little of herself, but he had already learned much about her from Osgood, as well as what would happen later this day.

  The stable master was thankful she came when she did, because he and his family had a gift for her. They were all very excited and eager to tell her their contribution to the token of thanks. They were now just waiting for Boyd and Iain to return so they all could be present.

  Colban cleared his voice to get the attention of the trio of females, then said, “I believe Lady Ella came to see me, nae my brother’s shrewish sisters.” He loved his sisters-by-marriage and teased them endlessly whenever they were near.

  Rachel put her hands on her hips and said in a saucy manner, “Shrewish are we! Wait till supper and ye will see how truly shrewish we can be.”

  Helena laughed and boasted, “Rachel, while Colban recovers, we can teach him a good lesson on how to treat his wise, loving and verra underappreciated sisters.”

  Laughter filled the tiny cottage, and Gavin cou
ld not help noticing how comfortable Ella was with Colban and his family. It was obvious they had spent much time together and shared an easy camaraderie, even though she was English and noble, and they were Scots and peasants. It was as if those differences never existed.

  Gavin watched as Ella fussed over Colban and then Rachel, who would give birth soon if the size of her swollen belly was any indication.

  “Och, woman, that protruding belly of yers knocks over everything in its path. I’m surprised its nae knocked over my cottage,” Colban teased.

  “Colban, since you have nary to do while you recover, I told the midwife that you were more than willing to help with the birthing,” Ella politely said. “By that time you will be able to walk around and the midwife would be grateful for a second pair of hands.”

  “Nae way in hell will I be near that harpy when her time comes,” Colban chuckled. “I remember my own wife laboring throughout the night and into the day. I snuck into the cottage to see how she fared, and the curses she bellowed at me still haunt my dreams. She told me she would cut my manhood off if I ever did this to her again.”

  A roar of laughter followed his statement.

  The stable master was thoughtful for a moment as he thought about his wife. With a smile he said, “But, when she held my wee daughter in her arms, she apologized to me and said I may keep my manhood. Ah, she was a good woman and I was proud to be her husband. She helped me raise my brothers, who were much younger than myself, and gave me two fine daughters before the Lord decided to take her.”

  Extending his hand to Rachel, who took it without hesitation, Colban said, “I believe that she watches over all of us and that she will be by your side to give ye strength when the bairn comes.”

  “Thank ye, ye old wretch,” Rachel said as she kissed his weathered cheek. “I feel better kenning that the woman I admired and tried to emulate as a child, will be with me during my time.”

  Helena walked over to Rachel and said, “Labor with the first child is always long, but both the midwife and Lady Ella have said ye are healthy and will have nae problems. Moreover, ye will have Beth’s gentle spirit on yer shoulder. I remember when I had my son, I felt her with me. I canna explain it, but ye will feel it too.”

  Rachel would have spoken, but her husband burst through the door, followed by Iain holding a large brown sack.

  Both Rachel and Helena squealed with delight and rushed over to their husbands. All four grinned at each other with gleeful anticipation dancing in their eyes.

  Colban saw Ella’s bemused expression as she watched the foursome, and said “Lady Ella, please have a seat by me. Ye too, Laird Gavin. My family and I would like to show our appreciation for all ye have done these past few days.”

  Once Ella and Gavin were seated, Iain gave a brown sack to his oldest brother, and then stepped back to enjoy the presentation with his wife in his arms.

  Colban opened the sack to reveal a leather satchel that had been specifically designed to hold Ella’s medicines and tools for healing. His voice was choked with emotion when he said to his savior, “Ye deserve this and so much more.”

  He handed her the leather bag, and then continued, “We felt that such a gifted healer deserves a proper satchel to hold all the items she uses on the ill and injured.”

  As Ella’s fingers glided over the leather, Colban explained, “’Tis made from tough raw hide, hand dyed maroon leather pieces, which are studded together with silver rivets to increase durability. The matching buckles on the shoulder strap and front flap are also made from silver. When ye lift the flap, ye will notice it is quite large with various sized pockets on the inner walls. If ye will, pull out the wooden chest and my brother will explain.”

  Gavin assisted her by taking the satchel once her trembling hands took out the wooden chest.

  Boyd stepped forward and said, “Iain sanded, carved and stained the oak chest, while I made the iron straps that line the side boards and corners, as well as the hinges. The hook and eye closure is made with a smoother iron so ‘tis easier to lock and unlock the chest.”

  When Iain saw the tears streaming down Ella’s face, he moved to help her open the chest and said, “Our gift all started with this small chest. We saw that ye had to wrap yer small medicinal bottles in cloth so they would nae break.” As he showed her the well crafted inside, he continued, “All yer bottles are there along with two filled with a liquid soap, which Rachel made.”

  “Ye emphasized the importance of keeping yer hands clean when tending an illness or injury,” Rachel said as she knelt in front of her. “The soap contains no perfumes or dyes.”

  Tears blurred Ella’s vision as she looked inside and saw 12 square spaces in which her medicinal bottles fit perfectly, along with the two given to her by Rachel. She closed the small chest and traced the intrinsic design square carved on the lid, then gave equal attention to the satchel.

  Helena knelt beside Rachel at Ella’s feet and said, “Yer tools are on the inside pockets of the satchel, along with some extra linen. With the material Lady Esme gave to me, I made a few drawstring pouches, as well as an apron that has pockets for needle and thread.”

  Taking out the apron, Ella noticed immediately the time and effort that went into making the functional garb. The apron, soap, chest and satchel were all made with such thought and love. When she finally looked up to speak, tears were the only thing that came forth. She tried again.

  “This . . .’tis all so. . .I can’t. . . begin to ever. . . thank you.” Her smile was accompanied by more tears.

  Gavin was stunned at the generous gift, but more so by Ella’s emotional reaction and genuine gratitude. The glimpse of the strong, courageous woman moved to sobs of joy due to a gesture of thanks made his heart swell. She was beyond any dream or vision he had ever conjured up when he thought of his future wife. His desire for her painfully escalated with each passing moment.

  By the time she had thanked Colban and his family numerous times as well as hugged each member at least twice, Gavin was more than ready to go. He was ready to claim her body and soul, but knew he had to wait until after the private supper with his family.

  His mother had been right when she suggested having the evening meal before the ceremony, since Ella would more than likely be too enraged to sit through a celebratory feast.

  When they finally entered the hall, she ran over to his family to show off the gift Colban, his brothers and their wives had bestowed upon her. They were equally impressed with the fine craftsmanship, along with the work it took to design and create all the items.

  His mother was not looking at the satchel or the small chest, Gavin noticed, but at Ella’s child-like pleasure at receiving such a thoughtful gift. He put his arm around her shoulders and said, “Thank ye.”

  Lady Esme was misty eyes when she replied, “I dinna ken what for, and I will nae hear another word about it.” She paused, then in a softer voice said, “She really is so beautiful, Gavin. Ye are a lucky man.”

  “I agree and think ‘tis time to begin the meal. I am eager to make her my bride, even if by doing so will forfeit any affection she had towards me. Given time, I pray she will come to understand why I must do this, why I will nae let her go.”

  “Aye, just be patient, and she will see the truth.”

  Throughout the evening meal laughter was heard, stories were told and more than one jest was said by those surrounding the wooden trestle table on the dais. Everyone enjoyed themselves, including Ella, whose laughter was contagious and gracious manner was admired by one and all. When Gavin noticed that twilight was fast approaching he decided it was time.

  41

  “Afore the last rays of the sun disappear, I would like to take Ella for a walk down by the loch. If ye will excuse us.” He took hold of her hand, then left the hall without another word.

  A knot formed in Ella’s stomach as she and Gavin silently made their way to the loch. She sensed that he had something important to discuss with her, something she wo
uld not like.

  They stood side-by-side as they watched the sun disappear into the loch. After a few moments she picked up a rock and threw it so it skipped along the water surface. When she stood from retrieving another rock, she felt his presence behind her.

  Turning to face him, she asked, “Why did you bring me here?”

  Gavin put his hand on her shoulders, and in a deep voice said, “Ye will nae be returning to England.”

  Horrified, Ella could only stare. And then the enormity of his deceptions and lies became all too clear. Slowly backing away from him, she shook her head as if to ward off a bad dream.

  “Nae, you gave me your word that you would return me, and I will hold you to it. You cannot do this. My aunt and uncle as well as your clan would be in danger. How can you risk so many lives? Nae . . . I will not allow it.”

  Angrily, she marched past him as she stated, “I am leaving now. You cannot stop me. I am not your concern, not now, not ever.”

  Gavin made no move to stop her, just said, “Ye will nae be leaving. I am taking ye for my wife.”

  Whirling around, Ella roared, “What? Are you mad? Nae, Laird Macleod, I will not consent to becoming your wife. Do you honestly believe I would marry you knowing it would mean the death of my only family.”

  His voice turned low and hard. “Regardless if ye marry me, ye will nae be leaving my home. The only chance Lady Eleanor and Sir James have is if ye wed me.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  Covering the distance between them, he lied for the first time in his life. “I promised Sir James that if ye agreed to the marriage I would aid him in rescuing his sister from Greystone. I have offered my protection and home, as well as the protection of the Mackenzies, to yer family. As we speak Alex Mackenzie is on his way to inform the King of Scotland about Gabriel’s abduction, along with written documentation from Sir James and myself.”

  Gavin took a step towards her and stated, “The best chance yer aunt and uncle have is if the Macleods aid them, but that will only happen if ye wed me this night.”