The Jewel Palace: a Novel by Jo Ann Ferguson

Author:Jo Ann Ferguson
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781504008945
Publisher: Open Road Distribution

ELEVEN

“Thank you for coming to call,” said Miranda with a silent sigh.

The rawboned redhead heaved herself to her feet and marched to the door.

Miranda sank into her desk chair with another sigh. Rubbing fatigue from her eyes, she wished Russ was here to massage her shoulders. She had been interviewing women all afternoon and nearly had hired that crass woman just to be done. Most of the women would never be able to be the pleasant hostesses the Jewel Palace required.

She had hired five, after interviewing more than three dozen women. Russ was insistent there be six. As she leaned her chin on her fists and balanced her elbows on her desk, she smiled. Nothing ever changed his mind on anything.

Looking up at a soft knock, she called, “Come in.” This should be the final interview today.

She blinked as a woman walked into the office. Even if the woman had not been as tall as Russ, she would have drawn her eyes. Kohl eyes and soft curls framing her face accented her smooth skin. Her voice possessed a lush, Southern accent from the depths of the Mississippi delta as she said, “My name is Lisanne Delacroix, Mrs. Gallagher. I understand you want some ladies for the Jewel Palace.”

“Please sit and tell me something about yourself.” She tried to keep from staring, but she never had seen a more beautiful woman.

Her long fingers moved in a graceful rhythm. “I was born and raised in Louisiana. My father had me educated in the finest schools. I can read English, French, and Spanish as well as Latin. I speak those languages fluently.” A smile lessened her cool exterior. “In addition, I know how to deal cards for poker, blackjack, and monte and have worked in Denver for the past two years.”

Fascinated, Miranda caught herself almost asking what she had done in Denver. She bit back the words, but it seemed impossible that this educated, sophisticated woman could be a harlot. Her embarrassment was eased by Lisanne’s smile.

“Mrs. Gallagher, I’m intrigued by the Jewel Palace. Although I have considered opening my own house, I’m not ready for that responsibility. What I hope is to watch you and learn from you.”

With a laugh, Miranda said, “I doubt if I shall be much of a teacher. However, it’s possible you can learn from my errors.” Standing, she held out her hand. “Lisanne, if you wish to be known as Amber, which is the last jewel we have to hire, we would be very pleased to have you at the Jewel Palace.”

“Thank you.” Shaking Miranda’s hand, the young woman said, “I shall endeavor to work hard, Mrs. Gallagher.”

“Miranda, please, and I shall call you Amber, although your name is so lovely it’s a shame to change it.”

She shrugged. “It’s not mine any more than Amber is, but I shall enjoy being Amber.”

“May I ask you a favor?”

“Of course.”

Trying to shake the sensation that she was speaking to a princess, Miranda said, “You have a wonderful polish in your way of speaking and moving.

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