What logistics prevent Charlie from buying up Sylvan’s parents' farm? Why is she so insistent that that would not be the way to go about things?

Charlie could not buy Sylvan's parents' farm because as part of the contract Boaty had with her parents, when he bought Sylvan, he obtained the right to their farm.

Boaty would never sell the farm to Charlie even though he really didn't love her. She was "arm candy" but his mean pride would never allow him to give her up and let her family out of the deal he made. That's how I see it.

I didn't recall anywhere in the story where Charlie found out about the deal between Sylvan and Boaty in regards to her parents' property. I supposed he would have had a problem with the purchase from Boaty but even with Boaty money talks. I think Sylvan should have explained the situation to Charlie. Maybe he could have found a way to ensure her parents were safe and she would have married him.

Hi everyone, it also made me wonder...even if all obstacles WERE cleared, would Sylvan go along and help Charlie buy the farm? I think she felt a strong sense of obligation to that original commitment and worried that one misstep anywhere would mess things up. It's almost as if she had decided that being with Boaty was her fate in life. Wonder if I am over-reading things here :)

I don't remember Charlie wanting to buy Sylvan's parents farm. I finished reading the book about a month ago, so possibly I have forgotten. I think he knew that she would not want that land, but that other land would make her feel like she owned something. Without the land Charlie bought, Sylvan owned nothing, not even her own life.

I don't believe Charlie would ever be able to buy Sylvan's parents' land. Boaty Glass would have made sure of that. it was Boaty's way or no way.

Boaty's genius clause in the marriage "contract" that said if Sylvan left him, he got her parents' land. Who knew that would have SUCH dire implications?? On one hand, I'm not sure Sylvan really wanted to be with Charlie, or that Charlie was even real to her. It was like she had a split personality...to escape her lot in life, she daydreamed, to the point of breaking with reality. Her dad basically sold her to Boaty, yet she felt a sense of obligation to them, even THOUGH Charlie could've moved her parents, etc.