Enough to Miss Christmas

I considered the North Shore, that area north of Boston, up the coast toward New Hampshire, where Paul and I had spent our first day after our windy picnic on the beach. While I wasn't overly familiar with the area, I remembered some beautiful villages we had passed on our way to Rockport.

"Remember we're only two of us, and we're just looking. You dad and Timmy have a say in any decision."

"You said Dad is leaving this business up to you, and Timmy would be happy living in a teepee. After we find a place we can take Dad and Timmy to dinner tonight and tell them. Dad will do anything to get you to marry him, and I can twist him any way I like."

I laughed. "We have to find a place first."

We drove on secondary roads and meandered our way inland. Occasional houses displayed for sale signs but most were small starter homes or older places in dreary locations.

"It should have a nice backyard if we're going to have a puppy!"

I'd never lived with a dog. Suzie was allergic and my husband Doug wouldn't have one. "A puppy might be fun but why can't you have a dog where you are?"

"My mother wouldn't allow it, and the servants said they make too much of a mess. Dad goes by what they say a lot, and I haven't been able to twist hard enough. You probably can."

"Let's take it a step at a time and lay off the twisting. I'm not sure what your dad's reaction to moving will be. There are lots of obstacles to overcome. Remember; we're just looking."

"What obstacles?"

"There's Mrs. Iverson, your matron of the hour, and Sister Rose and the other servants, and Mrs. Doberchek when she gets better. She may not want to move."

"Good! Don't let any of them come, especially Mrs. Doberchek. Timmy doesn't like her either. We don't need servants in our new little regular house. They're just 'opulent trappings' anyway."

"You'd have to do dishes and set the table yourself and do all those non-rich girl chores that people in regular houses perform. Your dad would have to mow the lawn. Is he ready for that? Are you agreeable to pick up your own clothes, dust, make your own bed?"

"Whatever. It's no big deal. I've been taking care of Timmy since he was born. I cleaned up after my mother . . . shit in her pants." Once again, Karen caught me speechless.

"That's language grandma wouldn't have tolerated from me and neither will I tolerate it from you."

"Whatever . . . okay, she pooped in her drawers. It's the same thing; the same mess."