Roses Are Deceiving: A Gothic Mystery in the Tradition of Victoria Hiolt

By B. J. Conner

The mysterious disappearance of Lady Kathryn Pendul has Scotland Yard baffled and left without evidence against the only suspect, Sir Royden. In a desperate attempt to gain evidence, Inspector Wesley persuades Elizabeth Courtland, under the guise of governess, to enter Sir Royden’s household and act as a spy. Beth, a young lady of independent means and self-proclaimed spinster, a rarity in Victorian England, was ready for a change and the lure of the unknowns she would face at Pendmore Estate intrigued her. Beth quickly becomes embroiled in the family’s affairs and not only finds herself the victim of a sinister plot of murder and deceit but realizes that she has succumbed to that absurd notion called love.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Jan 17, 2022
• ISBN: 9781663234117

B. J. Conner

B.J. Conner lives in Southern Indiana, high atop a hill overlooking the Ohio River. She enjoys combining her love of local history with a fictional mystery sure to please her readers. When she is not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Book preview

Roses Are

Deceiving

A Gothic Mystery

in the Tradition

of Victoria Hiolt

B. J. Conner

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ROSES ARE DECEIVING

A GOTHIC MYSTERY IN THE TRADITION OF VICTORIA HIOLT

Copyright © 2022 B. J. Conner.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

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ISBN: 978-1-6632-3410-0 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6632-3411-7 (e)

iUniverse rev. date: 01/17/2022

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

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To my parents, Edward and Elizabeth Millspaugh

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Thank you, Margie Toon for your help

in writing Katherine’s poems.

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Chapter One

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A s Elizabeth Margaret Courtland stepped out of the carriage at the railway station, the icy wind nipped at her bare cheeks. Her expressionless face veiled the uneasiness that had plagued her since waking that morning. No one would have guessed that she, the tall trim, haughty figure was fighting the urge to take flight. The awareness of her situation seemed to grip her with such force that it took all the courage she could muster not to step back into the carriage. She would have liked to return to the Brooks mansion and promptly inform Judge Banning and Lord Brooks that they had chosen the wrong person for this outrageous adventure. Until that moment, Beth had thought it intriguing and even somewhat amusing. In hind sight it seemed quite ridiculous that the judge and Lord Brooks, two very intelligent gentlemen, would ask her to go to Pendmore under false pretence. Both men had been dear friends of her late father, and she had always trusted them. How could they have, in sincerity, asked her to be part of an investigation of Sir Royden Tristen Pendul of Pendmore estate, considering Sir Royden was a gentleman of immense fortune and power. It had been a week since they had asked her to be part of their scheme and Beth had barely had time to consider the depth of their intentions, she wondered how she had ever allowed herself to become involved.

Miss Courtland! called Lacey, Lord Brooks’ coachman.

Yes? Beth’s voice was scarcely heard above the steam engine.

Your trunk and bags are aboard, Miss.

Thank you, Lacey and Good-bye, Beth sighed with resignation.

Good-bye, Miss Courtland and Good luck, called the coachman as he returned to the carriage without so much as a backward glance. He immediately whipped up the horses, no doubt in a hurry to be home and out of the bitter cold. Beth watched the lumbering carriage drive out of sight. She wondered if that would always be her destiny, to become a part of a family for a short time only to be forgotten the instant she was dropped at the station. In the past five years, she had become quite friendly with Lacey, as well as all the other servants at the Brooks mansion, and yet no one appeared to take notice of her departure. Even Lord Brooks seemed a little relieved to see her leave. Beth turned and made her way through the newly fallen snow to board the train. Her destination was Devonden a small town near Pendmore estate, where she was to be collected by the Pendul’s coachman. He would transport her to the estate, where she was expected to take the position of governess, and spy. Having been the governess at the Brooks home, Beth was not in the least concerned about her ability to perform that task, however she had not the faintest idea how one went about spying, especially on one’s employer. She had always been capable of keeping a tight rein on her emotions, so it was a surprise that she discovered herself fighting back tears. She found her compartment and settled in near the window.

Beth was far from being naive and she realized that it was quite natural to be nervous. After all, this was the first time since her father’s death that she was completely on her own, and she admitted to being more than a little apprehensive. She gazed out upon the near empty streets of London. It was quite peaceful in the dim morning light. The snow had stopped some hours earlier, leaving that district of London covered with a splendid white blanket, which had disguised the ugliness of the city.

The warmth of the compartment rug on her lap had banished the chill of the morning and enticed her to relax. She began to reflect upon the circumstance that had brought her to her present point. Beth did not often dwell on the past for it seemed a great waste of time. She adopted her father’s philosophy, ‘Why mull over that which has already happened if there is absolutely nothing one can do to change it?’ It was inconceivable to Beth that anyone would wish to punish oneself by bringing up painful memories again and again.

She smiled as she thought of her father, Edward Courtland. He had been a prominent barrister well known in London, as well as liked by his peers. Beth had been as devoted to him as he had been to her. With the knowledge that he was a fearless contender for justice, regardless of his client’s station in life, always gave Beth a feeling of warmth and security. He was the kindest of men and did everything he could to provide stability in her life. Edward had a way of wiping away all the fears of his only daughter with his gentle smile.

Everyone who was acquainted with the Courtland’s conceded that Elizabeth Margaret, as her mother referred to her, was like her father in every way. This delighted Edward and nothing could have pleased Beth more.

Edward had married quite late in life he was forty-five years old when he met Cassandra Williams. She was born into nobility, her father was a Duke a very minor one, although still a duke. Her family had very little fortune and was eager for her to marry a gentleman of position and wealth. It did not matter that her husband was old enough to be her father. Cassandra was quite beautiful, small and delicate with large blue eyes and pale golden blond curls. Her beauty captured Edward’s heart even though she was more than twenty years his junior. No one could deny her beauty, least of all Cassandra herself.

In the beginning, the Courtland’s seemed quite happy, and within the first year of their marriage, Elizabeth was born. Edward had hoped to have a large family, since he was the third generation of Courtland’s, naturally he wished to continue his families line. Unfortunately, Cassandra did not share his desire. She vowed that she had given him a child and therefore refused to endure childbirth again. Edward, wishing to please his young wife agreed that it was too much of a hardship for her to undergo, although he hoped she would change her mind when she had grown in maturity. Cassandra, being quite selfish in nature never gave the matter another thought. So, Elizabeth Margaret grew up an only child. Cassandra was quite disappointed that her daughter had not inherited her mother’s fair beauty and dainty features. Instead, she resembled her father; Beth was tall with dark hair and bold features, her eyes were blue grey and considered her best asset. No one could deny that she was still an attractive woman, though she eluded a self-assurance which seemed to be deterrents to young gentlemen. Edward tried to compensate for Cassandra’s disapproval of Beth by always giving her flattering compliments. He never failed to tell her that she was quite pretty with an abundance of charm as well as intelligence, and someday she would meet a gentleman who was worthy of her. Beth found his words endearing, although she was aware of the reason behind his flattery.

Beth, as Edward always referred to her, knew that she was a disappointment to her mother, which caused a strain on their relationship. Beth resigned herself to the fact that she would never be a beauty like her mother, and in all honesty, it did not concern her overly much, as she was perfectly satisfied with her life, as it was. Her father was also her best friend and confidant. He was all that Beth deemed necessary in her life.

While Cassandra indulged herself with frivolous things such as the latest fashion in ball gowns, jewelry, dinner parties and the opera, while Edward devoted his attention to Beth. He allowed Beth full reign over his office and library and even encouraged her opinions on important matters involving his clients.

It is no great wonder Elizabeth Margaret has grown up with such independent ideas! Beth had overheard her mother say to her father. It is totally unacceptable behavior. How will she ever attract a suitable husband with such an ordinary appearance, and displaying herself as a bluestocking? You may mark my words Edward, it shall not matter that she has a large inheritance. No respectable gentleman will wish to have a wife with a superior in intelligence.

Edward laughed and said; I think you are overly concerned, my dear. Beth shall do quite well for herself. You’ll see!

That conversation rang in Beth ears for some time and weighed heavily on Beth’s decision never to marry. Although, she gave every appearance not to care about her mother’s lack of affection, it still left an ache in her heart. It was rather easy for Beth to avoid most of the endless stream of dinner parties, which her mother arranged, mainly because Edward tried to keep peace between them by indulging them both. He pleaded for compromise and Beth, in the end, agreed to make a brief appearance at some of her mother’s parties and then retire at her convenience. This appeased Cassandra to some extent.

As Beth entered her eighteenth year she realized that her mother was prompting Edward to persuade their daughter that it was essential she spend more time at social events. To oppose her mother’s persuasion; Beth began wearing modest gowns of dull sober tones of gray, brown and dark green. These colors suited Beth’s disposition at that time of her life, although up until Cassandra had insisted that she be more sociable, Beth had enjoyed wearing lovely gowns.

Not long after Beth’s twentieth birthday, Edward Courtland died. He collapsed one evening at dinner. The doctor was summoned however it was too late. He had suffered a fatal stroke and there was nothing anyone could have done to save him.

It was a great shock for everyone, especially Beth. Her world crumbled; her worst fears were realized, she was alone and afraid to face the future. Cassandra surrounded herself with a cloak of self-pity. Her society friends were at her side night and day. Beth, on the other hand felt that there was no one to which she could turn. She knew that she had to rely on herself, although her heart felt inadequate. After the funeral, as dreadful as it was, Beth refused to allow her grief to overwhelm her. She was never one for showing emotion in public, so no one seemed surprised that Beth did not fall into despair.

For months after her father’s death she spent every day in Edward Courtland’s office along with, Judge Banning and Lord Brooks, the executors of his will and his close friends. Beth’s father had left her and her mother a comfortable inheritance. Cassandra could continue on with her life of self-indulgence without a thought about finances.

Beth’s inheritance was more than adequate for whatever she wished to do with her life. She seriously considered all the options that were available for a woman of substantial means. If she did not wish to marry there were not as many options as she would have liked. She could establish a residency in the city or settle in the country on a small estate, perhaps with a house full of cats as one of her great aunts had done years before. Beth knew that none of these things would make her happy; all that she had ever wanted to do was to teach, or perhaps even start an academy for young ladies. When she consulted with Lord Brooks, a rather portly man in his fifties with kind gray eyes, he chuckled softly and said. You know that your father asked me in his will to look after you. I cannot help but feel responsible for whatever you decide to do.

Beth tried to protest, he raised his hand to stop her. Please allow me to finish. I am not surprised that you do not wish to stay with your mother.

Beth had always known that Lord Brooks had not been a favorite with her mother, and knew that the feelings were mutual. He sat in silence for several moments before saying. Why don’t you come to live with Lady Brooks and myself and tutor the boys for, say a year or so, that way you can decide if teaching suits you? If you do so, then I will be fulfilling my obligation to your father. He sat back with a look of satisfaction. God only knows what Cassandra will have to say about this situation. A slight smirk played at the corner of his mouth.

I have already spoken to mother about my wishes, Beth replied.

I only wish I could have seen her face, his eyes twinkled with amusement, then realizing to whom he was speaking, he cleared his throat and apologized. Pray, forgive me. It is most inappropriate of me to speak of your mother in such a way.

No offense was taken, replied Beth. If I am to live in your home I hope that we may always be honest with one another. She had decided in that very moment to take him up on his offer.

Within two weeks Beth had moved into the Brooks mansion, but not without protest from Cassandra who wailed. I knew long ago Elizabeth Margaret that you were bent on disgracing me and our family. I told your father so, God rest his soul. She dabbed at her lovely eyes, with her neatly embroidery handkerchief. It is beyond all reason that my only daughter could be so insensitive to my feelings. How am I to explain your behavior to my friends? Whatever shall they think of me for allowing you to go into service? You are an heiress; it is simply unheard of!

I dare say anyone who is acquainted with you and me, know of my particular behavior. I am certain that they shall not give a second thought to what I do, answered Beth with determination. It is not as if I ever belonged in your intimate circle of friends, or that I ever cared what, the so called polite society, has to say about me.

When Cassandra realized Beth did not intend to pay heed to her theatrical display of concern; her indignation rose to its peak, and she was forced to disown her daughter. If you do not reconsider I shall never speak to you again! Cassandra retorted while leaving the room in a great rush.

Beth applied herself quite seriously to her position of governess and found that teaching suited her well. The Brooks had twin boys that were seven years old and the youngest of seven children. The other five children were either married or away at school. The twins were quite well behaved, and in a very short time, Beth became as fond of them as they did of her. The task of teaching them was quite easy. The entire family treated her with respect and welcomed her, not as a governess, but as a member of their family. This was not exactly what Beth had hoped. Frankly, she was well aware that the twins should have had a male tutor; and she wished at that time to be treated simply as the governess. Nevertheless she soon found herself enjoying the warm family atmosphere. She refused to join in the family outings and she only allowed them to include her in very small social gatherings. Beth was trying to find contentment in her life again, yet it always seemed to be just outside her grasp.

It was about a year after Beth took up residence at the Brooks mansion that her mother married Monsieur Philip Pierpont, a wealthy landowner in the South of France. He had come to England on business and was introduced to Cassandra at an afternoon assembly. Directly after the wedding, at which Beth was in attendance, the couple left for France where they were to make their home.

Months passed melting into years before Beth realized it was well past the time for the twins to be sent off to school. She approached Lord Brooks on that particular matter.

Yes, I am aware we have been negligent in this matter, he replied. That is Lady Brooks and I of course you my dear are not to blame. You have given the boys an excellent education. I suppose that is the reason we have not considered boarding school.

Lord Brooks, Beth began. I know that you were a very close and dear friend of my father and you have been most kind to me. However, your obligation to us has long been fulfilled. I think it is time that I moved on with my life. Needless to say, the twins should be with young men their own age.

Lord Brooks agreed with what seemed like relief. The twins were sent off to Eton and Beth consented to stay with the Brooks until she decided what she wished to pursue.

One afternoon Beth was summoned to Lord Brooks’ study. Upon entering she found Judge Banning and another gentleman, with whom she was not acquainted.

Well, well, Miss Elizabeth, said the judge moving forward to take both of her hands in his. It is truly a pleasure to see you looking so well; how long has it been now? Much too long I dare say!

How kind of you to say so, Beth replied perplexed as to why the three gentlemen wished her present.

Allow me to introduce to you Inspector Wesley of Scotland Yard, Inspector this is Miss Elizabeth Courtland.

The copper-haired inspector stepped forward briefly taking Beth’s hand and giving it a slight shake, then he resumed his former position near Lord Brooks at the end of the room. The judge led Beth to a large comfortable chair and seated her. He placed himself in a chair directly across from her.

Judge Banning was short and rather stout man who carried himself with a slight limp. His silvery gray hair had receded leaving a huge shiny forehead, which at the moment was creased with a troubled expression. Beth could hardly maintain her curiosity and the expression on her face must have revealed as much, for the judge continued, I can see that you are wondering why we wish to speak with you.

I am certainly perplexed, Beth declared, with more sarcasm than was intended.

We shall get to that presently, however first I have to ask you if you are acquainted with Sir Royden Pendul?

The papers have recently been so full of the name. I would think it quite impossible not to have heard of him, though I do not recall ever having met the gentleman.

Judge Banning glanced in the direction of the other two gentlemen at the far end of the room and both nodded, his eyes returned to Beth. We have a favor to ask of you, before we do so I wish to make it perfectly clear that you are in no way obligated because of our friendship. Do you understand?

Please continue, she said wishing to have clarity on the subject.

I suppose, said the judge thoughtfully. I should start from the beginning. He stood up and walked to the fireplace, and then began to pace the floor. Since you are familiar with the articles in the news, I am certain that you are aware of the incident that happened about five months ago. Lady Katherine Pendul, Sir Royden’s wife disappeared from their estate on the Dover coast. As you stated the papers have been full of it and more recently they are full of the escape of convict Max Jared. Of course, he is not what we are here to talk about with you. The judge cleared his throated and continued, No one with whom Lady Katherine Pendul is acquainted has the slightest inclination where she might be, or why she would venture out on her own without informing anyone. The only items that seem to be missing from her belongings are a riding habit and the gown that she was wearing the night she disappeared. Scotland Yard, of course, suspects foul play and they have searched in vain for even a trace of the woman. Inspector Wesley here believes that Sir Royden may have had a strong motive to wish his wife out of the way. Although he has not yet established enough evidence to prove this, as you know, it would be a grave mistake to make accusations about someone as powerful as Sir Royden, without evidence to attest to it.

I recall reading about Lady Katherine Pendul’s disappearance, Beth responded. Though, I fail to see the connection to myself.

I was coming to that, my dear. The judge smiled. "There is one manner in which to obtain the evidence that is needed to incriminate or perhaps exonerate Sir Royden. We would like to have someone who could associate with family members at Pendmore. Pendmore is the name of their estate. It would be beneficial to have someone there that could observe their daily occurrences, such as, their relationships to one another, and most importantly the relationship between Sir Royden and Lady Katherine at the time of her disappearance.

Sir Royden has recently asked his solicitor to procure a governess for his daughter, and we have discussed the situation extensively with Inspector Wesley. Judge Banning cleared his throat. And, have come to a rather reluctant decision to ask you to take this position… I had misgivings at first contemplating that we may very well be placing you at risk, however, Inspector Wesley ensures us that he has taken precautions so that you will be in no danger."

Beth sat quietly absorbing all of the strange conversation and noticed the grim looks that passed among the three gentlemen.

You are sincere about this? Beth asked, wondering if this was some kind of bizarre jest.

Yes, very much so, said Lord Brooks solemnly and the judge nodded in agreement.

I cannot help thinking that this is a little irrational, Beth remarked.

On the contrary, Miss Courtland, interrupted Inspector Wesley. We feel it is quite fortunate that Sir Royden is in need of a governess at this time. We have been trying for some months to situate someone inside Pendmore estate. In fact we have a man staying in the nearby town of Devonden. His name is Michael Stonebridge and he will be your connection to me, if you choose to assist us in this matter.

I am curious why you would choose me for this bizarre undertaking? Beth inquired.

We are in need of someone with your qualifications, answered Inspector Wesley. As a governess, Lord Brooks has assured us that you have great qualification and according to both of these distinguished gentlemen, you are quite a levelheaded gentlewoman. Your father was a respectable lawyer who taught you about the law. It is also important that we have someone who would not, shall I say, fall prey to Sir Royden’s charm.

Beth immediately became aware of her appearance smoothing back her dark hair, which she always wore, pulled into a knot at the nape of her neck. She glanced at her dull gray skirt. Her drab clothing had always served her purpose when dealing with her mother, and she had not thought about a new wardrobe since coming to the Brooks home. In all, her appearance posed a picture of proper governess. As it is, she had spent most of her life trying to convince everyone, including herself, that she was an independent competent woman, and not in the least interested in romance. Why then did Inspector Wesley’s last words sting so painfully?

Lord Brooks interrupted her thoughts. "Sir Royden has a daughter, Lona Pendul. From what I have heard about her she is in great need of a skillful governess. She is near the same age as the twins, perhaps a year older. I do not believe that there could be a more suitable individual for this task than you are Elizabeth. Although I admit, that I am not exactly pleased about you going there to spy on your employer. I am certain that you would