Orchids in Moonlight

Orchids in Moonlight

A Historical Western Romance

by

Patricia Hagan

NYT Bestselling Author

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ISBN: 978-1-61417-086-0

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

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Copyright © 1993, 2011, 2012 by Patricia Hagan. All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions.

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Thank You
.

"I'll come to thee by moonlight,

though hell should bar the way."

The Highwayman
Alfred Noyes (1880-1958)

Chapter 1

Jaime moved as fast as she dared, trying not to make any noise as she tiptoed from her room in the basement and climbed the stairs.

A glance at the case clock in the hall reminded her that she had drastically overslept, but it had been nearly two in the morning when she had finally completed her chores. Last night, her aunt had suddenly announced she wanted the best table linens freshly washed and pressed and all the good silver polished.

Between her early morning and late-night chores at the boardinghouse, and every day except Sunday spent toiling at Frank Casey's laundry, Jaime was always tired. And last night's ordeal had truly taken its toll.

She went to the back porch for the milk and eggs left by the dairyman, and the sight of overcast skies provoked a frown. Another day of heavy spring showers was in store, which meant a long walk to work in the rain.

Still sleepy, she was straining to focus her eyes to measure coffee into the pot when her aunt's sharp cry startled her, causing her to spill ground beans all over the floor.

"Oh, Jaime, you're late again. They'll be coming down soon, and you haven't even got the coffee boiling. What am I going to do with you? And look at the mess you've made."

"I'm sorry. I'll clean it up later." Jaime rushed to the stove to start the fire. "I was so tired I overslept. But don't worry. I'll hurry. I have to. If I'm late to work, Mr. Casey will make me stay late to catch up, and—"

"And that better not happen." Arista Porter shook her finger in warning. "I'm having a little party after dinner tonight, and you'll need to do some baking as soon as you get home. Everything has to be special."

"I'll do my best, I promise." So Aunt Arista was going to start socializing. Jaime was glad. After all, her aunt had experienced much grief, and even though she could be terribly mean sometimes, Jaime felt she deserved some happiness.

Arista glared at her through tiny round spectacles. "You should be anxious to help me as much as you can. After all, if not for me, you would've been living in an orphanage all these years. That no-good father of yours certainly hasn't provided for you, so the least you can do is help out around here."

"Yes ma'am." Jaime determined she would manage somehow. As it was, she would not have time to eat breakfast herself if she was going to make it to work on time. On days like this she envied Ella and Hannah, her co-workers. Mr. Casey let them live in a room above the laundry, and they did not have to venture out in foul weather. They could also sleep till just before time to report for work.