For those of you that remember:
I had a long skype call last night with Widow's daughter on the West Coast.
Ostensibly the call was supposed to be about her mooted change of career plans.
Managed to get the conversation around to how bewildered I was when they changed holiday plans and took off to sail to Rome and Elba - with just a text message.
Without appearing to be too probing, I found out that the "uncle" figure was an old friend of her Dad's and was, in fact, co-Executor of his Will, along with the family solicitor. She said "he is quite wealthy" (my antenna always goes up when I hear something like that). He was supposed to just pull into harbour for an overnight visit with them. Instead he arrived and "swept" them all off to go to Elba. There is a particular family interest in Elba.
Widow is quite dependent on this guy in his role as Executor. Although her husband had not worked for quite a number of years before his death, he still remained a substantial shareholder in his business. The business was sold around the time of his death, for apparently good money. But, the business is being sued, with others, for some major problems in some contract they were involved with. The proceeds of sale have been frozen by the Court until the case is held.
As a result, Widow is now dependent on the outcome of this court case to determine whether she will have a life of frugality or one of reasonable comfort, going forward. And she has to apply to the Court to get release of some funds from the proceeds - and she relies on this guy to organise claims on her behalf.
This guy is divorced for some time. I asked Daughter if her mom and this guy were a bit of an item - she said no, but he "uses her" now and then, when he needs a partner at a function etc..
She felt that it would be better if she did not give me her Mom's number - but she said she had photographs from our time on holiday and she would email them to all of us, thereby giving me her Mom's email, by default. (Clever girl).
I remain conscious of natureslaw's warning about the difference between a holiday romance and a romance in the cold light of day. Life seems a lot less complicated when you have the Mediterranean sun on your back.
As soon as I get Daughter's email, I will email Widow. Hopefully, she will notice the speed with which I made contact, once I got the opportunity.
Now, I just have to ponder over the type and tone of my message to her. To say I'm out out of experience in these matters is a bit of understatement.
I would welcome views as to how I should present myself.
Thanks again.