A school? So the house would be torn down after all? “How does that help, exactly?”

“Your grandmother has already agreed. She’ll move to Newport and live there. The house here goes to a charitable cause. Most important, Clayton Madden gets absolutely nothing.”

“But why is that—”

“Florence, allow me to worry about why that matters. Right now we are here to discuss you and your improper and reckless behavior. From here on out no more Clayton Madden. No more gambling. No more running around the city at night God knows where.”

“Daddy, no. I intend to open a casino just for women—”

“Absolutely not.” His mustache twitched the way it did when he was agitated. “No daughter of mine will engage in such a low endeavor. You could get arrested, Florence!”

“The chance of an arrest is slim. There are ways around the laws.”

“Yes, with bribes and kickbacks, methods no doubt employed by the likes of Clayton Madden to keep his business afloat. I forbid you to continue down this path. It’s bad enough that Mamie is dragging out her betrothal to Chauncey. I cannot have another daughter flagrantly disregarding my wishes.” He pointed at her. “You will do as I say, Florence.”

“In other words, marry a childish, selfish man like Chauncey. Settle down and have kids, and oversee his household while I wither and die from living inside a gilded cage.”

A flush worked its way over his neck. “You make it sound as if those things are abhorrent. There is no shame in having a family.”

“There is when it prevents women from having choices!” Her voice rose with each word until she was shouting.

“Choices that could land you in prison!” her father shouted in return.

Frustration burned her skin. “If I were a son you would let me do whatever I wished.”

“Hardly. Being a man comes with responsibilities you cannot imagine. Being a father even more. And as long as you live under my roof—”

“Then I’ll move out.”

His mouth flattened into a thin line. “And support yourself in what manner? Do you have any idea of the challenges of living on your own?”

“I told you I plan to open a casino.”

“I will never allow that to happen, not while I am still breathing on this earth.”

“Daddy, that is not fair.”

“Fair?” He leaned in, his eyes narrowed. “Do you think it’s fair for a policeman to come to my home and tell me my daughter is sleeping with a casino owner, a known criminal? Then I learn that she has been sneaking out at night to visit his casino. Have you any idea of the fear and worry I have experienced in the past four hours? Is that fair, Florence?”

“He would never hurt me.”

“Are you carrying his child?”