Plead Forgiveness: Betrayed Twice (Loyalty Series) Read Free Page A

always
been my favorite of the Greek philosophers,” she admitted.
    Paen heard the
thawing in her tone.
    “Aye, mine too.
When I returned from fostering with the English, my rage was so great that
Gavin suggested I speak with our priest. He often quoted Aristotle, Plato, and
Antisthenes.”
    Ella’s anger
slowly subsided when she confessed, “The monks at Westshire Abbey often quoted
the same philosophers. When I showed interest they began my education.”
    “I dinna think it
common practice for monks to educate females,” he stated.
    She knew the
age-old argument that the church proclaimed women inferior and that their minds
were as weak as their bodies.
    With defiance, she
proclaimed, “’Tis not common, but after a year working within their walls and
absorbing their knowledge about horses, they realized that my mind is not weak.
Since I knew how to read, they had me study manuscripts on Greek philosophy,
which we would discuss while we tended the horses. Since Aunt Eleanor trained
me as a healer, they offered to continue my education in Latin for the purpose
of reading the anatomy and medicinal practices of the Greek and Romans.” She
did not elaborate that her mother had actually been the one to teach her the
difficult language.
    “I am impressed
they recognized a woman’s mind is just as keen as a man’s,” Paen stated, hoping
to appease her defensive tone.
    She gave a
sidelong glance of utter disbelief before asking, “You agree with educating a
woman?”
    “Aye, I do. Lady
Esme raised me since the tender age of five summers, and her intelligence far
surpasses most men. During the reign of my father, she single handedly kept our
food stores full, our accounts organized, and our production of goods
profitable.”
    Paen saw that his
words enthralled her, and had a similar effect on Leif, who had not been part
of the Macleod clan at the time.
    “My father’s enemies
made it difficult by seeking retribution with constant raids against our clan.
We lost many men and women, as well as numerous herds of cattle and sheep.
‘Twas my mother’s idea to have the cattle drovers and sheep herders move the
animals each night to the Macleod-Mackenzie border. The ploy duped raiding
clans into believing our livestock belonged to the Mackenzies.”
    Clearly confused,
Leif asked, “Were ye nae afraid the Mackenzie would pilfer our cattle and
sheep?”
    “My father would
have ne’er attacked such a powerful clan, thus they ne’er raided our land.”
    Turning to Ella,
Leif explained, “The Mackenzies have always been a force to be reckoned with,
or at least ‘tis what my father says.”
    Instantly
uncomfortable at the mention of Clan Mackenzie, Ella turned the story back to
the impressive Lady Esme. “Your mother is indeed brilliant for coming up with
such a clever ploy. I can now understand why the Macleods flourish with good
tidings.”
    Pride filled Paen,
at hearing Ella praise his mother’s clever scheme and the wealth the Macleods
accumulated since the death of his father. He wanted Ella to feel proud of the
clan she married into, but now, she felt only bitterness and betrayal.  At
least she dinna hide in her chamber, bemoaning her fate and crying useless
tears .
    “Nae more talk of
my mother, women’s intelligence, forced marriages, or dead philosophers. ‘Tis
time to work with my stubborn mule of a horse. That is, if ye are willing to
help me?”
    “Aye, of course,”
she replied without hesitation, and then turned to Leif. “While I work with
Paen and Righ, can you see to Apollo. I fear he becomes quite disagreeable when
he is stabled for long periods. He is used to helping me train horses.”
    “How?” Leif said.
    “You will have to
wait and see, my young friend.”
    “Aye, Milady.”
    Turning back to
Paen, she stated, “I must check on Colban before we begin.”
    More than pleased
that she wished to continue as healer, Paen offered, “I will escort ye to his
cottage.”
     
    Paen stood in