“More usually a financial demise. One can get rich quickly in this city, and lose everything even more rapidly. I’m sure we could pick up a few bargains, particularly if you crave a seven-octave pianoforte with ebony inlay. There seems to be at least one in every sale.”

Margaret giggled. “Musical soirées were the bane of Mama’s life. She had a theory. ‘The less talent a young lady possesses,’ she used to say, ‘the more protracted her performance.’” An unexpected lump rose in her throat. “I miss her.”

“And you know from your sister Victoria that the feeling is mutual,” Marion said, patting Margaret’s arm.

“Yes, but I wish that she could write to me herself.”

“Keep out of trouble, and perhaps your father will relent.”

“He won’t, ever; and as long as I am beholden to him, Mama will not risk going against his wishes for fear he will withdraw my allowance.”

“Then perhaps you should find a way not to be beholden to him.”

Margaret stared at her in astonishment. “How will I do that?”

Marion spread her hands. “This is the Land of Opportunity, remember? You are a resourceful and charming young woman. I am sure you can find a way if you put your mind to it. In fact, perhaps we should both put our minds to it.”

“That is an excellent idea,” Margaret said, giving Marion a hug. “And in the meantime, we shall take a lease on this house and make my father’s hush-money work for me, not him. You see, I am starting to think like an American already!”

Chapter Thirty-Four

Chapter Thirty-Four

MARGARET HAD VISITED THE SHOPPING DISTRICT known as the Ladies’ Mile several times with Marion, but this was the first time she had ever ventured there on her own. It was still a novel experience for her to be out and about without an escort, and she couldn’t help but feel that she was doing something scandalous. However, the throngs of shoppers she joined, disgorged from private carriages, hansom cabs, and streetcars in front of their emporium of choice, were almost all women. Some were accompanied by their maids; some were with friends; but others, like her, were alone.