She placed her hand in his, the bones thin but sturdy. “I do hope I’ve given you a thing or two to ponder over.”

“You’ve given me much more than that.” Stepping back, he bowed. “Good afternoon, madam.”

The Greene household was in absolute chaos.

Florence’s older sister, Mamie, had just created the scandal of the year by refusing to marry her intended and taking up with their father’s attorney instead. A man, incidentally, with a hidden past. Turned out Frank Tripp had been lying to Mamie the whole time.

Florence could certainly relate. It seemed both sisters had fallen in love with scoundrels.

Men were the worst.

Throwing open Justine’s door, Florence strode inside without knocking. Her younger sister was sitting on the bed. Florence pointed to the mess of yarn on the coverlet. “What are you doing?”

“Knitting.”

“Yes, I see that. But why?”

“I’m attempting to make a baby blanket for one of the mothers downtown.” She shrugged. “It’s the least I can do while I’m inside, doing nothing.”

“May I help?” Anything would be better than sitting around thinking. That only led to sadness and pain. Honestly, Florence didn’t think she had more tears left inside her at this point.

“Of course. Come here and hold the yarn for me.”

Florence sat on the bed, took the ball of yellow yarn and unwound some string. Justine continued knitting, the needles clacking furiously.

“You’re quite good at that.”

“Thank you,” Justine said. “It’s easy once you get the hang of it. Would you like me to teach you?”

Not a chance. Mending, sewing and knitting were for other women, not her. Now that her grandmother had agreed to finance her casino for ladies, Florence would be knee-deep in ledgers, chips and dice. “Maybe some other time.”

“Liar.” Justine’s mouth hitched in amusement. “You’re humoring me, but I appreciate it. Are you still feeling glum?”

“I’m fine. Though it’s funny how Mamie and I both were recently duped by men, don’t you think?”

“I don’t find it funny in the least. I hate that you’re both hurting. Most important, you mustn’t think you did something to deserve this.”

Of course she had. She’d trusted the wrong man. “Let’s see, there was Chauncey’s attack on Mamie, combined with Frank’s secret history, and Clay’s swindle of Granny’s home. I have concluded that all men are awful.”

“Now, Florence.” Justine never looked up from her knitting. “You know that’s not true. There are good men out there and someday you’ll find one.”

“No, thank you.” There was only one man she wanted . . . but he’d broken her heart. “Mamie and I have sworn off men forever.”

“That’s a silly thing to do. Especially when I foresee both gentlemen trying to win the two of you back.”