Plead Forgiveness (Loyalty Series) Read Online Free PDF

would be strong, she told herself, for Ella’s sake.

3
    “I will meet you at the abbey after I am excused from
the feast,” Eleanor lied. “Use the secret passage, as you know it will lead you
a fair distance from the castle. I thank God everyday my father had the sense
not to reveal its existence to Philip.”
    The secret passageway was hidden in a locked and
unused chamber, located next to Eleanor‘s private solar. Ella and James were
the only other people who knew how to access the chamber without a key.
    Trying to put on her boots on, Ella froze at hearing
her aunt’s words. “I will not leave you here. If something were-”
     “You know my absence from the hall this evening
will be noticed, “ Eleanor interrupted, “but yours will not. Once I am excused
from the hall, I will tell Cook the menu for the morrow meals and my maid that
she is excused until further notice.” Eleanor seemed pleased with this lie, and
watched to see her niece’s reaction.
    “Nae, this is not a good plan. Let us all go now, as
fast-” Once again her aunt cut her off.
    “Ella, my love, you must see that boy away from here.
I know you don’t understand, but he is in great danger.” She knew well how to
pull the strings of her niece’s heart.
    Ella stared at her in confusion, then asked “Who is
he? What does Philip want with Gabriel?”
    “All I know is that ransom is nae the sole purpose of
his capture.” After Ella agreed with a nod, she added, “Please, be careful.”
    “You are going to meet us there, aye?”
    Speaking the lie was painful, but if the headstrong
girl knew the truth, she would come back to Greystone. “Aye, of course I’m
coming, but not until late the eve. Two horses await you at the end of the
passage. I have packed your saddle bag with everything James will need to tend
you back....at least until I can get there.”
    Eleanor had given Gabriel a missive, with instruction
to give it to James upon their arrival at the abbey and not to inform Ella that
he had this special duty. She knelt to give him a hug and whispered in his ear,
“You are the bravest boy I have ever known. Your parents would be very proud of
you this day.”
    Gabriel had sensed goodness in the kind lady he had
spoken so often to this eve. “Thank ye, Aunt Eleanor. Ye remind me of my mama.
I ken she would like ye verra much.”
    Eleanor choked back the sob that gathered in her
throat and said, “You tell your mama what I said, aye?”
    “Aye,” he said as he gave her another hug.
    Pride shone in Eleanor’s eyes when she spoke to Ella.
“You are so much like your mother in face, form and heart. She would have done
the same thing you did for Gabriel.” Her voice shook when she finished, “You
are the best thing that has ever happened to me. I love you with all my heart.
God keep you safe.”
    It was as that moment Ella knew her aunt had no
intention of coming to the abbey. As Ella embraced her, she whispered, “I love
you, Aunt Eleanor. You’ve been a second mother to me.” And I will come back
for you, I swear.
    Gabriel thought it odd that Ella was dressed like a
boy wearing a tunic, breeches and knee-high boots. Being so slender with her
hair braided and tucked into the back of her tunic, she did resemble one. But
he made no comment on her attire as he looked down at his own.
    An hour ago, Lady Eleanor gave Gabriel warmer clothes,
a mantle lined with fur and knee high boots to ward off the cold. He almost
laughed at Lady Eleanor and Ella’s insistence that he be clothed properly for
the elements. He was from the Highlands of Scotland, young though he may be,
his Highland blood was immune to the coldest English wind. But, he would not
laugh and risk hurting the feelings of his two saviors.
    Ella took Gabriel’s hand and asked “ Are you ready?”
    “Aye, more than ready. But, will ye be...well enough
…,” Gabriel halted his words when he saw her expression rapidly change. She
actually looked insulted. But, she was a