The only friends she had at first, for Frank and she lived with his parents in their mansion, were the Black maids, Justine and Mable. Then he more or less left her alone and she discovered he was unfaithful. Over time she had three girls and finally the boy he so desperately wanted.

There was never any cuddling nor affection and although she hated it, she submitted, glad to get pregnant for the only time he left her alone was when she was pregnant or having her period. Determined to have a son, he took her weekly in the same manner. As soon as they were in their room, he grabbed her, tore her clothes off, literally marital rape. Their wedding night ended up to be anything but romantic. She didn’t realize that this would be her future with him. When she ventured some thoughts to Frank about going to college and learning a profession of her own he brusquely replied that she was his wife and that’s all she needed. On this, her first flight, she also contemplated learning to fly for it meant freedom to her.

They flew to New York for their honeymoon and on the way Nora day-dreamed of their first romantic wedding night. Although Frank didn’t kiss well and was not affectionate, instead forever grabbing her, finally after her graduation and she was eighteen years old, they married in a small ceremony at the Greenwood residence.

Nora met a man a few years older, Frank Greenwood, son of a local old wealthy family. Nellie, a nurse, worked hard, even extra hours to send her daughter to Ursline high school where she would mingle with the elite of New Orleans. He was always an enigma to her for Nellie never said much about him. Jack, a fascinating man although away much of the time, died when Nora was eight years old. Nora Broussard’s mother, Nellie Broussard, was determined that Nora would marry into wealth, she having been married to Jack, a man who seemed to be either wealthy or broke.

Flying Solo by Jeanette Vaughan