“It is a daughter’s job to give her father gray hairs.”

“Then consider me a rousing success,” she said drily, causing her grandmother to chuckle. “You had some wild days when you were a debutante, I bet.”

Granny’s lips compressed as if she might be fighting a grin. “It was different then. Before the city was so built up and organized.”

Florence hummed as she sipped her tea. “I will pry those stories out of you someday.”

“I shouldn’t. Your father would have my head if I encouraged any more recklessness out of you girls.”

Unlikely. The Greene sisters needed no encouragement whatsoever when it came to recklessness. “I won’t tell him.”

“Perhaps someday, then. Today we are here to discuss you. I thought you might tell me your idea, the one you wish to pursue in lieu of marriage.”

Florence watched the tea leaves circle in the bottom of her cup and pondered on how to proceed. What if her grandmother said no? There was no alternative plan, so if Florence bungled this then a casino might be out of reach.

No fear. Show confidence until you feel it.

Palms gone damp, Florence set her cup on the table. “I wish to open a casino just for ladies.”

Granny’s brows shot up and her lips parted in surprise. Florence remained still and let the information settle. No need to rush in and overwhelm her grandmother with reasons and ideas. That would come later.

Her grandmother collected herself after a few long seconds. “A casino for women?”

“Yes.”

“Gambling is illegal.”

“Says the woman who hosts a weekly cutthroat euchre game for jewels.”

Granny waved this off with an elegant twist of her wrist. “But those are just for friends. You are talking about going into business for yourself. As a casino owner.”

“That’s correct.”

“Forget what your father will say, you must know what this means for your matrimonial prospects.”

“I am aware. I do not expect to have any prospects, which is perfectly fine.”

“You could keep your involvement in this venture a secret.” Granny’s shrewd gaze took in Florence’s face. “But I am gathering you do not care for that idea.”

“I want to do it. I think I’ll be quite good at it, actually.”

“But, Florence.” Her grandmother set her cup down. “This means more than having a space where women can gather and play cards. This means shaking down people who owe you money and punishing the cheaters. It’s not a noble profession.”

“Only because gambling is illegal. If it were legal no one would look down on owning a casino.”