TEXAS RAINBOW
Book Two, Texas Time Travel Series
Chapter One
San Antonio, Texas, June 2, 1921
Eleanore St. Eaves watched those in the room enjoying the wedding reception’s music. A pounding ache threatened to split her head. As Maid of Honor, she couldn’t leave until after the bride and groom departed.
Mattie Lou, newly married bride of Freddie Colgate, hugged Eleanore’s shoulders. “Oh, Ellie, please don’t look so sad. I know you should have been wed to Bobby by now. I can’t bear the thought of him dying in that awful war.”
Horrified she’d hurt her best friend’s feelings, Eleanore pasted on a bright smile and returned Mattie’s hug. “Horsefeathers. I was just resting my barking dogs a moment. This music is the bee’s knees. Don’t you adore the Charleston?”
She turned and grabbed the hand of the nearest male. “Let’s dance, Harvey.”
Shy Harvey was ossified enough from the free flowing alcohol that he’d lost his usual inhibitions. The two were soon amid the throng of dancers.
After a few minutes, Harvey stopped and his eyes widened. “Sorry, I’m too zozzled. Going to upchuck.” He left the floor at a wobbly run.
“Partner desert you?”
Eleanore glanced to her right where Dennis Montford stood. “Had to go iron his shoelaces.” She wasn’t a fan of Dennis, and suspected he was a gate-crasher.
“You need a real partner.” He held out his hand. “Shall we?” He leaned in too close and leered. “Or we could blow this joint and make some whoopee.”
“Bank’s closed, Dennis.” She made a pout. “Awww, and now the song has ended.” Mentally, she added you four-flusher.
She wasn’t contributing to that drugstore cowboy’s lifestyle much less go petting with him. “Oh, excuse me. Mattie is signaling.”
She hurried to her friend. “Thanks for rescuing me from Dreadful Dennis.”
Mattie grabbed her hand. “Come help me change into my going-away suit so Freddie and I can leave. I’m so excited about our honeymoon trip.”
Ellie accompanied Mattie to the room where her friend had donned her wedding dress. “Has he told you yet where he’s booked?”
Mattie glanced around conspiratorially but the door was closed. “We’re going by train to New York and then by ship on to England. From there we’ll travel to France and several Mediterranean countries. Isn’t that keen?”
Genuinely pleased for her friend, she squeezed Mattie’s hands. “Sockdollager. You’ll be gone a long time. Promise me you won’t even think about this place or the people.”
Mattie’s family members were too demanding, especially her mother, Mavis Dockeridge. The controlling woman manipulated Mattie by applying guilt when Mattie had done or said nothing for which she should feel bad.
“Well—”
“Promise me.” Ellie pointed her forefinger at Mattie. “You deserve to spend time alone with Freddie. You know he deserves to have your full attention without any intrusions. I’m sure that’s one reason he hasn’t told anyone where you’re going.”
Mattie blushed. “I know you’re right. Although, I imagine his dad knows, don’t you?”
“Likely true, but pretend he doesn’t when you say goodbye to your family. I won’t tell a soul.”
A few minutes later, Ellie waved goodbye to the happy couple.
Mattie’s mother appeared at Ellie’s side. “Isn’t their trip exciting?”
She’d known this woman far too long to fall for her attempt. “Where is it, can you say?”
Mrs. Dockeridge frowned. “I-I thought you’d already know.”
Ellie shook her head and held up a hand palm outward. “No, and now that I think about it, don’t tell me or I might be tempted to send them a wire or phone them. They certainly don’t need to be bothered on their honeymoon. This is their time to bond as man and wife without annoying outside distractions.”
“Hmph.” Mattie’s mom walked away, probably to ask someone else.
Let her try. Freddie’s dad would never tell.
The party showed no sign of diminishing, but Ellie called a cab for the ride to her hotel. Getting home to Kerrville tomorrow would mean a long day. She looked forward, however, to the drive in her new 1921 Kissel Gold Bug she’d ordered a month ago and picked up from the dealer yesterday.
The next morning, Ellie breakfasted in her hotel room. Normally outgoing, she had no wish to chance running into other wedding guests who might delay her departure. Ellie was a frequent traveler who knew better than to skip breakfast before a trip. Who knew when the next opportunity for a meal would occur?
She was ready when the porter arrived to carry her bags to her car. By nine she was on the highway and headed for home. She planned a slight detour off her main route to look over Terry Springs, which is where Mattie and Freddie were going to live when they returned from their honeymoon.
Puzzled several hours later, she consulted her map again at a crossroads. According to her atlas, she was going the correct way, but the road appeared to be a ranch road. She had seen no signs warning against trespass, so she continued.
A loud bang alerted her as her car swerved. She stopped and climbed out to assess the damage.
“Of all the hokum, a blowout on a brand new tire of my brand new car.”
In theory, she knew the basics of changing a tire but she had never done so. She looked down at her navy silk dress trimmed in white and discarded the idea of even trying. With no help at hand, she climbed back into her car to wait for someone to come to her assistance.
An hour later, she hadn’t seen anyone. The only living things in view were cattle, birds, and the annoying insects buzzing around her. Ellie got out of her Gold Bug and retrieved her luggage. She’d have to ankle it, but no way was she leaving her favorite clothing and jewels in a speedster to tempt anyone set on stealing them.
Grumbling to herself, she set out walking. Rhatz, the luggage was heavy and getting more so by the step. Her shoes were designed to look nice but not suited to her current endeavor. After half an hour, Ellie wished she’d stayed on a main highway. At least in her car she’d been able to sit down.
She stacked her suitcases and sat on them. Maybe she’d rest a little while before she walked further. Surely someone lived nearby or there wouldn’t be a road.
A mosquito lit on her arm. “Nerts.” She slapped at the pest. In doing so, she dislodged her cases.
“Oh-h-h-h!” The suitcases went plunging down the side of a shallow ravine with her riding them like a sled. She landed with a splat that left her sprawled on her stomach across her luggage.