“Aha! You were going to admit it, weren’t you?” Justine appeared triumphant. “Have you asked Clay about any of this? Perhaps he was as caught up in you as you were in him.”

“This is not a grand romance, Justine.” Florence pushed off the settee and began pacing. “Clay should have told me.”

“Why didn’t you tell Daddy of Clay’s revenge plot?”

“I thought I could stop it. That over time he’d come to care for me and realize my father was a decent man.”

“So you had a plot of your own, one you didn’t tell Clay about.”

“Do not take his side!” Florence snapped, her irritation and frustration boiling over. “You are so naive. Life is not all candy and flowers. Some people are just awful and terrible.”

Justine crossed her arms. “You think I am unaware of that? With all I’ve seen downtown, the disease and the starvation? Hopheads and gin holes. Children whose feet are frostbitten because they couldn’t afford shoes. Women forced to sell their bodies for coin to feed their families. Cholera and syphilis and phossy jaw. I have seen the ugliness our society offers those who suffer. So please, do not tell me I’m naive.”

Shame crawled across Florence’s neck. How could she have forgotten? “I’m sorry. You’re right. I’m just . . .” She let her arms fall uselessly at her sides. “Sad.”

“He made you happy, didn’t he?” When Florence nodded, Justine’s expression softened. “At the very least, give Clay a chance to explain. He owes you that.”

Hmm. As much as Florence didn’t wish to see Clay again, her sister might be right. What had happened twenty years ago between Clay and her father? Clay would have been just a boy downtown. Florence couldn’t see how he would have crossed paths with Duncan Greene.

Yet, something had happened. And that something had strangled her chance at a future with Clay.

“I’ll consider it.” She cocked her head and studied her younger sister. “How did you get so wise?”

“Watching my two older sisters get into trouble, I suppose.” Justine came over and clasped Florence’s hand. “Daddy and Granny are able to fend for themselves. You don’t have to protect them or try to fight their battles. And while I may not think a women’s casino is a good use of money or land, it’s your dream. So chase your dream, Florence. We’ll always be behind you, supporting you.”

She squeezed Justine’s hand. Mamie would’ve likely said the same and Florence was dashed grateful for her sisters. “Thank you. I don’t know what we’d do without you.”

Justine laughed. “Honestly, I don’t, either.”