The Twisted Rose: A Home Office Lord's Novel

By Lor E. Lynn

Being recently promoted to full-time member at the Home Office was a highlight for Lord Edgar Cortland, but it was quickly overshadowed by a series of missions that first sent Lord Blakely off to America after a kidnapping, then Lord Davenport to identify the imposter that was now the spy, B. Edgar himself has been tasked with investigating the Twisted Rose Shipping Company as well as locating the Duke of Greaves’s errant daughter. After situating a recently returned school friend into a position at the Home Office, both young lords head out.

When a young Lady Juliana Greaves left home, it was to escape the betrothal her stepmother was attempting to entrap her in. For four years she has been free to pursue other activities along with her schooling. But now her father insists she return home and enlists Lord Cortland to track her down. An amusing game of cat and mouse ensues.

The Home Office’s central investigation gets a lead, when suddenly their top suspect becomes the victim of a shooting. There are bigger issues threatening England than any of the lords realize. Which only leaves one question: Who is Thorne?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Aug 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9781662482281

Book preview

Chapter One

March 1866, London

The Twisted Rose Shipping Company is headquartered in Liverpool, my lord, the employee stated. He stood before the lord in a crisp brown suit, showing him the file the Foreign Office had collected on the company. His task as junior clerk was to oversee it, and he was still relatively new in his position. Mr. Bryant wanted to impress the Home Office representative with his knowledge.

I was under the assumption any shipping company of consequence would be headquartered here in London. The young nobleman looked through the sparse notes, memorizing what little information was available. Once satisfied, he could easily recall the particulars he glanced up. Lord Edgar Cortland may have been the youngest of the Home Office lords, but he was no less committed to the task before him. At twenty years of age, he had worked hard to make amends for his youthful folly, when he had viscously set out to attack his guardian. Instead of having him imprisoned for his crime, his uncle had forgiven him on the terms he apprenticed with the Home Office. Since that troubling time, he accepted responsibility and surprisingly found the position to be a challenging occupation. Being an acceptable career for a man of his standing was of minor consequence.

While he did not know many of the other noblemen working at the Home Office, the recent weddings of his uncle and the Duke of Hawkhurst overextended the remaining lords. Lord Stephen Blakely was to voyage to America after a kidnapped heiress, and Lord Emmett Davenport was going to investigate an undercover agent of the Foreign Office in the vicinity between London and Manchester. Which only left Edgar to look in to the quickly expanding shipping company.

What do you know of the owner of the Twisted Rose? he asked.

I have heard only one name, my lord, that of a Mr. Thorne.

Hence the name the Twisted Rose, I assume. Edgar smirked, amused by the symbolism.

Yes, my lord. The owner has exceptional employees, loyal to the company, and is therefore not involved in the day-to-day office operations of the business.

Surely that seems havey-cavey to you?

Perhaps, my lord. However, I have found that anytime a man of higher status wishes to minimize the taint of trade, their business model mimics that of being a silent partner.

Is there any other information that you are aware of?

Through my research, I have gathered that even though this company is relatively unknown, it is extremely successful. It has a fleet of about a dozen ships and, to my knowledge, does not have an attachment to any former slaving business. All reports state the company’s ships are top of the line.

Thank you, Mr. Bryant, for all of your help. I will begin in Liverpool, then report back here to the Foreign Office. At least there is a starting point.

As to that, my lord, I believe the Twisted Rose has a secondary headquarters along the London docks. The smaller office seems to be connected to a sort of club for the ship captains. The location is used strictly by the ship captains, and I have heard it is called Thorne Club.

Quite the original name. Edgar laughed with derision. I have never heard of such a club before.

"I believe your friend Lord Blakely is sailing on one of their flag ships, The Whistler. I assisted Mr. Eagan in booking passage for him this morning. Perhaps he could learn additional information from the captain if they were to get on more friendly terms. That is if this infernal fog ever lifts!"

A brilliant suggestion, Mr. Bryant. I will pass the idea along. If you will excuse me, I will recollect Lord Davenport, and we will begin preparations. Thank you again for your assistance.

When he found Lord Davenport, the other lord was still occupied. Wanting another’s perspective, Edgar left a message and departed for the home of his Uncle James. In addition to his bachelor lodgings, Edgar was allotted a set of rooms at Billing House. Once he arrived, he went in search of writing implements to draft a message to Stephen. After it was posted, he made for his uncle’s study, positive he would find the older man in his sanctuary. A large figure was bent over the desk, writing in the heavy book in front of him. The earl’s dark head lifted at Edgar’s entrance.

Nephew? I did not expect you today. Did we have a meeting scheduled? His Uncle James motioned to the armchair across from him.

No, Uncle. I just came from a briefing at the Foreign Office and came to seek your counsel.

It was no more than half an hour before they were interrupted by the arrival of another. Upon Lord Davenport’s arrival, the conversation turned to business. The group came to the realization the shortage of help would have to be rectified. After much consideration, Edgar suggested a friend from university as a possible addition for the Home Office. If the Home secretary accepted his application, the younger men would feel secure in leaving for an extended trip away from London. A note was dispatched to Viscount Pelham, and when he arrived, they proceeded to fill the viscount in on what was required then took him along to the Home Office to get him instated.

While Davenport went to consult the secretary, Edgar answered the questions Gus had regarding the pertinent case files. However, when the clerk came with refreshments, he also carried a note for Edgar. There is a visitor here for you, my lord. I have shown him to your office.

When he saw it was a gentleman’s calling card for a prominent, high-ranking lord, Edgar rose and then excused himself. On reaching his own office, he found his visitor standing by a window. The Duke of Greaves was a hard riding man and had been close friends with Edgar’s father. Until now Edgar had not heard from the duke for quite some time. When his parents were killed, Edgar had only been a boy of eleven and was left in the charge of his mother’s younger brother. Around that same time, his Uncle James, along with the duke, were made trustees of the Cortland estate. Edgar assumed His Grace left all direct interaction to be handled by the earl. The duke sent a few letters over the years, but they had not met in person since Edgar’s parents’ funeral.

Your Grace. The duke turned at his greeting, and Edgar shook the older lord’s outstretched hand.

I hope I am not interrupting. I wished to stop in while I was in town. If the weather turns fair, I will be returning to the country tomorrow.

Of course, Your Grace. It is good to see you again.

The duke smiled. Yes, it is, dear boy. My, you have grown since I last saw you. Ten years, I believe.

Yes, Your Grace. Edgar smiled wanly.

He grasped Edgar’s shoulder and squeezed. As you know, I was named one of your trustees until such time as you reached majority. Over the years I have received several excellent reports on you, young man. Your father would be proud of the man you have become.

Thank you, Your Grace. In working here at the Home Office, I feel it easier to uphold my duty to my country as well as finding enjoyment in the work I do. I will be leaving London for a short time on a mission to Manchester, weather permitting of course.

Manchester? Are you traveling by sea or over land?

I will be traveling as far as Coventry with Lord Davenport before separating.

This meeting is fortuitous then, Cortland. My daughter, Lady Juliana, is a student at the finishing school there. I do not believe the two of you have ever met. Could I persuade you to deliver a message to her? I had intended to post it, but having it hand delivered may carry more weight. I wish her to return home, yet she seems to enjoy her schooling and has no desire to leave. I thought all young people abhorred school.

I suppose it is dependent on the accommodations, their teachers, and the relationship with schoolmates. Edgar grinned. I do not imagine the young ladies have the same extracurricular enticements as those offered at Oxford.

Thank goodness for small mercies, muttered the duke with obvious relief, then he laughed. I fondly remember those days with your father.

I will certainly be able to deliver your message to her. I will also add my encouragement to yours, that at her age London is the place to be.

I can only pray she will be receptive to the news. The duke withdrew a folded envelope from an interior pocket of his jacket. When you return, why not come for a visit? We might even be able to set up a steeple chase. I have heard that you have become quite the accomplished rider.

Edgar smiled, embarrassed. Thank you, Your Grace. I look forward to reconnecting at the castle. Taking the letter, Edgar continued, I will inform you when your message has been delivered.

Edgar accompanied the duke to the lobby before hurrying back to Lord Davenport’s office but only found Gus. I take it Davenport is still with the secretary.

His friend looked up from the file in his lap. Yes. Your meeting went well then?

Quite. A visit from an old acquaintance. Edgar scanned the papers. Do you require more time to read over the files?

No, I have finished going through them. I was merely studying the unusual nature of some of these cases.

Edgar nodded. If you are interested, I would give you a tour.

The two lords exited Lord Davenport’s office and went toward the lobby, where they came upon Fletcher and another clerk. Do you have need of anything, my lord?

No, Fletcher. I am showing Lord Pelham around the Home Office.

The clerks bowed then returned to their work. Edgar led his friend, pointing out each area and where to find various materials. When they began to make their way back to the Home Office lords’ hallway, Fletcher approached them.

Excuse me, my lords, Lord Davenport is back in his office and is asking for you.

We will be there shortly.

Back in their original seats, Emmett gave Gus the news of his acceptance. Soon after, Fletcher entered with fresh coffee, and once they all had a full cup, the briefing began. It was another coincidence to learn the school in Coventry was the same establishment where the operative of the Foreign Office’s wife taught. After having their questions answered, Edgar headed out. He would go to the docks to see if he could learn any more about the Twisted Rose Shipping Company. He and Gus would be meeting at Lord Davenport’s townhouse for dinner.

* * *

Mrs. Smythe, Juliana called out as she knocked on the main office door of the school and peeked her head around. Penelope.

Ah, Juliana, what can I help you with? Mrs. Smythe looked up from the papers she had been working on. Besides being headmistress of the school, Mrs. Smythe also taught French, and Juliana had the fortune of being her favorite pupil.

When she came to St. Joseph’s all those years ago, Mrs. Smythe and her husband had provided Juliana with a great deal of assistance, setting up clandestine communication between herself and her father. The subterfuge connection was necessary shortly after she had arrived because she did not want letters to be waylaid by her stepmother. When she had written to her father, Penelope had placed it within a letter from the Headmistress. It was not long before she learned that when her father become aware of what his wife had attempted to do, he banished Gertrude to the country Dower House with direct instructions not to seek Juliana out or face ruin. Another informed her the duke had confronted Silas Luther and that he had threatened bodily harm to the sly reprobate if he persisted with his intentions toward either his daughter or his wife. It was not difficult for Juliana to imagine the duchess’s hatred because of her stepdaughter’s interference. Regardless of the reassurance, the stress forced upon her by her stepmother and fleeing her home had taken a toll on her health, and a convalesce was required. As headmistress and dutybound to protect the well-being of the students, Penelope had urged her to take a restorative trip.

Subsequent letters helped her father understand that despite all her governesses, she would benefit from attending a finishing school just as other young ladies her age, and he encouraged her to make the most of her time here. However, the duke did not believe she needed more than a year or two before rejoining him. To which Juliana had not agreed. She wanted to stay longer, and so far, he had relented. Yet even though they were closer than ever, he had begun to pressure her to return to town. Juliana relished the independence she had found since arriving at the school and told her father she needed more time.

Early on, she had managed to contact her late grandfather’s solicitors. The pair were rather receptive to working with her, and after some convincing, they released a personal letter to her even though it was not supposed to be delivered until her twenty-fifth birthday. In it her grandfather encouraged her to learn what she could about shipping. He had faith in her intelligence and felt she should know where her inheritance came from. Along with the letter was a list of relatives her grandfather had been financially responsible for, including a few distant relatives.

Juliana took him at his word, and with names in hand, she had investigated each and, once she was satisfied, reached out. Few knew much of the shipping industry and could offer little help, but that did not deter her. She had then requested the solicitors to send her reports, updates, and contacts. Although it took time to accomplish this, the two men eventually acquiesced. With the solicitors’ agreement, she offered one distant cousin a highly placed position in the company. Since then, she had become well-versed with her grandfather’s, now her, holdings. From time to time in between her core studies, she left school to go adventuring. Going to London and finding a husband scarcely crossed her mind. If only she had been born a male!

Juliana had not been aware her person was worth a second glance until she had overheard one of the other students nattering with her friends. Juliana considered herself a handsome young woman but certainly not extraordinarily lovely. She was not without flaws. Though her skin was flawless, it had become tanned from being outdoors, which was not fashionable in London. Her brilliant blue eyes could pierce like a frosty chill, and her vibrant black hair was kept to a shorter, more manageable length. Together they made for an unusual combination. To top off her appearance, Juliana’s voice was curiously low for a female, with a touch of huskiness.

Smiling at her now, Penelope motioned her to a seat across from her cherry desk and called for tea. Once they were seated, she spoke. Why are you not outside enjoying the sunny day?

Mrs. Pittman scolded me over the amount of time I spend out in the garden. She said if I am not careful, I will resemble a gypsy!

Laughing, Penelope handed her a cup of tea. You are eager to disappear again? I had hoped you might celebrate Easter with me.

You have come to know me so well, Penelope. Juliana let out a light, rasping laugh. I believe I will make a trip to the shore for some much-needed rest during the break. I am expected and will attend services there. Her eyes twinkled. I am caught up on my coursework, which will give me the opportunity to fully relax.

Shaking her head in resignation, Penelope asked, After visiting the cottage, where will you go this time, you little hoyden?

Hesitantly Juliana answered, My father has been pressing me to return to Greaves Park in order to prepare for making my debut in London. For the first time it may be better you do not know if, or more precise, when he sends someone to collect me, you will not have to lie. I know it has been difficult since Benedict disappeared. However, you are the only one who understands my eccentric activities. I will return to London eventually, but it will be on my terms. If I am to submit to the constraints of the ton, I must have one last adventure.

I only wish I could go with you. Penelope smiled with a heavy sadness.

As do I, but we both know you are committed to your responsibilities to the school and keeping up the communication system for the Foreign Office.

We do not know how long I will be able to keep them in the dark, but I owe it to Benedict to try.

Juliana laughed, rising to her feet. You do not fool me. We both know that even when he was here, you handled most of the communications. Benedict always said he could not have operated without his B. Suddenly turning serious, Juliana addressed her friend, You know whereabouts I will be to send a message should you need to reach me. If you decide you need an escape, do not hesitate to contact me. We will run away together and conquer the world.

Penelope also rose, stepping out from her desk to give Juliana a warm hug. Please be careful.

You know I shall. Juliana waved goodbye and headed to her room to collect her bag and her pet. The halls were littered with trunks as the other students also prepared for the school break. She sidestepped girls of various status flittering about, chatting in groups, several giggling and pointing as Juliana passed. She nodded to a few of the nuns who were helping where they could.

Ahoy, matey was the greeting she received as she walked through the door to her room.

Ahoy, Mandi, time for a last adventure.

She quickly walked out the front door, where a footman took her bag and placed it inside a carriage before assisting her. They would take her to the railway station, which would deliver her to the halt nearest to Caernarfon. She could almost smell the salty sea air now.

* * *

Edgar’s trip to the docks had been of little help. He had stopped at a few shipping offices in addition to the Twisted Rose, none offered much useful information. He would have to wait until he was in Liverpool. Just then his carriage pulled to a stop.

We’ve arrived, m’lord, said his coachman when he opened the door.

Excellent. You can leave, Derby, I will be here for quite some time.

Yes, m’lord. After bowing, he climbed up to the driver’s seat and flicked the horses into motion.

As he climbed the front steps, Pelham arrived. Ho there, Edgar called to the other lord.

Gus waved before sending his own driver on. You were able to drag those old bones out, I see.

"My bones are no more old than yours. Your birthdate is before mine, my friend."

Gus chuckled. Edgar used the knocker while his friend ascended to stand next to him. The door was promptly opened.

Taking their coats, he said, Welcome, my lords. Lord Davenport is in the library. If you will follow me.

Both lords followed the butler farther into the house. Once they had been announced, Edgar and Gus joined Davenport. Each with a snifter of brandy, they stood before the fireplace and shared small talk. They then moved to the numerous maps on a nearby desk, where they made plans. Dinner conversation covered a range of topics, and when the meal was over, the three lords retreated to the library again. With port in hand and each lord seated in an armchair, their discussion resumed.

Hours later found Edgar covering a yawn.

Burning the candle at both ends, Gus teased.

Edgar threw his friend a dirty look before realizing he was being teased. He ran his fingers through his artfully tousled hair. No, I have simply not been sleeping well. There are too many variables running through my mind. Now that we have plans made, I wish we could get on with it. Unfortunately, the weather needs to clear first, as well as Easter being this Sunday. Either way, we are left twiddling our thumbs.

Patience, Grasshopper, uttered Emmett. Hopefully, come Monday the weather will have cleared. Easter should prove to be an enjoyable day. Are you attending services with your uncle’s family before their luncheon?

Aunt Annabelle has been rather accommodating in moving up the time of the holiday meal. She and Uncle James will attend services at the Grosvenor Chapel, and I will most likely join them. Tomorrow though, I am going to take great pleasure sleeping in. He grinned.

I have another dinner engagement tomorrow evening, but I will see you at the luncheon on Sunday. What of you, Pelham?

"The countess was gracious to extend me an invitation as well, so I will see you both there. Unless you have need of me tomorrow, I will be visiting with my Pater. Aiming an amused smile at Edgar, he remarked, It is ironic, you are the youngest among us, and you are making me feel ancient. Last year you would have been encouraging removing to one of the many places of gaiety London has to offer since we have an evening open in front of us."

His friend’s remark caused Edgar to reflect on just how different his attitude had become since officially joining the Home Office. He sincerely felt pride at what all he had accomplished there and valued the respect he had gained from those he worked with. But for