“I am certain he shall.” Pushing as much confidence into her voice as she could manage, Alice released Lady Florence’s fingers. “I shall have to speak to Lord Foster and inform him that there is no hope. I do not criticize you for that, of course,” she added quickly, seeing Lady Florence’s eyes flare. “It seems very strange to me that a gentleman such as he should state that his fortune was stolen from him. Do you have any knowledge of what actually took place?”
Lady Florence nodded.
“He told my father that he had been cheated out of his fortune, that it had been taken from him when he had lost his senses.”
“Lost his senses? In what way?”
“I could not say. My father did not give me the opportunity for much discussion for, to him, it was nothing more than an excuse for foolish behavior.”
A little intrigued. Alice hesitated before she asked her next question. To pursue Lord Foster would mean a life of difficulty, but perhaps it was one that she could willingly face regardless, knowing what else she would face if she remained a spinster.
“I am aware that you knew him better than I. Might I ask if he was a gentleman with a penchant for gambling?”
Lady Florence shook her head.
“He certainly was not. That is why I was a little surprised at the news that he had lost his coin during a game of cards.” A frown pulled lines into her forehead. “My dear Alice, you are not thinking of speaking with him of this, are you? For what purpose?”
“I have something in mind, my dear friend, but I shall not inform you of it at present. It may be the most ridiculous thing I have ever done, but under the circumstances, I believe it is for the best.”
“What circumstances?” Lady Florence had moved a little closer as though she could somehow convince Alice to stop behaving in this manner. Looking her directly in the eye, she planted both hands on her hips. “You must stay away from Lord Foster. You have no poor circumstances of your own and you will certainly damage your reputation if you remain in his company.”
A slightly broken laugh came from Alice’s lips.
“My dear friend, my circumstancesarethis difficult, I am afraid. I have no great fortune and shall soon return home without a suitor. My father will send me away to be a companion to an aunt, and I have no wish to become such a thing. If there is any opportunity for me to change such circumstances, then I will grasp them - even if that means inclining myself towards the company of Lord Foster.”
Lady Florence’s eyes remained fixed on Alice’s, but she was in no mood to be turned from her path.
“I did not know.”
Alice shrugged.
“I had no need to tell you, not when you were soon to be betrothed – I did not want to injure your forthcoming happiness – and now when you have so much difficulty of your own.”
Lady Florence swallowed.
“Then what do you intend to do?”
Her voice had gone very quiet indeed.
“I am not quite certain as yet.” Speaking honestly, Alice spread her hands. “But I have in mind to make him a… a bargain, if you will. One where I might have a contented future.”
“But how can you have a contented future with a gentleman who has so little fortune?” Lady Florence’s brow puckered as she looked at Alice. “If you have no coin, then you cannot live a contented life. It will be one of struggle.”
“Ah, but what if he does recover his fortune?” Alice smiled quickly, aware that her friend was unable to see the full machinations of her mind, and thus remained in a state of confusion. “Have no doubt that I shall take the utmost care, but I am quite determined. It is the only way I can see a brighter future for myself and, despite the risks, it is a path I am willing to take.”
* * *
It tookAlice some time to find Lord Foster. The ball was loud and was a crush, with so many guests it was difficult to move. She had been present for at least one hour before she finally managed to catch sight of him. He did not appear eager to join in with the rest of the revelers, for he stood to one side and continued to watch them, as she had seen him do at the previous ball. Perhaps he was afraid that news of his situation would become known to the rest of society, and she could not blame him for that fear. Now that Lord Blackford was aware of it, it was only a matter of time before he told his friends and acquaintances.
“Alice, where are you going?”
Alice glanced into the eyes of her sister. Henrietta was pouting as usual, although her eyes were a little narrowed.
“I am taking a turn around the room.”
“You cannot do so. You have no chaperone.”
Henrietta’s voice lifted, a tiny smile tugging at her mouth. Clearly, she was eager to prevent Alice from having any enjoyment whatsoever during the evening, but Alice was not about to permit her sister to prevent her from doing so. A wry smile lifted the edge of her mouth.