Texas Rainbow

by Caroline Clemmons

“Thank you, Penny. I enjoy it too. Jake and Bart will be here for supper. We’re having beef barbecue.”

  Sally leaned slightly toward Ellie. “That is, my version of the dish is baked in the oven. Traditionally, the beef is smoked over a mesquite fire. We even have a large grill but outdoor cooking is not for me.”

  Penny inhaled. “Your recipe is wonderful. The aroma is tantalizing.”

  Sally rose to get small bowls and a large one of what looked like pudding. “We have banana pudding for dessert.”

  Ellie met Penny’s gaze. “How do you stay so slim if you eat like this?”

  “Genetics. Supposedly, everyone in my family was thin. I guarantee it’s not because I miss any meals. I can’t resist Sally’s cooking.”

  Ellie poked her fork into the salad. “I have to be careful but I can’t stop eating this salad. What are these crunchy bits?”

  Sally smiled. “I love those. They’re tortilla chips, made from fried Mexican tortillas.”

  “The flavors go together perfectly. Penny, do you mind if I look through that book again? I’d like to get some of the events more firmly in my mind.”

  “Take it to your room if you wish. Sally got that for me and it helped a great deal.”

  Penny smiled at the housekeeper. “I don’t know how I’d have managed to stay sane without your assistance with so many things, Sally.”

  Sally dug into her food. “I’m glad I could help, dear. However, you’re a strong woman and you’d have managed without me around.”

  “I’m not so sure. Anyway, you’ve been a wonderful friend from the start.”

  Ellie laid down her fork. “Seeing how close you two are is keen. I-I need help, too. Doesn’t that sound pathetic? I mean, you’ve already helped me, but I’m… I’m still lost

  Remaining dry-eyed took all her control. Ellie sensed a vice around her chest so tight she could hardly breathe. She longed to curl into a ball and cry but doing so wouldn’t help her adjust.

  As if her hostess knew what was going on in Ellie’s head, Penny patted her arm. “Don’t worry, Ellie. You’re not truly lost because we’ve found you. You may be having trouble dealing with all the changes, but we’re not letting you remain at loose ends or feel alone. I’m positive things will work out for you, too.”

  Sally dished up bowls of dessert. “Don’t rush yourself, Ellie. There’s no deadline to catching up, you know?”

  Ellie looked from one woman to the other. “I feel there is. I can’t drift along without contributing to my livelihood. I’ve never been without all the money I wanted. I don’t know how to survive on my own.”

  Penny met her gaze. “You’re stronger than you know. We’ll figure out what’s possible and from there you can choose what you prefer. I’m afraid you’ll have to work, though. Without your family money, you’ll be forced to earn whatever you have.”

  “So I realize and that’s what has me in a panic. You already knew ranching. You’d been on your own. You had skills.”

  “But, I’m not ranching now, Jake is. I work here in the study. You have skills, too. We simply have to learn what they are.

  “Learning I have any would be swell. My head is still spinning from all that’s happened.”

  Penny reached out to pat her hand. “You’ll be able to figure out what’s best for you and we’ll help.”

  She forced herself to breathe and quit whining. After a few seconds, she took a bite of her dessert. “Yummy, this pudding is the cat’s meow.”

  Chapter Six

  After their meal, Ellie followed Penny back to the study. “Guess I’ll look through that book again if you have things to do.”

  “Why not sit beside me?” Penny pulled a chair next to the one she’d used. “I’ll show you how the computer works.”

  Ellie took the seat and focused on her new friend.

  “What I do is administer funds.” Penny pointed to the mirror-like thing on her desk. “I’m sure you remember this is a computer monitor. Watch the screen.”

  Penny touched the keys and the picture changed. “I’ve brought up the website for the Harmon Terry-Earl Knight Foundation. We set this up after we found a large cache of gold and silver on the ranch. Rather, Jake set it up and I just administer the donations.”

  Ellie was surprised they would give away a treasure. “You mean you didn’t keep the clams?”

  Penny tilted her head. “Well, we kept a small portion of the money for Knight family members, including Sally of course, and a smaller bonus for the people who work on the ranch. However, we want to use what’s left after taxes to improve life for others. You said you’ve served on charity committees, so I’m sure you understand.”

  Ellie understood charities and the knowledge soothed her. “What are your criteria?”

  Penny tapped a few keys and guidelines for the foundation appeared. “We tried to keep the discovery a secret for as long as possible, but this is a small town. Now that we have the website available, we can send applicants there.”

  Ellie tried to picture finding a fortune on the ranch. “You must have been stampeded with money-seekers.”

  Penny rolled her eyes. “We were for a while. Honestly, for a time neither Sally nor I dared leave the house. That’s why we installed the wrought iron gates at the ranch entrance.”

  “I notice you’re typing on what looks like a typewriter without the rest of the machine. I know how to type. Well, I’m not that great at it, but I had to take typing in high school.”

  “That’s fortunate. I’d never even seen a typewriter until Jake showed me one in the attic. Believe me, the keys on this keyboard are much easier to press. He bought me a book on learning to type.” She giggled. “I think the book was intended for children but it helped me.”

  “What have you donated to so far?”

  “We’re adding quite a bit to the local hospital. A new pediatric wing, an obstetrics wing, and a cardiology section are under construction. At Jake’s insistence, we’ve already placed a reclining chair into each hospital room. He says the person sitting with the patient needs a comfortable chair, one that he or she can sleep in if necessary.”

  “I would never have thought of a recliner but I’ll bet they’re an asset for those sitting up with sick family.”

  “We’ve received compliments. Our next project is seeing the public school is better equipped. Not that the schools in this county are bad, but we’re using part of the funds to see that all children have what they need to learn. The government provides free breakfast and lunch for those who qualify, but we want them to have backpacks and other school supplies.”

  “What about the poor kids who need supper and meals on the weekend and in the summer?”

  “Funny you should mention it because that’s our current project. School will be out for the summer in a couple of weeks. We’re setting up programs to get food to children in need this summer.”

  “I had no idea plans like that existed. I wonder if they did in my time.”

  Penny tilted her head and regarded her with serious green eyes. “Ellie, you’ll be better off if you think of now as your time. Believe me, I do understand what you’re going through. You’ll be better off if you can put the past behind you and move forward.”

  Ellie hugged her arms. “I can’t. I simply can’t stop thinking about my life before I fell. Before Bart found me. My friends, my home, my fortune. How can I accept losing so much?” Tears slipped down her cheeks.

  Penny patted her shoulder. “I know, I know exactly. I remember how hard it was for me to accept. I simply wouldn’t believe what had happened. Sally took me up to the attic and had me read through all the newspaper clippings the family had saved through the years—starting with my disappearance.”

  Ellie sat up. “I’ll bet there were newspaper reports when I disappeared. Where would I find them?”

  “I don’t know. Let’s do a search. See, this colorful circle connects to this thing called a search engine. I’ll put in your name. Just to be cert
ain it’s you, what’s your middle name and I’ll include that?”

  “Rose… Eleanore has an E on the end.”

  Penny typed and pressed another key. “My, you appear several times. Let’s start with the first.” She moved the arrow and clicked.

  Heiress Disappears From Car

  Authorities reported finding the abandoned car of heiress Eleanore Rose St. Eaves on a small road in Harmon County. No ransom demand has been received but police suspect kidnapping. St. Eaves is the heiress to a fortune reported to be in the millions. She had been in San Antonio to take part in the wedding of Mattie Dockeridge to Frederick Colgate on Sunday at the Grand Hotel. According to the hotel staff and several of Miss St. Eaves’ friends, she left San Antonio early Monday morning on her way to her home in Kerrville.

  The daughter of Harriett and Madison St. Eaves, who died tragically five years ago in a boating accident, Miss St. Eaves was well known for her generosity to charitable organizations as well as her parties and antics. Her former fiancé, Robert Colgate died as the result of mustard gas exposure in the war.

  Ellie leaned forward. Reading about her disappearance was an out-of-body experience that sent chills down her spine. How her friends must have worried. Her lawyer would have worried too but then was probably placated as he would receive a large portion of her estate.

  “Oh, no, they thought I was kidnapped, but there’s no point in reading the rest of this article. Move on if you don’t mind.”

  Penny handed her a box of tissues. “Are you sure you want to check others?”

  Ellie had to know if there was more. “Quickly scan the others to see if there’s new information.”

  Penny clicked through several more headings. After several more tries, she paused. “This one looks different. Oh dear, this is when they gave up.”

  Search For Missing Heiress Discontinued

  The search for Eleanore St. Eaves has been discontinued. Miss St. Eaves has been missing since she departed San Antonio on April 19. The only clue so far has been that her suitcases were also missing. Although foul play is suspected police have been unable to trace her whereabouts or link anyone as a suspect.

  Arthur J. Bradberry, longtime attorney for the family and executor of the estate, has established a reward of $25,000 for anyone who can lead him to Miss St. Eaves. In the meantime a memorial service was held for the heiress on September 16. The service was delayed pending the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Colgate from their extended honeymoon in Europe.

  Ellie couldn’t stop tears from falling. “Oh that’s horrible. You warned me but I simply had to know. I can’t imagine you reading through piles of newspaper clippings.”

  Penny’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. “It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I used an entire box of tissues.”

  Ellie blew her nose then waved a hand. “I don’t want to see anymore. At least Freddie and Mattie weren’t called home. I would’ve hated to spoil their honeymoon.”

  “You’re a kind person, Ellie. I wish there was something I could do to make this easier for you.”

  Penny brightened. “I do know of something that should make you feel better.”

  She clicked a few keys and the picture on the monitor changed. “The Penelope Jane Terry Foundation was set up by a man who was in love with me when I disappeared in 1896. All through the years, interest collected until there’s a lot of money in the fund. The foundation awards grants to women in need.”

  Ellie tossed her used tissue into the wastebasket. “That’s me. Does that mean you’ll give me money?”

  Penny shook her head. “Nothing is that simple I’m afraid. I hope I can provide money for you, but there are strict rules I have to follow in order to award a grant.” She pressed more keys and the printer set in motion.

  When it stopped spitting out paper, Penny handed the sheets to Ellie.

  Penny tapped the top page. “As you can see, these are the guidelines. If you can meet these, I can award you the money you need.”

  “A five-year business plan? Penny, I don’t even know what kind of business I could handle much less make plans for operating one.”

  “I know, but we can help you find out the things you need. Here’s a tablet and pen for you to use making lists.”

  Bart strolled in. “You ladies look to be in earnest concentration. Am I interrupting?”

  Penny looked up. “You’re back early. I hope everything’s all right.”

  “I’m taking a few days off to get moved into my apartment. I left the Chief Deputy in charge and he won’t call me unless there’s an emergency. I close on the apartment complex in the morning.”

  Penny motioned him closer. “If you can spare the time, we need your help. Ellie doesn’t know what she can do to earn a livelihood. There must be a way for her to find out what she’d be best doing.”

  Bart looked at Ellie and shrugged. “You could take an aptitude test.”

  Ellie shook her head. “How can I do that? Where do I go to take one? How much money would that cost?”

  He moved a chair near another computer. “Step right this way, Ms St. Eaves. If you don’t mind me knowing your answers, I’ll arrange one now.”

  Ellie moved to the chair the handsome sheriff indicated. “I don’t suppose I care who hears my answers. I might change my mind when I hear the questions.”

  He turned on the computer and typed on the keys. “Here we go. Online aptitude tests. Let’s sort through and see which one looks best.”

  In a few seconds, he selected one. “Okay, Ellie, I’ll ask the questions and mark your answers unless you think you can do this on your own.”

  She touched his arm. “Please, I only saw a computer yesterday. Although I can type, I have no idea how to work on one.”

  “You tell me which of the answers is more suited to you and I’ll mark it. Some questions are very general. Are you ready?”

  Ellie took a deep breath. Was she ready? She had to be. “Okay, start the test.” She caught her bottom lip with her teeth.

  “Relax. This will be painless.” He squeezed her hand. “First one, which seems to be more natural and satisfying: A. frequent periods of quiet and concentration by yourself, or B. frequent socializing and interaction with others?

  “Definitely socializing with others.”

  Bart grinned at her. “That’s no surprise. Here’s the next one: in general do you have more of a tendency to be A. reflective and introspective or B. up-front and straightforward?”

  Ellie considered. She had never been up-front about her feelings for Bobby, had she? In fact, she didn’t really like a lot of things about her life, did she? She’d better be honest if this test was going to help her.

  “If I’m being truthful, I have to choose A.”

  Bart leaned back and peered at her. “Hmm, I see. Moving on, are you more persuaded by A. sincerity and enthusiasm or B. facts and data?”

  “If we’re talking about business, then B. facts and data. How many questions are there?”

  “Sixty. You ready to continue?”

  “Yes, I have to know if this helps me decide about my future. Especially if going back to the ravine doesn’t work and I remain here in your time.”

  His deep blue eyes showed compassion. “Ellie, you’d better consider now as your time.”

  “Rhatz, that’s what Penny said.” She straightened her spine. “All right, until I know differently, this is now my time. Please continue.”

  Half an hour later, Bart printed out the results of her test and handed them to her. “What’s the verdict?”

  “I’m not sure. According to this, I should work with people in a place where I’m in control but not alone.” She read each of the sections to Bart and Penny.

  Bart nodded as if deep in thought as she listed the conclusions. “Obviously, you need to work with the public in your own store.”

  At the other desk, Penny propped her head on her hand. “You said you love to shop. Do you think that might transla
te to owning your own dress shop?”

  Ellie brightened. “Penny said my clothes are called vintage now along with others that are no longer in style. Maybe I could sell vintage clothes.”

  Bart nodded. “You’d need a really good website to take orders from all over the country.”

  Penny asked, “Wouldn’t the main demand times be at Hallowe’en, New Years, and Mardi Gras? You’d have to stock gift items too.”

  “I could do that.” Ellie met the twinkling blue eyes of the man at her side. “What do you think, Sheriff?” Goodness the man was scrumptious.

  “You have a name in mind for this store?”

  She considered for a few seconds. “I’ll call it The Bee’s Knees.” She hugged his neck. “Thank you for your help.”

  His hands went to her waist. “My pleasure.” His lips were so close she thought he was going to kiss her.

  Penny interrupted them. “I hate to bring you two down to earth, but Ellie needs to complete a lot of steps to get a grant. I suggest checking them off as you take care of each one.”

  “Applesauce. I’m relieved at least to have a start. I’ll have to check out places available, hire someone to design the… was it a website?, and figure out how I can pay rent when I don’t have any mazuma.”

  Bart shook his head. “You’ll need more than rent. There are display fixtures, a computer and pricing system, stock, advertising, and probably lots more.”

  He tapped the forms she held. “You can’t make this five-year plan until you have more information on costs.

  Penny stood and brought her a pad and pen. “You can start making lists on this tablet I gave you. You know I’ll help in any way I can.”

  “Why don’t you ladies come to town with me in the morning? I’m signing the papers and picking up the keys to my apartment complex. You two and Sally can come and look my place over and then I’ll take you to lunch.”

  “Sockdollager! I want badly to go to Terry Springs and see what it has to offer. Do you know of any suitable places for lease?” Ellie was practically dancing with joy.

  Bart held up a hand. “Whoa. Let’s take this a step at a time. We’ll go to town tomorrow and I’ll show you my new apartment. I need help choosing linens and dishes.”