Plead Forgiveness (Loyalty Series) Read Online Free PDF Page A

Ella's betrothal
to Montgomery, the wedding set for a fortnight, and that her brother apparently
completed his five-year service and sent back to the King of England. She was
furious by the time she returned to her chamber, and knew that today’s events
were no mere coincidence.
    Ella’s marriage to Montgomery, kidnapping a boy from
Scotland and James’s dismissal from Greystone were all part of some underhanded
scheme created by her husband. Although Philip warned her not to interfere with
his dictate, she did not plan to abide by his wishes. She was resolute, despite
the consequences, to see Ella and Gabriel safely away from Greystone. And when
she returned to her chamber, the heartwarming sight that greeted her only
strengthened her determination.
    Gabriel and Ella were both laying face down on the
bed, holding each other’s hand and whispering words in Gaelic. 
    “I learned your language many years ago, now will you
tell me how you were kidnapped?”
    “I was kidnapped on the land owned by my uncle, Laird
Macleod.”
    Ella recognized the name, knew the Macleods bordered
the Mackenzie’s to the south, but remembered little else.
    Eleanor sank into the chair by Ella’s bed, and drank
in the sight of her two charges and their obvious bond. A small smile lifted
the corners of her mouth as she thought about her niece’s bravery and
compassion for young Gabriel. She had learned from the servants that after the
lad failed to escape, his punishment was to be five lashes to thwart future
attempts. Eleanor’s pride in her niece was without measure, because Ella took
the boy’s punishment that would have ended his young life.
    Yet, a worried frown soon replaced Lady Greystone’s
prideful smile. Her niece thought herself to be made of iron, had a will that
could rival a highland warrior, and possessed more compassion than a saint.
    Being skilled with a bow, Ella had often hunted for
the families that were in dire need, disregarding Philip’s threat to punish any
poacher severely Most of Greystone’s men would turn a blind eye, since over the
years Ella tended their wounds with such diligent care, and they could not
withstand seeing the girl harmed for her compassion. The people at Greystone
loved Ella and secretly supported her generous nature, but how would others
perceive her risky actions, Eleanor pondered. Therein lay the problem.
    She was not sure if Gabriel’s clan would accept and
give her niece their protection, yet there was no other alternative. Gabriel
and Ella had to leave Greystone tonight and meet James at the abbey.
    The missive Eleanor had received from James, not an
hour ago, stated that he feared for her and Ella’s life. They were to meet him
at the abbey after Philip retired for the evening, but Eleanor knew she had to
stay behind and give the impression she was tending to Ella and Gabriel. It
would give them at least a day or two before Philip learned of their escape and
sent men in pursuit. This would also mean Eleanor would never see her niece and
brother again.
    As night fell so did Eleanor’s tears as she packed
items Ella would need for the journey. With her niece’s back torn to bloody
shreds, a large quantity of healing salve was added to the saddle bag, along
with clean linen and extra clothing. The salve and clean linen were crucial, as
they would reduce the risk of infection and eliminate potential fever.
    In the pantry, Eleanor bit her lip as she thought
about what other items would be would needed for the journey. With the salve
made and sealed in a jar, she reached for her small wooden chest that contained
her medicinal herbs and tools. She restocked Ella’s medicinal satchel that
contained pouches of herbs to alleviate pain, bring fever down and reduce
infection.
    Eleanor was confident that with her niece’s knowledge
in the healing arts and Gabriel’s assistance, James would be able to tend to
Ella’s back.
    She wiped tears from her eyes before she reentered her
chamber. She