For the time and place they were in, William was doing exactly what he was supposed to do -- take care of his mother after his father's death. It's entirely possible that in his father's will that it was specifically stated his mother would have the use of the house for her lifetime -- it's a common proviso in those days.
As for William perceiving she needed a protector, that's also in keeping with the philosphy of the cult of "pure womanhood" that was so rampant in certain circles of Victorian England. Women were to be revered, set on a pedestal and protected from the "cruelties" of the world. No, not a Norman Bates relationship at all, but a very real situation that was quite common in that period. But then, some people will latch on to anything they could.
No, I don't think ME thought Anne through, but there was a moment when she seemed disappointed at his protestation that she was the primary woman in his life, possibly even a hint of annoyance. William wasn't getting on with the business of finding a wife and breeding children, which he should have been doing at his age. If you squint sideways, that could lead to the attitude of Vamp!Anne. :)
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
branchandroot
no subject
Date: 2005-03-29 03:39 pm (UTC)As for William perceiving she needed a protector, that's also in keeping with the philosphy of the cult of "pure womanhood" that was so rampant in certain circles of Victorian England. Women were to be revered, set on a pedestal and protected from the "cruelties" of the world. No, not a Norman Bates relationship at all, but a very real situation that was quite common in that period. But then, some people will latch on to anything they could.
No, I don't think ME thought Anne through, but there was a moment when she seemed disappointed at his protestation that she was the primary woman in his life, possibly even a hint of annoyance. William wasn't getting on with the business of finding a wife and breeding children, which he should have been doing at his age. If you squint sideways, that could lead to the attitude of Vamp!Anne. :)