Chapter Twenty-Six

La Maison d’Argent

Eighteenth Street and Seventh Avenue

1894

The laughter never failed to make Florence smile.

She stood on the balcony, grinning, overlooking the casino floor, where scads of women were drinking, gaming and laughing with one another.

It was everything she’d ever dreamed.

One year ago they’d opened the doors and La Maison d’Argent, or the Silver House, had been an instant success. The name was a nod to the Bronze House, of course, except as Florence had told Clay, “Silver is more valuable than bronze.”

Currently, La Maison had seventy-five members, all women, ranging in age and backgrounds. The club was so popular that she’d been able to pay her grandmother back after the first eight months. Now it was entirely hers.

While her parents didn’t approve, they didn’t actively disapprove, either. Mostly they acted as if La Maison didn’t exist. That suited Florence perfectly. She lived on the top floor with Clay, which her parents did actively disapprove of, but she had no intention of marrying. Besides, neither she nor Clay had any use for society whatsoever. Occasionally, she’d encounter one of her parents’ friends, who snubbed her, or moral crusaders would picket outside the club, but happiness was the best revenge against people such as that.

And she was happy. Deliriously so.

Her sisters and grandmother had all joined the club, as had many of Florence’s old acquaintances. Indeed, as word spread, she’d been forced to turn women away. For a few more years membership would remain fairly small. The exclusivity would help elevate the club’s status in the city, and Florence was still learning how to manage her fiefdom.

Thank goodness she had an excellent teacher.

Clay had given the Bronze House to Jack, who’d continued to build on their empire. Clay still oversaw a few minor gaming properties but had recently decided to invest in baseball. A team was being brought in to play in the city and Clay had joined as one of the owners. His keen financial sense and intuition about leisure activities made this a natural fit for him, and she was glad to see him so passionate over a project once again.

A partner in all things, he’d supported her every step of the way with La Maison, guiding but leaving the decisions up to her. He didn’t interfere and only offered opinions when asked. She was incredibly lucky to have him in her life as a lover and friend.

A group of women squealed with delight at the roulette wheel. They were celebrating a birthday together, something that happened with regularity at La Maison, and the mood was festive. Which meant lighter pockets upon their exit. Florence nearly rubbed her hands together.

“Florence.”