Actually, two or three hundred years ago, I don't think the causative event would have attracted much attention beyond the principals. Perhaps one duel.

Or more likely, one challenge, since the duel itself would likely have been refused by reason of age. Of course, two or three hundred years ago, few men would have lived to reach that age, so again, the cause might be moot.

I agree that gossip - whether written or spoken - is always vile. Repeating gossip to the four winds? Busybody. But unfortunately, the Mrs. Grundies - and Mr. Grundies - seem endemic to our human condition.