Look, Winnifred didn't like her mother-in-law, but she liked to keep the peace. The old Mrs. Dawson did have it rough, with her husband gone and three of her four children living far away. Could she be blamed for being overinvolved in Hugo's life?

Yes. Yes, she absolutely could.

But Hugo didn't see it that way. So here his wife was, keeping the peace. 

The old widow's birthday was coming up, and Winnie was determined to make a good impression and get the old witch off her case. (The drawing room wasn't dusted often enough. The front step looked unpolished. The meat was overcooked. What brand of tea did she buy? Fortnum? Oh no, Fortnum was no good. She should buy Jacksons. How much did she pay the maids? Oh, no reason, just a question. What? She was overpaying the maids. That dress was rather out of date. Hugo should be more attentive to her and give her a bigger allowance. Never worry, mother would talk to him!)

Jet jewelry would do. Old Mrs. Dawson had never come out of mourning, and it matched the colour of her heart. 

Winnie mentally corrected herself as she stepped into one of Whitby's many jet shops. Kind thoughts now. For Hugo's sake.