Plead Forgiveness: Betrayed Twice (Loyalty Series) (13 page)

Ella wanted no
regrets, only blissful memories of what she and Gavin shared while they were
together. Although deceiving him in this manner and denying the truth of her
past was selfish, a small part of her still hoped for a miracle.

Gavin’s thoughts
strayed in a different direction and focused on learning about her parents. He
predicted that if he could earn her trust, she would reveal her past. He
decided to impart stories of his own family, in hopes she would do the same.

Leading her over
to the connecting doors of their chambers, he explained, “During my
grandfather’s latter years he became obsessed with engineering hidden tunnels
and doors. He never finished concealing these doors, as ye can see without the
tapestry ‘tis verra noticeable. My grandfather’s pride is what lay between the
doors.”

When Ella stepped
into the space, she saw only two doors and two walls of stone. Not wanting to hurt
his feeling, she said, “Aye, ‘tis grand space your grandfather built.”

Chuckling, he
moved her to stand in front of one narrow strip of stone and said, “Push hard
against this stone wall.”

She pushed the
unmovable wall hard, then zealously said, “Aye, it is a very sturdy wall.” With
a hint of sarcasm, she added, “I can see why you are so proud.”

“Och, vixen! Turn
that stone counter clockwise.” He then pointed to a stone near her left hand.

As the stone
turned she heard the faint sound of a bar sliding, and then unexpectedly the
entire wall of stone opened like a door, exposing a staircase.

Her jaw dropped
open, which he helpfully tipped back up as he gloated, “Impressed, I see. Were
the hidden passageways ye used to escape Baron Greystone similar?”

“Nae, they
consisted mainly of trap doors and rotating fireplaces.”

“Rotating where?”

“Rotating to the
fireplace of the next chamber.”

With a candle in
hand, Gavin lead her down the winding stone staircase, as he admitted, “My
grandfather would have liked that idea.”

“Are there many
hidden passageways in the castle?”

“There are quite a
few. Each tower has an escape route, and most of those have multiple barriers.”

“Barriers?”

“Aye. If someone
were to learn about them, more than likely they would become trapped within,”
he explained as they came to the end of the staircase. “I will show ye what I
mean.”

After only a few
paces, Ella saw that a massive wall of stone effectively blocked the tunnel. “I
imagine there is a way through this barrier.”

“Aye, let us see
if ye can figure it out.”

Excited by the
challenge, she explored the wall, twisting and pushing each stone until she
finally admitted defeat. “Will you show me?”

“Aye.” Instead of
moving to the stone barrier before them, he went to the wall of the tunnel, and
then pushed a small square shaped stone inward. A door opened to reveal the
curved passageway three paces in length, but it took them to the other side of
the barricaded.

“That is quite
clever. I assumed that secret was in the barricade itself.”

“As would most
people, that or they would think the tunnel is nae longer used.”

Moments later,
they exited the tunnel using a door that opened like a portcullis. On the
opposite side of the door, long vines of ivy hid its whereabouts.

With Arth on their
heels, they walked hand-in-hand through the wooded area that lead to the loch a
short distance away. The playful animal ran circles around them, until Gavin
threw a stick into the water for him to chase.

Beams of sunlight
reflected off the glistening water of the wide spread loch as Ella took in the
splendor of her surroundings. Mist billowed out in soft clouds where the white,
frothy cascade of water plunged over flat rocks to the lower rippling pool.
Sun-baked rocks, lichen and moss, with lush grasses and bog myrtle growing
among the towering pines encircled the loch.

“I have never seen
such beauty,” she said as butterflies danced around her.

Never taking his
eyes off her, he replied, “Neither have I.”

While the sun
warmed the air, Gavin and Ella played like children in the blue-green water of
the loch. They took special delight in playing with Arth, until he left to hunt
in the nearby woods. After a lengthy swim, they bathed one another and soon
gave into the urge to make love once again.

Basking in the
afterglow of their wild mating, Gavin teased, “So, my wee virago, is the pain
still nae so bad? Does the cool, magic water still continue to ease all
discomfort?”

She lunged for
him, but he quickly sidestepped her attack, and then roared with laughter when
she sank like a stone in the deeper water. His mirth quickly vanished when she
did not resurface.

Gavin rushed over
to where she went under, and then sighed with relief when he felt wee hands tug
on his solid legs. He grinned at her failed attempt to pull his feet out from
under him. Reaching into the water, he hooked his arm around her meager waist
and lifted her so they were chest-to-chest. When he gave her a supercilious
smirk, she purposely spit a mouth full of water into his face.

Railing in faux
anger, he threw her from his arms to go crashing back into the water. When she
resurfaced, the sweet laughter that came from her was like a sirens call. He
dove for her as she tried to swim away, but he caught her foot and reeled her
in like a fish on a hook. This also effectively raised her chemise, giving him
a delightful glimpse of her bare bottom. His hand instantly went to the creamy
flesh, cupping both round cheeks.

“Gavin,” she
shrieked, but the giggles that followed killed the outrage in her voice.

Fully aware of where
this love play would lead, he relented, and then turned her around. As he
pushed her flaxen hair from her face, he listened to her soft voice.

“Plato once said,
‘Ye can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of
conversation,’” Ella stated as she wrapped her arms and legs around him.

“He was a verra
wise man,” Gavin replied. “Our priest, Father Logan, often quoted Greek
philosophers throughout our childhood. That particular quote he used during the
first year of our alliance with the Mackenzie Clan.”

She stiffened at
hearing the name of the clan she was born into, yet no longer belonged. He
thankfully did not notice.

“It took me far
longer than it should have to trust the Mackenzies, who single handedly save my
clan from extinction.”

“Why?”

“My father raised
me to believe that the only clan to be trusted is yer own, but that is nae the
only reason. At the time, the Macleods were half starved and in constant battle
against other clans, whom my father had angered with his raids. The Mackenzies
have always been and still are the most powerful clan in all of Scotland. They
also had my sister, Eva.”

Gavin’s expression
turned grim as carried her out of the water. He gently set her down, covered
her with a fresh plaid, and then wrapped another around his waist.

“Please,
continue,” said Ella. “I have heard your mother’s version, but I imagine it
differs from your own.”

With her hand on
his chest and her doe-eyes wide with earnest empathy, she encouraged him to
relate the painful past. He never spoke of that day, not to anyone other than
those directly involved. It is an odd sensation, after so many years, wanting
to confide in Ella the tragic events of his past.

“I will tell ye
everything, but first we must get ye into the sun. Yer lower lip is blue and
quivering,” Gavin stated.

For the remainder
of the morning they lay out on the widespread plaid, drinking in the sun’s warm
rays as he related the tale. He spoke of his cruel, often violent father and
the horrendous act he committed against his own family. Gavin’s harsh demeanor
evaporated when the conversation turned to the benevolent generosity of the
Mackenzies, and how they became friends, and later family through marriage.

The enormity of
his confession amplified the guilt Ella felt gnawing away at her heart. He
omitted a painful part of his past and confessed how he failed his family, yet
she refused to do the same. Inevitably, she would hurt the only people she had
left in the world, the Macleods.

Hearing all her
father had done for Gavin and the Macleod Clan filled her with pride, but it
also made it painfully clear that when her husband discovered the truth, he
would be honor bound to set her aside.

Although astounded
by the depth of his emotions, Ella realized that he harbored tremendous guilt
over not protecting his family. This revelation clearly explained Gavin’s need
to protect those around him. It also made her love him just a bit more.

“I will never fail
my family again,” he concluded his story.

“You did not fail
your family. Your father is the sole cause of all the pain your family endured.
He lied to you about where Paen was being fostered, aye?”

“Aye.”

“Had your father
ever lied to you prior to this?”

“Nae.”

“So how were you
to know that he would lie about Paen?”

“I should have.”

“Only if you had
the ability to read minds, which you do not,” she stated, and then gave him a
quick kiss. “Since your father had not lied to you before, you had nae reason
to doubt his word.”

Seeing his
thoughtful expression, she asked, “Had your father ever hurt your mother
before?”

“He was
unfaithful, but ne’er raised a hand to her or my sister before that day.”

“So again, you had
nae reason to suspect he would harm them, right?”

Mulling over the
gravity of her words, he then said, “Aye.”

Ella took hold of
his hands and said sincerely, “You are one of the greatest men I have ever
known. ’Tis pride you should feel in yourself for saving your family and clan.”

Gavin’s heart
clenched, hearing his wife attempt to bring clarity to the most tragic period
of his life. Although the burden that plagued him for so long remained, it
dramatically lessened.

“Thank ye, little
one.”

At high noon,
Gavin and Ella returned to their chamber so they could dress prior to tending
their duties. Afore leaving the chamber, he pulled her close, cupped her face
in his hands and looked deep into her glade green eyes.

“Nae matter yer
past, I will always want ye, always protect ye. Ye are mine and I take special
care of what belongs to me.”

Hope sprung anew
as Ella wrapped her arms around him and rested her head on his chest. She
whispered, “You have nae idea how much those words mean to me.”

Engulfing her in
his embrace, Gavin did not miss the sincerity in her tone.

He felt more
light-hearted than he had in years, and he teased, “Now be gone wench, my men
await and I will nae have ye coerce me back into bed.”

When Ella felt his
hand swat her bottom, she raised her eyebrows and said in saucy tone, “’Tis
you, my lustful Scot, who is unable to keep his hands to himself.”

Before he could react,
she raced out of the chamber with undiluted laughter following in her wake. He
gloried briefly in their shared moment. With a smile lingering on his face, he
retrieved his sword and left the chamber.

As he headed to
the bailey, Gavin’s thoughts remained on his audacious wife. She brought such
joy and warmth to his life, along with a profound surge of strength and
determination.

His indomitable
resolute to conquer the two men that had hurt Ella so deeply remained fierce
and unwavering. Philip of Greystone and Roger of Montgomery would pay with
their lives.

“Ye have been
grinning like a fool ever since ye walked into this cottage. A fool verra
pleased with her husband, I imagine.”

“Aye, that is
true,” giggled Ella.

Rachel had become
very close to Ella since she arrived at the Macleod stronghold. She also
discerned the sorrow that lingered underneath her confident surface. Yet now,
seeing her bursting with joy, warmed her heart.

“Tell me
everything.”

“Aye, but first I
want to explain the stitches.”

“Lady Esme already
explained,” she said with an unconcerned wave. “I trust ye.”

Rachel suddenly
sobered and said in a sincere voice, “I am eternally grateful to ye for saving
my life, and that of my bairn. There is nae need to question yer methods, for I
have learned yer knowledge far surpasses the likes of any in Scotland.”

Beaming at her
praise, Ella said, “Well, we can remove the stitches in a few days, and in a
six sennights you and your husband can resume your bed sport. Mayhap by next
year you will give your son a sister.”

“Boyd and I have
decided to wait a few years before trying for another. I fear this ordeal
caused my husband much grief. He actually told me he would ne’er bed me again.
It took me all morn to convince him that we could continue to make love without
making a bairn.”

“I have never seen
a man so worried about his wife,” Ella chuckled. “He loves you a great deal.”

“Aye, as I do him.
I told him ye knew of herbs that would prevent conception. Even though the
church dinna condone such practices, he feels my life is more important than
dictating to those narrow-minded beliefs.

“He is very wise.
Most men do not realize the dangers involved with birthing a bairn each year.
‘Tis the main reason women die long afore their husbands.”

“Aye, he agrees
with ye. He also said he would be content with just one, as long as I am by his
side.”

“I thought you
both agreed to wait a couple years to have another?”

“Aye, in the end
he did, but it took much convincing.”

The cry of
Rachel’s son interrupted the conversation. Waving to her friend to remain in
the bed, Ella walked over to the new crib Iain built and picked up the
red-faced bairn. Since the wet nurse fed and changed him moments ago, she
wondered why he cried.

 Noticing the
amount of clothing on the poor babe, she admonished, “Is there a reason the lad
has so many layers on?” As she striped the squalling infant to only a thin
sleeping gown, Rachel explained.

“I told the wet
nurse to dress him warmly so he dinna take a chill. I heard that is what kills
most newborns.”

“Aye, if it is a
cold winter’s day,” Ella said with a smile. “Unfortunately, it is a hot,
summer’s day and he is very uncomfortable being bundled up for a blizzard.”

With the bairn in
her arms, she walked over to the window and allowed the slight breeze to cool
him. Instantly, his cried ceased.

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, we can learn together. By the way, ye have not asked his name.”

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

Although Rachel
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 our laird brought ye to us. His middle name, James, is in honor
of your uncle.”

Tears cascaded down
Ella’s face as Rachel continued, “Partly because he returned our laird’s nephew
to his family, but mainly because he is 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
is 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.

Boyd suddenly
burst through the cottage door, took one look at Ella, and then turned to his
wife. “I thought ye were going to wait so we could tell her together?”

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

“Aye, I ken,” Boyd
said as he leaned down to kiss Rachael. “Yer forgiven.”

He walked over to
Ella and stroked his son’s baldhead as she stammered for a moment before
blurting out, “I do not 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. “’Tis our wish for ye to be our son’s godmother, and yer husband his
godfather.”

“I would like that
very much.”

Rachel and Boyd
heard heartfelt gratitude in her tone and expression. They had come to love
Ella, as did the rest of the clan. She is a gifted healer with a 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, “He
trains as a warrior even though he is the blacksmith?”

“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 adopted this new practice, that gives us a sense of security.”

Ella thought it
ingenious of Gavin to train as many men as possible, even if they had other
occupations. “It’s brilliant to train all and not just a select few.”

“Speaking of yer
husband,” Rachel said 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 the
injured and ill, 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 speaks for
Gavin as well,” 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 the night before. 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 nae longer in danger I
will tell you this . . .” Pausing for a moment, she then shouted, “Never, ever
do that to me again! Do you know how my heart sank when Lady Esme said you were
in labor, and had been in labor for hours! I love you, which is why I command
you never be so daft again. Do we understand each other?”

Tears ran down
Rachel’s face, not because her friend screamed like a banshee, but because of
the true depth of the woman’s care and concern for her. She was not a noble
woman, but rather the soap maker of the village and wife to the blacksmith.
Yet, here stood Laird Macleod’s wife declaring how much she loved and valued
her as a friend. 
She is truly a remarkable woman
.

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, right?”

“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.

*

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 and due to Scotland’s colder climate
and poorer soil, more trees than flowers filled the landscape. 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. “Greetings, daughter. Ye are positively glowing on this fine day. Must be
this fine Scottish air or mayhap just a good night’s rest last eve.”  She
delivered the latter 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 passed the night?”

“Heavens, nae,
child! Just let her ken ye are well, for she is quite worried that ye will be
cross with her.”

Lady Esme walked
Ella to the other side of the garden where Thea knelt on the grass, 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. She quickly scrambled
to her feet, but 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 not
angry with you, love.”

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

Brushing Thea’s
hair from her tear- drenched face, she whispered, “Alice is to blame, not you,
sweetling.”

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

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

“Aye, I did. Alice
is a grown woman, much bigger and stronger than you are. 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 could not to stand by and allow her to harm
someone I love.”

“Mama said ye did
right. She wanted to follow yer lead, but Papa wouldnae let her.”