“Yes, I was sorry to hear of Lord Foster’s foolishness.” Lady Sarah let out a small sigh whilst Alice bit back a sharp response, finding herself eager to defend the gentleman. “That must have been a great disappointment to you, Lady Florence.”
“It has been trying, yes. Thank you.”
Not wishing to be drawn out of the conversation, Alice spoke up. The questions she had to ask Lady Sarah were a little blunt, but regardless, she knew she would have to ask them.
“It is most unusual to hear of a gentleman in the prime of his life losing it so early.” Attempting to keep as much sympathy in her voice as possible, she spread both hands. “I do hope he did not bring his life to an end by his own foolishness. That would place an even greater burden on your soul.”
Lady Sarah did not appear to be at all offended, answering Alice immediately with a shake of her head.
“It is worse than that. If you can believe it. Lord Gillespie’s life was taken from him by another.”
The gasp of shock from Alice was genuine.
“Are you quite certain?”
“Indeed I am.” Lady Sarah’s voice dropped as if she were wishing to speak confidentially. “It was very disturbing to hear such news, as you can imagine.”
“And is there any knowledge as to who has done such a despicable thing?”
Alice glanced across at Lady Florence, silently relieved that her friend had been the one to ask the question, rather than herself.
Lady Sarah shook her head, her only response a sigh.
“Did he ever speak to you about those of his acquaintances who might wish him ill? Was there anyone in London who had a grudge against him?”
Lady Sarah sighed again, dropped her head, and ran fingers lightly across her eyebrows, as though speaking of such things was causing her great distress.
“He did not often speak to me about his business affairs, but there was one occasion where he was in great melancholy. I recall that he stated that a particular endeavor was not going particularly well, and he wished to remove himself from it.”
“I wonder what sort of business that could be.”
Alice let the question trickle from her lips, looking away so that Lady Sarah did not think she was asking her directly.
“I am afraid that he never gave me the particulars, although I am aware that there were other titled gentlemen involved.”
“Do you know any of their names?” Catching Lady Sarah’s wide-eyed, rather startled look, Alice quickly covered her question with an explanation. “I ask only because I thought it could be of aid to Lord Foster or to any other of Lord Gillespie’s friends who might wish to find the man who took Lord Gillespie’s life.”
This seemed to satisfy Lady Sarah, for she nodded, and then after a few moments shook her head.
“I am afraid he did not give me any of their names. I do recall him mentioning a Viscount, but I cannot recall his title. I am sorry.”
“You have nothing to apologize for,” Alice assured her, smiling warmly. “I am aware that this must be incredibly painful for you to have to recount. I am certain that you would have enjoyed a happy future with Lord Gillespie, and I am sorry that the chance of such has been taken from you.”
“You are very kind.” Lady Sarah reached out and grasped Alice’s hand. “It has been a painful loss, but the rest of the Season awaits - or my mother so tells me. And...” She dropped her gaze and Alice’s hand. “There was no commitment between myself and Lord Gillespie. We were not even officially courting, although that was soon to come.”
“I am certain that does not make your pain any less.”
Alice’s heart was full of sympathy and compassion for the young lady.
“No, it does not.” Lady Sarah sighed, then smiled. “Pray, excuse me.” Her gaze lingered over Alice’s shoulder. “I can see that my mother is calling me. No doubt she has another gentleman she wishes to introduce me to.”
A slightly rueful smile touched her lips, but she inclined her head and then excused herself from their company.
Lady Florence turned to look directly at Alice.
“My dear girl, is it possible that there could be any truth in Lord Foster’s statement that his wealth was taken from him by unscrupulous means?”
Alice blinked, a little astonished at her friend’s question.