York Delaney wasn't allowed to run too fast, nor play too hard, nor stress himself in any way--because he wasn't gonna live past puberty. At least, that's what everyone (including him) thought. So when he outgrew his heart ailment, he went totally wild & reckless--with a very bad case of wanderlust. Eventually, he settled down at the family's Hell's Bluff copper mine.
Sierra Smith is the girl-friday at Brady's Traveling Vaudeville Troupe, which plans to make a killing at Hell's Bluff. However, Sierra has to put on a 'lost waif' act (no trouble since she looks so fragile) so they can get permission to perform from York.
Sierra thinks she's a plain brown hen to York's peacock good looks--& completely unsuitable. Nevertheless, York lusts after her & has his fiercely protective instincts aroused. From the first, York's enthralled by Sierra's eyes--eyes that look like Rising Star's portrait, & feels a connection to.