"And buying it? Paul, I'm not for sale. I'm not some new toy you decided you want!"
"Look," he said. "I love you. That's the bottom line. I don't give a flying fig for anything else. I just need a little direction on how to make it happen. Help me out."
"You could ask Thatcher," I answered with a smile. But we didn't ask anyone. We worked out some matters on our own. Mostly Paul agreed to anything I said.
Money was a major problem to me. Paul was well aware of my adversity to living the life of the truly rich, a life he had enjoyed since birth. His first wife Carol's family was nearly as wealthy as his family and Karen and Timmy, as the only grandchildren, were destined to inherit everything. Neither Paul, Karen nor Timmy had ever been exposed to anything but the comfort of wealth. We'd all have to make serious changes if this marriage were to work.
Paul insisted from the beginning wealth meant nothing to him and he could adjust easily. He continued to say he was perfectly willing that I call all the shots on our life style. While I knew he dearly loved his children, he was taking little personal responsibility for raising them, leaving their care in the hands of others. Now that other person might very well be me. I was putting a peck of trust in this man but I told myself that's what love is all about.
I would stay with my teaching position with the army in Virginia and not move north until I was able to talk to Paul's children on my own. Only then would more definitive plans be formulated. I knew Timmy, given his young age and personality, would be delighted at the prospect of a new mother. Karen was a different matter entirely. She was a highly intelligent young lady with a will as strong, or stronger than mine. I knew she harbored myriad anxieties and unlike me, did not as easily share them. I resolved that accepting me would be her honest choice, made without influence from either of us. Her thirst to please her father was overwhelming, but I wouldn't let it be the reason for her decision. I hoped I had the perception to read her correctly.
Paul knew I was loathe to move into his mansion. He would put the house on the market without a thought and let me find a new house of my choice, if only I'd agree. I craved a fresh start for our new life, free of the ghost of his deceased wife. However, I was committed not to disrupt the lives of his children and Newton was their life long home. I would live in his house if I had to though I prayed it wouldn't be required to do so.