What is the main conflict in All About Love by Stephanie Laurens?

All About Love, set in 1820, follows Alasdair Cynster, better known as Lucifer, on his journey to escape the curse of love. Alasdair travels to his friend and mentor's house only to find his friend has just been murdered. Aided by a local, Phyllida Tallent, in his search to find the killer he also finds himself unwilling to run from the curse any longer.