By the summer of 1883, with the growth of Atlanta, Kimball House and Markham House, hotels near the downtown Atlanta railroad terminal, have diverted most business travelers from Morgana Heirs Moss' outlying Briarcrest Hotel.
On August sixth, as Morgana prepares for her thirty-sixth birthday celebration, she expresses to her dearest friend, Laura Lee Baker, her concern that unless something unexpected happens soon to change existing circumstances, Briarcrest Hotel will have to close.
Unknown to her, circumstances are, indeed, about to change.
An unexpected gift arrives for Morgana's birthday when a youthful relative of her deceased Irish mother, Lillian O'Donnell Heirs, arrives at Briarcrest. Michael Matthew O'Donnell from Dublin, Ireland is received as an honored guest at her birthday party and introduced to all the family.
Michael's journey to Atlanta has to do with fulfilling a promised commission embarked upon in Ireland. He brings Morgana two letters.
The next day, after explaining his mission to Morgana, a bargain is struck between them - a bargain that will be difficult to keep - for both.
Excerpt
"Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
--Isaiah 40:30-31
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