She glanced up to find her assistant, Pippa, approaching. A second cousin of Jack’s, Pippa had been working in the Bronze House until Florence lured her away to come work at La Maison. Pippa was sharp and efficient, exactly what Florence needed. “Yes, Pippa?”

“Mr. Madden has asked that you meet him in the office.” Her mouth twitched and Florence wondered over Pippa’s reaction. The girl was normally quite serious.

“Now?”

“Yes. He said to tell you to take one night off and that if you argued he would come out and get you.”

Florence bit her lip to keep from chuckling. Clay was not allowed anywhere in the casino while it was open. No men, ever. Florence couldn’t make an exception for Clay, even if she loved him beyond reason. “He wouldn’t dare.”

“I don’t know,” Pippa said. “He seemed quite determined.”

“I hadn’t realized he would be home tonight.” There had been a dinner meeting regarding the new baseball team. Was he done already?

“He was considerably anxious. I think he’s fixing to surprise you.”

“Oh.” A surprise? Warmth slid low in her belly, deep in her core, as she contemplated all the ways Clay had surprised her over the past few years. He was creative when the mood struck. “I suppose I best go, then. Will you see that—?”

“The birthday group receives a complimentary bottle of champagne. I know.” Pippa began pushing Florence toward the back corridor. “I’ll take care of it.”

“I have no doubt. Thank you, Pippa, for everything. This past year wouldn’t have been possible without you here.”

“This is the best job I ever could have imagined,” Pippa said. “No men anywhere around? It’s absolute heaven.”

“It is nice, isn’t it?” All the dealers, servers, bartenders and attendants were women, even the guards at the front door. Clay didn’t like it; he maintained she needed big, intimidating men at the doors in case there was trouble. So far the only trouble had been from suppliers thinking women were too stupid to add properly. “Come find me if there are any issues.”

“There won’t be. See you tomorrow.” Pippa waved before Florence disappeared around the corner.

The office wasn’t far. La Maison had less square footage than the Bronze House, but every inch of it was elegant. Where Clay had scrimped on the personal side of his casino, Florence had given Eva Mansfield liberty to design each and every bit as she’d wished. The architect had outdone herself. The rooms had all been crafted with women in mind, from the three women’s lounges, each with four water closets, to the tasteful artwork and crystal chandeliers.