Granny paused by an oil painting of an English garden. Some renowned artist had painted it but Florence couldn’t recall who. “A passing fancy,” Granny said. “We would have been miserable together. I never brought it up because I wouldn’t like for you girls to fear your own matches. Why do you ask? Has your father set up—?”

“Goodness, no,” Florence rushed out. “You know I won’t marry any man Daddy finds. If I ever decide to marry I shall find my own husband.”

“Yes, so you’ve said. But there comes an age where the opportunity for marriage passes you by. You shouldn’t wait that long. Not to mention your father’s patience won’t last forever.”

A fact she was painfully aware of. To realize her dream, however, she needed Granny’s help. Taking a deep breath, she said, “What if I didn’t want to get married? What if I wanted to do something else instead?”

Granny’s brows dipped as her lips pursed. It was the same perplexed stare she gave to debutantes who didn’t know the dance steps. Florence didn’t wither or fidget, though. Those were qualities both she and Granny despised. Instead, she waited, her expression patient and calm.

“Like what?”

The time wasn’t right. Not here in the corridor with their family milling about. She needed to tell Granny when they were alone and had time to discuss the idea. “I promise I’ll come by and tell you one day soon.”

“You’d better, seeing as my curiosity is piqued.”

Florence leaned over and kissed her grandmother’s cheek. “Thank you.”

“Now, let’s hurry or they’ll be worried we got lost.”

Smiling, Florence followed her grandmother into the grand salon. Aunts, uncles and cousins relaxed on various pieces of French furniture, while the servants served champagne on silver trays. She hurried to snatch a glass of bubbly before it disappeared.

“There you are,” Daddy’s voice boomed. “Mother, have a seat. While we have the whole family here tonight, I thought I’d best give everyone some news.”

Florence dropped onto the sofa next to Mamie. Her older sister cast her a worried glance just as their grandmother said, “What is this regarding, Duncan?”

“The houses on this block.” When the room quieted down he said, “As you’ve all likely seen tonight, many of the neighboring houses have been purchased and demolished.”

“Hard to miss,” Uncle Thomas muttered. “Why is this important?”

“I am curious myself, as I’ve told them I won’t sell,” Granny said. “What have you learned?”

“A developer has bought up the entire block. Plans have been filed for a club to be built here.”

“A club?” Mama asked. “Where, on the corner?”

“No,” Duncan said. “They plan to use the entire block.”

“That’s impossible. I’ve refused to sell.”

“They are planning to build around this house.”