The Duchess of Ophir Creek — Judith B. Glad

A CHINESE OBLIGATION... Silas Dewitt saves two Chinese boys from a mob of drunken miners in an Idaho gold camp. But one of them turns out to be a stubborn, lovely woman who sees Silas as a means to freedom and independence -- until she falls in love with him. Fifteen years ago Silas left a treasure in this valley, empty then but now filled with gold-hungry men. Time and mining have made many changes, and nothing looks familiar. While he seeks the lost treasure, Soomey guards his back. But there is no one to guard hers. When she disappears, Silas learns that only he can save her...and the attempt could cost his life as well as hers.