Free Woman by Marion Meade

complexion, cherubic blue eyes and round face wreathed by tawny curls, Tennie looked like an innocent china doll. But, in contrast, she had the kind of personality—irreverent and high-spirited—that her generation found unacceptable in a woman.
    Tennie should have been born in the 1920s; she would have made a wonderful "flapper." Bold and impulsive in manner, brash in speech, she generally behaved as she pleased. She acted natural. Other women of her day did not. As a result, Tennie was always shocking people. Vanderbilt happened to be an exception. Probably because the two of them were very much alike, he found her delightful.
    For Vicky, he felt admiration. While the irrepressible Tennie romped through his mansion, exclaiming over the expensive furnishings, Vicky sat rigid and dignified in a chair. Her quick intelligence, her grave melodic voice, and the delicate beauty of her slender face impressed him greatly. Very often he would ask her for psychic advice on the stock market.
    As the visits became more frequent, the friendship between the "old boy" and the two young women grew warmer. Later, people would say that Tennie became his mistress. Probably this was true. In any case, several months after their first meeting, the lonely old man asked twenty-three-year-old Tennie if she would like to become Mrs. Vanderbilt. She refused.
    Knowing better than to mention this incredible proposal to her parents, she confided only in her older sister. While Vicky understood the reasons behind Tennie's decision, she nevertheless asked her to consider the offer carefully.
    But Tennie had already made up her mind. Not only did she feel that Vanderbilt was too old for her, she also reminded Vicky how much she cherished her freedom.
    Neither mentioned the opportunity for financial security Tennie was passing up. It also probably occurred to them that the rejected Commodore might not wish to see them anymore. But the visits went on, and the Commodore continued to reward them generously for their services. In addition to cash, he offered something far better. Suggesting that they use their earnings to buy stock, he began giving them tips on which stocks he thought might do well. When stock prices rose or fell, he advised them on when to sell, when to buy more.
    Before long, Vicky and Tennie had a full-time career playing the stock market. Since it was not customary for women to deal directly with brokers, each day James would set off for Wall Street to buy and sell shares for them. Their profits began to accumulate and accumulate.
    Life at 17 Great Jones Street began to change dramatically. As the money rolled in, the inhabitants of the house suddenly realized they were wealthy. At least, they certainly acted as though they were. Maids and a cook were hired. A governess was engaged to care for Byron and Zulu Maud. Everyone bought fine new clothes. Roxanna, now a lady of leisure, ordered lace curtains for all the windows and elegant walking suits for herself. Utica filled her wardrobe with low-cut, ruffled gowns in shades of primrose yellow, apple green, and burnt orange. Overnight, Buck transformed himself into a dandy with a clipped beard and expensive leather boots. He began spending most of his time at the racetrack.
    Vicky and Tennie seemed to be the only ones who didn't go completely overboard. Vicky's taste had always been conservative; Tennie imitated her. Even though their clothes weren't flashy, they spent a great deal on the finest imported broadcloth, cut and styled into fashionable suits.
    Vicky's favorite colors were the purples. The rich shades of plum, violet, lavender, lilac, and mauve accented her pale skin and lustrous blue eyes. She wore no jewelry but would fasten a single white rose on the bodice of her gown or in her hair. Altogether, she cut an impressive figure.
    News of the family's sudden affluence soon traveled back to the Midwest. Who should arrive on their doorstep but the two oldest Claflin daughters, Margaret