The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1938-01-22
Chapter %
The Future Mrs. Reckless


The Future Mrs. Reckless
MEDIA and Bill became silent as
~ they approached the place
where Reck was drawing to stop.
There was a smile on his lips, a
high, carefree look in his audacious
eyes. Both faded when he saw Bill.
Apparently Bill became aware
Of the other mans displeasure over
his presence, for he said quickly,
" won't be able to stay for dinner
after all. Media. ! have another
engagement that I completely
forget" Holding himself very
straight, he strobe to his car.
throwing a brief, 10, Reckless, /"
to Nelda's fiance.
Reck gave him only a cool nod.
Bills old sedan clattered away,
making such a racket that speech
between Media and Reck was i'm
possible for few moments.
whats that hick Casanova do
Ing here?" Reck's voice ficked out
impatiently.
He came to see me about plow-
Ing"
Reck's laugh was suspicious.
II don't like him hanging around
here. he declared.
Don't be like that, Reck.
Nelda's voice was charged with i'm
patience now.
He regarded her In silence for a
moment, then he grinned.
Look, ladyl" He extended his
hands, palms up. There's nothing
up my sleeve, yet ] put my hand
IN here" He slipped it into his coat
pocket. Attention.
I'm all eyes and ears"
This is something more impor-
tant than blowing" With a flourish
he brought forth a small purple
velvet box and lifted the cover.
Media gasped in sheer astonish-
ment and pleasure, for she was
gazing upon a beautiful engage
ment ling. He turned it 50 the
facets caught the light.
Reckl" was all she could say.
He slipped the ring upon her
finger, then took her in his arms
and kissed her lingeringly.
Mother told me to bring you
back for dinner" he said as he re-
leased her.
Had she misjudged Mrs. Reck-
Iess's reaction to her, after all.
Media wondered. Perhaps she did
have some sort Of a complex about
the naughty woman because she
was Reck's mother.
I'D planned TO have steaks on
the grill Bill and I made" she said
slowly.
You said he came about plow-
ingl" Reck Jared. Jealousy looked
out OF his eyes and his mouth
trembled a little.
That's what he really came for,
but he took pity on mt when he
saw me working. and he finished
the grill
Il don't see why you fuss around
with things like that"
II was fun. But look here. Reck!
You have nothing to worry about
50 far as Bill Langdon is concerned.
Why-he disapproves Of me"
That straight"
Definitely"
Suppose he does disapprope Of
you. Reck persisted. THAT doesn't
keep you from feeling some inter-
est In hin"
. sDon't spoil things. Reck." s~ssI
Il spoil emf
on have absolutely no cause
70 = jealous Of Bill LaEgdon. HES
nothing 70 me-
He gazed at her, his brows con
tracted for a moment. Then his
anger seemed 10 melt as suddenly
as i had come.
Lets forget 1t. Dinner win be
formal tonight. Guests from the
city
How she did groom herself for
that dinner. Her efforts were
amply rewarded by Reck's first
look az her. His eyes filed with
admiration.
You look marvellous" he cried
Exactly ike the future Mrs. Earl
Reckless"
Wedding In PARISH
THAT night for the first time,
4 Media met Reek's father. Mr..
Reckless Was portly man with
white BAR and alert gray eyes that