Plead Forgiveness (Loyalty Series)

by Aury Dobsyn

  Rachel laughed at herself and said, “I admit I dinna know much about bairns.”

  Swaying back and forth with the newborn, Ella admitted, “Truth be told, neither do I.”

  “I find that hard to believe since ye delivered him.”

  “Oh, I can assist with bringing them into the world and I have learned a few things from the women in the village at Greystone, but other than that my experience with bairns is limited.”

  “If what ye say is true, than we can learn together. By the way, ye have not asked what we have named him.”

  “Aye, you are right. What have you and Boyd decided?”

  Although Rachel had promised to wait for her husband before revealing their son’s name, she decided against such folly. With a proud smile she said, “We have named him Gavin James.”

  Ella’s head shot up in disbelief.

  Rachel saw the priceless expression on her face and in a soft tone explained, “We named him Gavin because it was our laird who brought ye to us. His middle name, James, is in honor of your uncle.”

  Tears cascade down Ella’s face as Rachel continued, “Partly because he returned our laird’s nephew to his family, but mainly because he was part of ye. From what ye told us about the man, his heroics on the crusade, his love of ye and his sister, the protection he gave ye during yer time at Greystone, we felt verra strongly that his memory live on. We will tell our son all the glorious stories of the man he was named after, so he can tell his children.”

  Ella could not stop the tears any more than she could stop rain from descending or the sun from shining. She was still reeling from what she had been told when Boyd burst through the cottage door.

  Boyd took one look at Ella, turned to his wife and said, “I thought ye were going to wait so we could tell her together?”

  “I am sorry, husband, I just couldnae wait. Ye knew I was bursting to tell her.”

  “Aye, I ken,” Boyd said as he leaned down to kiss his wife. “ I forgive ye.”

  He then walked over to Ella and stroked his son’s baldhead, as she stammered for a moment before blurting out, “I don’t know what to say. . . I . . . he . . .”

  Taking pity on the lass, Boyd said, “Ye dinna have to say anything, Lady Ella. I pray my son will possess the integrity and honor that clearly defined yer uncle.”

  “Thank you both,” she whispered. “From the bottom of my heart, thank you. You have given me a most precious gift this day.”

  “Well, we are nae through just yet,” he said with a chuckle as he exchanged a glance with his wife. “We would also be honored if ye would be our son’s godmother, and yer husband his godfather.”

  “I would like that very much.”

  Rachel and Boyd took in the heartfelt gratitude in her tone and expression. They had come to love her as did the rest of the clan. It was not just because she was a gifted healer, it was because of her generous, loving nature that made anyone who met her, loyal to her.

  “I am glad that we have that settled,” Boyd added. “Yer husband also agreed.”

  “I thought he was training with his men?”

  Rachel explained, “Aye, that is where Boyd just came from. He trains three times a sennight with the men at arms.”

  Ella asked, “Even though he is the blacksmith, he trains as a warrior?”

  “Aye,” Rachel began, “Laird Gavin encourages any man healthy and willing to train with his men in warfare. During the time when his father was laird, villagers were virtually defenseless, and many died as a result. Although, ‘tis nae common, the Macleods have adopted this new practice, for it gives us a sense of security.”

  It was ingenious of Gavin to train as many men as possible, Ella thought, even if they had other occupations. “I think it was a very wise decision to train all, and nae a select few.”

  “Speaking of yer husband,” Rachel began with a mischievous grin. “I believe ye had something ye wanted to tell me about him, aye?”

  Catching the look that passed between his wife and Ella, Boyd said. “Since ye ladies are eager to see me gone, I will take my son and go to Colban’s cottage.”

  He gently took wee Gavin in his arms, then noticed Arth lounging next to the bed, and said with a nod towards the beast, “I remember a time when he would nae even step foot in the village.”

  “Now he is welcomed in every cottage,” Rachel said as she stroked Arth’s head.

  “Aye, I like that very much, and imagine Laird Gavin does as well,” Boyd chuckled.

  When both women gave him a bewildered look, he explained, “Each afternoon ye two tend to ailments and injuries, often in other people’s homes. We, yer husbands, worry less when ye are accompanied by Arth.”

  Rachel asked, “Why would ye worry? The Macleods would ne’er harm us?”

  As he opened the cottage door, Boyd stated, “’Tis our duty to worry over those we love, wife.” He left without another word.

  “He dinna speak only for himself,” Rachel said with raised eyebrows.

  Ella shook her head.

  “Aye,” Rachel confirmed, then halted Ella’s protest by raising her hand. “Before we continue this discussion about whether or not yer besotted husband loves ye, I will have the details of last eve.”

  Long moments past while Ella divulged all that occurred last night. When she finished, Rachel first cursed Alice’s black heart, then softened when she said, “Aye, he does love ye. I am certain of that, but dinna worry that he has nae said the words, they will come.”

  “Thank you, Rachel. You are my dearest friend, and now that you are no longer in danger I will tell you this . . .” She paused for a moment, then shouted, “Never, ever will you do that to me again! Do you know how my heart sank when I was told that you were in labor, and had been in labor for hours afore you decided to call for me! I love you, and ‘tis the sole reason I am commanding you to never be so daft again. Do we understand each other?”

  Tears ran down Rachel’s face, not because her friend was screaming like a banshee, but because of the true depth of the woman’s care and concern for her. Rachel was not of noble birth. She was the soap maker of the village and wife to the blacksmith. But here stood Laird Macleod’s wife declaring how much she loved and valued her as a friend. She knew Ella was different from other nobles, but she had not realized how truly remarkable this wee woman was until today.

  Blinking back the tears, she whispered, “Aye, Lady Ella. I love ye too.”

  “Ella,” she spat, then continued her tirade. “And you will rest now, aye?”

  “Aye, Ella,” Rachel replied as she wiped the tears from her eyes.

  “Good, then I will see you on the morrow,” she proclaimed as Arth followed her to the door.

  However, before Ella took her leave, her stern expression broke into a wide grin, sending Rachel into a fit of laughter.

  68

  On her walk back to the castle, Ella came across Lady Esme in the garden just outside the castle’s curtain walls. Unlike most English gardens, it had more trees than flowers, which was due to Scotland’s colder climate and poorer soil. Another difference was the sheer size, being over a furlong in width and length.

  “Good day, Lady Esme.”

  Hearing the familiar voice, the older woman turned and gave a knowing smile to her son’s wife. “Good day to ye, lass. Ye are positively glowing on this fine day. Must be this fine Scottish air or mayhap just a good night’s rest last eve.” The latter was delivered with a wink.

  Ella blushed crimson as she groaned, “Does everybody know then?”

  Immensely enjoying the moment, Lady Esme shook with laughter. Hooking an arm around the young woman’s waist, she admitted, “Aye, most likely. Although, there is one who dinna ken how ye passed the night. I suggest ye keep the details limited when ye speak with her.”

  Aghast, Ella asked, “You want me to tell someone how I past the night?”

  “Heaven, nae, child! Just let her ken ye are well. She was quite worried about ye, lass. T
hinks ye may be cross with her too.”

  Lady Esme walked Ella to the other side of the garden where Thea was on her knees digging in the soil.

  “Aye, the wee lass feels as though she failed ye. She regrets nae telling her parents sooner about Alice. It took her brother an hour to finally coax it out of her.”

  Hearing voices a short distance away, Thea turned and saw the two women, then scrambled to her feet. With her hands clasped behind her back and her head slightly bowed, she stood rooted to the ground. Normally, she would have raced over to greet Ella, but not today.

  Turning to Lady Esme, Ella said, “Will you excuse me, there is someone important I must speak with.”

  “Aye, go to her. I will see ye both back at the castle.”

  When Thea saw Ella kneel on the ground and open her arms, she cried in relief before surging forward.

  Ella embraced her wee friend, listened to her cries of apology, then sat cross-legged on the grass with Thea on to her lap.

  “Shhh, I am nae angry with you, love. The blame lays at Alice’s feet, nae yours.”

  “But I hid under my parent’s bed, and dinna tell anyone until twilight. When Leif found me, I told him what Alice had done. He’s the one who told Mama and Papa, and Laird Gavin, too.”

  Brushing Thea’s hair from her tear- drenched face, she whispered, “I don’t blame you.”

  When she saw Thea’s eyes widened in disbelief, she added, “I too think Alice is scary, and if I could have fit under your parent’s bed, I would have been right there next to you.”

  Thea giggled at her lie, then said, “Nae, ye would have fought, just like ye did.”

  “Aye, I did. Alice is a grown woman, much bigger and stronger than you. My papa always told me that only cowards hurt those who are weaker than themselves.”

  “My papa told me the same,” Thea exclaimed.

  “Do you believe him?”

  “Aye, now I do.”

  “Mayhap, I was wrong to attack Alice, but I was unable to stand by and allow someone I love be harmed.”

  “Mama said ye did right, and that she wished she could have followed yer lead, but Papa wouldnae let her.”

  Ella burst into laughter at the thought of Thea’s protective mama. “Your parents love you so much, Thea. I hope you know that. Promise me that if anyone ever hurts you again, you will tell them, your brother, or me.”

  “I promise.”

  “Good. Now, I think ‘tis time to return to the castle, so we can bath and help each other dress for the evening meal.”

  A fortnight ago, Thea had burst into her room while Maeve was tending her back and saw for the first time the scars that marred her skin. The little girl’s eyes had widened by the sight, but only for a moment. Thea had then walked over to her, kissed her shoulder and told her she was the most beautiful women, next to her mama of course. Since that day, Thea had taken to helping her with her bath, tending to her back, and helping her dress before the evening meal. And more often than not, Ella did the same for Thea, who like all children hated to bathe.

  “Aye,” Thea giggled, elated that Ella harbored no ill will towards her.

  The midday sun was high above when Ella and Thea entered the bailey using the postern gate and stopped to watch the men practicing with swords. Although Ella was starting to feel fatigue set in, she refused to yield to her weariness so she could watch Gavin and Paen cross swords. Their agile, fluid movements, mixed with incredible speed and strength was a glorious sight to behold.

  Aware that his wife was watching a short distance away, Gavin made haste to disarm his brother, which in the end took longer the norm. Yet, he could not fault Paen for being such a good swordsmen. “You have improved.”

  “’Tis good of ye to notice,” Paen said as he retrieved his sword. Nodding towards Ella and Thea, he asked, “Shall we give them their gifts?”

  “Aye.”

  While Paen retrieved the bag holding the newly made gifts for the two troublesome females, Gavin walked over to them and immediately noticed the dark circles under Ella’s eyes. He berated himself for not realizing sooner how little she had slept in the past three days.

  Thea threw herself at Gavin as he approached, and was instantly lifted high into air by the mighty laird, who then pretended that he was about to drop her. The little girl’s laughter filled the bailey and increased when she was tossed to Paen.

  Paen swiftly dropped the bag he was holding, and made easy work of catching the wee lass. Her thrilled shrieks proved her trust in the two warriors, even though it appeared they were callously tossing her around like a sack of grain.

  Gavin and Paen cared a great deal about Thea and Leif, who they found wandering the woods a few years ago. They were the only children to live in the castle and had been considered family since the moment they were adopted by Osgood and Maeve.

  Starved, beaten and abandoned, the siblings had a profound effect on Gavin and Paen. On numerous occasions Leif and Thea would crawl into their laps after the evening meal or chase the highly feared warriors around the hall, completely trusting and without any trepidation. This was a new experience for the laird and his brother, considering that most of their lives, due to their reputations in battle and the belief they were like their father, they had been feared by the villagers. But, that all changed when Thea and Leif came into their lives and gave them their undying loyalty, along with a great deal of affection. The brothers had vowed to love and protect them for all of their days.

  Gavin winked at Ella, then opened the bag at his brother’s feet, while Paen gently pulled Thea from his shoulder and brought her to stand in front of him.

  On bended knee, he cupped her bruised cheek and stated, “Thea, as yer laird and kin, I failed to protect ye as I should. Ye are part of my family, but more importantly, ye are part of me.”

  With Thea’s back pressed against his legs, Paen leaned over and whispered, “And me.”

  Gavin smiled at how tender his brother could be with the little girl, then continued, “Will ye forgive me?”

  The little girl instantly nodded, wrapped her arms around his neck and put her head on his shoulder. When he stood, she whispered, “Laird Gavin, I should have been braver and told ye sooner. Will ye forgive me for being a coward?”

  Gavin pulled her away so he could look at her when he said, “Ye are nae a coward. And Paen and I would ne’er have spent hours making a sword for a coward.”

  Thea’s eyes widened in youthful anticipation. “Ye made a sword for me?”

  Gavin nodded as he lowered her to the ground, then turned her to face Paen, who had a small wooden sword in hand.

  Thea was quick to notice that the sword was far superior to that of any of the boys in the clan, even her brother’s sword. The wooded blade had been sanded to smooth perfection, decorated down the middle with a Celtic carving. The round handle was wrapped in thin, narrow strips of dyed leather, fastened by two black iron stud nails on opposite sides.

  “Aye, lass,” Paen said as he handed her the gift. “After seeing the courage ye displayed with the lads, we felt ye deserved yer own sword.”

  Thea hugged the sword to her chest with child-like excitement and said, “Oh, thank ye both. I love it! And that ye made it just for me makes it more special.”

  The sight of two burly warriors acting with such thoughtful tenderness made Ella’s heart clench in her chest. And with a smile on her face, she watched Thea danced over to her.

  “Look at what Laird Gavin and Paen made me. Is it nae the finest sword in all of Scotland? Will ye teach me to use it?”

  With faux bitterness, Paen said to Gavin “Here stand two superior warriors, highly skilled in sword play, yet the wee lass asks yer wife to teach her how to use a sword.”

  Gavin chuckled, then asked, “Thea, how will Lady Ella teach ye to use a sword when she dinna have one of her own?”

  “Mayhap, she can borrow yers,” Thea suggested without hesitation.

  Both men laughed at the outrageous n
otion, aware that Ella could not even lift her husband’s sword, let alone wield it.

  Tipping his wife’s chin up, Gavin asked, “Think ye we forgot about ye, lass?” Without waiting for her response, he pulled out another wooden sword, identical to Thea’s sword.

  Ella’s mirth filled the air, and with gratitude she accepted the toy sword used only by the very young.

  Jumping up and down, Thea exclaimed, “Now we can practice together like Laird Gavin, Paen and Papa, too. How long do ye think afore I can beat Papa with my sword?”

  Paen rolled his eyes, where as Gavin encouraged, “If ye practice verra hard and-”

  “And we tie his arms behind his back,” Paen cut in.

  “Mayhap I will nae be able to beat Papa,” Thea conceded, “after all, he is best swordsmen in all of Scotland.”

  Ella brought her hand up to stifle her giggles when she saw the identical look of disgust that both men cast Thea’s way. But the little girl was completely oblivious to their reaction as she continued to wield her sword around.

  Gavin ask, “Thea, who said that yer father was the best swordsmen in Scotland?”

  Thea stopped her movement to turn and say with a proud grin said, “He did, and Papa ne’er lies.” She went back to her sword fight against an imaginary opponent, determined to be as good as her papa someday.

  Ella was bent over with laugher at Gavin’s and Paen’s horrific expressions and snorts of disbelief. She teased, “Are you now going to challenge Osgood so you can prove to one and all who is the best swordsmen in Scotland?”

  In unison, they said, “Aye.”

  “Nae, I think not,” she warned.

  “Aye, ye are right, but we will have fun with him at the evening meal,” Gavin predicted.

  “Aye, we will,” Paen agreed, before adding, “But dinna fash so, Ella. We will nae let the truth be known, just praise our friend’s legendary skill.”

  “Then I look forward to a very entertaining eve,” she said as she tried to conceal a yawn.

  “Paen, take Thea to Maeve and explain the gift, but ask her nae to tell Osgood just yet.”

  “Aye,” Paen said as he threw Thea over his shoulder. After two steps, he muttered an oath under his breath, then swiftly took the sword Thea used to whack his buttock.