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her, but he
shook his head and said, “A moment, please.”
    Ella nodded, assuming he was tending to his privy
needs, then left her two male companions.
    Gabriel could see the pain in Sir James’s features as
he stared up into the brightness of the full moon. He quickly retrieved Lady
Eleanor’s missive and said, “I. . . I’m Gabriel. Aunt Elea. . .I mean Lady
Eleanor said ye would ken. . . um. . . who I. . .”
    Sir James went down on one knee and said, “I know who
you are Gabriel. My sister sent a missive to the abbey explaining your
situation. I will gladly see you back to your clan.”
    “Lady Eleanor bade me give this to ye and nae other,”
Gabriel said, holding the missive out to Sir James.
    James read the letter twice and then groaned at the
contents.
     
    My Dearest Brother and Most Valued Friend,
    I know my absence has come as a surprise, or mayhap it
comes as no surprise. You, who have become my truest friend, watched with me
these last five years the cruelty and abuse Philip has bestowed upon our Ella.
I refuse to continue seeing our beloved girl destroyed by Philip’s detestation.
    I sent my last missive before I learned the true
extent of Philip’s atrocious acts against Ella as well as the boy he holds for
ransom. It is my deepest regret to inform you that he has betrothed her to
Baron Montgomery and the wedding will be in a fortnight.
     As for Gabriel, for attempting to escape, Philip
ordered five lashes, which would have killed him. In the end, Ella took his
five lashes, along with five more from Montgomery.
    Now you understand the need to see them safely to
Scotland. ‘Tis my hope that Gabriel’s clan will offer Ella their protection. If
they do not, seek out Mackenzie, but please use caution. I do not know if he
would aid us.
    My presence here will provide the valuable time needed
to cross the border to Scotland. You have until the day after tomorrow before
anyone noticed Ella and Gabriel’s absence. Philip will most likely seek out
Roger Montgomery when he discovers the truth. I swear to you, I will seek
sanctuary at the abbey at that time.
    Philip mentioned taking the boy from the Macleod Clan,
so head there unless Gabriel says otherwise.
    My dearest brother, your love has given me hope for
the future. A new beginning starts today. Please do not come for me, until they
are safe. God keep you all.
    With All My Love,
                                                                            
Eleanor
     
    Tucking the missive away, James went to Ella and
gently turned her to face him. He cradled her face in his large hands, kissed
her forehead then asked, “Why did you not tell me?”
    He pressed his forehead to hers and continued, “I will
kill him for this.”
    “It was nae so bad,” she lied through gritted teeth.
    “You never were good at telling a falsehood. If I
could, I would take this pain from you in a heartbeat.”
    “I know you would, Uncle James,” she said with a weak
smile.
    “Your aunt...,” he began.
    “I will nae leave her.”
    “She does not plan to come this eve.”
    “I will return to Greystone, and then bring her to the
abbey.”
    “Nae, don’t you see that she is giving you and Gabriel
the best possible chance to escape. I like it nae better than you, but her
sacrifice will not be in vain. I will return for her once you and Gabriel are
safe in Scotland,” James affirmed.
    Stubborn as a mule, with the tongue of a viper, she
hissed, “We will meet you and Gabriel on the morrow at Chester Abbey.”
    When James saw her sway dangerously, he realized she
could not journey to Scotland. He quickly changed tactics. “Your aunt will seek
sanctuary the day after the morrow. You will await her here until that time,
then the monks will see you to Chester Abbey. Once Gabriel is safe, I will
return for you both.”
    “I can get her out-”
    James halted her words with a wave of his hand. “I
will nae