“That is very true.” Alice bit her lip, silently wondering whether or not she ought to tell her friend the truth. “I will beg of you to keep this a secret between us for the moment, but I am being courted by Lord Foster.”
Lady Florence stopped. She stared straight ahead for a few moments, then slowly turned her head to look directly at Alice.
“You will think me ridiculous, I am sure, but I have no other option.”
“You… you are teasing me.” Red billowed into Lady Florence’s face. “He is a disgraced gentleman!”
“And I have no hope of marriage! I have said that I will do all I can to aid him in regaining his fortune and in turn, he will take me as his bride. You must understand that there is nothing between us and that there never has been. I would never have considered him had it not been for these particular circumstances. It is only because he found himself in such a difficult situation that I began to wonder whether or not it could be useful for both of us. I do not want to become a companion. I do not want to have no chance of a future other than the one my father has dictated for me. I do hope that you can understand that.”
Lady Florence blinked rapidly and shook her head.
“Goodness.” Her breath rushed out as she closed her eyes. “I will confess myself to be a little overcome with surprise at this news, but also to state that I do not think that wise for you, my dear friend.” Lady Florence opened her eyes, then reached out and grasped Alice’s hand. “He is a disgraced gentleman with no fortune. I have no understanding of what you mean when you say that you seek to recover it, but surely a future with very little coin, and the requirement for employment is a very bleak future indeed.”
That was true.
“I cannot disagree with you. I will not pretend it will not be difficult if such a thing should take place. But I would rather have a husband and the possibility of children over the requirement to become a companion to my aunt, even if I am faced with hardship. Of the two, I would choose a life with Lord Foster over that of servitude. And what should become of me once my employment to my aunt came to an end?” Shrugging her shoulders, she spread her hands. “I would be forced to cast myself upon my father’s mercy or, if not his, then that of my sister and whoever her husband might be.” From the drop of Lady Florence’s eyebrows, Alice knew that she finally understood. “Do you truly believe that such a thing would be the better choice?”
Lady Florence closed her eyes and Alice was certain that she was about to throw a great protest back at her. But much to her astonishment, when Lady Florence opened her eyes again, there was nothing but glassy tears there.
“You do not deserve to be treated so.” Squeezing her hand gently, she shook her head. “Your father and mother should be giving you the same opportunities as they provide for the supposedly gifted Henrietta. I wish you did not have to make such a choice.”
“It is not something which troubles me too much, now that I have the hope of a future with Lord Foster.”
“But it is not a secure hope.” Lady Florence held her gaze steadily. “My dear friend, if it was in my power to give you a great fortune so that you and Lord Foster could find happiness together, then I would do so.”
Touched, Alice smiled gently.
“I know that you would, but pray do not concern yourself too much. Instead, you might pray that Lord Foster will regain his fortune and that I will be able to stand by his side as his wife, and mistress of his house. Pray that our future will be a secure one, that we will not linger in poverty. And if all else fails…” She licked her lips. “Then pray that it will not be long before Lord Foster or myself find an employment worthy of us.”
A single tear fell from Lady Florence’s eyes. She brushed it aside, but smiled, nonetheless.
“You have such a happiness in you, such a confidence in the face of doubts, that I cannot quite comprehend it, and I admire you greatly. I shall do as you ask. I shall pray that you are given all that you require, whether it be his fortune or-,” she gulped. “Or employment.”
“Thank you, my dear friend.” Alice kept her lips in a smile. “I must now ask you whether or not you are acquainted with Lady Sarah? She was connected with Lord Gillespie, who was acquainted with Lord Foster.” Without going into her particular reasons for why she wished to speak with the lady, Alice shook her head at the questions in her friend’s eyes. “I cannot tell you all, only that I must speak with her at once, for it may be of great use to Lord Foster.”
“She is the daughter of Lord Gainsborough, is she not?”
“Yes, that is she.”
“Then yes, I am acquainted with her. I believe she is here this evening. If you would like me to introduce you to her?” Nodding quickly, Alice waited as her friend looked around. “Come. Let us take a turn about the room.”
Putting her arm through Alice’s, Lady Florence led her across the ballroom and, without craning her neck or making it too obvious that she was searching for any sign of the lady, she soon managed to find her.
Alice looked into the eyes of a very pretty young lady, willowy in stature, with a head of golden curls and a delicate rosebud smile. She greeted Lady Florence warmly, then curtsied towards Alice.
“I am very pleased to make your acquaintance, Lady Sarah.” Thinking quickly, Alice shook her head sadly. “I was very sorry to hear of the death of Lord Gillespie. I was told that you were closely acquainted with him.”
Immediately, the smile which had been on Lady Sarah’s face vanished. Her bright blue eyes widened slightly as she stared at Alice, who gave her nothing but a small smile in return. Lady Sarah blinked rapidly, then turned her head away, leaving Lady Florence and Alice to share a look.
“I did not know that a great many people knew of his passing as yet.” Lady Sarah’s voice was small. “Might you tell me how you came to hear of it?”
“I am acquainted with Lord Foster,” Alice replied, thinking it was best to be entirely honest. “He has spoken to me of it. Forgive me, I did not wish to upset you. Allow me to express my condolences.”
Lady Sarah’s lips trembled for a moment, but she gave Alice a rather wobbly smile.
“You have heard correctly. Wewerevery closely acquainted and had our friendship continued, I believe that there would have been a future for us. I am only sorry that it can never be so now. His loss has affected my spirits greatly.”
“As I can well imagine,” Lady Florence murmured, as Alice nodded. “I too have recently lost a great hope, although not in the same way. I might add.”