She was glad when the Dowager died and when Nigel spent his time in London or on the Continent and left her with Ughtred.

When he said that he must spend her money on the estate, she had acquiesced without comment, because that insured his going away.

She saw that no improvement or repairs were made, but she could do nothing and was too listless to make the attempt.
She only wanted to be left alone with Ughtred, and she exhibited willpower only in defence of her child and in her obstinacy with regard to asking money of her father.
"She thought, somehow, that grandfather and grandmother did not care for her any more--that they had forgotten her and only cared for you," Ughtred explained.

"She used to talk to me about you.

She said you must be so clever and so handsome that no one could remember her.