Nan's father, Samuel H. Britton, spoke to Harding about his daughter's infatuation, and Harding met with her, telling her that some day she would find the man of her dreams. Harding was already married and involved in a passionate affair with Carrie Fulton Phillips, wife of James Phillips, co-owner of a local department store. After she graduated from high school in 1914, Britton moved to New York City, to begin a career as a secretary. However, she claimed she also began an intimate relationship with Harding.