“No, that one was for her family. You need to do an act of kindness just for her.”

Hmm. Another act of kindness, but just for Florence. What did she want? She had everything money could buy—soon to include her own casino for women. And she wasn’t traditional in the sense of jewelry and furs. Florence was unique. He’d need to think up a gesture suited to her personality—

Then it hit him.

Yes. It was perfect. Even if she didn’t forgive him, even if she never spoke to him again, he knew in his bones that this was what he needed to do.

Leaning over, he kissed Anna’s cheek. “Thank you. For everything.”

He didn’t wait for a reaction, merely started for his office. “You’re welcome,” he heard her call out from behind him.

He didn’t turn or pause. Finally, he had a plan. And, if this failed, then he’d know that he had truly given the effort everything.

On her way toward the front door, Florence happened to glance inside the portrait gallery. A lone figure sat inside, one she hadn’t expected to see there. His shoulders were slumped, almost in defeat.

Curious, she stepped closer. “Daddy?”

He dragged a hand down his face and shifted to give her his profile. “Hello, Florence.”

The soft, flat tone worried her. Were his cheeks wet? She sat carefully on the other end of the sofa. “Is everything all right?”

He let out a bitter chuckle. “Oh, everything is just dandy. Mamie’s in love with my attorney, the boy I almost married her off to is a cad, and you have been cavorting with a man of the criminal class. What could possibly be wrong about that?”

“I have apologized—many times—for my association with Mr. Madden. If I’d had any idea—”

“Forget what he did, Florence. I’m talking about who he is, about what you aspire to become. You could have been hurt a hundred different ways in those neighborhoods or in that casino. You never gave any thought to your safety—or what it would do to your mother and I should something happen to you.”

“Nothing happened. I’m careful, Daddy.”

“You cannot plan for every eventuality. Life always has a way of giving us what we least expect—like daughters who buck tradition and convention in favor of independence.”

She tried to remain calm, to not get defensive. “I told you, things are starting to change now. Women have choices.”

“I understand, but some of us are not ready for change. Some of us want to guide our daughters into secure futures with men who will do right by them, not break their hearts. We want to keep you safe and sound in our small little world, near us.”